Abundant Christian Living - 36
Dr Jim Brown's TruNorth Devotional
Abundant Christian Living
Day 36 | CONFIDENCE IN PRAYER
Abundant Christian Living
Day 36 | CONFIDENCE IN PRAYER
CONFIDENCE IN PRAYER
1 John 5:14‑15
“And this is the confidence that we have toward Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests which we have asked of Him.” (ESV)
When the apostle John writes about “confidence,” he is not speaking of a vague optimism but of a firm assurance rooted in relationship. Confidence here is the fruit of knowing who God is… a loving Father who delights in hearing His children. It is not a license to demand anything we desire; rather, it is an invitation to align our petitions with His will.
The phrase “according to His will” is both a filter and a compass. It asks us to examine the heart behind the request. Are we seeking personal gain, or are we yearning for something that reflects God’s kingdom values… peace, justice, love, redemption? When our prayers echo His purposes, they become a participation in His ongoing work. In that alignment, the promise follows: He hears us.
Yet these verses go further. Knowing He hears us does not guarantee that every petition will be granted exactly as we imagine. Instead, it assures us that He will answer in the way that best fulfills His perfect plan. Sometimes the answer is a “yes” that exceeds our expectations; sometimes it is a gentle “no” or “not now” that redirects us toward growth. Either way, confidence remains because the source of the answer is trustworthy.
Practical Steps for Today
As you close your eyes tonight, breathe deeply and repeat the promise: “He hears me.” Let that confidence transform anxiety into peace, knowing that every sincere, God‑aligned petition is already being woven into His gracious, sovereign story. May your heart rest in the certainty that the Father who created you, also lovingly answers you.
Prayer: LORD, thank You for hearing me and leading me in the way You know best. Amen.
1 John 5:14‑15
“And this is the confidence that we have toward Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests which we have asked of Him.” (ESV)
When the apostle John writes about “confidence,” he is not speaking of a vague optimism but of a firm assurance rooted in relationship. Confidence here is the fruit of knowing who God is… a loving Father who delights in hearing His children. It is not a license to demand anything we desire; rather, it is an invitation to align our petitions with His will.
The phrase “according to His will” is both a filter and a compass. It asks us to examine the heart behind the request. Are we seeking personal gain, or are we yearning for something that reflects God’s kingdom values… peace, justice, love, redemption? When our prayers echo His purposes, they become a participation in His ongoing work. In that alignment, the promise follows: He hears us.
Yet these verses go further. Knowing He hears us does not guarantee that every petition will be granted exactly as we imagine. Instead, it assures us that He will answer in the way that best fulfills His perfect plan. Sometimes the answer is a “yes” that exceeds our expectations; sometimes it is a gentle “no” or “not now” that redirects us toward growth. Either way, confidence remains because the source of the answer is trustworthy.
Practical Steps for Today
- Examine Your Motives – Before you pray, pause and ask, “Is this request consistent with God’s character and kingdom?”
- Speak Faithfully – Articulate your prayer clearly, trusting that the One who listens also knows the outcome that serves you best.
- Rest Assured – After praying, release the result into God’s hands, remembering that His “yes” may look different from yours, yet it is always good.
As you close your eyes tonight, breathe deeply and repeat the promise: “He hears me.” Let that confidence transform anxiety into peace, knowing that every sincere, God‑aligned petition is already being woven into His gracious, sovereign story. May your heart rest in the certainty that the Father who created you, also lovingly answers you.
Prayer: LORD, thank You for hearing me and leading me in the way You know best. Amen.
Posted in Abundant Christian Living