By now, I hope you have realized this 21 days of prayer is about far more than just bringing our requests before God. It is about drawing near to Jesus Himself. Intentional, focused time of prayer is about being in God’s presence, so that I can walk through my days with an awareness of His constant presence.

Perhaps, even after 18 intentional days, you still don’t feel closer to God than you did before Day 1. There seems to be an invisible wall that you can’t break through to get closer to Him.

Perhaps you are holding onto something that has become a barrier.

Expectations, dreams, plans, hurts, disappointments, idols, guilt, control, anger, unforgiveness – When we stubbornly hold on to them, they can prevent us from getting close to God.

What in your life might be creating the barrier? Will you surrender it today? Will you trust that God’s heart toward you is good? Will you let go?

Will you trust that God rejoices over you, and He wants to pour out His power, love, and joy on you?

“The Lord your God is in your midst, a victorious warrior. He will exult over you with joy, He will be quiet in His love, He will rejoice over you with shouts of joy.”

Zephaniah 3:17 (NASB)

Just like moms and children are pulled together when the child stops fighting, so it is with us and God. When we stop fighting, when we surrender, we can rest in His embrace. We can rest knowing His love for us is perfect. We can rest knowing He rejoices over us. We can rest knowing that He is a warrior who brings victory.

Today’s Challenge:

Surrender your barrier

What in your life is creating a barrier between you and God? If you want to get closer to Him,  you must let go. Ask Him what is holding you back. Then listen to what He says. Respond by surrendering.