Day Twenty-One: Unanswered Prayers

Country singer, Garth Brooks twangfully mourned that his earnest plea to make a beautiful girl his own went ignored by God. Later in life, as he appreciated the gift of his wife, he understood the bigger plan that was accomplished to protect him from second best and how everything worked out just as it should. He ended by thanking the Lord for unanswered prayers. If only we could see all of our seemingly disregarded requests from tomorrow's rooftop. But since we don't get to know the future, we must trust that God has our best interests in mind. That all those desires don't go without a reply, but sometimes a "not yet" or even a "no" for our own good. 

It's important to look at some reasons the Bible gives for God being silent at certain times in our lives. Because we can't calculate the reason perfectly for every instance, we need to whittle down the possibilities so we can be sure we're living according to God's Word. First and foremost, God is Lord and we've been given finite minds that cannot fully comprehend His breadth. However, we can do our best to align ourselves with His will. How do we know His will? By reading His Word. It's impossible to be reading daily and not come across Scriptures that demonstrate what God yearns for of us and what he abhors. 

The Bible clearly states, "You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures." (James 4:3) Do you have poor intentions? Can you be honest with yourself?Another reason for unanswered prayer is the verse in Psalm 66:18 that challenges us to play a game of introspection: "If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear." Is there someone you haven't forgiven? Is there some constant sin you keep returning to? We all sin every day but if we live in sin, we block God's response to our prayers! How sad! And we blame Him for not caring! It's like a brash teenager who smashes up the car more than once, is unremorseful and then doesn't understand why we don't just hand over the keys the next time they beg to go out.

Yet, if the Holy Spirit is not revealing anything in particular to you that needs change, consider the possibility that there's an intricate design being painted on the canvas of your life. God sees the end product in all its glory. You must trust that the Master Artist will complete what He began in you. Job and the blind man (John 9:1-3) testify the trials that happened in their lives were not a result of sin, but to glorify God. Honestly, I'd really like for the Lord to share the exact colours, textures and shapes on my canvas, but if He doesn't, I'll do my best to be thankful that He takes joy in working on the masterpiece of my life. And any unanswered prayers? I pray patience and trust will lead my doubts, my emotions, and my prayers.

Day Thirteen (of 31 Days)

Sin. It's gotta get out of the way before you are able to have an intimate relationship with God. "If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear." Psalm 66:18.

Ever wonder why you feel God is distant? Why your prayers aren't being answered? Perhaps this should have been a post for Day One. If you have a deep longing to draw near to God, (maybe you've even joined us this month) but it seems choppy and difficult, consider that you may have unconfessed sin. Every day, each believer sins simply because we're human, and those sins need to be continually brought before the Lord with the intention of change. But that's not what I mean. Unconfessed sin that separates us from intimacy with God (not His love, but His presence) is sin that is habitual or deeply rooted. This type of sin may need the Holy Spirit's revelation. Sometimes, it's an area of our lives we are unaware of but it's serious enough that it needs our attention. "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness." (I John 1:9)

The Holy Spirit has been faithful to reveal to me any sin that was blocking my communication with the Father. If you're sensing this could be an issue for you, deal with it today.

Hanging Out Your Dirty Laundry

No one wants people to know their dirty little secrets. No one wants anyone to know they have a dark side. No one wants to come down from their pedestal and admit they are a coward, a fool, a sinner. No one wants this until... they experience godly sorrow. If you've received this gift from the Lord, you'll know what I'm talking about. Godly sorrow is true repentance, a deep and utter grief that you are faced with when you realize how you've broken the heart of God. It's a sick feeling that comes when you are enlightened to the magnitude of your sin and it's effect on yourself and others around you--even in unassuming ways. It's the shame you discover when you finally see the hypocrite you've become. It's the urgent desire to snatch others from the enemy's hands--and quickly.

Hanging out your dirty laundry is not always necessary in full, but when you have been humbled by godly sorrow you will have so little pride, that the foremost thought you will have is to share with others that you aren't as righteous as the facade you've purported. The exposure of your weaknesses is key to helping others see the truth and that the Truth will set them free as well! You will strongly desire to shout from the mountain tops that taking thoughts captive to the obedience of Christ and bringing sin into the light removes all of that sin's power! Oh, it's difficult, at first, even scary, but there's no better place than to be walking in the light. Joy, peace and freedom can belong to you when you take the mask off and begin to allow God to deal with your "dirty laundry".

Once this has happened, you can walk without shame and begin with a "clean slate". Asking the Lord for an accountability partner will also be the staying power you need to maintain your walk in freedom. He will send someone in due time whom you can trust. The Bible says, "Therefore, confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed..." James 5:16