Something Better to Solve My Problems
I’ve been noticing something about myself lately. One of those light bulb moments when I wonder how long this particular aspect of my personality has been manifesting itself. Then I get a little self-conscious about how many other people know this about me. Of course, you introspective types generally know yourself well enough that you are probably seldom surprised by these types of revelations. I live in a cloud of oblivion and have these types of sudden revelations happen more often than I’d like to admit.
But I digress. The other day, I realized that I am regularly looking for some amazing solution for my problems. On Amazon I can generally find something that might solve whatever homemaking, homeschooling, or other problem I may be having for about $12.99. Unfortunately that solution may or may not fix my problem. If it does, that’s great, but inevitably another issue will crop up that I then have to find the solution to.
The Foolishness of Searching for Something Better
This verse brought my previous thoughts rushing back to me this morning at Bible Study. Our ladies’ Bible Study has been working through the book of Proverbs. Some proverbs have been relatively straightforward and easy to talk through. Others have been a little more thought-provoking.
This was one of those passages for all of us ladies in the study. Through cross-referencing and a little help from the footnotes, we were able to glean the picture of a wise man looking towards the plans God has for him and storing up treasures in heaven while a foolish man chases his desires to the ends of the earth. As profound as that is, it seems a little silly to relate it back to what has become a shopping habit. However, when I look at the heart behind the behavior I recognize that very verse. I recognize the foolishness of chasing material possessions to alleviate discomfort or stress because of clutter, disorganization, or bad habits.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m all about a few sanity-saving necessities! The fact that Amazon Prime allows me to put those products to use in my crazy home in two days is amazing! It has been one of my very favorite modern amenities. However, when I dig to the root of my behavior I begin to ask myself, “Did I pray about this problem before I hopped online?” Uh, nope. Didn’t even cross my mind. I’ll admit that I am regularly at fault for this transgression. In fact, the bible is very clear:
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
So the bible is telling me to bring everything to God in prayer. Not some things. Not a particular list of things God deems important enough to listen to. Everything. So when I’m struggling with something and I bring it to the Lord in prayer, He will hear it. And perhaps instead of buying my idea of a “solution” from my favorite online retailer, the Lord will reveal to me an attitude that needs to be fixed, or a habit that needs to be built, or perhaps just patience on my part.
I’ll send you off with the words from one of my favorite hymns:
What a Friend We Have in Jesus
What a friend we have in Jesus
All our sins and griefs to bear
And what a privilege to carry
Everything to God in prayerOh, what peace we often forfeit
Oh, what needless pain we bear
All because we do not carry
Everything to God in prayerHave we trials and temptations?
Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged
Take it to the Lord in prayerCan we find a friend so faithful
Who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness
Take it to the Lord in prayer
Are you going through a struggle that you could bring to the Lord in prayer?
I’d love to hear the ways you remind yourself to take everything to God in prayer!
Be encouraged by these posts as well!
- Introducing Quiet Time And Sticking To It! - June 1, 2018
- The Parable of the Persistent Widow - April 20, 2018
- Maintaining Friendships During Motherhood - March 22, 2018
The reality that I could actually bring everything to God in prayer hit shortly after my oldest was born. I was nervous about taking her to the cradle roll class and was having a hard time deciding when the best time would be. (A couple of babies at our church had recently been hospitalized with RSV so I was nervous.) It seemed like such a silly thing to pray about but I did and I received so much peace! After that I’ve prayed about all sorts of things- parenting will do that to you!! Thanks for this reminder to pray… Read more »
Kind of like the grass is greener on the other side. Unfortunately we don’t realize what we have until we loose it. Hopefully helps us rise up to be better.
I’m in the habit of praying for a specific item that I need before going yard saling or resale shopping, and God always answers my need at a fraction of the cost that I would have bought it retail. Plus, I glorify God because He was the one that provided specifically.
I love that song. I’m so thankful for Jesus! Great post, Laura!
I have a bracelet that I got made that has “Philippians 4:6-7” inscribed on it. It is my daily reminder to take everything to God.
I search for solutions too. I spend a lot of time “googling.” If I spent more time seeking God and asking for wisdom, I think I’d be better served;)
I always ask God to speak to me obviously because I don’t always trust my ability to hear Him. But I am desperate to know His view of things. My own vision is so limited.
Ooooohhhhh, so true. Do I pray about something before looking for the answer online? Nope. Thank you for this thoughtful and convicting post.
This may sound way out there for a 46 year old woman but I’ve been considering getting a small tattoo on the inside of my wrist that sinpley says Jesus as a reminder to give it all to him, to look to him at all times and to remember how much he loves me. A visual permanent reminder. If I Chicken-IN and do it will will share 😊.
There isn’t such a thing as something being too small to pray over. if it matters to you then it matters to the Lord.