I don’t know about you, but I struggle with prayer. I guess I see it as a passive, last-chance option. But prayer is never portrayed that way in the Bible. I really need to train my mind and heart to see prayer as one of the believer’s greatest weapons — a tool to be used against discouragement, confusion, and uncertainty.
Jonah was pretty certain he was going to drown. But then God saved him! Prayer gave Jonah the opportunity to reflect on his distress and his banishment from God. [I’m not sure Jonah’s heart ever really changes as we’ll see in chapter 4.]
What difference would it make if I looked at my life as one which had been “brought up from the pit” (v. 6)? Do you feel that your life is “ebbing away”? Not a one of us is going to escape death (unless the Lord returns). Aren’t you glad you’re reading this blog this morning?
What is crystal clear to Jonah is that IDOLATRY is foolish! He says, “Those who cling to worthless idols turn away from God’s love for them.” (v. 8). IDOLATRY or GOD’S LOVE — your choice. And mine.
G.K. Chesterton said it best: “He who does not believe in God will believe in anything.” But we’re not in danger of idolatry, are we? (to be continued)
Dr. Larry Dixon
larrydixon.wordpress.com 