Sometimes I notice a recurring theme among the verses of scripture that seem to jump off the page into my consciousness. You know the ones. You slow down as you’re reading them…and go back to them; even highlight them in your bible.
I firmly believe that theme is no simple coincidence. There is a message – a lesson, perhaps – that I need to learn; or a caution I need to heed.
Of late, the theme seems to center around vigilance, which is certainly fitting for me since the one thing I struggle with most in my day-to-day life is consistency. Whether I’m giving in to laziness or falling victim to the “demands” of this world depends on the day. I just know that consistent anything – exercise, healthy eating, parenting and, yes, mindfulness and prayer – is exceptionally challenging for me to accomplish. Given the abundance of TV ads and self help books on these topics, I would imagine I’m not alone in my struggle.
But it doesn’t matter so much, right? So the floor only gets mopped every other week (or so). The world doesn’t stop spinning. I get behind on laundry. So what? Who doesn’t?
But what about prayer? Can we say the same of it? Is it okay to let it go by the wayside; push it aside for a day, a week or month while we attend to more “urgent” demands?
Absolutely not. Jesus is pretty clear on this one. In Luke 22:36 He tells us,
“Be vigilant at all times and pray that you have the strength to escape the tribulations that are imminent and to stand before the Son of Man.”
Here’s the thing; and I have come to know this with absolute certainty. Life without prayer…even one day without quiet time with the Lord is a BAD idea. Will the Lord forgive you? Of course. Will he give you a stern reminder why it really matters? You can count on it. That’s my experience anyway.
For me, days without quiet time – scripture study and prayer – are predictably unsteady. My dear hubby can attest to this, I assure you. He is the one person in my life who suffers the real consequences of my lack of discipline. When I fail to find my center in Christ; when I fail to ask for help for whatever the day may bring; when I fail to stop a moment and ask for wisdom before I speak…well, it’s just not good. I fall prey to negativity, fear, doubt, selfishness…sound familiar?
The thing is, prayer performed on a regular basis is transforming. It changes you. Conversing with God like the most amazing, loving, protective and wise Father that He is actually resolves all the other inconsistencies – or at least puts them in their proper priority. I’ve recently started a new little brown book of The Word, having passed on my old one to a new believer as a study aid. The first few pages of verses I’ve recorded point to a common message. Stay close to the Lord. Pray to Him and lean on His strength. I’m committing Psalm 105: 4 to memory. These are words to live by:
“Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually.”
God will lend us His strength. He will get us through whatever He’s brought us to (and even what we’ve gotten ourselves into). All we have to do is ask for His help.