21 Days of Prayer & Fasting 2024: Day 13

Saturday, January 27
DAY 13: TRUSTING GOD WITH THE BIG PICTURE

READ
Proverbs 3:5-6; Isaiah 41:10

REFLECT
The phrase “can’t see the forest for the trees” refers to someone who is too focused on the details of a problem to view the whole circumstance. For example, a basketball coach may be so focused on the details of his predetermined gameplan he is not willing to change it when his team is badly losing. Or an author may be so focused on perfecting each sentence they lose sight of the story’s overarching narrative and theme. In short, not seeing the forest for the trees can hinder someone’s present and future by limiting their perspective.

David’s wilderness tempted him not to see the overall picture of what God was doing. As he fled from town to town, David could have been caught up in the details of his escape from Saul. But he learned to trust God to oversee his escape.

Likewise, we also can get so caught up in our day-to-day circumstances we don’t see the whole of our lives. This causes us not to trust God with all our hearts, and instead we lean on our own understanding. Isaiah 41:10 encourages and commands us not to fear in the face of our circumstances. God is doing something bigger than the details in front of us. He wants us to learn how to trust Him with our hearts and avoid missing the forest for the trees.

RESPOND
Spend time in prayer, following the Upward, Inward, Outward, Upward format.

Upward: Who God is; What God has done, is doing, will do

Inward: Who you are; How you live

Outward: Intercession for others

Today’s Prayer:
Father, I thank you that you patiently guide me in all things. I admit I often lose sight of the big picture of my life. I don’t focus on what you’re doing as a whole and how you’re writing each chapter of my life’s book to come together into a beautiful story. Please forgive me for being so focused on the details that my current circumstances cause me to fear. Help me to trust You today and not lean on my own understanding.

Upward: Thanksgiving and Worship

To receive this month’s daily posts via email, subscribe to our list below.