Prayer for grandmothers

Father, Isaiah 37:22 says the daughter of Jerusalem shook her head at the Assyrian king. A mighty army at the gates. A quiet city that just says no. I love that picture. The no is not loud. It is settled. Father, there are real Assyrians at the gates of my life. The diagnosis my doctor is watching. My grandson's depression. The state of my country that my late husband worried about. I have done a lot of shaking and fluttering at these gates. But this verse shows me another way. A quiet no. A settled heart. A sure knowledge that the empire at the gate is not the Empire that finally rules. Help me sit straight today. I am not pretending the Assyrian is not real. I am not denying he has hurt others. I am simply settled that this small life, which has been Yours since 1962, has a Defender who is not me. You did not let the enemy take me at thirty-eight. Or at fifty-four. Or at sixty-nine. You have been faithful. So I will trust You again today. I will not hand myself over to fear. I will place myself in Your hands. Amen.