Decisions... Decisions… Some of them are extremely hard to
select. We make decisions in our every day life. Many of them are very simple
–what shoes should I wear today, what route will I take to work, and/or what
food shall I eat for breakfast. On the other hand, there are some decisions
that we must study carefully for it’ll affect the rest of our lives. In such
cases, we often come before God for an answer and pray a Burger King prayer
–Cause we want things done our way. Or perhaps some of our prayers might
parallel a Starbucks drive-thru order: “Tall, skinny, sugar-free, decaf, soy
vanilla latte, extra hot, whip cream, double sleeve, and no cup please.” Furthermore,
it seems that very often we do not hear a reply from Him; just His silence.
THERE ARE SOME MATTERS YOU JUST DON’T PRAY ABOUT
“So do not pray for
this people nor offer any plea or petition for them; do not plead with me,
for I will not listen to you. 17 Do you not
see what they are doing in the towns of Judah and in the streets of
Jerusalem? 18 The children gather wood, the fathers
light the fire, and the women knead the dough and make cakes to offer to the
Queen of Heaven” (Jeremiah 7:16).
Many objects, situations, and even relationships in our
lives could become our idols. We hold unto them like smoke penetrates our
clothing, and emotional dependency develops stronger and stronger. Are you
praying to God to bless yours? The path you are taking, is it the will of God?
GOD SPEAKS ALL THE TIME
“But I gave them this command: Listen to me, and I
will be your God and you will be my people. Walk in obedience to
all I command you, that it may go well with you” (7:23).
The verb “to listen”
in this verse is “Shama” in Hebrew.
And this verb not only means “to listen”
but also “to obey.” The Lord, through
Scriptures, has already established His laws, precepts, and commandments. In
other words, many answers to our prayers can be found through meditation and
study of the Bible. “Day after day, again and again I sent you my
servants the prophets. 26 But they did not
listen to me or pay attention” (7:25).
THEM HEARTBEATS WILL LEAD YOU ASTRAY
Our mind and heart are in a constant battle in almost every
life-changing decision that we must make. That is why scripture encourages us
to make God the platform of our decisions instead of our hearts, because “The
heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure" (17:9). God says it in His own way, “But my people would not listen
to me. They kept doing whatever they wanted, following the stubborn desires of their evil hearts. They went backward
instead of forward” (7:24).
Therefore, may your prayers give forth a pleasing fragrance
to the Lord, may your ears lean towards Him and enjoy the utterances of His
heart, and may your heart be cleansed so he can renew a steadfast spirit within
you. And above all, may He guide you and
bless you in every life-changing decision that you must make today.
Blessings!
