A word of encouragement to follow last night's weekly meeting

[Thomas Joyce]

Hi all,

After Tyler's message for us last night about excuses we have that get in the way of spending time with God, I was convicted myself about my excuses. I processed some more this morning and felt stirred to share this:

When there has been sometime since you last communed and spent time with God praying, I know it's easy to start feeling overwhelmed with maybe doubts from our minds, or lies from the Enemy. For me I start to feel overwhelmed with thinking that there is so much to pray about- thanking God for who He is and what He's done, for my family, for my friends, for my church, for long-term plans, etc. Here's where I want to encourage you all- When you start to feel overwhelmed, press in and continue to pray! Scripture says that our Heavenly Father knows what we need even before we ask (Matt 6:8) so we don't need to fear that we aren't covering every topic that we think of. On top of that, because of Jesus Christ's death, resurrection, and ascension to heaven we have the Holy Spirit who teaches us what to pray (John 14:26.) Finally I want to share this verse: "Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died--more than that, who was raised to life-- is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us."- Romans 8:34. I think all these verses show that God knows we are going to get overwhelmed and that it is okay. The more time with Him that we spend, I believe the more natural it will feel and the overwhelming thoughts of what to pray for will fade.

Grace & Peace,

-Tom Joyce