The scientific community is always finding new things, new things we never knew, new things we’ve never seen! This past year the scientific community announced a new discovery found in a new way!
In 2015 scientists encountered an undersea creature off the coast of Puerto Rico that belonged to the ctenophore family. Ctenophores may be mistaken for jellyfish, but they are not closely related.
At that time the scientists were not able to collect any of the species or take any samples back to a lab for further examination. Instead, they filmed high-definition video recordings of the species. Luckily, the footage was enough. For the first time, the discovery of a new species happened based on only video evidence without any physical evidence to examine.
Thanks to the quality of this footage and the translucent quality of the creature, scientists from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) were able to spend the next few years analyzing details of the morphology. Then last year it was announced that this interesting creature they had come across was in fact a new species, never seen before. It was given the title of Duobrachium sparksae.
When I learn that scientists have discovered something new I feel excitement and joy and wonder. When I come across something new in my own life, though, those aren’t always the emotions I feel. Sometimes it can be scary or overwhelming when there are new things in our own lives. This past year gave us a lot of new experiences, but we are now in 2021 and those new things keep coming. Each day we wake up there’s a possibility for something new.
God has been around since before the beginning of time. There is nothing new to Him. We should take comfort in this knowledge and bring all of our new experiences to God in prayer. If we try to take on these new experiences by ourselves, they can be very overwhelming. If, instead, we travel this journey with God, He can help us to take on these new challenges.
I have been personally repeating this verse over and over recently because there are many new things in my life right now. I’ve been living amid the pandemic like everyone else, trying to find the new normal. THEN I’m also looking to start a new job soon. This job will not only be new, but different than any other job I’ve ever had. Then finally and most excitingly, I am pregnant and navigating all of the new experiences that come along with preparing to welcome a child into this world.
The week before Christmas I felt extremely overwhelmed. (I’m sure the pregnancy hormones didn’t help.) The biggest realization I had was that I was letting my morning sickness be an excuse for praying less. I was feeling overwhelmed because I was trying to tackle all of these new challenges on my own. Since then I have worked very hard to spend more time each day in prayer.
As a person who really likes being in control, it is a true challenge to put all of my trust in God each day. It is a challenge, but I try. I try because I have seen the good that can come when I do, the peace and comfort that comes with fully trusting the Lord.
One of the most beneficial tools I’ve found this year has been praying the “Litany of Trust”. As we start this NEW year, I encourage all of you to pray this litany with me. I also encourage you to turn to it when you are struggling to trust, especially when confronted with anything new.
LITANY OF TRUST
From the belief that I have to earn Your love
Deliver me, Jesus.
From the fear that I am unlovable
Deliver me, Jesus.
From the false security that I have what it takes
Deliver me, Jesus.
From the fear that trusting You will leave me more destitute
Deliver me, Jesus.
From all suspicion of Your words and promises
Deliver me, Jesus.
From the rebellion against childlike dependency on You
Deliver me, Jesus.
From refusals and reluctances in accepting Your will
Deliver me, Jesus.
From anxiety about the future
Deliver me, Jesus.
From resentment or excessive preoccupation with the past
Deliver me, Jesus.
From restless self-seeking in the present moment
Deliver me, Jesus.
From disbelief in Your love and presence
Deliver me, Jesus.
From the fear of being asked to give more than I have
Deliver me, Jesus.
From the belief that my life has no meaning or worth
Deliver me, Jesus.
From the fear of what love demands
Deliver me, Jesus.
From discouragement
Deliver me, Jesus.
That You are continually holding me, sustaining me, loving me
Jesus, I trust in You.
That Your love goes deeper than my sins and failings and transforms me
Jesus, I trust in You.
That not knowing what tomorrow brings is an invitation to lean on You
Jesus, I trust in You.
That You are with me in my suffering
Jesus, I trust in You.
That my suffering, united to Your own, will bear fruit in this life and the next
Jesus, I trust in You.
That You will not leave me orphan, that You are present in Your Church
Jesus, I trust in You.
That Your plan is better than anything else
Jesus, I trust in You.
That You always hear me and in Your goodness always respond to me
Jesus, I trust in You.
That You give me the grace to accept forgiveness and to forgive others
Jesus, I trust in You.
That You give me all the strength I need for what is asked
Jesus, I trust in You.
That my life is a gift
Jesus, I trust in You.
That You will teach me to trust You
Jesus, I trust in You.
That You are my Lord and my God
Jesus, I trust in You.
That I am Your beloved one
Jesus, I trust in You.
