While studying the writings of Daniel, an ancient Hebrew prophet, I was inspired by the following. Daniel, even though forced into captivity as a young teen, he never broke the deep connection he had with God. On this particular occasion, he had been studying the scriptures and came on something that deeply touched his heart.
Daniel began to fast and pray, which is an important and effective way to truly connect with God. Then this happened.
20 While I was speaking, praying and confessing my sin and that of my people Israel, and presenting my petition before the Lord my God concerning His holy mountain- 21 While I was still praying, Gabriel, the man I had seen in the earlier vision, came to me in swift flight about the time of the evening sacrifice.
22He instructed me and spoke with me, saying, “O Daniel, I have come now to give you insight with understanding. 23At the beginning of your petitions, an answer went out, and I have come to tell you, for you are highly precious. So, consider the message and understand the vision.”
What struck me was that his prayer was answered while he was still praying. In my own life, I have found that the times when I was more earnestly seeking advice, guidance or assistance for myself or for others, those prayers were usually answered quite quickly, often within minutes and often in ways that I did not expect.
I encourage you to do the same. Pay attention to the one who created you and everything you see around you. Offer gratitude for your very existence and for every blessing in your life. Ask for help to resolve any hurts you are having a hard time letting go of. Ask for guidance on how to heal the past. Fervently seek guidance for your next step(s), asking to be shown for His will is for you.
We are promised that when we seek the Lord with all our heart, soul and mind, we will find Him. One way to know God, is to study the Bible, both Old and New Testaments. When one reads, while seeking to know God, the Bible will begin to become alive. You will see how much your Creator loves you. You will see the promises that are in store for you now and in the future. You will begin to experience inner peace as anxiety and depression melt away.
You may have had an experience similar to mine in which religion pushed you away from God. You may have read the Bible, finding it dry and a waste of time. You may have adopted the belief that God is distant, impersonal, judgmental and demanding. But I can assure you that if you truly want to discover His love and wisdom, ask and it shall be given to you.
It’s all ridiculously simple, once one gets past their own blocks. Also, important is to realize that demons do exist and their soul desire is to separate you from God. So, pray to God that you can begin to discern the excuses the demons implant in your mind. Pray that you can overcome whatever has kept you away from God. Then pray, study and begin to enjoy the blessings God wants to bestow on you.
If this message touched you, share it with others!
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