Abba,

This world is in turmoil.  And yet, while it may be new to our lives, that turmoil is not unique to us.  The world has been in turmoil ever since sin entered it.  Not once has it caught you by surprise nor has it been outside of your Divine hand and control.  Yet, for we who are very often shortsighted; we whose sight is veiled and shadowed by our limitations, the turmoil of the here-and-now becomes monumentally large.  All we see is a world in chaos.  We live threatened by daily fear.

We live, right now, under the shadow of a pandemic. 

We live in a nation divided so starkly that it appears we are on the brink of civil war.

We even see division between the ethnicities that you created from the same blood.

And unfortunately, it doesn’t even stop there.  Because on top of all of that each of our individual lives have challenges, trials, and tribulations of their own.  Is it any wonder then that we wrestle and fight against discouragement and despair?  Is it any wonder that we fight against fear and doubt?

Father, you know, my own heart is heavily burdened.  As I have faced these days, my own heart has been tempted to fear.  As I have sought to shoulder the burdens of those I love and that you have placed in my life to care for, I have felt the pull of fear and discouragement and sorrow.  Indeed, Abba,  my own heart has not been without its own dark moments.

And yet this one truth remains.  A truth that has revitalized my heart time and time again.

You are sovereign.

Though our sight be veiled; though we see dimly.

You have no such limitation.

You see perfectly and know perfectly.

You still have complete control over all you have created. 

Father, help us, as your people, not to focus solely on the obstacles in the way.  But rather let us focus on the God who stands above them all.  May we not live in fear, doubt, discouragement, or hopelessness.

May the shadow of discouragement, depression and fear be dispelled in the brightness and splendor of your glory and might!   May they not cloud our hearts and souls or block our view from seeing the all Divine All-Seeing God who stands well outside of the troubles that pursue us!  

Remind us that though You stand outside of it, unaffected by it, yet you are not oblivious to our plight for you walk with us through it.

Remind us that though we endure trouble and tribulation for a time, it will work out for a weight of Glory that is far beyond our deepest comprehensions.  May we in faith, day by day, look to You, the author and the finisher of our faith. 

You are a Sovereign God who has never lost control.

You are a perfect God who’s never made a mistake.

You are a righteous God who upholds Justice and Truth.

You are a faithful God who will not abandon us the troubles of this life.

Gird up our hearts; strengthen our minds; fortify our souls.

May we look with faith to your throne in heaven and trust you to see us through these dark days to the glorious ones you have prepared for those who love and trust you.

We love you Abba.

Amen.