Joyful Moments in Christ

Life often feels like a series of shifting sands, where the stability of our relationships and our own sense of worth can change with the wind. We frequently struggle to find a firm place to stand, especially when our own failures make us feel unworthy of love. This prayer is an invitation to lean into the radical, unchanging nature of God’s commitment to us. Based on the powerful assurance found in Psalm 89, it explores how we can find true contentment and joy, not by being perfect, but by trusting in the one who promised never to walk away.

A Prayer

Dear Father,

You are a God of steadfast love, faithfulness, and truth. In a world where words are often cheap and commitments are easily set aside, I adore you for your unchanging nature. You are the same yesterday, today, and forever. No matter what I do, you will stay true to your promises. You have sworn to forgive all who come to you in repentance and devotion. I can trust that my unfaithfulness will never change your promises.

I am sorry for all the times that I have turned my back on you. I know the right things to do, but I don’t do them. I confess that I often prize my own desires over your wisdom, and I long for temporary pleasure, ease, and comfort above all else. I avoid things that are messy and hard, choosing the path of least resistance rather than the path of the cross.

Thank you that you are not like this. I am messy and hard to deal with, and yet, you stay faithful to me, pouring your love into me. I am so grateful that my security rests in your character rather than my own performance. You have declared in Psalm 89:33-34 (ESV): “But I will not remove from him my steadfast love or be false to my faithfulness. I will not violate my covenant or alter the word that went forth from my lips.” Thank you that your word is a firm foundation that I can build my life upon.

Please don’t give up on me. Change my heart and make it like yours! It would be so beautiful if your desires were my desires. I ask that you would root my identity so deeply in your covenant that I might experience a joy that isn’t dependent on my circumstances. Help me to seek contentment in your presence rather than in the fleeting things of this world. Please continue to pour your love into me, and give me the strength to follow Jesus with a whole and happy heart.

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Reflect

Consider the following reflection questions:

1. How does it make you feel to know that God will never change his mind about loving you?
2. What is one thing making it hard for you to feel content today? How can you give that over to God?
3. Think of one small blessing from this past week. How did that moment show you God’s faithfulness?
4. Is it hard for you to believe God stays close when you make a mistake? Why or why not?
5. What is one simple way you want to follow Jesus more closely this week?

Respond

Please pray a prayer about trusting in God’s unchanging love and faithfulness.

If you aren’t sure where to begin, you can use the ACTS method: Adoration, Confession, Thankfulness, and Supplication:

• Adoration: Praise God. Does this topic bring any specific characteristics of God to mind?
• Confession: Tell God that you are sorry for specific sins. Does this topic bring any specific sins to mind?
• Thankfulness: Show gratitude towards God. Does anything from this topic inspire gratitude?
• Supplication: Make requests for yourself and for others. Does anything from this topic inspire a prayer?

If helpful, you can use a prayer journal template.

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English Standard Version (ESV): Unless otherwise noted, scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language.