“I Will Listen”

In those days, when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me. Jeremiah 29:12-13

I have participated for 22 days in the SHOUT the Cry of Victory 30 days of Prayer. It has taken three weeks to establish constant communication with God and to build my faith and trust in Him. How did I accomplish this seemingly impossible task? I have been talking to God through praise and prayer throughout the day and night. Many whispers of prayer have passed through my lips to do my part in seeking God. Yet, my journey continues.

I have not reached spiritual self-actualization in which I have achieved my fullest potential. We strive daily because Sanctification is a life-long process. Jesus prayed, “Give us this day, our daily bread.” We cannot live off of yesterday’s prayers or Bible study. Yes, our relationship with God is high maintenance [no disrespect intended]. Several times a day, we must seek God and commune with Him through prayer, study, and praise. It is our faith and trust in God that reveals the depth of our relationship with Him.

The effort that we put into building a rock-solid relationship with God makes the difference between having unwavering faith, trust, peace, and inner joy or being distraught filled with hopelessness, anxieties, and worries. God loves us! At the end of the day, we may reflect and realize that we did not offer one prayer of thankfulness. Even so, do not fixate on what you failed to do. Instead, take a deep breath and begin to worship your Heavenly Father with praise. 

We build our faith through diligent study of the Bible. Knowing God’s character and His promises gives us hope when our trials and sorrows appear overwhelming. God promises to hear our prayers, “I will listen.” God is only a prayer away. Pray an honest prayer. God already knows that we are feeling down and out. He knows that our faith is weak. Still, our sins and challenges are never too big to seek God’s forgiveness and divine intervention.

Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Psalm 51, verses 1 and 10.

Are you aware that Psalm 51 is King David’s prayer of forgiveness for committing adultery with Bathsheba? His actions were heinous. David abused his power by ordering her husband to be placed at the frontline of the battle, so he could be killed. Yet, God, with His unconditional love, mercies, and grace, gave the man who was once a shepherd boy that killed Goliath complete forgiveness. David confessed and repented. Did God forgive him? Yes, the second child born to David and Bathsheba was Solomon, the wisest man that ever lived.

God views sin as sin. Through human eyes we see sin in various categories considering one sin to be worse than another sin. Praise God that He is our Judge: If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9

We can change our perception of God by taking action to go above and beyond our human natures of only offering mediocre worship. Seek God as if your life depends on it [because it does]. Jesus replied: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” Matthew 22:37

Bible study: Psalm 51

Prayer: God, we ask forgiveness for not seeking you wholeheartedly. Please hear our prayer. Cleanse us from all unrighteousness and fill us with your Holy Spirit. We ask this prayer in the Worthy name of Jesus. Amen. © 2021 Sonya Johnson 

Obedience Provides Peace

SHOUT the Cry of Victory 30 days of Prayer Day 22

If I am driving 70 mph in a 70mph speed zone and the GPS announces a speed trap, I have no worries. I am obeying the law, so I continue my journey in peace. We serve a loving and powerful God, yet, many believers live with anxiety, and worries. The reason: We are not fulfilling the purpose that God has for our lives. Maybe you are unaware that God has given every believer spiritual gifts, which indicate His plans and our purpose.

Study 1 Corinthians 12. Pray for God to reveal your gifts and purpose. Once you know what God has appointed you to do, exercise faith by moving forward. Remain confident. Never forget that you are not alone, God is directing your steps. The human effort of obedience to God gives us perfect peace. “You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.” Isaiah 26:3

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11

Prayer: God, we pray and ask you to reveal the plans that you have for our lives. We desire to serve you with obedience. Not our will, but your will be done. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen. ©2021 Sonya Johnson

Jehovah Jireh–Our Provider

“That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing?” Matthew 6:25 NLT

Reflect on the name of God–Jehovah Jireh. How strong is your belief that God is your Provider? We readily accept and believe the promises made by people whose promises are dependent on the right circumstances. Do you doubt that your employer will pay your salary as agreed? Yet, many individuals have lost their jobs, benefits, and pensions due to bankruptcy during the pandemic.

Most of us are guilty. Deep within our hearts, we pray, but we doubt God’s promises to take care of us [to supply all of our needs]. God always comes through on His promises. Sadly, we are the obstacles that block our blessings. It takes the human effort of total belief [faith] in Jehovah Jireh to receive. He is the God who sees and knows exactly what we need when we need it. All He asks us to do is: Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding Proverbs 3:5.

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. Isaiah 55:8-9.

God has given each of us with a seed of faith. Faith requires constant and consistent action; trust and obedience are necessary for our seed of faith to grow. Would we buy a houseplant only to let it die because of lack of water and sunshine? Absolutely not! Faith is the key to having an abundant life complete with peace and confidence because we believe that we serve the Most-High God. But without faith, it is impossible to please God. Hebrews 11:6.

Our Father hears and answers every prayer [in His own time]. The test of faith requires waiting. We are accustomed to instant gratification, which causes us to expect an immediate answer to our prayers. But we do not serve a “hurry up” God. He tells us to wait. During the waiting period, either our faith grows stronger or weaker. Do not give up! Patience produces total dependence on God!

Wait patiently for the LORD. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord. Psalm 27:14

Faith allows us to see God as our only Provider. Live your life with confidence. And never forget, in the seasons of darkness, Jehovah Jireh lovingly holds us in His hands.

Prayer: God, we ask you to forgive our doubt, unbelief, and impatience. Thank you for taking care of us despite our inability to praise, and thank you for daily mercies. We are in need spiritually and financially. Thank you for hearing and answering our prayer that we ask in the Worthy name of Jesus. Amen. © 2021 Sonya Johnson