Prayer for those who have lost so much
Written by Sophia Bricker
“I have never had any trouble, because I have learned how to be content with what I have. I know how to live with little and with everything. I have learned the secret of living in all circumstances, full or empty, with much or with little, because I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:11-13, NIV).
Listen or read below:
Everyone kept telling her she wasn’t herself. In Tim Burton’s 2010 film Alice in Wonderland, Alice encounters creatures and people in Wonderland who tell her that she is not the real Alice. Somehow she had been there before, even though she didn’t remember, and had lost an integral part of herself between childhood and adulthood. As the Mad Hatter told her, “You have lost your riches.”
This clever wordplay may refer to her changing size throughout the movie (and the classic book). Once in Wonderland, being small not only makes her vulnerable, but also reveals something about her personality. She has been bound in life by the expectations of others, and now she is bound even more by the belief that she is the wrong Alice.
Only by embracing the Great Spirit, the Great Spirit, can she bravely forge her own path. She accepts her identity as Alice for who she is and not what others expect of her. And it brings about changes not only in the strange world she landed in, but also in her own world. She finally accepts her identity and has the courage to live up to it and do the seemingly impossible.
Like Alice, we may feel trapped because of our circumstances. This can also affect our spiritual life, as we begin to live with a focus on scarcity. Instead, we become dissatisfied with what God has graciously provided for us. Our spirits shrink.
But greatness, or richness, of the soul comes when we develop an eye for the riches we have in Christ. The Bible teaches that “godliness with contentment is of great profit” (1 Timothy 6:6, NIV). This is not because we are materially rich or because everything is in our favor. Rather, we can be satisfied by recognizing our position in Christ. We have everything we need in God, so we can be strengthened to face our circumstances.
Of course, people often misuse the Bible’s promise that we can do all things in Christ and force it into whatever goals and actions we desire. A difficult sports match? Win the game by reciting Philippians 4:13. Or do you need to slay the proverbial Jabberwocky? Repeat once again, “I can do all things through Christ” and watch the monster fall at your feet. However, the apostle Paul did not use this promise as if it were a magic spell.
Because of our relationship with Jesus, we have everything we need and more. We live by faith and trust that the Lord will meet our needs. It doesn’t mean we are invincible or immune to pain. Instead, God strengthens us to endure our circumstances with courageous hope. We restore much of our spirit by recognizing our identity as God’s beloved children.
Let’s pray:
Lord, I often feel like I have lost who I am. Between the worries of everyday life and the constant struggle to make ends meet, I forget about my loved ones. Life becomes a series of tasks to complete and dissatisfaction can creep in very easily. Please forgive me for letting my worries drown out the truth of what I already have in you.
Christ, I have everything in You: eternal life, spiritual blessings, and the promise of Your constant presence. Instead of living in fear of not having enough, we can rest in the knowledge that You provide everything we need, including the strength to endure difficult situations. Let me remind you again who I am in you.
And when faced with situations of doubt or forgetfulness, teach us to respond in faith. You strengthen me, so I can confidently say that I can do all things through You. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.
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Photo credit: ©Getty Images/Chris Dorney
Sophia Bricker is a writer. Her mission is to help people grow in their relationship with Jesus through thoughtful articles, devotions, and stories. She earned a bachelor’s and master’s degree in Christian ministry, which included extensive study in Bible and theology, and a master’s degree in creative writing. You can read her thoughts on literature and faith in The Cross, a Pen, and a Page Substack. You can also visit Cultivate, a disciple-based site she writes with her sister.
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