I Don't Feel Like It
Working the early hours of a morning show for radio meant that I didn't get to see my kiddos first thing before school so when I did have a chance to get them up, and take them in, it was a treat for me. While I prayed for my children every morning, on those rare mornings that I was with them before school, I would take a few minutes to pray with them for God to be with them and help them to have a good day.
One morning, I asked my 4 year old son if he was ready for me to pray and he said, 'no, I don't feel like it today.' I was crushed! Immediately I felt like I'd failed as a mom! How could this be?! I prayed over him anyway!...because...well... I'm the mom! And I tried not to make a big deal over it. But I was heartbroken!
When I came back to the car after dropping him off, I called my dad, and told him how sad I was that my little guy said he didn't feel like praying. I'll never forget what my wise father said very gently to me. He said, 'well, don't you ever have a day that you just don't feel like praying?' And just like that, my perspective shifted. Truthfully, I have had occasions that I felt at a loss for words to say to God.
Whether it is anxiety, exhaustion, distraction or shame, or any other reason that can keep us from talking to God I believe that when we're honest, God can work with that! He already knows what is going on in our hearts and minds. We could build a wall and refuse to talk to Him about it...or we can admit how we feel and ask Him to help us find our way through. And He will. Every single time.
Psalm 145:18-19 (ESV) tells us, "The Lord is near to all who call on Him, to all who call on Him in truth. He fulfills the desire of those who fear Him; He also hears their cry and saves them."
Read more devotions written by Denise Harper at Treasured Inside
