God's Kindness in the Middle of Pressure - Your Daily Prayer - August 19

: Follow devo Follow this devotional Follow author Follow this author

God's Kindness in the Middle of Pressure

Your Nightly Prayer

TONIGHT'S SCRIPTURE

The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love. Psalm 103:8

It was your typical Tuesday afternoon in the thick of summer! I had taken my kiddos and a friend to the pool, and we stopped for ice cream on the way to drop the friend off. I couldn’t have predicted what would happen next; it wasn't on my bingo card.

Our daughter needed to use the bathroom when we pulled into the driveway, so we asked if we could use their bathroom. They, of course, welcomed us in, and their dog was none too happy about it. As I blocked my daughter, he lunged and grabbed hold of my hand, digging his teeth into me. As quick and incredibly painful as it was, my shock and adrenaline took over. We hurried into the bathroom, and I started washing the cuts from his teeth. I didn’t even have time or a place to cry.

The homeowners were beyond mortified and apologetic. I got into the car, and all the thoughts started spinning. Was the dog up to date on shots? What other infections could I get? Did he break my finger because it was already bruising? Will my daughter be terrified of dogs after watching that happen? The hamster wheel was spinning, and there was no getting off.

I hate to admit it, but I didn’t even stop to pray. Panic took over. I reached for my phone to call my people and ask what I should do. I called our vet, my friend who’s a vet, and our friend who’s been a doctor for 35 years. They all instructed me to get seen immediately to have the wound cleaned and follow a proper protocol. And they all shared what had been looming over me since this occurred: “The health department will have to be notified regarding the dog.”

My stomach sank. This is the type of situation that ruins relationships. Then the prayers began flowing, “Lord, would you soften the heart of this family? I have to take care of myself for my own safety and my family's! Lord, please show your provision and help me in the midst of this pressurizing situation.”

He brought forth clarity and reminded me that he: “protected my daughter, He gave me people to contact immediately, He provided quick medical care, and He was with me.”

While He didn’t address how the family would handle the news, He met me with His peace, assuring me that He had already taken care of the details at hand and would handle the rest.

It had me thinking that the Lord, being the most kind and compassionate, knows how much the relationship means to our family. He knows my son would be devastated by losing a friend over a situation he was not even part of. So I’m trusting in the nature of God’s heart. Not only does He care for me and desires a full recovery with no complications, but He also cares about my son’s friendship and the other family, too.

We serve a God who cares deeply for His people. No, we are not excluded from hardships and situations on this side of heaven, but in the midst of them, He reveals He cares. He shows it through people, and namely through His Word.

“Praise the Lord, my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits— who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s. The Lord works righteousness and justice for all the oppressed. He made known his ways to Moses, his deeds to the people of Israel: The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love.” Psalm 103:1-8

His love abounds amid our pressures. His peace and grace meet us when worry arises, and His compassion is felt as we journey through this life. He is good, abounding in love, ready and willing to walk with us.

SOMETHING TO PONDER

What pressures feel like too much? What do you need to hand over to the Lord?

YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER

Father, as the day comes to a close and I’m reminded of the pressures of this season, remind me you are greater than anything I face. Please help me navigate difficult conversations and situations. Bless me with your peace and give me courage. In Jesus’ name, amen.

THREE THINGS TO MEDITATE UPON

How have you seen God meet you in a hard season?

How has He displayed His kindness toward you?

What do you need to pray about that is causing you fear?

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/m-gucci

Chelsey is the voice behind the Living with Less Podcast and author of the 52-week devotional More of Him, Less of Me: Living a Christ-centered Life in a Me-centered World. She writes devotions for Lifeway Women's Journey Magazine, Crosswalk.com, and iBelieve.com. She also writes Bible reading plans for the YouVersion Bible App. Chelsey lives in Ohio with her husband and two children. You can connect with her on Instagram @chelseydematteis and at her website ChelseyDeMatteis.com.

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.