February 2 – Talk it over

“And even the very hairs of your head are all remembered. So don't be afraid, you are worth more than many sparrows” - Matthew 10:30

Bring up the subject of prayer in a group of people and it never ceases to amaze me how many of them will come out with a long list of do's and don'ts. Follow this by asking if there are any problems, worries, dilemmas that are unsuitable topics for prayer, and a surprising number will respond with, “Of course. God has bigger problems to take care of than being expected to 'major on the minor.'”

Really? But what evidence can they find in the Bible to sustain that view? None I could find!

Turn to Exodus 21:27 and there you'll find that God is concerned about missing teeth. In Exodus 22:5 He is passing an opinion on grazing rights. Move on to Exodus 22:6 and there He is issuing a warning to potential pyromaniacs that they could be liable for any damages caused as a result of their dangerous obsession. From here God goes on to the topic of wounded livestock, borrowing from neighbours, and missing clothes. There are many more examples in the New Testament. The one that immediately comes to my mind is the Marriage in Cana (John 2:1-11). Jesus cared enough about the quality and supply of the drink, that at His mother's request He turned the water into wine....how minor is that!

All the way through the Bible we read of everyday people taking their everyday concerns, fears, anxieties and discussing them with the Lord. Where better to go when we need advice and guidance?....”Come now, let us reason together, saith the Lord....”

As Dave Dravecky writes: 'Believing that God doesn't care about our every burden is like a parent saying to a child, “Only come to me when your injuries require hospitalisation. I don't do slivers, nightmares, or missing dolls.” If God isn't interested in every detail of my life, why else would He number every hair on my head?'

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7

Music today is by Dottie Rambo , singing shortly before her death, “I Just Came to Talk With you Lord.”  Click on the picture to listen.