Be Strong and Courageous E-Book

BroadStreet Publishing Group LLC

• Herausgeber: BroadStreet Publishing Group, LLC
• Kategorie: Religion und Spiritualität
• Serie: Morning & Evening devotionals
• Sprache: Englisch
• Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2019

Seitenzahl: 608

Beschreibung

Morning and evening, God is with you! The circumstances of life may have you feeling overwhelmed, frustrated, discouraged, or even depressed. But God's promises aren't dependent on your situation. Because his love for you is unchanging and his goodness knows no end, you can choose to believe that today will be great from the minute you wake up to the moment you lay down to sleep. Find the courage, hope, and joy that is abundant in God as you reflect on these devotional entries, scriptures, and prayers—twice a day. No matter what comes your way, you can rely on the faithfulness of God. He will be the strength you need for every moment.

Leseprobe

“Be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

JOSHUA 1:9 NLT

Contents

January

January 1: Continual Praise

January 2: Something New

January 3: Fresh and New

January 4: All in Love

January 5: Powerful Kindness

January 6: The Fear Factor

January 7: Twirling with Joy

January 8: Truly Awesome

January 9: All Comfort

January 10: Beyond Your Sight

January 11: Better than Life

January 12: Inherent Goodness

January 13: Heavenly Rewards

January 14: What Defines You?

January 15: A Greater Wonder

January 16: More than Gold

January 17: He Will Be Found

January 18: I Am Yours

January 19: Truly Special

January 20: Celebrate God’s Blessings

January 21: Our Rock

January 22: Mind Games

January 23: God’s Constancy

January 24: In Sunshine and Storm

January 25: Delightful

January 26: Pieced Together

January 27: The Greatest Investment

January 28: Eternal Gift

January 29: Hope in His Word

January 30: Not a Quitter

January 31: Abundant Rain

February

February 1: Rest Easy

February 2: His Love Song

February 3: Shout His Goodness

February 4: Fruit from Pain

February 5: Look for Blessings

February 6: Ask Confidently

February 7: Wildest Dreams

February 8: Effortlessly Good

February 9: Stand Your Ground

February 10: You Can Always Pray

February 11: Sufficient Grace

February 12: Piece by Piece

February 13: Praise Him

February 14: Light of Love

February 15: Rich Promises

February 16: Much Stronger

February 17: Working with Joy

February 18: Refreshment Source

February 19: Shelter and Refuge

February 20: Celebrating Promises

February 21: Many Rewards

February 22: A Beautiful Sound

February 23: Place Your Hope in God

February 24: Crowned with Love

February 25: A Peaceful Place

February 26: Quiet Beauty

February 27: Joy Is a Choice

February 28: Faithful Companion

February 29: Jesus-Centered

March

March 1: Faithful Reward

March 2: Deepest Contentment

March 3: A Beautiful Day

March 4: Joy Always

March 5: One Step at a Time

March 6: Sacrifice of Praise

March 7: God’s Family

March 8: Perfect Forgiveness

March 9: He Is All I Need

March 10: Intimacy with God

March 11: Joyful Living Overflows

March 12: Rich Rewards

March 13: The Eternal Kingdom

March 14: Mephibosheth

March 15: Joyfully I Wait

March 16: Promoted

March 17: Thirsty for Mercy

March 18: Stop and Thank

March 19: Receive Wisdom

March 20: Rebirth and Renewal

March 21: Mountain to Valley

March 22: Relish His Presence

March 23: Saturated with Goodness

March 24: Run to the Lord

March 25: Standing at the Last

March 26: Completed

March 27: Jailhouse Rock

March 28: Apples of Gold

March 29: Sing, Sing, Sing

March 30: Consider the Sparrows

March 31: Our Creator

April

April 1: Praise the Lord

April 2: Ransomed

April 3: Real Love

April 4: Whole Restoration

April 5: Supreme Judge

April 6: Glory

April 7: Legacy

April 8: Love of a Father

April 9: Blessings

April 10: Hope in God

April 11: God of All Comfort

April 12: Wholly Devoted

April 13: Glad

April 14: Encouragement

April 15: Garment of Praise

April 16: Eternal Mindset

April 17: A Sweet, Sweet Sound

April 18: Promises of God

April 19: Vengeful Hearts

April 20: Tender Love

April 21: Joy

April 22: Acting in Your Gift

April 23: It Was Good

April 24: A Beautiful Gift

April 25: Sweet Relief

April 26: Faithful Friend

April 27: Joy in the Shadow

April 28: Temporary Struggles

April 29: All Joy

April 30: Eternal Joy

May

May 1: A Peaceful Tomorrow

May 2: No Temptation

May 3: God in Control

May 4: Serving for Everyone

May 5: Praise Always

May 6: Priceless Love

May 7: A Beautiful Song

May 8: Beauty Itself

May 9: Clothed in Beauty

May 10: Accepted

May 11: Courtyard or Castle?

May 12: Blessed Assurance

May 13: He Is Real

May 14: A Joyous Time

May 15: Stronger than You Know

May 16: My Comfort

May 17: Source of Compassion

May 18: Calm My Heart

May 19: Sober and Alert

May 20: Lifted Up

May 21: All I Need

May 22: Supernatural Courage

May 23: Delighted in Me

May 24: My Deliverer

May 25: Devotion

May 26: He Encourages Me

May 27: Royalty

May 28: A Future

May 29: Trusting the Rock

May 30: He Is Faithful

May 31: Make Me Brave

June

June 1: A Temper Tantrum

June 2: When I Am Weak

June 3: My Freedom

June 4: Dine with Me

June 5: More Grace

June 6: Irrational Path?

June 7: My Healer

June 8: Do I Dare Hope?

June 9: Beauty Imagined

June 10: Known By Name

June 11: My Joy

June 12: Life’s Not Fair

June 13: Which Reward

June 14: True Life

June 15: He Is Love

June 16: All Things Possible

June 17: My Peace

June 18: No Retirement

June 19: Unintelligible Prayers

June 20: Delighting in the Storm

June 21: Substantial Provision

June 22: Sitting Still

June 23: Promised Purpose

June 24: Relationship Reconciliation

June 25: My Redeemer

June 26: Perpetual Spring

June 27: Accepting Help

June 28: The Majestic King

June 29: Soul Restorer

June 30: Not Home Yet

July

July 1: A Good Friend

July 2: A Hiding Place

July 3: Sweet and Lovely

July 4: False Security

July 5: A Great Counselor

July 6: Finding Motivation

July 7: A Firm Foundation

July 8: Support Beams

July 9: All in All

July 10: The Solid Rock

July 11: He Is Truth

July 12: Good Shepherd

July 13: Not that Easy

July 14: Scars of Brokenness

July 15: Sound Advice

July 16: Too Simple

July 17: Careful Consideration

July 18: Child of God

July 19: Under God’s Authority

July 20: Exceptional Fruit

July 21: Everything Beautiful

July 22: What Is True

July 23: Walking in Boldness

July 24: I Am Alive

July 25: No Compromise

July 26: Lasting Comfort

July 27: Faithful Servant

July 28: Shifting Sand

July 29: Unpredictable Life

July 30: Unlocking Contentment

July 31: The Right Path

August

August 1: Courageous

August 2: Twists and Turns

August 3: Stay the Course

August 4: Okay to Fail

August 5: High Vantage Point

August 6: Our Influence

August 7: Diamonds Emerging

August 8: Established Eternity

August 9: Believing for More

August 10: The Pilgrimage

August 11: Show Me More

August 12: Many Sins

August 13: God Is Good

August 14: Deeper Knowledge

August 15: Overflowing with Gratitude

August 16: Little Lies

August 17: Honored through Grace

August 18: Lasting Hope

August 19: Begin with Humility

August 20: Inspired

August 21: A Hero

August 22: Intimately Known

August 23: God Is Just

August 24: Wholly Loved

August 25: Storing up Oil

August 26: Prone to Distraction

August 27: My First Love

August 28: God’s Timing

August 29: Such a Time as This

August 30: Stubbornly Redeemed

August 31: Hand in Hand

September

September 1: A Garment of Praise

September 2: Prayers Are Heard

September 3: Protection not Perfection

September 4: God Will Provide

September 5: Walking in Purity

September 6: A Specific Purpose

September 7: Everything I Do

September 8: I Am Redeemed

September 9: Rested and Refreshed

September 10: Contend for Peace

September 11: Reliability

September 12: Other Opinions

September 13: Developing Maturity

September 14: Second Chances

September 15: Free Advice

September 16: Discovering Beauty

September 17: Taking Hold of Promises

September 18: What Is Best

September 19: Stand on the Truth

September 20: Truly Understood

September 21: Every Situation

September 22: Aching to Belong

September 23: Adoration

September 24: Response to Anger

September 25: Signs of Anxiety

September 26: Honest and Authentic

September 27: Definition of Beauty

September 28: Boldness Defined

September 29: Greatest Comforter

September 30: Follow Through

October

October 1: Full Confidence

October 2: Contentment

October 3: The Unusual

October 4: Work of Art

October 5: Created for Delight

October 6: Dignified

October 7: Working Diligently

October 8: Good Enough

October 9: Complete Faith

October 10: Family Blessing

October 11: Afraid of What

October 12: Harboring Resentment

October 13: Freedom from Sin

October 14: Two Are Better

October 15: A Gentle Answer

October 16: Gift of Grace

October 17: More than Jonah

October 18: Burden of Guilt

October 19: Momentary Gain

October 20: Honored Above You

October 21: The Right Place

October 22: Gift of Talents

October 23: Who You Are

October 24: Influence

October 25: Inspired by Thoughts

October 26: Straight and Narrow

October 27: Infusing Happiness

October 28: Injustice

October 29: A Good Leader

October 30: A Living Sacrifice

October 31: Never Truly Alone

November

November 1: Struggle to Trust

November 2: Led by Truth

November 3: Real Value

November 4: Not Beyond Repair

November 5: Different Wisdom

November 6: Point of Worry

November 7: Not a Mistake

November 8: The Struggle

November 9: Declared Holy

November 10: Rejoice in God’s Gift

November 11: Reap Joy

November 12: New Opportunities

November 13: Source of Happiness

November 14: Quiet Strength

November 15: Eyes Open

November 16: Pursue God

November 17: Full Potential

November 18: Sweetness of Joy

November 19: Go Deeper

November 20: Abundance

November 21: Cast Off Your Worries

November 22: Satisfied

November 23: I Belong to You

November 24: Starting Over

November 25: Found Delightful

November 26: Worthy

November 27: Sacrifice of Thanksgiving

November 28: Stored Goodness

November 29: Water of Life

November 30: Receive Life

December

December 1: Washed in Kindness

December 2: Just Because

December 3: Celebrate His Goodness

December 4: Receive Mercy

December 5: Glorify and Worship

December 6: Never Changing

December 7: Abiding Love

December 8: Look Up

December 9: The Greatest

December 10: Nothing Compares

December 11: Demonstration of Obedience

December 12: Waiting Patiently

December 13: Empty Tank

December 14: Against the Crowd

December 15: The Final Prize

December 16: My Protector

December 17: Foolish Wisdom

December 18: You Have Purpose

December 19: Work of Redemption

December 20: Directed Hope

December 21: Naughty or Nice

December 22: Love-Joy Life

December 23: Shine Above All

December 24: Praise from Joy

December 25: Boldly Proclaim!

December 26: Boxing Day

December 27: Priceless Treasure

December 28: Chase Wisdom

December 29: Say No

December 30: Respectfut Words

December 31: Load of Anxiety

Introduction

Morning and evening, God is with you!

The circumstances of life may have you feeling overwhelmed, frustrated, discouraged, or even afraid. But God’s promises aren’t dependent on your situation. Because his love for you is unchanging and his goodness knows no end, you can choose to believe that today will be great from the minute you wake up to the moment you lay down to sleep.

Find the courage, hope, and joy that is abundant in God as you reflect on these devotional entries, scriptures, and prayers—twice a day. No matter what comes your way, you can rely on the faithfulness of God. He will be the strength you need for every moment.

Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever.

PSALM 136:1 NLT

JANUARY 1

Continual Praise

From the rising of the sun to its going down The LORD’s name is to be praised.

PSALM 113:3 NKJV

What would it look like to be a woman who praises God from the time she awakens each morning until the time she falls asleep each night? Not only would we be pleasing God as we worship him constantly, but we would also effect an incredible change in our personal outlook.

As we go about our day, we can look for reasons to praise God. Out of an overflow of a heart of thankfulness, we will share God’s goodness with those around us and give them a reason to praise his name as well.

God, I praise you for your love for me. Help me to be a woman who praises you all day, every day. Cultivate in me an appreciation of your goodness and a longing to worship you constantly.

Everywhere—from east to west—praise the name of the LORD.

PSALM 113:3 NLT

Intentional, continual praise can only naturally result in intentional, continual joy. When we choose to look at each moment as a moment in which to be thankful and worshipful, then we will find in each moment beauty, joy, and satisfaction.

As we reflect on the day, let us do so with a heart of praise. Let us choose to remember how God’s goodness echoed in everything around us.

God, I see your goodness all around me. Tonight I choose to remember all that I have to be thankful for. I choose to see your beauty and grace in all circumstances. You alone are worthy of my praise, and I direct my heart of thanksgiving toward you now. Be praised in my life, God!

Take a moment to reflect on the goodness of God shown to you today.

JANUARY 2

Something New

“I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland.”

ISAIAH 43:19 NLT

Whether you have generated a color-coded list of goals, dreams, and an execution plan for this year, or you’ve banned resolutions and vowed to make this just another year, the clean slate represented by a new year is filled with an undeniable air of expectation. Deep down inside, there is a part of us which thinks, “This could be my year!”

Guess what? It is your year. This day, and every one that follows, is yours. It is yours to choose who and how to love, to serve, and even to be. And the choice you made in spending time with God represents the choice to take this journey in his company. That is a beautiful place to start.

Heavenly Father, I give you this year. I ask that you would help me keep you in the forefront of my mind as I make decisions and plans. I want to seek your advice in everything I set my hand to.

“Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.”

ISAIAH 43:19 ESV

The excitement of a new bauble or gadget pales in comparison to the promise of a new beginning. What a blessing to know you can start over each year, each month, each day with a God who makes a way in your wilderness. He creates refreshing rivers in your desert.

Watch closely for the new things God is bringing into your life this year. Choose to spend time gleaning wisdom and encouragement from his Word each day.

God, you have new things for me this year, and I trust you to reveal them to me in your perfect time. As I go to sleep tonight, help me rest peacefully, knowing your plans for me are good.

What new things can you imagine God doing for you this year?

JANUARY 3

Fresh and New

If anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!

2 CORINTHIANS 5:17 NIV

When we accept Christ as our Savior, we get to start over, as if from scratch. Our old, ugly lives and selfish ways are forgotten, and we are brand new. Oh goodness, aren’t you thankful for it?

We all have plenty of days we could happily erase: memories of bad choices we made and poor decisions followed through. But we can give those regrets to God and start again—every day if we need to!

Lord, I’m once again in awe of the depth of your love for me. Thank you for the gift of forgiveness and for making me fresh and new. Help me to live today differently than I did yesterday.

Anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!

2 CORINTHIANS 5:17 NLT

Every day, we get to stand before our King and hold our heads up high, knowing we are forgiven and clean. There’s no checklist of our sins and faults, no remembering the worst of our mistakes.

There is nothing in this world that can take away past regrets. Only the tender love of our Father’s heart flowing down in abundance upon us, can make us new.

God, I receive your newness today. Thank you for washing me with your grace, filling me with your life, and giving me hope for an even better tomorrow. Watch over me as I rest tonight and fill me with your peace.

How do you feel when you think of God’s love washing over you and making you new?

JANUARY 4

All in Love

Let all that you do be done in love.

1 CORINTHIANS 16:14 ESV

Humans are emotional beings. We are motivated and impacted by our feelings and those of others. We speak harshly in anger, embark on adventures because of curiosity, lash out when embarrassed, and give to those in need through empathy. Emotion is a gift, but if we allow ourselves to be overly driven by our human passions, they will misguide us.

As followers of Jesus, we can check our hearts and continually remind ourselves to act in love. Everything God does is motivated and backed by overwhelming love for us, and that’s the example we should follow.

Lord, love doesn’t come naturally to me in every situation. Thank you for enabling me to do all things out of love through your love in me. Help me to always check my heart before I react to any situation, so I respond and act in love.

Do everything in love.

1 CORINTHIANS 16:14 NIV

We can’t trust our emotions to drive us—they are too unpredictable. But we can choose to do everything in love. Acting in love is always the right course of action; it neutralizes any sinful attitude or motivation.

The positive effect of love on our lives is undeniable; love brings us closer to God and more into his likeness. As we become more like him, we are able to choose love over other emotions that spring up so quickly.

God, I know I can show love to those around me when I choose to love like you do. It isn’t always easy, but I know it’s what you want me to do. I choose love when I’m tired, stressed, annoyed, and angry. I choose love this evening because you chose to love me.

How do you take control over your emotions and choose to love?

JANUARY 5

Powerful Kindness

I will tell about the LORD’s kindness and praise him for everything he has done. I will praise the LORD for the many good things he has given us and for his goodness to the people of Israel. He has shown great mercy to us and has been very kind to us.

ISAIAH 63:7 NCV

The Bible says that the kindness of the Lord leads people to repentance: not his anger, not his wrath—his kindness. There is power in kindness: a power that moves souls and changes lives. We can subconsciously equate kindness with weakness, but it’s the exact opposite.

We can trust God and turn to him often, confident that his mercy is present, even in suffering.

God, I sometimes miss your point. I assume that you’re angry with me or that I’ve distanced myself too far from you, but your arms are always open wide to me. Help me to walk in this truth today.

I will tell of the LORD’s unfailing love. I will praise the LORD for all he has done. I will rejoice in his great goodness to Israel, which he has granted according to his mercy and love.

ISAIAH 63:7 NLT

The Israelites turned their backs on God too many times to count. But what we see time and time again in their story is that God was still good. He showed them mercy; he gave them good things. He was kind to them.

Of course, Israel wasn’t spared consequences and trials, but the people knew God’s promises and trusted him. In the same way, we can trust God and turn to him often, confident that his mercy is present, even in suffering.

God, no matter how many times I turn my back on you, you’re still constant in mercy. Thank you for your kindness and your unfailing love for me.

Can you see God’s goodness in your life even through the consequences of your choices?

JANUARY 6

The Fear Factor

When I am afraid, I will put my trust in you. I praise God for what he has promised. I trust in God, so why should I be afraid?

PSALM 56:3–4 NLT

David did not hesitate to admit when he was afraid! King Saul was pursuing him and so great was his terror that he ran to the enemy’s camp—an unlikely place to find refuge. It was bold and risky, but perhaps King Achish would not recognize him, or might consider him a deserter and an asset.

Unfortunately, David was found out, reported to the king, and, motivated by more fear, acted like a mad man and was sent away. Fear causes us to do things we normally would not. Think about that as you go about your day.

God, I am afraid today, but like David I am going to trust you! I don’t have to worry about anything because I know that whatever you allow in my life is designed for my good. I rest in that knowledge today.

When I’m afraid, I put my trust in you. I trust in God. I praise his word. I trust in God. I am not afraid.

PSALM 56:3–4 NIRV

It wasn’t long before David readjusted his thinking and put his trust once again in God. It is interesting that he says, “When I am afraid,” not “If I am afraid.” David knew he would experience fear again.

Fear is a human response, and unless counteracted by trust, is destructive at best. What are you afraid of this evening? Are you magnifying a concern into an impossible mountain of what ifs? Trust Jesus. Remember his promises to you. No matter the outcome, he is in charge!

God, your promises are good. I don’t need to be afraid of anything because I trust in you. You are the powerful, all-knowing God so I have no reason to be afraid tonight. Help me to remember that when fear knocks at my door.

What are you afraid of today? Can you choose to trust God instead?

JANUARY 7

Twirling with Joy

You changed my sorrow into dancing. You took away my clothes of sadness, and clothed me in happiness. I will sing to you and not be silent. LORD, my God, I will praise you forever.

PSALM 30:11–12 NCV

Abandoned, abused single mother finds love, purpose, and healing. That’s a movie most of us would watch. Who doesn’t love a good restoration story? When God heals broken places and redeems lost situations, our hearts swell with possibility. If he can restore her life, he can surely come in and fix mine.

It’s true. The mourners will dance, clothed in happiness. Voices silenced by sadness will sing loudest songs of praise. And you, regardless of what you face today, will be there: twirling with joy, singing your heart out. You will be there.

Lord, like a dancer spinning with grace, you turn things around. You restore what is broken and redeem what is lost. I praise you for your goodness. Hear my voice, delight in my dance—it is all for you.

You turned my loud crying into dancing. You removed my clothes of sadness and dressed me with joy. So my heart will sing your praises. I can’t keep silent. LORD, my God, I will praise you forever.

PSALM 30:11–12 NIRV

When we give God a chance to change our outlook for the day, he will gladly step in and do it. We don’t need to focus on our sadness. In fact, we should be shouting his praises from the ends of the earth.

Even when we feel surrounded by grief, we can trust God to change us into our party clothes! There is an abundance of joy in his presence. We just need to spend time there to find it.

God, tonight I choose to change into the party clothes you have laid out for me. I take off my sadness and put on your joy instead. I lift my voice to you now and proclaim your goodness. I twirl around in joy and thanksgiving for all you have done in my life.

Thank God for the joy he has dressed you with today.

JANUARY 8

Truly Awesome

By the word of the LORD the heavens were made, their starry host by the breath of his mouth. He gathers the waters of the sea into jars; he puts the deep into storehouses.

PSALM 33:6–7 NIV

“These cookies are awesome!”

“Wow, you look awesome today!”

The word awesome has slipped into American speech so thoroughly, we may have lost sight of its true meaning. The cookies, though delicious, probably don’t inspire overwhelming reverence. Your friend looks gorgeous, but you’re not truly taken aback, knocked to your knees. Only God does that.

Reread the Scripture above out loud, lingering over its meaning. Ponder all he has done and will do.

Lord God, I am in awe of you. When I consider the universe, formed by your breath, and the oceans as merely jars in your storehouse, I can barely contain my amazement. Truly, you alone are worthy of my praise.

The sky was made at the LORD’s command. By the breath from his mouth, he made all the stars. He gathered the water of the sea into a heap. He made the great ocean stay in its place.

PSALM 33:6–7 NCV

As you think about all the things you may have considered awesome today, compare each of those to the Creator of the Universe. They pale in comparison.

God, your Father, can hold an ocean in his hand, and yet he knows every hair on your head. He lovingly anticipates every move you make. He delights in you, and that is truly awesome.

God, you are awesome. There is no end to your goodness, your faithfulness, and your wisdom. The fact that you love me in all my imperfection is more than I can fathom. Let that thought rest over me as I wind down for the evening.

What have you seen today that you would consider truly awesome?

JANUARY 9

All Comfort

All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. For the more we suffer for Christ, the more God will shower us with his comfort through Christ.

2 CORINTHIANS 1:3–5 NLT

There are many things in this world we tend to look to for comfort. Sometimes it might be food, a hot shower, an air-conditioned room, family, friends, television, a good book… the list is endless.

The Word of God says our merciful Father is the source of all comfort. His promise is to comfort us in all of our troubles. How often do we look elsewhere for comfort when our true comforter is the one who created us and knows our every need?

Oh Father, I pray that today I would look to you to be my source of all comfort. I pray you would teach me to receive my comfort from you and in turn be a comfort to others.

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is the Father who is full of mercy and all comfort. He comforts us every time we have trouble, so when others have trouble, we can comfort them with the same comfort God gives us. We share in the many sufferings of Christ. In the same way, much comfort comes to us through Christ.

2 CORINTHIANS 1:3–5 NCV

Many things may appear to offer us comfort throughout the day. But when we really stop and think about it, our only real comfort comes from the one who loves us unconditionally.

While some things may satisfy our need for comfort and peace in the moment, they never last, and we are once again on the lookout for a new source. If we can learn to go to God first, we will be comforted in a way that is undeniable, and lasting!

God, thank you for being my true source of comfort. I don’t want to look anywhere else for that. You are always with me, ready to wrap me in your arms and show me your unfailing love.

What are you seeking comfort in today?

JANUARY 10

Beyond Your Sight

From the end of the earth I call to you when my heart is faint. Lead me to the rock that is higher than I.

PSALM 61:2 ESV

Have you ever wandered through a maze? Even though you may be good at solving mazes on paper, moving through shrubbery or stalks of corn at ground level you are bound to run into a dead end or two. If only there were a place to climb up high, and see the way through.

So what can you do? Call for help. Follow the voice of someone who can see more than you. Today as you run into situations that require a better view, ask God to guide you. He loves to answer those prayers!

Lord, how wonderful it is to know that when I am lost, I can call to you. Your voice will be my beacon and your hand will lift me up. Will you be that for me today?

From the ends of the earth, I cry to you for help when my heart is overwhelmed. Lead me to the towering rock of safety.

PSALM 61:2 NLT

When life feels like a maze, and you’re faint from the exhaustion of running into walls, call out to God. Follow the sound of his voice to the next turn. Allow his hand to lift you up—beyond your own sight—and show you the way through.

Do you know that God is your towering rock of safety? He is always listening, waiting to guide you through the overwhelming situations in your life. Call out to him whenever you need help. He will not let you down.

Father, thank you for showing me what otherwise can’t be seen. You know what turns I need to take and when I should take them. Help me to continue to listen for your perfect guidance in my life. I trust you, God.

Do you find it easy to ask God for guidance? Why do you think that may be?

JANUARY 11

Better than Life

Your unfailing love is better than life itself; how I praise you!

PSALM 63:3 NLT

We’ve all heard about the dessert, or the necklace, or the dress that was “to die for.” What is meant, of course, is delicious, beautiful, a perfect fit. As brownies, baubles, and body-flattering clothes go, they are the pinnacle.

Clearly, a girl’s not about to throw herself in front of a moving train to get her hands on the perfect little black dress. Only one thing is truly better than life, and that’s life with the Maker.

Lord, nothing compares to your love. On my worst day, I find comfort in your promise. On my best, I marvel at the knowledge that so much more awaits me in heaven. Help me to remember that as I go about my day.

Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you.

PSALM 63:3 NIV

Do we believe that God’s love is better than life? Can we believe it this side of heaven? It may be easier on the days when life’s not so great, but when things are going our way, when life couldn’t be better, can we see how great God’s promise is? What awaits us is so much better than anything we can ask or imagine here on earth!

His love never fails, and nothing compares to it. Regardless of the season we are in or the day we have had, let’s acknowledge this beautiful truth from his Word.

God, you are bigger than life, you are better than life, and you are the love of my life. How I praise you. Oh, how I love you.

Can you believe in your heart that God’s love is better than life itself?

JANUARY 12

Inherent Goodness

You, O LORD, are good and forgiving, abounding in steadfast love to all who call upon you.

PSALM 86:5 ESV

We all approach God for different reasons, with different matters on our hearts. Sometimes, we come to him in joy and thankfulness. Other times, we come with our heads bowed low, nearly crushed by shame and sorrow.

No matter how we come to God, he meets us the same way—with goodness. As you move through your day today, make a point of seeing God’s goodness in your life.

Thank you, God, for your inherent goodness. I never fear unfairness when I come to you. Thank you for your steadfast love and for always responding to me in goodness.

You, LORD, are good, and ready to forgive, And abundant in lovingkindness to all who call upon You.

PSALM 86:5 NASB

God is full of love for us, his children. He doesn’t receive us with quick anger or frustration, but with a love that is steadfast and unchanging.

God isn’t just good some of the time; goodness is his nature. Whether he is passing righteous judgment or granting undeserved grace, he is good. Because of his perfect character, we can wholly trust him.

God, help me understand your inherent goodness, so I won’t hesitate to come to you first in every situation. Thank you for showing me your goodness today.

How did you see God’s goodness manifested in your life today?

JANUARY 13

Heavenly Rewards

Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains.

JAMES 5:7 ESV

There is a prevalent message in today’s culture that whispers sweet and appealing lies: rights to luxury and self-indulgence. You deserve it, Christian! God wants you to have it and to be happy. This whisper takes away the sweet truth of a God who rewards us, and injects the poisonous lie that that enjoyment must be immediate.

God wants to reward you. That is truth. He promises rewards to the faithful, and he keeps his promises. Those rewards are often not on this earth, and why would we want them to be? Earthly rewards are enjoyable, but they can be destroyed by moth and rust. Heaven’s treasures are eternal.

Develop patience in me, God! Grant me endurance to wait for the gifts you have in heaven and not be satisfied with temporary things.

Be patient as you wait for the Lord’s return. Consider the farmers who patiently wait for the rains in the fall and in the spring. They eagerly look for the valuable harvest to ripen.

JAMES 5:7 NLT

To lean into the pull of God’s kingdom instead of the tug of instant gratification, requires enduring patience. When you are tempted to give in to temporary satisfaction, remember the rewards that wait for you in heaven.

Know that your loving Father is waiting to give you more than you could think to ask for. Let that spur you on in your works and actions, motivating you to live with a kingdom-driven mind-set.

I want to be fully satisfied by you, God, and by the promise of eternal life with you. I patiently wait for your return, knowing you have blessed me with everything I need.

What do you find it most difficult to be satisfied with in your life right now?

JANUARY 14

What Defines You?

The believers were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.

ACTS 13:52 NLT

Do you ever try to describe someone to another person and then wonder how people describe you? Usually we start with physical features before throwing in a few characteristics. What about “Christian”? That simple descriptor has negative connotations in a lot of minds.

In Acts, the first Christians are described as full of joy and the Holy Spirit. The two go hand in hand. To be full of true joy, you must be full of the Holy Spirit.

God, help me to be full of joy. I want to be a good witness of your character to those who come in contact with me today. I know it won’t be easy, but I want to choose joy. So help me, please.

The disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.

ACTS 13:52 ESV

You choose to value God’s presence in daily life. Joy is not circumstance based; it’s an inner confidence in the sovereign control of Christ.

What defines you? Circumstances? Do waves and crashing waters shape you like a canyon void? Or is the Holy Spirit shaping you into fullness: a pillar of strength and a beacon for your family and community?

God, I don’t want to be crashed around by the waves. Define and mold me with your Spirit. Open my eyes to whatever changes I need to make, and let your life live in me.

Would people describe you as being a joy-filled Christian?

JANUARY 15

A Greater Wonder

When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him?

PSALM 8:3–4 ESV

The God of all—the universe and everything in it—is the same God who gave his life to know us. The God who spoke the world into being is the same God who speaks quietly to our hearts. His love for us is as unsearchable as the heavens.

It’s hard to believe that the Creator of the Universe is not only interested in us, but he is invested in us. His love for us knows no limits or boundaries. Let your mind ponder this throughout the day today.

Father, I don’t understand why you love me the way you do when you are as great as you are. But I am so thankful you do.

I look at your heavens, which you made with your fingers. I see the moon and stars, which you created. But why are people even important to you? Why do you take care of human beings?

PSALM 8:3–4 NCV

The greatness of our God is displayed majestically throughout his creation. When we look into the night sky at all the twinkling stars and the far-off planets, we realize almost instantly how small we are in his universe.

A greater wonder than the grandeur of God’s capacity is his value for mankind. He is an incredible Creator who wants to be fully engaged with his creation.

God, thank you that you see me as being important. Thank you for giving me life and the choice to follow you. You are the greatest wonder that exists in all the universe.

Spend time pondering the majesty of God’s creation and the wonder of his desire to be directly involved in it.

JANUARY 16

More than Gold

These troubles come to prove that your faith is pure. This purity of faith is worth more than gold, which can be proved to be pure by fire but will ruin. But the purity of your faith will bring you praise and glory and honor when Jesus Christ is shown to you.

1 PETER 1:7 NCV

We can waste much of our lives trying to answer the “whys” of our most difficult times. Most of the answers we seek will not be revealed to us until we meet the Lord in heaven, but Scriptures such as this one from Peter provide lovely encouragement while we wait.

We know gold is precious—so precious it’s a universal standard for measuring the entire world’s wealth. Here, we are told that faith that withstands troubled times is worth more than all the gold on earth. Be encouraged by that today!

Lord, I invite you to use my pain, present and future, as a proving ground for my faith. Allow my troubles to strengthen my trust in you; allow difficulty to increase my reliance on you.

These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.

1 PETER 1:7 NIV

Holding strong to God’s promises regardless of what struggles we face affords us an invaluable reward: the praise, honor, and glory of Jesus himself.

This doesn’t mean our difficulty is a test assigned by God, but the outcome—a faith that withstands the fire—is used by him to bless us beyond imagining.

Father, when you prove yourself faithful, as you always do, I grow to love you more and more. Thank you for being faithful to me as I walk through difficult times and seasons. I want my faith to be proven as genuine through all the tests.

What testing do you sense in your life lately? Can you determine to be proven genuine in your faith throughout the testing?

JANUARY 17

He Will Be Found

“I will be found by you,” says the LORD. “I will end your captivity and restore your fortunes. I will gather you out of the nations where I sent you and will bring you home again to your own land.”

JEREMIAH 29:14 NIV

Lost. It’s an uncomfortable word. Being lost is unnerving, and losing something is unsettling. Losing someone: unbearable. Losing God? Unthinkable.

Though they were sent far away from him for many years, Jeremiah 29 contains God’s beautiful words of comfort to his beloved Israel. “I will be found by you…I will bring you home again.” Thank God that he can always be found.

Father, there are days I fear I’ve lost you. I know it isn’t true, but I can’t feel your presence or find your peace. I never want to be away from you, Lord. Find me, Father. Draw me near. Bring me home.

“I will be found by you,” declares the LORD, “and will bring you back from captivity. I will gather you from all the nations and places where I have banished you,” declares the LORD, “and will bring you back to the place from which I carried you into exile.”

JEREMIAH 29:14 NIV

Many believers encounter a season where God might feel far away, or even lost. The relief of finding what we’ve misplaced is nothing—nothing—compared to the incomprehensible joy of reuniting with the Lord. He will be found!

God intends good for you. He adores you, and if you continue to seek his face and claim his promises for your life, he will bring you home again.

Father, you deeply care about me. Thank you that you always know where I am, and that you are never far from me. Wrap me in your arms tonight.

How do you draw near to the Lord when he seems far away?

JANUARY 18

I Am Yours

He predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will—to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves.

EPHESIANS 1:5–6 NIV

No matter what life gives to you, or what it takes from you, one thing is sure. You are a child of God and nothing can change that truth. He paid a high price for your soul.

Whether you feel worthy of his love or not, you’re wrapped up in it. Embrace it today and allow it to change the way you feel about yourself and others.

Thank you, God, that I am one of yours—that I am your child and nothing can change that. Help me not to doubt your love but instead to walk in the power of knowing who I am in you.

Because of his love, God had already decided to make us his own children through Jesus Christ. That was what he wanted and what pleased him, and it brings praise to God because of his wonderful grace. God gave that grace to us freely, in Christ, the One he loves.

EPHESIANS 1:5–6 NCV

God is a good Father. He delights in being kind to you. He inhabits your praise and he enjoys your prayers. There is so much power in understanding your identity as a child of God.

As you dwell on the goodness of God tonight, remember that his heart is for you. There is no good thing in him that has not been extended to you through his Son.

Thank you, God, for being a good Father to me. I rest in your goodness this evening and thank you for the peace that brings to my heart.

How does knowing you are a child of God change the way you think about yourself?

JANUARY 19

Truly Special

You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession.

1 PETER 2:9 NIV

We all want to believe that we are special. Most of us grow up being told that we are, and it feels good to believe it. But over time, we look around us and realize that, really, we are just like everyone else.

Sometimes doubt creeps in, making us second guess ourselves and damaging our self-confidence. Choose to believe today that God has called and chosen you for something truly special.

Thank you, God, that you see me as special. I revel in that knowledge today.

You are a chosen people, royal priests, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession.

1 PETER 2:9 NCV

Long before you were even a wisp in your mother’s womb, you were set aside and marked as special. You were chosen to be God’s special possession, and that’s a pretty amazing thing.

Of all the people in the world, God has chosen you to do something only you can do. Ask him to show you what he has for you as you continue to walk in his wonderful light.

Father, you have called me out of the darkness of the ordinary and have brought me into the light of the extraordinary. You have hand-picked me and you love me. I am so thankful.

Ask God to show you just how special you are to him.

JANUARY 20

Celebrate God’s Blessings

For seven days celebrate the festival to the LORD your God at the place the LORD will choose. For the Lord your God will bless you in all your harvest and in all the work of your hands, and your joy will be complete.

DEUTERONOMY 16:15 NIV

When you hear the words spiritual discipline, what comes to mind? Usual responses include prayer, fasting, and meditating on Scripture. If someone mentioned celebrating, would you rebuke them? Is that answer unspiritual, irreverent?

Surprise! God actually commanded us to celebrate, rejoice, and have parties. Joy is overflowing exaltation. When you see a beautiful sunset, you want to grab someone and share it with them. It is right to celebrate the goodness of the Lord!

Thank you, God, for the abundance of blessing and joy in our lives! I celebrate you and the wonder of who you are. Let my rejoicing be a beacon for your glory.

Seven days you shall keep the festival to the Lord your God at the place that the Lord will choose; for the Lord your God will bless you in all your produce and in all your undertakings, and you shall surely celebrate.

DEUTERONOMY 16:15 NRSV

Celebration causes joy to overflow into the world around us. What if you heard a joyous celebration and found out people were praising the Lord? It would be difficult to not join in. It’s okay to laugh, dance, and celebrate what God has done in our lives. He is a good father!

Gather around a campfire and sing your lungs out. Take your partner’s hands and spin around the kitchen floor. Delight in a warm meal with true friends. These things are pleasing to God. They bring him glory.

God, thank you for creating special occasions for me to celebrate. I am so grateful for the many blessings you have showered on me. Help my celebration to be a light to those around me—leading them to you.

What can you celebrate today?

JANUARY 21

Our Rock

There is no one holy like the LORD, Indeed, there is no one besides You, Nor is there any rock like our God.

1 SAMUEL 2:2 NASB

Most of us have been blessed by special relationships in our lives. We are surrounded by friends and family that love us. These are people we can turn to in times of trouble and pain. And it can be tempting to allow these people to feel like a rock: a stabilizer. As soon as something happens, we run to them and ask for their strength to get us through.

The Bible tells us that there is no rock like our God. He’s the best; there’s no one else that can take his place. Run to God today when you need strength.

Father, I give you my burdens. I’m so thankful that you are my rock and my daily source of strength. Help me to turn to you first in all that I do.

No one is holy like the LORD! There is no one besides you; there is no Rock like our God.

1 SAMUEL 2:2 NLT

When we start to worry, become afraid, or experience difficulty, our first source of comfort should be the Lord. He is so good to us! No matter what we are going through, he will be there for us. There is simply no one like him.

As the day comes to a close, let God the Rock be the place you rest. Let him take all of your worries and fears away.

God, my Rock, there is none like you. Thank you for being the only place I can turn to for real, lasting peace. I trust you for that this evening.

Can you trust God to be your first source of comfort?

JANUARY 22

Mind Games

Let the peace that Christ gives control your thinking, because you were called together in one body to have peace. Always be thankful.

COLOSSIANS 3:15 NCV

Our minds can be a baseball field with baseball-like thoughts hurtling every which way. Maybe you have your mitt out, ready to catch, or maybe you get hit with a thought out of left field.

Instead of allowing your thoughts to be set statements of truth, take thoughts as information, and then determine your response. Your response should be considered through this lens; earlier in Colossians, Paul says you are a new creation. As a new creation, learn to quiet your thoughts; don’t let them knock you over.

Lord, help me to guard my thoughts and surround me in truth. Lead me through sometimes muddy fields, that I may know what is truth and what is not.

Let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.

COLOSSIANS 3:15 NCV

Are your “baseball thoughts” God-honoring? In God’s eyes, you are dressed in the righteousness of Christ. Accept that thought as truth and act on it.

Dismiss wrong thoughts as a part of your old, sinful nature. Desire peace with other Christians, viewing them as new creations too. Allow your thoughts about them to promote peace among you. Trust God’s promise that his peace can control your thoughts.

Your Word is truth, and I desire it more than anything else. Help me tonight to quiet my thoughts. I submit them to you and ask for your peace to rule my mind. I am so thankful for your peace, God.

What’s the best way for you to let the peace of Christ rule your mind?

JANUARY 23

God’s Constancy

All the ways of the LORD are loving and faithful toward those who keep the demands of his covenant.

PSALM 25:10 NIV

There is a phrase used to describe warmth, happiness, and melancholy: a bittersweet mix of emotions—all the feels. If you only read this one verse for your devotion today, you would assume that things were going pretty well for the Psalmist.

Open your Bible and read the whole psalm. In verse 25, David states his current condition: lonely, afflicted, distressed, and full of troubles. It doesn’t feel quite the same, does it? You can choose today to believe that God is always loving and faithful regardless of your emotional state, just as David did all those years ago.

God, my circumstances may swirl and crumble around me, but you are faithful! Surround me in your love, and keep my eyes lifted to you.

The LORD leads with unfailing love and faithfulness all who keep his covenant and obey his demands.

PSALM 25:10 NLT

God is more than whatever situation you are in. Circumstances ebb and flow, but God is constant. He is constantly righteous, constantly just, and constantly loving. This is the essence of his being; there is nothing temporary in God.

You can know unfailing love and faithfulness by knowing God. Because Christ’s life is lived out in you, it does not matter what your circumstances are. You remain on paths of love, knowing God’s faithfulness.

Thank you, God, that you are greater than my circumstances. You are constant and steady. I surrender my will to yours and ask you to help me keep the demands of your covenant.

How can you draw near to God today in the middle of your circumstances?

JANUARY 24

In Sunshine and Storm

When times are good, be happy; but when times are bad, consider this: God has made the one as well as the other. Therefore, no one can discover anything about their future.

ECCLESIASTES 7:14 NIV

It’s easy to feel happy on a sunny day, when all is well, the birds are singing, and life is going along swimmingly. But what happens when waters are rougher, bad news comes, or the days feel just plain hard?

God wants us to feel gladness when times are good. He has made each and every day. We are called to rejoice in all of them whether good or bad. Make today a good day just because you know God loves you.

God, I don’t want my happiness to be determined by my circumstance. Help me discover true joy in you today.

In the day of prosperity be joyful, and in the day of adversity consider; God has made the one as well as the other, so that mortals may not find out anything that will come after them.

ECCLESIASTES 7:14 NRSV

Happiness is determined by our circumstances, but true joy comes when we can find the silver linings, hidden in our darkest hours—when we can sing God’s praises no matter what.

We don’t know what the future holds for us here on earth, but we can find our delight in the knowledge that our eternity is set in the beauty of full relationship with our heavenly Father.

Father, give me a deep and abiding satisfaction in each day that goes beyond human understanding. Help me to rest in your joy this evening.

Do you trust God with your future?

JANUARY 25

Delightful

The LORD takes delight in his people; he crowns the humble with victory.

PSALM 149:4 NIV

If ever there was something to lift your spirits and get you through the toughest of days, it’s the knowledge that the Lord our God takes delight in you. He tells you so in his Word!

God takes pleasure in your very existence. Your heavenly Father created you to be in relationship with him, and he gets great joy out of it. Take that delightful thought with you throughout your day.

Father, it makes me smile to know that you delight in me. I lift up others who haven’t experienced your delight, and pray that they’d come to know you in a deep and real way. You are truly glorious, and I’m amazed by you!

The LORD delights in his people; he crowns the humble with victory.

PSALM 149:4 NLT

Revel in the knowledge of God’s delight for the rest of the evening and into tomorrow. Embrace the fact that there is one who loves you and is truly captivated by you.

God loves spending time with you; he wants to get closer to you each day. Allow him to take you deeper! Dive in and experience his delight for yourself.

God, thank you for loving me and wanting me to draw closer to you! Help me to embrace your delight and walk in your victory each day.

Did you feel God’s delight in you today?

JANUARY 26

Pieced Together

Praise the LORD! It is good to sing praises to our God; it is good and pleasant to praise him. He heals the brokenhearted and bandages their wounds.

PSALM 147:1, 3 NCV

Whether you are carrying pain and suffering from past abuse or tragedy, or you’ve more recently been hurt, run toward the one who heals.

It will take constant communion with God to remind you of his healing power, but he will glue you back until you are whole. Sing praises to God today in spite of your pain. It is good to acknowledge him at every turn.

Father God, I am in need of your healing power. I release everything I am holding on to and ask for you to heal my wounds.

Praise the LORD. How good it is to sing praises to our God, how pleasant and fitting to praise him! He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.

PSALM 147:1, 3 NIV

No matter how broken you feel, there is no requirement or need too great; God can piece you back together.

Broken souls, broken bodies, broken hearts, be reminded of his power in your pain-filled moments and do not turn away from his love. Sing praises to the God who heals.

God, I praise you tonight even though I may not feel like it. I acknowledge that you are good and perfect. Heal my brokenness as I give glory and honor to you.

Do you believe that God can heal you and make you whole?

JANUARY 27

The Greatest Investment

We also have joy with our troubles, because we know that these troubles produce patience, and patience produces character, and character produces hope.

ROMANS 5:3–4 NCV

Gordon B. Hinckley once said, “You will come to know that what appears today to be a sacrifice will prove instead to be the greatest investment that you will ever make.” In the financial world, a risk-free investment is too good to be true.

Spiritually speaking, there is such a thing. What is painful to give to God? Whatever you just can’t release your grip on, go ahead and let go. You are not just giving up for the sake of giving up—you are investing. You can give confidently, knowing that God will make a greater return than you ever could.

God, I trust you! You are good. I rest in the truth that you have good in store for me.

We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation.

ROMANS 5:3–4 NLT

In your hard times, God is returning patience. When you feel like your patience is measured small, he is returning character for your life! When your character is being tried, what’s coming back to you is hope—beautiful, joyful, love-inspired hope, and hope in God never disappoints.

Don’t be like a child who has a stick and refuses to trade it in for the prize they cannot see or imagine, when a new bike is around the corner. Trust in the investment that God wants to make in you.

God, thank you for investing in me. Thank you for turning my struggles into strength and building my character. You have given me continued hope and I am so thankful.

Can you see the investment God is making in your life right now?

JANUARY 28

Eternal Gift

The lovingkindness of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear Him, And His righteousness to children’s children, To those who keep His covenant And remember His precepts to do them.

PSALM 103:17–18 NASB

Today, always, and forevermore, the Lord’s love will be with you if you only allow him in. He is sheer mercy and grace. Isn’t that amazing?

We don’t deserve his love. We fall short daily, and we will never live up to a life of perfection. Yet he continually doles out more and more of his abiding love for us.