Listen closely to my prayer, O Lord;
hear my urgent cry.
I will call to you whenever I’m in trouble,
and you will answer me.

Psalm 86:6-7

Kids tend to tattletale. He said, she said, he did this, she didn’t do that, and on and on. Oftentimes the telling of the event gets bigger the more times the story is told, and too many times the story is told to other kids before it ever makes its way to a teacher who might be able to help. Kids being kids.

Adults do the same thing. Oftentimes when we are going through a difficult time, we share the story with others. This can be a good thing. The Bible says we are to share each other’s burdens. But there are times when the best thing we can do is limit what we say to others, who can’t really help us, and instead pour out our heart to the God who can. I have been with people who would rather talk about the problem than take it to prayer. To be honest, I have had moments like that too.

What if we resolve to spend at least equal time talking to God about the problem, as we spend discussing the problem with others? What might that change about our situation?

During a time when we were waiting on answers from doctor, my husband and I spent a great deal of time talking about the problem, speculating about the problem, and googling the problem only to have no answers. I suggested to my husband one night that we stop speculating and wait for the answers, and pray for answers, and leave this whole situation in God’s hands. We agreed, but I had to stop myself several times the next day from googling the symptoms and remind myself to pray.

We are blessed to have people to talk to and equally blessed to be able to listen when others share their trials. And I am very grateful for these relationships. My problem is, tattling comes easy and I tend to neglect prayer and seeking God, and talk with others more than I talk to Him. Daily, during difficult seasons, I need to resolve to give Him equal time, if not more.

Bend down, O Lord, and hear my prayer. I will call on You constantly, I hope. Please help me to remember to do that. Please help me to remember when I am tempted to find answers on google that You are my source of wisdom and healing. And when I just want to talk about the problem, will You nudge me back to the solutions—Your word, Your faithfulness, Your love, Your compassion, Your power, Your wisdom and Your grace. In Jesus’ name, amen.

I would love to hear from you. Please let me know if I can be praying for you as well.

pic credit: quotemaster.org

pic credit: ucg.org