Together in Spirit

When life was more predictable, it seemed I could rely on myself to get what I wanted. I focused on doing my thing, and the castle walls of my security grew steadily higher and wider. I thought that I was the builder, but you created the community that lifted stone onto stone.

Lord, under the affliction of this pandemic, you have pulled down that veil of illusion. I mistook the predictability of the world’s responses to my habits for proof that I was in control. Now I know viscerally what was always true: that you control my life, and you will not be tamed. You are wild, and dangerous, but loving.

How much separation from community magnifies its value! How I wish I could do as much for it as it has for me! I imagine that I should be doing something bold and heroic to erase this pain. But that’s just the old fantasy of being in control. Instead, I’m just me, with the same limited skills and ideas I had before, hopelessly set in my ways. I don’t know what to do!  

 I should trust you, Lord. Though the world has changed alarmingly, I am still receiving everything I need. Though what I have to offer seems so insufficient, it flows through other hearts, minds, and hands where it merges with something bigger, amplifies, and transforms. I’ve seen the unreasonable abundance that returns to me, so why do I doubt that you can amplify my efforts to create abundance for others?

Lord, I will put my trust in you. I will start right here and put one foot in front of the other. If someone asks me for help, I will listen for your voice. I will take good advice. I will try to serve your Goodness in the best way I know how. I will use my best judgement, which you gave me to use, but I will not wait for a certainty that will never come. I trust you will correct me if I do the wrong thing or don’t try hard enough. Because what you have already done, have always done, and will continue to do, is so amazing. May your name be praised.  Amen.

“At this unusual and challenging time, I have found great comfort and inspiration from reading from a daily devotional, which offers great quotes and scripture references, such as this Psalm and prayer. I am constantly amazed at how the pages come alive and address each day’s joys and difficulties, offering great wisdom, comfort, peace and perspective. They have been a highlight and source of strength each day – especially during 2020.

Inspired by Nature

by Niels Krejci

“My faith is at its best when it is like the wait for the nectarine tree blossoms. I trust that they will come, because I have seen it happen time and time again.”
Together in Spirit is FCC of Milton’s way of inviting the church community to share short reflections of life with each other. One of the best parts of being a community of faith is the way we learn from one another’s journey. Contact [email protected] for more information.