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 not despising our weaknesses, and for never showing us disgust and wondering when we’re going to finally “get it.” You’re always compassionate, forbearing, and patient with us.
Certain days, circumstances, and stories intensify our vulnerability and ramp up our stress. This portion of your Word brings the encouragement we need most when we’re feeling the most stress.
Father, by your Holy Spirit, grant us the same centering/settling perspective you gave John. Sovereignty is “happening” all the time. Let us hear you say, “these things must take place,” and take great consolation in the “must-ness” of your declaration. There’s nothing “might” about your ways. You don’t rule by possibilities or probabilities. You are in control, even when we’re not in a “bed of daisies.”
You haven’t promised us satisfying explanations for everything that happens in life. But you have promised to be at work in all things for your glory, and our good. Because of your gift of Jesus—to us and for us, we have every reason to trust you without reservation or hesitation.
So we cast our cares on you, Father. We fling our fears, bring our burdens, and surrender 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.