Recently, I had the most interesting conversation…A new friend, curious about raising teenagers, asked, “How exactly does one survive that? All the worries about drinking, drugs, sex, friends–you name it…” And I laughed (while pointing to my glass of wine)–but then dead serious, I explained that prayer is everything when raising teens. That is how you survive it. Which led her to share her own heart struggle with prayer…”Does God hear me?”
Why Should God Listen?
She knew in her mind that God hears her prayers, but her heart wasn’t so convinced.
It was one of those conversations that sticks with you–and as I later contemplated her questions, I felt God nudge me to explore a deeper root of this common doubt. It’s not that we don’t believe God hears us. Instead, we don’t believe that we deserve to be heard.
And why don’t we think we deserve to be heard? Because we think God relates to us the same way people often relate to one another…
For example, if we have a friend or loved one who hasn’t reached out for weeks, months, years--and suddenly they are back on the scene, we may be skeptical. Especially when that person has hurt us! Even more so when they come in need, wanting something from us!
And so we listen to lies of the enemy–telling us that we are so far removed from God that we should be ashamed to even think of coming before Him. “Why should God listen to me? I have done________. And I haven’t done________. I feel like such a fraud asking for His help when I haven’t prayed in months…”
And isn’t that just perfect…Distance from God is exactly what Satan wants for you. This is how sin and guilt condemns.
The Truth
But Christ died to free you from the guilt and sin that condemns.
The best way to combat lies from the devil, our true enemy, is to arm ourselves with Truth (See Ephesians 6:10-17 for more about that)!
If you are struggling with self-condemnation, and it’s keeping you from drawing close to God, let’s look to His Word for the fight…
**I love the Book of Romans…and Chapter 8 is filled with so many important lessons. Here’s what Romans 8:1-2 says about condemnation:
“Therefore, these is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death.”
1 John 1:9 says this about confession…
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”
And James 4:8a, 10 tells us:
“Come near to God and he will come near to you…Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.”
In addition, Hebrews 4:16 says:
“Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”
Don’t Measure God by Your Faithfulness
The beautiful, amazing, recklessly-wild truth is that our faithfulness (or lack of) has nothing to do with God’s faithfulness.
He is always faithful. And His love for you is unfailing. Unchanging.
And while you may have walked away–He never left your side. (Psalm 139 is one of my favorite reminders of this!)
When you are a believer in Christ Jesus, nothing can separate you from His Love and Faithfulness.
Romans 8:38-39 says:
“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
2 Timothy 3:13 tells us:
“if we are faithless, he remains faithful, for he cannot disown himself.”
Yes, He Hears You!
So my, Sweet Friend–what I am so humbly trying to say is this:
Yes, He Hears You!
Always.
Whether you’ve been wandering a few days or a few decades. He is waiting with open arms. The fact that you feel guilt and separation is a sign of your humble heart–pour it out to him!
Don’t let Satan’s lies keep you from turning to the Lover of Your Soul–Jesus.
Make Prayer a New Habit and Priority
Here we are at the shiny beginning of a new year…If you want to grow in your faith this year and need some ideas, here are some things that help me…
The First 5 App from Proverbs 31 Ministries
This is a free app–designed to help women all over the world give their first 5 minutes to God. It’s an online bible study with short daily lessons from amazing biblical teachers.
This is a paid app with practical ways to apply biblical truths to the lives of working women.
I ADORE this sweet daily devotional. I have been using it daily for about 4 years. Short and powerful messages that have been perfect for my season of life with little people (a friend gave it to me as a gift when my twins were born), but they are applicable to any season of life! (There is also a Jesus Calling for Kids.)
- Don’t Miss My Related Post: How to Pray
I truly hope this post was helpful to you. Please know that I am praying for you and praying that these words are exactly what your heart needed to hear. Sending much love and hugs!
With Love,
Jen xo
