January 15, 2007
By Randy Bailey

 

As a dad, I have had to learn how to let go of the hands of all three of our sons as they began their own journey in life. It was one of the hardest things I have ever gone through because I have always enjoyed their company and we have bonded closely over the years. They are much more than just sons to me. They have always been a big part of my life, and we have always been a close-knit family.

 

I had not heard the sound of my son Ryan's voice since he left for Iraq in June. It has been tough to go week after week, month after month and not be able to speak with him. Yes, we correspond through snail mail and email, but that can never replace hearing the voice of someone who you love. My wife and I knew Ryan was going to call one weekend, so we made sure we would be home all day Saturday. Just as planned, Ryan made the call and we were able to talk with him for 30 minutes. I felt so good after we caught up with the news on the phone with Ryan, and I thanked the Lord for keeping His mighty hand of protection upon him.

 

Are We In Iraq to God?

Do you know that God also longs to hear your voice in fellowship and prayer? He loves His people so much and desires a close-knit relationship. Jesus states that your voice is sweet and your countenance is comely (which means beautiful). I believe we have the tendency to forget how much our God loves us and desires to hear our voices every day, just as we desire to hear the voices of our children.

 

Prayer should be a time of excitement. Do you remember how crazy you would get when you knew you were about to spend time with someone you loved? Do you remember how long you spent on the phone with your spouse when you were dating? When prayer becomes a thing on our “To Do List” instead of something we look forward to, it won't be long before we start neglecting the prayer closet. Can you relate?

 

God waits in anticipation all day, hoping that He will hear your voice and see your beauty. He wants to show you things, He wants to share with you, and He wants some quality time with His child. “Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not” (Jeremiah 33:3).

 

What War Are We In?

I know there have been times that I have struggled in prayer. I often forget that it is so much more than just bending the knee and making my requests known to the Lord, it is one-on-one time with my Savior.

 

I am sure we all can relate to the pressures of life, getting caught up in the rat race and missing golden opportunities to spend time with our Lord. There is no secret recipe to having a successful prayer life; it is all about priorities and desire. You will always want to spend time with whom or what you love.

 

If you truly love God, you will want to spend time with Him, letting Him hear your voice daily.

 

ninetyandnine.com

 

© 2007, Randy Bailey

 

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Randy Bailey has been writing spiritual poems/devotions for the past eight years. Randy has one wife and three sons. Richard, Ryan, and Rodney are grown and on their own while Randy and Peggy live in Georgia. Randy and Peggy attend the First United Pentecostal Church of Warner Robins. Randy has written a devotional book titled “Spiritual Snacks” which is available on line at Amazon.com (plug). Randy loves to sow the seed through his writings.