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)
Heavenly Father, thank you for never despising our brokenness and weaknesses, and for never rolling your eyes at us in disgust and wondering when we’re going to finally “get it.” You’re always compassionate, forbearing, and patient with us, and we are grateful.
Some days, stories, and circumstances in life that intensify our vulnerability and ramp up our stress. For some of us, that’s not a hypothetical scenario, but a present reality. This portion of your Word brings us encouragement when we need the perspective of eternity and grace on the ground.
Father, by your Holy Spirit, show us what you showed John in his vision of heaven. In our heart of hearts, help us be certain that you are currently, and comfortably, occupying the throne of heaven. You, our Abba Father—merciful and mighty, have all things well in hand. Sovereignty is happening all the time. Nothing takes you by surprise, and nothing catches you off guard. You’ve left nothing to chance, but all things to Christ.
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 Jesus’ finished work and non-stop intercession, we have every reason to trust you completely.
So we cast our cares on you, Father; we bring you our insufficiency and fears, our stress and weariness. In our restlessness, grant us grace to be still and to know you are our good, good, Father. 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.