Take Me Back

Are you ready for a change in your life?  Have you become disconnected from your own life?  Do you sit and wonder why it seems your prayers are falling on shallow ground?  Perhaps you need to go back to the basics.  One of my favorite gospel songs is "Take Me Back".  The lyrics of the song simply say, 'Take me back. Take me back dear Lord, to the place where I first received you. Take me back. Take me back dear Lord where I first believed'. 

You remember that time when you first felt the presence of God in your life.  Maybe it was sitting in church one Sunday.  Maybe it was driving in your car or sitting in your living room.  Wherever it was, you felt God's presence and for the next few days, weeks or months, you were on fire for the Lord.  You read your Word every day.  You had a regular prayer life.  You couldn't get enough of that feeling.  It made you feel good.  But for some reason that feeling didn't last forever.  Pretty soon it was back to your regular routine.  Going to work, getting the kids ready for school, caring for your loved one, after school sports, working out, etc.  All these things that take up so much of our time.  Who has time to spend with God?  When I get home I'm so tired.  This past Sunday my Pastor reminded me of a very simple fact.   Actually it was confirmation of what the Holy Spirit had spoken to my spirit earlier that week.  While so many of us are searching for new solutions to old problems, the Bible is still true.  II Chronicles 7:14 says, 'If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land'. It's time to go back to the basics. 

Over and over in the Bible you read about individuals and groups alike who got down on their knees and prayed.  It didn't matter what the situation was or how difficult it may seem to the human eye, faith in God prevailed.  When their leader needed support they fasted as a unified body.  When the nation needing a change in direction, the people got together and prayed.  From the Old Testament to the New Testament, prayer was a tool that gave the Saint direct access to God.  So why is it the most neglected part of the believer's life.  I can't speak for you but I can speak for myself.  When I want immediate results to my problem, prayer sometimes seems like a waste of time.  I need to be doing something.  But it's not always about finding a new solution.  I remember seeing my mother and father pray.  I remember seeing my mom and her prayer partners pray....weekly.  I remember when our entire family fasted for a week, more than once.  I remember when the church I grew up in participated in a fast.  During this time there was a deeper dive into the Word of God.  It was a time of confession and repentance.  Prayer was made daily and sometimes three times a day as David prayed.  (Psalm 55:17)  David, too, was busy but yet he found a peace like no other when he prayed.  He found a joy simply in knowing that God was there listening to his every word.  That is what it is about.  God wants and needs to be our number one focus. Nothing should come before God.  The more you read the Word, the more change you will see.  The situation may not change but I am witness that you will change.  Satan may try to sneak negative thoughts in your mind but you have mastered the art of 'praying without ceasing' and have noticed the results.  If you are at a point were your life seems stagnant, I challenge you to go back.....back to the basics.  Prayer, fasting and reading the Word of God.  Oh what a difference it will make in your life!

Most Gracious Heavenly Father,

Please forgive me Lord for I have strayed away from the outline You set before me.  Too often I have looked for solutions that didn't include you and I am sorry.  Today I am making a promise that I am going back to the basics.  I am going to spend time nurturing my relationship with You.  I realize, more than ever, that I need You.  I can't make it without You.  Thank you Father for remaining faithful even when I was not faithful.  I will continue to give You all the glory, honor and the praise.  In Jesus' Wonderful Name I pray Amen.