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This is the day the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24 NLT Some days are rough. The circumstances of life can be overwhelming, frustrating, or discouraging. Perhaps you're wondering how this could possibly be a day to rejoice in. Shift your focus a little. What were you doing two hundred years ago? Absolutely nothing. You had never seen the sun, known love or friendship, breathed in the winter air, eaten a delicious meal, or laughed until your sides hurt. You didn't know about any of these things because you didn't exist. But now, by God's grace, you do, and your life is precious. Every single day bears an opportunity to be glad. As you reflect on these devotional entries, Scriptures, and prayers, thank God for giving you another day to live, laugh, and love. He created time; each moment representing a testimony to his goodness. Find an abundance of joy, hope, peace, and strength as you walk through the day with God at your side. This is a day to rejoice and be glad. SPECIAL 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. - Metallic, pearl, or matte foil finishing touches are elegantly placed to enhance certain features, capturing attention and adding class for an aesthetic appeal. - 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. - Uncoated woodfree paper is of premium quality and thickness, lending itself to long-lasting vivid coloration and durability. - A coordinating sturdy zippered closure allows you to tuck important extras inside. - A beautiful satin ribbon marker conveniently keeps your place so you can quickly pick up where you left off.
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this is the day
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9781424565801
9781424565818 (eBook)
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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. 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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January
January 1: Fresh and New
January 2: Just Pray
January 3: Show Me Your Glory
January 4: The Giver of Good Gifts
January 5: Ask Anything
January 6: Cry Like a Baby
January 7: A Safe Place
January 8: Wonderful Counselor
January 9: Lifetime Guarantee
January 10: Twirling with Joy
January 11: Truly Awesome
January 12: Only for You
January 13: Be Healed
January 14: All Comfort
January 15: Beyond Your Sight
January 16: I Want to Yearn
January 17: Better than Life
January 18: Make My Day
January 19: His
January 20: Laid Low
January 21: Your Ways
January 22: Season of Suffering
January 23: The Gift in the Struggle
January 24: The Path to Peace
January 25: Get Wise
January 26: Rock Solid
January 27: The Me You See
January 28: So Much Love
January 29: The Best
January 30: You Are Gifted
January 31: A Greater Work
February
February 1: Sweep My Heart
February 2: Give Him Your Worry
February 3: Claim Your Peace
February 4: Sight Unseen
February 5: Seek to Do Good
February 6: Yes Please
February 7: More than Gold
February 8: Hot Mess
February 9: In His Light
February 10: Worth It
February 11: Heart Directions
February 12: He Will Be Found
February 13: Free to Rest
February 14: Speaking Truth
February 15: Keep Going
February 16: The Eternal You
February 17: Consider His Hand
February 18: As You Will
February 19: Go to the Garden
February 20: A Guarded Heart
February 21: Hesitant
February 22: A Humble Heart
February 23: Grounded
February 24: Steadfast Wisdom
February 25: Join Together
February 26: Never Alone
February 27: Lovely and Pure
February 28: Our Rock
March
March 1: Mighty God
March 2: No Greater Love
March 3: Courageous
March 4: United as One
March 5: Hate Evil
March 6: Everlasting Love
March 7: Keep Calm
March 8: Delightful
March 9: Don’t Panic
March 10: Eternal Gift
March 11: Example of Love
March 12: Hope in His Word
March 13: Not a Quitter
March 14: Thrill of the Hunt
March 15: Abundant Rain
March 16: Rest Easy
March 17: You Don’t Have to Fight
March 18: Faithful without Fail
March 19: His Love Song
March 20: Intimate Friendship
March 21: Shout His Goodness
March 22: The Best Outfit
March 23: Growing Trust
March 24: Ask Confidently
March 25: Wildest Dreams
March 26: Victory over Struggles
March 27: Effortlessly Good
March 28: Stand Your Ground
March 29: You Can Always Pray
March 30: Your Thought Life
March 31: Time of Day
April
April 1: Made Whole
April 2: Worth Worrying About
April 3: Light of Love
April 4: No Need to Fear
April 5: Stepping Out
April 6: Faithful in Prayer
April 7: Praise Him
April 8: No Grudges
April 9: Much Stronger
April 10: Working with Joy
April 11: The Rock
April 12: Prone to Wander
April 13: Great Bonus
April 14: Refreshment Source
April 15: Nothing Hidden
April 16: Intimately Fashioned
April 17: Search and Find
April 18: A Beautiful Sound
April 19: Living Abundantly
April 20: Agape Love
April 21: Feast of Love
April 22: Place Your Hope in God
April 23: Crowned with Love
April 24: Forgotten Failure
April 25: A Peaceful Place
April 26: Quiet Beauty
April 27: Joy Is a Choice
April 28: Lasting Comfort
April 29: More than Seasonal Compassion
April 30: Deepest Contentment
May
May 1: Not Against Us
May 2: In the Darkness
May 3: The Lifeline
May 4: White as Wool
May 5: Set Free!
May 6: Friends in the Fight
May 7: A Beautiful Day
May 8: Glorious Cycle
May 9: Full of Guidance
May 10: All Promises Kept
May 11: Passions Become Weapons
May 12: Joy Always
May 13: Love Definition
May 14: Nothing Wrong
May 15: One Step at a Time
May 16: Sacrifice of Praise
May 17: He Cannot Lie
May 18: A Perfect Path
May 19: Salvation through Humility
May 20: Thirst Satisfied
May 21: No Comparison
May 22: Rich Rewards
May 23: The Way to Victory
May 24: Consumed?
May 25: Joyfully Wait
May 26: Inseparable
May 27: Setting My Affection
May 28: Intelligent Love
May 29: He Likes to Be Thanked
May 30: God Sings
May 31: The One You Worship
June
June 1: Wiser than You
June 2: Precious, Honored, Loved
June 3: Lift My Heavy Heart
June 4: Not Home Yet
June 5: Image Bearer
June 6: Facial Expressions
June 7: Inward Renewal
June 8: Delayed Obedience
June 9: Betrayed with a Kiss
June 10: Little Offerings
June 11: Simply Gentle
June 12: Where You Walk
June 13: Hiding His Word
June 14: A Dull Heart
June 15: Meditation
June 16: Open My Eyes
June 17: My Counselors
June 18: He Remembers
June 19: Okay to Be Weak
June 20: It Is Finished
June 21: Fueled by Love
June 22: Fear Not
June 23: The Story Isn’t Finished
June 24: Labels
June 25: Quick Fix
June 26: Help Me Remember
June 27: You Can’t Control the Rain
June 28: Limitations
June 29: Reward of Perseverance
June 30: Don’t Quit
July
July 1: Past, Present, Future
July 2: A Full Life
July 3: A Guarded Mind
July 4: Promise of Freedom
July 5: Lifelong Slavery
July 6: Inseparable
July 7: Steady Love
July 8: Rules, Rules, Rules
July 9: Rooted and Established
July 10: Much Better
July 11: After Sin
July 12: Get a Glimpse
July 13: Thoughts on Beauty
July 14: A Willing Heart
July 15: Cultivating Kindness
July 16: Really Rich
July 17: No Surprises
July 18: Help Me Get Dressed
July 19: Ready to Forgive
July 20: Rejoice
July 21: Consider the Sparrows
July 22: Seeing Past Me
July 23: Our Creator
July 24: Praise the Lord
July 25: Tug-of-War
July 26: Ransomed
July 27: Stop It
July 28: The Ancient Path
July 29: The Do-Over
July 30: Two Are Better
July 31: The Greatest Commandment
August
August 1: God’s Promises
August 2: Transferred and Transformed
August 3: A Broken Heart
August 4: Faith without Sight
August 5: Blind Trust
August 6: Contented Strength
August 7: Deer Feet
August 8: Fix Your Thoughts
August 9: Forgetting
August 10: Forgiveness
August 11: Temptation
August 12: Chosen by God
August 13: He Is Enough
August 14: He Understands
August 15: Hope in God
August 16: In His Image
August 17: My Guide
August 18: Put on Your Belt
August 19: Slipping
August 20: God of All Comfort
August 21: Wait for the Lord
August 22: Beauty Measured
August 23: Don’t Just Sit There
August 24: Heavy Baggage
August 25: In Need of Grace
August 26: Open Arms
August 27: Falling Blessings
August 28: Mr. Fix It
August 29: For the Sake of Others
August 30: No Longer Slaves
August 31: Surrounded by Gifts
September
September 1: Breathe Again
September 2: Prioritizing Relationship
September 3: My Healer
September 4: Weapon against Doubt
September 5: Increased Measure of Faith
September 6: Difficult to Love
September 7: Need for Courage
September 8: Don’t Be Afraid
September 9: Broken Promises
September 10: Easing Heartache
September 11: Of Zero Value
September 12: God’s Love
September 13: Doing Good
September 14: Light in the Darkness
September 15: The Most Inspiring
September 16: Need for Friendship
September 17: No Conditions
September 18: Loved through Loss
September 19: Absolute Certainty
September 20: A Beautiful Gift
September 21: He Is Strong
September 22: Sweet Relief
September 23: A Clean Slate
September 24: List of Needs
September 25: Faithful Friend
September 26: Desperate for a Savior
September 27: Met in Grief
September 28: Temporary Struggles
September 29: Never Left
September 30: The Gateway to Life
October
October 1: Courage beyond Capacity
October 2: Never Hopeless
October 3: I Am Enough
October 4: Life-Giving Joy
October 5: Love Completely
October 6: Insatiable Monster
October 7: The Burden of Worry
October 8: Learned Thankfulness
October 9: Our Example of Compassion
October 10: Praise Always
October 11: The Lord’s Delight
October 12: Promises Fulfilled
October 13: Victory over Sin
October 14: Wasted Worry
October 15: Next
October 16: The Inspiring Word
October 17: The Last Leg
October 18: Like None Other
October 19: Created for a Purpose
October 20: Free to Live
October 21: The Yes To
October 22: Make a Change
October 23: He Cares Uniquely
October 24: Weight of Worry
October 25: Compassion Never Ceases
October 26: Good and Perfect
October 27: Truly Awesome
October 28: No Darkness
October 29: Just Say No
October 30: Real Love
October 31: Sing
November
November 1: The Struggle Will End
November 2: Continue in Christ
November 3: Satisfied
November 4: Chased by Grace
November 5: Provision for the Generous
November 6: He Rejoices over You
November 7: The Many Wonders of God
November 8: Radiant Reflection
November 9: Continual Praise
November 10: The Good Father
November 11: Gracious
November 12: Understand and Accept
November 13: The Goodness in Waiting
November 14: In the Light
November 15: Best Day Ever
November 16: As I Should Be
November 17: Buried Talents
November 18: Thorns
November 19: Bloom Where You Are Planted
November 20: Starting Over
November 21: Found Delightful
November 22: Stronghold
November 23: Worthy
November 24: Father Knows Best
November 25: Stored Goodness
November 26: Water of Life
November 27: False Expectations
November 28: Leveling Up
November 29: Guided
November 30: Trustworthy
December
December 1: Rocks Don’t Change
December 2: His Purpose for You
December 3: Just Because
December 4: An Incomprehensible Gift
December 5: Tell Your Story
December 6: Now I Am Found
December 7: Lifted and Loved
December 8: Debt of Love
December 9: A Patient Promise
December 10: Convinced of Love
December 11: Returned Love
December 12: His Riches
December 13: True Love
December 14: Totally Committed
December 15: Abiding Love
December 16: Steadfast Love
December 17: Your Eyes Will See
December 18: Unhindered
December 19: Found in a Desert
December 20: Collected Tears
December 21: Peace in the Eternal Gift
December 22: The Love-Joy Life
December 23: Charity
December 24: He Teaches Me Acceptance
December 25: Boldly Proclaim
December 26: He Delights in You
December 27: Dressed for the Weather
December 28: Undeserved Gifts
December 29: Eternally Blessed
December 30: Origin of Strength
December 31: Load of Anxiety
Some days are rough. The circumstances of life can be overwhelming, frustrating, or discouraging. Perhaps you’re wondering how this could possibly be a day to rejoice in. Shift your focus a little. What were you doing two hundred years ago? Absolutely nothing. You had never seen the sun, known love or friendship, breathed in the winter air, eaten a delicious meal, or laughed until your sides hurt. You didn’t know about any of these things because you didn’t exist. But now, by God’s grace, you do, and your life is precious. Every single day bears an opportunity to be glad.
As you reflect on these devotional entries, Scriptures, and prayers, thank God for giving you another day to live, laugh, and love. He created time; each moment representing a testimony to his goodness. Find an abundance of joy, hope, peace, and strength as you walk through the day with God at your side.
This is the day to rejoice and be glad.
Therefore, 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.
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. Instead, there is the tender love of our Father’s heart, flowing down in abundance upon us, making us new.
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.
He will pray to God, and God will delight in him. That person will see his face with a shout of joy, and God will restore his righteousness to him.
JOB 33:26 CSB
It’s easy to become overwhelmed by expectations. We want to fit in, to belong, but the formula is constantly changing, and it’s hard to know whose standards we should shoot for: family, work, friends, society, social media…who decides what’s acceptable?
Look carefully at the verse. What must we do in order to be accepted by God? Must we have our acts together, our sinful habits conquered, our church attendance perfect? No. Just pray. We pray to God, and he welcomes us in. Scrubbed and shiny or worse for wear, it’s all the same to him. He sees you, he hears you, and he invites you into his joyful presence.
Father, help me to remember yours is the standard of acceptance that matters most, and that just by praying I’ve already met it. Thank you for loving me as I am.
The LORD said to Moses, “I will also do this thing that you have spoken; for you have found grace in My sight, and I know you by name.” And he said, “Please, show me Your glory.”
EXODUS 33:17-18 NKJV
The sky is gray. Rain is falling, and your hair is just not happening. Last night’s dishes clutter the sink, and a mountain of mail covers the counter. Everywhere you look, beauty seems to be taking a break.
Close your eyes. Say his name. Jesus. Now open them, and look again. See that little spot of blue sky, that single ray of light sneaking through the clouds? Notice the water drops resting on the hostas. Remember the tasty meal that created the mess. The mail may still be jumbled, and your hair may still be doing its own thing, but beauty is here, always, just one sweet word away. Jesus. Let his glory inform your sight.
Lord, when I focus on you, when I say your name, I can’t help but see beauty all around me. Thank you for the surprise and delight of discovering beauty in unexpected places.
Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow.
JAMES 1:17 NASB
Count your blessings. It’s become a phrase we throw around so often, it may have lost its meaning. But seriously, have you ever done it? Where do we begin? According to this verse in the book of James, every good thing in our lives is a blessing. Every good thing. Ready? Go.
Maybe today is “one of those days,” and you’re having trouble getting started. Your home, work, and social life all seem more like burdens than blessings. It’s okay. Just begin here, with the greatest blessing of them all:
Father, you are the giver of good gifts. Even on the days I can’t see any good, I can still see you. I always have my Father in heaven, unchanging, sending down blessings like rays of light.
This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him.
1 JOHN 5:14-15 NIV
Think of a time you wanted something, maybe from a parent or your boss, but you were afraid to ask. Why were you afraid? Perhaps you feared you didn’t deserve it. Or possibly, you wanted it, but you also knew it wasn’t necessarily good for you. Whether you’re an adult asking for a day off work or a teenager asking for permission to stretch a curfew, it can be difficult to ask boldly for what you want, especially if you’re not entirely certain you should have it.
Take heart in these words from 1 John, and know that when you place your relationship with God as your top priority, you can ask him for anything. Anything! When we most desire to be in his will, he gladly grants our other requests.
God, you are my deepest desire. Knowing I can come to you with my needs, my dreams, and my unspoken longings brings comfort to my soul. Boldly, I lay my requests at your feet. I know the answer will be just what I need.
As one whom his mother comforts, so I will comfort you; you shall be comforted in Jerusalem. You shall see, and your heart shall rejoice.
ISAIAH 66:13-14 ESV
Few images are more peaceful than that of a mother sweetly comforting her child. Imagine the tenderness of her embrace and the gentleness of her voice. This is the picture God gave Isaiah to explain how he comforts us when we let him. So let him. Give up the struggle, and let him.
It’s okay to cry like a baby. It’s okay to just close your eyes and snuggle into his arms. He wants you there! Listen to the sound of his voice; listen to how much he loves you. Fall in with his gentle sway, and let him fill you with his joy.
Father, I need you. I need you to hold me and love me and tell me everything’s going to be okay. Help me settle into your embrace, to stop struggling. Whisper in my ear, “I’ve got you, dear one. I’ve got you.”
My God is my rock. I can run to him for safety. He is my shield and my saving strength, my defender and my place of safety. The LORD saves me from those who want to harm me.
2 SAMUEL 22:3 NCV
In some seasons of life, the attacks seem to come from all sides. Just as we find shelter from the arrows in the east, the spears arrive from the north. When the Old Testament was written, these battles were literal: the arrows were actual arrows.
Today, the arrows look more like bank statements, work pressures, and ailing parents, but our source of refuge is the very same. God is your safe place. When you run to him, he is always there; he will defend, protect, and deliver you from whatever you face. His deliverance may not look like you imagine, but if you trust him, it will come.
My God, you are my rock. You are my safety, my best defense, and my only salvation. I stand on your promise, I rest in your love, and I wait for your deliverance.
You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
PSALM 16:11 ESV
In high school, we wonder what to do with our lives—what college to attend, what area of study to pursue, and even which of our friendships are building us up. The guidance counselor is just down the hall. The door is usually open and advice is wisely dispensed. We leave feeling lighter, more certain about our next move. The process is pretty simple.
Jesus gives us the Holy Spirit, a wonderful counselor. When we take our questions to him, he not only shines the light on our next steps, he does something more: he fills us with joy. When the Lord guides the way, we move confidently, joyfully, from one place of promise to the next.
Holy Spirit, be my guide. I choose to walk with you; I trust the path you have for me to travel, and I eagerly await the fullness of your joy.
I certainly believed that I would see the goodness of the lORD In the land of the living. Wait for the LORD; Be strong and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait for the LORD.
PSALM 27:13-14 NASB
Would you give your heart to someone you knew would break it, or accept a job you knew you’d be fired from? Probably not. Faced with a grave illness, you wouldn’t undergo a treatment that was certain to fail. It’s hope that invites us to commit. We aren’t guaranteed an unbroken heart, a 40-year career, or a full recovery, but because it’s possible, we move forward.
There is one promise, one guarantee we can hang our very lives on. God is good. He wants good for us, and if we hope in him, we will have it. Grab onto this promise. Believe it, and wait for him to fulfill it.
Lord, I believe you. I place my hope in you, and I will wait—all my life—for you. Your promises are true, your word is my courage, and your love is my strength.
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 true 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.
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. This is God; this is your Father! He 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.
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. And the fact that you love me—in all my imperfection—is more than I can fathom. Truly, you alone are worthy of my praise.
No king is saved by the multitude of an army; A mighty man is not delivered by great strength. A horse is a vain hope for safety; Neither shall it deliver any by its great strength. Behold, the eye of the LORD is on those who fear Him, On those who hope in His mercy.
PSALM 33:16-18 NKJV
Some of the most beautiful voices will never be heard on the radio. Many truly brilliant athletes will never compete at the highest level, and countless gifted business people will launch companies that fail. Giftedness, preparation, and resources are no guarantee of our plans succeeding. And when they don’t, we can’t help but ask, “God, you made me great at this, so where is my success?”
The people behind us, our abilities, and our resources aren’t the key. Only God decides if, when, and how we succeed, and it may not look a thing like we imagined. When things that “should” work out, don’t work out, it’s time to shift our perspective—to his. Maybe your voice is meant just for him, or to be a blessing and comfort to someone close to you. Your athletic ability may be leading you to coaching. Success and its measure are decided by God alone.
God, I thank you for the gifts you have given me, and I surrender them to you. I will measure my success not in worldly terms, but by the pleasure I feel from you. I will run, sing, dance, and dream only for you.
The wellspring of life is with you. By means of your light we see light.
PSALM 36:9 CSB
When you’re thirsty, do you run to the desert or the fountain? Stumbling in the darkness, do you fumble for the light, or squeeze your eyes shut? In need of comfort, we seek out relief. In need of illumination, we seek the light.
God is both; he is all. He is the fountain for our thirst, the light for our path. The Lord satisfies our hunger, answers our questions, and heals our hurts. All we have to do, the one necessary thing, is to come to him. He can only quench us if we drink of him. In order to see light, we must enter it. Open your mouth; drink deeply. Open your eyes and see. Come into his presence and be healed.
Father, I’ve been wandering in this desert for so long, my eyes squeezed tightly against the blowing, drifting sands. Draw me into your presence! I lay my needs, my questions, and my doubts at your feet. Eyes wide open, I bathe in your light.
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.
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.
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. He is there, listening, waiting to guide you through.
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. You show me what otherwise can’t be seen, and for this I thank you and praise you.
God, you are my God; I eagerly seek you. I thirst for you; my body faints for you in a land that is dry, desolate, and without water.
PSALM 63:1 CSB
What is your deepest, truest desire? Is there something—or someone—you’d wander through the desert for? Few of us can honestly say we yearn for God with the marrow-deep longing of King David, but don’t let this verse shame you into believing you are not “spiritual enough.” More likely, we don’t share the desperation simply because we’ve never enjoyed the same intimacy the “man after God’s own heart” had with him.
Rather than feeling guilty for not equaling David’s passion, let us see this verse as an invitation, as a glimpse into the depth of relationship that’s possible with our Father. Just imagine the communion and the pure joy that inspired such a desperate cry for his presence. Ask him for a taste.
Lord, I know that the longings of my heart can never compare to the glory of knowing you intimately. I want to want you like King David, Father! Take away my earthly yearnings, and fill me with desire for only you.
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.
Do we believe this? Can we believe it this side of heaven? It’s easier on the days when life’s not so great, but even when things are going our way, even when life couldn’t be better, how great is God’s promise that what awaits us is so much better than anything we can ask or imagine here on earth! His love never fails, and nothing compares. Regardless of the season we are in or the day we are having, let’s acknowledge this beautiful truth from his Word.
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. 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.
Fill us with your love every morning. Then we will sing and rejoice all our lives.
PSALM 90:14 NCV
Seek him first. Why is this such a recurring suggestion, both in the Bible and among followers of Christ? If you regularly begin your days with the Lord, you already know what a day-maker he is. If you haven’t settled into the practice, start tomorrow. See how his loving presence affects your days.
Before the day has a chance to disappoint you, before the enemy finds a way to distract you, seek him first. Invite him into every waking moment. Sense him in your interactions and your transactions. Notice the tenderness with which he sees the people you encounter. Invite him to contribute to your decisions. Observe how he consistently places you on the path of love. Allow him to carry your burdens, and see if a joyful song doesn’t swell inside you. Allow it to overtake your heart.
Jesus, I invite you to make my day. Let my words, my thoughts, and my actions be yours. Replace my irritations and frustrations with your patience and compassion. Fill me with your love, that all I do may reflect it onto others. Fill my heart with your song, that I may sing it over all who can hear.
Know that the LORD is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.
PSALM 100:3 NIV
Slow down. Let’s go through this together, line by line. Know that the Lord is God. “I do,” we say. But do we live like it? He is God. Sovereign, perfect, Lord of All. What would our day look like if we kept this at the front of our awareness? How light would our burdens become if we knew it was he who carries them?
It is he who made us, and we are his. Again, we say we know this, but again, do we live like it is true? We are his. How often, how very often, we behave as though we belong only to ourselves! We hear him say “This way, my love,” as we continue to race down our own path. All the while, we wonder why life is so hard. How much easier would the journey be if we turned around and followed him?
Father, I acknowledge you today as Lord. I lay down the struggle and surrender my burdens to you. I turn from the path of my own choosing and run joyfully into your pasture. I am wholly yours. Thank you for lighting my path. Thank you for welcoming me home.
My soul clings to the dust; Revive me according to your word.
PSALM 119:25 NKJV
How does this Scripture sit with you? Your reaction says much about the condition of your spirit. If you felt sympathy and compassion for the psalmist, even if times are tough, you are still strong enough to recognize greater despair than your own. Things are better for you than perhaps you realize.
If these words pierced your soul and felt like a cry from your own heart, you, dear one, are laid low. As your soul clings to the dust, take care not to let the ground claim you. Reach up for the hand of God. Hang on to the many wonderful promises in his Word. He will revive you. He will sustain you. He has beautiful plans for you, even now. Believe it, and feel your spirit rise.
Dear Lord, from the dust, laid low and clinging to none but the tiniest specks of hope, I call on you and you respond. You lift me up, and heal my body. You speak your truth, and revive my soul. Thank you, Father, for your life-giving Word.
Keep me from looking at worthless things. Let me live by your word.
PSALM 119:37 NCV
Think of a food you enjoyed as a child that you no longer find palatable, or a childhood game so simple you can scarcely believe how many hours you once whiled away, enthralled. Where before we couldn’t even taste extra sugar, our faces now contort from the unnecessary sweetness. Tic-Tac-Toe is only fun if you go first, and even then only for a round or two. With maturity comes discernment.
Examine your current life through God’s eyes. Are there things clamoring for your attention that, when held up to the lens of eternity with the Father, lose their luster? Might some of the discontentment we feel in our daily lives be eliminated simply by losing our taste for things that don’t matter anyway?
Lord, I pray these words over my life: turn my eyes from looking at worthless things! I want to follow your gaze and see what you see. I know yours is the way of life, and it’s life—real life—that I crave.
My comfort in my suffering is this: Your promise preserves my life.
PSALM 119:50 NIV
It isn’t easy in the valley. In a season of suffering, our feet are heavy, the path rocky and rough. To place one foot in front of the other, to take another step forward, requires all our focus. It leaves little room for anything else. Cling to these five words as you go.
Left. Your promise preserves my life. Right. Your promise preserves my life. Left. Your promise preserves my life…
Lord, I’m in the valley. It’s deep, dark, and low. My feet feel leaden, my soul dry. I can’t see you, yet I know you are there. I suffer, but your promise is my comfort. It sustains my life. And today, that is enough.
My suffering was good for me, for it taught me to pay attention to your decrees.
PSALM 119:71 NLT
In the midst of a struggle, passages like this may seem unbelievable, their sentiments unattainable. How could I ever see this situation as good? That’s great for the psalmist, but I don’t see myself ever being glad for this affliction.
Another way to take in these words is as encouragement. King David suffered. While writing these psalms, he experienced mortal peril, extreme discipline for his wrong choices, and the complete humbling of his heart. If he could pen these words, perhaps our situation, though currently so heavy, will one day reveal itself as a blessing too.
Lord God, I won’t pretend to enjoy my suffering. You’d see right through my empty words, anyway. I’m not strong enough to thank you for painful lessons while in the midst of them, but I do know that you love me, and that you intend only good for me. I cling to this truth and look forward to the day I see the gift in this struggle.
Great peace have those who love Your law, And nothing causes them to stumble.
PSALM 119:165 NKJV
If there were a simple formula for perfect peace, would you follow it? According to this Scripture, there is. Peace belongs to those who love the law of the Lord. How can that be? Isn’t rule-following nit-picky and exhausting?
Yes, rule-following is exhausting, but mercifully, it is not the same thing as loving the law. To love God’s law is to trust his will for our lives, and to desire to please him above all else. When this is the focus of our hearts, we needn’t keep a list or check up on ourselves. He will keep our hearts in line with his—therefore, we can be certain our steps are sure.
Lord, as I desire more and more to walk in step with you, I am learning to trust your will. Help me to see your law as a path to peace, and keep me from stumbling as I go.
Wisdom is supreme—so get wisdom. And whatever else you get, get understanding.
PROVERBS 4:7 CSB
Sign here. Circle your answer. Stop. In a world that can be hard to navigate, isn’t it great when instructions are clear? The Word of God contains its fair share of poetry and symbolism, but sometimes the message requires no interpretation whatsoever. These are the things the Father wants to be sure we all understand. As a million things clamor for our attention, the ones that matter most are the ones he makes the clearest.
Look at the passage above. If you want to be wise, the first thing to understand is this: you want to be wise! Getting wisdom is a big deal; in fact, it’s the key to everything. As you move through your day today, whatever tough choices you face, take comfort in knowing that when it really matters, you’ll know.
Father God, open my eyes to opportunities to grow in wisdom today; the world is confusing, but your way is clear. Thank you for making the things I most need to know so easy to understand.
The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.
MATTHEW 7:25 NIV
A storm has become a consistent metaphor for a difficult situation, and considering the passage above, it’s easy to see why. Issues pour down upon us, calamities rise up around us, and problems beat up against us—sometimes all at once. Such times are often when we learn how solid our own foundation is. If we are relying on our own strength, or even other people, for our stability, we may find ourselves flattened when the clouds recede.
A life structured on faith in God, built upon his Word, and assembled with his truth is solid, able to withstand even the strongest of storms. We may find ourselves rattled, with a few shattered windows or even a hole in the roof, but we are standing. With Christ as our foundation, strong and certain, we remain upright.
Lord Jesus, I build my house upon you. Your Word, your sacrifice, and your grace are the pillars of my life. Because this is true, I know that no matter what I face, I will not fall. I claim and believe this truth today, Jesus, in your name.
Mary responded, “I am the Lord’s servant. May everything you have said about me come true.” And then the angel left her.
LUKE 1:38 NLT
At first reading, or even after many readings of the above passage, we are impressed by Mary’s obedience. Faced with the extraordinary command to bear God’s Son—as an unwed teenager—she agrees without hesitation. Upon closer inspection, however, something else stands out: her hope. “May everything you have said about me come true.”
The Lord sees us, each and all. He knows every good thing about you, all your potential is laid out before him like a beautiful promise. He speaks about you like a proud papa, extolling your gifts. Claim Mary’s line for yourself today; make it your prayer.
Father God, may everything you have said about me come true. Empower and embolden me to explore every desire you have placed in my heart, to develop and use every talent for your glory. Help me to believe in the me you see, and help me to see her, too.
As they hurled stone after stone at him, Stephen prayed, “Our Lord Jesus, accept my spirit into your presence.” He crumpled to his knees and shouted in a loud voice, “Our Lord, don’t hold this sin against them.” And then he died.
ACTS 7:59-60 TPT
At the hands of a murderous mob, do you think your last words would be a prayer for those throwing the stones? Even with his final breath, Stephen modeled the kind of life Jesus wants for his followers. But what an overwhelming charge: pray for our enemies? Really?