Change can leave us feeling out of control—the loss of a job or a loved one. Health problems we didn’t expect. A spouse who walks out or a child who makes decisions that break your heart. We can feel powerless, as though there is nothing we can do to stop what is happening.
Fear and anxiety cause sleepless nights, frustration can lead to a short temper, and we just want to escape from it all. Sage advice tells us to let go of what we can’t control and focus on what we can—the way we react to our circumstances is in our control. But, often this is not enough. The Bible offers us more—no fear, no worries—to be like that flourishing tree spoken of in Jeremiah. Prayer is one way to put our roots into God so we are not swept along by whatever is taking place.
So how should we pray and what can we expect from God?
Daniel faced a situation and a future completely out of his control. Taken into captivity when Nebuchadnezzar and the Babylonians invaded Judah, Daniel was specifically chosen to serve in Nebuchadnezzar’s court and be trained in all aspects of Babylonian teaching. Daniel was even given a Babylonian name. You could say Daniel was not only expected, but forced to assimilate into Babylonian culture. Those significant changes in his life were far beyond his control.
We see, however, that Daniel grounded himself, put down deep roots into God—trusting him and believing in his sovereignty and power.
Daniel prayed three times a day to God in captivity even when he was forbidden to do so and his life was at risk.
Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before (Daniel 6:10).
Daniel prayed just as he had always done. He had put down roots when life was good so that when the drought and heat of captivity came and he had not control over his circumstances, Daniel still stood firm.
Daniel trusted God. Daniel believed God to be sovereign over all circumstances. God was in control.
“Blessed be the name of God, forever and ever. He knows all, does all: He changes the seasons and guides history, He raises up kings and also brings them down…” (Daniel 2:20-21 MSG).
So often it is easy to come to God with the uncertainty of our circumstances and stop there. We bring him our worries and concerns for today and questions about the future, and that is what God wants us to do. But Daniel invites us to always recognize and be reminded that God is in control of your situation and my situation. He knows what is happening and what is going to happen. He even allows circumstances to take place that are not good in our eyes. Yet, we are encouraged to trust in his goodness, his purposes, and his protection of us.
When life feels out of control, prayer plants us in God’s confidence.
This week, when you feel powerless in your circumstances, turn to prayer as your act of trust. Name the situation before God, release what you cannot control, and ask Him to steady your heart in the knowledge of his sovereignty. Prayer is the way we put our confidence in God who holds the present and the future safely in his hands.
Use this prayer to help you get started.
Pray
