God’s Love, His Promise, and the Call to Pray
Do you know how much God loves you? Do you know He promises to take care of you?
That is why He is called our Father.
He loves His children.
In Matthew 12, Jesus shows how He cares for people and how He cares for us.
After providing grain for the hungry disciples, He heals a man on the Sabbath.
When the religious leaders complain about healing on the Sabbath, Jesus says,
“What man is there among you who has one sheep, and if it falls into a pit on the Sabbath, will not lay hold of it and lift it out? Of how much more value then is a man than a sheep? Therefore it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath.” (vs. 11-12)
He reminds everyone how valuable human life is, more than animals, (sheep).
We are made in the image of God, His offspring, and as a father takes care of his children, our Heavenly Father takes care of us.
He also told us in Matthew 6 how the Father provides for the birds, and He said, “Are you not of more value than they?” (Matthew 6:26)
Instead of worrying about what we will eat, drink, and wear, (our needs), He told the disciples, “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you” (vs. 33)
He would provide.
In Matthew 11, in regards to our spiritual and emotional needs, He said, “Come to Me, all you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” (vs. 28)
He would provide.
In Matthew 6:5-13 and 7:7-11, He encourages us and teaches us to pray to Him, and He will answer.
Why?
Because God loves us and promises to help us.
Therefore, pray!
Look at the following verse, which shows us the heart of the Lord towards His people:
Hebrews 4:15-16:
For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
I am reminded of the following old hymn…..
What a friend we have in Jesus:
1. What a friend we have in Jesus,
all our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry
everything to God in prayer!
O what peace we often forfeit,
O what needless pain we bear,
all because we do not carry
everything to God in prayer!
2. Have we trials and temptations?
Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged;
take it to the Lord in prayer!
Can we find a friend so faithful
who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness;
take it to the Lord in prayer!
3. Are we weak and heavy laden,
cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Savior, still our refuge--
take it to the Lord in prayer!
Do your friends despise, forsake you?
Take it to the Lord in prayer!
In his arms he'll take and shield you;
you will find a solace there.
I love how the Lord reminds us how valuable we are to Him, and that He loves us. We have access to an amazing, loving Heavenly Father, to whom we can cast all our cares upon, because He cares for us!
God bless you as you take everything to the Lord in prayer!
-Pastor Marty
