After this I looked, and behold, a door standing open in heaven! And the first voice, which I had heard speaking to me like a trumpet, said, ”Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after this.” At once I was in the Spirit, and behold, a throne stood in heaven, with one seated on the throne. Rev. 4:1-2 (ESV)
Dear heavenly Father, thank you for not despising our weaknesses; and for never showing us disgust and wondering when we’re going to finally “get it”, and for always being compassionate, forbearing, and patient with us. For there are some days, circumstances, and stories in life that intensify our vulnerability and ramp up our stress. This portion of your Word brings the encouragement we need when we’re feeling the most stress.
Father, by your Holy Spirit, please give us the same centering gift you gave John. In our heart of hearts, help us be certain that the throne of heaven in presently occupied by you—our mighty and merciful Abba, Father. Sovereignty is happening all the time. Nothing takes you by surprise and nothing catches you off guard.
You haven’t promised us satisfying explanations for everything that happens in life, but you have promised us that you are always at work in all things, for your glory and for our good. Because of your gift of Jesus, to us and for us, we have every reason to trust you completely.
So we cast our cares on you, Father; we bring you our insufficiency, our fears, and our stress. In our restlessness, grant us grace to be still and to know you are God. In our demandingness, grant us peace and freedom, to accept your timetable and your ways. In our waiting, grant us a very real sense of your presence and goodness. So very Amen we pray, in Jesus’ strong and loving name.
