Soothe My Soul, Lord

The transition from night to morning makes me twitch with anticipation. Now the days get longer- the nights shorter by a few minutes at a time. I will grab my re-filled Pray Big mug and my blanket hoodie and head outside to watch the morning arrive- the sun will rise and even from this farmhouse I will rest in awe for just a moment. During that moment there is a peace and security I long for-knowing. The knowing comes when I remember to my core that God is in total control. Nothing else matters. I sit and wait for my time to step outside and reflect on my devotion this morning from 1000 Gifts by Ann Vos Kamp. The verses rolls around inside my head as if they were written specifically for me ,today, “Do not be anxious for anything, but in every situation , by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God .” Phil 4:6

The verse- the life mantra for myself. Choosing not to be anxious about things sounds simple. Its not. Trusting grace means trusting God’s plan in all things and I don’ t do that easily, sometimes not at all. But the next verse- this one calms me even more. “May the God of hope fill you with all the joy and peace as you trust in him so that you may overflow.” Romans 15:13

This verse is a promise to me. The promise that he alone will soothe my soul after I cry out to him. I’ve heard people ask “What’s next?” After I pray, what do I do next? Is there a sign it worked? Do I continue on and forget about it? What happens now?

I wonder about all these and more. How do I know this prayer works? I sit still and I listen to the night prepare to change to morning. Even the breeze sounds different and the birds anticipate the rise of the morning sun. They trust it will show up and light the way, calming their fears and showing their path for flight.

This is the same with me I’m sitting, standing, pacing. I’m sipping and waiting all the while slipping into the knowing. I’m knowing it will come. I believe it, though I can’t see it just yet. I pray for God to soothe my anxious soul. I wait for sunrise. I pray for my children to draw close to him. The earth is still, quiet, dark, and peaceful as I pray, sip, wait. The horizon shows a glimpse of light. Enough for the birds to chatter and take l fight. He takes care of them- he takes care of me. For a moment the peace of this early morning is everything I need to move forward. No matter the issue or situation I can hang onto this moment. My morning prayer has been heard and I am rewarded inside with an understanding the universe is very large but God’s control brings it to me in a very small, distinct way and I am grateful.

XOXO,