Visiting God
“LORD, in trouble have they visited thee, they poured out a prayer when thy chastening was upon them.” Isaiah 26:16
Reading the above verse this morning has reminded me of the times I have not only experienced but been guilty of what this verse is speaking about. A portion of Matthew Henry’s comments are as follows:
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[See here, [1.] The need we have of afflictions. They are necessary to stir up prayer; when it is said, In trouble have they visited thee, it is implied that in their peace and prosperity they were strangers to God, kept at a distance from him, and seldom came near him, as if, when the world smiled upon them, they had no occasion for his favours. [2.] The benefit we often have by afflictions. They bring us to God, quicken us to our duty, and show us our dependence upon him. Those that before seldom looked at God now visit him; they come frequently, they become friendly, and make their court to him. Before, prayer came drop by drop, but now they pour out a prayer; it comes now like water from a fountain, not like water from a still.] ~ Matthew Henry
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Most of us have individuals in our lives who seem to keep their distance until a need arises. In our fast-paced society, many of us would have to admit guilt as well. After a while, this can be very disheartening to the one being neglected. Whether thought or spoken, the question is often, “Can you not take time just to visit?” Yet…how often do each of us treat God in the very same manner? Do we ever consider how God feels if the only time we “visit” Him in prayer is when we have a need?
As we celebrate Thanksgiving tomorrow, first of all, let’s be sure a part of our day is indeed spent thanking God for His many blessings on our lives. (Remember, the original purpose of this holiday was not to see who could eat the most turkey…or watch the most football…or grab the most pre-black Friday deals.) And then, let’s not wait until the next trial comes our way to come to Him in prayer. Yes, He wants us to come to Him with our requests, but let’s not be guilty of making that the only time we talk to Him. Whether the sun is shining in our lives or the storm clouds have rolled in, let’s take time to visit God.
“There should be a parallel between our supplications and our thanksgivings. We ought not to leap in prayer, and limp in praise.” ~ C.H. Spurgeon