The Bend of a Surrendered Heart
Well now, friend, come settle yourself on this ol’ front porch like you’re plum easin’ into a real cozy hideaway where the porch boards hum a gentle lil’ ol’ how‑do‑you‑do, and the smell of some peach preserves driftin’ from the kitchen rolls out like it has been searchin’ halfway across the county tryin’ to find you. Land sakes, I’m so downright blessed to have you come stoppin’ in over here for a lil’ ol’ stop-off. If you were any more welcome, that onery ol’ squirrel that scoots around the place like he’s sho’-nuff’ campaignin’ for a high office would march right over here and offer you the smoothest acorn he has been guardin’ from every critter in the whole holler. Pull up a chair over here, friend, because we’re sho’ nuff about to go on a journey into a truth so much sturdier than a hickory plank cured in July heat and sweeter than a jar of sweet dewberry jam coolin’ in a springhouse trough.
Psalm 106:15 says, “So he gave them what they asked for, but he sent a plague along with it.” This here verse reminds us that prayer ain’t somethin’ to be tossed around like an ol’ feed sack in the back of a pickup. The Israelites begged and fussed until God gave ‘em what they wanted, but the answer came with a plague. That there’s what happens when we git to tryin’ to bend God to our way instead of lettin’ Him bend us His way.
I hear folks say, “I have been wrestlin’ with God in prayer.” Friend, I hope you sho’-nuff’ lost that there wrestlin’ match. Prayer ain’t about no arm‑twistin’. It’s plum heart‑softenin’. It’s downright the very place where our stubborn will gets reshaped until it lines up with His.
If you keep a prayer journal, you probably have a few entries that make you cringe. I know I sho’-nuff’ do. I look back and think, “Lord, thank You for not sayin’ yes to that.” Some of those requests would’ve knocked me flatter than a silly lil’ ol’ possum runnin’ around on a busy road. God’s “no” was mighty merciful. His “no” was real protection.
Jesus said, “If you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted” (John 15:7). And the Lord deepens this truth with another verse. “The Lord is near to all that call on him in truth” (Psalm 145:18). When His Word is right at home in your heart, your desires start to lookin’ a whole lot like His desires. Your prayers start plum soundin’ like His heart.
Father, thank You for guidin’ my prayers. Teach me to want what You want and to trust Your no as much as Your yes. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Alright then, friend, as you step off this porch and back into a world that can scatter your peace faster than a big ol’ flock of quail, you’ve gotta be lettin’ the Lord settle your heart today with the steady calm of a big ol’ beaver sittin’ on the riverbank knowin’ full well it built its dam right. Let His peace drift over you like the soft quiet that rolls across a meadow when the crickets decide it’s time to change shifts. And may His wisdom rise in you with the bright flicker of a lantern‑eyed ol’ hoot owl catchin’ sight of its very first lil’ ol’ firefly. Wherever your day carries you, let His guidance shape your steps like a faithful ol’ mule followin’ the familiar trail home at twilight. Go on now, friend, and walk in the kind of prayerful trust that keeps you mighty close to His heart.
With joy,
Gwen
