New Year Verses & a little story

I decided to pick some verses to help me focus on God in the new year.

First, Philippians 4:5
"Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near."

I need this when I'm about to lose my cool with the children, especially around bedtimes.

Second, Revelations 5:8b
"Each one had a harp and they were holding golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints."

This verse helps me visualize how my prayers are like incense before the Lord.


Also, I have a story to share. When we went to visit family during the holidays, my husband and I realized that my baby carrier was missing. We are not a rich family and that carrier was expensive! I called every place I could think of and made my friends scour their living room many times. I started praying earnestly that God would find that carrier for me.

Over a week past and I knew it was almost impossible, but as I prayed, I begged for him to find it for me telling him that he could do anything. And I told him how I've been feeling a little blue lately and if he would find it I would feel so loved and I really would stop doubting that he truly loves me. And almost immediately, when I called H-Mart  for the second time, they said, "You mean the chestnut colored carrier?" I was so shocked and did a happy dance at my house.

I know some people would say it was just a coincidence, but I truly believe that my God did that miracle for me. Even though it was such a shallow prayer, the fact that God loves me personally and is truly listening to me when I cry out to him even about small trivial things made me stop a little. Even though there are billions of people out there and God loves each and every one, he still cares about me individually and listens to my prayers! Even when God feels far away and distant, I am always on God's mind and he is concerned about me. It made me realize how often my prayers are mixed with doubt when He truly wants to answer my prayers. It made me wonder what would happen if I prayed for other people just as earnestly out of desperation as I did when I wanted to find my carrier.