God's Presence in the Unknown - Your Nightly Prayer - January 24th
God’s Presence in the Unknown
Your Nightly Prayer
by Clarence Haynes Jr.
TONIGHT’S SCRIPTURE
“Do not fear, for I am with you.” - Isaiah 41:10
SOMETHING TO PONDER
Earlier this year, my employer laid me off from my job of thirteen years. I remember the day I found out that I was going to be laid off. I was shocked, and yet before I could become overwhelmed by the circumstance, God whispered very softly in my spirit, Trust me. Even though I was facing an unknown situation, he assured me he would be with me through it.
Ironically, this was something that had happened to me thirteen years prior at a different company. They informed me on Monday that my employment would end on Friday. At this point, I had been married for eight months, and we would soon have a second child on the way. While God did not whisper, Trust me in this scenario, he was already working out the unknown parts that I could not see. I had to trust him again.
Honestly, not knowing what lies ahead is unsettling. I am no different from you in that I like what is certain. Places of uncertainty are uncomfortable, yet they provide the most opportunities for growth if you will trust the process God is taking you through. The fascinating thing about God’s promises is that they are certain; it is just that sometimes they don’t feel that way because the surrounding circumstances are uncertain. That’s why the words we find in Isaiah say it best, Do not fear, for I am with you. This is God’s word whispering to your spirit. Trust me.
Trust the God who is with you.
Will you take a moment to consider your situation? What are the unknowns in your life? For me I am still seeking full-time employment, yet while I wait, God has been providing financially in this season. As you stare into your unknown, what do you see God providing for you? It could be his peace in the middle of an unstable situation. Maybe he is giving you confidence that everything will work out when there is nothing that says it will. It is possible he is just surrounding you with his presence that calms every fear. Whatever it is, God has promised to be with you, and he will. Your job is to trust him and trust his plan.
I know it is easier to have faith when you see the road ahead, but that doesn’t require much faith, and often with God, that is not how it works anyway. Many times, all you have is his promise. I can assure you, it may not feel like that is enough, but it is. When you face the unknown, you may get afraid. After all, we are human, and that is why God reminds us not to be afraid. You belong to him, and he will not let you walk through your situation alone. I can’t promise you the situation will change tomorrow, but I can promise you that God will be with you until it does. That is a promise you can rest in, not because I said, but because he did.
YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER
Father,
I don’t know what is happening, and what lies ahead. As I look around, it is hard to decipher what you are doing and sometimes where you are in this process. I ask that you help me trust you in these unknown seasons and to know that you have not forsaken me. As I take this moment to pray and worship, give me a sense of your presence and let me sense you are near. As I draw near to you, draw near to me so I can know with complete confidence you are with me. Thank you for your promises, and let them be a reminder of your steady presence that never lets me go through this life alone. I thank you again for always being with me, which lets me know I don’t have to be afraid.
I pray these things in Jesus’ name.
Amen.
THREE THINGS TO MEDITATE UPON
1. Worship invites God’s presence and is a wonderful way to overcome your fears.
2. Don’t be afraid to express your fears, worries, and emotions to God. He is your Father, and he can handle it.
3. Sometimes you don’t need God’s presence to get you through the next season. Sometimes you just need him to get you through the next day. He will remain faithful in both circumstances.
Reflect on tonight’s prayer and share how God met you there. Join the Your Nightly Prayer discussion on the Crosswalk Forum.
Photo Credit: © Unsplash/Daniel Jensen
He is the author of The Pursuit of Purpose, which helps readers understand how God leads them into his will, and the author of The Pursuit of Victory: How To Conquer Your Greatest Challenges and Win In Your Christian Life. Clarence is also committed to helping 10,000 people learn how to study the Bible and has released his first course, Bible Study Basics, to achieve that goal. To learn more about his ministry and resources, please visit clarencehaynes.com.
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