Music Monday: “Completely.” by Anna Laura.
By Debbie Waltz
As many may recall, I recently began a new Lifeway video/Bible study entitled “When we pray.” Each week, the various writers of the study shed new light on many aspects of prayer from the petition to adopting a heart of complete surrender. This kind of transformation doesn’t occur overnight. Instead, it happens slowly when our motives align with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Too often, we allow our circumstances to shape how we view God when we should do the opposite. We should remember God in terms of his character and nature, and allow that to shape the way we see our circumstances. What exactly does this look like? In the sermon on the Mount, Jesus not only teaches the disciples how to pray but reveals much about the different aspects of God Himself. They are as follows:
- Our God is personal
- Our God is provisional
- Our God is a giver
- Our God is good
Before we inspect these characteristics of God’s character, we must look at ourselves and our motives. Growing up, our faith grows from simply learning the fundamentals of Christianity to seeking God. More than that, it requires surrendering our expectations for life and trusting God to provide for us. Matthew 6:31- 33 says, “So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” At first glance, this seems like a simple request. But it’s really not. Why? As I said before. It’s an act of surrender–relinquishing our Will for His.
The 4 Characteristics Of God’s Nature
In Matthew 6:5-9, Jesus is comparing two different people- the hypocrites and the Gentiles. Mind you, these are two very different people on opposite sides of the spectrum when it comes to prayer. But they both pray for the wrong reasons. Go with me here. The hypocrites (religious leaders, Pharisees) LOVE to pray in public. Why? So they are seen and praised for how “godly” they are. On the other hand, the Gentiles prayed to any god using many words just hoping they did enough. That’s why Jesus encourages us to pray differently.
- Our God Is personal. Contrary to the false gods of the Old Testament, Jesus is determined to set a new standard with his followers. He truly cares for everyone. Not only does He care for our physical needs, but He cares for our spiritual needs as well. Why? God created us. He knows us. Throughout the Old Testament, Jesus refers to God as “Father”; This is a title of intimacy and connection that he wants from His Children. By praying in secret, we are showing him we believe his intimacy and connection is above anything the “rewards” of this world can give us. We are also trusting in God’s faithfulness and character, believing God is who he says he is, and will keep His Word.
- Our God Is provisional. By knowing us personally, he knows what we need. Our God is responsive to those needs. But that doesn’t automatically mean that every one of our needs will be met. As I stated earlier, our motives don’t always align with God’s Will. Think about it. Jesus didn’t get his prayer answered in the Garden of Gethsemane. He didn’t answer that prayer because God knew this was the only way to satisfy His wrath. Sometimes, though, our prayers take time.
- Our God is Giving and Good. I’ve grouped the last 2 attributes because they go hand in hand to save time. In Matthew 7:7-11 Jesus compares our earthly fathers to our Heavenly Father- with one clear distinction….We are evil, he is not! If our inclination as sinners is to give good gifts to the people we love, just think of what God (our Heavenly Father) wants to give us -if only we ask. Also, He doesn’t play games. He gives us exactly what he knows we need at the moment; rather than just providing us with something similar (like stone for bread or a snake for a fish.)
Will You Love Me?
These were only some lessons I’ve learned so far in my weekly study on prayer. Through the last couple of weeks, my mind kept circling back to one question; a question that stopped me in my tracks. That question is this; Do we love God simply for what He can do for us?
It’s hard to wrestle with these types of questions because it’s not just a “Yes” or “No”; it requires us to take stock of our emotions and be completely honest with ourselves and God. Does this make us bad Christians if we struggle? No, we’re not perfect. However, God expects us to be real with them; that’s the only way he can effect real change- with a contrite heart and complete honesty.
This brings me to today’s music choice of “Completely” by Ana Laura. Made popular by the Kendrick brothers in their second movie called “Facing The Giants.” For those unfamiliar with the Brothers, they are known for making numerous faith-based movies. This one dealt with a Christian football team and their coach who seemed to be down on their luck both personally and professionally. Determined to try a different approach, he teaches the boys what it means to give their very best to God. Slowly, things shift as they find success and purpose both on and off the field. At home, though, they still struggle to conceive. Numerous doctors visits yield the same result. On her last visit at the movie’s climax, she is given the same result. Upon reaching her transportation, she cries out to the Lord saying “Yes” she will love him even if he never gives her children.
If we are honest, who could say that in our circumstances?
Just a question to ponder today