FROM THE PASTOR
APRIL 1, 2018
Connie and I have a yellow lab, Baylee, who has lived with us for 6 years now. She is our third lab and is by far the most unique of the three. Like most labs she’s a touchy-feely dog being most comfortable when she is with us and next to us. She also has a unique awareness of her surroundings. During my recent cold I’ve gone into a coughing spell only to feel her in my face checking to see if I’m okay.
I’ve found myself meditating on prayer lately. Specifically, the passiveness of Christian prayer. Bailey drove that thought home this week as I recognized a habit she’s developed. She likes to sleep on the couch so we have an old blanket tossed over it. We also have pillows on each end for decoration. Bailey likes to sleep stretched out with her head on one of the pillows. The kicker is that she prefers the pillows to be situated in just a certain way. If they aren’t, she’ll stand on the floor, perfectly still, as if paralyzed, at the end of the couch she wants to sleep on and stare at the pillow until I situate it to her liking. Only then will she hop up and rest. (I know, she’s trained me. After all, she’s the dog and I’m her person.)
It happened again this week as I studied for Wednesday’s Bible study. As I got up to adjust the pillow I couldn’t help but think to myself that’s where I sometimes find myself in my prayer life. There are times I equate being comfortable with being in God’s perfect will. I also find that its at those times that I’m most paralyzed in my prayer life. Listen, there is nothing wrong with sharing with God the desires of our heart. In fact, He has invited us to do so for our joy…
John 16:24 (NASB)
24 "Until now you have asked for nothing in My name; ask and you will receive, so that your joy may be made full.
But there are also times that I’ve set my mind and heart on what makes me most comfortable. It’s at those times I find myself paralyzed while waiting for God to make the situation just right before I feel like I can rest in Him.
Being comfortable and being in God’s perfect will are not exclusive to each other. The key is learning to be comfortable in God’s perfect will. Because it’s only when we’ve spiritually grown in that respect do we find real rest…
Psalm 116:7 (NASB)
7 Return to your rest, O my soul, For the LORD has dealt bountifully with you.
Thank you for your faithfulness. Pastor Larry
