Today’s sermon hit me right where I live: my life gets full fast. Not just “busy,” but packed—stuffed with plans, noise, screens, worries, errands, opinions, and a thousand little things that feel urgent. And the truth is, when my life is that full, it gets harder to hear God clearly.
The pastor said something that stuck with me: saying “no” actually creates space—space for the Holy Spirit. If my mind, my schedule, my belly, and even my senses are always overloaded, then where does God’s voice fit? Where does peace fit? Where does conviction fit?
When “Quiet” Feels Uncomfortable
One of the most honest parts of the message was when the pastor talked about his body feeling quieter this week than last week. He admitted that a still body can be triggering for some people—especially those who’ve struggled with addiction—because being still forces you to feel what you’ve been running from.
But the point wasn’t shame. It was hope: God wants to quiet us, empty us of unnecessary things, and fill us with His Spirit. That’s not punishment. That’s healing.
Public Prayer Matters… But It Can’t Replace Private Prayer
We’ve been focused on fasting and nights of public prayer, and I love that. There’s something powerful about believers coming together and praying as one body. But today felt like a “sweet correction,” because Jesus points us to something we can’t skip:
“But when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.”
— Matthew 6:6
Jesus never taught that prayer services are the main thing that will sustain your life. He didn’t say, “When your pastor prays for you on Sunday…” He said, “When you pray…” God wants intimacy, not a show. Relationship, not performance.
The Lord’s Prayer Isn’t a Magic Script—It’s a Blueprint
I loved how the sermon explained the Lord’s Prayer. Jesus isn’t saying we must repeat it word-for-word like a formula. He’s teaching us the manner of prayer—the framework.
- Start with God: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name.” Prayer begins with reverence.
- Align with His will: “Your kingdom come, Your will be done…” Not “bless my plans,” but “shape my plans.”
- Ask for daily needs: “Give us this day our daily bread…” God cares about what I need today.
- Practice forgiveness: “Forgive us… as we forgive…” Forgiveness isn’t optional; it’s central.
- Take temptation seriously: “Lead us not into temptation…” This keeps me aware that I’m vulnerable and I need God.
The pastor also reminded us: “Pray without ceasing” doesn’t mean nonstop talking. It means living connected to God— so your whole day becomes a conversation with Him.
Matthew 7: Jesus Gets Real About Character
Then we moved into Matthew 7, and it felt like Jesus was looking straight through excuses and keeping it real. He talks about judging others, the speck and the plank, and the simple truth is: before I try to fix everyone else, I need to let God work on me.
Another line that hit hard was about not casting pearls before swine. The point wasn’t to be cruel—it was wisdom: some people don’t value what you value, and chasing approval from people who don’t respect you will keep you exhausted.
Ask. Seek. Knock. Move.
Matthew 7:7–12 challenged me in a big way. Jesus isn’t calling us to sit back and hope life gets better. He’s calling us to participate: ask, seek, knock. Take action. Show up. Make the call. Do the work. Faith isn’t passive.
The Narrow Gate, Real Fruit, and a Sobering Warning
This part was heavy—but it was mercy. Jesus says the gate is narrow, people are known by their fruit, and some religious people will be shocked at the end. That shook me because it reminds me: Jesus isn’t trying to make us comfortable—He’s trying to make us real.
The message was clear: don’t coast. Don’t settle. If God has me breathing, He’s not done with me. My job is to keep following Jesus, keep repenting, keep producing fruit—and let God sort out judgment.
The Foundation Question: What Is My Life Built On?
The sermon closed with the house on the rock versus the house on the sand. Storms will come—life will hit— and the foundation will be tested. If my foundation is money, attention, comfort, pleasure, approval, or just staying busy, it won’t hold. Jesus is the Rock.
And this brought it full circle: if I want a life built on the Rock, I need “closet prayer.” Private time with God. Door shut. Phone down. Honest heart. Public faith matters, but private faith shapes me.
What I’m Taking Home
- A full life can become a clogged life. Sometimes I need to say “no” so God can speak.
- Prayer isn’t a performance—it’s a relationship.
- The Lord’s Prayer is a daily map: worship, surrender, provision, forgiveness, protection.
- Real faith produces real fruit. Not hype. Not just words. Not just religion.
- My foundation matters. Storms don’t ask permission before they arrive.
One Action Step for This Week
I’m choosing one “closet prayer” time daily.
No big show. No perfect words. Just me and God—door shut, phone down, honest heart.
Short Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank You for speaking to me today. Help me create space for You. Quiet what needs quieting in me—my mind, my body, my emotions—and fill me with Your Spirit. Teach me to pray in secret, to forgive quickly, and to recognize temptation before it gets a foothold. Make my life steady. Make my foundation You. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Josh Bridges
YOU {R} NOT ALONE YOU HAVE A VOICE! 