247 Abiding in Joy: The Joy of Praying
In this series, we’ve been exploring ways to build a strong connection with Jesus. In John 15, He calls it “abiding” in Him. What we’ve discovered is that the stronger the connection, the better the fruit and the greater the joy.
We’ve talked about the importance of rest and nutrition in producing good fruit in our lives. Today, we are looking at the necessity of breathing, and the way we do that is through prayer.
What word comes to mind when you think of prayer? For some, it’s joy! Prayer is a delight. But for others, the word might be bewilderment, frustration, disappointment, or more likely… guilt.
But I want to propose that prayer is not a responsibility to be pushed into, but a relationship to be pulled into. Put another way, sustainable prayer comes not from gritting our teeth, but by falling in love.
Our God is amazingly relational. And He wants us to share life with you!
Our souls were made to walk with God and talk with God. And when that happens… when we abide like that…all sorts of good things can happen that lead to bearing fruit and knowing joy.
God wants to make every moment of your life glorious with His presence. It’s not just that God is for us, but that He wants to be with us. He wants to fill our souls with His presence.
Lately, I’ve been challenging myself with this: How many moments of my life today can I fill with a conscious awareness of God’s presence?
The life of abiding is not a life of more religious activities. It’s a life of inner peace and contentment as you walk with and talk with One who not only loves you but is big enough to see you through whatever you may face.
I’ve also discovered that…the best way to start living life with God is in small moments.
Talk to God while watching the sunrise, while taking a walk, or while out fishing. Converse with Him when stuck in traffic, while waiting on hold, or while washing the dishes. Celebrate what He has done for you. Thank Him for that which you so often take for granted.
And then, before you know it, you’ll find yourself sharing with Him those things that concern you.
What are you doing? You’re praying! However, I’m doing this not out of guilt. Not out of duty. But simply as an overflow of my relationship with Him.
Out of your moments of devotion, you will find it natural to offer petition and make intercession.
The more we abide with Jesus, the more our prayers align with His will and the more He delights in answering those prayers.
Text: John 15:1-11
Originally recorded on July 30, 2017, at Fellowship Missionary Church, Fort Wayne, IN