The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit. John 3:8.

Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:1-2.

Keep me safe, O God, for I have come to You for refuge. Psalm 16:1.

And continuing our 351 Old Testament prophecies, promises of God, fulfilled in Jesus Christ, we come to number 124: “My soul is exceeding sorrowful.” Psalm 69:20: Reproach has broken my heart and I am so sick. And I looked for sympathy, but there was none, and for comforters, but I found none. And, Matthew 26:38: Then He said to them, “My soul is deeply grieved, to the point of death; remain here and keep watch with Me.”

Jesus went to the Father when He was grieved and in need of the help and strength and peace He needed to face what He did for us. He went to the Father. My first impulse when I face anything unknown is to give in to fear and worry as though in those states I can be in control and yet they rob me of everything needed to face life and set me back. And I come to the Father in prayer and as I spend time with Him in quiet I am brought back to a place of assurance. I am with Him. And I give thanks for Him and for all He is doing. For the creation He created that is so beautiful I give thanks. For the very life He has given me I give thanks. For family and friends I give thanks. For His love as He walks with me I give thanks. For understanding I know He will give as I am able to receive I give thanks. For knowing He is Creator, Sustainer, Redeemer, Healer, I give thanks. He is doing good work and as we turn to Him we begin to see and appreciate all that cannot be done without Him and He is able and I give thanks. I praise God from Whom all blessings flow and pray His will for all of us be done as we are enabled to see how much we need Him and in seeing, turn to Him so His good work can begin in our hearts and minds. The peace we need is in God who loves us and knows us intimately, not as the world knows us, but as He knows us.

***WHEN GOD FEELS DISTANT – Father, I can barely lift my eyes to You. It’s all I can do to cry out for help. Please extend Your grace to me this day. Help me to see that You are in this and that You are with me. Help me to remember that You are not surprised or caught off guard by the events of this day. Forgive me for my fears about this day. Forgive me for how I have complained and muttered about how hard this day has been. Forgive me for forgetting that You are with me. Forgive me for forgetting who I am because of what Your Son, Jesus Christ, has done. Forgive me for failing to remember the glorious truths and riches I have because of the gospel. Father, hear my prayer. Grant me gospel hope in the midst of this hard day. Help me to cling to Your grace, Your wisdom, and Your strength. Christina Fox, “A Prayer for Hard Days,” iBelieve.com, February 9, 2022. Adapted.***