Episode 60: Jeremiah 17:7-8
Transcription
Before we pray today, I want to remind you about my book: Yes, Father: A Daughter’s Journey to Forgiveness. I’d love to read a review someone left for the book that encompasses so much of what I hope for everyone who reads it.
This book shares what it truly is to love, even when you have to dig deep. The author’s journey through childhood memories emphasize how complicated a family truly can be, the different ties we make, and the way we can grow despite it all. I really enjoyed how she moved chronologically back and forth through her life, glimpses telling a much larger picture. In her growth she moves, too, from sibling squabbles to lasting relationships, from heartbreak to a deep reflection on what it is to love someone who may not love you back. There is also self-love and growth in her faith as she takes the harder path of caretaker. It’s a beautiful look on a life.
As someone who has been a caretaker, this was spot-on in how difficult things can be; anyone who has been a caretaker will find a friend in these pages, someone else who knows what it is to give and give even when the well seems dry. As someone who’s wrestled with faith, I found a friend here, too, as even those who stand firm in their faith must ask questions when the going gets hard.
I enjoyed this book and highly recommend it to everyone, no matter what path of life you’re on. We’re all on a journey; sometimes it’s a good reminder that others are, too.
That really blessed me. Thank you to whoever wrote that.
You can pick up your copy today by going to my website www.ja-sellers.com
Now on to the prayer!
Today’s verse is Jeremiah 17:7-8
“But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord,
whose confidence is in Him.
They will be like a tree planted by the water
that sends out its roots by the stream.
It does not fear when heat comes;
its leaves are always green.
It has no worries in a year of drought
and never fails to bear fruit.”
Let’s pray together.
Father, You know that I have problems trusting You. It is so engrained in me that I need to take care of myself, that I’m the only one who knows how to fix my problems, and that I will be a failure if I can’t handle my life. It’s so me-focused, so low-oriented, so lacking in God-vision. I am sorry.
I know awareness is the first step toward You helping me. Your Spirit is enabling me to understand this deep-rooted sin within me. Maybe it’s easy to see how it got there. Our stories are built on lies that protect us when we’re small, but that have no basis in Your reality. The reality that is full of abundance and hope and security from You. Please continue to reveal that to me.
I tremble as I say it, LORD, but strip away from me all assurances and confidences in myself, in this world, in others, in the physical and tangible. Build in me the footholds of trust as I walk forward, handfast, with You as my guide. I want to be strong in Your ways, built up in endurance and childlike faith. I am terrified of such a life, God. I don’t know how to exist without all my routines and facades and self-made attitudes. But I do know they do not satisfy. I do know that my whole life I’ve longed for something else, even when everything was mostly going my way.
I want Your glory, LORD. I want a restoration of me as Your original Creation. I want to sink down deep into the healing dirt and mud of Your truth, winding my way down and down and down, so secure into the foundations of You. All the nutrients and fortitude I need comes from You and the reserve is never-ending. So when the devil comes for me, when the brokenness of the world intrudes, when the inner sin-nature tries to break free, and when others pound at my happiness, they cannot reach me. I am safe in You.
Jesus, retain this picture within my heart. A garden like Eden, filled with fresh wonder and unspoiled goodness. A lush paradise where the river of life waters all to fullness and joy. You visit me there, the coolness of the day flooding over the landscape in peace and contentment. I am intertwined with the beauty of being with You. Your Presence is the source of all light and refreshment and inner growth.
Because You are with me, the energy, the resilience, the head of all, I can grow. I can be free. I can heal. I can give. I will become more beautiful and take on more of Your image. I will be able to offer more than I can ever give away with the fruit You grow in me, with the shade I can offer others, with the ministry I can bring. Whatever You made me for, I will be able to do without fear. Oh, work this vision into a present reality for me!
I want you to pray with me, friends. Make this your heart’s cry. Dare to take the step with me, walking boldly toward the free fall into God’s care. Let the wind of His Spirit carry you away to the garden He’s made for you. Let Him plant you there, tending you faithfully, carefully, pulling up all the harmful roots that have damaged you for too long. Do not wait. Do not rest until you surrender. Do not let any voice but His influence you. Be rooted and grounded in His love. And then give, give, give out of the generosity of His heart. Let Him banish the fear. Don’t dread that you won’t have enough. Don’t worry that something else will steal from you and you will be bereft. Don’t fret about the future or the past. Don’t feel like you will never be able to accomplish this because He is the one to accomplish it.
Let all these words be truth for our hearts, minds, and souls today. Replenish our faith and guide our steps to the beautiful oasis You want for us and those in our lives. Don’t let us hold on to control; we don’t want that responsibility anymore. Teach us and show us and take over us, dear Jesus. We are Yours.
I pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen.
