Joy and Strength E-Book

BroadStreet Publishing Group LLC

• Herausgeber: BroadStreet Publishing Group, LLC
• Kategorie: Religion und Spiritualität
• Sprache: Englisch
• Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2021

Seitenzahl: 388

Beschreibung

God is the best source of comfort you will find. He knows you better than anyone else does, and he is full of understanding for every situation. Some days your heart may be filled with grief, some may hold a flicker of hope, and on others you might ache with desperate need. Lay your heart at the Father's feet and wait for his compassionate response. You can trust him completely. It is important in your process of grief to recognize your depth of loss and express it in whatever way you can in the moment. Let God be your strength as you cry out to him. He is listening to every word you say, and he longs to reach out and draw you in close. Features: • High-grade faux leather provides durability and exquisite tactile appeal. • Heat debossing on faux leather darkens its color, giving the cover a two-tone appearance and creating indentation which shows off the intricate design and varied texture. • Pearl and matte foil finishing touches are elegantly placed to enhance certain features, capturing attention and adding class for an aesthetic appeal. • This high-quality sturdy Smythe-sewn binding stitches book signatures together creating durability and allowing pages to lay flat when open. Decorative head and foot bands are also added to further complement the overall design. • This matte art high quality paper with a smooth satin touch provides long-lasting vivid coloration and durability. • A beautiful satin ribbon marker conveniently keeps your place so you can quickly pick up where you left off.  

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BroadStreet Publishing Group, LLC.

Savage, Minnesota, USA

Broadstreetpublishing.com

Joy and Strength

© 2021 BroadStreet Publishing

978-1-4245-6228-2

978-1-4245-6229-9 (eBook)

Devotions 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 (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved. 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. 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 (NCV) are taken from the New Century Version®. Copyright © 2005 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked (NASB) are taken from the New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. Lockman.org. Scripture quotations marked (NRSV) are taken from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked (ESV) are 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 (NKJV) are taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked (TPT) are taken from The Passion Translation®. Copyright © 2018 by Passion & Fire Ministries. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

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21 22 23 24 25 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

For he has not despised my cries of deep despair. He didn’t look the other way when I was in pain. He was there all the time.

PSALM 22:24 TPT

Contents

Introduction

January

January 1: Eternal Comfort

January 2: Beyond the Pain

January 3: Called His Own

January 4: Empowered to Hope

January 5: Look to Him

January 6: Held by Love

January 7: Help at Hand

January 8: Solid Ground

January 9: Shield around Me

January 10: Light of Love

January 11: Confident Hope

January 12: So Much Grace

January 13: Come Again

January 14: Learning to Rest

January 15: Rooted in Goodness

January 16: Unload the Burdens

January 17: Even More

January 18: Positioned for Rescue

January 19: Ask Again

January 20: My Sustainer

January 21: He Can Take It

January 22: Help Is Right Here

January 23: No Need to Despair

January 24: Radiant Hope

January 25: Love Pours In

January 26: Limitless Love

January 27: Always Good

January 28: New Life Coming

January 29: Everything I Need

January 30: Hope Is Here

January 31: Love Covers Everything

February

February 1: He Sees Me

February 2: Never-ending Help

February 3: Everlasting Life

February 4: Met By Mercy

February 5: Not to Worry

February 6: Calmed by Comfort

February 7: Tide of Love

February 8: All I Need

February 9: Rooted in God’s Kingdom

February 10: Not Done Yet

February 11: Led by Love

February 12: Perfect Father

February 13: Daybreak Is Coming

February 14: Satisfied Hope

February 15: Thread of Trust

February 16: Tapestry of Goodness

February 17: Indescribable Bounty

February 18: Steadfast Presence

February 19: Humanity of Heart

February 20: Undeterred Constant

February 21: Room to Feel

February 22: Constant Companion

February 23: Pure Affection

February 24: Signature of Love

February 25: Tethered to Freedom

February 26: It’s Not Forever

February 27: Without a Word

February 28: Confident Anticipation

March

March 1: Signature of Redemption

March 2: Much to Glean

March 3: Dwelling Place

March 4: In His Sight

March 5: Destiny of Freedom

March 6: Mercy Covering

March 7: Renewed Strength

March 8: My Portion

March 9: Endlessly Good

March 10: Safe Space

March 11: Path of Love

March 12: Not Cut Off

March 13: Held Together

March 14: Living Love

March 15: Unwavering Love

March 16: All Access Pass

March 17: Reflected in Loss

March 18: Stirring of Hope

March 19: Whispered Help

March 20: Detailed Gaze

March 21: Freedom in Honesty

March 22: Capacity Exceeded

March 23: Steady Grasp

March 24: Hidden in Love

March 25: Unhindered Connection

March 26: My Caretaker

March 27: Led in Victory

March 28: Entwined

March 29: Promises Kept

March 30: Healing Touch

March 31: Part of the Scope

April

April 1: House of Mercy

April 2: Champion Defender

April 3: Tranquility

April 4: So Very Near

April 5: Hurricane Force

April 6: Honorable Transparency

April 7: Divine Love

April 8: Flags of Courage

April 9: Calm and Clarity

April 10: Present in Struggle

April 11: Dare to Drink

April 12: Gracious Guide

April 13: No Empty Hope

April 14: Set Free

April 15: Venture to Know

April 16: Healing through Humility

April 17: Without a Veil

April 18: Not a Moment

April 19: Stay Closer

April 20: Armor of Loyalty

April 21: North Star

April 22: No Expiration Date

April 23: Overflowing Fountain

April 24: Simple Requirements

April 25: Dive Headfirst

April 26: Not a Beggar

April 27: Where Hope Grows

April 28: No Doubt

April 29: Stronger in Hope

April 30: Most Trustworthy

May

May 1: Garden of Growth

May 2: Comforting Words

May 3: Steady Hand

May 4: Feet of Jesus

May 5: Expanded Understanding

May 6: A Foretaste

May 7: Turned Over

May 8: Ever-flowing Tide

May 9: Carried by Grace

May 10: Redemptive Power

May 11: Declared Innocent

May 12: Peace in Turbulence

May 13: Essence of Truth

May 14: Sweet Message

May 15: Secret Strength

May 16: Fruit of Satisfaction

May 17: Purity of Kindness

May 18: Look No Further

May 19: Hallmark of Friendship

May 20: Covered by Covenant

May 21: Running In

May 22: Active Promises

May 23: The Final Word

May 24: None More Loyal

May 25: Look Differently

May 26: Refocus

May 27: Finishing Last

May 28: Choose Forgiveness

May 29: The Better Way

May 30: Process Invitation

May 31: No Bias

June

June 1: Unbroken Vow

June 2: Strength to Live

June 3: Tender Mercy

June 4: Just a Crumb

June 5: Present Goodness

June 6: Holy Help

June 7: Gentle Care

June 8: Opportunity for Grace

June 9: Whole Self

June 10: Cloud of Sorrow

June 11: Without Barriers

June 12: Law of Love

June 13: Past the Galaxy

June 14: Greatest Victory

June 15: Remarkable Presence

June 16: Every Generation

June 17: Sweet Presence

June 18: Yes You Are

June 19: Wealth of Wisdom

June 20: Burrow In

June 21: The Expert

June 22: Nothing to Offer

June 23: Unending River

June 24: Good Gifts

June 25: Ring Loudly

June 26: Fires of Testing

June 27: Now Word

June 28: Swept Into Peace

June 29: Resurrection Life

June 30: Constant Conversation

July

July 1: Refreshing Tide

July 2: Carry Me

July 3: Mourning Allowed

July 4: Pathways of Peace

July 5: Flowing Fountain

July 6: Met in the Mess

July 7: Solidarity

July 8: Unparalleled Wisdom

July 9: Eyes on You

July 10: Shedding the Old

July 11: The Safe Place

July 12: In the Depths

July 13: A Complex Song

July 14: Greater Liberty

July 15: Not a Limited Resource

July 16: My Only Defense

July 17: Mercy Nature

July 18: There Is More

July 19: Not Okay

July 20: Thread of Grace

July 21: Intense Love

July 22: In Equal Measure

July 23: Calming Compassion

July 24: Come Alive

July 25: Flesh and Spirit

July 26: Saturated

July 27: Ask for More

July 28: Soul Intuition

July 29: New Once More

July 30: Tears Counted

July 31: Tethered Hopes

August

August 1: Attentive

August 2: Reason for Joy

August 3: Scope of Life

August 4: Rest in the Embrace

August 5: State of Grief

August 6: The Same Love

August 7: Full of Questions

August 8: Ability to Persevere

August 9: Refreshed in Clarity

August 10: Not Sick of You

August 11: Hungry Heart

August 12: Allowed to Feel

August 13: Hold Me

August 14: Beautiful Fruit

August 15: Due Date

August 16: Reach of Plans

August 17: At Every Juncture

August 18: Light of Discernment

August 19: Around the Mountain

August 20: A Valuable Trait

August 21: Unchangeable

August 22: Swept to Sea

August 23: The Source

August 24: Temporary Returns

August 25: More Wisdom

August 26: Familiar with Suffering

August 27: Supernaturally Infused

August 28: Direction Challenge

August 29: At Home

August 30: Powerful Intention

August 31: Great Architect

September

September 1: Reflection of Compassion

September 2: Hope Revived

September 3: Standing on Love

September 4: Get Real

September 5: Incomparably Pure

September 6: Endless Sea of Love

September 7: Love Never Fails

September 8: Certainly Heard

September 9: Deep Springs

September 10: A Firm Rock

September 11: Forever Good

September 12: Courage of Love

September 13: A Shared Load

September 14: Endless Delight

September 15: When I Am Weak

September 16: In the Meantime

September 17: Promoting Peace

September 18: In the Details

September 19: Out of the Boat

September 20: Mercy Storehouse

September 21: Peace that Lasts

September 22: Passionate Love

September 23: Not a Surprise

September 24: Beautifully Humble

September 25: In Every Moment

September 26: If the Lord Wills

September 27: Best Version

September 28: Reality of Suffering

September 29: A Path Prepared

September 30: Unaffected Goodness

October

October 1: Bid for Connection

October 2: Refreshing Waterfall

October 3: Intention and Action

October 4: Rightly Qualified

October 5: In Every Promise

October 6: Unfaltering Delight

October 7: A New Facet

October 8: Silent Support

October 9: Strong Defender

October 10: Made Perfect

October 11: Song of Hope

October 12: Cradled

October 13: A Wonderful Thread

October 14: Still on Course

October 15: Inseparable

October 16: A Shared Life

October 17: Saturated

October 18: Mighty Deliverer

October 19: Restoration of Relationship

October 20: The Perfect Being

October 21: No One Like You

October 22: Half the Weight

October 23: Test It

October 24: Limited Energy

October 25: A Different Outcome

October 26: Beyond Beautiful

October 27: Nature of Love

October 28: Knit Together

October 29: Starting Fresh

October 30: Stand for Justice

October 31: I Need You

November

November 1: Mercy Remembered

November 2: Transformed by Kindness

November 3: Tuned In

November 4: That Is It

November 5: Wonder of Creativity

November 6: Heart Medicine

November 7: Help Always

November 8: A Necessity

November 9: Not Easily Swayed

November 10: Goodness Stored

November 11: On His Mind

November 12: Help for All

November 13: Special Merit

November 14: Intent on Knowing

November 15: Dig Your Heels In

November 16: Lovingly Devoted

November 17: Your Praise

November 18: No Parameters

November 19: Moving in Love

November 20: Asking Again

November 21: Already Working

November 22: The Helper

November 23: Keep Running

November 24: The Full Picture

November 25: A Sound Mind

November 26: No Striving

November 27: Total Fulfillment

November 28: Even Lions

November 29: Dream Big

November 30: Reign of Grace

December

December 1: Hasten the Day

December 2: Finding Belonging

December 3: An Open Book

December 4: This Present Moment

December 5: This Simple

December 6: Back Then

December 7: Get Up Again

December 8: A Simple Pursuit

December 9: The Perfect Standard

December 10: Liberated

December 11: Harnessing Fear

December 12: Under the Surface

December 13: Choose to Trust

December 14: Places of Need

December 15: Turn Your Thoughts

December 16: Responsible for Me

December 17: A Bright Blessing

December 18: A Father’s Help

December 19: A Distant Memory

December 20: Finished Work

December 21: Not a Disappointment

December 22: No Exceptions

December 23: Look at the Time

December 24: A Wonderful Reality

December 25: The Anticipated Messiah

December 26: Rushing Cleansing Waters

December 27: Giving Up Judgment

December 28: Greatest Confidence

December 29: Making Things Right

December 30: Remain Fixed

December 31: Cultivating Life

Introduction

God is the best source of comfort you will find. He knows you better than anyone else does, and he is full of understanding for every situation. Some days your heart may be filled with grief, some may hold a flicker of hope, and on others you might ache with desperate need. Lay your heart at the Father’s feet and wait for his compassionate response. You can trust him completely.

It is important in your process of grief to recognize your depth of loss and express it in whatever way you can in the moment. Let God be your strength as you cry out to him. He is listening to every word you say, and he longs to reach out and draw you in close.

January

You will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.

JEREMIAH 29:12 NIV

 

JANUARY 1

Eternal Comfort

May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal comfort and a wonderful hope, comfort you and strengthen you.

2 THESSALONIANS 2:16–17 NLT

In the tension of hopeful prospects for new beginnings and the pain of loss and disappointment, there is an invitation to take hold of God’s steady hand of grace. He offers us relief for our distress. He offers peace of mind for the racing thoughts that cycle back to the taunting what-ifs left in the wake of loss.

Jesus Christ himself is our peace. He is acquainted with suffering. Let us turn our hearts over to his comfort and strength as the Spirit wraps around us with love’s soothing embrace. His compassion completely covers us. We can find rest in his comfort today.

Father, I want to know your comforting embrace as I lift my heart toward you. I rely on your strength because I am running out of my own. Surround me with your perfect peace.

 

JANUARY 2

Beyond the Pain

This light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.

2 CORINTHIANS 4:17–18 ESV

When suffering clouds our minds and darkens our days, it can be difficult to imagine a different reality. Though we may feel beaten down by the death of disappointed dreams and hopes that will never materialize the way we had expected, this is not the end of our story.

In a shifting world, where the only certainty we can depend upon is change, let us remember that there is a greater eternal reality awaiting us. God’s expansive love carries us through the dark nights into the bright dawn of his mercy. May our eyes look past these temporary troubles to the eternal hope of his glorious kingdom where his light will never dim and our hopes will never be frustrated.

God, I trust that even when I cannot see your goodness and I struggle to believe for lighter days, you are faithful and true. I depend on you for vision. Let me see from your perspective. I need your help.

 

JANUARY 3

Called His Own

The LORD will not abandon His people on account of His great name, because the LORD has been pleased to make you a people for Himself.

1 SAMUEL 12:22 NASB

God’s great love is not dependent on our reception of it. His compassion does not waver when our hearts grow cold. He is gentle in loving leadership, knowing what we need in every moment. Our questions, our pain, even our accusations do nothing to dissuade his mercy.

He has called us his children. He claims us as his own. It is his parental prerogative to love us at our best and at our worst. We don’t need to worry on our hard days that we somehow run the risk of being disowned by our heavenly Father. He will never change his mind, and he will never leave us.

Perfect Father, I am so grateful for the revelation that you will never leave me. I don’t want to fight against you today; I want to be held by love. Draw close, God, and let me feel the relief of your presence.

 

JANUARY 4

Empowered to Hope

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

ROMANS 15:13 NRSV

When you struggle to grab hold of hope, there is no need to despair. When you run out of your reserves of courage, do not lose heart. You have access to the source of life itself. Where death has rocked your world, the Spirit’s life will breathe hope into your heart.

You were never meant to strive to believe. Surrender to the wisdom of God’s eternal Word, and the Holy Spirit will empower you with supernatural strength. Joy will be yours again. Peace will be your covering. Does it sound too good to be true? That is the good news that God offers! He will restore you; you will not be left untouched by his resurrection power.

God, I have no hope outside of you. When I struggle to see any goodness, would you empower me to see where you are already at work with your restoration power? I rely on you.

 

JANUARY 5

Look to Him

LORD, I know that people’s lives are not their own; it is not for them to direct their steps.

JEREMIAH 10:23 NIV

We cannot escape the sting of suffering in this life. Anyone denying its effects would be deemed a liar. Heartbreak is an unwelcome guest, though it can be used in the refiner’s fire to purify us. When grief comes barging through the door of our hearts, will we let it recklessly wreak havoc? Or will we allow our good Father to use it to filter out the impurities of our lives?

There is always an invitation in the pain. With God, death is not simply an ending point. It is an opportunity for rebirth, for resurrection, for new life. Will we let courage lead us into surrender as God does what he alone can do? He is the master restorer.

Lord, I surrender my heart to you today. I invite you into the intense pain of my grief. Comfort me as you purify me in your love. I know that sorrow does not last forever. I trust you.

 

JANUARY 6

Held by Love

The LORD is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed.

PSALM 34:18 NLT

When you buckle under the weight of your sadness, God, your comforter, is there to lift you up. He is supporting you as your legs give way under the heavy load of grief that you bear. If you remember only one thing today, let it be this: the Lord is near.

He will not let you waste away in your distress. He is your present help. He is your shield, your strength, and your defender. He is your rescuer. Even if you cannot sense him, know that he is with you. You cannot escape the grip of his mercy. You are held by love.

Lord, I need to know your nearness. I am desperate for your help, for relief. Spirit, cover me with your peace today. I cannot go on without you. Hold me close in comfort so I can hear the heartbeat of your love over me. I trust that you are here with me.

 

JANUARY 7

Help at Hand

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

In life, we cannot escape the circumstances that inevitably make us feel like we are in over our heads. We cannot fill ourselves with enough courage and wisdom to dismantle what we cannot understand. God is our help whenever we need it. He does not ridicule our weakness, nor does he expect perfection from our efforts.

God is full of strength and mercy; he is a faithful deliverer. He is closer than the breath in your lungs. He is your very source; he is your Creator. Will you stop your striving and let him help you? You don’t face any obstacle alone. Cry out to him at any time; your weakness will call on his strength, and he will not disappoint you.

Faithful Father, I call out to you today. I recognize that I have been discouraged by my inability to meet the needs around me. My capacity is more limited than I want to admit. Help me, God. I need you to come through!

 

JANUARY 8

Solid Ground

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

There is no shame in recognizing that you cannot lift yourself out of the trenches of despair on your own. God will not leave you to claw at the flimsy ropes of fleeting hope. In your desperation for relief, call out to the one who calls you by name. He is closer than you realize.

Here he is with mercy’s anchor. He already has his hand under you, ready to lift you up and out of the mire of despondency. You will find your feet on the firm rock of his unchanging nature. Where you have felt stuck, he will carry you out; your feet will find their footing on the bedrock of his strong love once again as you lean on his steady leadership.

My God, be my strong and constant support. I cannot climb my way out of the grief that tears at my soul, but I know I don’t need to. Carry me through until I can stand once more, leaning on your steady countenance.

 

JANUARY 9

Shield around Me

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

PSALM 3:3 ESV

When the storms of life rage, God will not leave you to be torn apart by the winds of adversity. He is a shield, a shelter, and a safe place to all who call on his name. He hems you into the garment of his love, hiding you in the commanding compassion of his heart.

The Lord your God surrounds you with the deliverance you have been crying out to receive. He lifts your head every time it drops. Even now, he puts his finger under your chin and beckons you to lift your eyes to his. Can you meet the intensity of his loving gaze? He sees you. He knows what is on your heart even if your lips can’t speak it. He is here with kindness and strength.

Loving God, help me see you as you are today. As my heart struggles to comprehend the capacity for pain and joy to coexist, will you give me a glimpse of your pure compassion once again?

 

JANUARY 10

Light of Love

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

No matter how dark the day is, there is always a brighter one ahead. Our faithful Father has given us such a strong hope to cling to in the inheritance of his Son. We belong to an everlasting kingdom that is ruled with the law of love as its standard. Let our hearts take hold of the glorious anticipation of the fullness of the freedom that is ours in Christ.

As children of God, we are not bound by fear. We are not shackled by sin and death. We are free in the love of our unrelenting, merciful King. May we not lose hope, for his kingdom will never be shaken. May we live as children of the light, knowing our sorrows are temporary but his power breaks every stronghold. His compassionate kindness knows no end.

Merciful One, I trust that you know exactly where I am. You won’t let me be overtaken by the grief I bear. Be with me in the sorrow and deliver me from the overwhelming weightiness that I cannot carry on my own. I need you.

 

JANUARY 11

Confident Hope

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

HEBREWS 11:1 NIV

As you turn your awareness toward God today, put away the disappointments of yesterday, even if just for the next few moments. Let the screen of your mind serve as a place of remembrance right now: of God’s unstoppable goodness, his breathtaking faithfulness, and attention to detail. Can you recall the confidence you once felt in his kindness toward you?

Though loss may strip you of your comfort, it can never remove the steadfast purposes of your good Father. Even as he mourns with you, holding you close and sharing your pain, he never loses sight of his unwavering intentions. Will you dare look to him now, without the lens of disenchantment clouding your understanding? You will find his attention on you. He is holding you close; let him love you to life in mercy’s embrace.

Unchanging One, I look to you today for a fresh perspective of grace. I want to know the grip of confident assurance in your goodness—hope that cannot fade. Let me see you as you are, not as my temporary circumstances may tempt me to believe. I still believe that you are good.

 

JANUARY 12

So Much Grace

From his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.

JOHN 1:16 NRSV

In the never-ending flow of love’s mercy-tide, you are being washed new over and over again. There is more grace than there are opportunities for failure. Do not get sidetracked by your own dissatisfaction—with yourself, with others, or with God. Every moment is the chance for a fresh start.

God’s love is not finite. It isn’t something that can be measured. It is limitless, always flowing freely, like a rushing river whose source is pure love. Stand under the waterfall of his kindness today and let your worries and failures be washed away in its cleansing flow. There is so much grace for you!

Gracious God, I stand under your abundant tide of compassion today. Wash me afresh in your Spirit’s renewal. I know that I will be better for it. What a wonderful mystery that you are full of abundance at all times. I’m so thankful to be yours.

 

JANUARY 13

Come Again

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

PSALM 119:28 TPT

In the deluge of overwhelming sorrow, there is no amount of self-motivation that can bring relief. But there is one who holds us in comfort, offering strength for frailty and consolation for our grief. He is the breath of life, the master restorer, the only wise God.

When we have nothing left, no answers for the questions floating just under the surface, there is only one place to turn to for real relief. When we invite God to raise our awareness to the reality of his nearness, we will find hope where a moment before there was none. As we tune our hearts to his voice, we will hear the words of life he is already speaking over us.

Ever-Present God, let me hear your voice and sense your nearness once again. You are the only deep relief I have in the midst of my distress. Fill me with your words of life and let my heart take courage as you reveal your goodness even in this.

 

JANUARY 14

Learning to Rest

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

PSALM 62:5 ESV

There is no shame in admitting that you need more time to rest in this season. Don’t keep pushing yourself to the brink. Instead, know that there is grace for you to take a step back. Loss does this well: it strips away the unnecessary so you clearly see what matters to you and what needs not be a priority right now.

Take the time to rest; sleep when you can, spend time with those who know and love you well, and let out every emotion that rises in you. You may need more time alone than you or your loved ones are accustomed to. And that is okay. There is beauty in the waiting. Recovery happens in rest. Let yourself become acquainted with the quiet places. God will speak to you there.

Loving Father, I need your help to lay down the guilt of having less margin in this season. I don’t want to disappoint others, but I know that I need to prioritize rest as my whole being grieves. Give me grace to know you in the quiet places. Renew me, Lord.

 

JANUARY 15

Rooted in Goodness

I would have despaired unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.

PSALM 27:13 NASB

In the desperation of loss that looks for any hints of goodness, it can feel like we’re grasping at straws. Thankfully, our God is always working, sometimes under the surface while at other times clearly in our view. We have not reached the end of his faithfulness or the limits of his lovingkindness, for there are none.

We can take hope, even if it simply feels like the refusal to despair, that we will continue to see the goodness of the Lord in this life. His mercy is weaving every part of our stories into a beautiful tapestry of redemption. We will one day see clearly that the fingerprints of his loyal love are all over our lives. Take hope.

Good God, let me catch a glimpse of your goodness at work in my life today. I know that I can trust you, for you never fail. Give my heart courage as I continually cling to you in faith, believing for a better tomorrow.

 

JANUARY 16

Unload the Burdens

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”

MATTHEW 11:28–29 NIV

Will you lay your heavy burdens at the feet of Jesus today? He is waiting with kindness in his countenance and endless strength to support you. There is no need to keep crawling along on your own waning resources. He has fresh mercy to feed your soul today. He has new grace to give you.

What areas of your life feel especially overwhelming? Invite God’s able hand to move on your behalf and bind your heart to his. As you partner with him, he will do all the heavy lifting. Rest now in the conviction that he will take care of you. You don’t need to shoulder any worry. Let him lift the heaviness that you can’t seem to shake. He is able.

Mighty God, I partner with you today. I offer you all of my heaviness and the concerns that keep mounting on each other. I depend on your strength and power to move in my life. Let my soul know true rest today.

 

JANUARY 17

Even More

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

When loss steals our joy, and we cannot imagine ever feeling okay again, even then we are not alone. We are enfolded by grace, and compassion is our constant covering. We must not let our hearts despair in thinking that we have depleted God’s kindness. That’s not possible!

Today, there is more grace to carry us through as well as to empower us to live. When we realize our need, God is ready to infuse us with his endless mercy. In our humility, God meets us with his generous mercy. There is an abundance available to us right here and now. It’s as simple as inviting him into this moment.

Gracious King, you are the one I depend upon today. I have no strength left of my own. I have nothing to offer you but myself, and that doesn’t feel like much. Pour into me today with the mercy of your Spirit. Be near.

 

JANUARY 18

Positioned for Rescue

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

In your weakest moments, you have not failed God. In the frailty of your humanity, you have not disappointed him. When the only cry of your heart is a desperate plea for relief, God your Redeemer is at hand. He will not leave you to waste away in your pain. He has not abandoned you.

When you have no more strength to even lift your head, God will be the one to lift it. He will not let you be taken out by the suffering of your soul. He is here with resurrection life, breathing his love into your being. He will pull you out of the pit of despair and place your feet in a wide-open space. You will dance again.

Savior, I need you more than I can say. I have run out of words to express my deep need. Rescue me from the overwhelming darkness I feel! Come quickly, Lord.

 

JANUARY 19

Ask Again

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

JOB 6:8 ESV

Do not let your disappointment turn to defeat. Cry out to God as many times as it takes. He does not tire of your requests; he surely hears each one. Don’t censor yourself with your Maker. He already knows you, but it’s just as important that you build the connection of real relationship on your end.

God does not want a superficial, perfect version of you. He just wants you. Let him into the process of your pain. There’s no use in pretending that you have it all together. Let him love you, just as you are in this moment, and don’t hold back your requests even if they are the same as yesterday. He does not grow weary of the offering of the real you. You can be sure of this: he will not let you down in the end.

God, I cry out to you from the depths of my soul. Here I am, all of me. I won’t be afraid to show you the vulnerable places of my heart. I will not stop asking you to meet me in the mess of my jumbled emotions. Draw near, Lord, even now.

 

JANUARY 20

My Sustainer

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

PSALM 16:1 NKJV

When sorrow is a stormy gale, upsetting your inner world, God is the same unchanging one. His steadfast love is the anchor that holds you in place. His constant compassion is the shelter that covers you. He will sustain you in the fiercest storm. He will keep you safe.

Though storms shake what can be shaken, there is a foundation that cannot be moved. God will not let you be lost to the winds of regret. His love is strong and able, and it is the rock upon which you stand. Even when you cannot stand, it is the bed you lay upon. It will never be destroyed.

Sustainer, I trust that even when I cannot see you, you are with me. I believe that you will not let the grief I bear be the end of me. Though I struggle to find it, I trust that I will see your goodness as clear as day in my life again. Keep me close and revive my weary heart!

 

JANUARY 21

He Can Take It

Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

1 PETER 5:7 NRSV

The presence of anxiety does nothing to change your identity as God’s chosen child. Just as a good parent invites all of their child’s emotions, so it is the same with your good Father. He has endless wisdom to handle all of life’s problems. Why carry the heaviness of your fretful thoughts when you have a wise and patient counselor available?

Let today be the day you choose to lay out all your fears before God. They are not too much for him to bear, and they certainly won’t overwhelm him. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. Let him be your help.

Father, I lay out all of my weighty worry and the angst within my soul plainly before you. Here, you can have it all. Will you speak truth over me today? Fill my mind with your insights that bring peace and flood my heart with your kindness. I know that you see things more clearly than I do, and I trust your perspective.

 

JANUARY 22

Help Is Right Here

From the depths of despair, O LORD, I call for your help.

PSALM 130:1 NLT

There is no disappointment so great that it displaces the reality of God’s love. Though you may feel disheartened and discouraged, God has not changed. He has not pulled away from you. He is abundant in mercy in every moment. He is generous with his grace—just a breath away.

What if today you took God at his word? What if you believed that he would help you in whatever way you need? What difference would that make to your requests? Would you ask bigger, bolder prayers? Lay the fear aside and let your heart lead the way to the throne of the miracle maker.

Lord, I am laying aside my small thinking today and inviting you into the bigness of my loss. I know that you are larger than my discontent. I believe you will provide for me in ways that astound me. I am banking on your Word that says you are better than I can ever imagine.

 

JANUARY 23

No Need to Despair

“Don’t worry, because I am with you. Don’t be afraid, because I am your God. I will make you strong and will help you; I will support you with my right hand that saves you.”

ISAIAH 41:10 NCV

With God at our side, there is no reason to give over to worry. We need not abandon ourselves to the distress of our current situations with the mighty Savior as our help. No matter what we face, God’s power is stronger. His love cannot be overcome though we can be overwhelmed by the liquid love of his presence.

When the voice of despair sounds convincing, may we hear the whisper of God that breaks through with truth. Every Word of God is life-giving. His Word gives strength to the weak and clear perspective to the confused mind. His Word will never strip you of hope; rather, it breathes courage to the weary heart. Which voice will you believe today?

God my help, speak your words of life over me again. I want to know your perspective which is so much broader than my limited scope. I don’t want to be lost to despair. Fill me with the courage that your living Word brings.

 

JANUARY 24

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 33:22 TPT

God has gone to war on your behalf, and he is already victorious. When Jesus rose from the dead and ascended to the right hand of his Father in heaven, all power of death was broken once and for all. He broke the chains of sin that would keep you stuck in cycles of destruction. You are free.

Beloved, even in times of great grief, nothing can change what God has already done. You are his, and you are alive in the freedom of his forever kingdom. Trust him even when you are overcome with sorrow. He will take the tears that you weep and use them to water the seeds of his kingdom; just you wait and see. Lean back now in the loving embrace of your Father.

Dearest Father, I am undone at the thought that you could use even the most painful experiences of my life for your glory. Do what only you can do. You are my hope, and I put all my confidence in you. Here’s my heart, Lord; it is yours!

 

JANUARY 25

Love Pours In

Hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.

ROMANS 5:5 ESV

Does your heart feel depleted today? Or do you feel a glimmer of hope where before there was just despair? No matter the state of your heart, the Spirit of God is ready to pour more love into you today. The river of God’s mercy is always flowing; it’s never stagnant. As long as it is called “today,” there is fresh mercy for you to receive.

There is more revelation available to you, so don’t be afraid to ask for greater measure. There is no lack in God’s love; there is an overflowing abundance. Will you invite God to pour more of his great love into your heart today? The Holy Spirit is always close; there’s no need to go looking for pure affection. It is already yours, here and now.

Merciful One, I long for a fresh taste of your mercy today. Would you meet me with your goodness? I long for a new revelation of your love. Pour into me as I open my heart wider to you until I am consumed by the glory of your presence within me.

 

JANUARY 26

Limitless Love

Your lovingkindness, O LORD, extends to the heavens, Your faithfulness reaches to the skies.

PSALM 36:5 NASB

Do not worry; you have not reached the end of God’s faithfulness. He is not done writing your story, and every promise he has made he will follow through on. Will you shift your gaze from your disappointment to his vow of unending love today?

As you consider the expanse of God’s loyal love, do not be discouraged by the limits of your own. He is your source; let him fill you up until you are brimming with the wonder of his ways. He will never fall short of his Word. Align your mind with his nature, remembering how good he has been. He is still good and he always will be.

Good God, I need a fresh touch of your mercy that awakens my heart to hope once again. I cannot conjure up awe on my own. Let me see the glory of your ways clearly today. I am ready for a new revelation of the greatness of your love.

 

JANUARY 27

Always Good

The LORD is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him.

LAMENTATIONS 3:25 NIV

When we are in the middle of a dark night, it can be difficult to hope for a new day’s coming. Yet it will dawn all the same. In our souls we wrestle with the reality that life won’t be the same after this. It won’t. When day breaks, we will see that there is new fruit growing that we have not known before this. Though it is different, it will be sweet.

God is always good. He does not replace our shattered dreams with cheap substitutions. He is so much better than that. There will be a new way of life that is much deeper than what we had experienced before. Where pain digs a deep well within us, God uses it to expand our capacity for love and understanding. You will see that even in deep suffering, God plants seeds of redemption.

Lord, I have to believe that you will bring me through this time of deep sorrow with consolation. Would you give me a glimpse of the goodness that is coming so I may taste hope again? Meet me here in the midst of my grief.

 

JANUARY 28

New Life Coming

To all who mourn in Israel, he will give a crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair. In their righteousness, they will be like great oaks that the LORD has planted for his own glory.

ISAIAH 61:3 NLT

As surely as the sun rises each morning in the east and sets each evening in the west, so God’s redemption is just as dependable. When we look and see ashes where there once stood a vibrant life, we can be sure that God will bring beauty. When our days begin and end with racking sobs of deep grief, we can know that God’s comfort will not simply settle us. The fruit of the seeds of sorrow will be joy.

Your roots are growing deeper in the love of God, even now. Though the growing pains are sharp, the resulting expansion of new life will be so much greater than you can imagine. Trust the gardener of your heart to tend to you. He is gentle and his skill is unmatched.

Refiner, I rest in the knowledge of your nearness today. You have not left me to waste away in my grief. I believe that I will see your goodness again as clear as day; everything you put your hand to is marked by your glory. I trust that this season will be no different.

 

JANUARY 29

Everything I Need

“The LORD is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore I will hope in him.”

LAMENTATIONS 3:24 ESV

We will never find the satisfaction of what we need outside of what we already have access to right now. Our God meets with us in the depths of our souls, filling us with his Spirit that brings life. He has already made provision for every need we have. There’s no reason to fear that we will go without.

When was the last time you were confident of God’s present goodness? When was the last time you tasted his sweet kindness in your life? He has not changed. What a wonder that he doesn’t change his faithfulness to match our faith. He is the same, yesterday, today, and forever. He is your plentiful portion.