Verse of the Day

⁸ This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.

Joshua 1:8 (NKJV)

Quote of the Day

“Visit many good books, but live in the Bible.” 

— Charles H. Spurgeon (commonly attributed)

Reflection

Many people travel thousands of miles to experience the beauty of South Florida. They come to see the Everglades, relax on our beaches, or drive through the Florida Keys. Yet for those of us who live here, it’s surprisingly easy to take those blessings for granted. We tell ourselves they’ll always be there, so we’ll go next weekend, next month, or next year. Before we know it, years have passed, and we’ve hardly taken advantage of what has been in our backyard all along.

Unfortunately, I think that’s how many of us approach God’s Word. How many of us have Bibles collecting dust on our nightstands, shelves, or offices? Are we consistent and determined to spend time with the Lord? I wish I could say this has never been a problem for me, but it has impacted me too. However, if we don’t take charge and grow in intentionality, we can easily put off this crucial discipline that is an essential part of our faith.

Today’s verse reminds us that the Bible is not just any book. It contains the truth the Lord desires to root deeply within us so that we may navigate the world according to His will. Joshua 1:8 paints the picture for us clearly: “but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do all that is written in it.”

God is not inviting us into a casual relationship with Him. He is inviting us into deeper intimacy through His Son, Jesus Christ (John 14:6; 1 Timothy 2:5-6), to the point that His truth remains at the forefront of our thoughts day and night. There are many things that we do in excess, and if we’re honest with ourselves, perhaps the majority don’t redeem the time as we know we should (Ephesians 5:16-18). 

But I would be hard-pressed to imagine someone who spent too much time reading the Word of God. Even the most experienced believers have seasons where they may not properly prioritize the spiritual discipline of immersing themselves in the Word (Colossians 3:16).

Application

Charles Spurgeon provides our quote of the day and pulls our core theme back into focus. Even in the context of reading, we may sometimes find it tempting to stray from the Bible (Matthew 13:22). While it is prudent to read widely, we need to remember that our home base should always come back to the Word of God (1 Corinthians 3:18-23). It offers us a lens by which we can process everything else in a way that only those of us who have experienced it can relate.

In Amos 8:11-12, it reads:

11 “Behold, the days are coming,” says the Lord God,
“That I will send a famine on the land,
Not a famine of bread,
Nor a thirst for water,
But of hearing the words of the Lord.
12 They shall wander from sea to sea,
And from north to east;
They shall run to and fro, seeking the word of the Lord,
But shall not find it.

The generation in reference here longed to hear God’s voice, but struggled to find it. Imagine our situation today in contrast with theirs. Our culture is so out of touch and enjoys so much abundance in so many areas that we fail to appreciate what we have unparalleled access to.

We know in our hearts, especially those of us who count ourselves children of God, we sometimes take for granted the treasure we have right in front of us. How many of us have experienced the joy of the Lord (Nehemiah 8:10), the refreshment of His presence (Acts 3:19-21), and the blessings of God’s incomprehensible peace (Philippians 4:7)? Yet somehow we allow our spiritual fuel tank to hit empty at times for no good reason.

None of us can afford to become too busy to spend quality time with God in His Word and in prayer (Acts 6:4). The Bible may be constantly available, but that doesn’t make it any less pivotal to our spiritual journey. If you can relate to this, like me, we must embrace our thirst for righteousness again. A thirst that only God can quench when we approach the Bible like a daily companion rather than an occasional manual to consult when we have a problem (Matthew 5:6).

I don’t know about you, but I feel compelled to live in the Bible more than ever. Netflix, YouTube, e-mails, social media, and everything else vying for our attention can wait. First, give the best of your time to the Lord (Colossians 3:23-24). None of those other things are inherently evil by default, but they must be the tools of a believer and not the objects of our affection. And we certainly cannot allow them to become the objects of our addiction (1 Corinthians 10:14).

May each of us come to realize that every moment we spend in the Word is not squandered. It’s one of the greatest eternal investments we can make and one of God’s means of sustaining our peace (Psalm 90:12). I hope we can all come to a place where we hold our Bibles with such high esteem that we don’t just read them like any other book. Next time you pick up the Word, think about how God is speaking to you as you finally refuel your spiritual fuel tank. We need to stop getting so dangerously close to empty before we do it (Jeremiah 31:25).

Prayer

Dear God,

Thank You, Father, for another day of life. Thank You for the gift of Your Word. Please help me to develop the discipline and faithfulness necessary to remain steadfast in my appreciation for Your Word. One of my desires is to show myself approved, and continue to operate in humility, acknowledging that I have a lot more to learn. 

Please help me never become complacent, but always remember that You have given me the privilege of having access to Your Word everywhere I go. 

Thank You for allowing me to access it in my home through one of several copies, or even on my smartphone when I am on the go. Please bless my brothers and sisters in Christ who took a few minutes out of their day to read today’s devotional. So many of us get trapped in life’s demands, and we don’t realize how little margin we’re operating on. It’s not until we find a few precious moments with You to rest in Your presence and find spiritual refreshment in Your Word that we realize the treasure we have sometimes neglected.

I acknowledge that I needed this warning as much, or more, than the majority of those reading this today. Please help me not to merely spend time in Your Word when I am preparing for a teaching, researching for a writing, or crafting a new podcast. Thank You for giving me the privilege of doing all of those things, but I also know I must make time to simplify my life and focus on Your Word without any other mission in mind.

May we all recognize the value of every minute we spend with You. Those of us who taste of Your goodness and the blessing of Your presence in our lives will undoubtedly discover the truth. That we will continue to pursue You in Your Word and through prayer, in such a way that we are driven to pursue You more every day.

Please help me not to submit this entry and forget about its relevance to me. Thank You for the opportunity to wake up to the reality that not a day is promised, and I desperately need to hear from You always.

I am eternally grateful to You for providing me with so much more than I deserve and extending Your grace upon me.

I pray in Jesus Christ’s precious, holy, and mighty name.

Amen.

Verse of the Day

12 For we dare not class ourselves or compare ourselves with those who commend themselves. But they, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.

2 Corinthians 10:12 (NKJV)

Quote of the day

“It’s not comparing yourself with others who call themselves Christians. Compare yourself to the Scripture.”

– Paul Washer

Reflection

It’s easy to fall into the trap of comparison. Paul the Apostle confronted people in Corinth who commended themselves and measured their standing by comparing themselves with one another. Instead, we should look to emulate the example of Jesus Christ and avoid the temptation to stack ourselves up against our peers.

In the modern era, we’re inundated with platforms and influences that point us toward doing so. We must make a conscious effort to minimize or eliminate such comparisons. Today’s quote sheds light on this issue. While comparison to other believers may appear more reasonable on the surface, Scripture remains the trustworthy standard by which we should examine ourselves (2 Corinthians 13:5-7).

God is perfect and unchanging, and His Word remains forever (Malachi 3:6; Isaiah 40:8). Unlike shifting human benchmarks, Scripture reliably reveals where we need to grow. Many biblical heroes struggled like we do today, but God still redeemed their stories for His glory (Romans 8:28).

Knowing God can use us despite our flawed track records is a tremendous consolation. He can restore us and help us pursue His will (Psalm 23:3). Even when some people don’t extend the same mercy and grace toward us, God knows us intimately and can help us move forward from a tumultuous past. Humanity sees our actions and outward circumstances, but God looks at the heart (1 Samuel 16:7).

We’re also called not to boast about ourselves. Instead, we should boast in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ (Psalm 34:1-3). He is the One who merits exaltation (John 3:30). Our lives must revolve around His will over our desires. Making less of ourselves and more of God is a lifelong aspect of sanctification (Romans 12:3). We should also strive to esteem others more highly than ourselves (Philippians 2:3).

You may not find it easy to make this adjustment overnight, but most of us should focus more on thinking outward and less on thinking inward toward ourselves. One sensible response to today’s verse is cultivating the humility that redirects any praise or applause we receive toward its rightful recipient: God. We shouldn’t exalt ourselves (Matthew 23:12). The first portion of today’s verse puts it, “For we dare not class ourselves or compare ourselves with those who commend themselves.”

Some believers and non-believers alike may commend themselves, but this is short-sighted. It signals to others that we think too highly of ourselves and don’t appreciate God’s hand in our success. God faithfully supplies what we need to obey Him and accomplish His purposes (Philippians 4:19). 

Scripture also cautions us against praising ourselves:

“Let another man praise you, and not your own mouth; A stranger, and not your own lips.”

Proverbs 27:2 (NKJV)

When others recognize something commendable in us, we can receive their encouragement with gratitude while remembering that every ability and opportunity ultimately comes from God.

Application

Of course, this doesn’t mean we can meet God’s perfect standard in our own strength (2 Corinthians 12:9-10; Romans 7:19-24). We all fall short of God’s glory and battle our sinful nature daily (Romans 3:23). The key is continually returning to God’s Word, which exposes our sin and directs us toward transformation as we walk with Jesus Christ (Romans 12:2). His yoke is easy. His burden is light (Matthew 11:28-30). By God’s grace, He helps us resist temptation, put sin to death, and grow in obedience over time. Sanctification is not a destination. It’s an ongoing process throughout our lifetime (1 Thessalonians 4:3-6).

If we compare ourselves to others, we can easily justify our sins and struggles by looking at people whose conduct appears worse than ours. The second portion of today’s verse warns against this: “But they, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.”

People are fickle, and playing the comparison game can lead us toward moral relativism. Measuring ourselves against people we perceive to be living less faithfully may temporarily ease our consciences, but it will not produce genuine transformation.

At the same time, recognizing that other believers also battle temptation can remind us that we are not alone. Their struggles should not become excuses for our sin; instead, they should encourage us to remain steadfast together in the faith (1 Peter 5:9).

The mistakes of others shouldn’t lead us to judge them harshly or cultivate a spirit of criticism when we can offer empathy and understanding (Matthew 7:1-5). Deep inside, we know that we face battles, too, and are far from perfect. We shouldn’t judge people harshly simply because they sin differently than we do. Nevertheless, correction has a proper place when it is offered to other believers gently, truthfully, and lovingly (Galatians 6:1; Ephesians 4:15).

Prayer

Dear God,

Thank You, Father, for another day of life. Please help me focus on You and Your desires for me. I want to obey You more consistently and overcome sin. Please help me abide by Your will and standards rather than those of the culture.

The world holds an allure and has taken many into captivity with its lusts. I acknowledge that I am not immune from its pull, but I am thankful that You have always helped me restore my focus to You when I have strayed.

Thank You for surrounding me with good influences. Please help me redeem my time for Your glory and seek Your will for my life. I confess that I have occasionally compared myself to others.

Instead, I want to exercise proper wisdom, discretion, and prudence with Your help. I don’t want to hold the things of this world so tightly or in such high esteem that I miss the bigger picture.

Thank You for never abandoning or forsaking me. Please help me not give way to envy or jealousy. I always want to celebrate my friends’ victories and enjoy Your assignments for me in this life. It brings me great pleasure to immerse myself in Your will.

Please forgive me for the many times I have fallen short of Your glory and sinned. Please help me repent, renew my mind, keep my heart from becoming calloused, maintain a clear conscience sensitive to Your will, and always abide in Jesus Christ.

Thank You for blessing me with Your peace that transcends all understanding. It helps me resist the temptation to compare my life with the lives of others. I submit to Your will and ask You to help me surrender every area of my life to You. Your will is infinitely better than anything I could ever establish for myself, and I am thankful You remain the focus of my entire life.

May Your will be done in my life and the lives of those around me.

I pray in Jesus Christ’s precious, holy, and mighty name.

Amen.

Editorial note: After publication, a portion of this conversation was removed because some personal experiences with cultural Catholicism were expressed too broadly and could be understood as characterizing all Catholics or official Catholic teaching. While we believe significant theological differences remain relevant to spiritual compatibility, we want to represent those differences accurately and treat individuals with fairness, humility, and respect. ____________________________________________________________________________________

What does it really mean to be “unequally yoked”? In Part 1 of this conversation, Hankelsys and I explore what Scripture teaches about faith, dating, marriage, and trusting God’s design for relationships.

What does Scripture actually teach? How should believers approach dating, marriage, and spiritual compatibility? And how can we pursue relationships that honor God’s design?

Join us as we share personal insights, biblical perspectives, and practical wisdom on faith, relationships, and trusting God’s timing.

Verse of the Day

2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

Romans 12:2 (NKJV)

Quote of the Day

“Whatever we focus our attention on is what will dominate our thoughts (Proverbs 23:7). If our thoughts are dominated by the things of this world then we are going to get worldly results in our lives. We need to focus on God to get godly results.”

– Andrew Wommack

Reflection

It’s easy to acclimate a sinful nature to the patterns of this world. Conversely, it takes deliberate effort to turn our attention away from the world and toward our Maker. When we do that, we not only renew our minds, as today’s verse clarifies, but we condition ourselves to align with the ways of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. While our sinful inclinations may never disappear completely on this side of eternity, God equips us to combat them for our good and His glory.

That’s why the subtle changes we make over time are crucial. Today, I may feel strong in my faith, but it doesn’t take long for a slippery slope of compromise to arrive if I don’t keep my mind in the right place. For instance, if I allow my attention to drift toward the patterns this world finds acceptable, I would slowly erode my conviction to fear the Lord and to obey God’s commands. We may attend Church on Sunday, but if we don’t make it a habit to sustain our spiritual discipline beyond Sunday morning, we open the door for trouble.

I know I have faced this dilemma. First, I may allow myself to watch a morally questionable TV show. Then, perhaps I don’t attend Bible study for a week or two in a row. Suddenly, I gravitate toward secular music instead of praise and worship music. The nail in the coffin comes when I have chosen to spend more time surrounding myself with some friends who don’t share my faith as often as my Church friends. If this track continues for a prolonged period, it’s only a matter of time before my spiritual discipline is in shambles.

In a short time frame, I would have transitioned from living as a faithful believer to drifting into alignment with the world’s ways. I would need to feast on God’s Word, turn things around quickly, and repent of any newly established pattern of sinful behavior. Otherwise, there’s no telling how much further I would fall before God may use more drastic measures to draw me back into the fold. We know God corrects those He loves, but there’s wisdom in learning our lesson before we reach rock bottom.

Both today’s verse of the day and today’s quote suggest we don’t let it come to that. We want to submit to God’s will and avoid conforming to the spiritually risky habits the culture would have us believe are normal. In isolation, one of these decisions is not necessarily sinful. The problem comes when they become a form of idolatry and disrupt the intimacy we have with Jesus Christ. It would be legalistic to look at someone who exercised their Christian liberty to make a decision similar to the ones above and judge them harshly.

You aren’t any less of a Christian because you watched a worldly TV show or listened to a secular song. My point is that, in the aggregate and over an extended time frame, these seemingly harmless distractions can become footholds or strongholds that the devil would love to captivate our attention with (2 Corinthians 10:4-6). As soon as we realize we are not redeeming the time, we should establish better habits that honor God. There’s no need to wait for these issues to become idolatrous or establish that stronghold to repent.

That’s where we must reflect on verses like Romans 12:2 and adhere to its suggestion: “be transformed by the renewing of your minds.” We can pray to God and confess that we’ve drifted away from His ideal path. The longer we live a lifestyle of persistent concession to sin, the more challenging it becomes to rectify our path. The more we delve into questionable territory with our thoughts, life, actions, and habits, the more acceptable we will find them. What we once considered a spiritual crisis suddenly becomes more palpable and less convicting (Hebrews 3:8-15). That’s the last thing we want if our goal is to please God.

Application

Since our hearts are easily captivated by the allures of this world, we need to be vigilant (1 John 2:16, 1 Peter 5:8). We must guard our hearts and minds in Jesus Christ. In a previous devotional, we discussed the impact our thoughts (Philippians 4:8), words (Proverbs 16:3, Proverbs 18:21), and actions (Ephesians 4:32) have on our dynamic with unbelievers. But all of this starts with us, and the same principles apply. However, our priorities are not in order if we’re more concerned about how others perceive us than our behavior. We must start with ourselves first. God is our ultimate audience. Our chief concern isn’t optics with others and maintaining a good reputation with them.

Mankind’s opinions are fickle, and people can turn on us at the drop of a hat. God’s knowledge of our character, who we are, our intentions, and our motivations for everything we do matter more. Of course, I am not saying that a reputation with men isn’t valuable; on the contrary, it’s a blessing when others look up to you for the right reasons. It simply requires us to emphasize God’s perspective on us first and foremost.

There are times when God will allow us, in this lifetime, to have a good reputation in the eyes of God and man (Proverbs 3:3-4). But if you are in a situation where you must choose, the former is unfathomably more meaningful than the latter.

My challenge to you and myself is to focus on God in whatever season you’re in. Let’s not get caught up in dwelling on the past (Isaiah 43:18-21), worrying about the future (Matthew 6:34), or trying to force things to happen in our timing. Everything will always fall into place according to His will (Romans 8:28); keep putting Him first in as many aspects of your life as possible (Matthew 6:33).

Embrace the season you find yourself in (Ecclesiastes 3:1-9). Trust God has a reason for the situation in which He has placed you. There’s no need to doubt Him. We need to immerse ourselves in His will. All the other things we want, which are not essentials but perhaps important life goals for us, will come if they align with God’s will. If they’re not part of His plan for us, He will protect His children from those things that are more of a liability than a blessing (Psalm 46:1).

We don’t need to focus so much on life’s extras. Focus on Him and His kingdom. If we have Jesus Christ, we have everything, and if we have everything else, we have nothing of eternal value (Mark 8:36-37).

Prayer

Dear God,

Thank You, Father, for another day of life. Thank You for the gift of salvation and the opportunity to store Heavenly Treasures. Please help me focus on matters of eternal significance. I desire to entertain thoughts that are pleasing to You.

I have opened the door to unnecessary exposure to the world many times. Acclimating to the world is no badge of honor for any of us. As Your children, we should exemplify critical distinctions in our lifestyle.

Please help me not to become self-righteous nor think of myself more highly than I should. If it were up to me and my strength, I know it’s only a matter of time before my morals fade into compromise. I must rely on You for guidance. Please help me maintain the discipline and motivation to always turn to You and Your Word for sustenance.

The world and its fleeting treasures, accolades, and trends will never satisfy my soul. Only in Jesus Christ, Your Son, can I find everything I need. Without Him, I am nothing and cannot do anything of eternal significance. But with Him, I know I am empowered to make a difference for Your glory and my good.

Please help me stay focused on Your mission. To find lasting satisfaction, I need a sense of purpose that I only see in You. Your Word is my moral compass, and I know I wouldn’t have the capacity to navigate this world without You.

Please forgive me, dear God, for all of my sins. Thank You for drawing me to You and saving me. I must remember that part of the mission You’ve assigned to me includes discipleship, teaching, and evangelism. Thank You for giving me the strength, wisdom, and discretion I need to accomplish Your will. I need Your continuous help to persevere. I want to surrender every area of my life to You and submit to Your sovereignty.

Please help me with every significant decision point and steer me far away from the world. I know that I am in the world, but I am not of the world. Thank You for all You have done, still do, and will continue to do with me. It’s an honor that You would see it fit to use a morally bankrupt sinner like me to do anything of eternal magnitude, but I believe that’s what You’re doing, and I am grateful for it.

Many of our ancestors whom You involved in Your plan were among the least likely to partake in Your purpose, yet You still used them. I could never repay You or thank You enough for calling me to make a meaningful difference for Your kingdom.

I pray that many fellow children of God will see the same opportunity to open themselves to You and to utilize their gifts, talents, and resources to pursue the avenues of service You have placed in their hearts.

May Your will be done in my life and the lives of those around me.

I pray in Jesus Christ’s precious, holy, and mighty name.

Amen.

Verse of the Day

¹³ Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, ¹⁴ I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 3:13-14 (NKJV)

Quote of the Day

“You can’t go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending.” 

– C.S. Lewis

Reflection

The moment anyone thinks they’ve achieved mastery of something is the moment they stop learning. The mentality of recognizing our limitations and seeing that there’s always more to learn, especially when it comes to the things of God, is a blessing (Romans 11:33). It cultivates humility (Philippians 2:3), growth (James 4:10), and reliance on God instead of ourselves (Proverbs 3:5-6). As we develop these attributes and grow in faith, God allows us to share what we learn with others who may benefit from the lessons God has been instilling in us over time (2 Corinthians 5:20).

Paul elaborates on this in today’s verses. In verse 13, he emphasizes that he hasn’t yet apprehended it. The Apostle Paul wrote roughly half the New Testament and did great things in the name of the Lord with God’s help. But he tells us that he didn’t consider himself to have attained perfection. A lifestyle of sanctification is not about perfection; it’s about a continual desire to move in that direction, with Jesus Christ as our focus (1 Thessalonians 4:3-8).

The latter part of the verse says, “…but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead…” It reminds us not to dwell on our past mistakes. Ruminating on the way we’ve struggled has no advantage. Thinking briefly on it to see how we improve from past experiences may have a place, but when we allow the past to consume our thoughts, we are not walking in faith (Isaiah 43:18-19). There’s freedom in letting go of them because it lightens our load, helps us forgive past offenses, and allows us to use our full capacity for what matters.

The phrase, “…reaching forward to those things which are ahead…” gives us a hint. It’s not about looking ahead with worry or anxiety (Matthew 6:34). I think it’s about considering what lies ahead so that we draw confidence from Jesus Christ to make the most of the present (1 John 5:14-15). If our eyes remain fixed on the Lord, that vision empowers us to do better right now. The assurance of eternal security (John 10:28-30), unconditional love (Romans 8:38-39), satisfaction (John 6:35), and joy (Nehemiah 8:10) are all fruit of emphasizing Jesus Christ over everything else (Philippians 2:9-11). 

Nothing can separate us from the love of God, and His Son reconciles us to Him (2 Corinthians 5:18-19). That kind of certainty and security opens the door for us to serve God wholeheartedly, without the issues of the past or the worries of the future unnecessarily weighing us down (Jeremiah 29:13).

Application

Verse 14 shows us Paul’s mindset. As a result of not considering himself to have apprehended completion of his God-given goals, there was still work to do. He hadn’t yet accomplished his mission; since he was alive and breathing, he knew God wanted him to stay on track (Hebrews 12:1-2). He says it plainly, “I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” 

Notice the goal revolves completely around the upward call of Jesus Christ upon his life. The goal isn’t fame, money, status, self-fulfillment, comfort, or any other worldly amenity. It’s about sharing God’s word and accomplishing God’s will (1 Peter 2:15-17, Matthew 28:18-20).

Our quote of the day gives us a practical nugget of wisdom. We can’t change history, so there’s no real incentive to dwell on it. It focuses on what we can change; that is where we still have influence. God can still transform our lives right now (Romans 12). He can restore our health or answer our prayers. He can enrich our lives with joy and infuse us with a greater sense of purpose.

Even in all these things, we recognize and thank Him for the blessings He has chosen to grace us with (1 Thessalonians 5:18). But we must always remind ourselves that they’re not given solely for our benefit. The beneficiaries of our time, energy, resources, and talents should ultimately be other people (1 Peter 4:10). 

If God has already equipped us in these ways, He has already blessed us a great deal. But the beauty is that the blessing doesn’t need to stop with us. It can proceed to influence and uplift those around us. It’s also pivotal for us to ensure that we remain focused on Christ and don’t lose sight of Him as our ultimate blessing (Numbers 6:22-27). 

We cannot afford to lose our faith when things don’t go our way or when our earthly blessings are compromised. God has the authority to give and take away at His discretion (Job 1:21). May we remain faithful to Him in the good and bad times. Let’s keep seeking God and delighting in Him during the daunting, painful seasons as well as the triumphant seasons (James 1:2-4). He has ordained everything in its time (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8).

Keep in mind that God hasn’t forgotten you when life gets hard. He didn’t abandon Job, but we know what he went through (Job 42). God doesn’t owe us the answers to all of life’s questions. Occasionally we may need to fight heavy battles without fully understanding the reason. Other times, we go through those tumultuous seasons, and He offers us insight into why we went through what we did later in life.

The key takeaway is that we must press on. If you’re in a dark place, trust that God will get you through it. He will not abandon you in your time of great need (Hebrews 13:5). If your position is one of victory, embrace that season, and keep in mind that life offers us new challenges all the time. Enjoy every day of good health and opportunities to serve God. We honestly don’t know how long they will last (James 4:13-14). 

May we all continue to draw nearer to the Lord in every circumstance (James 4:8). Some people turn away from Him in times of difficulty and communicate with God only when things are going their way. Others make the opposing but equally significant mistake of seeking God only in the tough times. Meanwhile, they forget about Him when things are going well. Let’s all pursue the Lord fully in every season, knowing that our Lord and Savior wants a relationship with us at all times (Jeremiah 29:13).

Prayer

Dear God,

Thank You, Father, for keeping my eyes on the prize. I know that the ultimate prize is found in Your Son, Jesus Christ. Thank You for not abandoning me and staying with me at all times. 

Paul didn’t consider himself to have apprehended the fullness of understanding or the completion of the mission at hand. Likewise, I want to consider his example and, more importantly, emulate Jesus Christ in my pursuit of Your mission for me.

Please continue to equip me with Your full armor, fill me with Your Holy Spirit, and instill in me the peace that surpasses all understanding. Without Your provision, I wouldn’t have the capacity to do anything eternally meaningful.

The joy of the Lord gives me real strength; please help me to remember that. I must always recognize that when I fix my eyes on Jesus Christ, I will retain an eternal mindset. I know that is the only way to maintain true satisfaction, joy, and purpose in my life.

Without Jesus Christ, I would not have anything worthwhile to accomplish or live for. Thankfully, He is always with me, and I know that everything I do for Your glory has eternal value.

Please help me always draw near to You and remain in Your presence, both in times of trial and in times of abundant joy. It’s not easy to remember, in moments of difficulty, that even those have their purpose in Your plan.

Thank You for filling me with Your Holy Spirit. May I always listen to His lead and trust Him to help me when things aren’t going the way I planned. Help me rest in Your sovereignty, knowing things are still going in accordance with Your will. Nothing takes You by surprise.

Lastly, I ask that You would please forgive my numerous sins in Your sight. Please help me to walk the road of repentance and conquer them with Your supernatural help.

I pray in Jesus Christ’s precious, holy, and mighty name.

Amen.

Verse of the Day

6 As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, 7 rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving.

Colossians 2:6-7 (NKJV)

Quote of the Day

“I prayed for Faith, and thought that some day Faith would come down and strike me like lightning. But Faith did not seem to come. One day I read in the tenth chapter of Romans, ‘Now Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God’. I had closed my Bible, and prayed for Faith. I now opened my Bible, and began to study, and Faith has been growing ever since.”

– Dwight L. Moody

Reflection

After we receive Christ, the Christian life doesn’t become passive. Paul calls us to continue walking in Him: rooted, growing, and established in the faith. According to today’s verse, faith is a foundational element of our walk with God. Verse 7 specifies that when we are rooted in Jesus Christ, built up in Him, and established in faith, we will abound in thanksgiving.

It’s no wonder we reach a place of gratitude when immersed in our faith. But not just any faith but one rightly situated in Jesus Christ. The Colossians faced the false message that sacrifices and overemphasis on personal action were a vehicle by which they could please God.

We know that works are a crucial part of our faith but not the Source of our salvation. When we make sacrifices for God’s glory, they are often honorable actions. It is pivotal, however, to remember that good works and noble sacrifices result after salvation. Works flow from a place of gratitude for God’s provision. Keep in mind, it is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Jesus Christ alone that we receive God’s atonement for our sins and the gift of salvation (Ephesians 2:8-10).

If we indulge ourselves solely in human performance, it’s only a matter of time before we fail. Instead, we must rely on God to enable and guide us to abound in thanksgiving and reflect His glory. May God ensure our faith always abounds over our fears as we triumph over evil through His help.

Application

Today’s quote reminds us there is no replacement for God’s word. Faith comes by hearing and hearing from the word of God. Fellowship and prayer are crucial, but they would not thrive outside our time with God in His word. As we spend time in God’s word, He grows our faith and deepens our thirst for Him.

Next time, before you open God’s word, recall what a precious gift you hold. The infallible and timeless word you hold is God’s authoritative revelation to you. We must fear God and revere His word if we are to expect transformation.

Many times, myself included, we indulge our Biblical knowledge. Yet, it must also inspire us to act wisely as we apply God’s word in an acceptable way to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I remember a time when I was frustrated and tempted to let my emotions get the best of me. In that moment, the verse about being “quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry” came to mind (James 1:19). 

I could have retaliated, but God’s grace enabled me to pause and choose to respond with kindness. This small act, guided by Scripture, helped to de-escalate the situation and reminded me that truly applying God’s word brings real change in daily life. We cannot afford to take His sacrifice on the cross for granted.

Let your choices be guided by the Holy Spirit, inspired by Jesus Christ, and honorable in the sight of God. Without Jesus Christ, we have nothing, but in Him, we find everything, including eternal life.

Prayer

Dear God,

Thank You, Father, for another day of life. I have dropped the ball and failed You in many areas. Yet, somehow, You have seen it fit to pick me up, dust me off, and help me get back on track. I pray that You would help me to forgive others the way You forgive me.

I am thankful that, with Your help, I don’t often allow deceit or wickedness in my heart to guide my actions. I am thankful that You know my heart and my intentions. Please help me align both with Your will.

Father, please help me grow in gratitude, faith, and joy. I desire to find joy in everything I do for You and develop my faith by hearing and studying Your word. I also want to grow in gratitude by acknowledging Your numerous blessings.

My thankfulness abounds because of Your provision. I sincerely appreciate everything You’ve provided me, from the most minor material things to the most significant spiritual blessings. You’re my greatest treasure, and I am fortunate that Your presence will remain with me for all of eternity.

You are the Source of every good and perfect gift in my life. Please help me surrender to Your will and recall that it aligns with Your eternal best interest in consideration of Your glory and my good.

May I take up my cross daily and repent of all that offends You, including the sins I may not be aware of, so that I may walk in Jesus Christ. Thank You once again for Your forgiveness, and help me to please You in every area of my life.

I pray in Jesus Christ’s precious, holy, and mighty name.

Amen.

Verse of the Day

4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,

I will fear no evil;

For You are with me;

Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

Psalm 23:4 (NKJV)

Quote of the Day

“The valley of the shadow of death holds no darkness for the child of God. There must be light, else there could be no shadow. Jesus is the light. He has overcome death.”

– Dwight L. Moody

Reflection

Few passages in Scripture have comforted believers more than Psalm 23. Just as God faithfully shepherded David through life’s darkest valleys, He promises to be with His children today. We don’t have to spiral into despair because our Good Shepherd guides, protects, and comforts us. Through Jesus Christ, even the sting of death has been overcome (1 Corinthians 15:55–57).

Who better to entrust with our well-being than the Creator of the Universe? He knit you together in your mother’s womb (Psalm 139:13-15). God knows our every weakness, and when we face trouble beyond our capacity, He faithfully provides the grace we need to endure (Isaiah 25:4).

While we can consider the valley to represent death itself, it may also signify situations of darkness, peril, trials, or opposition. Whether facing a physical or spiritual obstacle or foe, God faithfully remained with King David. Likewise, He will not abandon His children (Deuteronomy 31:8, Hebrews 13:5).

When our faith is greater than our fears and God’s sovereignty is magnified over the world’s peril, we recognize that there’s no need to become weary in the face of adversity (Mark 5:36, Galatians 6:9), especially since God is with us and actively assists us at all times (Joshua 1:9).

The latter portion of today’s passage speaks of the rod and staff of God. The metaphor comes from the way a shepherd tends his sheep. In this case, you and I are the sheep.

Sometimes, God lovingly gives us a gentle nudge or tug back onto the right path when we’ve begun to drift. Other times, the shepherd would use the staff to protect the sheep from wild animals and other threats to the flock.

When a sheep wanders quite far from the rest of the flock, the curved edge is necessary to pull it back in with the herd. Many of us have experienced that kind of correction, and while it is unpleasant at the moment, we are so grateful that God has done so out of His vast love for us (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

There’s a reason why Jesus Christ is called the Good Shepherd. Not only does He actively protect us, but He willingly gave His life for us, His sheep, in the process (John 10:11-18). Our focus must remain on our Savior and recall His unfathomable grace towards each of us.

Today’s quote helps us remember exactly that. Jesus Christ lights the way for us. As the forerunner, He has already won the war on our behalf (Hebrews 6:20). Take comfort in His presence today and lean on Him at all times.

Application

Have you ever faced a dire season or deep trial? Perhaps you have even faced a near-death experience. Praise God that He saw it fit to help you get through it and survive that adversity. We shouldn’t wait for these times to draw closer to God (James 4:8), but when we encounter them, we are prudent to trust Him wholeheartedly (Proverbs 3:5-6).

Nothing can separate us from the love of God (Romans 8:35-39). That includes the “shadow of death.” Isn’t it awesome that the One who knows us better than we know ourselves, loves us more than we love ourselves, and has our best interests at heart, is always with us?

God is one prayer away from us at all times. The Holy Spirit dwells inside our bodies (1 Corinthians 6:19)! Our proximity to our Savior, Jesus Christ, shouldn’t come from the ups and downs of our life’s circumstances. We will never match His unwavering loyalty and incalculable love towards us. However, we should do everything we can to seek His Kingdom (Matthew 6:33), win souls for Jesus Christ (Proverbs 11:30), make disciples (Matthew 28:19-20), discover our purpose through Him (Psalm 138:8), and follow His commands (Deuteronomy 13:4).

Though we remain imperfect, we are counted righteous before God because of the imputed righteousness of Jesus Christ (Romans 3:20–25). We are fallen, but He is faithful. We are depraved sinners, but His justification makes us saints. We deserve hell, but He makes us heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ for eternity (Romans 8:17).

There is no comparison between our temporal sacrifices in this life and the eternal glory that awaits all His children (Romans 8:18). Don’t take it for granted, redeem the time (Ephesians 5:15-18), reflect the glory of Jesus Christ in all you do (2 Corinthians 3:18), and have faith that God is always faithful to His word (Romans 3:4). He is unchanging (Malachi 3:6). You can count on Him to remain steadfast in His love (1 John 4:8), grace (2 Corinthians 12:9), mercy (Ephesians 2:4–7), and forgiveness (Matthew 6:14–15).

Prayer

Dear God,

Thank You, Father, for making Your presence known to me. I know You are with me whether I feel You as close as my skin or distant as the stars. Please help me never doubt Your provision. Thank You for leading me through Your Holy Spirit, especially to help me make better decisions for Your glory.

Although this world is a fleeting breath, I am thankful that my actions can make an eternal impact for good. Thank You for giving me all the tools needed to serve You. Thank You for Your guidance, protection, and correction. Thank You for being merciful and gracious with me when I fail.

Please help me remember that You are unchanging, consistent, and reliable in a world infused with chaos. You put me at ease and order my steps. Thank You for the gift of Your peace, which, along with Your presence, empowers me to adapt to all circumstances.

Thank You for forgiving me for wandering away from the flock. Whether in a small way for a brief duration or a large way for a significant time, I am thankful for Your redirection back to where I must go. Please help me align with You in every area and every way I can so that I may continue to serve You as effectively as possible.

Thank You for allowing me to use my flaws and former struggles to bless my peers today. I want to spare them the pain I faced as I continue to learn the future pain I can spare myself if I heed the wisdom of my mentors. I am far from perfect at this, but it helps me keep things in perspective, walk in humility, and ultimately accept Your will.

Please forgive me for all my sins and thank You for Your countless provisions, which include Your grace, mercy, forgiveness, and love, which I cannot live without.

I pray in Jesus Christ’s precious, holy, and mighty name.

Amen.

Verse of the Day

“⁶ that this may be a sign among you when your children ask in time to come, saying, ‘What do these stones mean to you?’ ⁷ Then you shall answer them that the waters of the Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of the Lord; when it crossed over the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off. And these stones shall be for a memorial to the children of Israel forever.”

Joshua 4:6-7 (NKJV)

Quote of the Day

“Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God.”

– Corrie ten Boom

Reflection

Many of us would do better to rest our confidence in God’s unchanging character and unshakeable promises (Hebrews 13:8). While we have seen His provision time after time, it doesn’t always fortify our faith the way it should (Philippians 4:19). It’s safe to say that is at least one facet of why the Israelites were commissioned by God to set up a memorial. 

The memorial would consist of twelve stones, each representing one of the tribes of Israel. They would commemorate how God’s providence had empowered them to cross the Jordan River miraculously. Future generations would possess an undeniable memory of God’s provision to their forefathers for many years to come.

It’s intriguing to me that after such a significant breakthrough, God desired for His people to pause and reflect on His goodness (James 1:17). Before Jericho came into view, God wanted Israel to remember the Jordan. How many times has He answered our prayers and blessed us along the way? It’s not to say we’re not thankful, but I suspect I am not the only one who sometimes forgets to pause, appreciate, reflect, and acknowledge how faithful God has been in my life.

God likely doesn’t need us to design a memorial for us to properly apply the lesson here. The point isn’t necessarily for us to perform in a way that justifies what God has done, although I would say living a sanctified life is part of the journey. However, it’s a crucial lesson for all of us to remember how far we’ve come because God’s grace fueled our arrival.

Instead of asking for the next blessing, why don’t we thank Him for the many we’ve already received (Psalm 103:2)? 

Instead of playing with fire and succumbing to temptation, maybe we can re-focus on God’s faithfulness despite the many times we’ve sinned against Him (Proverbs 6:27, 1 Corinthians 10:13). 

Instead of ruminating on the obstacles, failures, or fears we face, perhaps we can hold more tightly to how much greater, more majestic, and infinitely capable our God is (Jeremiah 32:17, Romans 8:31)?

No matter how you slice it, there’s room to grow in contentment, gratitude, and genuine appreciation for God’s presence, character, and significance in our lives.

Application

Today’s verse of the day isn’t a call to stay stuck in the past or to worry about the future. It’s about taking a moment to recognize what God has done, is doing, and will continue to do in our lives, according to His timing.

When you faced hardship, trials, and setbacks, do you remember your prayers? Now, when you look back in the rearview mirror with that in mind, does it hit you how far you’ve come? God’s track record in your life deserves remembrance. Your life is a testimony to His grace, mercy, love, and forgiveness.

If God was faithful to provide you with ways of escape from temptation, His presence to provide you with peace amid chaos, fortitude to stay steadfast in the faith, and strength to persevere in every circumstance, doesn’t that offer you the hope and courage you need for today? Isn’t that all He really asks of us? We must focus on each day as it comes because each carries enough trouble of its own (Matthew 6:34).

As today’s quote shares, we can absolutely trust an unknown future to a known God. Today’s blessings were yesterday’s hopes and prayers. Tomorrow’s dreams stem from today’s faithfulness, hope, and prayer too. We cannot grow weary and merely give up now; we’ve come much too far (Galatians 6:9).

You may wonder, “Victor that’s all great and I agree with a lot of your points, but how do I keep track of all of it?” I am glad you asked!

Maybe it’s a note in the margins of a verse that is speaking to you in this season.

Maybe it’s a journal full of your prayers and praise reports that demonstrate God’s unfailing love in your life.

Maybe it’s taking a few moments with a loved one to share how God delivered you from trouble, provided a solution, or gave you an extraordinary opportunity at the perfect time.

What it’s not is easily forgetting how far you have come and what God is doing in your life. From the outside looking in, people may see someone who hasn’t changed from when they last met you. On the surface, your life may look identical to how it looked 6 months, a year, or even several years ago. 

But God knows you better than everyone else! He knows the insecurities you’ve overcome, the mental burdens you’ve finally confronted and released, the anger in your heart that you surrendered, and the systematic removal of sin from your life.

External success in the eyes of the world may or may not come, but what matters most is that God sees everything. The things that no one else knows about you, He does. He knows you better than you know yourself, loves you more than you are capable of loving yourself, and wants to see you continue to acquire unrelenting confidence, boldness, and faith in Him.

What are the stones of remembrance that God wants you to collect in your life? Take a few minutes to recognize them before God today in your quiet time and prayer. If we make this a habit, we’ll live in the consistent knowledge that God always gives us what we need. 

Our timelines may differ, and our desires may not align, but we can rest assured that we can do no better than to surrender the final say to Him. There’s no better place to reside than in the center of God’s will for your life.

Prayer

Dear God,

Thank You, Father, for Your countless provisions. I have failed many times, but You have seen it fit to give me another chance. Please help me remember the many ways You’ve remained faithful in my life, and help me continually repent of my sins. Please help me align with Your will and recognize that Your plans are infinitely wiser and eternally better than anything I could devise on my own.

Thank You for positioning me in circumstances that reflect outstanding privileges, immense liberties, and great responsibility in Your eyes. You’ve entrusted me with what I know is much more than I deserve, and as such, I desire nothing more than to meet your expectations of me with Your supernatural help.

I acknowledge today that without Jesus Christ, I am nothing. Without Him, I wouldn’t offer any eternal value or lasting significance to myself or others. But I thank You wholeheartedly for His presence in my life. Your Son empowers me to do far more than I could ever do alone.

Jesus Christ, Your Son, is the Vine and I am one of His branches. Thank You for offering me the gift of eternal life through Him. Thank You for enabling me to serve You, build Your kingdom, and pursue righteousness by His grace for Your glory.

Please help me stack those stones of remembrance so that I never forget the ways You have come through for me and those around me. 

You’ve rescued me from the chains of various addictions. You’ve picked me up and restored my health from several hospitalizations. You’ve positioned me to contribute to Your kingdom and given me the privilege of storing up Heavenly treasures. If I didn’t have You, I would have perished in my sins long ago, but You’ve seen it fit to redeem my life for Your glory and my good. 

Please help me not to lose sight of all this and continue to stand firm in victory with Your Son, Jesus Christ. I am so thankful that He is with me now and forever. As You fill me with Your Holy Spirit, I ask that You continue to empower me to serve You every day.

I pray in Jesus Christ’s precious, holy, and mighty name.

Amen.

Verse of the Day 

27 Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

John 14:27 (NKJV)

Quote of the Day

“God cannot give us happiness and peace apart from Himself, because it is not there. There is no such thing.”

– C.S. Lewis

Reflection

Whenever we look for God’s gifts from other outlets, we are left empty. The idols fabricated by our hearts may appease our appetites for a brief time, but soon after, they only bring trouble. Even those of us who know the value of proximity to God may occasionally take it for granted. Perhaps the allure of a particular temptation overtakes us, or we forget to stay disciplined about our spiritual nourishment. These are real threats that believers face daily.

Today’s verse reminds us that Jesus Christ offers us peace that we cannot find anywhere else. The world offers fool’s gold, and our adversary, the devil, seeks to destroy us through many avenues. These offers of empty promises and false hopes only lead us astray and distract us from God’s mission for us. 

The devil rarely attacks us in obvious ways. Instead, he exploits our weaknesses and often comes disguised as everything we ever wanted. That’s why we must all remain vigilant.

“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.”

1 Peter 5:8 (NKJV)

All of us, including me, are capable of stumbling from time to time. Even the most seasoned believers sin and must ask God for help in repenting. We must crucify the desires of the flesh. Thank God for His grace, mercy, love, and forgiveness, which comfort us when we fall short. 

When we find motivation in God’s will for us and demonstrate it in our actions, we will experience His peace in us. The world might be in shambles. Our immediate situation may prove itself difficult. There may be daunting obstacles that stand in the way of our success. But no matter what, we can rest assured that God’s peace will sustain us in all circumstances. 

As today’s verse closes, “Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” The more we experience God’s supernatural help and provision in our times of need, the more confident we will grow that He has us right where we are for a reason.

Application

Praise God for the many tools in our arsenal against evil. He equips us with his full armor, guides us with His word, gives us access to Him in prayer, protects us with His angels, surrounds us with fellow believers, provides us with ways of escape from temptation, and leads us by His Holy Spirit.

All of these assets are priceless as we wage war against evil. All of us should have faith that we have already won the war through the victory Jesus Christ won on our behalf. However, it remains our responsibility to face each battle one by one. That constant obedience will give us peace in God that transcends all understanding.

We must proceed steadfastly and boldly in the direction that God leads us. When circumstances throw us an unexpected detour, we can rest assured that it didn’t take God by surprise. In those moments, we must utilize God’s tools, especially prayer. When we feel least inclined to pursue them, we often need them most.

Take a few moments to consider God’s track record in your personal life. Look at His constant love in the lives of our fellow believers in the Bible. Even when it seemed they had no hope, God made a way for them. In the same way, God was there for them; He will remain there for His children.

God parted the sea for Moses. He delivered Daniel from the lion’s den. He protected Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the fiery furnace. He guided Noah in building an ark for safety during the flood. He empowered King David to have a heart after Him and lead Israel. Why wouldn’t He help you?

Why would we doubt His provision now if He did all that for these flawed sinners among His children like us? God is just as faithful today as He was yesterday and will be tomorrow. In the same way He used them, He can use us for His purposes. Embrace His call upon Your life and seek Him wholeheartedly. May all of us who believe abide in Him, obey Him, and enjoy His peace now and forever.

Prayer

Dear God,

Thank You, Father, for forgiving me. Thank You for Your gentleness and enabling me to repent of my numerous sins in Your sight. I know there are some I may not have even noticed I committed, and I ask You to forgive me for those, too.

I am thankful for Your peace in my life, for filling me with Your Holy Spirit, and for His daily guidance. Without Your presence and Your word, I would be lost. Thank You for all Your provisions. Without them, I don’t know what I would do.

The world we live in is fleeting. Please help me focus on what matters most in life and find peace in You. I don’t want to cling to an idol for short-term satisfaction, pleasure, or relief. I receive lasting blessings solely through Jesus Christ, Your Son, and my Lord and Savior. Thank You for not giving like the ruthless world we live in, but instead for offering Your most precious gifts of generosity and love.

Please help me not take Jesus Christ’s sacrifice on the cross for granted. Salvation may be a gift, but the cost of offering it to us was the greatest price ever paid: the precious blood of Your Son. I don’t want to lose sight of that, so I ask that You please help me redeem time for eternity.

Thank You for giving me much more than I deserve.

I pray in Jesus Christ’s precious, holy, and mighty name.

Amen.

Verse of the Day 

11 He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also He has put eternity in their hearts, except that no one can find out the work that God does from beginning to end.

Ecclesiastes 3:11 (NKJV)

Quote of the Day

“Some people spend so much time worrying about what might happen that they never enjoy what is happening [now]. … Today is the tomorrow you worried about yesterday.”

– Billy Graham

Reflection

Many of us are inclined to overthink or worry about the future. This mindset produces anxiety and becomes a barrier to a proper appreciation of the present. When we preoccupy ourselves with what may or may not be, we overload ourselves with concerns. If we dwell long enough, we rob today of its joy and misapply excess mental bandwidth on speculation about the future.

God’s word reveals that this is not the ideal approach. God instructs us to let each day to worry about itself because each one brings enough trouble of its own (Matthew 6:34). Today’s verse offers us encouragement in the same vein. It assures us that God “has made everything beautiful in its time.” Although we are not privileged to know what the future will bring, we can trust the One who will open those doors in their rightful time.

Making plans, setting goals, preparing for the future, and establishing a vision are all reasonable if we are willing and adaptable to shift those plans in light of God’s will. In my life, God has taken me on several unexpected detours and redirected me on a path I didn’t envision. Yet, every time He has done this, I have been able to look back and see that His plan made sense. The detours I resisted often became the very roads that shaped me.

Although God owes me no explanation, when I look back, I can see God’s mercy, grace, love, and patience in my life. In the middle of the battlefield, we might be in too much pain to understand His greater purpose. It could take months or even years to look back and acquire the perspective to grasp why He allowed certain things to happen. God may offer you perspective, but if He doesn’t, it is wise to trust that He has a reason for all of it. Take refuge in Him and remember that He has your best interests and His glory in mind with everything that He has ordained to come to pass.

Application

Remind yourself to focus on the present rather than worry about the future or obsess over the past. That doesn’t mean our current situation is a walk in the park. Many of us are fighting battles others may or may not know about. The key is to hold fast to God’s promises and rest in the certainty that God will not abandon us.

Everyone other than Jesus Christ is capable of letting you down. Even our most beloved family and friends may hurt us from time to time. That’s why we need to extend one another the grace, mercy, love, and forgiveness God has extended us. We exercise wisdom when we don’t allow the pain we encounter in this fallen world to lead us away from God.

We need to express our constant appreciation for God’s presence. Even if we have nothing obvious to be grateful for, which is seldom the case, as believers, we can still thank God for saving us from hell and securing our position in heaven with Him for eternity. Even if pain and distress envelop us for the rest of our lives, if we know Jesus Christ, we have everything that matters.

Praise God for that today, and take a few moments to express your gratitude for the other numerous things He has likely blessed you with. It may just be the icing on the cake compared to the most significant spiritual blessings, but other blessings may provide us the perspective we require to realize that God has never failed to give us what we need.

Prayer

Dear God,

Thank You, Father, for supplying all my needs. I appreciate all the doors You closed that weren’t right for me and those that You opened at the right juncture. As Your word tells us, You have made everything beautiful in its time. I surrender to Your timing, Father.

Thank You for putting eternity in my heart and giving me the peace of mind to know that it is secure in Your loving arms through Jesus Christ, Your Son, and my Lord and Savior.

Father, I confess I am a sinner who needs Your mercy, grace, love, and forgiveness. I know that despite my best efforts, I fail You and others every day in one form or another. However, I am thankful that every day is a fresh start to do my best to love You with all my heart, body, mind, soul, and strength. Please help me to love my neighbors as myself, too.

Please ease my worries and anxieties, dear God, and replace them with the comfort of Your presence and peace. I trust that I can persevere over any obstacle or difficulty with You on my side. Please steer me in the direction that delights You most. I have faith that You will work everything out for my good and Your glory.

I pray in Jesus Christ’s precious, holy, and mighty name.

Amen.