Joyful Moments in Christ

In a world where leaders rise and fall and personal circumstances can shift in an instant, finding a sense of stability is often a struggle. We frequently search for contentment in our own control, yet we find that our own plans often leave us feeling restless or resentful. This prayer, rooted in the reassuring truth of Psalm 145, invites us to stop striving for our own little kingdoms and instead find rest in the everlasting reign of a God who is both infinitely powerful and incredibly kind. As we seek to follow Jesus, we will find that true joy is not found in having our own way, but in trusting the faithfulness of the one who never fails.

A Prayer

Dear Father,

You are eternal, faithful, and kind. Everything you do is done in love. You are the King over all, and I adore you because your power is not like the power of this world. You do not rule with an iron fist or with selfish intent, but with a heart of perfect goodness. As Psalm 145:13 (ESV) says: “Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures throughout all generations. The Lord is faithful in all his words and kind in all his works.” Your authority is a refuge for the weary, and I praise you that your reign will never end.

I am sorry that I often want to make myself above you. I confess that I try to be the ruler of my own life, making decisions based on my comfort rather than your commands. My desires are often not in line with yours, and I feel anger and resentment when my plans fail or when others do not yield to my will. This is wrong! I have sought contentment in being in control rather than in being your child. I have let my heart become hardened by the fleeting things of this world.

Thank you that your desires are better than mine and that you are a forgiving God. Even when I rebel against you and try to build my own kingdom, you welcome me back with open arms when I turn to you in repentance. Thank you that your faithfulness does not depend on my performance. I am so grateful that you are kind in all your works, even the ones I do not fully understand yet. Thank you for the gift of your Son, who showed us what it looks like to live perfectly under your rule.

Help me to repent! Help me to be truly sorry for the pride that keeps me from you. Help my heart to change and for my desires to be in line with your desires. I ask that you would grant me a deep and lasting joy that comes from knowing I am a subject of your grace. Teach me to find contentment in your kingdom today. Please give me the strength to follow Jesus with a humble spirit, trusting that your dominion is the only place where I am truly safe.

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Reflect

Consider the following reflection questions:

1. How does it feel to know that God’s kingdom will last forever?
2. In what part of your life are you currently trying to be the king instead of letting God lead?
3. How has God shown his kindness to you in the middle of a difficult week?
4. What makes it hard for you to trust that God’s desires for you are better than your own?
5. How can you choose to seek joy in Jesus today, regardless of your circumstances?

Respond

Please pray a prayer about yielding to the eternal king.

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.