Just pray, Mom...

Clay was probably 6 or 7 at the time.  It was the middle of summer, and he so loved to swim.  Our gracious neighbors had a pool in their backyard, and my kids would watch from the window hoping the flag would be raised signaling ... the pool is OPEN for friends.  My kids have such fond memories of the diving contests, the "swim across the pool" contests, the funniest jump off the diving board contests, the many, many made-up games and popsicle break times.

This particular day Clay was unable to swim having just realized the diagnoses of swimmer's ear.  If you've ever had it, you know how painful it can be as even touching the affected ear brings groans of discomfort.  As I helped him dry off after a bath that evening, he said,

"Mom, you need to pray for my ear!"

"Sure, Clay, we will do that."

"No, Mom, I mean right now."

As he stood there with his towel wrapped around him, dripping wet, eyes tightly shut, I prayed simply and specifically thanking God for caring about Clay's ear, remembering how much HE loved Clay, asking that HE would heal Clay's pain and give him good rest that night.  Amen was met with, 

"Can I have some ice cream now?"

Oh, "ye of such child-like faith"...  There was no question that God would answer, there was no hanging on to the frustration of pain, there was no uncertainty or doubt.  He walked away with a peace and complete faith that God heard, God cared, and God was in control. 

My Bible states the "theme" of Psalm 11 as "God's rule provides stability in the midst of panic,  Because we can trust him, we can face [our problems] anything."

Psalm 11:4 But the Lord is still in his holy temple; He still rules from heaven. He closely watches everything that happens here on earth. 

Once again the Lord reminds me that HE is always aware and HE is sovereign (having supreme authority, rank and power).  

I recently came across a card a friend had sent me during difficult time - the words were poignant:

"Victory is not found in the ease of our circumstances nor in the strength of our own resources, but in the presence of the Lord who is with us.  Jesus is the difference."

Oh, sweet friends, my prayer for us today is simple... childlike..

        Father, You are sovereign;  You are our refuge; You are our salvation; You are worthy; You are aware;  Your ways are not our ways, Your thoughts are not our thoughts.  We trust you in all things, at all times, with all our hearts.  Amen