The living word of God shows us the depths of our heart and reveals our true beliefs and expectations.
Hebrews 4:12
For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.
We read God’s word with a humble heart, asking God to show us our thoughts, change us, and lead us in His eternal ways.
Psalm 139:23-24
Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me and know my anxious thoughts; 24 And see if there be any hurtful way in me, and lead me in the everlasting way.
The cycle of prayer, praise, and trusting God’s purpose is not a checklist, set of rules, or formula because it is a unique experience for each person. Each heart responds based on a personal relationship with God. Relationship exceeds a list of rules and checklists.
Consider a close, personal relationship in your own life. Would you characterize that as a list of rules, checklists, and formulas? We want the best in our relationships. Even though we make mistakes and sin in relationships, we do not give up. We apologize and continue to practice the things we know are healthy for relationship, that our love may grow.
This is the format for the SABERS cycle. God’s word tells us the things that strengthen our relationship with Him. Once we are aware of the responses, we practice and repeat them, growing closer to the One we love.
In relationship with God, we don’t ask, “What about me?”, because we trust God is sovereign, faithful, righteous, and kind. He loves us beyond all we imagine—yesterday, today, tomorrow, and forever (1 Cor. 2:9).
We don’t ask, “What about you?”, because we believe God is gracious, forgiving, ever-present, and all-knowing . Nothing happens that God does not know (1 John 3:20) and He overcomes all circumstances in His perfect timing (Gen. 50:20, Rom. 8:31-33)
We only ask, “What about God?” Through prayer and praise, our hearts are changed to trust His eternal purpose. We believe all that God says about His character and respond to Him as we expect His faithfulness in all of life, because God’s word is truth (John 17:17). The Bible says God is faithful (1 Cor. 1:9) and He cannot lie or change (Heb. 6:17-18).
We receive God’s grace in all circumstances because He says that His grace helps in our time of need and we believe Him (Heb. 4:16).
We surrender to God’s love because His love encompasses all that He is and our victory flows from His love (Ps. 44:3).
The SABERS cycle Seeks, Acknowledges, Believes, Expects, Receives, and Surrenders to God’s love. Each life-changing response cuts to the “state of the heart” and points to abundant and purpose-filled life in Christ.
The SABERS revolution produces:
• encouragement by Seeking God during difficult times.
• inspiration through Acknowledging God in the unknown.
• renewal by Believing God’s Character instead of doubts.
• assurance in Expecting God’s Faithfulness to replace fear.
• motivation through Receiving God’s Grace instead of frustration.
• victory through Surrendering to God’s Love.
The SABERS cycle demonstrates active responses in relationship with God. He is our Creator and above all creation. His unchanging character establishes the foundation for living by faith. We are created in God’s image for relationship. As we pray, praise, and trust God’s purpose, we gain victory (1 Cor. 15:57).