August 18

The Joy of Looking Back


What joy for those you choose to bring near, those who live in your holy courts…. You faithfully answer our prayers with awesome deeds, O God our savior.

Psalm 65:4-5 (NLT)


I have a friend who is a prayer warrior. She keeps a prayer journal where she records her prayer requests, and in time, God’s answers to those requests. The thing she has learned is: God answers prayer!

The truth for all of us is when we start living for God—doing life His way—and pray according to His will, He hears us. And He answers!

I haven’t kept a journal like my friend and I probably should, but I know God has answered so many of my prayers. I look back and I remember. He was there listening to our prayers for Ryan and his struggles with Apert Syndrome and twenty-four surgeries. The Almighty was there listening and answering when I deployed to the Middle East. He was there listening and answering and providing when I was unemployed.

He has allowed us all the privilege of drawing near, of entering His courts, of witnessing the way He takes care of His own. For me, it has been a joy.


Father, thank You for opening Your door to me. May my prayers please You and unleash Your mighty power. Amen.