A forgetter’s prayer

When I stop thinking about your goodness, this world terrifies me. My brave, bold strides turn to undetectable shuffling, until I stop moving altogether and just stand there, melting into the shape of everything that I’m afraid of. I stay there, looking nothing like who you built me to be, and I stare unblinking at the terrible things that could happen.

I forget. I forget who my Father is. I forget what my Savior looks like. I forget “fear not.” I forget “come to me, and I will give you rest.” All of the reasons to be courageous fade.

Yet, I know who you are. I know your greatness, your might, your kindness, your patience. I know your unsinkable truth, your unfathomable goodness, your unbreakable promises. I know that you love beyond reason, that you rescue without reservation, that your plans have no flaw and your mercy has no equal. I know that you are the reason that I breathe and the reason I can come up for air when I’m drowning in fear.

So today, Lord, I ask you to remind me who you are. Give me confidence because there is a sun in the sky. You tell it when to rise and set. Grant me assurance when I hear birds singing in the trees. You provide for them. Comfort me with the wind that blows my hair across my face. I don’t know where the wind comes from or where it is going, but you do.

Flood my heart with memories. Play it again in my spirit, all of the ways that you have left me in awe with your tender care and your infinite wisdom. Overwhelm my mind with pictures of your provision and the personal ways that you have taught me what it means to believe.

Strengthen me through the testimonies of the faithful. Let their stories thrill my soul and set me singing your praises, whether I can see the sun or not. Teach me what it means to rise up in faith during fearful times, and grant me your wisdom so that I can see past circumstances straight to your goodness.

You are beautiful and all you do is perfect. Set my mind on your faithfulness. Amen.

_________ Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Deuteronomy 31:6 I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears. Psalm 34:4 Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good! Blessed is the one who takes refuge in him! Psalm 34:8 Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. Matthew 11:28 Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? Matthew 6:26-27