Pray for Strength and Contentment

This is the day the LORD has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it. (Psalm 118:24)

I passed by a church’s marquee that read, “Life is fragile, handle with prayer.”

The wording was clever—but after thinking about it for a minute, I realized that for me, it’s actually true! When I pull up my calendar and see how full it is, some days have the potential to make me feel exhausted, to remind me of the fragility of life. I always take a second look to see if there is anything I can delete; most times all of it is needful. I have learned to distinguish between what is good to do and what is necessary.

I had a meeting with someone who knew that I had been very busy with both personal and ministry obligations. She asked how I was able to get everything done. I shrugged my shoulders, not really knowing how to respond. I finally responded that I get it done by just putting one foot in front of the other.

I realized that I learned how to do that through prayer. With prayer, I’m able to make it through busy times without breaking, and with a joyful spirit. When my mom had knee replacement surgery, followed by therapy and doctors’ appointments, we were all so busy. That was an example of how life is fragile. We sometimes take it for granted, but life can change very quickly.

When I feel overwhelmed, my first inclination is to pray. Prayer is the way I communicate with God, but it also serves as a timeout for me. It gives me time to think and to prioritize how I am going to start my day or my week.

Prayer gives me the clear head that I need; it settles me down and gives me peace, especially when I read scriptures like, “The Lord is the strength of my life, and the Lord is my strong tower.” I know that I don’t have to rely on just my strength; there is a stronger power that will hold me up.

This also brings contentment to my heart. Even though everything is not exactly how I want it to be, I can rest in the knowledge that I am not alone. I also know that each day is new. I try not to carry the weight of yesterday into my new day. When I lay my head down at night, I tell the Lord, Thank You for the day.

My prayer point is that life is fragile and must be handled with prayer. Consider each day new, and remember that yesterday is gone, but we have today. Cherish and prioritize each new day, and ask God for His strength. Use prayer as your timeout and don’t rush into making decisions. This is what has worked for me and I live a life of contentment.

God bless you!

Are you in need of prayer?