A Prayer of David.

This past semester has been one of the most challenging, growing, and rewarding I've experienced yet. I feel like I am exactly where I am supposed to be in every aspect of my life. Not that this makes the rough times any easier, but it has given me a new perspective on how I handle my circumstances. Looking back, I think I have learned the most about how God works through consistent prayer and His provision in my life. There were so many times that I specifically prayed and asked God to provide exactly what I need, whether it was what I wanted or not. That kind of surrender is such a beautiful part of a relationship with Christ. It's vulnerability. I can recall being hit right in the face with his plans each time I prayed that prayer. His answers were SO incredibly clear and I could do nothing but sit back with an awe-smirk (Yes, I just made that up) and feel the tangible love of my God. Just to give a practical instance of what I'm speaking of, I recently needed to pay off a remaining balance before I could register for my next semester at Cedarville. It was a lot more than I had initially planned, so I immediately took it to God. By the end of the week I  had come up with literally the exact dollar amount I needed. To the dollar. Seriously, what are the chances of that? That my mom, or others who helped, didn't round up a few dollars to make it even, it was the most detailed amount. We serve a God that is so faithful. I know that money is an easy way for us to apply 'His provision' in our lives, but it doesn't end there. I will agree that it is a dangerous prayer to ask only for what you need, but what else more could you want? The creator of everyone and everything knows your deepest longings and how to satisfy you, let Him work! Also, Christians often abuse prayer and only pray for what God will provide. Re-evaluate the focus of your prayers, be sensitive to selfish nature. I find this easier to do when I journal; when I can physically see the words 'I', 'Me', 'My', on the page. This doesn't work for everyone, but it's definitely worth a try. I am truly blessed by every little thing that has happened in this season of my life and I'd like to thank you if you have been a part of it. To end my post, I would like to share Psalm 86, one of my favorites that got me through a lot this semester. It overflows with God's faithfulness. Thanks for reading!
-Brittney

Hear me, Lord, and answer me,
    for I am poor and needy.
² Guard my life, for I am faithful to you;
    save your servant who trusts in you.
You are my God; ³ have mercy on me, Lord,
    for I call to you all day long.
⁴ Bring joy to your servant, Lord,
    for I put my trust in you.

⁵ You, Lord, are forgiving and good,
    abounding in love to all who call to you.
⁶ Hear my prayer, Lord;
    listen to my cry for mercy.
⁷ When I am in distress, I call to you,
    because you answer me.

⁸ Among the gods there is none like you, Lord;
    no deeds can compare with yours.
⁹ All the nations you have made
    will come and worship before you, Lord;
    they will bring glory to your name.
¹⁰ For you are great and do marvelous deeds;
    you alone are God.

¹¹ Teach me your way, Lord,
    that I may rely on your faithfulness;
give me an undivided heart,
    that I may fear your name.
¹² I will praise you, Lord my God, with all my heart;
    I will glorify your name forever.
¹³ For great is your love toward me;
    you have delivered me from the depths,
    from the realm of the dead.

¹⁴ Arrogant foes are attacking me, O God;
    ruthless people are trying to kill me—
    they have no regard for you.
¹⁵ But you, Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God,
    slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness.
¹⁶ Turn to me and have mercy on me;
    show your strength in behalf of your servant;
save me, because I serve you
    just as my mother did.
¹⁷ Give me a sign of your goodness,
    that my enemies may see it and be put to shame,
    for you, Lord, have helped me and comforted me.