Most Benevolent Lord, sometimes when I am struggling with my circumstances, I lose sight of You and begin to wonder “where are You?” When things get messy, it feels like I’ve been abandoned. I know that’s how Your disciples must have felt when they departed in a boat, after You fed the 5,000, to go ahead of You to Bethsaida. When the boat they were in got to the middle of the lake, a storm with strong winds overcame them and they were overcome with fear. You came to them in the midst of their dilemma saying “take courage … do not be afraid.” I too can get caught up in my emotions when facing the winds of adversity and I’m straining against their assault. My life can often become like a storm with waves of gloom and doom cresting around me … turning my life upside down. It’s at time like these when I feel completely helpless … it’s hard to not be consumed with fear.
I must never forget that You see all things and are always aware of what is going on. In Your faithfulness, I know I can count on You coming to my aid and preventing me from being tested more than I can stand. In times of difficulty, how easy it is to forget Your miracle working power … like feeding the 5,000 … raising Lazarus from the dead … healing the blind man, etc. You are the God of the possible and the word impossible is not in Your vocabulary. Your words of encouragement … do not be afraid … also imply that I am not to entertain unbelief. I am so thankful that You do not run from my messes … but, instead, labor through them with me. Your desire has always been to bring peace and rest to my weary soul. In the same way You took Your people on a journey to their Promised Land, You also want to lead me to mine. The only thing that will extend my trip is disobedience to what You tell me to do.
In the midst of whatever difficulties I am facing, I will strive to enable You, the author and finisher of my faith, to lead me to the place where I belong. When I put my trust in You, I feel calm and I’m anxious about nothing. Why is that? Because I know You keep Your eyes on me and have everything under control. As a result, I try to not let my messes harden my heart and blind me from Your presence. Instead of becoming terrified and worried, I want to keep my focus on You looking out for me … just waiting to jump into the fray at the right time. I am confidently reassured that Your awesome power stands ready to defend me when I am powerless and vulnerable. That is why I stand by Your command “do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold You with my strong right arm.” And it’s in Jesus’ name I pray. AMEN!!
Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”