A Prayer of Despair
Lord, I know that there is nothing new under the sun. But honestly, I am struggling with feeling like things are out of control. Disease and destruction are rampant. So many people are hurting- ravaged by the effects of living in a sin-fallen world. People are broken, wounded and crushed. At times, I confess that I fall into that same category.
I don’t understand why bad things happen to good people or why good things happen to bad people. I cannot see the purpose in the delayed responses nor in the “no” answers you sometimes provide to a prayer.
If I am not careful Lord, I am in danger of self-pity, depression and discouragement. Show me where I have missed it…
Lord, I am concerned for this world. I am confused about the pain that is falling on so many of my friends. Godly people. People who follow you with their whole heart but that find themselves constantly fighting a real enemy to hold on to any shred of courage.
Does it sound like I have been eavesdropping outside of your prayer closet? Does it reflect your heart?
John 16:32-33
32 “But a time is coming, and has come, when you will be scattered, each to his own home. You will leave me all alone. Yet I am not alone, for my Father is with me. 33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
NIV
These are the words of Jesus before His betrayal, torment, crucifixion; His resurrection, glorification and ascension!
He knew He would be left alone. He already knew we would be left alone and even feel left alone by Him. Even as He acknowledges that, He promises, “Take heart! I have overcome the world.”
He knew we would have trouble. He knew every battle we would ever face. And still the promise remains, “Yes there will be problems- but I have overcome the world.”
Do you need to take heart today? Do you need to be reminded that Christ has, indeed, already overcome everything you are facing? Sickness and disease will have to bow their knee to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords! Lack and destitution will fall like disintegrating shackles before Him! Discouragement and depression cannot stand in the face of the I Am!
Oh Lord, to all of this I declare:
Rom 8:31-32; 35-39
31 What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all — how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?
35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? 36 As it is written: “For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.” 37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
NIV
Amen!
So thankful for the peace of knowing that there is nothing too great for God to overcome. Because of this, I can face tomorrow!
Yes, there is so much hurt in the world. I take comfort that nothing can separate me from the love of God in Christ Jesus.