Prayer of grace as we enter a new season of life
Written by Kelly Eichberger
Bible reading:
And God is able to bestow upon you all grace in abundance, so that you may always be fully satisfied in all things and abound in every good work. – 2 Corinthians 9:8
Listen or read below:
Near the end of each Wednesday Bible study, I sat quietly at a round table and listened sympathetically. One by one, several women expressed their sadness at the changes they had recently encountered in their lives. Each specifically reflected on how recent holiday seasons were much different than they once remembered. It was foreign to what she had known and loved for years. And for my oldest son, a freshman in college, I felt it was right. Happily, he came home to share Christmas and Thanksgiving with us. But now he’s back at school. And to be honest, I don’t know how many more holidays he will have here with us. I do feel a change in life, a new season coming, but I’m not quite sure how I feel about it. Of course, there is also gratitude for the good that God continues to faithfully bring. However, a bit of melancholy sadness remains. And there is also the fear that if I am completely transparent, I may not experience the fullness of joy that I once did.
Do these feelings evoke something in you? Does it evoke a feeling that things are changing and a new season is coming? Maybe you’re feeling a little anxious too? Maybe you even feel guilty for feeling a little depressed. Because you know that God is very good and has given you much, and that you should be truly grateful and rejoice. Now, I think about such confusion and change as follows. At times like these, it is helpful for us to remember God’s grace. Remember, God does not condemn you for feeling this way. Remember that your feelings of dissatisfaction are not God’s punishment for not being good enough in any situation. And remember that this life change doesn’t necessarily continue to cause you to feel depressed. Thanks to God’s grace.
God’s grace means that God will obey you regardless of His goodness. His grace means it’s okay for you to be disappointed. In fact, not only does God not condemn you, He has compassion for you. But His grace also means that He will bring you more good things. Personally, I may still flounder, totter, and totter before settling into the new season. But God’s grace means that He is patient with me. And God’s grace means that He will be patient with you as well. He has so many good gifts that He is ready and willing to offer them before you today and along your journey ahead. It’s as beautiful a road as any you’ve ever traveled. A path that shines brightly with God’s loving goodness and infinite grace.
In 2 Corinthians 9:8, Paul reminds God’s people, you, me, and all who love God, that God is able to abound all grace to you. Other versions say that God will freely provide you with everything you need, and that He can bless you abundantly. The grace of the Lord will be abundant, bestowed, and blessed. These are ongoing promises made for a life lived in surrender to God. To hand over to Him all our seasons past, present, and change. No matter what stage or phase you are in, know that God’s compassion is with you. Know that God’s grace is with you and overflows to you. Trust that He will generously provide everything you need. And be assured of the truth that God will continue to richly bless you with peace, presence, protection, and love. And you will always and forever find the fullness of joy found only in Him, always, forever and only…in Him.
Let’s pray:
Lord Jesus, your grace is more than sufficient for me in all things, at all times, and in the seemingly changing seasons. It’s the season when you feel like you’re about to lose or let go of something you’ve cherished. And although I may struggle at times with life’s changes, Your grace teaches me that Your mercy is with me and Your goodness continues to follow me.
Help me to hold fast to the grace of your love that comforts me. Help me to cling to Your infinite grace that blesses me. Remember that your grace means that you will never stop showering me with beautiful blessings throughout my life. Jesus, we praise you for your generous provision and endless joy.
In your name we pray, amen.
If you liked what you read, you might also like my latest book, Conquering Worries: Conquering What Shakes You and Soaring with Those Who Overcome. You can find it on Amazon or your favorite online retail site. I hope it brings you blessings!
Share your thoughts on today’s devotion in the Daily Prayer discussion in the Crosswalk Forum.
Photo credit: ©iStock/Getty Images Plus/dohtar
Kelly Eichberger is a Kentucky girl who loves Jesus. She is married to her best friend Mike and they have five children. After years of writing for online audiences, Keri was ordained through Southeast Christian Church and dedicated her life to full-time ministry. She is the author of Win Over Worry: Conquer What Shakes You and Soar With the One Who Overcomes and is passionate about sharing faith-filled encouragement through devotional writing. Connect with Keri at KeriEichberger.com or on Instagram.
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