Thought of the day. #13

 Sometimes I can get so worked over the prayers God hasn’t answered or the ones He has said no to. It causes me at times to struggle in my faith. My “hope-meter” becomes almost empty at times. This happens when I treat my prayers like a goal or objective to be met. 

I love using the SMART model (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-Bound) to set goals. It  becomes a problem when I think of my prayers as goals to be met with specific deadlines instead of requests to God 

That is when Scriptures like Psalm 5:3 wash over me and remind me there is beauty in waiting expectantly. I love surprises. It took me a while to admit it. Surprise gifts, text, party, visits. 

For my last birthday, I asked my family to surprise me. All week I excitedly waited to see what they would do. A few times, I tried to get clues from my husband and eventually I stopped asking.

I surrendered and waited. 

The day came and I was  encouraged beyond my expectation. It was the first time all my men planned something for my birthday. I walked in from church and my sons were waiting for me in the living room. They decorated, had my Spanish music in the background, and thought through every detail. Plus they got all my favorite appetizers from different restaurants. They did an amazing job. 

Sometimes with God., I want to be surprised by his miracles but I become impatient in the waiting. Once I surrender and wait expectantly I find peace and contentment in the waiting. 

“In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly.” Psalm 5:3

“The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9 NIV