While one may think a worldwide pandemic like Coronavirus would help me pray, I found I was struggling to talk to God.
I wanted to talk to God.
Telling Him all my fears and feelings, my hopes and frustrations sounded like exactly what I needed. But whenever I thought about it, Instagram felt easier.
What’s Wrong With That?
Nothing. And everything.
Social media isn’t a bad place. In fact, I use Instagram and Facebook to encourage YOU! But when we turn to social media to avoid connecting with God, that’s when we miss out.
Why Do We Avoid God?
Truthfully, there are dozens of reasons. Sometimes, I don’t want to put in the effort. I know God doesn’t require huge amounts of effort for us to come to Him, but it does take being intentional.
Other times, I want to escape. I don’t want to think and Netflix and ice cream are more than happy to help.
While understanding why we avoid God can help, it’s more important to look at how to stop avoiding God.
What Should I Do?
Start.
I know that sounds simple, but sometimes just starting with His name is enough. Start somewhere, no matter how small or imperfect you think it is. Then ask God to help you build on that.
God wants to connect with you! He is more than willing to meet you where you are and help you.
What About Hard Seasons?
Isn’t that the heart of it? As I type this we have been home for over three weeks because of the Coronavirus Pandemic. I thought that would drive me straight to God, making me want to talk to Him through it all.
Instead, I found that I struggled with my thoughts and feelings so much I couldn’t even figure out how to talk to Him. Or if I really wanted to. I wasn’t sure how much He could help.
Yes, I am fully aware that it sounds awful to admit that, but it’s true. Sometimes the hard things we face seem too big for God. I’m glad things aren’t always what they seem.
How Can I Change Things?
Beyond the idea of starting with His name, there are two things we can do that make a difference:
- Be honest
- Declare truth
Being honest with God with all our feelings helps us process them WITH God instead of on our own. Doesn’t that sound better than going it alone?
Declaring truth is what reminds our hearts and minds of who God is and His faithfulness. It reestablishes the foundation our souls crave.
Here’s Some Help
This process can feel especially hard when we’re facing challenges like this. That’s why I created something to help us. And it’s FREE.
Praying Through Covid is a simple guided journal to help you connect with God during the pandemic.
Start connecting with God today. Download your free journal now.
Thank you for being so honest, Rebecca. We so easily try to find support and comfort anywhere else but in the One who alone can help us. Your journal is a great guide even if we weren’t going through this Covid crisis. I love how you start with “God, You are…” Through any kind of trial, I find it helps me to center on His faithful character. Thank you! Love and blessings of safety, strength, and peace!
It is so centering, isn’t it?! Blessings to you, too!
Great minds think alike – well, Jesus is the mind and talking to both of us about prayer. I love this line above: “Start” Yes, and that makes all the difference. Jesus Calling was written for such a time as this. I doubt she knew. love, sue
You are absolutely right!! Love that. (And I emailed the journal to you!)
I would like the prayer journal and will share w/ my audience, but am already signed up I think – can you help? I won’t share w/o them having to sign up. (:
Appreciate how you are always so real and authentic. It’s what makes me and others connect with you. 🙂 Love this thought: “Being honest with God with all our feelings helps us process them WITH God instead of on our own. Doesn’t that sound better than going it alone?” So true. When we look at the Psalmists and others in the Bible, they lamented and cried out to the Lord with their real and raw emotions and feelings. It’s part of the intimate relationship the Lord wants to have with us. Thanks for the reminder.
You’re the sweetest. Thank you, friend!
I am very much a proponent of faking it until you make it when my “want to” or “able to” seems absent.
Sometimes that’s the way, isn’t it?!
love the journal! what a neat download. thank you!
I’m so glad you like it!
I love that we can come to God simply as we are. No fanfare, no dressing up, no smoke and mirrors. Just honest, trusting conversation.
He knows what’s going on in our hearts anyway! We might as well unpack with the only One who can do something about our burdens …
Loving your posts, Rebecca …
Yes!!! That’s exactly it! And thank you sweet friend!
This is quite thoughtful of you Rebecca, putting together a journal is definitely helpful.
I visited your site from worthbeyondrubies link party.
I’m so glad it encouraged you, Betty!
One former pastor used to say that one of his best times in prayer happened when he had to start out confessing that he didn’t really feel like praying. That’s always stuck with me. I love that we can come to God right where we are without having to work up to the right words or mood beforehand.
What a powerful thing to hear from a pastor! I love when we can be vulnerable with one another in this way!
Thank you for sharing your honest heart about prayer and the challenges. For me. COVID-19 blew my schedule and routine out of the water, and when all the pieces landed, it took me a while to fit the prayer piece in place. We do need to look squarely at the problem before we can solve it
Oh, how I love your way with words. You are exactly right!
A timely reminder. God is ready and willing to be there for us. Thank you for sharing. #Thehappynow
So glad you’re here, Marielle!
I was just commenting elsewhere that my prayer life has taken a hit since covid. My opportunities to pray with other people have been greatly diminished. But you’re reminding me that my prayer life in general doesn’t have to take a dive. Thanks, Rebecca!
I’m so grateful for all the grace He gives in the process!
rebecca, thank you so much for your beautiful prayer journal, much needed resource in this season! Beautiful post sweet sister, praying blessings over you this morning! 💓
Getting beyond the inertia and noticing God–two of the most import aspects of worship. I love it! Thanks for the encouragement, Becky.
Peace and grace,
Tammy
Isn’t it funny how we retreat from key relationships (whether with God or a spouse) during hard times? Maybe it’s our need to curl up in a corner and grieve (which we deny ourselves and do Netflix or ice cream instead). Thank you for the reminder to acknowledge our behavior, speak truth, and move towards the ones we love instead of away.
It is causing fear and it shouldn’t, we know things have to happen before His return, there is fear of Covid, the shot, it being mandatory, pray and trust the Spirit.