So I had what I would call a "Light blub moment" recently. One of the most difficult question I get as a spiritual leader is "why doesn't God answer my prayers" or "how do I know God is listening?" Both tough questions usually are coming from someone really down sometimes even lost but always going through something difficult. The difference here is that these are people who usually didn't grow up in church - or grow up believing. These questions come from people turning to God in their time of struggle because they NEED God and because others get comfort by it. But when they turn to God, often nothing changes.
As the Christian faith struggles to continue to be important in people's lives and as we as religious leaders try to teach, preach and spread the message what are we offering to a world where the "easy" button has given this society a quick fix to everything. And an expectation of what should be handed to each of us - the dream life - money and living easy.
So the question becomes why turn to God?? The common quoted "ask and you shall receive" has left us all feeling that when you ask for something in prayer, and nothing changes then God must not be listening or answering our prayers. Asking God for a job, money, to win the lottery, to meet a handsome wealthy and decent man are all prayers lifted up to God pretty regularity. Should God then grant us all our wishes like a genie?
Faith is a two way street - faith is not just the hope that God exists and grants believers all their prayers. Faith is not only about praying to God. Faith is about a relationship. A relationship with the divine. You wouldn't remain in a relationship with someone who only talks about themselves and never asks you about yourself or your desire would you? Then you can't expect to have a FULL relationship with divine by just demanding material items through prayer. You aren't going to get out of your situation by just getting a job or meeting the man (or women) of your dreams.
A relationship with God is expressed in your own spiritual expresses. The Bible is an essence a human response to human experience and relationship with God. Each religion is a way to grow, express, develop and come to understand your own unique relationship with the divine. Turning to God in our times of need is only natural. Turning to God when we are down, depressed, lonely, scared, or even joyful is a good thing - and a GREAT WAY to start your relationship. To build a deep and meaningful understanding of the divine.
So back to my original question why turn to God? Why develop a relationship with the divine if your life may never change? Because your life will change! Yes, you may still be in the same place - jobless, struggling, depressed, missing the deceased, ect... But your life will change - it will be easier to carry those burdens knowing you aren't alone. Your relationship with God may open doors that you never saw before. Your more peaceful spirit may attract more opportunities.
When my life has felt chaotic or even out of control, turning to God has been a great relief. My relationship with the divine has pulled me through and kept me positive. Life still happened: loved ones still died, money stresses still existed, jobs were still needed and accidents happened. Yet, because of my relationship with the Divine, these were easier to cope with - NOT just because I believe in God but because I have faith (a relationship)!
Keep the faith! Is more then just keep believing - it is keep your relationship with the HOLY going! Offer to God not just your prayers but your ears and your praise. Don't just show up to church, develop your spirit! Don't just pray because you need a genie, pray because you want a new type of relationship one in which you are LOVED, you are WORTHY and you can be SAVED.
