I didn’t get what I wanted. Three months of work didn’t move the needle in our favor. It’s a bit frightening and even more disappointing. Before the “what-if’s” and “could be’s” begin to flood my mind, I make coffee and go to the quiet place. Only nothing is quiet about this morning. Not in the neighborhood and definitely not on the inside.
So I breathe. I ask God where to begin and flip pages until settling on where I think I’m supposed to be. Mark’s words are familiar. The story of Jesus coming, inviting, and healing. I notice how he challenges the religious leaders to let go of their legalism and be free.
My current study suggests Psalm 30. I turn to the page, and make a full stop.
There in the margin in my own handwriting is the date: February 6, 2026, and a simple six word prayer.
“O Lord… let it be so.”
Memories of this day come flooding back. I hear the machines beeping and warning. I see the lights twinkling outside the ICU window. I feel the weight deep in my chest.
I was desperate that morning as I watched him fight to live. I needed words of hope. Something I could hang onto in the teeter-totter world where we suddenly found ourselves. I opened my bible, read these words, and jotted down the prayer.
“O Lord… let it be so.”
It’s a miracle he’s here, and I’m not just saying that. You can see it in the eyes of those who were with him during the surgery and the days following. He walked out of the hospital seventy pounds lighter with a limp and weakened heart we weren’t expecting. But he did walk out, and that alone was a miracle.
How do I so easily forget how far we’ve come?
What is it about the flesh that needs constant reminders of who God is? I’m not unique in this. I see it throughout the scriptures. Leaders like Moses and prophets like Micah often remind the Israelites of what God has done for them.
It seems I need a reminder too. So I mine the words of Mark and Psalms for hints of who God is.
The truth is life’s circumstances do not change the character of God nor his ability to work in and through everything.
Not trouble
not hardship
not blessing
or favor.
Not getting what you want.
nor getting what you don’t want.
Not one thing
changes
who God is.
So I give thanks for the reminder of who God is and the sense of hope stirring deep within. I move on about the day feeling a bit lighter, a smidge stronger, and a little more centered.
Oh how I pray you discover more of who God is too.
May it lift some weight you are carrying,
build a little more strength for your journey,
and keep you centered on God’s goodness, mercy and grace.
Because that is who God really is.
Dear friend, maybe you are in need of reminding too. Might I suggest turning to a Psalm of your choice and noticing all the words that describe God’s character. If you desire to go a bit deeper I suggest:
Make a list
Choose one word
Look up the definition
Find other scriptures that speak to the word
Possible questions for reflection.
How have you seen this characteristic of God in your own life?
What emotions rise when you consider this word?
In what ways does this word speak to your current life circumstances?
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