1 Peter 5:6-7

Amidst life’s hardships, God lovingly tells us to cast our anxieties on Him (1 Pet. 5:7). He knows our heart and cares deeply about every aspect of our life. As we surrender our fears and worries to Him, we experience the peace that surpasses all understanding and find comfort in His unfailing love.

In a world marked by stress and anxiety, God offers an anchor for our restless souls. Many of us are beset by storms and feel as if we must navigate life’s challenges on our own. But the truth is, we have a heavenly Father who is ever-present and eager to handle our anxieties.

As believers, we’re not exempt from worry, but we are called to approach our fears with a different perspective. That is, we’re invited to shift our focus from the problems surrounding us to the One who holds the universe in His hands. God’s care for His children is not limited to the grandiose; it extends to the tiniest details of daily life.

Casting our anxieties upon the Lord is an act of surrender, which requires acknowledging our limitations and embracing His sovereignty. Though submitting in this way may not eliminate life’s challenges, doing so helps us face them with courage and trust.

Psalm 34:1-7

During times of trial and uncertainty, worry can engulf our heart. But today’s passage serves as an unwavering beacon of hope: “I sought the Lord and He answered me, and rescued me from all my fears” (v. 4). When we feel vulnerable and assailed by doubt, God stands ready to be our guiding light, leading us through the darkness of fear into the comforting embrace of His love.

Like a lighthouse whose beam pierces the night, God’s presence offers reassurance in our life. When we earnestly seek Him, pouring out our fears and worries, He answers with a love that transcends our understanding. In the warmth of His compassion, we find strength to face our fears head-on, knowing we are not alone on a dark sea. God’s deliverance doesn’t mean our circumstances will change. Instead, it offers a transformative inner peace that steadies our mind and heart. It empowers us to walk through life’s challenges with the realization that our faith in Him is stronger than the grip of fear.

Let us take solace in knowing that even when we feel afraid, God is ever-present, guiding us with His divine light. In the darkest moments, His love shines through, illuminating the path ahead. As we seek Him, He becomes our rock, our refuge, and our source of courage.

Matthew 7:7-11

Throughout the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus had been teaching the crowd how to walk with Him—to be pure in heart, to have mercy, to turn the other cheek (Matthew 5:1-48; Matthew 6:1-34). Imagine Him looking around at each person whom He loved so very much. He must have known every laugh line, wrinkle, and scar on their eager faces. Even more amazingly, He also knew their hopes and dreams, their fears and doubts. And so He concluded His revolutionary sermon by saying, “Ask, and it will be given to you” (7:7).  But did they—and do we—really understand what that means?

Asking the Father for anything requires faith—not only in His capacity to meet our needs but also in His desire to do so. That’s why Jesus reassured His listeners with visible, tangible examples of a fish, snake, loaf, and stone (vv. 9-10). If we want nothing more than to give good things to our loved ones, He says, we can trust that God in His perfect love desires to give us even greater blessings.

When Jesus tells us to ask, He affirms our identity as beloved children. He’s more than able and willing to meet our needs; our part is believing we are loved enough to make a request. Whatever you need today, ask with confidence and thanksgiving, knowing that your prayer will be answered in whatever way He deems best.

Matthew 7:7-14

Yesterday, we looked at what it means to ask something of God and what we gain by doing so. But we are also told to do two additional things in our pursuit of God: “seek” and “knock.”

All three of the commands come with rock-solid promises: “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you” (Matt. 7:7, emphasis added). Notice the Lord doesn’t say “maybe it will be given,” “perhaps you will find,” or “hopefully it’ll be opened.” He wants us to know that those who seek after Him will never be disappointed. The journey—however long or challenging it might be—will always be worth it.

But what kind of door does Jesus have in mind? It is Himself. In John 10:9 Jesus says, “I am the door; if anyone enters through Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture.” Jesus is the door through which we find abundant, eternal life. When we knock, we trust that there is always more goodness in store for those who are in Christ. And when we walk through this open door, it is through faith in Christ on the path of salvation that He alone provides.

When you ask, ask for more of Jesus. When you seek, seek the path of Jesus. And when you knock, knock boldly in the certainty that Jesus will open Himself to you and welcome you home.

John 4:3-22

As we saw in yesterday’s devotion, everyone feels a sense of emptiness, a yearning for something—for someone. That someone is God Himself. Today’s passage about the Samaritan woman teaches several important points about fulfillment.

Filling our emptiness is important to God. Jewish people didn’t travel through Samaria because of their disdain for its inhabitants. Yet Jesus, a Jew, chose to travel there because He knew a hurting Samaritan was ready to hear about the Father’s love.

Our attempts at happiness often leave us feeling hopeless. The woman at the well had been wed five times, but all her marriages had ended. Each one likely left her feeling lonelier than before.

God knows our pain. When the woman admitted she didn’t currently have a husband, Jesus showed that He already knew her situation. He demonstrated an awareness of her hurt and longing.

Jesus can satisfy our yearnings. Once the woman realized what was missing, Jesus revealed how to live a full life: “Whoever drinks of the water that I will give him shall never be thirsty” (vv. 13-14).

Do you ever feel like the Samaritan woman—dissatisfied with life and thirsty for love and fulfillment? Surrender to God and allow His love to flow through you. Only then will you experience truly abundant life.

Psalm 62:1-2

Have you ever carried a heavy object for so long that your arms start to burn from its weight? You count the steps until you can finally set it down, and when you do, relief floods your body as the pain subsides. We can feel something similar in our spirit when we surrender our burdens to the Lord.

David understood this kind of relief well. With his enemies in relentless pursuit, he was forced to hide to save his life. The weight he carried was evident as he cried out in distress, “How long, Lord? Will You forget me forever?” (Psalm 13:1). Yet, through his extended season of challenges, David experienced God’s faithfulness as well as His consolation in the anguish.

Remembering that God is faithful will bring release from the weight of our worries. So let’s hold to the perspective that God is at work and keep our eyes fixed on the solution rather than the problems. Then, like David, we will be able to say, “I will not be greatly shaken” (62:2).

While you are learning to release your burdens, be sure to talk to God in prayer (Psalm 62:8) and wait in hope for Him (Psalm 62:5). And never forget that He is your rock and salvation (Psalm 62:2). That is true relief.

Psalm 139:14

Did you ever study Vincent van Gogh’s famous painting “The Starry Night”? It’s a captivating blend of circles and swirls that form a dreamlike sky. On one level, it’s intriguing to picture yourself in the scene and imagine the vivid sights and gentle breeze implied by the curling forms. But if you look more closely, you’ll begin to see nothing about the painting is haphazard. Every stroke of blue, yellow, green, white, and purple is unique and intentional, creating contrast between sky and stars. The combination of colors brings depth and richness to the composition, and each hue is enriched because it exists in harmony with those around it.

As beautiful as van Gogh’s masterwork might be, it pales in comparison to what the Creator has accomplished in us, His beloved children. We believers are each a unique blend of personality, gifts, and experiences that God has mixed together and continually applies so we simultaneously enhance and are enhanced by those around us.

What an honor it is to be God’s handiwork! While every Christian is a small piece of the whole of creation, we never lose our distinctiveness or get lost in the grandeur of the big picture. Quite the contrary—God knows exactly where we are and keeps us in mind as He adds others to His magnum opus.

Isaiah 40:1-5

Isaiah 40 reveals a shift in God’s communication with His people. In the previous 39 chapters, He spoke through the prophet about their sin and called them to repentance. But as chapter 40 begins, God’s emphasis moves from judgment to the hope of restoration.

Imagine the surprise the Israelites felt as they heard His words to the prophet: “Comfort, comfort My people ... Speak kindly to Jerusalem” (Isa. 40:1-2). They no longer heard words of condemnation for their disobedience. God, in His mercy, declared their sins removed.

But that wasn’t all He had to say. Verses 3 and 5 point to a more profound truth that deserved a triumphant procession: “Clear the way for the Lord in the wilderness ... Then the glory of the Lord will be revealed, and all flesh will see it together.”

What glory would be revealed for all to see? Those words told of Jesus—God’s Word made flesh (John 1:14), who paid the ultimate price to fully restore us to God. Jesus, the One the angels announced as they filled the sky in worship, declaring, “Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased” (Luke 2:14 NLT).

2 Corinthians 1:1-7

Job asked a challenging question during his time of suffering: “Shall we actually accept good from God but not accept adversity?” (Job 2:10). Even hardship has a place in the Lord’s plan.

We can find great solace in Paul’s words about our loving God, who “comforts us in all our affliction so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction” (2 Cor. 1:4). Think about the kind of people you seek out when you feel hurt. You want someone who has felt your pain, right? A person who’s walked the path we find ourselves on can understand our suffering and provide wise counsel. According to the apostle, passing through a “valley experience” prepares us to be a blessing and encouragement to those who must go through something similar later. What’s required is that we accept the adversity He has placed in our way and choose to learn from the situation.

God is the Lord of our life, and He has the right to use us as comforters and encouragers to those in our sphere of influence. As His servants, we must be willing to receive whatever training is necessary to complete His will, including times when it hurts. Even in suffering, we can trust that He loves us and has a plan and purpose for our life.

John 12:35-36

Jesus, the Light of the World, told us—His followers—to be light as well. We are to shine so that people will be drawn to the One who dwells within us.

Light shines most effectively when it’s not hidden. As Christians, we should be transparent about our faith and dependence on the Lord. Who we are in private must match who we are in public. Eliminating sinful habits and practices will brighten our testimony for Jesus. Light reveals what’s in the darkness as well as what is missing. The Holy Spirit will use our actions to shine truth into others’ lives and reveal their need for the Savior.

Light also serves to guide and to warn. As we obey the Lord’s leading, we will be able to help others understand who God is and how much He loves them. We also can function as lanterns to warn people of the dangers along their path. Finally, our interactions are to bring warmth through an encouraging attitude and servant-like actions.

In order to have a strong impact, we must reflect the light of God’s Son. Growing in Christlikeness is the key. Become intentional about shining your light wherever you are—especially in your home, workplace, and community.

Matthew 28:19-20

The Lord has given us talents and abilities so that we can serve Him and make a difference in our circle of influence, no matter its size.

To maximize our impact, we must develop a lifestyle of prayer, because talking to God is essential for effective ministry. Conversation with Him prepares our mind for communicating to others—the simplest words can have amazing results when He directs. And the Lord has also promised to respond to our requests according to His perfect will.

Our Father wants us to use our spiritual gifts to bless others. So let’s keep in mind that acts of service can speak clearly of His love and compassion. As we become salt and light, God will expand our sphere of influence beyond what we could imagine.

Pray, “Lord, I give You control over my life so You can affect others through my words and actions. Make my days count for eternity however You choose—do not let me waste them. Live Your life through me in such a way that many recognize their need for You. In Jesus’ name, amen.”

James 2:8-13

Today we conclude our four-part exploration of Romans 12:1-8 by looking at mercy, the last spiritual gift mentioned in Paul’s letter. This one is a bit more descriptive in the English translation: The apostle says that “one who shows mercy” is to do so “with cheerfulness” (v. 8). However, both words he uses here are far richer than the English language can convey.

The word for “showing mercy” is eleeó, which means “to show mercy as God defines it” or “as it accords with His truth.” That is, our goal should be to show mercy as God Himself would—lavishly and without hesitation. The term also conveys the idea of His “covenant loyalty” or “covenant love.” God loves us and shows mercy toward us even when we are unfaithful and disobedient, and even when we break His heart. We are likewise to demonstrate mercy even when people fall short of our expectations or hurt us.

Finally, the word translated as “cheerfulness”—hilarotés—means “not grudging” or “already won over, approving.” We should show mercy without having to be convinced, prodded, or talked into it. Rather, doing so should be our default setting. When we are working in the power of the Holy Spirit, mercy pours from us as effortlessly as water from a tap.

Hebrews 11:23-29

Moses knew what it was to live with uncertainty. He was born in Egypt at a time when the growing Hebrew population was seen as a threat. So to protect Moses, his family let others raise him. But then, as an adult, he had to flee his homeland.

Later, in a personal encounter with the Lord, Moses learned that he was God’s choice to be the Israelites’ leader. In this new role—one for which he felt woefully ill-equipped—he had to stand before Pharaoh and demand his people’s release. And as if that weren’t enough, he had to lead more than a million slaves—each of them depending on him—to the Promised Land.

Yet Moses steadfastly carried on. Scripture tells us he was able to persevere because of faith, which Hebrews 11:1 defines as “confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see” (NIV). Moses had learned how to see “Him who is unseen” (Heb. 11:27). As a result, he was able to grasp the reality of the Lord’s character and promises. After encountering the Lord at the burning bush (Exodus 3:2), he understood his purpose was to rely on God and follow His plan.

Though Moses wasn’t perfect, the Scriptures commend him for walking by faith. From his example, we can learn how to persevere through life’s unknowns with the help of the Holy Spirit. 

Psalm 119:65-72

When we were still in school, most of us probably preferred the hands-on learning of field trips to classroom lectures. A lot of adults, however, no doubt wish they could absorb life lessons from a book instead of from their own painful mistakes. But the truth is, there are some things we learn best through experience.

Some trials are the result of sin and can play a big corrective role in our lives. God might use them to draw our attention to unhealthy habits, attitudes, or activities we have tolerated or overlooked. No matter how trivial we may think a sin is, it should have no place in a believer’s life.

Or it could be that God is showing us something we need to release to Him—perhaps a relationship, goal, or ambition. And sometimes He calls us to exercise self-control so that we can pursue Him to a greater degree.

If we never had any troubles, we would continue in what’s comfortable, easy, and enjoyable but might end up missing God’s best for our life. That’s why the psalmist said, “It is good for me that I was afflicted, so that I may learn Your statutes” (119:71). Any hardship that drives us to God and His Word is good for us. That’s because what we gain in knowing the Lord is worth so much more than all the wealth and fame the world can offer us.

Colossians 1:9-12

There are times when we may wonder whether our prayers are really accomplishing anything—when no matter how passionately we pray, the Lord seems unmoved and nothing changes. However, we need to persevere and trust Him to act with His perfect wisdom and timing. James 5:16 says, “A prayer of a righteous person, when it is brought about, can accomplish much.” Therefore, our goal should be to learn to pray effectively.

Colossians 1:9-12 is an example of just such a prayer. The apostle Paul is asking that the believers in Colossae be filled with the knowledge of God’s will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding. We, too, must learn what Scripture has revealed about the Lord’s desires for our life so we can obey His will in the following ways:

• Live in a manner worthy of the Lord so we’ll please Him.

• Bear fruit in every good work.

• Increase in the knowledge of God.

• Be strengthened with His glorious power to attain steadfastness of faith.

If you want to see your prayers become effective and life-changing, pray these verses for yourself and fellow believers. Then be patient and wait for God’s will to come to fruition.

2 Corinthians 9:6-15

God’s blessings to us aren’t meant to end with us. His desire is that they filter down to others. This principle applies in all areas of our life, including finances. Did you know that our heavenly Father has plans for our money?

The Lord supplies us with income so we can provide for our needs and, often, our wants. But He also wants us to use our money to achieve His plans. And one of His goals is that we share our resources with others. If we purpose in our hearts to participate in His plans, He commits to provide all we need.

Just look at His extravagant promise in verse 8 of today’s passage: “And God is able to make all grace overflow to you, so that, always having all sufficiency in everything, you may have an abundance for every good deed.” This encouraging scripture is a good reminder that when we share blessings with others, God promises to enrich us in response to our generosity. In other words, He will increase the harvest of our righteousness.

A hoarded blessing isn’t enjoyed as richly as a shared one. Using your gift to meet someone else’s need glorifies God by demonstrating His grace at work in your life. Don’t let His generous provisions end with you. Pass them on and discover the joy of a never-ending cycle of blessings.

Luke 19:1-10

Even though Jesus had no home to call His own, the Gospel accounts reveal His ability to make others feel at home in His presence. Wherever the Lord went, He intentionally welcomed those with open hearts and “ears to hear”—including sinners and tax collectors—into the household and family of God.

Although Zacchaeus was a tax collector well known for extortion, Jesus countered his sin with generosity. In this way, the Lord showed that true hospitality doesn’t come from material resources, but from a heart that sees and serves others with God’s love. “Hurry and come down, for today I must stay at your house,” Jesus declared as He looked up at the tree where the man had climbed for a better view (Luke 19:5). Imagine Zacchaeus’ surprise to find that Jesus sought him out, even though he was in an unlikely place. This is true for us, too; no matter how small or unnoticed we may feel, God sees us and loves us.

Jesus’ hospitality prompted Zacchaeus’ own display of generous hospitality. When we show others that we see them and God sees them too, hearts and lives are transformed. Understanding and embracing God’s hospitality toward us—no matter how great our sin—enables us to extend that same hospitality to others as we invite them to join us at Jesus’ table.

John 9:1-7

In our passage today, the Lord was on His way somewhere but stopped to heal a blind man. He could easily have passed by—Jesus was a busy man, after all. But He allowed Himself to be interrupted, and one person’s life was forever changed.

“I am the Light of the world,” Jesus said before applying mud to the man’s sightless eyes (v. 5). The thought of putting mud in a blind man’s eyes to clear his vision might seem strange to us today. However, Jewish onlookers may have recognized this as a medical practice of the day. It’s even possible they interpreted it as a new act of creation, since mud could have reminded them of God forming Adam from the dust of the earth. If such scriptural imagery was, in fact, Jesus’ intention, it would convey that He truly was the Word who was with God in the beginning—one with God Himself.

Whatever the reason for this unusual-sounding treatment, we know that dirt and saliva became holy instruments in Jesus’ healing hands. So let’s consider what God might be doing in our midst and pray for His direction as we seek to love others through our time and attention. It’s exciting to realize that if we’re willing to alter our plans, we may become vessels of His healing work.

John 11:3-6

We live in a fast-paced society, where many of our whims and desires can be gratified instantaneously. It takes discipline to refrain from acting on impulses of the flesh and instead to wait for God’s perfect timing. Without the help of the Holy Spirit, we can quickly become overeager and restless.

Consider the patience and restraint it took for Jesus to use His power in accordance with His Father’s will—especially while someone close to Him suffered and died. On learning that Lazarus was sick, the Lord delayed for two days instead of rushing to His beloved friend’s bedside. Why? Because Jesus knew that God’s plan of redemption was far bigger than the mere prevention of death through physical healing. God’s plan for Lazarus, for Jesus, and for all who call on His name is resurrection from death and to eternal life.

When we witness suffering and death in the world, it can be easy to lose heart. But Jesus’ example in waiting on His Father’s timing to resurrect Lazarus invites us to patiently bear all things. We aren’t alone in our waiting or weeping; Jesus wept, too. As people of hope, we know how the story ends: He will wipe every tear from our eyes, and death will be no more (Revelation 21:4).

Judges 16:1-31; Judges 17:1-13

Today let’s look further into the story of Samson. As part of the vow his parents had made to the Lord, Samson’s hair had never been cut. When Delilah eventually extracted this secret of his superhuman strength, she traded the information for a sizable sum of silver and conspired with her Philistine leaders. Delilah then stealthily cut Samson’s hair so that the enemies could ambush, blind, and imprison him (Judg. 16:18-21).

It was in this state of humiliation that Samson discovered hair wasn’t the source of his strength after all—God was. And in the final moments of his life, Samson fulfilled the promise God made to his parents before his birth (Judges 13:5): He overthrew the Philistines at the seat of their idolatrous worship.

Samson’s final act is a powerful reminder: As long as we’re alive, it’s not too late to fulfill the Lord’s purposes for us. So if you feel hopeless or think you’ve made too many mistakes to be useful to God, think again. No matter who you are or where you come from, you’re precious in God’s eyes. And His goal is to conform you to the image of His Son and work through you to reveal His glory.

Romans 10:14-17

Northern California is home to the Golden Gate Bridge, a famous landmark and marvel of human engineering. Stretching across the strait between San Francisco Bay and the Pacific Ocean, it connects two shores that were once separated and provides safe passage across the expanse.

In our spiritual life, faith can also be seen as a type of bridge—one that links us, who were once far from God, to His promises (Isaiah 59:2). This span is foundational to our relationship with the Lord, offering hope on our journey. And the more we immerse ourselves in God’s Word and absorb His principles, the stronger this bridge of faith becomes. We can depend on it to provide safety as we navigate life’s trials.

As believers, we can find comfort knowing we’re connected to God’s love, grace, and redemption. Through faith, we can walk boldly on the path Jesus has laid out for us, safely traversing chasms of danger and doubt.

Whenever you see a bridge, let it serve as a symbol of how faith unites us with the living God and guides us to abundant life in Him. And keep in mind that a regular intake of Scripture reinforces our “bridge,” adding to its strength and stability.

Psalm 16:11

Today’s verse tells us, “You will make known to me the way of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; in Your right hand there are pleasures forever.” What a promise! This scripture teaches that for us as God’s children, the delight of our Father’s presence is beyond measure and always available.

To help us appreciate this profound spiritual joy, let’s think about the pleasure derived from a more mundane source—a summer garden. In full bloom, a flower bed can be a riot of color, with variations of green, red, yellow, purple, white, and more. Blossoms release fragrance into air that is often filled with birdsong. It’s a treat for our senses.

But delight in God’s presence surpasses that of any human experience. In Him, the psalm says, we find “fullness of joy.” What’s more, His goodness is not dependent upon circumstances; it is always accessible—even when life is filled with concerns and hardships.

God’s presence and the blessings it brings will endure for all eternity. But cultivating a heart of gratitude, prayer, and worship can help us experience deep delight now. As we draw near Him, we will find solace in sorrow, strength in weakness, and hope in despair—all of which add to the fullness of our joy.

Matthew 28:19-20

Life can feel like a complicated puzzle sometimes, with lots of uncertainties and challenges. But here’s the good news: Jesus tells us in today’s passage that He’s always with us, no matter what. His presence is like a reliable compass, guiding us in the right direction as we navigate the twists and turns of life.

Experiencing God’s presence isn’t just about attending church each week or being part of a monthly Bible study group; it’s a daily thing. As we consistently draw close to Him, He draws near to us (James 4:8).

If you’ve ever had a trustworthy friend who was faithful to walk with you in tough times, you know just how invaluable such companionship can be. And Jesus is the greatest and most loving friend we could ever have—guiding, comforting, and giving us strength. In His presence, we can find peace, courage, and the assurance that we’re never alone.

Take the words of Matthew 28:20 to heart. As we go through life, remember that Jesus is always there. Whether things are going well or not, in the everyday and the extraordinary moments, His presence is our constant. He’s with us always, even to the end of the age.

Deuteronomy 31:1-30

What a life Moses lived! By Pharaoh’s decree, he should have been killed at birth. Instead, thanks to God’s intervention and the faithful disobedience of the midwives and Moses’ mother and sister, the future leader didn’t just survive. He was adopted by Pharaoh’s daughter and raised as a prince. Then his story took another turn: Moses himself chose faithful disobedience, siding with his countrymen and fighting against Pharaoh for their liberation from slavery. Later, after decades of wandering in the wilderness, Israel’s sojourn was nearly at an end—and so were Moses’ days on earth. His life story, though spectacular, was never simply about him; it was about intergenerational faith in God.

Before Joshua was commissioned as the new leader, Moses recorded the book of the Law so it could regularly be read to the people; he also wrote down a song that would echo in their hearts and minds for generations (Deut. 31:9-11, 21-22). As a result, Israelites who never met Moses would know the God who went before them and to whom they belonged.

Wherever you are in your life or ministry—starting out, midway, or wrapping up your work—do you remember the God who says, “I have called you by name; you are Mine!” (Isaiah 43:1)? Are you both receiving and passing down His blessings?

Isaiah 40:28-31

God wants us to talk with Him, and Matthew 7:7-8 is an invitation to speak with Him about anything. Jesus said if we have a need, we’re to ask; if we seek answers, we’ll find them; if we want opportunities to open up, He will respond when we knock. Even so, many of us don’t spend as much time in prayer as we should.

Forsaking prayer can be costly. If we don’t spend time with the Lord, we might find ourselves on a slippery slope, sliding through weariness, discouragement, and doubt. Today let’s look at the first of these. Tomorrow we can examine the other two.

Certain situations take an emotional, physical, and/or spiritual toll—we call these burdens. They can wear us out if we attempt to endure them alone. But God doesn’t intend for that weight to fall on our shoulders. In fact, the Bible tells us to cast those loads on the Lord, who sustains us and “daily bears our burden” (Psalm 55:22; Psalm 68:19).

Hauling all our worries and cares around is exhausting because we are not built for such loads. In God’s design, His strength fills the believer to capacity. Picture Jesus’ shoulders just above your own—with Him bearing your problems. The burden may not disappear, but it feels blessedly lighter when you hand it over to the Lord.

Colossians 4:2-6

Jesus often slipped away to spend quiet moments with His Father. If the Son of God needed prayer time, then we surely can’t live well without it. Yesterday we saw that those who “go it alone” become weary from bearing unnecessary burdens. Now let’s see the results of carrying that extra weight throughout life.

When we’re drained spiritually, emotionally, or physically, we become susceptible to discouragement. Loss of confidence is soon followed by doubt. A believer immersed in prayer and Scripture reading will find security in God’s power and presence. Joshua was exhorted to meditate on the Law, because his success was dependent on following God’s will (Joshua 1:8-9). Keeping the Lord at the center of our focus, coupled with regular Bible reading and prayer, builds confidence. But someone who questions His faithfulness will seek refuge everywhere except in those disciplines.

Forsaking prayer causes a downward slide—but the direction can be reversed at any time. It’s simple: Confess your prayerlessness, and then make a priority of regular quiet time with God. In those moments of communion, He will make burdens light, offer encouragement, and fill you with confidence.

Lamentations 3:24-26

Many of us struggle when it comes to disciplining ourselves in the area of instant gratification. There are so many things we want now. And to make matters worse, we usually have the ability to follow through on our desires. That’s what the credit card industry is all about: Have it now; pay later. But finances aren’t the only area where we get into trouble. Being in a hurry to get married can lead to an unwise choice of a spouse. Or being in a rush for career success might tempt us not to consider whether our pursuit aligns with God’s plans.

Why do you think the Lord wants us to wait? One reason is to protect us from our own self-destructive ways. Those who can’t say no to their own desires end up enslaved to them. God wants us to be mature believers who have the character and self-restraint to wait for Him to provide in His perfect time. Because the heavenly Father is omniscient, He alone knows what’s best. You can trust that if He asks you to wait, He has something more wonderful in mind than you could ever provide for yourself.

Does anything seem to have power over you? If so, it may be an area that requires the practice of self-restraint. Yield to the Lord and submit your desires to Him. Then, begin saying no to temptations as you wait for God to reveal His perfect plan.

1 Kings 3:5-9

When we find ourselves in a new environment or unfamiliar situation, it’s natural to feel unsure. Even Solomon felt lost and inadequate in taking on his new role as king of Israel. He said he felt “like a little boy [who did] not know how to go out or come in” (1 Kings 3:7). Can you relate?

Maybe you’re embarking on a second career. Or perhaps you’re stepping out of your comfort zone to serve in an area of ministry you’ve never experienced. Maybe you’re a new grandparent who feels the weight of responsibility as a positive influence in your grandchild’s life. Whatever the uncharted circumstance, we each have a choice when we’re unsure what to do next: We can either lean into our own understanding and try to figure things out on our own, or we can ask God to guide us.

Solomon’s realization of his own inadequacy caused him to cry out to God for the wisdom to do his job well. And his prayer was answered. We, too, have the opportunity to turn to God for help. Next time you feel unsure of yourself or your abilities, remember to follow Solomon’s example. Ask the Lord to give you a heart of wisdom to do—with excellence—what He has called you to.

1 Kings 3:5-14

Imagine if God showed up and said, “What do you want? Ask, and I’ll give it to you.” How would you answer? Most of us would ask for loved ones’ safety, enough money to meet our needs, or a long, healthy life. Solomon may have been tempted to name something similar—but he made a different request. What he wanted was an understanding heart so he could serve God’s people well.

Solomon’s life was full of personal needs and desires not so different from our own. But when given the opportunity to ask God for anything, he prioritized the Lord’s concerns. God was so pleased with the request that He gave Solomon not only wisdom but riches and honor as well (1 Kings 3:13)! This encounter foreshadows Jesus’ words in the Gospel of Matthew: “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be provided to you” (Matthew 6:33).

God won’t necessarily give wealth, influence, or long life because we put His priorities first, but He will always be faithful to provide all we need according to His purposes. Solomon’s heart was set on seeking God’s kingdom and righteousness, and the Lord honored that in a multitude of ways—both tangible and intangible. When we make God’s priorities ours, we too will have the chance to see Him work mightily in our life.

1 Kings 11:1-6

God gives wisdom when we ask, but we are responsible for applying that wisdom daily. Let’s consider Solomon again. Despite his great understanding, the later part of his life was marked by a turning away from God. Solomon had clear instruction not to marry foreign women, but he chose to reject God’s wisdom and do it anyway. The influence of those wives eventually led Solomon into the worship of idols.

The unfortunate downfall of the wisest man who ever lived is a helpful warning for us. No matter how strong we think we are, we aren’t above making choices that could cause us to turn away from the Lord. Over time, small decisions to ignore God’s principles can have a devastating cumulative effect: Slight compromises in how we live can put us on a path leading away from God and His perfect plan.

Is there anything in your life that you know shouldn’t be there? Have you been justifying it? If so, ask the Lord for forgiveness and submit that habit, situation, or tendency to Him. He’s waiting with open arms. (See Luke 15:20.) Choose to apply the gift of God’s wisdom to your everyday decisions, today and throughout the entirety of your life. Let’s stay faithful to walk in wisdom at all times.

Romans 8:28-29

You’ve probably asked yourself, Is God really involved in the details of my life? If you’re like most of us, it’s easy to believe that God is in the good things. He’s surely in your successes, strong relationships, and good physical health. But you may wonder if He’s also in your failures, broken relationships, and sickness. Good news—He is!

Take note of an important distinction: God being in everything doesn’t mean that He is causing everything that happens to us. After all, we live in a fallen world full of brokenness and sin. There will always be trouble to deal with on this side of eternity. So, while God doesn’t create every circumstance we face, He does allow every circumstance. As He does, He’s weaving the good parts and the difficult parts of our lives together for our long-term benefit and His glory.    

Nothing we’re dealing with has slipped by our sovereign God. Everything is under His control. When we choose to trust His ultimate goodness, we can both receive the joys of today with thanksgiving and accept the hardships with peace. It is the peace of knowing that God is with us, for us, and always working for the good of those who love Him.

2 Samuel 14:1-3

David and his son Absalom had a broken relationship, and for years neither tried to make amends. Today’s passage says that Joab, who “perceived that the king’s heart was drawn toward Absalom,” decided to do something about it (v. 1).

According to Paul, we, too, are called to help make things right. In 2 Corinthians 5, he says, “God ... reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation.” This doesn’t mean we need to interject ourselves into others’ disagreements, but as ambassadors for Christ, we should forgive and lovingly point people to Jesus, who is “reconciling the world to Himself.” What wonderful news for us, because there will be times when we need to be reconciled to someone else. We should be quick to apologize, humbly admitting our part and extending grace for their mistakes. Like Jesus, we should “not [count] their wrongdoings against them, and [be] committed to ... the word of reconciliation” (2 Corinthians 5:18-19).

It’s hard to conceive of a love this huge: God sent His Son to die so we could have a right relationship with Him. Offering each of us welcome and forgiveness, He meets us where we are, embraces us like a father who has missed His child, and reconciles us to Himself. Won’t you receive that love—and share it?

2 Samuel 15:13-16

Whether you study Old Testament passages like today’s or read news headlines, you’ll find the world has no shortage of conflict. It can be disheartening to realize there always have been and always will be leaders more interested in power than justice—leaders for whom winning matters more than how many people are killed or displaced. But Jesus told us that this would happen, that we would “hear of wars and rumors of wars” and, unfortunately, “such things must happen” (Matt. 24:6 NIV). But thankfully, we are citizens of the heavenly kingdom that doesn’t falter.

As believers, we can trust God to guide us, pray for our leaders to have wisdom, and know that everything is under control of the King of Kings. And we don’t need to wait for eternity to begin living in the kingdom of God—it’s already here! In Luke 17:20-21, Jesus told the Pharisees that His kingdom was already present. Today, too, it’s happening among His people, right here and now.

This month, spend time looking for God’s kingdom and the many wonderful ways it manifests itself. Yes, there are always certain leaders out for their own agendas, but look past them to those doing God’s work in quiet and often uncelebrated ways. That’s where you will find the truest beauty, the purest motives, and the trusted friends of God’s kingdom.

2 Samuel 19:1-7

David, though deep in grief over losing his son, listened to Joab’s reprimand about putting aside his personal loss in order to lead the people well. Throughout his 40-year reign, David repeatedly heeded godly guidance. Was it easy for him to hear the rebuke? Of course not, but he was wise enough to know that on his own, he couldn’t see the situation from all angles and needed godly advice.

We, too, should seek wise counsel from trustworthy people. Sometimes we need outside wisdom because we are too close to the problem. At other points, we’re too heavily burdened with life’s hardships to be clear about the best direction to take. Then there are those days when we just don’t know what to do and need the guidance of someone who’s already walked the painful road before us.

What a gift it is to have people in our life who bravely urge us to fulfill God’s call and won’t allow us to neglect our role. What frustrating problem are you facing today? Who could help you see the situation a little more clearly? Ask God for wise friends and mentors to help you—as well as a humble heart to receive their aid.