All Because

If I might borrow from Scriven’s song once more, one of his stanza’s end with the phrase “all because we do not carry everything to God in prayer.”  Anxiety is a fact of life, and as long as there are things we can’t control this reality is not likely to go away anytime soon.  But experiencing anxiety and living in a constant state of worry are two different things.

When we pray God comforts us, providentially moves in our lives and directs us to act on our own behalf.  He does this, not just for our sakes, but also because our anxieties stand in the way of the things He wants to accomplish though us.  Satan takes pleasure in chaos because it unsettles our spirit and keeps us from fulfilling God’s purposes.  God, on the other hand, brings order out of chaos and gives us the confidence to stand strong in the midst of turmoil.

Therefore we pray, not just so God can make our lives easier, but also that we might be in the state of heart and mind most receptive to eternal truths.  The Psalmist wrote, “The cords of death entangled me, the anguish of the grave came upon me; I was overcome by trouble and sorrow.  Then I called on the name of the LORD: “O LORD, save me!”  The LORD is gracious and righteous; our God is full of compassion. The LORD protects the simple-hearted; when I was in great need, he saved me. (Psalm 116:3-6)  If we call on His name, he will save us as well.