When life slams us to the ground. When things are not the way they are “supposed to be.” When all our good intentions and plans and efforts turn to rubble at our feet.

When that thing or person or relationship we worked so hard toward, fought relentlessly for, vowed to never give up on…gives up on us, walks out on us, dies on us.

The hurt is so intense, it pulses with every heartbeat. The uncertainty so thick, every step is a blind stumble. The fear so raw, we swear we can feel our spirits bleed.

We long to pray.

We’re loath to pray.

We’re powerless to pray.

Grief silences us. Our words catch somewhere between our heads, our hearts, and our throats. Tears are the only voice we can muster.

But even if our tongues could form a sound, we don’t know what to say. Don’t know what He wants. What is right. What is His will.

It is here—in this most desperate place—that the Holy Spirit becomes our voice. No, He is always our voice…but it is here that the reality of His intercession is revealed so intimately to our hearts.

“…for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.” Romans 8:26

Our tears become His groanings, offered before our Father, beseeching what is right. What is best. What is His will.

Words are unnecessary. But sometimes we want them anyway. At least I do.

When things don’t make sense.

When I can’t imagine how the brokenness in this life could possibly be part of a greater plan…a plan for good.

When I’m just plain spent.

I have found three words of surrender.

A heartfelt petition that covers it all. A sincere plea that will not—cannot—go wrong.

A cry that cuts through all confusion. Places our souls in abject humility. And fully acknowledges our purpose.

An exhalation that reminds us of our place and His power. That sets right our relationship with our Father.

Just three words:

Glorify yourself, Lord!

Simple words that hold awesome power. Simple words that implore great faith. Simple words that compel complete surrender.

In this relationship…Glorify yourself, Lord!

In this tragedy…Glorify yourself, Lord!

In this disease…Glorify yourself, Lord!

In this hurt…Glorify yourself, Lord!

In this confusion…Glorify yourself, Lord!

In this opportunity…Glorify yourself, Lord!

Because His glory is why we are here.

His glory is our very purpose for living.

And when we remember that…when we acknowledge that…when we verbalize that…we are humbling our hearts and positioning our lives for the good that He has planned for us.

The hurt may not go away.

The situation may not change.

The relationship may not be restored.

The problem may not be fixed in this lifetime.

Take Jesus’ example. He knew the agony He was about to face as the day of His crucifixion approached. His heart was broken. He was racked with dread. His soul was more deeply distressed than yours or mine will ever be. But hear His words…and His Father’s words in response:

“Now is my soul troubled. And what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour?’ But for this purpose I have come to this hour. Father, glorify your name.’ Then a voice came from heaven, ‘I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again’.” John 12:27-28 (emphasis added)

While the circumstances of this life may remain unmoved…our hearts will not.

While we cry out in surrender, we claim His promise:

“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28

We remember our purpose. And we recognize that our hope lies in this: with God, nothing is wasted——–

He works all things for our good and for His glory.

Our hope has never been that everything will eventually “be okay” here in this life. No. That is a false hope that leaves far too many empty, confused, and doubting because:

sometimes broken marriages stay broken,

sometimes addiction never loses its grip,

sometimes disease isn’t healed,

sometimes our arms cradle emptiness,

and sometimes our hearts break.

But that brokenness, that loss, that sorrow, that agony. That suffering, that release, that goodbye, that devastation…all of it is redeemed in His name. All of it is ultimately for our good and for His glory. In that, we can be confident because He has promised it. And He is faithful to keep every promise.

Glorify yourself, Lord—words for our wordless moments. An invitation toward our purpose. A prayer of faith. Wherever you are today, whatever you’re going through—if you need words, these are the words you need.

Be blessed, my friends, and know He hears.

Be encouraged by the beautiful reminders in Nothing is Wasted by Elevation.