Whatever is the matter should be a matter for prayer.
In every thing, we are instructed to take it to the Lord in prayer (Philippians 4:6). This means anything, and everything that would cause us stress, frustration, anxiety, or worry.
Which is, let’s face it, most things!
Like my car problem. We’ve had this ongoing issue with one of our vehicles for over a year. It’s under warranty, but the cause is officially listed as “unknown” and there is “no known resolution.”
The dealer is little help, the manufacturer isn’t either and nobody wants to be responsible or find a solution. They just want to pay us some money and we can’t file a claim in the future.
So we’re stuck. What can we do? We can file a claim with the company and open a case file. One other thing we can do is pray and trust the Lord. We seek Him for wisdom and for grace, knowing that if it’s His will, this can be resolved. And if it’s His will, we can get through it.
Big things or little things, and all things in between—should be for us a matter for prayer. Not only for God’s help and an answer, but for the promise that the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7).
It is not necessarily the answer to a prayer that brings the peace, but the praying itself brings us peace. It’s not praying is what leads to anxiety. Make your requests known to God.
We may bring to Him our practical concerns in those every day life situations, large and small, and ask for His help. We need God’s help! We have an issue at work, problems with health, concern for a troubled family member, doubts about a decision? We need God’s help with all that, and so we go to Him in prayer.
All that matters may be brought before God, but we must always bring before God those things that matter most.
Alistair Begg points out that Jesus tells us what to do in Matthew 6—we are to seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness… (v. 33) ‘That’s prioritizing spiritual things … and all these thing will be added to you. Jesus taught the disciples to pray Your kingdom come, Your will be done—before asking ask for their daily bread.
So we bring all our matters to God, but start first with the spiritual (the gospel) and then the practical or physical. Notice the times Paul writes that I bow my knees before the Father… and in humility, we also acknowledge His Lordship and sovereignty over all things.
Let us not neglect to bring the matter to God in prayer.
I like what English Puritan theologian and pastor John Owen says: When prayer is a delight to believers, refreshing their spirits, calming their minds and comforting their consciences, then is true prayer.
I want to pray like that, regardless of circumstances going my way or not going as I’d wish. And honestly, how many things daily do not go my way? No, I must learn to be patient, calm, trusting, faithful, humble, and reliant on a great, good, and gracious God who is doing all these things for my good.
My good, that may not mean right now in my circumstance. But good
in my character, to becoming mature in Christ, conformed to His likeness and nature. Which brings Him glory.
