How Are We Communicating?

by Hoyt Smith

In our Bible class we have been studying family topics and one common item of discussion that keeps coming up is communication, or more specifically, poor communication. So many family problems can be averted or resolved by good communication. We know when a family takes time to communicate with each other life runs so much smoother. When husbands and wives talk, they �connect� and grow closer. When communication is poor, we see complaints of �growing apart�, or distance. In the worst case, we even see divorce as couples claim they have �fallen out of love�. When parents take time to talk with their children, they demonstrate how much they value their children and show they want to be involved in their lives. How many children go astray, turn to drugs or promiscuity because parents were too busy with their careers to be involved with their children. How sad! We see these same parents years later lamenting the lack of closeness in their relationship with their adult children.
We know how hurtful it is when a family member refuses to talk to us. Have you ever considered how hurt our God must feel when we refrain from communicating with him through daily prayer? He has spoken to us through His Holy Word, and given us all things we need to live an abundant, spiritual life. Yet oftentimes, it seems the only time Christians pray to him is during a time of crisis. Although this is a good time to petition our Lord, this should not be the only time we pour out our hearts to Him. Just as our earthly father loves us and wants to talk with us daily, even more so does our heavenly Father want us to place our trust in Him and pour out our hearts to Him. I encourage you to �pray without ceasing� ( 1 Thessalonians 5:17) both in good times and bad. Let us be a grateful people, and thank our Father for �every good thing given and every perfect gift� ( James 1:17) that he bestows upon us. A faithful prayer life will also benefit us by reducing stress and anxiety in life as we grow closer to God. In Philippians 4:6-7 we learn to �be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.� Let�s endeavor to communicate more deeply with our heavenly Father. He loves you.

• How Often Do You Pray? -Sep 07, 2008
• Jesus Prayed for Me -Jun 29, 2008
• We Need Prayer Day - don't you think so? -Nov 11, 2007
• A Prayer for His People -Feb 18, 2007
• Prayer -Oct 01, 2006