When You Need Courage to Release Control - Your Nightly Prayer - September 29

When You Need Courage to Release Control

TONIGHT’S SCRIPTURE

“So he said to me, 'This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the LORD Almighty” (Zechariah 4:6).

SOMETHING TO PONDER

They are home. Finally home. After a long 70 years in Babylon, the Israelites have returned from exile, and they are rebuilding, reclaiming, and renewing their commitment to serve the Lord their God. Upon return, the Israelites saw the temple in ruins and lacked the funds to rebuild, and were naturally and widely discouraged. They were homesick for the home they once knew, in a land that hardly resembled what they had ever known before.

To encourage their hearts, prophet Zechariah ministered to Zerubbabel, the governor of Judah, and said, “Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the LORD Almighty” (Zechariah 4:6). Zerubbabel was overwhelmed at the project. Instead of offering resources or a communal strategy, God promised the best he could offer: His presence and Spirit to do the impossible.

Tonight, let’s scan our minds and hearts and first ask, “What in my life looks overwhelming?” Is there a relationship in your life causing grief and frustration? Are your finances (or even the mention of money) stress-inducing? Is there a health issue you are battling? Take a moment to acknowledge the giants you are facing.

Next, let’s ask, “How am I approaching these situations?” Is fear leading or hope? Are you white-knuckling for control or surrendering to the One who holds all authority? Do you find yourself leaning on your own ability or seeking wisdom and discernment from the Lord? Ok, enough questions!

Human effort can only go so far. Tonight, our passage reframes what we can do versus what the Lord can do in our lives. It’s an invitation to surrender the overwhelming place at the foot of the Cross and allow the Holy Spirit to take over. Will there be action steps on your end? Of course! That’s part of tuning in to listen for His word on what is next. Psalm 46:10 says, “Be still, and know that I am God.” Take this very moment to still yourself.

God, speak to my heart. Lead the way.

As you commune with a good, good God, release any self-reliance you are operating in and trade it for the Spirit of God. May we never underestimate the power of the Spirit in our lives. Let’s close on this promise found in Ephesians 3:20-21: “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to the power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.”

YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER

Father,

I see the overwhelming, sometimes desolate, places in my life and think it’s all too much. Fear starts to creep in, and anxiety runs its course. I rebuke it in the name of Jesus. Tonight, I surrender the worry and the different scenarios my mind is running through, and pray for your Holy Spirit to take over. Help my unbelief, Jesus. Show me your power. Let me taste and see your goodness. I desire the unexplainable peace I hear about. May the trials I am facing turn into a testimony of your goodness. King Jesus, you have full reign. Nudge my heart when I am starting to pick up the mantle of control again. Thank you for this power and authority!

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

THREE THINGS TO MEDITATE ON

1. What is the impossible you are entrusting to God tonight?

2. Where has self-reliance been the driving force of your overwhelming situation?

3. Imagine the best-case scenario. Pray for the Holy Spirit, in your own words, to lead the way in the unknown.

Reflect on tonight’s prayer and share how God met you there. Join the Your Nightly Prayer discussion on the Crosswalk Forum.

Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/Kamonwan Wankaew

When Shea is not chopping tiny food up for her three tiny humans, or pitching Chipotle to her high school sweetheart-turned-husband, you can find her doing the following: Feeding her sourdough starter (aka 4th child) and baking bread. Putting her Master of Divinity to work by furiously typing about Jesus during naptimes. Posting encouragement and #momlife reels on Instagram. Conquering virtual hills on her Peloton. Renovating "the dream home" with her husband. Co-hosting her church's podcast. Homeschooling the littles. Leading a Barre class. Preaching, teaching, and storytelling. And finally, pretending she will keep her indoor plants alive...this time! You can connect with Shea on Instagram at @SheaHsmith, visit her website at www.sheahsmith.com, and keep up with her posts by signing up here. 

Related Resource: Praying Through Psalm 68: When God is Bigger Than Your Problems!

What happens when the giants you are facing—whether overwhelmingly massive or seemingly insignificant—trick you into believing God doesn't care about your daily struggles?

Join Jaime on the Praying Christian Women Podcast for an inspiring devotional on Psalm 68, a triumphant and powerful psalm that celebrates the unmatched bigness of God and reminds us that no earthly enemy or obstacle stands a chance against Him. If this episode helps you connect with God through prayer, be sure to follow Praying Christian Women on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an episode!

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