“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” (Genesis 1:1) How? He spoke it into existence. God starts His written word by displaying the impact of His spoken words. Yet His word goes unread by most Christians. In America, more than fifty percent of Christians have read little to none of the bible according to Lifeway Research. The word of God roots Christians in truth and establishes them with unshakeable faith. However, it takes reading the word daily for the establishment of deep roots.

The basics of Christianity consist of praying, reading your bible, and fellowshipping. When a Christian makes these three habits customary they walk with unshakeable faith. Yet, various reasons allow these disciplines to go unpracticed for years in a Christian’s life. Today, let us put our excuses aside and look at prayer closer.

Smiling takes work. I smile hoping the emotion of gladness proceeds. But no. About 280 million people in the world suffer from depression. I am not alone. Plagued by thoughts… “What is wrong with me? Gladness for my life should be easy.” However, the external world never measures up to uplift my emotional state.  The world disappoints for God provides gladness.

Things seldom go according to plan. Why then do we respond with disappointment or anger when plans fail? The answer lies within the condition of our heart.

“I had it in my heart to…” King David’s opening statement to the leaders of his kingdom. He proceeds to communicate to them why he would not be able to fulfill his heart’s desire to build the Lord a temple (1 Chronicles 28: 2). David simply without resentment says, “But God said to me you shall not..” (1 Chronicles 28:3). What allowed David to accept the Lord’s decision? Did not David say it was his heart desire? David’s plan seemed righteous and noble.

Repent. John the Baptist preached the first word of the gospel to prepare the way (Matthew 3:2). Repent—the first word preached by Jesus in His Galilean ministry (Matthew 4:17). Repent. Peter’s first word of exhortation during the first church service (Acts 2:38). Repent.