Developing a prayer life is understanding that following God will allow me to experience some good times as well as some bad times. However, consistent prayer reveals to me that no matter how bad it gets GOD LISTENS to me. Why? God loves me and desires nothing but good to come from every situation that may appear hopeless. In Psalms 34, David is on the run but makes an important observation about God in our troubles.
17The righteous call to the Lord, and he listens; he rescues them from all their troubles. 18The Lord is near to those who are discouraged;he saves those who have lost all hope. 19Good people suffer many troubles, but the Lord saves them from them all; 20 the Lord preserves them completely; not one of their bones is broken. Psalms 34:17-20
David says, not only is God listening to me, but he is also rescuing me from “all” of my “many” troubles! The situations I feel so inadequate in, God is near. My job is to stand still and clearly see the salvation of the Lord. When the Ambulance comes to rescue you, what happens? First, the first responders secure you on the gurney and second they strap you in so that you cant move. Your job is to take deep breathes and to be still. So basically, your stillness is an asset to your rescue. I believe God works in our many troubles in much the same way! Dont lose hope.
Write down situations that have caused you to lose hope. Take a deep breath and meditate on how God preserving you in the face of this adverse situation. Pray for the presence of Jehovah Shalom to rescue you. Prayer requires that.