Holding On To God’s Promise
If anyone can handle the things you’re thinking and feeling, it’s God.
When I feel tired, or worried, or stressed, I’ll tell it to Him straight – “Hey God, I’m so tired. I’m so worried. I’m so stressed. Please help.” And I think there’s power and beauty in coming to God in a raw and honest way like that. He hears and handles those prayers.
But I also realized the more I repeat words like that – “I’m so tired, I’m so worried, I’m so stressed” – the more I’m focused on the problem. I’m dwelling on it. I’m stuck on it. And while I’m a big believer in “feeling your feelings” I know it’s not usually good to stay in your feelings.
I read this idea from speaker and author Carlos Whittaker: “What if instead of praying the problem you prayed the promise?”
At first glance it might seem like a trite little saying but think about it.
What if instead of just praying “God, I’m so tired” you prayed “God, I’m so tired, but I know that you give rest to the weary?” (Matthew 11:28)
Instead of just “I’m so worried” what if you prayed “God, I’m so worried, and yet I know you want me to take it one day at a time with You?” (Matthew 6:34)
Or “I’m stressed, Lord, but You say You give peace that passes understanding.” (Philippians 4:7)
God’s actions are not dependent on our prayers, but our words and thoughts do impact our own hearts and minds.
Because the reality is, you tend to find what you’re looking for and you tend to see what you choose to focus on.
So, what if you acknowledged what you’re feeling with God while also keeping yourself focused on His truth?
By shifting your prayers and thoughts to agree with God’s promises, you can also shift your focus.
- What are some things you pray for often? What are God’s promises for those things?
- Write down 3 verses you can use to remind yourself of truth when you are struggling.
- What is something that you want to talk to God about, but you’re afraid to go that deep? Start the conversation here and see what he says.
