The last time I was thinking about inspiration, I was inspired! This, however, has been a tough week as far as inspiration goes. Although I don't always feel inspired to pray or read the Bible, I have come to realize that God simply wants obedience in those areas. The purpose of prayer and Bible study is not self-gratification…it is to Glorify God. Sometimes, I "feel" like I have a direct connection to God's control room when I am praying, and sometimes I just feel like the prayers are hitting the ceiling and falling back on the floor. When I feel this way I have to stop and remind myself it is my obedience to God in praying, studying, and ultimately in worship, that helps me to stay close to God…it is not a matter of feeling.
Paul says:
In the same way the Spirit also joins to help in our weakness, because we do not know what to pray for as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with unspoken groanings. And He who searches the hearts knows the Spirit's mind-set, because He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. (Romans 8:26-27 )
This tells me that no matter how I feel today, God is listening. Actually, He is doing more than listening, the Holy Spirit is interceding for me when I do not even know what to pray for.
So, pray when you're inspired…pray when you're not. God is gracious, hears us, and even carries us in times of weakness.
