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In this modern day where anxiety and depression are so rampant, what option does one have besides medications?  Sometimes these are needed, and I’m not here to argue against them, but what if God has a different prescription? Yet how can I ever learn it if I never spend time with Him?

To begin to find His answer, we must understand that it is a two-fold process: (1) spend time with Him in prayer and (2) learn ever more about Him in His Word, the Bible. Paul in Philippians 4:4-7 (CSB) calls us who believe to:

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! . . . The Lord is near.

Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition

with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God which

surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

But what exactly is prayer? Many of us have heard that word most of our lives, but it just seems like some religious ritual. What does it have to do with modern reality? We must understand that prayer is a kind of conversation—a dialogue, not a monologue. Thus, I can and should speak, but I also need to sit quietly and listen. There are times when Gene, my husband, and I will just sit in the same room being comfortable in each other’s presence while we read our own books. The key here is just sitting in each other’s presence. God wants us to spend time in His presence as well because He loves each of us so.

And then there are times when He will speak to our hearts if we listen. There were several times during our son Geoff’s battle with cancer that the Lord spoke words of comfort, drew my attention to a couple of Bible verses, challenged me as to whom I would trust, and gave me a choice. 

What an honor to be in His presence, even when you don’t speak. His love and grace and comfort just settle on you as a warm blanket. This is when you begin to understand the relationship He desires to develop with you—the intimacy, the vulnerability, and the trust. Here you can taste a bit of paradise as you bask in His light and love. In this day when identity crisis is so rampant, you can come to our creator, redeemer to find out His view. It is here that you can begin to understand who He says you are. Wow! The security that comes with knowing our identity in Him can help us meet our everyday and unique challenges.

So, spending time with Him is crucial! Then you can look to Him for answers to your concerns.  Next time, we’ll consider what answers He could possibly give.  But now I challenge you to find a time (10-15 minutes) each day; you can spend time quieting your heart in His presence. Start to make it a habit, and you’ll be glad you did.

Prayer:

Father God, my Creator and Redeemer, it is so hard to know who I am in the noise and craziness of this modern world. Please help me to stop and listen for your voice; help me to make this a habit that helps me to know you better and to learn more about myself.  And help me to learn even more about you as I take time to read the Bible, this handbook that you gave us as a tool.  Thank You for Your love and grace, and mercy that calls me into Your presence. You are awesome!  Amen.