Be full of joy in the Lord.
Philippians 3:1
THE DAY HAD FINALLY COME. Mom’s Alzheimer’s disease had progressed to the point where she could no longer live alone. Though I had known for months that this moment would arrive, no amount of research, preparation, or conversations with doctors could truly ready my heart for the reality of it. Nothing can prepare you for the role reversal that comes when a parent—who once cared for you—now depends on you for everything.
Change is never easy for an Alzheimer’s patient. The day we moved Mom into memory care was difficult beyond words. That evening, as I reassured her that I would return in the morning, I saw fear in her eyes. It was the same kind of fear I had seen years before when I dropped my eldest son off for his first day of preschool. Would he make friends? Would he find his way? Would he be okay without me? Now, those same concerns filled my heart for my mother.
Driving home, tears streamed down my face. I felt helpless. I didn’t even know what to pray. Should I ask God to restore her memory? Should I plead for miraculous healing? My prayers felt empty, like I was grasping at something beyond reach. Then, I was reminded of Romans 8:26-27:
“In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.”
Through my sobbing, one prayer suddenly took shape in my heart: Lord, please help Mom find joy. Give her joy in her new surroundings. Give her joy in her new relationships. Give her joy despite this disease. Bring her joy in the midst of uncertainty. Lord, bring her joy.
This became the prayer I whispered day and night, over and over. Looking back, I know with certainty that the prayer itself was placed in my heart by the Holy Spirit. And so, I leaned on my faith and waited.
At first, Mom was withdrawn. She seemed lost, and I doubted whether this decision had been the right one. But still, I prayed: Lord, let her find joy. And then, something changed.
Mom began talking about a new friend at her meal table. She looked forward to breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Though she couldn’t remember her friend’s name, she told me they laughed together often. I clung to that as an answered prayer.
Then came Mom’s 80th birthday. My family and I arrived with the biggest cake we could fit in the car, excited to celebrate with her. More than anything, I was eager to meet the friend who had brought Mom so much happiness. As we entered, a woman approached me with a warm, contagious smile. She hugged me and spoke of how much she enjoyed sharing meals with my mother.
As she turned to take her seat, I realized I hadn’t even asked her name. Reaching out, I gently touched her arm. “My name is Lara,” I said. “What’s your name?”
What happened next felt like time slowing down. She paused, looked me in the eye, and said, “Joy.”
I hesitated, thinking I had misheard. “Did you say Joy?” I asked.
She smiled and spelled it out: “J. O. Y. Joy.”
As she turned and walked away, I stood frozen, overwhelmed with awe. In that moment, I knew—without a doubt—that God had heard my prayers. He had answered in a way only He could, with His perfect wisdom and grace. He had quite literally brought Joy into Mom’s life.
From that day forward, my prayers changed. No longer were they cries of desperation, but prayers of gratitude. God had been listening all along, weaving His perfect plan into the fabric of our lives.
“This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of Him.” – 1 John 5:14-15
Have you ever not known what to pray? God hears our hearts even when we can’t find the words to say. And sometimes, He answers so lovingly that it fills our lives with unexpected, profound joy.
A Prayer for Joy in the Midst of Uncertainty
Heavenly Father,
We thank You for the gift of prayer, for hearing our hearts even when we struggle to find the words. In the moments when life feels overwhelming and uncertain, remind us of Your presence and steadfast love.
Lord, we lift up those facing challenges like Alzheimer’s, and their caregivers and loved ones who carry the weight of love and responsibility. Grant them strength and patience, and fill their hearts with Your peace.
We ask, Lord, that You bring joy into their lives—unexpected, unexplainable joy that shines through the darkness. Transform moments of confusion into laughter, and turn fear into comfort through Your grace.
Thank You for being a God who answers prayers in ways we could never imagine, reminding us that You are always at work, even in the hardest times. May we trust in Your will and walk with faith, knowing You are with us every step of the way.
In Jesus’ name, we pray,
Amen.
