In the 1994 comedy Dumb and Dumber, Lloyd (Jim Carrey) develops an irrepressible crush on Mary (Lauren Holly), a beautiful and sophisticated girl who is hopelessly out of his league. Lloyd is an incurable romantic… he’s also a dimwitted optimist.
Here’s Lloyd asking Mary about his chances with her:
Lloyd: What do you think the chances are of a guy like you and a girl like me… ending up together?
Mary: Well, Lloyd, that’s difficult to say. I mean, we don’t really…
Lloyd: Hit me with it! Just give it to me straight! I came a long way just to see you, Mary. The least you can do is level with me. What are my chances?
Mary: Not good.
Lloyd: You mean, not good like one out of a hundred?
Mary: I’d say more like one out of a million.
[He pauses, seriously considering her words]
Lloyd: So you’re telling me there’s a chance… [Then bursting with enthusiasm] *YEAH!*
I’m embarrassed to think of the number of times I’ve approached God like Lloyd. In my dimwitted optimism I try to convince God to see things my way, hoping He’ll accommodate my wishes. Because of my limited, human capacities, I just can’t see the big picture. I presume I know what’s best and suggest to God how He should resolve my issues.
One afternoon, a friend commented that she began her quiet time that morning by simply asking the Lord, “So…what’s on Your mind today, Lord?” I was dumbstruck by the depth and beauty of her request, recognizing that the raw simplicity of her question came out of a mature relationship with Jesus.
Her fresh perspective helped transport my faith to new levels. I’m slowly learning it’s not necessary for me to convince God of anything. Instead, by faith, I can come to Him with my concerns and simply trust Him for His direction in my life. That revelation has impacted my spiritual perspective and caused me to realize the most important thing is what’s on His mind.
I have to admit, I still go Lloyd on God at times, but lately I’ve been making pretty good headway.
Harry to Lloyd: According to the map we’ve only gone 4 inches.
Lord, thank You that I don’t have to figure everything out on my own; that You are already involved in every detail of my life. Lord, thank You for allowing me to bring my needs and desires to You. Please increase my faith to trust Your plan and your infinite wisdom, more and more. Amen.
Day One: Read Philippians 4:6
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”
- Anxious literally means, “caring beyond reason.” What makes you anxious?
- If we’re to avoid anxiousness, what should we do?
- Do you think being anxious helps or hinders our prayers? Why?
- How are we instructed to present our prayers and petitions to God?
Day Two: Read Psalm 5:3
“In the morning, O LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation.”
- Why do you think the Psalmist lays out his requests to the Lord in the morning?
- What does Psalmist do after he lays out his requests before the Lord?
- How do you wait in expectation for the Lord?
- Give careful consideration to the fact the Bible promises that the Lord hears our voice.
Day Three: Read 1 Timothy 2:1-4
“I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone— 2) for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 3) This is good, and pleases God our Savior, 4) who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.”
- What four different forms of prayer are mentioned in verse one?
- Consider the differences between a request, a prayer, intercession and thanksgiving.
- Based on this passage; what is revealed about God’s perspective on our environment?
- What would you say is God’s greatest concern or concerns?
Day Four: Read Ephesians 6:18
“And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.”
- What do you think it means when to “pray in the Spirit”?
- When should we pray?
- Should we ask God for those things that we desire?
- Why do you think we are commanded to be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints?