I Wanna Know You

Our relationship with God begins the very moment we trust in Christ for salvation. But of course, coming to really know God does not happen with just one single encounter with Him. Truly *knowing* God involves a relationship of both commitment and time. The same is true in human relationships - we typically get to know a person better by spending quality time with them. Relationships also involve communication. I don't know of any healthy relationships that involve people who do not speak to each other. The way we are able to communicate with God by prayer.

Prayer is nothing more than having a conversation with your Father. That's it. It doesn't require long repetitive religious words or phrases like 'therefore thou art' or anything like that. It is a simple, honest and intimate conversation with Him.

When we come to God in prayer we can expect that he hears us and he knows the intentions of our hearts. Prayer that does not come from our hearts is not effective. Our attitude in prayer should be an attitude of acceptance. "God, this is what I would like and what I think that I need. I'm asking you to provide it. But if it is not what is best for me in the long run, help me to accept whatever comes."

God ALWAYS answers prayer. ALWAYS. He will choose one of three answers:

1) Yes. You are ready for this right now.
2) Wait. The timing is not quite right yet. I'm still doing a work inside of you.
3) No. This is not what is best for you. You'll likely be able to look back and thank Him for unanswered prayers in this case.

Even an effective prayer might not always alter the circumstances of your life, but at the very least it can produce the power necessary for you to cope with your situation and live in TRUE peace, joy, and contentment.

In Phillipians 4:6-9, the apostle Paul says:

“Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything.

Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.

Then you will experience God's peace,

which exceeds anything we can understand.

His peace will guard your hearts and minds

as you live in Christ Jesus.

And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing.

Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable,

and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable.

Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.

Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—

everything you heard from me and saw me doing.

Then the God of peace will be with you.”

* * *

Further down in Philippians 4:10-13, Paul goes on to attest personally to the truth of this passage as he writes from a Roman prison. From behind bars Paul says, “I’ve learned how to get along happily whether I have much or little … I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little" (Phil. 4:11-12). Paul LEARNED how to be happy and content. It didn’t just happen once he reached his goals. In fact, he claims his ability to be happy and content had absolutely nothing to do with his situation, or circumstances, but rather his increased trust in and reliance on Christ. So happiness and contentment are not things that come once our house is furnished, our lawns are lush, we own a nice car or our dreams are fulfilled. Instead it is learned as we become prayerful (verse 6) and thankful (verse 6), as we practice positive spiritual thinking (verse 8), and as we trust fully and completely in Christ (verse 13). Start practicing Paul’s process of prayer, thankfulness, and positive thinking today and begin to find joy, peace, and contentment in your life.