In God We TrustSample

The Importance of Prayer

When we’re shaken by the circumstances around us, our temptation is often to complain about them or to criticize them. In fact, take a moment and do a little thought audit. How many times recently have you said or thought something like, “if only those people would just _____.” Or “I can’t believe anyone would think it’s okay to _____.” Or maybe “Well, everything’s terrible because _____.” 

Ouch. Now, remember: It’s okay to get frustrated when life doesn’t feel fair. It’s okay (and encouraged) to bring your cares and concerns before God and to share them with other trusted friends in your life. But there’s a fine line between carrying a burden and carrying bitterness. 

When we’re angry about people who don’t have the same political beliefs as we do, it’s tempting to complain about them and criticize their character. But our criticism rarely changes the problem. Instead, it often poisons our souls and prevents us from bringing solutions. 

Instead, we can do something productive with our pain. We don’t have to sit in silence, stewing over the latest news article or social media post that has our blood boiling. We have a choice to pause. To take a break. And to pray about it. 

So, that brings us to another gut check. Think back to all the criticisms and complaints that came to your mind earlier. How many of those complaints did you talk to God about? 

If the answer is fewer than you’d like, what can you do to change that? 

We often will get to a place where we’re so afraid or frustrated that we’ll say things like, “This is just too much.” Or “Well, if this happens then we’ll never be okay again.” Or, “All we can do is pray.” But that shows we’re putting our faith in the wrong thing. If our entire faith, hope, and security can crumble by the results of one election or one test result or one social media post, we’ve got some work to do to remember who God is. 

Nothing is too hard for God. Nothing is too big or too small for God, and nothing is beyond His control. 

Pastor Craig Groeschel says it this way, “Prayer is never our last resort. It’s our first line of defense.” 

So, the next time you’re ready to complain about someone or something, take a second to ask yourself if you’ve prayed about it. If not, do it: Pray for the candidate you don’t like. Pray for the relative with views you get frustrated about. Just look at what 2 Timothy says: 

I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity. 1 Timothy 2:1-2 NLT 

Prayer changes things. But it most often changes us. So allow God to take the fear and frustration you’re feeling and fuel your faith in Him. 

Pray: God, I recognize that I’ve been complaining and criticizing more than I should. I’m sorry for that. Please help me stop criticizing and start loving. Give me the words to respond to those I disagree with, and help me spread Your love in every situation. Give me patience. Overwhelm me with peace. And build my faith and trust in You alone. In Jesus’ name, amen.