A Reflection On Glorifying God

When I consider God’s purposes, not my own

When crisis first hits, it’s all about us. We wonder how we will be affected, how we can get out of it, how we will survive. But if we’re living God-centered lives, our prayers should turn quickly to a greater cause than the immediate impact on ourselves. Our prayers should be all about God and His purposes.

When you pray for God’s help, what is your motivation? If you’re average and normal, you pray for your own needs. There’s nothing biblically wrong with that. But there is a maturity that needs to develop. Biblical prayers must eventually fall in line with the biblical agenda: displaying the glory of God. There is no better way to gain victory in crisis than to shift our focus from our purposes to God’s. Our prayers must move from “Lord, defend my cause” to “Lord, defend Your cause.” The cries for help that begin with our own desperation must end with a deep concern for the work of God and the reputation of His name. Our cause must give way to His and our will must be shaped like His, for the glory of His name.

Arise, O God, and defend your cause.

Psalm 74:22