“Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.”- Proverbs 4:23
In Chapter 17 (Holding the Heart in Every Outcome”), the concluding chapter of Moving Mountains, John Eldredge observes that when we have a glorious, once-in-a-lifetime experience, we hope it isn’t once in a lifetime! So what do we do when there are unanswered prayers all around us? John discusses three ways you can guard your heart so you don’t give way to defeat or despair.
1. Be careful how you interpret ‘unanswered prayer’. In moments of defeat or despair, our hearts are very vulnerable and it is quite easy to lose heart. Misguided conclusions come rushing in- God isn’t listening; he doesn’t care; I’m not faithful enough; prayer doesn’t really work. Catch yourself when these thoughts occur. Don’t allow your heart to go there. Ask Jesus to give you insight as to what is going on.
2. The disappointment is real. John writes that the disappointment of unanswered prayer can be devastating. Unanswered prayer, so urgent and precious to you, can feel “like a knife to the heart.” Satan seizes the opportunity to rush right in with feelings of betrayal. He whispers awful things about God, capitalizing on your vulnerability.
Satan’s lies are never, ever true! We need to invite the love of God into our disappointments.
3. Should we resolve ourselves to stick it out and not give up? John says, “Honestly . . . it depends.” We’ll probably have to stick with it long past what we thought we would have to. Just like any other type of exertion, we’ll need periods of rest to recharge so we can go at it again- perhaps in a more effective direction.
At some point you may have to let go of contending or your Prayer of Intervention when you have done all you can. But don’t let go of your faith in God’s goodness or of praying.
Today’s question: Which of John’s three ways to guard your heart resonate most with you? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “The longing for Eden”
