And they were helped against them, and the Hagrites were delivered into their hand, and all who were with them, for they cried out to God in the battle. He heeded their prayer, because they put their trust in Him.—1 Chronicles 5:20
These words hit my heart this morning. The armies of Reuben, Gad and Manasseh succeeded in battle because in their distress they cried out to God. He heard their cry because they put their trust in Him. It really IS so simple. Don’t trust in your own skills, in your own wisdom and in your own strength. Pray and seek God’s wisdom, God’s direction and God’s strength. Winning is in depending. Winning is in remembering God and trusting in His will and His purposes for you. Trusting in me opens the door to pride.
Father...some trust in chariots and some in horses...By Your gracious Spirit, Father, I will humbly place my trust in You! I will be faithful because You are faithful. You will hear my cry and I will be helped.
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
Closing with the words of one of my favorite hymns by Alan Jackson...
What a friend we have in Jesus
All our sins and griefs to bear
And what a privilege to carry
Everything to God in prayer
Oh, what peace we often forfeit
Oh, what needless pain we bear
All because we do not carry
Everything to God in prayer
Have we trials and temptations?
Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged
Take it to the Lord in prayer
Can we find a friend so faithful
Who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness
Take it to the Lord in prayer
