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Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God;

I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isa. 41:10 (ESV)

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Rom. 8:28 (NIV)

“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. 2 Cor. 12:9 (NIV)

Heavenly Father, this is such an encouraging tapestry of Scriptures. We are so glad the gospel isn’t about magic-thinking or make-believe-living, spiritual-anesthesia or circumstance-spinning. In fact, the gospel is the only place in the universe where we don’t have to pretend about anything.

Father, we are grateful you “uphold us with your righteous right hand” and promise us sufficient grace, in stories that are recipes for discouragement, like these…

For those of us hearing the condemning whispers of Satan louder than the consoling voice of the Spirit—grant us grace, and fresh assurance that nothing can separate us from your love or condemn us for our sins. Convince us, yet again, that Jesus plus nothing is our righteousness, period.

For those of us feeling the weight of health concerns or heart-hurt, messy relationships or uncertain futures—grant us grace, peace, and the assurance of your nearness and sovereignty.

For those of us weighed down by some combination of political upheaval and financial uncertainty, vocational challenges and kids in pain—grant us grace, wisdom, and a vision of the occupied throne of heaven.

For those of us who have no crisis but feel a bit listless, weary, or spiritually adrift—grant us grace and restore to us the joy of our salvation and our first love.

Father, in these and other challenging scenarios, reassure us that you are very much at work, for your glory and our good. For you have subpoenaed us to hope and a life of intimacy with yourself. You want us, you have us, and you love us. Hallelujah, right now and forever, we are yours. So very Amen we pray, in Jesus’ merciful and mighty name.

 

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