Restoring Wonder in the Middle of Responsibility - Your Nightly Prayer - August 16
Restoring Wonder in the Middle of Responsibility
Your Nightly Prayer
TONIGHT’S SCRIPTURE
“And he said: ‘Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.’” Matthew 18:3 (NIV)
SOMETHING TO PONDER
Several years ago, I stumbled upon a song by Bethel called “Wonder.” I instantly fell in love with not only the musical composition but the opening stanza:
May we never lose our wonder
May we never lose our wonder
Wide-eyed and mystified
May we be just like a child
Staring at the beauty of our King
How easily do we get so bogged down by our responsibilities and schedules and worries that we forget to see, let alone magnify, the God that surrounds us with beauty and all good things?
At the end of our regular, routine days, are our hearts postured toward thankfulness for God’s mercy and grace that followed us in and out of moments we took for granted? Or are we exhausted, stressed, and internally begging for the day to draw to a speedy close?
As the mother of a three-year-old and three-month-old, I’ll frankly admit that I fall into the latter camp more often than I should. My boys, though incredible little imagebearers of God, can leave me feeling like the star of Castaway. I’ve heard the Bluey theme song and been spit up on enough to leave the day far, far behind.
Perhaps you aren’t in this season of life, but maybe a job, teenage children, adult children, or even a community volunteer role has left you so weighed down that God only hears your grumbling?
Don’t get me wrong—I believe God wants us to come to Him no matter our mental or emotional state, but Scripture is clear that He is due our praise first and foremost:
“Therefore, let us offer through Jesus a continual sacrifice of praise to God, proclaiming our allegiance to his name.” Hebrews 13:15 (NLT)
When someone only comes to us when they want something, we often say that it’s not a healthy relationship, that it’s an abuse of one party’s time, resources, and capacity. But that’s how we often treat God, isn't it? We want Him to give of Himself to meet our desires, and only then do we thank Him (if at all).
Yes, life plops endless responsibilities on our plates, but if we pause long enough to thank God for His goodness, we position our hearts to readily receive God’s glory and wonder all around us.
We become like little children who find God’s love, joy, and beauty in everything from dandelion weeds and bubbles to heart-shaped leaves and the sun peeking through the car window.
I challenge you to begin your prayers by listing three things you are grateful to God for—be specific. Make two of them big things, like a great health report or the salvation of a loved one, but let the third be something seemingly insignificant, like the dew on the grass or the song you heard your husband humming before bed.
List the gifts He has given you, and proclaim His character over them.
Maybe it was His protection over a near car accident your elderly parent had. Maybe it was His healing from a stomach bug that wrecked your house. Maybe it was His encouragement from a stranger at the grocery store telling you that you’re doing a great job with your kids (even while they’re stacking your buggy full of sugary cereal). Maybe it was His creativity in painting your window with raindrops or His thoughtfulness in giving butterflies such colorful wings.
There’s wonder to be found within our responsibilities. We simply need a heart of thanksgiving, open to God’s omnipresent glory, to see it!
YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER
Lord, thank you for your mercy, grace, and love that not only follow us but also sustain and encourage us amid our responsibilities. As we look to you for wisdom and guidance, may we also look at who you truly are. Grant us thankful hearts and open eyes that see and feel your goodness.
Slow us down when we are bogged down with responsibilities. Let us pause long enough to praise you and invite your presence into our routine.
Life is hard. This fallen world demands so much of us. We feel stretched thin as we try to juggle so many roles with integrity and a Christlike attitude. Even still, you invite us to come to you as children, as people of wonder, awe, adoration, and celebration amid the chaos, all for your glory and great name.
Lead us to your heart as we cultivate our own hearts of gratitude.
We love you so much, Jesus. Amen.
3 THINGS TO MEDITATE UPON
Where did I catch a glimpse of God's goodness today that I almost overlooked because I was too busy, distracted, or weary?
Have my prayers lately been centered more on what I need from God, or on simply worshiping Him for who He is? What would it look like to begin tomorrow with praise and thanksgiving?
If I approached tomorrow with the wonder and trust of a little child, how might I see God differently—in ordinary moments, unexpected blessings, or even difficult circumstances?
Reflect on tonight’s prayer and share how God met you there. Join the Your Nightly Prayer discussion on the Crosswalk Forum.
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