Joyful Moments in Christ

We live in a world that constantly tells us to rely on our own power, pushing us to hustle, plan, and protect ourselves at all costs. When unexpected troubles arrive, our first instinct is usually to grab the wheel and fix things in our own strength, which only leaves us exhausted and anxious. This prayer draws from the joyful relief of Psalm 28:7 and invites us to lay down our heavy self-reliance so that we can remember where our true safety lies. As we seek to follow Jesus through life’s daily battles, we find that real contentment and joy do not come from having perfect control, but from resting behind the shield of our Savior. When we finally stop trying to save ourselves and let him be our strength, our hearts cannot help but sing.

A Prayer

Dear Father,

You are my strong protector, mighty shield, and glorious Savior! I adore you because you are completely unshakeable, and your power has no boundaries or weaknesses. My heart exults and trusts in you, for you are the only one who is truly worthy of my song and praise. You hold the universe in your hands, yet you care intimately for the struggles of my daily life. I praise you for your absolute faithfulness, which remains constant even when my own resolve falters and fails.

I am so sorry that I forget all of this. When I am in trouble, I try to save myself rather than waiting on your perfect timing. Rather than turn to you, I turn to myself, relying on my own limited wisdom, my own bank account, or my own frantic plans. I confess that I often let anxiety consume me because I am acting as if I am completely on my own in this world. I have taken credit for the good times and blamed you for the hard times, and I am truly sorry for this prideful heart. Please forgive me for my stubborn self-reliance and my slow learning.

Thank you that you have a better way. You find ways to remind me of your goodness and mercy, whispering to my soul through your scripture and the quiet moments of my day. In time I do remember to turn to you! I remember what it feels like to trust you, and I allow you to be my strength and shield. I remember how to sing of your wonderful deeds and how sweet it is to rest under your wings. Thank you for the direct comfort of your words in Psalm 28:7 (ESV): “The Lord is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts, and I am helped; my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to him.” Thank you for being a kind and forgiving God that delights in repentance and turning, welcoming me back every single time I wander away.

Please help me to run to you first instead of using you as a last resort. I ask that you would fill me with a deep, satisfying joy that comes from knowing my life is entirely secure in your hands. Teach me to find my contentment in your protective care rather than in my own achievements. Give me the grace to walk through this week with a song of thankfulness on my lips, trusting that you are already working out your good plans for me. Keep my eyes fixed on Jesus, and let my life be a testimony of your sustaining power.

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Reflect

Consider the following reflection questions:

1. What is the first thing you normally turn to when you feel overwhelmed: your own planning, another person, or prayer?
2. How does viewing God as a physical “shield” change the way you face your current anxieties?
3. In what ways has God gently reminded you of his goodness when you were in the middle of trying to save yourself?
4. What is a “song of thanksgiving” you can offer to God today for a specific way he has helped you recently?
5. Why is it so hard for us to admit we are weak and let the Lord be our actual strength?

Respond

Please pray a prayer about allowing God to be your strength and shield.

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

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

If helpful, you can use a prayer journal template.

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Related Resources

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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.