Daily Strength for Overcoming Depression & Anxiety E-Book

BroadStreet Publishing Group LLC

• Herausgeber: BroadStreet Publishing Group, LLC
• Kategorie: Religion und Spiritualität
• Sprache: Englisch
• Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2023

Seitenzahl: 402

Beschreibung

The circumstances of life may have you feeling discouraged, overwhelmed, frustrated, anxious, or even depressed. Isn't it encouraging to know that God's love is not dependent on your situation? Because his love for you is unchanging and his promises are true, you can choose to believe that today will be a good day. Find the hope, joy, and strength that is abundant in God as you reflect on these devotional entries, scriptures, and prayers. No matter what comes your way today, you can get through it with God at your side.

Leseprobe

BroadStreet Publishing Group, LLC.

Savage, Minnesota, USA

Broadstreetpublishing.com

Daily Strength for Overcoming Depression & Anxiety

© 2023 by BroadStreet Publishing®

9781424565771

9781424565788 (eBook)

Daily entries composed by Sara Perry.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law.

Scripture quotations marked NIV are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com. The “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.™ Scripture quotations marked NLT are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked ESV are taken from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), Copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked CSB are taken from the Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible® and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers. Scripture quotations marked NASB are taken from the New American Standard Bible, Copyright 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked NKJV are taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked NCV are taken from the New Century Version®. Copyright © 2005 by Thomas Nelson.

Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked TPT are taken from The Passion Translation® of the Holy Bible. Copyright © 2020 by Passion & Fire Ministries, Inc. Used by permission of BroadStreet Publishing®. All rights reserved.

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The LORD your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.

ZEPHANIAH 3:17 NLT

Contents

Introduction

January

January 1: Never Alone

January 2: Unchanging One

January 3: Delivered

January 4: Steady

January 5: Hopeful Heart

January 6: Unbothered

January 7: Shielded

January 8: Resilient

January 9: Kingdom Bearer

January 10: Sweet Words

January 11: Confidence

January 12: Freedom

January 13: Filled

January 14: Unseen

January 15: Rest

January 16: Strength for Today

January 17: Hopeful Expectation

January 18: Wait

January 19: Enough

January 20: Cast off Troubles

January 21: Goodness

January 22: Confident Help

January 23: Humble Heart

January 24: Joy for Mourning

January 25: Saved

January 26: Tired

January 27: Fulfilled Hope

January 28: Trust

January 29: Radiant Hope

January 30: Words of Hope

January 31: One Thing

February

February 1: Loved

February 2: Supported

February 3: Here Now

February 4: Trust Jesus

February 5: Call Out

February 6: Strong Love

February 7: Unashamed

February 8: Safe and Secure

February 9: Words of Promise

February 10: Keep Praying

February 11: Whole Heart

February 12: Steady Ground

February 13: Joyful Surrender

February 14: Higher Love

February 15: Dependable

February 16: Protected

February 17: Firmly Planted

February 18: Keep Asking

February 19: Wasted Energy

February 20: Able

February 21: All I Need

February 22: Deliverance Is Coming

February 23: Shared Comfort

February 24: Sincere Hope

February 25: Hold On

February 26: Patient Endurance

February 27: Mindful Discipline

February 28: Don’t Give Up

March

March 1: Fulfillment

March 2: Good God

March 3: Morning Is Coming

March 4: Fed by Love

March 5: Spirit Fruit

March 6: Confident Perseverance

March 7: Continue to Believe

March 8: Come Boldly

March 9: Power to Stand

March 10: Possibility

March 11: Living God

March 12: All I Have

March 13: Dawn Is Coming

March 14: Planted

March 15: Joy in Comfort

March 16: Tender Relief

March 17: Courageous Heart

March 18: Trusted Father

March 19: Constant Prayer

March 20: Adopted

March 21: Led by Love

March 22: Children of God

March 23: Overwhelming Gladness

March 24: Double Portion

March 25: Resolve

March 26: Answer Me

March 27: God My Help

March 28: Eagerly Waiting

March 29: Stop Striving

March 30: Beautiful

March 31: Always the Same

April

April 1: Faith in Action

April 2: Conviction

April 3: Trust Him

April 4: Wonderfully Made

April 5: Nourished by the Word

April 6: Compassionate Father

April 7: Strengthened by Love

April 8: Never Worry

April 9: How Long

April 10: Perfect Faithfulness

April 11: Waiting on the Lord

April 12: Momentary Troubles

April 13: Delivered from Darkness

April 14: Heart’s Delight

April 15: Shining Light

April 16: Lifelong Love

April 17: God’s People

April 18: Filled by Power

April 19: Pause

April 20: Don’t Fret

April 21: Freedom Now

April 22: New Life

April 23: Seen

April 24: I Will Praise

April 25: My Confidence

April 26: Restoration

April 27: Delivered Again

April 28: Eager Expectation

April 29: Cared For

April 30: Peaceful and Secure

May

May 1: No More Tears

May 2: Covered

May 3: Lifted Up

May 4: Continue Strong

May 5: Love Remains

May 6: Renewed Strength

May 7: Freedom of Grace

May 8: Submitted to Christ

May 9: Immeasurably More

May 10: Free from Anxiety

May 11: Sanctuary

May 12: Longing

May 13: Free Indeed

May 14: Wisdom Found

May 15: Encouraged to Hope

May 16: Beauty from Within

May 17: Saved by Faith

May 18: Without Hindrance

May 19: Common Ground

May 20: Saving Grace

May 21: Future Hope

May 22: Resurrection Life

May 23: Thoughts of Peace

May 24: Great Confidence

May 25: Answered

May 26: Guided by Truth

May 27: Believe

May 28: Not Afraid

May 29: Eyes Opened

May 30: Real Revelation

May 31: Anchor of the Soul

June

June 1: Endurance

June 2: Heartsick

June 3: Steadfast Hope

June 4: Hurry to Help

June 5: Yes and Amen

June 6: Brave Enough

June 7: Wonderful Things

June 8: Wait on the Lord

June 9: Do Not Forget

June 10: Provision Is Yours

June 11: Always Gracious

June 12: Safe Place

June 13: Fully Equipped

June 14: Listen Closely

June 15: Rightful Pursuit

June 16: Hiding Place

June 17: My Only Hope

June 18: United Heart

June 19: In the Meantime

June 20: Run to Safety

June 21: All I Need

June 22: Generous Living

June 23: Never Disappointed

June 24: Coming Joy

June 25: Strength to Go On

June 26: Fought For

June 27: Sustained by Love

June 28: Healing on the Horizon

June 29: Thoughtful Living

June 30: A Place Prepared

July

July 1: Champion Defender

July 2: Home in Him

July 3: Confident Help

July 4: Restored by Rest

July 5: He Is Near

July 6: Guarded by Wisdom

July 7: A Thankful Heart

July 8: Blessed to Trust

July 9: A Father’s Help

July 10: Working for the Lord

July 11: God’s Workmanship

July 12: Rock of Refuge

July 13: God of Salvation

July 14: Present Joy

July 15: Slow Down

July 16: Still Trusting

July 17: Saved by Wisdom

July 18: Divine Power

July 19: Take Heart

July 20: Portion of Peace

July 21: Seeds of Goodness

July 22: Never Without Hope

July 23: Good Gifts

July 24: Extravagant Mercy

July 25: United in Love

July 26: Slow to Anger

July 27: Faith with Patience

July 28: Alive in Christ

July 29: Tender Care

July 30: Never Disgraced

July 31: Rest for the Weary

August

August 1: Words of Life

August 2: Wonderful Destiny

August 3: The Victory Is His

August 4: Abiding in Freedom

August 5: Reliable Trust

August 6: Healing Wisdom

August 7: Forever Alive

August 8: One Focus

August 9: Joy for Mourning

August 10: Comforting Compassion

August 11: Until the End

August 12: Held Close

August 13: Run to His Heart

August 14: Light to See

August 15: Not Disgraced

August 16: Generosity Returned

August 17: Daily Portion

August 18: Determined Steps

August 19: Test of Time

August 20: Faithful Protector

August 21: Seen and Known

August 22: Better Trust

August 23: Freedom for Captives

August 24: Unseen Hope

August 25: Powerful to Save

August 26: Taken Care Of

August 27: Keep Going

August 28: Mercy Cries Out

August 29: Tenderhearted

August 30: Radiant Truth

August 31: Strong Joy

September

September 1: Live Above Anxiety

September 2: Citizens of Heaven

September 3: Wonderful Plans

September 4: Promise of Life

September 5: Confessed and Forgiven

September 6: Born Again

September 7: Led to Repentance

September 8: Detail Oriented

September 9: Clothed in Dignity

September 10: Good Advice

September 11: Worship Him

September 12: Led by Mercy

September 13: Followed by Goodness

September 14: Keep Me Safe

September 15: Miracles of Mercy

September 16: Carried by Love

September 17: Chosen by Compassion

September 18: Honored by Goodness

September 19: Peace to All

September 20: Glory to God

September 21: Storms Stilled

September 22: Fully Supplied

September 23: Truth Persists

September 24: Covenant Covering

September 25: Cling to God

September 26: Turn to Me

September 27: Blessed to Receive

September 28: Kind God

September 29: Love’s Image

September 30: Heard

October

October 1: Living Expression

October 2: Peace with God

October 3: Kingdom of God

October 4: Watched Over

October 5: Looking Up

October 6: Satisfied in Him

October 7: Answer Me

October 8: Renewed

October 9: Springs of Life

October 10: Dazed with Despair

October 11: Victory

October 12: Kindness Matters

October 13: Grace Given

October 14: Faithful God

October 15: Abundant Peace

October 16: Wholeness in Him

October 17: Dependent on God

October 18: Close to Him

October 19: Accompanied by Love

October 20: Goodness and Mercy

October 21: God of Justice

October 22: Generations of Mercy

October 23: Great Kindness

October 24: God’s People

October 25: Compassion Overflowing

October 26: To Be Known

October 27: My Savior

October 28: Treasured Truth

October 29: Medicine for the Soul

October 30: Met by Compassion

October 31: Completely Covered

November

November 1: Held by Mercy

November 2: Alive in Mercy

November 3: Shine Light

November 4: Alive Together

November 5: Persistent Peace

November 6: Return

November 7: Wonderful Grace

November 8: Lasting Virtues

November 9: Leaning In

November 10: Like Minded

November 11: Kind God

November 12: No More Walls

November 13: Perfect Peace

November 14: Filled to Overflowing

November 15: Ours in Christ

November 16: Glory Coming

November 17: Set on the Spirit

November 18: Led into Truth

November 19: No Wandering

November 20: Persistent Grace

November 21: But God

November 22: At Peace

November 23: Spirit Powered

November 24: Abundantly Blessed

November 25: A Better Way

November 26: Confident Approach

November 27: He Is Better

November 28: Profound Wisdom

November 29: God’s Mouthpiece

November 30: Empowered

December

December 1: Invited

December 2: Kept in Love

December 3: Strength to Stand

December 4: Increased Honor

December 5: Sing for Joy

December 6: Ready Relief

December 7: Thread of Faithfulness

December 8: Weary Comforted

December 9: Never Left

December 10: Father of Mercies

December 11: Unbiased God

December 12: Born into Hope

December 13: Sincere Wisdom

December 14: Better than Sacrifice

December 15: Show Me

December 16: Present Peace

December 17: Freed from Fear

December 18: Healed by Mercy

December 19: The Merciful Way

December 20: Posture of Waiting

December 21: Abundant Love

December 22: Beginning and End

December 23: Defender and Refuge

December 24: Steadfast Love

December 25: God With Us

December 26: Path of Peace

December 27: Hope of the Helpless

December 28: Time to Look

December 29: Not Overwhelmed

December 30: In the Valley

December 31: All Things New

Introduction

The circumstances of life may have you feeling anxious, overwhelmed, discouraged, or even depressed. Isn’t it encouraging to know that God’s love is not dependent on your situation? Because his love for you is unchanging and his promises are true, you can choose to believe that today will be a good day.

Find the hope, joy, and strength that is abundant in God as you reflect on these devotional entries, Scriptures, and prayers. No matter what comes your way, you can get through it with God at your side. He will never leave you. His unending mercy and grace are always waiting for you.

Rest in the compassion of your good Father. He listens to every word you utter, and he fully understands your heart.

January

The LORD hears his people when they call to him for help. He rescues them from all their troubles.

PSALM 34:17 NLT

 

JANUARY 1

Never Alone

The LORD himself will go before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forget you. Don’t be afraid and don’t worry.

DEUTERONOMY 31:8 NCV

Nowhere in the Bible does it say that we are to strive to do things on our own. In fact, the Word repeatedly reminds us that God partners with the weak and willing and gives them strength. God often meets us where we feel the most vulnerable.

What areas of weakness are you facing right now? Where does fear threaten to keep you immobile? He is with you in the midst of your greatest triumph and your greatest struggle. He has not forgotten about you. He has made a way for you where you have felt confusion and angst. Let go of the worry today and trust that he is at work in the details of your life—every single one of them!

Holy Spirit, I invite you into my weakness today. Give me eyes to see what you are doing as I cling to you. Thank you that I am not alone in any situation. Help me to remember today, above all else, that you are with me.

 

JANUARY 2

Unchanging One

Why are you in despair, my soul? And why are you restless within me? Wait for God, for I will again praise Him For the help of His presence, my God.

PSALM 42:11 NASB

We are not immune to feeling discouragement and despair. God, the lifter of our heads, is the source of all the help we need in every season of the soul. When anxiety fills our bodies and worries overshadow the goodness in our lives, we can turn to our good Father who never changes.

When we feel overwhelmed by the worries of this life, let’s take a moment to breathe and direct our soul’s gaze to the one who sees all and is over all. Though we cannot control what will happen in this world, we can focus our hearts on who God is, always has been, and will continue to be.

God, my help, fill me today with your Spirit. Breathe new life into my weary soul, causing hope to rise once again. I fix the eyes of my heart on your goodness and faithfulness for you never fail!

 

JANUARY 3

Delivered

Every time they cried out to you in their despair, you were faithful to deliver them; you didn’t disappoint them.

PSALM 22:5 TPT

We are not promised a pain-free life. No such thing exists! When we face trials and circumstances that oppose our hopes and expectations, what do we do with the desperation we feel? We can come to God with everything, including our fears, anxieties, and doubts.

There is no human experience that is outside of Jesus’ understanding and no situation that is out of God’s reach. When was the last time you cried out to God from a desperate place? Have you been honest with God and yourself? Don’t hold back; you may just find that, in his faithfulness, he will not disappoint you.

Faithful One, I come to you with an open heart today. Let your light shine on the places I have kept hidden from you; I cry out from the depths of my soul for you to rescue me. Meet me in the middle of my mess, bringing order to the chaos. I trust you.

 

JANUARY 4

Steady

He lifted me out of the pit of despair, out of the mud and the mire. He set my feet on solid ground and steadied me as I walked along.

PSALM 40:2 NLT

Do you feel like you’re drowning under the weight of your circumstances? When darkness makes it hard to see where you’re going, what keeps you from sinking into desperation? You were never meant to rely on your own limited resources to get out of tough situations.

Where you have felt stuck, cry out to God for help. Invite him into the specific places that overwhelm you and watch how he lifts you out of the muck and sets your feet on solid ground. He can do it, and he is faithful to meet you no matter what kind of mess you find yourself in. He rescues his beloved children over and over again.

Father God, I need your help. Show up in my life with your resurrection power, bringing life out of what has felt like death. Fill my heart with hope as I watch your faithfulness unfold before my very eyes.

 

JANUARY 5

Hopeful Heart

Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up.

PROVERBS 12:25 NIV

When the worries of life weigh down your soul, what do you do? Do you try to soldier on and just get through the day? It is exhausting to try to keep it together when anxiety is coursing through your body.

God is full of kindness and so much gentler than we expect. If we come to him with our burdens, he is faithful to take the weight of them and help us. He never turns away; he does not need to take time to consider whether it’s worth it, for his love knows no limits. We can never reach the end of his incredible kindness. Have you known God in this way? If it feels too good to be true, you’ve stumbled into the goodness of God. He is always better than you expect.

Kind Father, I so easily forget the nature of your goodness especially toward me. Lift the weight of my anxious thoughts and bring peace and clarity to my mind. Fill my body with your love that casts out every fear. May my heart once again know the joy of loving you.

 

JANUARY 6

Unbothered

They do not worry about how short life is, because God keeps them busy with what they love to do.

ECCLESIASTES 5:20 NCV

How have you been using your time? In this day and age, it’s so easy to get swept up in the digital world and to pass time without considering what we are filling it with. If you were intentional about doing things you love, what would that look like?

We have one short life on this earth. How we spend our time reflects how we live. Whether intentionally or not, the time passes. Will we live our lives with resolution, our eyes fixed on a goal, or will we just let it pass without engaging in our purpose? God is masterful in his plans. If we yield our lives to him, he is faithful to direct us.

Lord, you hold all my days. You see the end from the beginning and every space in between. I offer you my life again. Restore meaning where I have felt aimless. Ease the worries of my mind with your boundless grace. Your ways are so much better than my own, and you know me better than I know myself. Lead me, Lord.

 

JANUARY 7

Shielded

You, O LORD, are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head.

PSALM 3:3 ESV

When storms of life rage, where can we find shelter? God’s Word says that he is our help in times of trouble. We can rely on him to guard us and keep us secure. He shields us from the fiery darts of the enemy—the lies that distort our true identity as sons and daughters of the Most High.

When the chaos of life makes it hard to see up from down, God is a steady rock to stand on. His Word is unfailing, and all his promises come to pass. Have you been keeping your head down just trying to survive? God, the lifter of your head, is your strong help. He holds onto you when you don’t have the strength to reach out to him. Lift your eyes to his gaze today, and you will see a loving Father who will never let you go.

God my strength, when I am worn down from the hits that life gives, I need you to hold me up. Be my defender; I can’t fight these battles on my own. I don’t even want to. You, Lord, are faithful and I trust you. Cover me with your love as I lean into your arms today.

 

JANUARY 8

Resilient

We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair.

2 CORINTHIANS 4:8 NIV

When the storms of life are harsh and seem unending, we have an opportunity to make a choice. We can either give into despair or hold onto hope, which will cause us to persevere. We don’t do this on our own; rather, we rely on the Holy Spirit who continually fills us with the love of God. It is this unrelenting love that has the strength to overpower every fear.

What is overwhelming in your life right now? Have your thoughts been overcome with worry? Fix your eyes on Jesus Christ and remember his life of love that overcame death and destruction. Your inheritance is life!

Jesus, when I look at your life, I see the evidence of love beyond my greatest imaginings. I set my gaze on you today, remembering that you have overcome the world. With your life in mine, I can overcome too.

 

JANUARY 9

Kingdom Bearer

He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love.

COLOSSIANS 1:13 NKJV

God is deliverer and protector. In him, we find that we are both kept secure and freed to move in liberty. We have been brought from darkness into light, where everything is made clear. Where there seemed to be no way, God made a way for us to be restored in full connection with him through Jesus.

His love never fails. It is the driving force of all creation and what fuels the restoration work he is constantly doing. We belong to a kingdom of love, full of compassion and mercy. There is plenty of room for the weak and the humble; those who struggle always have access to the strength of God through his grace. There is never a circumstance too difficult or a problem too great that God does not already have a solution. As we look to him, we will find that we bear his signature. We have been marked by love.

God over all, you are my deliverer. When I don’t know where to turn and confusion threatens to immobilize me, you step in with your peace and your steady hand guides me. You are full of compassion at every point. Thank you for your deliverance. I depend on you still!

 

JANUARY 10

Sweet Words

Kind words are like honey—sweet to the soul and healthy for the body.

PROVERBS 16:24 NLT

It is amazing how a kind word can crack the hard layer of a heart that is prone to protect itself. When sweet, genuine words are spoken, they build up our souls and encourage our hearts. Proverbs says that they even bring health to our bodies!

When you consider your thought life and the words you speak over yourself, do they reflect the kindness with which your heavenly Father speaks over you? Sometimes it is easier to be kinder to others, but grace given must also be grace received. Do you treat yourself with the same kindness you would treat your loved ones? If not, today is a good day to reconsider your worth.

Holy Spirit, I ask for your awareness today to know what it is that God thinks of me. In light of his great love, give me the grace to be kind to myself, as intentionally loving and patient as I would be with a child. I want to see myself through eyes of love the way you do.

 

JANUARY 11

Confidence

Faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.

HEBREWS 11:1 NIV

There is so much change in our lives on a regular basis. It is difficult to know what we can cling to in a world that is always shifting. When it comes down to it, what are the unshakeable tenets of our faith? God, in his love, makes it clear that he is unchanging. Our understanding of his goodness may fluctuate, sometimes multiple times a day, but his character remains constant.

Where does your confidence lie? Are you relying on your own intelligence, strength, and determination to succeed in life? When all else fails, what is left for you to hold onto? If you don’t have an answer for that, let your heart open to the Spirit of wisdom who conveys the mysteries of God to those who ask.

Unchanging One, you are the only constant in a continuously changing world. I ask for your perspective on my life today; I want to see things from your point of view. Let my confidence be in you, not found in something that will inevitably shift. All my hope is in you.

 

JANUARY 12

Freedom

We have freedom now, because Christ made us free. So stand strong. Do not change and go back into the slavery of the law.

GALATIANS 5:1 NCV

The beautiful reality of the Gospel is that Jesus sacrificed his life so we would be free from the chains of sin and death. He paved a way to the Father so nothing would keep us from him again. Nothing. No hardship, no struggle, no addiction, no wrongs done to us. Nothing can keep us from his great love.

Are you living in the reality of this great freedom? You have the choice to live unbound with nothing holding you back from God’s persistent grace. You have been welcomed into God’s family as a dearly loved child. You are not a weird, estranged cousin in the family of God; you are his. You belong to him. No wall, no chains, no fear, and no doubt can keep you from him. He has set you free. So, be free.

God, your relentless grace has covered my life and set me free to choose my way. My past does not dictate my future, nor do my struggles get to direct my life. I align myself with you and your kingdom today. May your freedom reign in my life, opening up what was once restricted.

 

JANUARY 13

Filled

Indeed, we have all received grace upon grace from his fullness.

JOHN 1:16 CSB

In the whirlwind of life, it is so easy to feel depleted. There is always more to do, further needs to be met, and seemingly endless demands on our attention and time. We were never intended to live in a constant state of lack. Our God is full of abundance with everything we could ever need.

Your Father is full of grace for every moment of your life; He never runs out. Your brokenness is not too much for him, and your weakness does not disturb him. In his heart of love, there is everything you need for healing. He has already made accessible to you every tool you need to succeed, for he is the source of all life. Come and be filled!

God of abundance, in you is all I am longing for and everything I need. Fill me up with your grace that empowers me to live connected to you. I need you more than I know how to express. Meet me with your unfailing love today.

 

JANUARY 14

Unseen

We don’t focus our attention on what is seen but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but the unseen realm is eternal.

2 CORINTHIANS 4:18 TPT

What we focus our attention on matters. God’s kingdom is full of the treasures found in his unfailing love. When we spend our time caught up in the changing circumstances of our lives without grounding ourselves in the reality of eternity, it can be overwhelming.

When we shift our awareness to God’s character, we are looking with eyes that see the promise of his kingdom come because he is faithful to do all he said he would. Let us fix our eyes on God, the author and perfecter of our faith. He never wavers in kindness, and his compassion never ends. They are as eternal as God himself. When we look for evidence of his goodness, we will surely find it.

Lord, help me to fix my eyes on you and on eternity rather than on the momentary troubles around me. Give me your perspective, so I may see the way you do. Fill my thoughts with yours, Lord, and make me more like you.

 

JANUARY 15

Rest

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”

MATTHEW 11:28 NIV

When you find yourself overextended and exhausted, what do you do? Do the worries of life spill over from one day to the next, adding layer upon layer until you feel like you can’t take another step? Jesus invites you to come to him and lay down your heavy burdens. He is able to give you the rest that you long for as he does all the heavy lifting.

Don’t hesitate to approach him with all you have; he is waiting with open arms. He is full of kindness, not a lecture that you’re dreading. Let his gentleness surprise you as you offer him your heaviness and he fills you with light and life! Come and find rest in him today.

Kind Father, I come to you today with all the heaviness I’ve been carrying. I can’t keep going on this way. Lift my burdens and fill me with the peace that gives true rest to my soul. I need you.

 

JANUARY 16

Strength for Today

My life’s strength melts away with grief and sadness; come strengthen me and encourage me with your words.

PSALM 119:28 TPT

Sometimes the stresses of life, even the small, mundane, and ordinary things, feel like too much to face. Have you been relying on your own motivation to get through the recent days and weeks? Or has sadness stripped away any desire to do anything outside of what’s necessary?

God is faithful to give us strength in our weakness—every single one. There is not a day where we are left on our own to figure things out. His grace is always available to empower and strengthen us, though that may not look like getting done everything we’d hoped. His strength carries us. When we are stripped of the enthusiasm we once had for life, we must adjust our expectations of what strength looks like. What would personal and profound encouragement from the Lord look like for you today?

Holy One, you are the strength that carries me through my darkest days. I won’t worry about what tomorrow will bring; today, I fix my eyes on you. Come strengthen and encourage me like only you can.

 

JANUARY 17

Hopeful Expectation

The helpless has hope, And injustice has shut its mouth.

JOB 5:16 NASB

As children are completely dependent on their parents to provide what they cannot, so are we dependent on God. For some of us, it is harder to lean into our needs. When we find ourselves out of our depths and overcome with helplessness, where do we turn? There are some circumstances that can’t be fixed by anything we could even dream of offering.

Where is our hope then? Is it in our own strength and capabilities, or does it lie in the one who formed us and all things around us? The Creator’s character is flawless and his faithfulness is unmatched. This limited life is not where the fulfillment of our expectation will be found though we have sweet glimpses of our eternal hope. There is coming a day where there will be no more tears or sadness, and the old will have passed away. Where does your confidence lie?

God over all, you are bigger than I can fathom. I’m so grateful that you see from a higher perspective than I do. I ask for your holy hope to fill my heart today with the confidence of your goodness. You are worthy!

 

JANUARY 18

Wait

For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, for my hope is from him.

PSALM 62:5 ESV

Sometimes waiting feels like sitting in a fluorescent-lit office, anticipating your name being called. Other times, it is more like fighting a battle, awaiting reinforcements to come refuel your waning resources and help turn the tide of the war. Whatever waiting looks like for you today, are you anticipating God’s response?

There is so much strength and hope to be found in him no matter how long your wait ends up being. Yield your heart to him today, giving him space to speak his words of life. He delights over you with songs of deliverance. You will not be disappointed in the way he pulls off redemption in your life.

God, I wait for you. When everything feels endless and barren, draw near and fill me with the fruit of your presence that never dissatisfies. You are so good; I cling to that reminder today. I quiet my heart before you now. Come and speak to me again.

 

JANUARY 19

Enough

“That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food to eat or enough clothes to wear.”

LUKE 12:22 NLT

Have you ever taken inventory of the worries that fill your mind? How many of them are based on what will happen today? The thing about worry is that it is often caught up in what-ifs and scenarios that may or may not ever happen. Often they are based in the future, and much of it far off.

Jesus, when speaking to his disciples, said that we should not worry about everyday life. We will have what we need when we need it. There is always enough. What have you been worrying about that is simply draining your energy? Can you trust God today to provide for everything you need? He is always on time. Think through your life. Have there been times when you were worried about something and it ended up working out? Thank God for his faithfulness. He hasn’t changed.

Father, I can see how you have provided for me before, and I believe that you will do it again. I trust that you are sufficient for me and that you’re never late. Fill my thoughts with your goodness.

 

JANUARY 20

Cast off Troubles

Banish anxiety from your heart and cast off the troubles of your body, for youth and vigor are meaningless.

ECCLESIASTES 11:10 NIV

There is no way to avoid troubles in this life. They come, as surely as the seasons change. Anxieties mount as we consider how ill-equipped we are to face the challenges. Our bodies react to the uncertainties we face. But this is not where our stories end. We are not destined to cycles of uncontrollable angst. The creator of our bodies, minds and souls is full of peace that he freely gives.

When was the last time you felt God’s presence calm your anxious thoughts and bring peace to your hurried mind? The Spirit gives comfort and can fill you with the unfailing love of God that pushes fear aside. If you find yourself worried, ask the Lord to draw near in his presence. He is faithful to come.

Holy Spirit, come fill me with the power of your presence. Bring peace to my anxious heart and calm my hurried mind. I rely on you. I cannot do it on my own, and I’m so glad that I don’t have to. You are welcome to have your way in me, Lord, for I belong to you.

 

JANUARY 21

Goodness

I certainly believed that I would see the goodness of the LORD In the land of the living.

PSALM 27:13 NASB

We have such a great hope in what awaits us after this short life; yet, it doesn’t feel like enough to only hope for what feels so incredibly intangible. We need to know goodness now. God is in the business of restoration! He deals in mending the wounded, binding up the brokenhearted, and bringing life out of dead things. He never gives up or throws his hands up declaring something out of his reach.

If it feels like the end for you, it is not. God always has a better plan. Plot twists come, but his faithfulness never wavers. When was the last time you saw the goodness of God show up tangibly in your life? Where there is disappointment in your heart, there is also an invitation for God’s powerful presence to shift your perspective.

Good Father, I admit that I have felt the desperation of hard circumstances in my life. I have to believe that I will see your goodness again! Give me eyes to see that you are moving, even now, and tenacity to hold onto hope when it is difficult to decipher what you are doing.

 

JANUARY 22

Confident Help

We can say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper, so I will have no fear. What can mere people do to me?”

HEBREWS 13:6 NLT

There are some situations that are completely out of our control. We cannot dictate the outcomes, and it sometimes seems that whatever we try to do to help only intensifies the issues. What then should we do? We don’t need to be in control to be at peace. God is our help in every single circumstance.

God cannot be confused or confounded. Your troubles are not too complex for him to handle. In his perfect wisdom, he always knows exactly what to do. Will you trust him to do what you can’t? Will you relent your need to fix and let him be your help? He is more than capable in this, and every, situation.

Lord, you are my willing help in every hour of need. You never withdraw your presence, leaving me to figure things out on my own. I surrender my need to control and let you take the reins. You are always faithful. My confidence lies in you.

 

JANUARY 23

Humble Heart

God gives us even more grace, as the Scripture says, “God is against the proud, but he gives grace to the humble.”

JAMES 4:6 NCV

Failure is not a sin but an eventuality of humanity. It’s ok to try and not succeed; it is not a character flaw to be imperfect. When we do make mistakes that affect both others and us in hurtful ways, there is so much grace. Not just enough grace but plentiful mercy that overflows!

When we humbly approach God, there is unfailing love that meets us every time. He doesn’t sometimes encounter us with kindness and other times with harsh discipline. Even his correction is drenched in compassion. Let us not lose heart in approaching God at every opportunity. His tender heart is full of power to heal, refine, and liberate.

God, I come to you with a humble heart, longing for your tender mercy to meet me again. I cannot test the limits of your compassion. There are no boundaries to your love. I offer myself as your own again; fill me with the power of your presence that sets me free.

 

JANUARY 24

Joy for Mourning

Those who sow in tears shall reap with shouts of joy.

PSALM 126:5 ESV

When we are overcome by sadness, the Comforter is close. There is no escaping pain in this life; it finds each one of us in time. Broken promises, the loss of loved ones, and dashed hopes are all situations that we face. Even so, God is not surprised, and he is not distant.

Jesus was acquainted with suffering and familiar with pain. He did not require his followers to deny the reality of their circumstances; rather, he offered them hope in healing, joy in restoration, and the incredible satisfaction of right relationship with God. Whatever sorrows we are facing now will pale in comparison to the joy that is coming!

Lord, I cannot deny the sadness of my heart in heartbreak and in despair. In your goodness, touch me with the liquid love of your presence. Comfort me and revive my weary heart. There is no one who can do it, but I know that you can. Give me perspective to see that this suffering is temporary but your joy is eternal.

 

JANUARY 25

Saved

“I, I am the LORD, and besides me there is no savior. I declared and saved and proclaimed, when there was no strange god among you; and you are my witnesses,” declares the LORD, “and I am God.”

ISAIAH 43:11-12 ESV

When the drudgery of life wears down our defenses and we are left feeling vulnerable and raw, what is our response? Do we just try harder? Do we hunker down and keep going, hoping that at some point things will change? Unless we have help, there is certainly little hope for transformation.

When our reserves are tapped, we can’t be expected to thrive. However, God is the source of every good thing and he never runs out or runs dry. He is the help we need and the Savior that continually comes through for us. Where we feel overwhelmed and under fire from every side, may we call out to our faithful God who rescues us.

Faithful One, I depend on you for help in every trouble I face. I cannot save myself. You know how I’ve tried! Don’t stop showing off in power, and please don’t ever stop reaching out in mercy. I am yours. Fill my heart with the confidence of your closeness.

 

JANUARY 26

Tired

I’m exhausted! My life is spent with sorrow, my years with sighing and sadness. Because of all these troubles, I have no more strength. My inner being is so weak and frail.

PSALM 31:10 TPT

God does not shy away from the reality of our lives or neglect the weariness that can erode our hope. He is not afraid of our big emotions, and he doesn’t require us to get it all together before we come to him. In fact, he is the source where we will find the refreshing we are so desperate for.

Are you tired? Is sadness a constant companion these days? God does not promise us a pain-free existence, but he does vow to comfort us and empower us to life. Where your strength is depleted, invite the presence of God to cover you with his love. He will not fail to meet you with the power of his nearness. His love is better than anything else you can taste or experience in this world. May his compassion be your comfort and your deepest delight.

Merciful God, meet me in my weakness and empower me with your Spirit. You refresh me when I am completely depleted. Do it again, Lord.

 

JANUARY 27

Fulfilled Hope

Oh that I might have my request, and that God would fulfill my hope.

JOB 6:8 ESV

How are your levels of hope these days? Do you have confident expectation of God’s faithful witness in your life or are you struggling to believe that you will see his goodness at all? There is no wrong answer; God’s faithfulness is not dependent on your faith. He is constant and unchanging, no matter what is or isn’t a present reality in your life.

May your heart take courage in the loyalty of God to his own Word. He has not failed his children, and he won’t fail you. Though troubles and trials come, the promise of the Lord is not thrown off track. God is the fulfiller of dreams. Submit your heart to him again, whether you are full of hope or desperately hanging on to a thread of it. He will prove true to you. His tender mercy is yours in every moment.

Good God, even when I struggle to hope, you remain constant. What a relief that I can’t talk you out of your faithfulness. I give you access to my heart again, and ask that you would breathe peace, hope, and love into my being. As I wait on you, I will find strength. You meet me in the middle of every moment.

 

JANUARY 28

Trust

Preserve me, O God, for in you I put my trust.

PSALM 16:1 NKJV

What does active trust look like? Is it blind hope that keeps its fingers crossed throughout the hard times? Is it a continual surrender of our own control and belief that God will stay true to his nature? It is so much more than a one-time statement of faith. As we practice placing our hope in God over and over again, our confidence will grow as he continues to show up in faithfulness.

God is a refuge to those who seek shelter in his name. He preserves and keeps us safe in his mercy. What he gives no one and nothing can take away: no storm, no evil person, no hateful act, no betrayal. He is dependable in compassion and reliable in love!

Father, I continually put my trust in you. You know my heart and how it fluctuates, but I am grateful that you never change even when I do. Meet me with your loyal love and fill me with everything I need for today.

 

JANUARY 29

Radiant Hope

The Lord alone is our radiant hope and we trust in him with all our hearts. His wrap-around presence will strengthen us.

PSALM 33:20 TPT

When nothing seems to be going right, and we are overwhelmed by all that needs to be done, it can be hard to not spiral in worry. But God is our sure help in every season. When we rely on our own limited strategies to get us through, they will only take us so far. God’s wisdom is better, and it is the perfect solution to every problem we encounter.

In our weakness, God meets us with the power of his presence and strengthens us. His Spirit wraps around us with the warmth of his love that embraces us. We find our hope in this place. He is the sweetest treasure in this life. His goodness is ever increasing. We have not seen the end of it. Let us trust him with all our hearts.

Lord, fill my heart with hope as I look to you. You surround me with your presence and my heart comes alive. I want to know you more today. Encourage my soul in the way that only you can.

 

JANUARY 30

Words of Hope

I rise before dawn and cry out for help; I put my hope in your word.

PSALM 119:147 CSB

In the restlessness of endless thoughts that won’t quit, worry sometimes leads to sleepless nights. When we cannot calm our minds, we have access to the giver of all peace. His presence is pure love; he comforts us in the middle of our mess, whether in the dark of night or the light of day. He is always available.

Are you struggling to find peace? Look into God’s Word and you will find hope in his faithful character. He never fails, and he won’t start now. Cry out for help and listen for his reply. He will answer you. He is not silent. When it is hard to hear, look for the mercy and kindness you may be resisting. It is clearly laid out in his Word. Seek and you’ll find it.