Scripture Reading
Isaiah 40:11
He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young.
Reflection
After the majestic vision of mountains lowered and valleys raised, Isaiah offers this intimate image: a shepherd cradling a lamb. The God of cosmic power is also the God of tender care. During this Advent, whatever wilderness you are traversing — grief, uncertainty, fatigue — the Shepherd is not standing at a distance demanding you keep up, but bending down to carry you.
Prayer for Today
Dearest Lord, at this time, my mind is not at peace and my heart is troubled. Inside of me, it feels like a raging storm with no signs of stopping any time soon. My concerns are getting too great for me to handle. The things I have to deal with are taking a huge toll on my mind and heart. There are even times that I cannot sleep soundly at night. My fears and what ifs keep bombarding my mind, stealing the peace and gladness I once had.
More than ever, God, I need You in this time of turmoil. I admit that often, I do not know what to do anymore. I am so close to giving up. I'm losing motivation to wake up in the morning. I'm losing my drive to continue the work that I'm supposed to do. Sometimes, I even feel as if life is no longer worth living. These are the thoughts clouding my mind these days, Lord, and I admit that they are not good.
For that reason, God, I'm asking that You would grant me that peace that surpasses understanding. I need that kind of peace that rules over my mind despite all the troubles I have. That can only come from You, Lord. Hold me in Your arms and comfort me. I cannot go through all of this on my own, but I know that with You, nothing is impossible. Always remind me that You are always there beside me, God, wherever I am and whatever comes my way.
Through it all, God, remind me to stay away from worry. Instead, help me to always look to You for comfort and peace, and to trust You whatever circumstances I have in life. You are sovereign, and You know what's best for me. I trust that You still have a great purpose for me; help me to fulfill it, Lord, despite any challenges. In Your Name, I pray, Amen.
More than ever, God, I need You in this time of turmoil. I admit that often, I do not know what to do anymore. I am so close to giving up. I'm losing motivation to wake up in the morning. I'm losing my drive to continue the work that I'm supposed to do. Sometimes, I even feel as if life is no longer worth living. These are the thoughts clouding my mind these days, Lord, and I admit that they are not good.
For that reason, God, I'm asking that You would grant me that peace that surpasses understanding. I need that kind of peace that rules over my mind despite all the troubles I have. That can only come from You, Lord. Hold me in Your arms and comfort me. I cannot go through all of this on my own, but I know that with You, nothing is impossible. Always remind me that You are always there beside me, God, wherever I am and whatever comes my way.
Through it all, God, remind me to stay away from worry. Instead, help me to always look to You for comfort and peace, and to trust You whatever circumstances I have in life. You are sovereign, and You know what's best for me. I trust that You still have a great purpose for me; help me to fulfill it, Lord, despite any challenges. In Your Name, I pray, Amen.
Amen.