Ashley Farrell: Blog

I love the Psalms. They always seem to speak new truth and comfort to me, no matter where I am in life.

Currently, I'm in a place where God is doing some amazing things in my life- prayers are being answered, miracles are occurring. But there are some BIG things in my life that I'm still waiting to hear from the Lord on. Some of these things, I've been waiting on for years. It's an interesting place to be. I have peace because I know God is faithful, and I see His hand at work daily in my life. But I don't want that peace to become complacency, causing me to be satisfied with the unanswered prayers and putting them on the back burner. 

Prayer is so important. As believers, we are called to pray. This isn't a special gifting for a select few. Prayer is essential to our walk with the Lord. I want to be a woman of prayer. I don't want to "give up" on unanswered prayers. One of my favorite scriptures is Isaiah 1:18 where God says, "Come now, and let us reason together." God wants us to make our requests known to Him. In fact, I believe that He loves when we come to Him in prayer. The Bible describes the prayers of the saints as incense, a sweet aroma to the Lord. It's a smell He loves and as His daughter, I want to give Him something that He loves. I want to please my Father! And the beautiful thing is, He wants to give us the desires of our heart. (Ps. 20:4) So, if our heart is pouring out our prayers and supplications- our requests to God, He will hear us and answer us. 

Now, I want to clarify a couple of things.

1. God doesn't always answer prayers the way we anticipate, or in the timeframe we may hope for. But He is faithful! So, continue to diligently pray and expect Him to move. Don't be wishy-washy in your prayers, or pray half-heartedly. Pray in faith, without doubting, and wait in expectation of what the Lord will do.

2.  I don't want to put a yoke around your neck and make you feel that you need a prayer "to do list". It's not about how many things you pray for, and more doesn't mean better. The Bible often speaks of praying in the Spirit and about asking God for wisdom. Allow the Holy Spirit to guide your prayers. He will put certain things on your heart. There may be obvious things in your life that you need to pray for, but sometimes you may be surprised at what the Lord leads you to pray about. 

So this brings me back to my devotional time I had today. I was reading Psalms 60-62. A few key verses really stood out to me and encouraged me. I hope they do the same for you.

"From the end of the earth I will cry to You,
         When my heart is overwhelmed; 
         Lead me to the rock that is higher than I." Ps 61:2 NKJV

Today I felt just like this- my heart is overwhelmed. Overwhelmed with emotions such as joy and excitement, as well as frustration and concern. How do I pray? I go to the rock that is higher than I, and look to Him.

"My soul, wait silently for God alone,
         For my expectation is from Him.
 He only is my rock and my salvation;
         He is my defense; 
         I shall not be moved.
 In God is my salvation and my glory;
         The rock of my strength, 
         And my refuge, is in God." Ps. 62: 5-8 NKJV

 "God has spoken once,
         Twice I have heard this: 
         That power belongs to God.
    Also to You, O Lord, belongs mercy;
         For You render to each one according to his work." Ps. 62:11,12

Jesus is my salvation! I will not try to create my own miracles. He has the power to answer my prayers. He is merciful and will render to me according to my work (prayer). So, I will wait on the Lord in expectation!

And I leave you with this final verse,

"Trust in Him at all times, you people;
         Pour out your heart before Him; 
         God is a refuge for us.  Selah" Ps. 62. 8 NKJV  

"Selah" means "think about it". And that is what I want you to do. :)

Charis,

Ashley