Comfort When You Miss What Was - Your Nightly Prayer - September 14
Comfort When You Miss What Was
TONIGHT'S SCRIPTURE
“a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance” (Ecclesiastes 3:4).
SOMETHING TO PONDER
Immediately after graduating from college, I fell mysteriously ill. Without warning, I went from the girl who ran and danced daily to one who could barely walk up the stairs. 6 months later, I was diagnosed with 10+ physical and mental health issues. For the last 8 years, I’ve wrestled with this new body. Not one given to me in Heaven, but the scarred one I have to learn to live with here on earth.
For many of us, we miss what once was. We miss being happy, being healthy, or being a child. Maybe we miss a spouse or relative, or what life was like before pain, sickness, or sorrow entered the picture. Longing for what was can be incredibly painful. Because one, we don’t know if what was will ever be again, and two, we have to be okay if what remains for the foreseeable future.
When I was first diagnosed with all of these conditions, my life was flipped upside down. I didn’t know how to function, let alone figure out my twenties. Now at 30, I’m still navigating the choppy seas. But I’ve learned this: There is a time for everything under the heavens, and God wastes nothing. I don’t believe He desires for us to be in pain or experience this fallen world, but when sin entered the picture, we messed up this life badly.
Your and my hardships don’t always equate to sin. In fact, most struggles often come from living in a broken world. But when we face these difficulties, we do have a choice: to point others to Jesus in the midst of them, or drive them away. I’m not saying we have to act like life is fine when it’s not, but I am encouraging us to remember that God can and will use everything for His good if we allow Him to.
In the book of Ecclesiastes, we see that the author believes life is meaningless. In exploring everything in the world, he realizes that eternal satisfaction alone can only be found in Heaven. But, while we’re on this earth, there is a time for everything, even if we don’t presently understand it in the moment.
Our job isn’t to fake our emotions or display the life of a perfect Christian. Our goal is to point others to Jesus amidst our greatest trials. For God works all things together for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. And He can use us even when we miss what was.
YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER
Dear Jesus, over the years, my life has changed immensely. I miss my healthy body. I miss my friends and family members who have passed on from this life. I miss the hope and trust I had before pain entered the picture. But even here, Lord, remind me that there is a time for everything in this life. And though I struggle to comprehend it, you can and will use it for my good and your glory. As I grieve, comfort me, Lord. Give me hope that what you’re doing now is good, even if it doesn’t feel good right now. I love you, Jesus. Amen.
THREE THINGS TO MEDITATE UPON
Take time to journal about the life you miss. Where have you struggled to trust God in what He’s doing now? Talk to Him about these things while taking a walk in nature.
Go outside and look at some leaves falling off the trees. Put one in your journal. Then, write a poem about the beauty of God using us in different seasons.
Read chapters 1-3 of Ecclesiastes. Meditate on what the Lord may be speaking to you.
Agape, Amber
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
Related Resource: Praying Through Psalm 68: When God is Bigger Than Your Problems!
What happens when the giants you are facing—whether overwhelmingly massive or seemingly insignificant—trick you into believing God doesn't care about your daily struggles?
Join Jaime on the Praying Christian Women Podcast for an inspiring devotional on Psalm 68, a triumphant and powerful psalm that celebrates the unmatched bigness of God and reminds us that no earthly enemy or obstacle stands a chance against Him. If this episode helps you connect with God through prayer, be sure to follow Praying Christian Women on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an episode!
Now that you've prayed, are you in need of someone to pray for YOU? Click the button below!
