"Wherefore, brethren, seek not to counsel the Lord, but to take counsel from his hand. For behold, ye yourselves know that he counseleth in wisdom, and in justice, and in great mercy, over all his works."
Jacob 4:10
This is a great verse, reminding us that listening to God, rather than *telling* him how we want it, is best. I think sometimes that we get so wrapped up in our lives and trying to guide and control them, that we forget who *should* be in charge, and we end up saying prayers asking for specific things that we've decided are right for us... often forgetting the many other outcome possibilities, or remembering that God might have something else in mind.
I think that sometimes this tendency is why people can get the impression that God doesn't answer prayers, or doesn't care, or isn't there. In actuality, he is constantly listening, and cares more than we know... enough to give us things that we don't want or haven't considered sometimes, because he knows that the eventual outcome will be better for everyone.
Today, let's remember that we should not treat God as a genie whose job is to grant all our wishes. Instead, let's go to him humbly, as children to a trusted and kind friend, or coach, or Father. Let's discuss and consider all the possibilities. Instead of only saying "this is what I want," let's go further... telling God how we would like it to work out... but presenting other possibilities as well. Telling him what we want, what we're scared of, and asking his advice, and assuring him that we are willing to do it his way, since we know that he knows best.
I think that not only will prayer have more meaning for us this way, but maybe it will also better prepare us for a future where things don't always go according to our plans. When we include God in our plans, it is much easier to improvise as we head towards the happy ending. :)
Jacob 4:10
This is a great verse, reminding us that listening to God, rather than *telling* him how we want it, is best. I think sometimes that we get so wrapped up in our lives and trying to guide and control them, that we forget who *should* be in charge, and we end up saying prayers asking for specific things that we've decided are right for us... often forgetting the many other outcome possibilities, or remembering that God might have something else in mind.
I think that sometimes this tendency is why people can get the impression that God doesn't answer prayers, or doesn't care, or isn't there. In actuality, he is constantly listening, and cares more than we know... enough to give us things that we don't want or haven't considered sometimes, because he knows that the eventual outcome will be better for everyone.
Today, let's remember that we should not treat God as a genie whose job is to grant all our wishes. Instead, let's go to him humbly, as children to a trusted and kind friend, or coach, or Father. Let's discuss and consider all the possibilities. Instead of only saying "this is what I want," let's go further... telling God how we would like it to work out... but presenting other possibilities as well. Telling him what we want, what we're scared of, and asking his advice, and assuring him that we are willing to do it his way, since we know that he knows best.
I think that not only will prayer have more meaning for us this way, but maybe it will also better prepare us for a future where things don't always go according to our plans. When we include God in our plans, it is much easier to improvise as we head towards the happy ending. :)
you are actually right. i like this verse. it reminds us to humble ourselves before God. in the first place The Lord knows what's the best for us. i know He has a purpose.
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