#28 A Letter

Maybe writing a letter to God will help me have the peace that comes with trust. Many times in my letters to God I ask for help making a decision. Sometimes my letters are about ugly emotions I’m trying to get under control. Often the letters ask God to help me make an attitude adjustment about something.

When I’m trying to make a decision —a decision in line with God’s will—writing a letter to God helps. Why have I not done this? I don’t know, but I will today. God invites us to ask for wisdom. It’s scary to think how often we jump ahead and make a huge decision and never stop to ask our Lord if it’s what he wants us to do.

I’m thinking of how pleased the Lord was when Solomon asked for wisdom. In the first book of James we read in chapter 1:5 If you need wisdom-if you want to know what God wants you to do-ask him, and he will gladly tell you.  Writing a letter to God is another way of asking. It’s like writing out a prayer.

As letters go, this one will be in my top ten. As I look back over previous letters, I like to add updates – what happened? As I read the updates, I’m encouraged to write again.

I begin with the date  – for me, not for God. I do this because when I look back over previous letters, I can see when I had the situation and how God worked through my problem. Then I like to begin with words of thanks. One of the biggest thanks —  God is always available. No busy signal, no answering machine,  and no wrong time to approach him.

Next,  I write Dear God. Then I review the situation. This time it means I will review what I have learned, including the types of treatment, where those treatments are offered, and which doctors get the highest rankings on treatment. God knows the situation and all the details of it.

I’m very specific about what kind of help I’m asking God to give me. In my God-letters, I always review everything I can think of.

Sometimes I realize I need more information to make a decision. The hardest step might be pausing, sitting quietly, and allowing God time to answer. By the end of my letters (and often in the middle of the letters)  I know what direction or action God wants me to take. I always ask God for his will and to not let my will get in the way.

*****

Readers: Have you ever tried to write a letter to God? It might be the easiest letter you ever wrote. It really can help. When you hear a response from God, you will be filled with joy. It happens when you hear words that you know are not your words or thoughts.

*****

Dear God,

Please, please help me to find your will in all this. Help me to know by the end of the letter if I should seek treatment. Thank you for your help, guidance and direction. Amen.

Show me the path where I should walk, O Lord; point out the right road for me to follow. Psalm 25:4