“This, then, is how you should pray: ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.’” Matthew 6:9-10 (NIV)
The glory of God is to be favored above all other things. As believers in Jesus, all that we say and do and think - through His indwelling power - are to bring God much glory. And in doing so, we bring ourselves much good. Our thoughts, words, and actions are to point to our Creator – not to us. This was Jesus’ practice and we would do well to follow in His footsteps. It demonstrates “Who” or “who” is on the throne of our lives. And the One Who gives the power gets the glory, Amen? Our words and actions speak loudly. Even in the severest of trials. Think of Job and his ensuing response to the calamities that befell him in Job 1:20-22 (NIV): “At this, Job got up and tore his robe and shaved his head. Then he fell to the ground in worship and said: ‘Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will depart. The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised.” In all this, Job did not sin by charging God with wrongdoing.
God is fully capable to give us music in our souls and a peace which passes human understanding within our hearts even in the direst of circumstances. And He is a Master of making beauty out of our ashes. Believers can be confident that nothing – absolutely nothing - is allowed in the lives of His heirs of mercy that will not ultimately be for their good and for His glory - one never surpassing the other. The “thing” itself is not often good but what it brings forth is graciously good. He does not willingly bring affliction to His children as it goes against the grain of His holy heart. It is mercy and kindness which flow freely and naturally from Him. We can be confident in the Truth of the promise of Romans 8:28 NIV): “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” That is, “all things” not just some things.
God is righteous and does no wrong. “He is the Rock, His works are perfect, and all His ways are just. A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is He”, Moses pens in Deuteronomy 32:4 (NIV). God desires to make us like Jesus – conforming us into the image of His Son and He often uses our trials and afflictions to produce this glory within us.
We can pray for the glory of God without limitation – it is a prayer He loves to hear and answer because it demonstrates Who we believe is actually in control. And when God is most glorified we are indeed the most satisfied.
“Now my heart is troubled, and what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour. Father, glorify your name!” Then a voice came from heaven, “I have glorified it, and will glorify it again.” John 12:27-28 (NIV)