Day 21: Answering

Hear me, LORD, and answer me. For I am poor and needy. Guard my life, for I am faithful to You. Save Your servant who trusts in You. You are my God, be gracious to me. Lord, I call to You all day long. Bring joy to Your servant, for to You, Lord, I lift up my soul. You, Lord, are forgiving and good, overflowing in mercy to all who call to You. Hear my prayer, LORD. I call to You whenever I’m in trouble, because I am confident you will answer me. Psalms 86: 1-7

Even though we may be unused to the fasting part of our commitment, it probably feels very straight forward! On the other hand, the prayer part can be harder to pin down.

And we have so many questions about prayer! When should I pray? What should I say when I pray? What is the magic formula? What shouldn’t I say? Do I actually have to use words to pray? Do I have to kneel? Are there special people whose prayers are more powerful than my own? Can anyone pray? What about the prayers of someone who doesn’t believe in God? Does God hear my prayers as I am now, or do I have to become that mature someone first? All these questions could be boiled down to one underlying, desperate need that we all have … How do I know God has heard me and how do I know He has answered me?

You have probably heard it said that there are three answers that God gives. Yes. No. Not yet. But how do we hear those answers? The good news is there are many ways that God speaks and many ways to hear His answers:

Still, small voice. Ask for wisdom (James 1:5). Trust that He is giving it to you. Be still. Stop striving (Psalms 46: 10). Listen. He will speak inside you.
Untroubled peace. You asked God. There may be several options, but one option doesn’t arouse distress. His peace will also ease fear (John 14:27).
Open or closed door. Ask God to open or close doors to narrow your choices or redirect your attention (Colossians 4:3). Keep your eyes open!
Immerse your spirit. Do what is natural to fully engage with God. Ask to be filled with His Spirit. Sing spiritual songs (Ephesians 5:19). Fast. Listen to worship music. Journal. Get out into His creation. Don’t forget to listen.
Word of God. Most of your direction should come from the Bible (Psalms 119:66). Ask yourself which opportunity might go against, or cause you to go against what is right? Don’t open the Bible blindly. Use a search engine to find appropriate verses to inform your decision.
Wise people of God. Share your situation with someone trustworthy. Seek wise counsel with someone in your life or not, your choice (Prov 15:22).
God speaks clearly. You may hear God speak a word clearly in your mind (Acts 9:4). Very rare for it to be audible, but God can do it if you need it. He spoke to me about my late husband: You blessed him with the space to be his true spiritual self for Me.

No matter how He speaks, cherish His voice and direction.

God might only give you a partial answer. Be obedient. Take action on what He has told you so far. It’s easier for Him to direct a moving object than one that is stuck! Make a copy of this list or take a picture. Many people you know are in anguish over how to make a right decision. Use this to prompt a green light opportunity to share how God helps you make decisions.

All-Wise God, I need Your wisdom. I need Your power to take action. I want to become Your wise person for others in my life. Thank You for answering my prayer. Amen.