Day 29

Hezekiah’s Prayer

from the Lent 2017: You Are Mine reading plan


Isaiah 37:1-38, Isaiah 38:1-22, Isaiah 39:1-8, Psalm 30:1-3, Micah 7:18-20

BY Guest Writer

Text: Isaiah 37:1-38, Isaiah 38:1-22, Isaiah 39:1-8, Psalm 30:1-3, Micah 7:18-20

Lately, I’ve been wrestling with the belief that I am not “enough.” It’s a horrible feeling that usually starts off with a slow, torturous game of comparison. Theodore Roosevelt said “comparison is the thief of joy,” and boy, was he right. When I start comparing my belongings or influence or talents with others’, I always walk away feeling unsatisfied. I stop seeing all the ways the Lord has blessed me—all the things I have to be grateful for—and instead focus solely on what I believe is missing in my life.

As I’ve opened up to others about my struggle, I’ve discovered that I’m far from alone. It seems many women have internalized a critical voice eager to tell them how they don’t measure up as a wife, friend, mother, or employee.

At first I thought the antidote to this horrible feeling was to believe in my own “enoughness”—to  raise my self-esteem, so to speak. Certainly the enemy relishes in our feelings of inadequacy that hold us back from the freedom promised in Christ (Romans 8:2). But as hard as I try to speak truth to myself, to remember that I’m valuable as a daughter of God, it becomes far easier to measure myself by the world’s definition of its values, like status, wealth, beauty, and social media followers.

I’ve come to realize that the true antidote to my feelings of inadequacy is the voice of the Lord. His Word lovingly reassures me that, though my sinful condition causes me to fall short of “enough,” I don’t have to be—because He is.

“You are God—You alone—of all the kingdoms of the earth.”
– Isaiah 37:16

He is enough. Not me, not you, not admirable King Hezekiah, not that friend with the seemingly perfect Instagram life. Yahweh, the Lord of all, He is the only One who can deliver us. Freedom is found not in finally perfecting ourselves, but in surrendering to Him.

I still play the comparison game from time to time. I see people and believe they have it all together, which promptly triggers a storm of discontent within me. I find myself longing to be just a little more like them, hoping that will finally bring me satisfaction. But behind that temptation is an even deadlier lie: Maybe I don’t really need God after all. Maybe I can get to the point where I’m good enough on my own. Maybe learning to be self-sufficient isn’t such a bad thing. 

The story of King Hezekiah reminds me that even the most powerful people can’t save themselves. No matter our circumstances, what we all need is the mercy of Jesus. Christ lived the only perfect, wholly worthy life and submitted to a painful death on a cross so that we could participate in His resurrection. True freedom for us can only be found in surrendering to God’s mercy and strength.

Hear the voice of the Lord today as He gently calls His children to turn to Him, to rest in Him. He alone is God. He alone is enough.

SRT-LENT2017-Instagram29s

Kaitie Stoddard is a professional counselor who recently relocated from Chicago to Colorado with her husband. She has her Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology and is passionate about helping couples and families find healing in their relationships. On any given weekend you’re likely to find Katie snowboarding in the Rocky Mountains, checking out new restaurants with friends, or catching up on her favorite Netflix and podcast series.

Post Comments (81)

81 thoughts on "Hezekiah’s Prayer"

  1. Nicole Tolosa says:

    I am obviously very late in the game in joining this study, but it has been a blessing and a rebuke. This post hits home in a very real way. Thank you, Kaitie, for your transparency and for reminding us of truth! Learning and relearning these lessons every day! I am a type A, perfectionist by nature, but I am also a pastor’s wife and a mother of 5. Both of those “titles” remind me daily of my inadequacy. Thank you Jesus that, “Freedom is not found in finally perfecting ourselves, but in surrendering to Him.”

  2. Anonymous says:

    Always and recently I have struggled with feelings that I’m not enough, I have a dark past that I’m trying to redeem but seems like some of the things that I’ve done in my past have stayed to hunt me (truly believe that the devil wants a hold on me). I have a hard time understanding and remembering that God is all powerful and that he can deliver me from all the sins that have me chained. Like King Hezekiah’s I pray the lord will heal me and have mercy on me. I know he has the power to do it all and I hope and pray that he has mercy on me. “There will be be peace and security in my lifetime” Please keep me in my your prayers. God’s timing is wonderful!

  3. Megan Owens says:

    I’ve been stressed about how far behind I am on this study. Which is a product of my own inconsistencies. But God’s timing is always perfect. And I was able to open up and read his promises at the exact moment that I need to be reminded of them. Praise Him!

  4. Jen Downs says:

    In my head and with my mouth I claim 2 Cor. 12:9 as my life verse, yet I build walls in my heart even with close friends because I compare myself. And I repeatedly found myself unworthy. Just yesterday I told my amazing husband that all day I worry I’m not doing enough to be a good wife to him. But God is enough, He is wise, He has me in this season of my life where this is so much unrest and unknown for a perfect purpose. I can say it with my mouth that He is building in me a total reliance on him. For everything. But I can’t seem to live in the freedom or the joy that knowing that should bring. What is wrong with me? Yuck. Head to heart knowledge that brings lasting change is what I long for.

  5. Keena DaSilva says:

    I’m in a season of comparison and it has been the breaking of me. Thank you for reminding me Whose I am. I love SRT devos! #grateful

    1. She Reads Truth says:

      We’re grateful for YOU, Keena!

      – Stormye

  6. Clara Beyer (Cb) says:

    Kaitie, this is beautifully written. You have a gift for putting into words a message that strikes many a chord.
    I enjoy reading your comments and look forward to more.
    May God bless you and yours ALWAYS and in ALL WAYS!

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