Content in the Crisis

Sometimes life brings you a crisis. It may be the loss of a job, the betrayal of a spouse, the sickness of a child, or the death of a loved one. Whatever the particular crisis, it's in these moments that the overbearing gravity of present circumstances causes you to feel completely helpless. You feel as if you are falling and you cannot find your bearings. These are the times we can only cling to the ledge of faith. Naturally, these occasions are never pleasant and what we long for is relief. We think that we are so weak we cannot pull ourselves up. The irony is that it is in that kind of weakness that we are strong.

I used to think weakness was a position that could be attained through simple intellectual affirmation. I didn't realize that it was something that came through experience. Thus God, in his grace, brings trials into our lives to bring us to that state of weakness. In short, I am helpless to bring about the recognition of my own helplessness. That is a work that God by his Spirit must do.

Further, helplessness itself is the necessary condition to displaying the power of God in your life. Paul, in 2 Corinthians 12, after describing his "thorn in the flesh" makes this bold statement in verse 10: "For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong." Paul's assertion is that he is content in crises! How could Paul make such an outlandish statement? Because Paul knew that, for the sake of Christ, his weakness was paradoxically when he was the strongest. When Paul was most empty and when we are most empty, Christ is most ready to fill us with his Spirit and strengthen us by his power.

Are you content with your crisis? Again, it may take a variety of forms. It may be a difficult work situation where your name has been slandered. It may be a wayward teenager. It may be social rejection. Whatever the case, Christ has called you into the crisis and you can have contentment in the crisis knowing that when you are weak, then you are strong.

How to Pray When You're Empty

Sometimes in our lives, we feel empty. By empty, I mean unmotivated, inert, and exhausted. This is usually when prayerlessness overtakes us. Ironically, this is the time when we need to pray the most. Thus, how do you pray when you don't have any words?

1. Begin by being honest. Confess to the Lord you feel like a hollow vessel. You're not a hollow vessel (you're filled by the Spirit) but that is not what your emotions tell you. List the circumstances why you are drained. Tell the Lord that your tendency is to look for refreshment in all kinds of places other than him. Concede that every other source of strength has failed you.
2. Pray simply. Ask simple requests. It's probably not a good idea to try to articulate all the theological truth you know but to just say what is on your mind and heart. The Lord cares about the simple things.
3. Affirm Scripture. Recite the promises of God as you pray. By doing this, you are not just acknowledging vague truths about God but specific aspects of his character that are comforting. Open your Bible and pray one of the Psalms if necessary.
4. Concentrate on the person you're talking to, not how the activity feels. Always recognize that prayer is dialogue. You are speaking to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ and not engaging in some mere ritual. By talking to the Father through the Son by the power of the Holy Spirit, you are caught up in the dance of the Trinity. And it is a life-giving dance.
5. Don't give in to despair. Although it may feel meaningless, prayer is the most meaningful activity we can do. Don't look for instant results according to your desires, but trust that the Lord is active and powerful. Open your eyes and by faith see how he answers.