My Prayer
I absolutely LOVE the holiday season. Glitter ooses from my pores and I could poop confetti (just keeping it real). From October through the beginning of January I’m overjoyed. I switch out our decorations monthly during this time of year and my house, currently, has 10 Christmas trees and every possible surface is covered in something christmasy. And, even though we are still hitting the 80 degree range here in south Texas, there’s always a fire because that’s just what you do during Christmas (thanks, Hallmark channel). My memories of this time of year are so filled with happiness.
This morning, however, I am reminded that this season is not always bathed in happiness for everyone. I’m reminded of a friend who lost her mother a few years ago just days before Thanksgiving. This week is a hard week for her. She has to deal with those feelings of loss. I am reminded of a sister who just found out she has cancer. And, here, the day before Thanksgiving, is at an appointment to only start the process of fighting this. I am reminded of another friend who just lost his wife and is going to face his first holiday season without her. Her two small children won’t have mom this year for the first time. And the list goes on.
Right about now I’m tempted to start with the questions of “how is this fair, God?”. Doesn’t everyone deserve a Hallmark Christmas? But, I don’t think it’s ever a question that can be answered in easy form. And I can’t even pretend to understand God’s plan in those situations or try to erase their pain with simple “God has a plan and purpose” remarks. I just have to choose to trust Him.
So, I want to share with you a prayer by Lysa TerKeurst that I prayed over my friend this morning:
“Lord, You are teaching me so much about trusting You. Fully. Completely. Without suggestions or projections I’m choosing to embrace the very next thing You show me. I’ll take this first step. And then I’ll take the next.
I finally understand I don’t have to fully understand each thing that happens for me to trust You. I don’t have to try and figure it out, control it, or even like it, for that matter. In the midst of uncertainties, I will just stand and say, “I trust You, Lord.”…
I replace my fragile efforts to control with Your fortified realities.
You are the perfect match for my every need.
I am weak. You are strength.
I am unable. You are capability.
I am hesitant. You are assurance.
I am desperate. You are fulfillment.
I am confused. You are confidence.
I am tired. You are rejuvenation.
Though the long path is uncertain, You are so faithful to shed just enough light for me to see the very next step. I now understand this isn’t You being mysterious. This is a great demonstration of your mercy.
Too much revelation and I’d pridefully run ahead of You. Too little and I’d be paralyzed with fear.
So, I’m seeking slivers of light in Your Truth just for today and filling the gaps of my unknown with trust.”
The thing is that I pray this prayer for myself quite frequently. Life is so uncertain and full of twists and turns. The future is a blurry picture right now. So today, just sit and pray this for yourself if you need it. Let’s all hand the hard things to God. It may be a daily thing, or even an hourly thing for you right now. I pray we choose to trust even when we don’t understand. I pray we find the hope and wonder of this season despite our hardships and uncertainties. And, I pray that you find healing and restoration if that’s what you need today. After all, that little baby we celebrate that came so long ago, came to heal and restore all of humankind. He can do it. And, that, my friends, is truly part of the miracle of Christmas.
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