Have you noticed? The leaves are beginning to change. Yes. In some places it’s barely noticeable, but the change is here. Now, you may live in a place where you do not have Fall/Autumn. Yet, nature still signals changing times and seasons. Some fruits are now out of season. Yes. Changes all around. How do you pray in a changing time?
When we look around at our world, we become aware that not only is nature changing. The socio-economic and political landscape is changing. International relations are changing. Tensions are rising and falling. You could make a long list because you are living in a changing time. How then do you pray?
Pray to the God Who Does Not Change in a Changing Time
Seasons came and seasons go. Times come and go. But, guess what? God remains the same. God does not change.
“For I the Lord do not change . . .” (Malachi 3:6).
Thus, when you go to pray you go to pray to God in confidence. This confidence is based on who God is and not a changing time.
Now, the changing time may influence what you say. It may influence the intensity with which you pray. However, never let it influence the basis on which you pray—the finished work of Jesus Christ. This work gives you free access to pray to God. God does not change and God’s promises remain the same.
To Pray in a Changing Time, Seek Direction
This can never be emphasized too much. I’m willing to risk sounding like a broken record. Ask God for direction.
Here’s the deal. God knows and “declares the beginning from the end” (Isaiah 46:9–10). God sees things in your past, present, and future life. This includes things that you could never ever dream about. In other words, God knows you and about you better than you do.
Stop fighting God. Stop acting as if you know best. Step back. Ask God to guide you and follow that direction. This is how you pray in a changing time.
I bless the Lord who gives me counsel;
in the night also my heart instructs me.
I keep the Lord always before me;
because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.…………………………………………………………………………..
You show me the path of life.
In your presence there is fullness of joy;
in your right hand are pleasures for evermore (Psalm 16:7–8, 11).
Having prayed for direction, receive and follow it. Then, go forth with confidence to let your light shine.
Pray to be a Light in a Changing Time
“You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven (Matthew 5:14–16).
People have different reactions to changing times and seasons. Some people greet the new with delightful anticipation. Others dread change. This dread may be due to past experience and/or a general fear of the unknown. Moreover, reactions can be instinctive, not thought through. Light can dispel fear.
In addition, change often leaves people feeling rudderless. This will not be you, if you are praying to the God who does not change, asking for direction. Then, you can be a light to those who are fearful and directionless. You can point them to this God.
Change is coming. The times are changing. The God who remains the same is with you. Pray. Ask for direction. Shine your light.
Get Closer to God and Live with Greater Confidence and Peace
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