“And the LORD will guide you continually and satisfy your desire in scorched places and make your bones strong; and you shall be like a watered garden, like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail.” (Isaiah 58:11)
GOD IS MY GUIDE
Are you someone who enjoys planning your calendar weeks and months ahead? My days used to be full that way. Oh, I still have a digital calendar where I keep track of important appointments, but ever since chronic illness came upon the scene, I am much better at keeping a “To-Done-List” (no matter how small it might seem,) instead of a “To-Do-List.”
When the days ahead seem to be filled with more uncertainty than ever, how can we know that we will not be left to just flounder through our moments?
There is ONE who still longs to lead us through our days. Our Lord has not thrown up His hands in despair, perplexed over how we will fulfill our life’s purpose. No, He has a purpose for each pain, each trial, and each day of our lives — and He loves to guide His children, and bring us to safety.
Are you unsure of how you will be taken care of? Ask our Savior for help.
Are you unsure of where provision will be found? Ask our Father for the way.
Are you unsure of how your medical needs will be met? Ask our Lord for the answer.
It may not be the way that our own calendar would have looked, but He will show us how to walk with HIM. He delights to Shepherd His people.
God is our guide and safety. Will you join me as we lift our days before Him?
PRAYER # 1
Thank You for the promise that echoes through time for us:
Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love,
for I have put my trust in you.
Show me the way I should go,
for to you I entrust my life. (Psalm 143:8)
When the darkness of night envelops our hearts, will You stir trust in us to wait for the morning of Your unfailing love? Thank You that the night cannot cover up Your light, for the morning will always come. Help us to lift our eyes to You when we cannot see the way ahead. We lift our prayers to You now and entrust our very lives to You today.
In the name of Your son, Jesus, we pray,
Amen
PRAYER #2
Dear Lord,
We come before You today, admitting that we cry out along with the Psalmist:
“My eyes are ever on the Lord, for only he will release my feet from the snare.” (Psalm 35:15)
There are so many ways that we feel trapped within our places of illness and struggles. We are praying for our dear ones who also feel trapped. Will You help us to keep our eyes fixed on You, the only Worthy King? Will You show us that You alone know the way to bring rescue? We are waiting upon You here. Thank You that You are faithful to bring us release and rescue in Your own way.
In the name of Jesus we pray,
Amen.
PRAYER #3
Thank You for showing us how to live and for giving us such words of blessing:
“Looking at his disciples, he said: ‘Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God.’” (Luke 6:20)
Help us to see that on the days we feel so poor and weak—it is right here that we have been given Your very own kingdom! Help us to lift our weaknesses to You so that You can bring Your words of life into our days. Show us how we can pray for those we care about, that they might see Your kingdom also. We praise You today for bringing the kingdom of God to us.
In Your name we pray,
Amen
PRAYER #4
Thank You for coming to help us:
For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you. (Isaiah 41:13 NIV)
We are so lost without You. We are not even sure how to find the help that we need — but thank You for holding onto us, and for speaking such words of comfort over us. Help us to trust You, to lay our fears at Your feet, and to receive the true help that You want to give us. We lift our eyes to You now, our Dear Heavenly Father.
In the name of Jesus, Your Son, we pray,
Amen.
Bettie Gilbert
Chronic Joy Contributing Writer
You can find Bettie blogging from her home in the far north suburbs of Chicago at bettiegsraseasons.com. She is walking forward with Jesus in the middle of her pain and weakness from multiple chronic illnesses. The beauty of nature and her family (including nine young grandchildren) are Bettie's joys. She and her husband have been married for over 40 years and take great delight in their weekend coffee breaks together.
Devotional Guide
Chronic Joy® devotionals are an invitation to take one gentle step, to pray in a comforting and familiar or perhaps new-to-you way, or to cry out on behalf of one precious life today … maybe even yours.
Prayer Pond
You're invited to the Prayer Pond, your safe harbor. This is where you can share your prayer requests, updates, and shouts of praise. Whether a request, praise, lament, loss, hope, grief, joy, or plea for release from suffering or pain, each prayer ripples far beyond this day and the boundaries of our world. #PrayItForward by praying for others.
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