We Never Approach Jesus in Vain

We Never Approach Jesus in Vain

We never approach Jesus in vain by Mari-Anna Stålnacke
Photo by Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash

Do you need some hope for the New Year? I think we all do. We’re starting a new year and now that we’ve reviewed all that needs to be done, the tasks seem a bit daunting. We need the courage to begin and hope to lift our spirits, right? So I was delighted to see this phrase by Päivö Parviainen on Facebook: “We never approach Jesus in vain.” How true, how encouraging, how uplifting. How so, you ask. Let me explain.

You see, sometimes when we pray and do not get immediate results, we get discouraged. But God’s silence does not mean he does not care. Nor does it mean he did not hear or will not work on your behalf. There is no reason to despair or give up or give in. God listens and he hears all you say and what’s simply is on your heart. You can be certain of it. We never approach Jesus in vain, rest assured.

For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me. I will be found by you,” says the Lord. (Jeremiah 29:11-14a, NLT)

We never approach Jesus in vain

Approaching Jesus is more than giving him our wishes and worries. God is not in wish-granting business. He is in the blessing business. God wants to bless us and help us to grow in grace and get to know him. And for that spending time with Jesus is essential. Approaching Jesus will always bless us whether we realize it or not. So we never approach Jesus in vain no matter what.

God answers our prayers the way he wants and when it’s the ultimate best time for it. When we approach Jesus, we can be sure it will bless us no matter what the outcome is. Blessings in disguise are real, blessings happen by grace not by accident. So spending time with Jesus is always a great idea. We will never be short-changed, that’s for sure.

So do not fear, for I am with you;
    do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
    I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

(Isaiah 41:10, NIV)

So be encouraged, my friend. Know that God knows you and all your troubles. He has a plan for you even when it does not feel like it. Trust God, approach Jesus with an expectant heart. God has your best interest at heart and he will equip you to go through any storms in life. So keep on praying even when it feels you do not get immediate answers. Because we never approach Jesus in vain.

Let us pray

Dear God,
Thank you for filling our hearts with hope.
How wonderful that you have our best interests at heart.
We love you.
Thank you for inviting us to abide in you.
We need you.
Bless us according to your plan for us.
Without you, we are lost.
With you, we have the courage to tackle our to-do lists.
Thank you for your love and grace.
Be praised forever and ever.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen

P.S.

Happy New Year, my friend! Be bold and courageous, God is with you! God’s mercy is anew every morning also in 2022. So approach Jesus with an expectant heart. He wants to bless you and keep you!

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