Shameless Audacity

The second of three posts on "When you pray, go into your room".

Key Scripture Passage
Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere.  Psalm 84:10a (NIV)

Reflection
Do you remember the famous photo of JFK sitting at his desk in the oval office and his son, John Jr. on the floor peeking out from under the desk?  (Click here if you'd like to see it.)  Two thoughts immediately come to mind when viewing that photo.  “What is a toddler doing under the desk of the most powerful man in America?” And at the same time, “That little guy belongs right there playing at his father’s feet.”

The picture captures what I think Jesus is trying to teach in the parable of the friend at midnight who comes knocking and asking for a loaf of bread.  Jesus said, “because of your shameless audacity he will surely get up and give you as much as you need” (Luke 11:8).  Jesus’ point is that even though God is Almighty, we, His children, are welcome in His presence at any time.  The little John Kennedy Jr probably didn’t want anything more than to be close to his father.  And that’s exactly what God wants us to desire.  Jesus is calling us to simply be with Him.

Psalm 73:25 says, “Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you.”  I wish I could say that to God with complete sincerity.  But I want so many things here on earth, good things.  But even more than the good things that I often ask God for, He wants to give me the best thing – Himself, time with Him, His presence in my life.

The Luke 11 passage goes on to say, “Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”   The verse doesn’t say “how much more will your Father in heaven give you fish and eggs and other goodies”.  It says He will give us the Holy Spirit because God knows that is the best gift imaginable.  That’s what we really need and what we should really desire. So, with shameless audacity let’s go often in that quiet room and be with our Almighty, Eternal, Holy, Unchanging, All-powerful, All-wise, All-knowing, Sovereign, Gracious, Merciful, Faithful God.  We belong there, sitting at His feet, not needing to ask for anything, and discovering that one day in His courts is truly better than a thousand elsewhere.

Questions to Consider
Who do you have in heaven other than God? What on earth do you desire that keeps you from spending time simply enjoying God’s presence?

Action Step for the Week
Set aside 30 minutes in your week ahead to be alone with God.  Spend time appreciating how amazing our Father is.