Psalm 42:8

NASB	NLT	VOICE
8 The Lord will send His goodness in the daytime; And His song will be with me in the night, A prayer to the God of my life.	8 But each day the Lord pours his unfailing love upon me, and through each night I sing his songs, praying to God who gives me life.	8 Yet in the light of day, the Eternal shows me His love. When night settles in and all is dark, He keeps me company – His soothing, a prayerful melody to the True God of my life.

God’s Love is Active, Not Passive

God’s love for us is not passive, but it’s intentional and purposeful. God uses his power and authority to showcase how important his love is for his children. His love encompasses mercy, kindness, and loyalty. His love shines in us during the day and comforts us at night, reassuring us that he is there for us and with us. The act of prayer shows how we communicate and commune with God. We must allow ourselves to trust and rely on God and his power and provision over all parts of our lives.

Worship as a Weapon and Anchor

Prayer and worship are essential responses to God’s love. It allows us to communicate with God in a close and intimate way. One of my favorite worship songs right now is “I Know a Name” by Elevation Worship. This song has been a way to remind me of who God is in my life: healer, savior, king, and more. There’s one line that hits me everytime I hear it. I think it’s more of how it sounds in the song, but the Spirit moves me every time: 

Where, oh death, is now your sting?

And where, oh grave, your victory? 

Something about this line is powerful to me. The idea of death losing its power at the hands of God. To recognize the death of something, whether it would be a person, a relationship, a career is not the final goodbye. It’s the end of a chapter. It’s putting to rest a season of life we were in to allow God’s resurrective power to bring something new to life in me. It’s allowing new life to be born out of tragedy. That’s beautiful to me. 

A Prayer to Let Go

It’s the same thing with prayer too. There’s been one prayer that I’ve said over the last three years in moments of challenge and strife: God, may your will be done. May your justice be served. It’s a reminder to me that I am not in control of life. 

God is orchestrating everything around me. All I can do is trust that God will prevail over all my challenges and that I will stick to his path by releasing the weight of everything that I have been carrying. 

Reflection Questions. 

1. When did you last feel God’s presence?
2. What part of your life might be “dying” so that something new can be born?
3. How could you pray and worship more honestly?

Call to Action

Listen to a worship song that speaks to your current season. Let it be your reminder that God is still present, working, and worthy. Pray honestly and surrender what you’ve been holding too tightly. 

Next slice of manna: Manna for the Mind #258