Are You Willing to Trust God?
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13
Trust is hard. It requires us to step out of our comfort zones, to relinquish control, to place our confidence in something or Someone other than us.
Remember when our kids were little, and they were determined to do something themselves? They were convinced they knew how, that they were strong enough, that they didn’t need help. But the result was a big mess and frustration and tears because nothing turned out the way they expected or wanted. They didn’t have the foresight, the strength, or the experience to really handle the task.
When it comes to our sons and daughters, we want to know they’re okay. We want to be able to rest, with full assurance that they are making the right choices, befriending the right people, and living in a way that pleases the Lord. Yet they’re out of our homes (most of them, anyway), living on their own and conducting their own affairs with (likely) little thought for us. As a parent, that’s a hard change. We invested so much into them, it’s difficult to let go and not be involved. Oh, we talk, we visit, but we don’t do daily life with them anymore. We’re not sitting down to dinner asking, “How was school today?”. Life with adult children is different. And for parents, it pulls us (sometimes kicking and screaming) into a whole new level of trusting God for their care and protection.
When they were little, we had a false sense of control over their well-being. I think that is God’s grace to young parents. But as our sons and daughters grow and become more independent and begin spending more and more time apart from us, our parental ability to have a hand on everything diminishes…and almost disappears. If we’re honest, we like to be in control, and it is hard to relinquish that role. We like having things go the way we planned or the way we imagine it will work out. But then we get disappointed or upset, annoyed, or pouty when it does not. (our children get it honestly, no?) Sometimes we even push back to others around us… perhaps even to our now adult children, trying to align everything with our ways and wishes once again.
It is then we realize our role as parents is changing, whether we like it or not. If we try to maintain the status quo of their toddler or primary years, we upset the equilibrium of relationships and communication. We can’t keep them little, and we can’t control their choices. We have to let go and trust God.
It's time we ask ourselves some important questions:
Do I love God more than I love (name of son or daughter)
Am I willing to release my grip on (name) in order to allow God to work in their life?
What if God takes (name) to the other side of the world? Will I support and pray for them or will I resist God’s plan and fight for my own will?
What if they experience grief or hardship- will I consume my thoughts with ‘me’ - what could I have done differently to prevent this? Or will I point them to Christ and encourage their faith and trust in His sovereignty?
Am I living out an example of trusting God to my sons and daughters?
It’s tempting to be God’s GPS, telling Him where He’s going and guiding His turns for our lives. We’re quick to yell out “Wrong Turn!” and tell God that’s not where He wants to take us. But what if it is? What if God asks you to give up something you love dearly (a job, a home, a ministry, a relationship) because He is leading you (or your son or daughter) to something else?
Our lives would be fairly dismal if we were left to design our own future because, we can all admit, we are so limited in our humanness. We don’t have the power, the creativity, the sovereignty to design our own destiny, nor to protect and administrate our daily lives. We are fallen, needy children. Yet God loves us so very much He’s planned our life, long before we were ever born. He’s orchestrated all of the locations, experiences, people, and lessons to align with His perfect will. We all could share story after story of things that we would not have chosen for ourselves or our family but that God used to bring growth, blessing, and joy. He is a good Father and He cares for His children.
God asks us to trust Him. That word, trust, is the same as the word believe, ‘pisteuo’ in Greek. It means, “to have faith, to entrust (especially one's spiritual well-being to Christ): believe, commit.” It goes further to mean, “to think to be true; to be persuaded of; to place confidence in.” (1)
So there is one more question that begs to be asked:
Who are you trusting?
Are you trusting in yourself and your ability to orchestrate things? Are you trusting in the strength of your family to ensure your sons and daughters will do what is right? If you are, friend, you are on your way to a difficult and painful awakening. “Everyone who goes on ahead and does not abide in the teaching of Christ, does not have God. Whoever abides in the teaching has both the Father and the Son.” 2 John 1:9 Are you living like you’re abiding or like you don’t have God at all?
God asks us to trust Him because He knows what is best. He knows the beginning from the end and with that in mind, He orchestrates our life with all of its twists and turns, gains and losses, and joys and hardships. He has the end in mind- whereas we only see today.
And if we trust Him, He promises hope, joy and peace. Hope overflowing by the power of the Holy Spirit will only be enjoyed when we abide in Christ. So let’s give up our aspirations of being God’s gps. Let’s let Him be in the driver’s seat while we sit back and trust that He’s more than capable of managing our life and that of our sons and daughters. Trust. It is what God asks us to do daily. Will you trust Him today?
“Father, I confess I struggle with wanting to control things. I let fear and anxiety take over and in my effort to control them, I try and control others. Forgive me, Lord. Speak to my heart tonight. Help me to abide in You. I pray that You would give me a fresh filling of the Holy Spirit so that my thoughts, desires, actions and word reflect Jesus and not my sinful, fallen nature. Lord, I pray that my sons and daughters would see me trusting You so that my life would be an example of peace, joy, and overflowing hope that can only come from You. Lord, work in (name)’s heart and life. Help them to trust You, too. Remind them that You are their good Father and You desire to prosper them, not harm them. Give them strength to trust even when it doesn’t make sense to our limited human understanding. I pray that You would be glorified and Christ be praised, in Jesus’ name, amen.
When we walk with the Lord in the light of His Word
What a glory He sheds on our way!
While we do His good will, He abides with us still
And with all who will trust and obey
Trust and obey, for there's no other way
To be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey (2)
Pray without ceasing.
1. G4100 - pisteuō - Strong's Greek Lexicon (niv). Retrieved from https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g4100/niv/mgnt/0-1/
2. Sammis, J. H. (n.d.). Hymn: Trust and obey. =. https://hymnary.org/text/when_we_walk_with_the_lord
The Ache of a Momma’s Heart
Recently I came across a verse that hit deeply and made me pause. The words were directed to Mary, the brand new mother of the infant Jesus, from Simeon, a priest in the Temple in Jerusalem, when he met and held the newborn Messiah.
“This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.” (emphasis added) Luke 2:34-35
Simeon’s words were prophetic and held deep meaning as well as the promise of pain to a mother’s heart. “And a sword will pierce your own soul, too.” Can you imagine hearing that as you hold your week-old baby?
It was a harbinger of what Mary would face as the mother of the Messiah, destined to give His life on the cross, though she likely didn’t comprehend the devastating pain that would come. Jesus would be falsely accused, plotted against, betrayed, beaten, mocked, and then crucified. The many who swore their allegiance would turn away. Those that professed their love for Him would cool and grow indifferent. The sword that ultimately pierced His side would, in effect, pierce the very soul of the mother who loved Him beyond words, not just as her Son, but as her Savior and Lord. Pause for a moment and think about it. She would watch as her Son grew into manhood, into ministry, and into His role as Redeemer - the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world (Rev. 13:8)
Mary didn’t know the resurrection would follow Jesus’ death, though He’d said as much. She only knew that her firstborn, the child of her heart and faith, was experiencing indescribable suffering. Imagine the torment of her heart. Imagine the deep ache and angst she carried as she watched Him endure. Imagine the crushed hopes and dreams. Mary could teach us a bit about being a mother. She endured in spite of the sword that pierced her very soul.
Here’s the thing. Mary knew she was the woman God chose to bring Jesus into this fallen world and that He wasn’t born for her alone. She was cognizant, from the start, that this child was chosen and holy. God had a purpose and plan. Mary might not have understood all that would unfold, but from the start, she believed and trusted God more than the voices and circumstances surrounding her.
It’s a good reminder. God chose us to be the parents of our children, whether by birth, adoption, or children of the heart. He ordained that relationship because it was His will and His plan. Nothing is by chance. Everything has a purpose. We know that with deep love, comes also the need for willingness to sacrifice, endure pain, suffer hardship, but also to delight in joy, and to accept the unexpected- both good and bad. God is Sovereign. Ultimately, as parents, we must also remember and be prepared that, “A sword will pierce your own soul, too.” Because loving another means enduring what may come and releasing our hopes and dreams for what God may design or allow. It can bring an ache that only the Lord can soothe.
The real question is, will we allow our deep ache to define us? Will we allow it to eclipse the Presence and power of the Lord in our own life? Mary didn’t. No, she trusted God fully, even when she didn’t understand. She stepped aside when it was time for Jesus’ ministry to begin. She didn’t demand that He remain at home. She didn’t try to engineer His next steps. She didn’t choose His friendships or His career path. She trusted God to guide His steps. She knew that He knew best and she was willing to trust Him and let Him have His way.
The wedding in Cana saw a shift in the mother-Son relationship. She stepped back and she encouraged others to do whatever Jesus told them to (John 2). We should take lessons from Mary. We need to encourage our children to do whatever Jesus tells them to and go where He leads…whether it keeps them close by or takes them around the world, whether it keeps them surrounded and safe or leaves them vulnerable and at risk in the path of danger. There is no better, or safer, place for our sons and daughters to be than in the will of the Lord, wherever that may be, whether in an office or in the line of duty. If we’re praying for a prodigal, we need to surrender them wholly to God, over and over, assuring our own aching heart that God is capable of saving them from their own rebellion and foolishness and that God must have His way because our way is limited and insufficient.
Godly parenting demands that we lean into and on the Lord, relying on His strength and guidance, otherwise we will crumble under the weight of what it requires from us. Consider this:
Mary trusted God more than she trusted her feelings.
She allowed God’s promises to assure her more than the circumstances surrounding her.
She believed God’s plan, though it may have been obscured, more than what she could see and experience around her.
She chose to find solace and comfort in God, even through the deepest, searing pain she knew as a mother, because she knew God was faithful and she trusted Him.
We don’t hear much about Mary after the crucifixion because, really, the story isn’t about her. She was God’s servant. She allowed herself to be used by God, placed in circumstances and surrounded by people who were all ordained to be part of Jesus’ story. And really, that’s our role in our children’s lives as well. We are here to guide, teach, support, and encourage them to follow Jesus. We are part of His story too, but we may need to step back and allow the Lord to do what He wills rather than engineer our own safe, successful outcome for our sons and daughters. It may not be safe. It may not be sweet. It may ask more of us that we are comfortable or willing to give. But here is the question, are we willing to trust the Lord? Are we willing to endure the sword to our soul in order to raise sons and daughters who give theirs to the Lord?
Let’s pray that the Lord uses that ache to pull us closer to Him, more fervent in prayer and more focused on eternal things.
“Oh, dear Father- the One who loves me more than I know, please soothe my aching heart today. I know that my aching heart is a symptom of my love for (name). But Lord, it can also be a result of a lack of trust. Lord, help me to surrender (name) to You and Your will. Give me confidence in Christ that wherever they go, whatever they do, they are not beyond Your protection and provision (Ps. 139). “Strengthen the feeble hands, steady the knees that give way; say to those with fearful hearts, “Be strong and do not fear; your God will come,” Isa. 35:3-4a. I know You understand the ache of a parent’s heart, dear Lord, because You see your children in their foolishness and rebellion. You see them strut in pride and independence. You long to have a deep, abiding relationship with each of us. You know the ache, Lord. I pray that You would daily remind me when I feel the throb of Momma’s heart, that it be a reminder to get on my knees and talk with You. Lord, let it drive me to depend on You, lean into You, and trust You for (name)’s every moment, their protection and provision. Lord, help me to trust You more than my feelings that will lie, deceive, and distract me. Help me to cling to Your promises, not the hint of a changing tide or a glimmer of hope. Help me to trust Your plan and not engineer my own. Lord, help me to rest under the shadow of Your wings and find my safety in Your strong tower. You are The Almighty. You can do anything. I believe, Lord, help my unbelief. I lift (name) to You today and trust that You will work and accomplish Your will in their life for their good and for Your glory, in Jesus’ name, amen.”
Pray without ceasing
When the Weight of Your Thoughts Overwhelms You
We all know that feeling we get when things become too much. Whether the grief is bubbling to the surface, and we can’t hold it in, or the weight of worry is burying us under layers of concern and we feel like we’re going to suffocate, we feel the weight. When the dark thoughts creep in it’s hard to fight against the tide that seems to be too strong to turn. The worry and anxiety do not just set the tone for our day, they can consume it. So how do we fight it? And how can we encourage those we love in helpful ways that will point them to Christ in the struggle to manage the overwhelm?
Psalm 94:19 gives us some guidance; check out these three translations:
“When anxiety was great within me, Your consolation brought me joy.” (NIV)
“In the multitude of my anxieties within me, Your comforts delight my soul” (NKJV)
“When the cares of my heart are many, Your consolations cheer my soul.” (ESV)
Did you see it? WE can’t change anything…but God CAN and He WILL!!
The word anxiety (cares) comes from the Hebrew the word “sarapin” and means “disquieting thoughts.” 1 We’ve all experienced those, haven’t we?
Whether it’s worry over our kids, concern over a situation that feels out of control, fear of the unknown or grief over recent news, our hearts can only withstand so much. When we’re overwhelmed, our minds spin and build upon what is already present. It marinates. It festers. It distracts us from God and steals our peace. It’s not how God wants us to live.
When our thoughts battle against one another or against our peace of mind and heart, that is what Hebrew calls “sarapin”. The word “sarapin” stems from the root word “səipa” which means “ambivalence, division, or divided opinion.”2 And when we give space to those anxious thoughts, they can begin to consume us and distract our mind and heart from focusing on and trusting in God.
But God has a remedy for the confusion and division. Notice…GOD has the remedy. As much as we might try, we don’t have the power to will ourselves to be comforted. But God does!
His consolation or comfort is present and available to us. The Hebrew word “tanhumot” means “compassion or solace.”3 and that word comes from the word “naham” which means “to take a deep breath and be comforted.”4
Remember when our children would cry, sob with ragged breaths and sniff back the tears? We would gather them in, sweep the hair out of their eyes and gently rub their back or arm. Oftentimes we would gently tell them, “just breathe” and we could see them begin to settle and grow calm. Friends, that’s what our Heavenly Father tells us, too, “Just breathe. Rest in My strength. Lean into Me and find comfort and solace. My comforts can delight and cheer your very soul.” Why is it that we resist? Why do we think we have to settle our hearts in our own strength?
If we invite Him to, God settles and smooths our thoughts and our heart so that our troubled minds can be calmed and rest. He longs to give us joy, delight, and cheer! And what better way to demonstrate to others that we have the joy of the Lord?!
Today, take time to pray and pour out your heart to the Lord. Tell Him all the things that are weighing you down. He can bear the load- nothing is too much for Him. Be honest about your fears and your anger, your hurt and confusion. Lean into Him and let Him comfort you. He can and He will.
Then, take time to read the Psalms, maybe listen to some praise and worship music. Just sit and be still. God has abundant comfort for our needs, we only need sit at His feet and ask.
Pray without ceasing.
1. H8312 - śarʿapîm - Strong's Hebrew Lexicon (kjv). Retrieved from https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/h8312/kjv/wlc/0-1/
2. H5587 - sᵊʿipâ - Strong's Hebrew Lexicon (kjv). Retrieved from https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/h5587/kjv/wlc/0-1/
3. H8575 - tanḥûmôṯ - Strong's Hebrew Lexicon (kjv). Retrieved from https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/h8575/kjv/wlc/0-1/
4. H5162 - nāḥam - Strong's Hebrew Lexicon (kjv). Retrieved from https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/h5162/kjv/wlc/0-1/
Passing through the Valley
“Blessed are those whose strength is in You, whose hearts are set on pilgrimage. As they pass through the Valley of Baka, they make it a place of springs; the autumn rains also cover it with pools. They go from strength to strength, till each appears before God in Zion.” Psalm 84:5-7
The Valley of Baka in Psalms is also known as the valley of weeping. We can all likely look to a time when we experienced a difficult, dark time. Maybe we encountered hardship and it seemed as if we were in a dark valley of grief or sorrow that weighed us down and seemed to last longer than we had strength to endure.
It’s one thing to go through it personally, but ask any parent who has watched their son or daughter go through hard things and they’ll tell you, it’s not only difficult, it’s downright painful. We want to fix it. We want to bring it to a quick end. We want to make everything okay and get things “back to normal”, yet, we’re powerless to do it.
As parents, the valley experience of our children calls us to a deep and abiding faith in Jesus. It calls us to trust Him more than we can see in front of us. It calls us to rely on His strength and Sovereignty over our own power and ingenuity. It asks us to relinquish our parental ‘controls’ and trust in the One Who parents them best. The valley is a tough place to be, that’s certain. And, as parents, we can either be the voice of spiritual encouragement that points our son or daughter to Jesus, or a detractor that pulls their focus to their current situation and supports their despair.
But Psalm 84 gives us a beautiful, powerful picture of the valley as a place of victory, not defeat. Yes, the Psalmist writes about being in the valley of weeping, but he says, “Blessed are those whose strength is in You, whose hearts are set on pilgrimage.” Blessed. It’s the Hebrew word “eser” and it means “happiness, or how happy” (1). Our sons and daughters can experience deep happiness and joy, in spite of the valley experience if they’re focused on Jesus! They may be in the valley, but if they’re still pursuing Jesus, they are blessed!! Their location and their situation do not determine their joy. Jesus is joy!! That’s a lesson we should all be reminded of daily.
The second thing to remember is that the valley isn’t their destination, it’s just a part of the journey. And the valley shouldn’t be the focus of their heart, the passage to Jesus should be their focus! The joy is generated and determined by the Source of their strength. The One who walks every step of the way with them through the valley and the One in whose Presence they long to stand. The journey is one of reliance on Jesus and trust in His Presence and leading.
Not only will the valley bring blessings, but it can become a place of refreshing. Imagine that! A valley of weeping becomes a journey of refreshing?! “As they pass through the Valley of Baka, they make it a place of springs; the autumn rains also cover it with pools.” The word “spring” in Hebrew is the word “mayan” and it means "fountain or source of satisfaction” (2). Psalm 87:7 gives us another perspective on Who and what that fountain represents, “All my fountains are in You.” In other words, all of my blessings and Source of joy, delight and pleasure are in You, Lord. The valley doesn’t supply the source of satisfaction, the believer traveling the valley does through his full reliance on Christ and his delight in His presence. So, if our sons and daughters are in the valley, they can make it a place bubbling with delight, joy and pleasure if they remain focused on and grounded in the Lord. Blessings bubbling over, generatd by the Source of Life.
Then, there are the autumn rains. To some that may seem odd, but in Israel, the hot dry summer gives way to autumn rain that softens the soil and makes it pliable, easily broken up for cultivation and planting. It creates fertile ground- and isn’t that what God seeks to create in our hearts? The autumn rains in the valley of weeping can soften hearts and make them ready to receive the Word and be fruitful. The springs and fountains of delight, pleasure, and joy along with the refreshing, nourishing rains that soften the hardened ground make the trek through the valley a journey from strength to strength. This word, strength, is “hayil” in Hebrew and it means “resources, ability, and might” (3). Do you see? God uses the valley to bring joy in Him- not generated by our circumstances. He brings delight, not in the location, but in His Presence. He brings growth because of the believer’s focus and reliance on Him, not on the situation or location. He draws the traveler to Himself and in doing so, the situation and location become secondary.
Finally, the destination of walking through the valley is the anticipation of standing before God, in His presence. Psalm 16:11 says, “You make known to me the path of life; You will fill me with joy in Your Presence, with eternal pleasures at Your right hand.” If our heart is set on pilgrimage to God’s presence and Jesus is our Guide and Companion, there is strength and joy in the journey because we know the valley isn’t the destination, nor does it hold what we’re seeking, and there is so much more that awaits us. We will ALL stand before the Lord, whether we intend that as our destination or not. It is determined beforehand for us.
How will we pray for our sons and daughters in their faith journey? Will we pray the valley is short and the weeping is minimal? That’s likely and why wouldn’t we? God understands our parent-heart well. But, maybe we should pray that the focus of our son or daughter is Jesus alone and that He would be their source of joy, delight and strength. And maybe, just maybe, we should pray for autumn rains that soften the ground of their hearts so they can receive the Word of God and bear fruit. Perhaps we should pray that their journey is not just a short one, but is one of moving from strength to strength until they appear before God in Zion and that ultimately, they would hear, “Well done, my good and faithful servant.”
Let’s pray that the valley is a place of blessing and growth and that if He wills, the Lord would allow us a window on all of it while we lift our sons and daughters in prayer. There are features of the valley experience that can lead us and our sons and daughters to a stronger, more certain faith. And yes, even deep joy. That’s how we can pray effectively and fervently for their journey.
Pray without ceasing.
1. H835 - 'ešer - Strong's Hebrew Lexicon (kjv). Retrieved from https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/h835/kjv/wlc/0-1/
2. H4599 - maʿyān - Strong's Hebrew Lexicon (niv). Retrieved from https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/h4599/niv/wlc/0-1/
3. H2428 - ḥayil - Strong's Hebrew Lexicon (niv). Retrieved from https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/h2428/niv/wlc/0-1/
God’s Powerful Anointing
“You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.” Psalm 23:5b
(life-giving strength, proactive prevention, setting apart)
Did you know that Shepherds anointed their sheep? No, it’s not to set them apart for roles of importance or noble purposes, though human anointing historically served that purpose. The anointing of the sheep is an effort to protect them from insects that would harm them, from sharing disease-causing parasites and from infection caused by parasites (1,2).
The flies that swarm around the flocks pester the sheep and cause them distress. But the flies are not as harmless as one might think. They will lay their eggs in the noses of the sheep. The larvae burrow deeply into the flesh causing pain, infection and, sometimes, blindness. The Shepherd rubs oil all over the sheep's head to keep them from falling victim to those pests they cannot see nor protect themselves against (1,2). Consider how our Shepherd protects us from those tiny, invisible threats that we can’t see, but might render us weakened or blinded to Truth.
Then, the Shepherd also uses the oil to prevent the spread of parasites. You see, as the sheep mingle with one another, they live closely together in the flock, they bump into one another and ‘rub shoulders’. Sometimes the parasites on one sheep will quickly spread to the entire flock, infecting them all. The oil not only prevents the spread, but it accelerates the healing (2). Jesus in His wisdom, anoints us to protect us from false teaching and wrong influences that might spread through His flock. If we’re all anointed, we’re less likely to pick up foreign pests that could derail our faith and we’re more likely to heal quickly when we encounter insult and injury or endure trials and tribulations. His oil of healing is sufficient to heal our wounds.
Finally, the Shepherd rubs the oil on the horns of the sheep to protect them from one another. Sheep are known to butt heads…and aren’t people known for that too? The oil makes the horns slip more easily, preventing serious injury (1,2). Oh how we want to avoid hurting others as we sometimes disagree over how we should live in harmony, how we should do ministry, how we should follow Christ. As sheep, we don’t understand the dangers that wait for us, nor those we might cause to others, but our Good Shepherd does, and He diligently covers us with His protection and His anointing.
You see, as the Shepherd anoints each sheep, He can note any wounds because He’s focusing on each sheep, individually. The anointing isn’t a group event. It’s one by one, as each sheep needs. He carefully checks us over, ensuring that any wound is cleaned and any infection is treated. He removes any ‘invaders’ that might cause sickness or blindness. Our Good Shepherd anoints us each to care for us as individuals. We are His people and the sheep of His pasture (Ps. 100:3).
The New Testament uses the picture of anointing as God’s call on the believer’s life. We are chosen and set apart; we are children of the King. We are healed. We are cleansed. We are sanctified.
2 Corinthians 1:21-22 Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.
God’s anointing accomplishes so many things… and it fills our cup, it brings spiritual satisfaction and a completeness because we are His own. His anointing on us sets us apart for eternity and ensures that the enemy knows we belong to Jesus. The infectious assault of the enemy can’t destroy us. The oil of healing from our Good Shepherd ensures we are protected and preserved.
Let’s pray that our sons and daughters understand how and why God has chosen them and they grasp the depth of that anointing and experience the overflowing blessings of being God’s chosen child. Let’s pray Scripture over them once more.
“Loving Father, it amazes me to think that You chose us in Christ before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless in Your sight (Ephesians 1:4) . We are chosen and dearly loved (Colossians 3:12). Today, help (name) to not only recognize this, but to understand it and be changed by it. I pray that (name)’s life would overflow with all of the blessings that come with being Your child, Your beloved, Your chosen one. I pray that (name) would personally experience Romans 15:13 “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.””
“Give (name) the confidence of 2 Corinthians 9:8 “And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” Help them believe that Your blessings are abundant and to see those blessings filling and surrounding them today.”
“I pray Philippians 1:9-11 over (name) today, “And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.””
“And give (name discernment to understand that Your blessings are not only physical in this world, but they are spiritual and eternal. In this world we will have trouble, that is certain, but You’ve promised us that there is so much more- help (name) not to lose heart. Give them confidence in their anointing and a steady faith that follows after You, no matter the circumstance. I pray that they would live out 2 Corinthians 4:15-17 “All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God. Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.””
“Lord, let your Word work powerfully in (name) to accomplish Your anointing on their life today, in Jesus’ name, and for His glory, amen.”
Pray without ceasing.
1. Ellis, N. (2022, September 11). Why Do Shepherds Put Oil On Sheep? Farm & Animals. https://farmandanimals.com/why-do-shepherds-put-oil-on.../
2. (n.d.). Why Do Shepherds Put Oil On Sheep? Animalovin. https://www.animalovin.com/why-do-shepherds-put-oil-on.../
Prayers of Protection to Pursue Wisdom and Soul Refreshment
The law of the Lord is perfect,
refreshing the soul.
The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy,
making wise the simple.
The precepts of the Lord are right,
giving joy to the heart.
The commands of the Lord are radiant,
giving light to the eyes.
The fear of the Lord is pure,
enduring forever.
The decrees of the Lord are firm,
and all of them are righteous.
Psalm 19:7-9
“Father, I pray that (name) would recognize Your law as perfect- far exceeding the rightness and justice of any man made laws and fully complete in its ability to define what is right and good. I pray that (name) would love Your law and they would continually look to it and find a satisfying refreshment for their heart and soul- one that cannot be replicated by anything this world offers. Restore their soul, Lord, as they follow You and trust in Your Word. Just as you promised in Psalm 23:3 “he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.” I pray that You would guide (name) in Your pathways.”
“Give (name)wisdom beyond what this world would grant them and provide discretion as they live by Your words. 1 Corinthians 13:9 “For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s sight. As it is written: “He catches the wise in their craftiness.”” Fill them with joy, Lord, that only You can give when we walk faithfully and consistently with You. There is joy in following Jesus and a contentment that this world will never be able to offer. Help them to value the wisdom from Your Word. Proverbs 16:16 “How much better to get wisdom than gold, to get insight rather than silver!” Proverbs 23:19 “Listen, my son, and be wise, and set your heart on the right path:”
“Help (name) to trust your statutes (laws) understanding that Your words are right and true and You’ve decreed them for our good and for Your glory. Trust is hard sometimes when we see so much brokenness. Remind them that what they see in this fallen broken world is not representative of the way You intended things to be. Sin has worked it’s poison into every aspect of life. Remind them that You are preparing a place for us that is far beyond what we could imagine, and it will bring joy, peace, satisfaction and fulfillment, but remind them too, that following Your laws here will give a glimpse of that life to come. Psalm 16:11 “You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.” Lord, help (name) to embrace Your paths, Your laws and precepts, with uncompromising conviction.”
“Father, I pray that You would remove the veil and allow (name) to see the truth of Your Word and the righteousness of Your ways. Help (name) to turn to You, Lord. “But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away.” 2 Corinthians 3:16 Your Word promises that “Light shines on the righteous and joy on the upright in heart” Psalm 97:11. Let it be that (name) enjoys those blessings of the Lord as they pursue Your truth.”
“Above all, Lord, I pray that (name) would fear You because “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow His precepts have good understanding.” Psalm 111:10. I pray Your mighty protection over (name) today and all the days of their life. May they fear You, be wise and unwavering in their commitment to Your laws. Lord, let them reap the rewards of following after You. Protect them from disillusionment, deception, and the influence of those who do not follow You. May (name) be salt and light to their generation and to those who would follow. Lord, help them to be fishers of men, pointing others to the Cross. Your name be praised. Amen.”
Psalm 145: 17-21
17 The Lord is righteous in all his ways and loving toward all he has made.
Lord, You are righteous, yet You love us, sinners condemned by our sin. It’s an example for us, who follow You, that we too can love others even if they don’t know You or follow You. They are image bearers and as such, we need to love them- how will they know? How can they see the love of God if we’re not willing to live it out in front of them?. Help us, Lord. Help us to love those who are ‘different’ than we, who do and say things we don’t like or approve of. Help us to know that by loving them, we’re not condoning what they do. By loving us, Lord, You are not condoning our sin, but You love us in spite of our sin. Your kindness leads us to repentance. Father, I pray that (name) would learn how to be loving to others and by loving them, show the power of God and the change it can bring in a heart and life.
18 The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.
Father, You affirm that You are near to all who call on You, convinced without a doubt, that You will hear and answer. They trust and know that You are not indifferent or disconnected. You are faithfully present and supporting us even before we ask. I pray that (name) would believe without waffling or wavering that You are faithful and True and when (name) calls on You, You will answer and be near. I pray that (name) would understand Your trustworthiness and see Your faithful steadfast Presence in each day and night, in each joyful moment and dark season. Lord, You ARE near to all who call on You in truth. Thank You.
19 He fulfills the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cry and saves them.
Just as we heard the cries of our children an ran to help them, You hear our cries. You save us, Lord, even when it seems like there is no way out, You make a way. “Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and He delivered them. He led them by a straight way to a city where they could settle.” (Ps 107:6-7) Lord, I pray that (name)’s heart desire would be refuge in the shadow of Your wings and a place in Your house that is their own, a belonging, a provision and a dwelling in Your Presence. Lord, lead them to a city of refuge because they fear You. Let (name) cry out to You today Lord. Direct their eyes, their heart and their plea to Your throne room where You hear and answer abundantly. Fulfill (name)’s desires in a way that brings glory and honor to Your name and that draws them nearer to You. Hear their cry and save them, Abba Father.
20 The Lord watches over all who love him, but all the wicked he will destroy.
Thank you, Lord, for Your watchful care. As a parent, our eyes were always watching for danger and seeking to protect them. But now that (name) is an adult, I can’t do that any more. I have to trust…I have to trust You that You will watch over and protect (name) so much better than I ever could. I pray that (name) would love You. Stir a deep desire in (name)’s heart and mind to run after You with all they have and are. Help them to see this world is temporary and the titles and promotions, the gadgets and trappings will all rot. But their heart…oh their heart is the most valuable thing they have and they need to ensure that it’s properly and rightfully invested. Please, Lord, let them invest themselves in Your kingdom. Let them surrender all they are and have to You. Don’t let them be counted among the wicked. Oh how we love them, but Lord, we know, unless they surrender to You and are counted as Your child, Your saint, Your beloved, unless that is their identity, they are among the wicked. Lord, it hurts our hearts to think that. Show us fruit, Lord! Watch over (name) and guide their steps so they remain faithful to You. If (name) doesn’t know You as their Lord and Savior, I pray that even today You would bring another believer into their life who would speak truth and share the life-giving hope of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Lord, I pray that (name) would confess with their mouth and believe in their heart that Jesus is Lord (Rom. 10:9). Lord, watch over (name) today and do a work in their life. I believe. I know You can and will. Bring fruit, Lord.
21 My mouth will speak in praise of the LORD. Let every creature praise his holy name for ever and ever.
Oh, how I love You Lord! My mouth is filled with Your praise. My heart is overwhelmed by Your goodness and I want to share that joyful praise with others. I want to know that (name) is filled with joyful praise for You. May it overflow and cause them to wonder and be amazed at how praising You brings contentment, fulfillment and joy. Lord, to know that every creature will praise Your holy name is humbling. Today give me moments to sit outside or gaze out the window at Your creation and ponder what the praise of creation for You might look like When the trees sway in the breeze, are they praising You? When the birds sing, are they proclaiming Your greatness? We can’t know, but Lord, Your Word tells us that if we don’t praise You, even the very rocks would cry out in praise of You. (Luke 19:40). Creation knows its Creator. Help us to know You more and more and to live in a way that reflects that knowledge to others.. May the generations of my family praise You and carry on a commitment to follow after You for all their days, no matter what may come. May our lives exhibit praise for Your holy name, always and through eternity. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Pray without ceasing
Psalm 145:5-7
Let’s continue to pray through Psalm 145
5 They will speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty,
and I will meditate on your wonderful works.
Give my sons and daughters a glimpse into the glory of Your Kingdom, Lord. Show them that this temporal life is just a shadow, a mist, a quickly passing moment. Help them to see and understand that all that You have waiting for us is beyond comprehension. The glorious splendor of Your majesty should stun and overwhelm us so that we are stopped short and without words, leading us to meditate on your wonderful works. May it be so, Lord. May (name) pause today, overwhelmed by Your greatness and be moved to awe-filled wonder and meditation on all You’ve done through the ages and in their own life. Help (name) to meditate on Your word, filling their heart and mind with truth that will guide and guard them.
6 They will tell of the power of your awesome works,
and I will proclaim your great deeds.
Lord, let (name) speak freely about Your greatness, Your salvation and Your deep love for each individual. Move them to tell others about their relationship with You. Fill their mouth with praise for You so that others will see and hear and be drawn to follow You, Lord. Let (name)’s life be a witness to the life-changing power of God and the joy and hope that You bring. May (name) continuously share how marvelous You are and recount all the wonderful things You’ve done for them. Don’t let them forget, Lord, and don’t allow them to be silent.
7 They will celebrate your abundant goodness
and joyfully sing of your righteousness.
Celebrate! It’s what we are called do as believers! There is so much to be grateful for, Lord, yet too often we get distracted and discouraged by the darkness around us. Help us to see and have perspective that You are good and what You do is good and that there is so much more provided for us than we realize. There is so much more waiting for us than this fallen, broken world could ever offer. Open our eyes to witness Your hand at work every moment of the day, from a safe drive to work to the ability to get groceries or have a warm blanket. Lord, Your provision and protection are abundant. The joy of being able to worship You freely and openly should move us to live and celebrate You joyfully and out loud! Help (name) to celebrate Your abundant goodness…ABUNDANT goodness. Help them to see that they are blessed and favored. Put a song in (name)’s mouth and let their heart sing along today. I pray this all in Jesus’ precious name, amen.
Fear Nurtures a Traitorous Heart
Matthew 14:22-33 “Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd. After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. Later that night, he was there alone, and the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it. Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost,” they said, and cried out in fear. But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.” “Come,” he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?” And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.””
We’ve all likely felt the emotion- that ‘hair-standing-up-sending-tingles-through-your-body’ imminent danger of fear.
But what causes fear? According to dictionary.com fear is “a distressing emotion aroused by impending danger, evil, pain, etc., whether the threat is real or imagined; the feeling or condition of being afraid” 1
We fear when we encounter something greater than we are that has the power to cause pain, shatter our peace or destroy us. We fear when something is out of our control. Fear sets in when others in the situation or the elements surrounding us exceed our perceived ability to manage and maintain our preferences and comfort. It’s a response to lack of control.
Fear seems to be an ever-present part of parenthood. When they’re little we fear that they’ll stop breathing, or choke on food, or run into the street or get sick or… the list goes on. As they grow, we fear them driving cars, the other drivers, the ‘creepers’ who are out there, the temptations…that list goes on, too. Now that they’re adults, the fears remain, they just change location and direction and intensity.
As parents, we can quickly descend into fear. And when we do, we become like Peter in Matthew 14:22-33 when Jesus invited him to step out and walk on the water. At first, Peter eagerly obeyed and began walking toward Jesus. But then the reality of his surroundings, the deep water, the distance from the boat, the gravity-both figurative and literal- grabbed his attention. He took his eyes off of Jesus and focused on everything around him that could threaten and harm him. Fear stepped between Peter and Jesus…and he began to sink. He permitted fear to gain power over him. He allowed the situation to dictate his response rather than the Savior who controlled the situation.
When we look around at this world, it’s not hard to feel that fear welling up inside of us. We want to protect our kids, and that’s understandable. But we can easily cripple our heart and mind with fear if we dwell on all the ‘what ifs’. But, friends, living in the ‘what ifs’ is a form of fortune-telling, isn’t it? It’s imagining and expecting outcomes over which we have no control and allowing those expectations or fears to consume and control us. We believe in the ‘what-if’s more than we believe in our Savior. We stop trusting in the sovereignty of God and His mighty power.
If we live in fear, that’s an indication that a portion of our heart and mind are not surrendered to Christ. It tells us that we don’t fully trust the Lord. An anxious heart weighs a man down (Prov. 12:25). That word ‘anxious’ means fear, being afraid. When we’re afraid, our thoughts are not consumed with God, but with whatever is threatening. When we fear, we’re effectively saying “God, I don’t trust that You can defeat this”. An anxious heart is a traitorous heart.
Here’s the incredible truth, if we are in Christ, the very power that worked in Him to raise Him from the dead is the same power that works in us.
Ephesians 1:18-20 “I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms,”
God has no equal. There is nothing that can put Him in danger, threaten His power or position, or overcome Him with evil. He overcame evil when Jesus died on the cross for sin, descended into the depths to take the keys of death and Hades and ascended to heaven to sit at the right hand of the Father. No other has that resume. No other has the power to do that.
Friends…we have nothing to fear! 2 Timothy 1:7 “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” (KJV) If we are found in Christ, we are held safe in the shadow of His wing. We are held secure in the refuge of His presence. We are surrounded by the strength of His power and might. We are victorious in His record of victory!
Our fear is a tool of the enemy to get our eyes off of Jesus and onto our troubles. Fear is a poison that infects us quickly and renders us ineffective. Let’s purpose to not give in to fear but to stand firm in our trust of our Savior.
Let’s pray today that fear ceases to be a part of our parenting and that, instead, we live with confidence and joy and we exhibit an example that our sons and daughters should follow.
“Father, I pray that today You will eclipse any fear that wants to settle in my heart and mind. Help me to focus on what is true, noble, right, pure, lovely and admirable (Phil. 4:8). Lord, You are Sovereign. You are Almighty. You have no equal and there is nothing and no one who can challenge or overthrow You. Lord, help me to remember that. When fear threatens to creep in and steal my peace and joy, I pray that You would take my face and direct my eyes to You. Lord, I pray that I would not live in fear and that I would not allow it to take root in my heart and mind. It’s a poor example for my sons and daughters. If I live in fear, I essentially demonstrate that I don’t trust You to do what You promise. Forgive me for my fear, for my mistrust, for my wavering faith.”
“I pray that You would help (name) to trust You fully and rest in Your safe-keeping. Don’t allow fear to distract (name) from following You with their whole heart and mind and strength. Don’t let them cave to the taunts of the enemy who tries to get their attention and steal their peace. I know fear is a tool of the enemy, so I pray that you would empty his toolbox and render him powerless. I pray that (name) would look to You for strength and that You would fill (name) with confidence in Your Sovereignty and Power. That same power that worked in Jesus to raise Him from the dead is the power that works in us. Lord, help us to live in that power today. Give us victory over fear. We are Your children and we know You are our Perfect Father who will always protect and watch over us. Help us to rest in that today. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
Why not share this today with someone who struggles with anxiety and fear? Let’s encourage one another in our walk with Jesus.
Pray without ceasing.
Dictionary.com. Fear definition & meaning. Dictionary.com. Retrieved from https://www.dictionary.com/browse/fear
Pray It Again
It’s always good to pray. It’s beneficial to bring things to the Lord again and again. He never tires of hearing us call on His name and talk with Him in prayerful fellowship. He knows what weighs on our hearts, but He wants to hear us share it with Him, trusting in His provision, intervention and Sovereign authority. Let’s pray through these prayer points one more time:
Pray that our sons and daughters see God’s work all around them today. Let’s pray they can and will testify to others about the Presence and Power of their Mighty God.
Pray that our sons and daughters would have perspective and peace despite the uncertainty of world leaders and fragility of peace.. Rather than being alarmed at what they see happening in the world, pray that they have confidence in our Mighty God and look forward to the day when He will reign forever, unchallenged on David’s throne. Pray that they long for God’s justice and righteousness over the temporary solutions offered by human leaders.
Pray that sons and daughters would realize that God requires their full attention and allegiance. Pray that they would look up, not around. Pray that they would not be distracted by all the ‘glitter’ of the season but would be committed to the Reason, Jesus.
Pray that our sons and daughters know, without a doubt, that their Mighty Warrior is rejoicing over them with singing, protecting and caring for them. Pray they have hope because of Jesus’ birth, death and resurrection. Pray for those who have faced loss this year, that they would find hope and comfort in Jesus.
Pray that our sons and daughters would know, without a doubt, that their worth, purpose and meaning are found in Jesus Christ, their Lord and Savior, and their relationship with Him.. Let’s pray they are not ‘performance driven’ but soul-stirred by the Holy Spirit to run after God with all they have and all they are.
Pray without ceasing.
Our Mighty God Sings Over Us
Zephaniah 3:17 “The Lord your God is with you,
the Mighty Warrior who saves.
He will take great delight in you;
in his love he will no longer rebuke you,
but will rejoice over you with singing.””
Christmas is a joyful time, but for some, it’s a painful time when loss is felt more deeply, loneliness is more isolating and joy is hard to find. For some parents, it’s filled with grief and heartache. For some children, it’s the loss of something they once knew, or perhaps never knew, yet grieve all the same.
Jesus was a man of sorrows, acquainted with grief. He knew the loss of a loved one as his earthly father passed away. He knew loneliness and pain. But He knew all of that because He chose to insert Himself into our world-the eternal stepping into the mortal, the infinite becoming finite, and yet infinite still. He became one of us so He could reach us and in doing so, He offered us forgiveness, redemption, and joy in His presence, eternally. He chose to come, even knowing what He would face and feel and lose…
The Lord our God IS with us! He is the Mighty Warrior who saves-even in the midst of grief, hardship and loss. This world is broken. Sin broke the God-ordained fellowship and ‘shalom’- everything in perfect harmony and brought pain, dysfunction and loss that continues to ripple through the generations, creating heavier waves of grief and brokenness. We feel it. But even when we fear we won’t ever feel joy again, He rejoices in us and takes great delight in us because He knows our story- He’s already written each part and He knows the end! We will be with Him one day and He will wipe away every tear. One day we will rejoice and dance in His presence, fully restored and our painful stories redeemed.
Today, pray that our sons and daughters know, without a doubt, that their Mighty Warrior is rejoicing over them with singing, protecting and caring for them. Pray they have hope because of Jesus’ birth, death and resurrection. And for our Christmas Season Challenge, pray the same for someone you know who has faced loss this year. Pray that they will be certain God is with them and rejoices over them.
“Father, thank You for being our Mighty God. Thank You that You are sovereign and You hold each moment in Your hands. Nothing takes You by surprise and nothing can overcome Your will. We know that in this world, we will have sorrow. Lord, I pray that You would be near to those who are suffering and grieving today. Encourage that one who needs You today. Lift up their head so they can see that You will redeem every trial and sorrow. Nothing is wasted- help that grieving one to trust You. Lord, I pray that You would bring joy in the midst of the sorrow and grief. Let this Christmas season be one of grateful thanks and joy for the redemption You provided through Jesus’ birth. I pray for my (son/daughter) today. Help them to be an encouragement to someone who needs hope. I also pray that if (name) is not walking with You or if their priorities are askew,, that You would get their attention and bring them back into sweet and right fellowship with You. Lord, we look at Christmas and see the miracle of God becoming man, entering a sin-filled world to bring hope, I pray that we would not lose sight of all You’ve done and continue to do. Thank you for rejoicing over us- help us to rejoice in You. In Jesus’ name, amen.”
Pray without ceasing.
I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day
I heard the bells on Christmas Day
Their old, familiar carols play,
And wild and sweet
The words repeat
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!
And thought how, as the day had come,
The belfries of all Christendom
Had rolled along
The unbroken song
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!
Till ringing, singing on its way,
The world revolved from night to day,
A voice, a chime,
A chant sublime
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!
And in despair I bowed my head;
"There is no peace on earth," I said;
"For hate is strong,
And mocks the song
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!"
Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:
"God is not dead, nor doth He sleep;
The Wrong shall fail,
The Right prevail,
With peace on earth, good-will to men."
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (public domain)
You Guide Me with Your Counsel
Psalm 73:23-26 “Yet I am always with you;
you hold me by my right hand.
You guide me with your counsel,
and afterward you will take me into glory. Whom have I in heaven but you?
And earth has nothing I desire besides you.
My flesh and my heart may fail,
but God is the strength of my heart
and my portion forever.”
Healthy people typically don’t feel the need for a counselor. It’s those who are feeling like they’re falling apart, that something isn’t right and they can’t fix it on their own. When things are going badly and life seems to be spiraling out of control, we long for someone who will listen to us and tell us it will get better. Yet, it’s then, too, that we most often feel quite alone.
We all have times when we struggle with our emotions and need someone to help us find our footing and ensure that we remain grounded. When we are faced with a dilemma we want objective guidance that is wise. And if we’re suffering loss or trauma, we need someone to come alongside us, hold us up, tell us the pain won’t always be this intense. We want someone to give us glimmers of hope in our shattered world . It is in those times we desperately want someone to hear us, affirm us and give solid, comforting advice. We long for a counselor who will fulfill all those things.
Jesus is that Wonderful Counselor who is always with us. Always. He is that strong Presence we can cling to when we’re struggling. Psalm 73 says “you hold me by my right hand”… In ancient times, the right hand was the symbol of power, control and authority. So, think about it… if God holds us by our right hand, who is in control? What is God saying by coming alongside us like that? He’s saying, “trust me, hold onto me, I’ve got this and I’ve got you- you don’t need to do this alone and you don’t need to figure it out.”
Then, Psalm 73 says “you guide me with your counsel and afterward you take me into glory.” Oh, friends, when we’re at the end of ourselves, we desperately want someone to guide us, don’t we? Our wonderful counselor does that- consistently and endlessly. He doesn’t just stand by us until we’re ‘good’, He stands by us each and every moment of every day until we are in His presence, eternally. What a wonderful counselor!
Today, let’s pray that our sons and daughters would take Jesus’ hand and let Him guide them each and every day. Pray they would look for and listen to His counsel. Pray that God would be the strength of their heart and their portion forever. Pray, because this world is fighting to pull them in the other direction.
Christmas Season Challenge:
Pray for those who are grieving this Christmas season, that God would indeed hold them by the hand and guide them with His counsel. Pray that they would know His comfort, peace and joy despite the heart-shattering grief they also know too well. Pray that God would be the strength of their heart and their portion forever. Pray they would come to embrace and follow the Wonderful Counselor.
Pray without ceasing.
The Ultimate Counselor
Isaiah 11:2-3 “The Spirit of the Lord will rest on him—the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of might, the Spirit of the knowledge and fear of the Lord- and he will delight in the fear of the Lord.”
When we need counsel, we look for someone who is well-qualified, right? We want deep wisdom, excellent training, good critical thinking, excellent connections and references and deep integrity. Why? Because we’re entrusting that person with our needs, our thoughts, our vulnerabilities and our defense. We want to be able to have peace in how they advise us. We want the best.
Isaiah ensures us that our Wonderful Counselor is just that. He is well-qualified, filled with the Spirit of the Lord, the spirit of wisdom and understanding- He knows all there is to know and can provide the most insightful course of action that will always be in your best interest.
He possesses the Spirit of counsel and might- no courtroom, no judge, no government official can outthink or overpower Him. No one has authority over Him.. He is the strongest of the strong and the mightiest in the land. He is our protector and shield.
And if that isn’t enough, He possesses the knowledge and fear of the Lord and He delights in the Lord. He has unquestionable integrity. He doesn’t cut corners or cheat; He isn’t disingenuous, He is authentic, honest and exceptional in every way. He is the ultimate counselor.
Look, we’re not walking up to a booth and offering 5 cents for advice. We’re not having to track down a grimy office in a dark building to get advice from someone who seems less than trustworthy. We’re not even needing to check references, track records and work history. Our Wonderful Counselor is the finest God provides because He is God Himself. Why should we scurry around looking for ‘others’ or substitutes or a ‘bargain option’ when all Jesus is and will do is ours because we are His child?!
Today, let’s pray for our sons and daughters that they will understand that Jesus is the ultimate Counselor, full of wisdom and understanding. Pray that they would trust Him with their burdens and challenges. Pray that they would rest in His strength and might. Pray that their hearts would desire Jesus and His integrity and fear of the Lord over the ‘bargain options’ that offer cheap counsel that cannot save. Pray that they don’t run themselves ragged looking everywhere else for what is only, completely found in Jesus.
Christmas Season challenge: when you see a ‘sale’ advertisement stop and pray for those who are looking for answers and counsel in every place but in Jesus. Pray that their eyes would be opened to the deception and that they would be protected from ‘false advertising’.
What is Your Destiny?
Hosea 7:13-14 “Woe to them, because they have strayed from me! Destruction to them, because they have rebelled against me! I long to redeem them but they speak about me falsely. They do not cry out to me from their hearts but wail on their beds. They slash themselves, appealing to their gods for grain and new wine, but they turn away from me.”
Hosea was God’s prophet to Israel, warning them of God’s judgment because of their unfaithfulness. God rebuked them because they strayed from His commands. Not only did they stray, but they betrayed Him with their words and actions and then, when life was difficult and painful and they suffered the consequences of their rebellion, they cried out to anyone but God, as if false gods could save them.
It doesn’t seem much has changed.
People today will look to anyone and anything but God for rescue.. Hard hearts refuse to submit. They don’t want to bend the knee to the Father, but they will sacrifice their well-being, their peace, their future, their relationships- everything is fair game when they’re in pursuit of their ‘salvation’....everything but bowing to Christ. They pursue other teachings, practices, people, yet they will not reach out to the Father for the free gift of salvation. Is it pride? “I need to earn it” or is it disbelief? “It’s got to be more complicated than that” or, perhaps it is a disdain for anything holy. Whatever the case, it boils down to deception and rebellion.
2 Thessalonians 2:9-12 also warns us of the danger of deception and of hardened hearts.. “The coming of the lawless one will be in accordance with how Satan works. He will use all sorts of displays of power through signs and wonders that serve the lie, and all the ways that wickedness deceives those who are perishing. They perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. For this reason God sends them a powerful delusion so that they will believe the lie and so that all will be condemned who have not believed the truth but have delighted in wickedness.” They perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. How heartbreaking is that? The lifeline is there! The Rescuer is at-the-ready, but they refuse, sealing their condemnation and cutting themselves off from an eternity of blessing and an inheritance in the Kingdom.
Friends, this deception is here, now, and more is coming. The Enemy wants us to turn our faces away from the Lord and wallow in our misery. He delights in hearing us cry out in desperation, wailing for relief and he’s elated if we harden our hearts and refuse His rescue. This should drive us to our knees for our sons and daughters, especially if they do not know the Lord.
Finally, Revelation 16:8-10 paints a vivid picture of just how resolute these hardened hearts are. “The fourth angel poured out his bowl on the sun, and the sun was allowed to scorch people with fire. They were seared by the intense heat and they cursed the name of God, who had control over these plagues, but they refused to repent and glorify him. The fifth angel poured out his bowl on the throne of the beast, and its kingdom was plunged into darkness. People gnawed their tongues in agony and cursed the God of heaven because of their pains and their sores, but they refused to repent of what they had done.” - It’s a horrific picture and so heartbreaking, because all they would need to do is cry out to Jesus and be saved, yet they refuse.
As Hosea 7 says, God longs to redeem them. 2 Peter 3:9 also says “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” God is holding back His hand. He’s delaying His judgement. He doesn’t want anyone to suffer eternal punishment, but wants all to come to repentance. Can we pray today for those family members who don’t know the Lord? Pray for softened hearts willing to repent and follow Christ and eyes that clearly see God’s salvation and desire it more than anything this world could offer. There is so much at stake, friends. Pray and pray some more.
Maybe you’re reading this and you don’t have assurance of where you will spend eternity. Do you want to know the Lord Jesus Christ as your Savoir? Do you want freedom from sin and a peace that passes understanding?
We are all sinners. Romans 3:23 says “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” There is no way we could ever make ourselves worthy of Him.
Our deserved punishment is eternal death, separated from God. Romans 6:23 “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”
Oh, but we don’t have to be eternally condemned, because Jesus paid the price for our sin, He covered our debt when He died on the cross. Romans 5:8 “But God demonstrates His own love for us in this; While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
And God says to us, that if we” confess with our mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in our heart that God raised Him from the dead, we will be saved.” Romans 10:9
The lifeline is there and along with it forgiveness of all you’ve ever done, redemption from the fate you thought you were destined to and justification in the eyes of God, because when He looks at you, He sees the blood of Jesus that’s washed you clean. You have a hope and a future. You’re a child of God!!
If you confessed with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, would you share with us? Send a message or reply to this post. We would love to pray for you as you begin your life with Jesus Christ!
Pray without ceasing.