Have you ever said that something was an “answer to prayer”? That phrase is freely used to refer to any number of situations where things happened to turn out favorably. I’ve probably attached that phrase to situations that I didn’t even pray about.

But think about what that phrase really means.

If something was an answer to prayer, it means that things would have turned out differently had it not been for prayer. A single prayer or a series of prayers affected the outcome of the situation. An intercession to God moved him to redirect things in a specific way. Now this would be an absurd assumption were it not for God’s open invitation through the psalmist: “Call on me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor me” (Psalm 50:15).

There are some troubles going on in your life right now, and tomorrow will add more troubles on top of them. Make a list of the troubles, whether they feel big or small. List all the things you are afraid of because you have no control over them. What is it that you completely depend on God to handle?

When these things come up, give them the name Trouble and call upon God with them on your heart. In his own way and in his own time, he will deliver you from them. When he does, honor him with a simple yet profound thought: That was an answer to prayer.