Behind Closed Doors

Matthew 6:5-6
“And then, when you pray, don’t be like the play-actors. They love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at street-corners so that people may see them at it. Believe me, they have had all the reward they are going to get. But when you pray, go into your own room, shut your door and pray to your Father privately. Your Father who sees all private things will reward you. 

It does not mean that we cannot pray in public nor pray in glorious words - but what Jesus was concerned about here is when we do things in public so we can be seen.  

Low key attitude is one who outwardly does things in public 'naturally' not with the motivation to be 'seen' but just because that's who they are in private.  

Today, I have been reminded of a few words:  A person who shows strength from the outside draws their strength from the inside.  This means that through our times with God, it energizes us to do the great things for His glory.  Our motives are changed when our times 'behind closed doors' are rich and consistent.  

I remember many times when I was really much more deep in my times with God.  For a season, I was consistent in my hour-long times with God, just soaking in His presence and in His word.  The outcome was Low Key Living.  Everything in the outside just flowed, not necessarily perfectly, but all in all, God-glorifying.  I want to be the same way again.  Not that I neglect it now, however, I know that I can be better in my times 'behind closed doors'.     For that, I will make it a point to really be investing rich and consistent time with my Lord - not fast food - but a time of refreshing and refueling daily.

// Lord, this is basic stuff.  Yet, in the basic stuff is when the good stuff generates.  Lord, You are INDEED GOOD!  I cannot fathom your greatness and I want to draw my strength from You alone.  Help me in times when I am too busy with things that I cannot do what I used to do - spend rich and consistent times with you through soaking in Your presence, prayer and the Word.  I admit I have fallen behind a bit and you know that life's challenges and shifts of seasons has made me where I am today.  But help me not to respond in that way nor react to the challenges in the wrong way - but that I will even more, grab hold of soaking into Your presence and word more and more each day.  Thank You God for your patience.  I love you and I want to live for You daily no matter what the cost.  Help me to display the attitude of Christ in my life daily.  Wherever I am, let me be the same person - more importantly when I am in my time with you 'behind closed doors.'  Thank you Lord Jesus.  I pray this in Your name, Jesus amen.