God - My Government

Before you get all riled up thinking I’m going to make some kind of political statement…I’m not.

Pretty much all we’ve heard about these last few months have been bail out, bail out, bail out. Maybe it’s some sort of weird trickle-down effect; or perhaps its just coincidence. The reality though—at least, my reality—is I’ve been utilizing the same mindset…and quite embarrassed about, thank you very much.

I caught myself the other morning during my prayer time (commuting to work, which is a common time for me) praying to God and asking for a bail out. Then I reflected on all my prayers as of late and...you guessed it…they’ve almost all been some sort of request for a bail out.

Don’t get me wrong. God doesn’t mind us asking things for ourselves, nor does He mind us speaking our mind (as if He didn’t know it already); but there clearly must be a balance of attributes within our prayers. Not that God mandates it that way…but because it is a reflection of what’s going on inside ourselves.

I believe there should be just as much praising as pleading; as much worshipping as whining; as much petitioning for other people as praying for our own needs. To me, this is a manifestation of where we are spiritually. It really saddens me that I have succumbed to using God as the easy way out. He may be snickering at my lack of maturity, but this newfound realization has me troubled. Now that I’ve faced this truth, however, I intend to be more conscientious about what, who, why my prayers are all about. Will I keep speaking my mind to God…every day. Will I still get frustrated and yell at Him….without a doubt. Will I think twice before asking Him for a bail out…most certainly.

God really is my government. Try as I might to self-govern…I know where that road leads. Before asking for that next bail out, I will place my trust in Him that He knows much better than I and will try to be patient for the outcome.

Greg Morton
© December 12, 2008