God of the Micro & Macro: Misplaced Fear in Our Prayers
Sometimes I think that God is too big to care about what I deem to be trivial matters in my life. He’s just so busy and important that troubling him with...
Micro
Sometimes I think that God is too big to care about what I deem to be trivial matters in my life. He’s just so busy and important that troubling him with a request for a productive hour at work or healing for my child’s cold is just an inconvenience to the King. I believe that because God is so big and powerful, he only works on macro level projects of global significance.
When I believe that to be true, I don’t magnify my view of God, I actually shrink my understanding of his power and sovereignty. The reality is that God is far more involved in the minutiae of our lives than we’ll ever realize. I can bring all my so-called-trivial worries and requests to God because he is powerful and fully capable of hearing my every thought and concern. He can handle all our big Kingdom-dreams and our small personal requests. He wants to hear it all. There’s no better place to go with our daily troubles and our simple joys than to our Dad, the King of Kings. Don’t miss the peace that is found in that truth.
“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your graciousness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:4-7
Macro
The other ditch I fall into is that I never allow myself to dream along with God. I think that asking for things that are big and audacious will be disrespectful or presumptuous. I become more concerned about offending God by the gravity of my request (as if he wasn't already aware of what I am thinking) than I am about how much bigger his plans are than my own. This is, of course, an absurd way to approach the omnipotent creator of the universe. God's not intimidated by our dreams for his Kingdom. When we forget that, we forget our own royal identity through the mediation of Christ.
Now to him who is able to do above and beyond all that we ask or think according to the power that works in us—to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
Ephesians 3:20-21
Thou art coming to a king. Large petitions with thee bring. For his grace and pow'r are such. None can ever ask too much. - Newton
— Timothy Keller (@timkellernyc) May 23, 2018
A note from Matt:
Welcome! Find this content helpful? Consider becoming a paid subscriber. You'll help fund more content like bible studies, book reviews, poetry, art, music, theological reference tools, a subscriber newsletter, & more. Let's grow together. Sign up today! 👏
Comments ()