Surrendering What You Can't Control - Your Nightly Prayer - April 25th

Rev. Kyle Norman

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Your Nightly Prayer

Surrendering What You Can't Control
Your Nightly Prayer
by Rev. Kyle Norman

TONIGHT’S SCRIPTURE

“Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him.” - Psalm 62:8

SOMETHING TO PONDER

I once lived near a neighborhood church, the kind that supported a large sign out front. On this sign, the church would place all sorts of slogans and sayings designed to inspire those who passed by. One day, as I drove past the church, the sign read “When the answer is simple, God is speaking.” I think I groaned when I read those words. The problem with this quote is that it makes it sound as if the life of faith is devoid of complication or confusion. Simply believe in Jesus, and the difficulties of life simply slide into the background! After all, God only gives us simple and easy answers, right? Who wouldn’t want a faith like that?

But here’s the thing: That’s not the faith I know, and I’m willing to bet that’s not the faith you know either. If God always gave us easy answers, simple solutions, or clear-cut instructions, then there would be no need for trust. The truth of Scripture is that God often leads us to places unknown; God calls us to step into mystery. God stretches us beyond our own control and management so that we can recognize that our faith is more about what God does for us than what we can do for ourselves.

We see this truth frequently played out in scripture. We can think of Abram traveling to a new land simply because God called him; Or we can think of Moses, wandering through the desert for 40 years, never knowing what was around the corner; Or we can think of Peter, launching himself out of a boat to stand upon waters that he doesn’t know will hold his weight. In all these places, the people of faith had to trust that God would be with them and uphold them. They had to surrender what they couldn’t control so that they could witness the mighty power of God.

The places of unknowing, mystery, and confusion are opportunities to trust in the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Psalm 62.8 reminds us to always trust in the Lord and to pour our hearts out to him. Our faith is never about knowing how everything is going to work out. In faith, we reach out to God, daring to believe that God is with us no matter our circumstances. Trust isn’t based on certainty – it is based on intimacy. We trust because God’s love has been met in our lives. This means we don’t have to know how everything turns out. We don’t have to manage or control our future; Ultimately, our lives are in God’s hands. When we step away from the need to know the results of what is before us, we can surrender what we can’t control, and in doing so, surrender ourselves. This leaves us open to the possibility of witnessing God do more than we can ask or imagine.

YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER

Gracious Lord,
I thank you for your grace in my life. I thank you for all the ways you lead, guide, and protect me. I thank you that I can rely on you at all times and in all situations. Every moment of my life is an opportunity to witness your steadfast faithfulness. And so, Lord Jesus, I thank you for the places where you call me to step out in faith. I thank you that you invite me to release what I can’t control so that I might place my life in your hands.
You, O Lord, are faithful and true. In the places where I am tempted to exert control over what is before me, remind me that you can do more than I can ever ask or imagine. When I try to manage my future by my own strength or strategy, help me to know that I am to follow where you lead. Lord, I wish to decrease so that you may increase.
As I rest my body this might, I release my grasp over my life. I offer this moment, and all moments, to your guidance and love. I pray this in Jesus’ name:
Amen.

THREE THINGS TO MEDITATE UPON

God’s ways are often revealed as we step into the unknown futures. Where is the Spirit calling you to step out in faith?
Pouring our hearts out before God involves being honest about confusion, anxiety, or fear. What do you need to be honest with God about in your life?
Where has God proven faithful to you in the past? How might that inspire you to trust in God’s faithfulness today?

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

The Reverend Dr. Kyle Norman is the Rector of St. Paul’s Cathedral, located in Kamloops BC, Canada. He holds a doctorate in Spiritual formation and is a sought-after writer, speaker, and retreat leader. His writing can be found at Christianity.com, crosswalk.com, ibelieve.com, Renovare Canada, and many others. He also maintains his own blog revkylenorman.ca. He has 20 years of pastoral experience, and his ministry focuses on helping people overcome times of spiritual discouragement.