Ending July with Surrender - Your Nightly Prayer - July 30th

: Follow devo Follow this devotional Follow author Follow this author

Ending July with Surrender
Your Nightly Prayer
By Sophia Bricker

TONIGHT’S SCRIPTURE

"I cry out to God Most High, to God who fulfills his purpose for me." - Psalm 57:2, ESV

SOMETHING TO PONDER

Leaf by Niggle by J. R. R. Tolkien is a short story that captures the frustration of an artist at the prospect of leaving work undone. Niggle works on his painting throughout his days, in the same way that Tolkien spent his life creating the mythology of Middle-earth. However, death comes for Niggle, who is unprepared for the journey, and he is unable to finish the painting of a tree. Sorrow pains him at the thought that the masterpiece would never be finished. Yet, in heaven, he is surprised to find a tree that looks oddly like the one he had painted. As Tolkien wrote, “Before him stood the Tree, his Tree, finished. If you could say that of a Tree that was alive, its leaves opening, its branches growing and bending in the wind that Niggle had so often felt or [guessed], and had so often failed to catch” (Tales from the Perilous Realm, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2021, p.302-303). In addition to the gift of seeing his tree, he is given the time to continue the work he had started on earth. Not only did his creative work continue in heaven, but it found its fulfillment there.

As finite human beings, there is only so much we can do in the time we have been given. For many of us, that means we will often find ourselves with unfinished tasks and projects. Scripture even tells us that it is likely we will die with having goals and plans to accomplish, which will not see fruition––at least in our earthly life (Psalm 146:4; Ecclesiastes 9:6). Like Niggle, we may have a proverbial tree that we never get to finish painting.

The Bible is clear, though, that we can entrust these unfinished projects and unfulfilled plans to the Lord. As David declared in his hiding place in the wilderness, when he fled from the murderous king Saul, God would fulfill or accomplish His purpose (Psalm 57:2). The Lord would provide for and protect David; likewise, He will continue His work in our lives today. Nothing we leave unfinished can stop the Lord from completing His good work. As Proverbs 19:21 says, “Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the LORD that will stand” (ESV). We can safely surrender the things we plan to do, but might not complete, into the loving hands of our Lord. For He is faithful and will complete the work He started in and through us. So, we can labor in peace, trusting that the unfinished threads of our lives will eventually be tied together–– if not now, then in eternity.

YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER

Great Finisher and Restorer of all things,
You know how often I worry about the things I leave undone. The projects I have yet to complete. The goals that I wait to accomplish. As I end this month with more uncompleted tasks, I choose to entrust these things to You rather than fretting about the future. You already hold my days in Your hands, numbering each one. So, I surrender my plans to You, O God, knowing that this life is not the end. I will have all eternity to pursue fulfilling work in worship of You. In Your great name, I pray.
Amen.

THREE THINGS TO MEDITATE UPON

An item or image that symbolizes surrender for you (e.g., a dandelion releasing its seeds to the wind, an image of open hands, etc.). How can this remind you of the freedom of letting your plans, worries, and goals rest in the capable hands of God?
A time when God accomplished something in your life. What happened? In what way can the memory of this event give you hope that He is still working in your life today?
Philippians 1:6: “And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ” (ESV). What fulfillment do you most look forward to at Christ’s return and the restoration of all things?

Reflect on tonight’s prayer and share how God met you there. Join the Your Nightly Prayer discussion on the Crosswalk Forum.

Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/Mary Spickelmier

Sophia Bricker Sophia Bricker is a writer. Her mission is to help others grow in their relationship with Jesus through thoughtful articles, devotionals, and stories. She completed a BA and MA in Christian ministry which included extensive study of the Bible and theology, as well as an MFA in creative writing. You can read her thoughts about literature and faith at The Cross, a Pen, and a Page Substack, or visit the discipleship-based site Cultivate, where she writes with her sister.

For the one who is weary without answers. If you’re still showing up and still praying — but starting to wonder if it’s working — this 90-day devotional will meet you right there, with honesty and Scripture in place of easy answers.