A Prayer to Be Present in the Season You’re In - Your Daily Prayer - October 18

A Prayer to Be Present in the Season You’re In
By Kristine Brown

Bible Reading
“The whole earth is filled with awe at your wonders; where morning dawns, where evening fades, you call forth songs of joy.” (Psalm 65:8 NIV)

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Each autumn, my husband and I take a scenic drive through the mountains, where we can spot colorful fall foliage. Along the trip, from any vantage point, vibrant hues of red, orange, and yellow paint a beautiful picture visible only once a year. It’s a sight to behold. The only problem is that it’s almost impossible to predict when the leaves will reach their peak colors.

Fall is by far my favorite season, and our annual road trip is something I look forward to. The first time we took this trip, we timed it just right. The leaves all turned as if on cue, right before our arrival. The many photos we captured serve as evidence of the beauty we witnessed that year. So, imagine my shock when we returned the exact same week the following year, only to see bare branches and rain-drenched leaves on the ground. An unexpected storm the week before had stripped the trees bare and turned the once vibrant scenery into lackluster views.

I remember the disappointment over having missed the season. It came and went; just like that. An unexpected lesson on how seasons can change in an instant, and how I need to be more present in the season I’m in.

The psalmist David expressed deep gratitude in Psalm 65:8 with his poetic words, “The whole earth is filled with awe at your wonders; where morning dawns, where evening fades, you call forth songs of joy.” What an intentional expression of praise for God’s amazing creation! The Wiersbe Study Bible describes Psalm 65 as “the first of four psalms that focus on praising the Lord for His manifold blessings in nature and for His gracious dealings with His people.”

I can imagine David looking out over creation and describing the cry of his heart. As I gazed out the car window on our favorite road trip, I thought about what David must have seen that inspired his praise. Nothing compares to what God can do, and the earth provides ever-changing evidence of that truth. But David also included a detail in this passage that we may be tempted to overlook—one that reminds us of the importance of being present where we are. From where the sun rises to where it sets, we have reason to find joy.

Much like the changing seasons, we have no idea what each new day will bring. In some seasons, we look around us and see vibrant colors and soothing hues that make us smile and long for more days like those. Other times, we gaze ahead and see barrenness. Ready or not, we sometimes enter seasons we didn’t see coming and couldn’t have planned for. Yet instead of rushing ahead to the next season, what if we chose to be present? What if we looked for things that bring joy, in between the morning dawn and evening fade? Within each day, when we look around us with gratitude for God’s faithfulness, we will find much to celebrate.

Maybe today, you’re looking at the calendar and wondering where the time has gone. Maybe seasons rush one to the next, and you look back with regret over what you’ve missed. Whatever season we’re in, it’s never too late to allow God to restore the joy of his presence. Let’s allow the psalmist's words to encourage us, right here and now. God has something special for us where we are. Let’s pray.

Let’s Pray

Dear God,

Thank you for your Word that encourages me to find joy in the season I am in. Sometimes I rush from one thing to the next, then I look back and realize that I’ve missed out on so much. Help me be present right now, in the season you have me in. Even in times of difficulty or uncertainty, I know I can find reason to rejoice because you are here with me. Open my eyes to the beauty all around me, Lord. I praise you for who you are. Thank you for showing me evidence of your power through the awesomeness of creation and your constant care for your children. Let this autumn season and the beauty it brings remind me of your faithfulness. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Go Deeper: Courageously Relinquishing in Seasons of Transition

We can't fully embrace all God has for us today or confidently step into the opportunities He's crafting for our future when we cling to the past. Yet, how can we stand strong and confident in that transitional season when we know what God has called us from but don't yet know where our obedience might lead? Those waiting, unknown periods can leave us feeling anxious and insecure, fearing, if we relinquish that thing, we'll lose an important part of who we are. But this is also why transitional seasons can be so healing and faith-building. If this episode helps you face fear with God's confidence, be sure to follow Faith Over Fear on Apple or Spotify so you get new episodes every week!

Discuss today’s devotional with others in the Your Daily Prayer thread on the Crosswalk Forum.

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Discover more spiritual growth resources from today’s devotion writer, Kristine Brown, including 20 Fulfilling Promises from God for When You Feel Empty. Learn more about women in the Bible and gain encouragement to help you “become more than yourself through God’s Word” at Kristine’s website, morethanyourself.com.

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