My Savior, let me wrap my trembling arms of affection around You when I fail to grasp the meaning and purpose of present afflictions. I know that You discipline those You love. I know that You are with those who are placed in the refining fire. So that which I cannot comprehend in my present reality, let me apprehend in faith. Bring me to remembrance of all You have done for me, Jesus. There is no grander rescue than what has already been accomplished on the cross. When my soul was starved for love, You condescended to provide me the manna I needed. When my heart thirsted for righteousness, You became that for me. There is no affliction too great to separate me from such love. May I never be content with a superficial experience of all that You offer Lord. Draw me into the deep even if by abiding there I face dangers which could be avoided by allowing small measures of apathy to linger in my heart. Let my abiding affection for You run deep in purity and authenticity no matter the cost, Lord. There is no place for me outside of Your love, Jesus. For You are my home. Whatever purpose present affliction has, though it be a mystery to me at this time, my soul clings to You knowing that You will carry me through. You are the One who goes before me, Jesus. You are the One who protects me from behind. Under the Word set down in Isaiah 58:8-9 and the authority of Christ, I set these prayers on the altar of the King.

Then your light will appear like the dawn,
and your recovery will come quickly.
Your righteousness will go before you,
and the Lord’s glory will be your rear guard.
At that time, when you call, the Lord will answer;
when you cry out, He will say, ‘Here I am.’
Isaiah 58:8-9, HCSB