The Ketchum Global Research Network asked 1,000 adults in the US (ages 25-54) what they think about most when they’re taking a shower. In order, here are their responses: (1) to-do lists, (2) problems/worries, (3) daydreams, and (4) work. The worries and distractions of day-to-day life can keep us from intimate conversations with our heavenly Father. Paul knew this and addressed it among the Philippians.
The apostle commanded these believers in Jesus to stop doing something unproductive. They were anxious about such things as whether they had enough food, whether God was going to lead them in their future, how Paul was handling his imprisonment, whether false teaching would destroy the church, and how to navigate daily concerns (Philippians 4:6). Paul encouraged them to replace their anxiety with a commitment to pray to their heavenly Father. These believers were instructed, in every circumstance, to bring all their needs to God with thanksgiving.
In short, Paul wanted them to turn all the things they stressed about into prayer requests. Their trust in and dependence on God, who knew of and could meet their needs, would “guard [their] hearts and minds as [they lived] in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7). The apostle wrote, “This same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches” (Philippians 4:19).
Instead of allowing showering or any other routine event to be a time filled with anxiety, may we turn these moments into makeshift “prayer meetings.” There we can bring our concerns about work, family, finances, and the future to Him. He’ll give us peace that “exceeds anything we can understand” and supply all of our needs according to His glorious riches (Philippians 4:7).
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Joshua 5:13–6:27
More:
Read Mark 4:35-41 and consider how Jesus calmed the disciples’ concerns.
Next:
What do you tend to think about when you’re doing routine activities? What everyday events in your life will you turn into intentional prayer meetings today?
Gary Shultz on March 2, 2017 at 5:51 am
Well Marvin: When your older, your a little more scared in the shower, you really don’t want to concentrate on much that you brought in there with you. So, singing, prayer, or whatever you need to take your mind off of that, is what you need to do. In reality; however, it is an excellent point to bring up the subject of slack time. It is a point of discipline, training of the mind, and it doesn’t happen over night. This morning awake a little early, instead of letting your mind wonder, there may be someone that needs prayer, I certainly need wisdom, and the list could go on. To me, and I think the point you want to make, is when we have that slack time put it to good use, “pray without ceasing”. It’s work, it is a recognition of the mind and time being in neutral, and doing something positive with it “redeeming the time”. So bravo Marvin we need to be on our toes with those neutral times and we can bring someone a blessing or praise God for being able to have conveniences like a nice warm shower. In the life of a believer there should always be praise or at least the ability to stand in God’s presence, just to be there and allow Him to speak peace to you/us. So Marvin, remember to wash behind your ears, and we’ll try to keep or ears and minds open to invest in “little times” Thanks Marvin
gagirllive on March 2, 2017 at 6:43 am
Lol..you make me smile, Gary. And it looks like we had the same train of thought today. (I read yours AFTER I posted my comment.) You know there’s “equipment” for when showers get scary, right? 🙂
marvin williams on March 2, 2017 at 12:25 pm
gagirllive, that’s funny. I love your voice. Thanks for always adding value and fun.
marvin williams on March 2, 2017 at 12:23 pm
Funny. I love your comments. Praying without ceasing IS work. I think God wants to use our time wisely. i can’t think of a better time than when we are showering, driving, waiting in line, etc. I always appreciate your voice here. Blessings on you.
gagirllive on March 2, 2017 at 6:28 am
Hi, Marvin. Interesting survey. I’m right at the cutoff age of that, but surprisingly my activity didn’t make the list. I sing in the shower. Now there’s a novel idea, right? 🙂 I really do just have my own little praise-fest going on. Been doing it for years now. But there was a time when I didn’t make the best use of those routine activities. Worry is negative meditation, and I’m constantly training myself to replace it with prayer and praise. I feel like God gives us these little down times and routine activities throughout the day to freshen our connection with Him. They are our opportunities to “pray without ceasing”—to stay in a place of continuous fellowship with the Lord. So while I’m showering or waiting in traffic or doing any “mindless” activity, I try to redeem the time by tuning my heart to sing His praise or praying for someone on my prayer list or that He brings to mind. What a transformation it is to the mind to exchange worry for prayer and praise! God truly inhabits the praises of His people! Thanks for reminding us of that today, Marvin. Grace and peace, fellow travelers.
marvin williams on March 2, 2017 at 12:27 pm
My family doesn’t really allow me to sing in the shower anymore. It’s not a joyful noise. It’s just noise. Lol!
gagirllive on March 2, 2017 at 12:55 pm
Hahaha…I don’t know, Marvin. With the water running, I bet you sound a little like Wintley Phipps. Just a little bit, okay?…:)
godlove on March 2, 2017 at 7:44 am
I guess it’s time for me to replace all those thoughts of “but why isn’t this situation resolving itself?”, and instead pray “Lord, help me resolve this situation; may Your will be done.” I absolutely love the advice about transforming everyday routine activities into makeshift prayer meetings. How better to spend those off periods of the day when the mind is “idle” than by praising God or lifting any little worry or concern up to Him. This is something I think I will definitely start applying in my everyday life right away. Thank you for sharing this Marvin. Blessed Lent season to everyone.
marvin williams on March 2, 2017 at 12:28 pm
I love it, godlove. This is my sentiment exactly. Thanks for your transparency. Let’s journey together.
Tom Felten on March 2, 2017 at 7:51 am
Marvin, I was sharing the verses you highlighted today with a friend who’s going in for his 5th round of chemo (a total of six slated, followed by a stem cell transplant). What a blessing it is to be able to give all of our worries and concerns to the only One who can truly carry them. What an amazing God who loves and meets us in our pain!
gagirllive on March 2, 2017 at 8:59 am
Amen, Tom! Casting our cares upon Him…all day long!
marvin williams on March 2, 2017 at 12:30 pm
Tom, thanks for these encouraging words. May the Lord bless your friend and keep your friend, cause his face to shine upon him, be gracious to him and give him peace today. Grace and peace be multiplied to you as you practice the ministry of presence with him.
hsnpoor on March 4, 2017 at 6:17 pm
I’m like 2 days late to this devotion and was just intrigued with the picture and the title and totally eager to read what would follow because I DO!!! l have used the shower as my prayer closet for at least 20-years! I’m not sure how or why I started doing this (probably something to do with Jesus’ instruction on prayer in Mt. 6), but I can testify it is the best way to start your day. Like GG, I also have been known to break out in song in the shower. It’s amazing how much better I sound in there. As I read the comments of others here, it occurs to me that this should be a practice that I take to my car as well. I can exhibit some very un-Christian thoughts and behaviors in that particular environment and when you’re next in the shower, could you lift a prayer for me in this regard?