Persistent in Prayer

“For some time he refused. But finally he said to himself, ‘Even though I don’t fear God or care what people think, yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will see that she gets justice, so that she won’t eventually come and attack me!’” And the Lord said, “Listen to what the unjust judge says. And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off? I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?” Luke 18:4

It’s hard to be persistent in prayer and steadfast in faith sometimes, especially when healing or justice seems to be delayed or when what you are seeking is found by others but not necessarily in your own life. Sometimes we associate steadfastness with rigidity and we forsake it all together.

I’ve been reading through the bible with my church family. We’re in 2 Chronicles now, and sometimes it’s hard not to feel jaded as I read the accounts of the Kings. It seems they flip-flop so frequently. One king “does what is right in the eyes of the Lord,” and as a result there is peace. But, sometimes when that same king gets older they turn from the Lord or, in some instances, one generation later, the next king turns from the Lord and acts more like an enemy of God.

But one thing seems to prove true, the kings that were committed to following the Lord with a “whole heart” and committed to continually seeking the Lord, seemed to be the ones that brought peace to their spheres of influence. The kings who walked away brought destruction. It’s incredible to think of the influence our walk with the Lord has on people around us.

What do you want to bring to your people? Do we want death or life? I think most of us would say, we want life. But, sometimes we walk away from the source of our strength. We think we can do a better job than God, only to realize we can control very little.

“You can make many plans, but the Lord’s purpose will prevail.” Proverbs 19:21

In Luke 18, Jesus himself reminds us of the power of persistent prayer. The widow in this parable simply does not give up. Jesus himself met with the father continually; first thing in the morning, through the darkness of the night, and before and during the cross. David stands out among the kings as someone who sought the Lord continually. He wasn’t perfect, but he sought the Lord in almost every situation. Even after he messed up. Even after he was disciplined. Even during suffering. He knew he was safer in the hands of God than in the hands of men.

“...Let me fall into the hand of the Lord, for his mercy is great; but let me not fall into the hand of man.” 2 Samuel 24:14

“Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always.” 1 Chronicles 16:11

“Joyful are those who obey his laws and search for him with all their hearts.” Psalm 119:2

So, how do we do this? How do we continually seek him in all things and in all situations? David seemed to be completely confident that the Lord was better than anything on this earth; more just and more merciful.  

More times than I care to admit, I can be very self-centered and prideful. Even when, or especially when, I feel inadequate at the task at hand I seem to be saying “it all depends on me.” But the Lord is graciously, gently teaching me that His purposes are what prevails, whether I want to get on board or not. So what do I have if I walk away? Nothing. The Word tells us the joy of the Lord is our strength. So, why wouldn’t I want that? Sometimes, we may not consciously walk away, but we insist our way is better. In a way, that is a different kind of walking away. We forfeit the very strength we need. Or maybe we look to other people or other broken cisterns for peace which only the Lord himself can provide.

“…for my people have committed two evils: they have forsaken me, the fountain of living waters, and hewed out cisterns for themselves, broken cisterns that can hold no water.”

Jeremiah 2:13

Fear can often whisper that God doesn’t care, but fear is a liar. If we believe that, it will be difficult to seek God. Who wants to be close to someone who we believe doesn’t care about us or doesn’t see us? Fear tells us we have to do it our own way because it’s better. The accuser is the author of fear, but the Lord intercedes for us constantly out of his great love.

So, we keep seeking the Lord….through valleys, temptations, hardship…through successes. Even when you think you know the answer, even when you screw up. Especially, when you don’t want to pray; that’s the exact moment, we need to lean in.

Lord, help me to continually knock on the door because you promise to open it. Help me to seek you wholeheartedly. Thank you, that when we seek you, you promise to be found.