Insanity? I Think Not!

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