A freeing prayer to pray

This or better.

I read this in a book years ago and it stuck with me.  Whenever I pray it over a situation or person or place, I am free inside.

We cling too tightly to a desired outcome at times.  All I know is that controlling people - those who try to control everything and everyone in their midst - are miserable people.  

They may even appear happy.  But deep down, they have no real peace.  How do I know this?  Because there can only be one God or god on the throne of our lives and hearts at any given time.  And if it is not the Lord, there will be turmoil and uncertainty.

If we persist in trying to keep juggling stuff we have no business juggling, there is always a price to pay.  The price is stress, anxiety, worry, doubt, and fear.

Is it really worth it?  

Wouldn't you rather have that deep, abiding, nothing-can-touch-it peace of Christ ruling in your hearts instead?

It seems like the answer should be obvious.  Everyone wants to know real peace, right?  If not, there is much healing work to be done.

So when we cling too tightly in our wishful thinking, in our focus on everyone and everything else but God, this prayer saves us.

This or better.

Do we really believe that God can do and give us better than what we can provide and control in and of ourselves?  Some of you may not believe this yet.  You are not trusting God with your whole heart.

This is usually a matter of past experience.  When things did not turn out as you hoped, you blame God and then distrust follows.

If You didn't come through for me with that, Lord, why should I trust You now?  It sounds horrible, but there are many who are living this out right now in their lives.

You want that house.  You want that promotion.  You want that person.  You want that ____________ fill in the blank with whatever or whomever you are desiring in your life at this time.

You can't seem to let it go because it seems perfect.  The operative word in that sentence is seems.

The devil can make second-best look very appealing to us.  Our flesh wants what the world has - more, more, more.  More stuff, more recognition, more everything.

And when the spoiled brat known as the flesh does not get what it wants, it's just plain ugly.

Remember, flesh produces flesh.  Spirit produces spirit.  You would never expect to see an orange growing on an apple tree. Nor should you expect spiritual, God-ordained results if you are living in and feeling your flesh.  It doesn't work.

But when you truly let go, to whom are you letting your stuff and expectations go to?

When you leave them in God's hands, there is no better place to leave them.

Try it.  I promise it works - as long as you really mean it!

Lord, I want that house.  But if You have better and I just don't see it, then I give it to You to decide what is best for me.  This house, or better.

This is but one example.  You know what your "house" is.

Can you let it go?  Can you trust the Lord with it?  Do you want to believe that He truly knows best and will only provide that which is best for you?

If you answered no to any or all of these questions, you are not free yet, my friend.

The truth is what sets us free.

And the truth is that we don't have a clue as to what is best for us.  Neither does your family.  Neither do your friends,  Neither does your therapist.  Neither does your pastor.

There is only one Being who is Omniscient and that is God Almighty.

How could you not trust Him when He knows all?!  

We've all been hurt in life.  We've all been tempted to blame God for our hurts.

But God is never, no never, to blame for the bad stuff we experience.   Never!

God is a Restorer.  God is a Transformer.  God is a Builder. 

And if He does allow stuff to be destroyed in our lives, then we know that it is for our very best.  Just go on and swallow this truth!  It will save you a lot of going back and forth in your faith and your faith will remain stable and set in Christ, where it belongs.

This or better.

We get to choose.  Will we choose whatever we want under the guise that we are in control?  

Or will we choose to listen to and obey God in the matter?  Don't know what He is telling you?  Let go of all that concerns you and He will start talking!

I encourage you to pray this freeing prayer right now.  This or better, Lord.  I trust You.

Oh Lord.  We don't have a clue as to what is best for us.  We like to think we know.  But only You see the full picture.  Only You see the beginning from the end.  And only You know and want what is best for us and have the power to provide it.  Oh help us trust in You above all, Lord, and watch You work on our behalf.  As we trust You for better, as we let go, we believe that You will provide better!  And not only better, but the best.  In Jesus' Name.  Amen.