A moment of peace amidst my chaotic life.
As my surprise third son sleeps in the back of the car as we wait for older brothers at school pickup, I’m sitting in a swirl of emotions over this time in my life. I’m overwhelmed by the blessings God has brought from hardship (saving my marriage, myself, and growing our family) and equally as overwhelmed with the unanswered prayers I have amidst our current storm in life.
I have so many problems that I’ve cried out in prayer for God to answer, and they aren’t solved. Yet, God, here You are with me as I wait, and that comfort is enough.
It never used to be enough, though…
I remember the toil, the burden, of trying to put my life back together in my own strength. I always sought the future, the answer, the provision. I thought, “When this problem is solved I’ll be happy, joyful, content.”
Turns out contentment is actually found in me laying down my pride of self-sufficiency at His feet and surrendering those answers I seek. See, when we surrender our self-sufficiencies, we create an opportunity through our humility. The opportunity is for God to be who He says He is–El Shaddai (the all-sufficient one).
It is the coolest thing seeing God move and knowing you had nothing to do with it! Better than any award or recognition I have received for the work I’ve done.
But true surrendering of our torment and struggle–of our pain and suffering–means letting go of the need for the answer to come and trusting that God is who He says He is.
He is sufficient (enough).
He is Provider.
He is… what you need Him to be.
When we hold onto the promises in His word and His character, He NEVER disappoints. When we find our true strength, it’s because our hope rests in His presence–not His provision. That is where joy, peace, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, love, gentleness, and self-control are found.
Come and see (John 1:39). Be in His presence and sit at His feet. He will sustain you as you go through the stages of healing.
Contributed by: Jaylen Harrel
Scripture:
Psalms 20:1-9 (CSB)
”May the Lord answer you in a day of trouble;
may the name of Jacob’s God protect you.
May he send you help from the sanctuary
and sustain you from Zion.
May he remember all your offerings
and accept your burnt offering.
May he give you what your heart desires
and fulfill your whole purpose.
Let us shout for joy at your victory
and lift the banner in the name of our God.
May the Lord fulfill all your requests.
Now I know that the Lord gives victory to his anointed;
he will answer him from his holy heaven
with mighty victories from his right hand.
Some take pride in chariots, and others in horses,
but we take pride in the name of the Lord our God.
They collapse and fall,
but we rise and stand firm.
Lord, give victory to the king!
May he answer us on the day we call.“
Reflection:
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Day 5 included a prompt asking God to reveal places in your life where you rely on your own strength. Reflect again on those areas and consider how doing things on your own might be hindering your relationship with God. What emotions surface as you think about letting go of that control? How might surrendering these aspects allow you to experience His sufficiency more fully?
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The fruits of the Spirit are not merely qualities we ask for; they are the natural outgrowth of spending time with Jesus. As you reflect on your journey, which of these fruits do you find yourself longing for the most right now? Take a moment to consider why this particular fruit resonates with you and how embracing it could transform your current situation.
- Take some time to pray about these revelations, inviting God into those spaces and asking for His guidance and strength.