Reflexive Action

“You will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you.” Jeremiah 29:12.

We’ve all had a doctor take a little rubber hammer and tap it on our knee to test our reflex. The lower leg gives a gentle kick, showing the reflex is good. It is a reflexive action that occurs automatically, and it is the same every time that nerve gets hit. It’s often the same when troubles come our way. Trials strike a nerve within us and our inner self comes forth. Our reflexive action tends to follow the pattern we’ve nourished. Many panic, react with anger, express confusion. Others react with an assurance that God is leading and giving a spirit of calmness. The Bible writer James reminded us of what our reflexive action should be when trouble strikes. He wrote, “Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. . . . The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective” (James 5:13, 16 NIV). Prayer is an acknowledgment of our helplessness. Prayer is also an acknowledgment of God’s power and love. We are not trying to manipulate God when we pray; but we are looking for Him to help us according to His perfect will. When troubles come, may prayer be our automatic response. For those who follow Christ daily, our attitudes and actions in seasons of difficulty show a watching world that we truly believe the promises given to us in Scripture.

Graham, Billy. Truth for Each Day : Daily Devotions to Renew Your Mind and Inspire Your Soul (a 365-Day Devotional), Thomas Nelson Incorporated, 2023. ProQuest Ebook Central, http://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/liberty/detail.action?docID=30516542.
Created from liberty on 2025-10-15 12:16:38.