There is power in prayer. When I pray, I'm not just reading off my wishlist of needs, instead I approach my prayers in much the same way that I would talk with a friend. I spend a great portion of my morning time with God thanking Him for all He has done in my life and the lives of those I love. I give thanks to God for the blessings of health, my career, and all the opportunities that He has made available to me over the years that I have lived. I spend time each day asking God to forgive me when I fall short and I ask Him to teach me and grow me as a leader as I live out each day. And yes, there are times when I spend a considerable amount of time praying for peace in the storm I am facing, or strength to endure the adversity pounding on my door. Jesus said, "Come to me, all you who are weary and heavy burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." Matthew 11:28-30. At these times life may not be comfortable, yet Jesus tells us if we will bring our burdens and worries to Him we will find peace and we will experience rest. Comfort.
For me praying is an ongoing part of my day. My morning time with God is the most important part of my day, yet prayer is not restricted or limited to a certain time of the day. God is with us and available to us 24/7. So, the question begs to be asked, "When do you find yourself praying?" For some people praying is associated with something they do when they are in need. I often say people commonly pray during hardships and heartaches, and the good news is that God is there and He hears us when we pray. Sickness, sadness, or times when we are scared make life uneasy, or un-comfortable. Even the mighty King David knew that the God who is for us is the same God who is with us. "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for Thou art with me; Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me." Psalm 23:4. Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me. Even when relationships are strained, God comforts us. Even when we are destitute and lost, God comforts us. Even when our health suffers, our business fails, or our lives get turned upside down, God comforts us. There is no valley too dark or too low that God isn't there right beside you, walking with you, providing peace each step along the way. Comfort.
Somebody is out there today that doesn't feel like God is there. You can't find rest and you don't have peace. Guess what? God hasn't moved and He hasn't left you alone to deal with your life's situations. If you are feeling all alone, maybe it is you who has moved away from Him? Or maybe you haven't formed that one on one relationship with God yet so knowing what and how to pray is foreign to you. Trust me when I tell you God is near and He is eager to have a personal relationship with you. As you lean into a personal relationship with God, you will find that He is always near (Psalm 34:18) and He is always available to give your tired and weary self peace. Comfort.
When life feels like it is spinning out of control or when you just need reassurance that you are not walking alone, God is near, He is in control, and He has a plan. Trusting in God and walking with Him is the answer to your discomfort. In God you are "able" to find "comfort". Comfort-able.
Coach Carter
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