In the past few weeks, I have found myself saying “I don’t know” far too often. I was starting to annoy myself and honestly, feeling a bit dumb. It was not possible that I don’t know that much. But there is much confusion and maybe even chaos happening and it can be hard to have answers to even simple questions, especially involving other people or making plans to go places.

But in all of that, I realized I may now know, but God does. He always has and always will. And so, rather than say “I don’t know” and leave it there, turn it into prayer. Follow your “I don’t know” with an aspiration. A short, one-line prayer asking for something in the moment. Some examples of aspirations are:

• Bless the Lord, my soul! Lord, my God, you are great indeed! Psalm 104:1
• I surrender it all to you, Jesus.
• Come Holy Spirit!
• Be with me in this time and place.
• Give me your strength, Lord.
• Be the Lord of my life. (from Lord of my Life by Matt Maher)
• Heal me Jesus, body, mind and soul, of everything that is not of you.
• All will be well. (Julian of Norwich)
• You are precious in my eyes and honored and I love you. Isaiah 43:4a
• I ask for grace Father, to do the next thing.

In time, the aspiration may even come before the “I don’t know” ad then you may have a real answer to the question.

Difficult times can be a burden or a chance to turn to God. Turn to him, ask for help, he wants to love us. Turn to his word, Psalms 91 and 104 have been particularly helpful to me lately.

Our challenge this week: whenever you say “I don’t know” say an aspiration afterward. Hopefully, after a few days, you’ll say it before you answer the questions! What is your favorite aspiration?

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