Kristin Hill Taylor

Seeking God as the Author of Every Story

Let’s come before the throne

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We collectively are living in difficult times. I’m sure every generation has said that. But it doesn’t make the harsh world in which we are living any less true. We’ve weathered COVID-19 and the many ripples in our daily living, healthcare system, political climate, and soaring gas and grocery prices. 

Plus as individuals, we are all facing our own trials. I think the assumption is nobody will understand our difficulties as wives, moms, friends, sisters, and aunts. But that’s not actually true. We have a God who understands and wants us to “approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help at the time of our need” (Hebrews 4:16). 

At the time of our need. Not after we’ve figured it out. Not after the difficult season has passed. Not when we’ve sought the advice of our best friends. (I’m preaching to myself here!) 

I’ve been disappointed with people, but I’m not the first person to navigate difficult relationships. Just think about Moses. God called him to lead the Israelites out of bondage in Egypt and through the wilderness to the Promised Land. The people grumbled. Moses needed Aaron to speak for him. But God didn’t give up on Moses and Moses met with God regularly. Moses may have never gotten to see the Promised Land, but he had a faithful relationship with his God and his people. 

Jonah didn’t want to go to Nineveh, but he prayed even after his disobedience. Plenty of times in my life I didn’t want to do what I knew was right. I’m thankful we can approach God despite whatever circumstances and choices are keeping us from obedience. 

Those are just two examples of people who prayed in difficult times. “Before the Throne: Finding Strength Through Prayer in Difficult Times” is an eight-week Bible study I’m looking forward to working through this summer. Lord knows I have my own difficult times, but I still want to deepen my relationship with God in ways that come about through prayer. 

About the book

God’s people know they can turn to Him when times get tough. Instead of trying to fix things on our own, we can enter God’s throne room in prayer. The access granted to us by Jesus our High Priest is our comfort when the world is turned upside down. In “Before the Throne,” Crickett offers eight prayer warriors from Scripture who turned to God when times became difficult. You’ll learn to pray with:

  • Moses in times of disappointment
  • The Psalmists in times of need
  • Hezekiah in times of battle
  • Habakkuk in times of questioning
  • Jesus in a time of intercession
  • Paul in times of hardship
  • Revelation saints in times of worship

As you study these prayers, you’ll be strengthened as you see how these godly Bible characters poured out their hearts to God and how He responded to them. You’ll learn how to pray with the same power when you feel weak, helpless, stressed, or afraid. As you turn your focus toward God’s character through prayer, He will supply the strength you need to face whatever is before you.

“Before the Throne” is a 256-page paperback Bible study published by Moody Publishers (March 1, 2022). 

About the author

Crickett Keeth is the women’s ministry director at First Evangelical Church in Memphis, Tennessee, where she writes and teaches women’s Bible studies. She is the author of several published Bible studies, including “On Bended Knee,” “The Gift of Rest” and “Sumatra with the Seven Churches” (co-authored with Sandra Glahn). Crickett was on staff with Cru for ten years and is a graduate of Dallas Theological Seminary. In addition to teaching regularly at her own church, she also speaks at women’s conferences and retreats. She offers free resources for discipleship and encourages others in their own walk with God through her website at www.crickettkeeth.com. Her life purpose is to encourage others to passionately pursue Jesus Christ.

Giveaway

And I’ve got a copy to share with one of y’all! The giveaway is open to U.S. residents only. A winner will be chosen randomly Monday, May 2. Use the Rafflecopter below to enter to win!

ENTER HERE! –> Before the Throne giveaway

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I received a free copy of this Bible study from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. I only recommend books I believe are worth your time. 

The Promise of Peace

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“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” 

– Philippians 4:4-7

I want to live like King Jehoshaphat. He understood these verses. 

I’ve long loved Paul’s letter to the Philippians, especially chapter 4, particularly verses 4-7. These scriptures have come alive in a new one to me throughout the Precept Upon Precept study of Philippians I’ve been working through since September. 

The Precept study of these verses led us to 2 Chronicles 20:1-30, known as Jehoshaphat’s Prayer. Let’s set the scene: Tribes were battling against Jehoshaphat and the kingdom of Judah he led. He was afraid, prayed, and proclaimed a fast. He sought the Lord and worshiped. Battles were raging around him, yet he continued to praise God, who fought for him. Jehoshaphat and his people prayed, listened, and waited. Then they returned with joy, rejoicing over their enemy. Ultimately, Jehoshaphat found peace and rest. 

How in the world did he find peace in the midst of chaos?

He humbled himself before God and even before his family and followers. Jehoshaphat didn’t have all the answers, but he had his faith. “… For we are powerless against this great horde that is coming against us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you” (2 Chronicles 20:12). 

As a mom, especially, I’m going to hold onto the power in saying “I don’t know” and keeping my eyes on God. It sounds simple, I know. But when the questions about plans, dinner, and random facts come, I sometimes get flustered before I turn my gaze to the One who knows all things. 

Jehoshaphat’s faith continued to lead his people as the battles raged on. The Spirit of the Lord said to him, “… Thus says the Lord to you, ‘Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed at this great horde, for the battle is not yours by God’s. … You will not need to fight this battle. Stand firm, hold your position, and see the salvation of the Lord on your behalf, O Judah and Jerusalem.’ Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed. Tomorrow go out against them, and the Lord will be with you.” (2 Chronicles 20:15-17)

The great hordes in our lives lately have involved COVID precautions and positive tests that interrupt what we thought would happen, snow and ice storms that prevent plans from happening, transitions in friendships we didn’t expect to change, expectations with our responsibilities, and so much uncertainty with how the world works now. Sometimes telling my kids “I don’t know,” but leading them to gaze on God is all I can do. Some days I need to remember not every battle is mine to fight. Through it all, God is with me. 

Jehoshaphat could have been anxious, but he humbled himself instead. To seek the Lord fully, humility is required to surrender our desires for control, our know-it-all attitudes, and our own plans. Humility and anxiety are opposites, which I hadn’t thought of until our study of Philippians 4.

Paul encourages the Philippians in both chapters 2 and 4 to consider the interests of others, which is possible because of humility and leads to unity. That’s what Jehoshaphat did. That’s what I want to do. 

Look at Philippians 4:4-7 again:

“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” 

There are commands that lead to a great promise. Who doesn’t want the peace of God, even if it surpasses all understanding? Jehoshaphat knew. He was afraid (perhaps, anxious is even a better word there) but he turned that feeling into a prayer that expressed needs with thanksgiving. He made his requests known to God with an attitude of humility, considering others. He experienced peace so great he worshiped despite the chaos of the world. His obedience led to protection for him and his kingdom, so much so “his God gave him rest all around” (2 Chronicles 2:30). 

Rest from the anxiety. Rest from the battles. Rest from the striving to satisfy his own interests. Rest from the world.

Isn’t that we all need? Truth is, it’s possible – even promised – thanks to Jesus.

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Nobody told me to share this study with you, but this is the second blog post I’ve written about it. (Read the one inspired by Philippians 3 here.) It’s my own therapy and desire to remember that has prompted writing, but I figured somebody else may be encouraged too. 

Let us hold onto truth

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“Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you. Only let us hold true to what we have attained.” — Philippians 3:15-16

I’m 42 years old, but I’m not as mature as I want to be. 

I’ve been studying Philippians with my Precept group and so many life lessons are echoing what Paul is writing about first to the early church in Philippi and also to us as Christ-followers. Our pastor Bro. Ricky Cunningham even stepped away from the teaching series on Acts to teach from Philippians 3 to start the new year because it’s about new life resolutions, not just new year resolutions. (Watch that encouraging sermon here.)

God is wanting me to hear some things, that’s for sure. 

In Philippians 3, Paul is repeating himself because what he’s saying is important:

  • Put no confidence in the flesh. 
  • He counts all the many earthly gains as loss for the sake of Christ. 
  • Faith in Christ leads to righteousness. 
  • Believers share in Christ’s suffering and the power of his resurrection. 
  • Paul is pressing on toward the prize of Christ.
  • He forgets what lies behind. 
  • Strains forward to what lies ahead. 

Paul had been a Christ-follower for about 30 years at this point. He grew up among the people of Israel, from the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews, a Pharisee, a zealous persecutor of the church, and righteousness under the law. But Christ changed him from the inside out and now we’re encouraged to imitate him (verse 17). We should imitate him because he points to Christ alone.

Do people want to imitate me? Some days they should; other days they definitely should not. 

When I’m mature enough to “think” like Paul did (verse 15), I’m able to be understanding and wise. I can control my thoughts because I rest in my identity in Christ alone. On days I wake up grumbling because I didn’t sleep well or I’m worried about circumstances far beyond my control, nobody should imitate my grumpy self-centeredness. 

Only let me hold true to what I have attained (verse 16). 

Too often I let my circumstances dictate my attitude when I know the truth is I’m called to be of the same mind as Christ. I start to believe lies of convenience and assumption rather than rely on the truth that I know deep in my soul or have the conversations that bring me back to reality. Those lies — all the lies — steal my joy. 

In addition to studying Philippians, I’m reading “Live No Lies” by John Mark Comer. On a morning when I woke up in a hot, crowded bed much earlier than I liked, I read this:

“The daily decision to rejoice — to cultivate a way of seeing our lives in God’s good world, not through the lens of our phones, news apps, or flesh, but through gratitude, celebration, and unhurried delight — will over time from us into joyful, thankful people who deeply enjoy life with God and others. What starts as an act of will eventually turns into our inner nature. What begins with a choice eventually becomes a character. … We make our decisions, and then our decisions make us.”

I want to make mature decisions. I want to be like Paul. Ultimately, I want to be like Jesus. 

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While Precept encourages applications from scripture study, every now and then there’s an application prompt that’s a little different from the usual lessons. That’s what happens at the end of the lesson about Philippians 3. Specifically, I was supposed to take some truth that God has spoken to me through Philippians 3 and develop it in such a way to share it with others. So that’s what prompted this devotional writing that helped me work through some disjointed thoughts in my head. I hope you’re also encouraged.