How to Look at Your Circumstances Differently

by Gregory A. Johnson

I may be tired, confused, and even somewhat depressed when I go into my place of prayer, but I’m strengthened, enlightened, and my heart is full of thanksgiving when I come out. I go in as one person and come out as another. I’m renewed in His presence.

If you pray, you know what I am talking about. You have experienced the same. Do you know why it happens?

Prayer changes us. Even if our circumstances are the same, after we spend time around the throne of God in prayer, we are changed. When we enter our place of prayer, we are not the same person as we are when we come out.

Prayer is powerful. When I pray, I know that God hears my cries. The very One who created everything by His spoken word listens to you and me. Why? Because He loves us, and He cares for us.

Pray on, Beloved. Pray on. It will change you, and you will look at your circumstances differently.

SCRIPTURE:
“Blessed be the LORD! For he has heard the voice of my pleas for mercy. The LORD is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts, and I am helped; my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to him” (Psalms 28:6-7 ESV).

PRAYER:
Father, I thank you for the privilege of prayer that you give us. The time we spend with you is life changing. I know that you are looking out for my best interests, and I trust you. My heart is full of thanksgiving today because you give me a joy that is unspeakable and full of glory. Please continue to change me as I pray. Help me to look at my circumstances differently, fully trusting you to strengthen and protect me in the midst of everything. Instead of being burdened and anxious, help me be patient as I pray, allowing you to work in each situation. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Excerpted from the book, Be Encouraged: A Daily Devotional, Volume 1 by Gregory A. Johnson. Copyright © by Gregory A. Johnson. All rights reserved.