BREAKTHROUGH FROM PERFORMING
“And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask Him."
Matthew 6:5-8 (NIV)
I’ve noticed that we tend to let our guard down at home. We often put on a mask with our boss, co-workers, neighbors and even people at church. Home is where people see us for who we really are. The freedom of this verse is that God is trying to show us that He wants us to let our guard down. That He’s our home and He’s our Father, that we don’t have to perform in our time with Him. For years, I thought spiritual life was an equation to be solved instead of a home to rest in. I used to think if I didn’t pray the right way, do the right things, think the right things, and have enough faith, God wouldn’t be pleased. This created pressure and more performance. Recently, my time with Jesus has become some of my favorite time because of verses like the one above. The invitation is to feel as comfortable with God as I do in my home with my closest family. This changes the way I interact with God. Suddenly, I learn to simply sit and enjoy His company.
The Pharisees wanted to be seen; they needed the approval of others. Being alone with God allows us to be seen by Him, so we don’t have to be seen by the world. Think about everything people do to get the attention of those who aren’t at all interested. Meanwhile, your heavenly Father longs to meet and connect with you as His child. When I’m with my children, most of the time, I don’t have an agenda. It’s usually about just being with them. Sure, we do things together, but the point isn’t the movie, the art project, the scooter ride or the video game. It’s about being with them and enjoying each other’s company. Why does God want you to be alone? Because He wants you to enjoy His company. The point isn’t the Bible, prayer, a journal or a spiritual discipline; the point is Jesus. Break through the performance and step into the freedom that God has. Breakthrough into a deeper life with Jesus.
APPLICATION: Just be with Jesus today like you would a friend on a long road trip.
PRAYER: Ask Jesus to help you just sit and enjoy His presence. Ask Him to free you from performing and striving to get His attention. Ask Him to help you enjoy your time with Him in new ways. Ask the Spirit to reveal any ways you are trying to perform in your quiet time. Give those to Him!
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may Your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May Your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?