“Is there anything I can do?”

“No, thanks, though.”

“Well, I can just pray.”

I am realizing the irony of this statement.

When I “just pray,” something huge is taking place. When I “just” pray,  in effect, I lay down my ability (or supposed ability) to be able to control people and situations. I turn my attention to the One who is sovereign and in complete control. I agree with him that there is nothing I can do to bring about godly, lasting change. When I “just pray,” I choose to lay down my desire and intent to manipulate.

When we “just pray,” we allow something huge to happen within us and maybe that is the point of whatever it is we are facing.

Conversely, when God calls us to let go of things–to quit insisting through clever sounding words or biblical advice and arguments–when we finally choose to acknowledge that we can’t control this situation or this person, “all” that is left really, is prayer…and repentance (our own)…and rest.

Ironic, isn’t it? When we lay it all down and feel like we are doing nothing but pray we are in the most powerful place…we are in a position where we can watch what God will do and take comfort in the fact that we don’t have to make something happen. We don’t have to be clever enough, articulate enough, even godly enough to bring about the change we want in others.

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When I choose to lay it down, there is peace and rest.

This is what the Sovereign LORD, 
the Holy One of Israel, says: 
“In repentance and rest is your salvation, 
in quietness and trust is your strength, 
but you would have none of it. 
– Isaiah 30:15

I don’t want to strive with the Lord any more. I choose to repent of my attempts to manipulate–even for a “godly” outcome. The only way I can be quiet, at peace, and enjoy the rest he promises is if I lay it all down and “just” pray.

How about you? Is there something (or someone) you are trying to change? Even for a godly reason? Are you anxious about it? If so, will you join me in laying it down. Let’s “just” pray…