When life comes crashing down around you, you can panic and do nothing, turn to others, or you can turn to God.

All of sudden it happens – life comes crashing down all around you. What do you do? Some choose to immediately offer up a prayer to God, some panic, some ask others for guidance. How about you?

Lean on God

As Philippians 4:6 reminds us “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” This scripture serves as a powerful reminder that we serve a big God who is in TOTAL control.

I am often reminded that His ways and His thoughts are much higher than mine (Isaiah 55:8 paraphrased). He sees the ‘big’ picture while we usually only see the?here and now. He knows what’s best for you long before you ever do.

Prayer:  The Essential Foundation

By establishing prayer as your foundation with the Lord, you will experience an incredible relationship with your Heavenly Father. Be prepared to see God answer you in different ways and to show up in amazing ways in your life.

Part of that foundation should include regular, dedicated quiet time each and every day where you sit at God’s feet. This is your time to talk with your Heavenly Father, just like you talk with your spouse and/or best friend. Talk to Him directly about whatever’s on your mind – good, bad, ugly or indifferent. He loves you unconditionally – and He already knows before you ever say something to Him. Sometimes it’s journaling your thoughts and what He puts on your heart. Either way, this is one of the richest times you will have with Him.

In addition to sharing with God what’s on your heart about things going on in your life, it’s a time to lift others up in prayer. Regardless of who they are, or what their need is, God wants you to bring prayer requests for others to Him.

With prayer as your foundation, your quiet time will take on a whole new meaning.

Give God Praise

We serve an amazing, amazing God! There are so many blessings that He extends to us each and every day – from the very air that we breathe into our lungs and sights that we see with our eyes, to the miracles that transform our viewpoint on who God is in our minds.

Start your quiet time, or your prayer requests, with giving God praise for five things in your life and be astonished. Your mountains are now molehills; your worries are now a passing thought; your fears are now your motivation. Read Exodus 15:2, Deuteronomy 8:10 and 1 Chronicles 16:25 as some initial verses about giving God praise.