It has long been defined that insanity is “doing the same thing over and over yet expecting different results.” Well, I contend there are aspects of life where we need to challenge this definition (or accept being labeled ‘insane’…whichever is easier for you).
Slot machines are certainly one example of my personal developing insanities. Of course I keep doing the same thing over and over expecting different results. Then again, it seems pretty sane when you finally hit that |double-diamond | 7 | 7| and you can float all the way home on some materialistic high.
Kids are certainly another fine example. “Don’t track dirt in the house!” next day “Don’t track dirt in the house!” next day “Don’t track dirt in the house!” You get the idea.
Petitioning prayer, however, is a much more serious expression of doing the same thing over and over. It really has more to do with tenacity in this case than delusions of grandeur. To an even greater degree, it was modeled for us in the Scriptures.
One interesting aspect to keep in mind about the Scriptures: the relationship between God and man in the Old Testament had a different dynamic from the New Testament since it was prior to Jesus Christ dying for our sins. The manifestation, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ changed how we are able to relate to our God in some very powerful ways. That said, we should never discount using all the Scriptures to benefit our understanding of how our relationship with God is exampled for us.
Petitioning prayer is found in both the Old and New Testaments, giving credence to the fact that this is absolutely a model we should be following, no matter how you look at it. From Daniel (Daniel 9) to Paul (Philippians 4) we find we are to plead with God in prayer and petition for the desires of our hearts and the needs of others. Over and over. In this case, you have permission to pray like you’re insane. The only real difference is that we trust in the Lord to provide the outcome, whatever it may be. It may be a direct answer with the results we asked for; it may be completely different results known only to God what the best plan is. In either case, we can proceed with our petitions knowing God is fair, sovereign, and just.
So let’s all continue to pray without ceasing each and every day. Now then; maybe we all have a bit more sanity than we give ourselves credit for.
Greg Morton
© May 22, 2009
Friday, May 22, 2009
Thursday, May 14, 2009
AA – A Time To Deal With It
Although there was a time in my life I truly needed AA (and only by my wife’s guts and God’s grace is it no longer an issue), this commentary is not about the ubiquitous Alcoholics Anonymous program. My personal AA is: Annoyance, Anger.
Perhaps my memory has skewed over the years, but I seem to recall that when I was younger, being annoyed—although commonplace—had no detrimental effect on me. It was, as the name implies, simply an annoyance. Now at almost 50 I find where there once was a wide berth between annoyance and anger…it has now become a thin line. A very thin line.
My commute to work each morning is chock full of annoyances but my anger seems to be the immediate follow up. It’s almost a call-and-response situation. Annoyance pops up…anger. Annoyance pops up…anger. It’s a cycle that is not only disturbing but feels like it’s becoming a virtual habit.
When I do get angry I usually just say a quick, “Sorry, Lord” and get on with things. I’m not even sure if that counts in God’s book, but I say it often nonetheless. What I really need is to get to the source of this. My spirit feels restless all the time. I feel like I’m communing with God just as much as I always have…but something certainly seems different.
That’s it. Most of my commentaries leave you with a positive note of encouragement or assurance. Today I guess I need to simply request prayer from anyone who reads this and say, “Hey…we’re all in this life together. If you happen to feel the same as I do, don’t feel alone. Just pray and keep praying. God is gracious and good.” What else is there to say?
Blessings –
Greg Morton
© May 14, 2009
Perhaps my memory has skewed over the years, but I seem to recall that when I was younger, being annoyed—although commonplace—had no detrimental effect on me. It was, as the name implies, simply an annoyance. Now at almost 50 I find where there once was a wide berth between annoyance and anger…it has now become a thin line. A very thin line.
My commute to work each morning is chock full of annoyances but my anger seems to be the immediate follow up. It’s almost a call-and-response situation. Annoyance pops up…anger. Annoyance pops up…anger. It’s a cycle that is not only disturbing but feels like it’s becoming a virtual habit.
When I do get angry I usually just say a quick, “Sorry, Lord” and get on with things. I’m not even sure if that counts in God’s book, but I say it often nonetheless. What I really need is to get to the source of this. My spirit feels restless all the time. I feel like I’m communing with God just as much as I always have…but something certainly seems different.
That’s it. Most of my commentaries leave you with a positive note of encouragement or assurance. Today I guess I need to simply request prayer from anyone who reads this and say, “Hey…we’re all in this life together. If you happen to feel the same as I do, don’t feel alone. Just pray and keep praying. God is gracious and good.” What else is there to say?
Blessings –
Greg Morton
© May 14, 2009
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