Hi, I’m Nathan and this is the first day in 30 Days of Prayer.
Rejoice. Always. Joy and prayer are inseparable. Who wouldn’t enter prayer with joy—after all, it’s like walking into the welcome reprieve of a treasured friend’s home—doors always open, with a hot drink and warm heart waiting. Even more, this Friend has put his own life on the line for you—because you’re his treasured child. You can do no wrong that will stop this Friend from believing in you—wiping the tears, taking your hand and helping you up after a nasty fall. He relishes your presence—longs to catch your eye and lift your heart. So, yeah, who wouldn’t be flooded with joy at rushing through those open doors to be welcomed by that Friendly Face. Joy here isn’t about NOT shedding tears or experiencing pain, it’s about seeing the heart of God as true north. Yes, your heart may be collapsing in pain—but you are ALSO sinking into the arms of unrestrained compassion, to the sound of his great, steady heart—and the splash of his own hot tears on your face. In that moment of pain you can have joy—not confetti and party balloons—but a deep, settled sense of heart-healing rest. You are safe in his strong embrace. And it can ALWAYS be this way, because, no matter the weather in your neighborhood, THIS Friend will NEVER get up on the wrong side of the bed, forget to read that urgent text or walk out in the middle of the fight.
