Mon., Feb. 17, 2014
Deacon Robert Banet
What’s the matter, Charlie? You look down.
It’s just that I don’t feel like praying any more. I feel deserted by God.
Ah yes. I know what you mean. I often feel that way myself.
What do you do about it?
I keep plugging away. I keep praying and sticking to my regular schedule. I figure it’s God’s way of testing me.
How do you figure that?
I know that God plants lessons in the Bible and also lessons in nature that teach us something about His ways.
You’ll have to explain a little more.
Well, you take the sun. When it’s shining the whole world seems happy. It just makes you feel good. But what heppens when the skies are dark and gloomy?
It affects the way you feel.
Yes, but you know at the same time that the sun is up there, beyond the clouds. In the same way when you are down and not feeling God’s grace, you know that He is there, looking after you.
I guess you’re right. And maybe you’re right about God testing us.
Yes. He wants us to believe in Him and love Him for Himself and not for the pleasant feelings that we sometimes have.
I’ll have to remember that. I really do want to love Him for Himself. But I’m having a hard time.
I know what you mean. But it’s in those down times that praising God is most meritorious.
Remember, the Bible says: Rejoice always, pray constantly, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
Praise God!