Imagine that you have a pesky sweet tooth, and the craving just won’t go away. You find this very annoying, because you’re already late for work, and trying to lose weight besides. So, packing up your resolve, you grumble while hurrying out the door.
But at a red light, you see a billboard on the corner. It features the picture of a man driving through a giant donut. In huge letters it reads, “Lucky Lee’s Donut Hole–Pick Some Up On Your Way Through!”
“Why not?” you sigh, turning into the shop as soon as you have the light.
That story may seem harmless on the surface, but I submit that there is a real connection between our fast-food diets and our spiritual diets. So please read on.
Maybe you’re like that person with the annoying sweet tooth, and your prayers have become similar to ordering at a divine drive-thru.
“Oh, you don’t know the half of it,” you answer. “I feel like I’m stuck in a cosmic donut hole, and my prayers are hitting the ceiling.”
If that’s true for you, let’s look at the connection which I eluded to above.
The Bible makes it clear that humanity has an insatiable craving for God, which He has implanted within us. But many times, we approach our prayers like this. While we feel the desire for God, we tend to ignore His nudging. Or maybe we make demands on Him, treating Him like an employee at a drive-up window. Or, like the person in our story, we run out the door, so to speak, while making excuses why we can’t be late for that meeting. Finally, we can be like that annoying person who sits in the car in front of us and peruses the menu while other motorists are honking.
In other words, sometimes we don’t just tell God how to answer our prayers. We are selective in the way He does it.
Most of us do any or all of those things, for just as our view of society determines how we relate to it, our view of God determines how we relate to Him. But these distorted views must change, and they can only do that when we view Him through the lens of scripture. So let’s look at a few verses, and see what they have to tell all of us.
One reason we treat God so lightly is because we don’t meditate on His greatness as shown in His Word. The first things that we need to be struck anew by, therefore, are His majesty and His power.
Scripture clearly states that there is no God like our God. Look at Psalms 24:10 with me, and then search the scriptures for yourself.
“Who is this king of glory? The Lord of hosts, He is the king of glory. Selah.” (KJV)
The God of the Bible is above all things, and a real glimpse of Him can change your outlook on life. While this may not happen overnight, you can experience a new freedom and joy as you seek Him, and as His peace becomes a reality.
This correct view of God also leads to an attitude of praise and worship. But I think we often fail to receive this prayerful outlook, because we are always on the go. So I would like to share one verse that especially speaks to me, and helps me to slow down.
Psalms 46:10 says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” (NIV)
Just as you would bask in the sun at the beach, I invite you to bask in God’s presence each morning. You might have to rearrange your schedule to do this, but I have found that the effort is more than worth it, and it gives you a new reason to start each day.
So let me close with one final question. Why exist in that cosmic donut hole of emptiness when, instead of driving through, you can stop at God’s door for a while? If you do this, your life can be filled with power and purpose. You can enjoy the King’s presence, and then you can openly share that joy with others.
Thank you for reading this, and may the Lord give you a wonderful week! We are trying to reach people who are hurting, so if God lays it on your heart, please consider becoming a partner with us. If you would like to make a donation, please visit www.hcmachaplains.org and click on the Donate Now link. You can also send donations by mail to HCMA (Healthcare Chaplains Ministry Association). Our ID number is 560. The address is 101 S Kraemer BLVD, Suite 123A, Placentia, CA 92870.
Finally, you’re always welcome to join our Tuesday night Bible study. These studies are conducted by conference call, and they take place at 6:30 PM Arizona time. Our conference number is 313-209-8800. Our PIN is 8699032. We hope to talk with you soon!
If you have questions, comments or prayer requests for Timothy or Stephanie Burdick, please call 507-369-6861.