Susan (she of What a beautiful day!), commenting on the last post, wondered if we don't sometimes seem to God like demanding children. I think so. Keep in mind however that God, unlike us, is infinitely patient and merciful. So though we may at times become exasperated with our own children when they plead and beg for another toy or more candy (or whatever), God does not become exasperated. Though we sometimes reach the end of our rope, He never does. And just as we would like our children to know what's best for them, to trust us and believe that our care for them (even when we are withholding something) is for the best, God desires that we trust him in the same manner.

Trusting God is the entrance into mature prayer. In the last post I rather misleadingly included Christ's Gethsemane prayer as an example of pleading. That word is not entirely inaccurate, perhaps, but more needs to be said. Jesus only desired to do the will of God. "Take this cup from me, " he pleaded, but only "if it is possible." That is, if there is another way to accomplish the redemption and salvation of the world. "But not my will, but yours, be done." This is trust. Supreme trust. To walk in God's will no matter what. We ourselves will never have to walk into foresakeness, never have to cry, "My God, why have you deserted me," because Jesus endured all that in our place. He trusted in God even unto the Cross. We ourselves have a lighter burden by far, because of Him.