There are two readings for today.
SCRIPTURE: Psalm 5
OBSERVATION/APPLICATION:
And he directed the people to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people. [Matthew 14:19]
When do you give thanks, before or after God answers your prayer?
When you pray, do you expect God to answer, and anticipate His response by faith?
Jesus anticipated God’s answer before He gave it; He thanked God even before God multiplied the loaves and fish.
He had a hopeful heart, He anticipated God’s favour and blessing.
In the morning, LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly. [Psalm 5:3]
David represents a similar hopeful heart, a confidence that however things worked out, God was shielding him with His favour [Psalm 5:12].
Recently God has been testing me in this too.
There are some very specific requests that I am presenting to Him, and I am trying to find this sense of expectancy.
It’s not just a matter of ‘psyching’ myself up, like the power of positive thinking.
It is really a matter of positive believing, affirming in my mind and with my mouth that God is great and God is good, and He WILL do what is best.
He cares more about the well-being and advancement of His Kingdom than I do, so I can be assured that my prayers to that end will be answered.
He may do immeasurably more than I ask or imagine [Ephesians 3:20], but He will do it.
He will multiply the meagre resources and hopes and dreams that I lay at His feet, and He will feed the people.
The power of positive believing, expectantly awaiting God’s favour, thanking God in advance for His answers to our prayers.
In regards to my own specific situation, I received a very encouraging (and specific) scripture promise to strengthen my hope a few days ago.
At first my sense of expectation and gratitude was over the top, I was so encouraged.
But now a few days later the hopeful sense is draining (not disappearing), and I long to have it back.
It is a choice on my part, and this Psalm is a part of God’s encouragement to hang in there.
To make this my prayer at the beginning of each day: In the morning, LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly. [Psalm 5:3]
More than this, to hold up whatever I do have right now (5 loaves, 2 fish) and express my thanks in advance that He will do immeasurably more than I ask or imagine!
PRAYER:
Lord, may my prayers rise up to you like this Psalm, my expressions of hope and confidence in You and in Your “immeasurably more” favour!