A Prayer for Those Who Have Lost Their Muchness - Your Daily Prayer - July 10

A Prayer for Those Who Have Lost Their Muchness
By Sophia Bricker

“Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:11-13, NLT).

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Everyone kept telling her she was not herself. In the 2010 film Alice in Wonderland, directed by Tim Burton, Alice encounters creatures and people in Wonderland that inform her she is not the right Alice. Somehow, she had been there before, without remembering, and had lost an integral part of herself between the time of being a child and growing into an adult. As the Mad Hatter told her, “You’ve lost your muchness.”

The clever play on words could refer to her size, which changes throughout the movie (and classic book). Entering Wonderland, being small not only makes her vulnerable but also reveals something about her character. She has been hemmed in by others' expectations in life and is now further constrained by the belief that she is the wrong Alice.

Only by embracing a grandness of spirit, or muchness, is she able to courageously cut her own path. She embraces her identity as Alice, not as others expect, but as she really is. And that changes things not only for the strange world she landed in, but her own world as well. She finally has the courage to embrace her identity and live by it, including doing the seemingly impossible.

Like Alice, we may feel boxed in due to the circumstances we find ourselves in. This can also affect our spiritual lives, since we begin to live with a focus on scarcity. In return, we grow dissatisfied, even with what God has graciously given. Our spirit shrinks back.  

Yet grandness of soul, or muchness, comes when we develop eyes to notice the abundance we have in Christ. Scripture tells us that “godliness with contentment is great gain” (1 Timothy 6:6, NIV). This is not because we have material riches or everything works in our favor. Rather, we can be content by recognizing our position in Christ. We have everything we need in Him, and therefore, we are strengthened to face our circumstances.

Of course, individuals have often misused the promise in Scripture that they can do everything in Christ, tacking it onto whatever goal or act they desire. Difficult sports match? Recite Philippians 4:13 and win the game. Or need to slay the proverbial Jabberwocky? Again, just repeat: “I can do all things through Christ,” and watch the monster fall dead at your feet. But that is not how the Apostle Paul used this promise, as if it were a magical mantra.

Because of our relationship with Jesus, we have all we need and more. We live by faith, trusting that our Lord will provide for our needs. That does not mean we are invincible or immune to pain. Instead, He strengthens us to endure situations with courageous hope–we regain a muchness of spirit in the knowledge of our identity as beloved children of God.  

Let’s pray:

I often feel like I have lost who I am, Lord. Between the worries of everyday life and the constant striving to make ends meet, I forget about my belovedness. Life becomes a series of tasks to complete, and dissatisfaction creeps in far too easily. Forgive me for letting my worries drown out the truth of what I already have in You.

For in You, Christ, I have everything: eternal life, spiritual blessings, and the promise of Your constant presence. Instead of living in fear of not having enough, I can rest in the knowledge that You provide me with everything I need, including the strength to bear difficult circumstances. Remind me again of who I am in You.

And when I face situations that lead me to doubt or forget, teach me to respond with faith; to say with confidence that I can do everything through You, because You strengthen me. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

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Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/ Chris Dorney

Sophia Bricker is a writer. Her mission is to help others grow in their relationship with Jesus through thoughtful articles, devotionals, and stories. She completed a BA and MA in Christian ministry which included extensive study of the Bible and theology, as well as an MFA in creative writing. You can read her thoughts about literature and faith at The Cross, a Pen, and a Page Substack, or visit the discipleship-based site  Cultivate, where she writes with her sister.

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