Tag: Trust

June 5, 2024 Devotional Post a Comment

The Solid Rock

Opening Verse

“He only is my rock and my salvation: he is my defence; I shall not be moved.”  – Psalms 62:6 (KJV)

Introduction

Life is full of challenges that can wear us down. Negative emotions like anger, frustration, and disappointment can chip away at our peace and joy. However, there is a way to remain strong and unshaken, no matter what comes our way.

 

Devotional Story

Imagine you are a beautiful statue carved out of a single, solid rock. Over time, small but constant chipping from various tools begins to wear down your surface. These tools represent the negative influences and emotions that we allow to affect us daily—anger, frustration, and disappointments. Slowly, they erode our peace and stability.

 

But what if the rock is no ordinary stone? What if it is the firm foundation of God’s love and strength? When we build our lives on the solid rock of God’s truth and seek Him wholeheartedly, we become resilient. His love and power can turn any situation around, restoring what was chipped away and making us whole again.

 

What This Means

Allowing negative emotions to control us is like letting those small chisels continue to wear us down. However, when we turn to God and anchor ourselves in His truth, He provides the strength we need to withstand any adversity. God is our rock, our unshakable foundation. By seeking Him wholeheartedly, we ensure that we remain strong and intact, no matter the external pressures.

 

Think About This

What are the small things that chip away at your peace? How can you turn these over to God and trust Him to be your solid rock?

 

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I thank You for being my rock and my salvation. Help me to stop letting negative emotions and situations chip away at my peace. I seek You wholeheartedly, trusting that You will hold me up and keep me together. Turn around any situation that threatens to break me, and let me stand firm in Your love. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

 

Closing Verse

“The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.”  – Psalms 18:2 (KJV)

May 29, 2024 Devotional Post a Comment

Cry for Help

Opening Verse

“Save me, O God; for the waters are come in unto my soul. I sink in deep mire, where there is no standing: I am come into deep waters, where the floods overflow me. I am weary of my crying: my throat is dried: mine eyes fail while I wait for my God.”
Psalm 69:1-3 KJV

Introduction

Life can sometimes feel overwhelming, like we’re drowning in our troubles. The psalmist in Psalm 69 knew this feeling well and cried out to God in his distress.

Devotional Story

Corrie ten Boom was a Dutch Christian who, along with her family, helped many Jews escape the Nazis during World War II. She was eventually caught and sent to a concentration camp. In the camp, Corrie experienced unimaginable suffering and loss, including the death of her sister. The conditions were horrifying, and the constant threat of death loomed over her.

One night, in the depths of despair, Corrie cried out to God, feeling completely abandoned and overwhelmed by her circumstances. She felt like she was sinking in deep mire, just as the psalmist described. But even in that darkest moment, Corrie held onto her faith, believing that God was with her. Despite the cruelty around her, she continued to pray and trust in God’s deliverance.

Miraculously, Corrie survived the concentration camp. After the war, she dedicated her life to spreading the message of forgiveness and reconciliation, sharing her story of faith and survival with the world. Her experiences, chronicled in her book “The Hiding Place,” have inspired countless people to trust in God during their darkest times.

What This Means

Just like Corrie ten Boom, we all face moments when we feel overwhelmed. Psalm 69 reminds us that it’s okay to cry out to God. It’s okay to admit that we need His help. When we feel like we’re drowning, God hears our cries and comes to our aid. Corrie’s story shows us that even in the most desperate circumstances, God’s presence and love can sustain us. Her unwavering faith in God’s goodness, even in the face of evil, is a powerful reminder that God never abandons us.

Think About This

  • Have you ever felt like you were sinking under the weight of your problems?
  • How did you find comfort and strength during those times?
  • Are there areas in your life right now where you need to cry out to God for help?
  • How can Corrie ten Boom’s story inspire you to trust in God’s saving power?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, we come to You feeling overwhelmed by our troubles. Just as the psalmist cried out for Your saving hand, we too ask for Your help. Lift us out of the deep waters and place us on solid ground. Strengthen us and give us hope. Thank You for the story of Corrie ten Boom, which reminds us of Your unwavering presence and love. Help us to trust in You, no matter how dark our circumstances may seem. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Closing Verse

“But I will hope continually, and will yet praise thee more and more.”
Psalm 71:14 KJV

May 26, 2024 Devotional Post a Comment

Through the Storm with God

Opening Verse

And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.
Mark 4:39 (KJV)

Introduction

Life can often feel like a journey through unpredictable weather. Sometimes, we find ourselves caught in storms we never anticipated. Yet, with God by our side, we can navigate through any storms.

Devotional Story

Imagine you’re riding a motorcycle, enjoying the open road. You didn’t check the weather forecast, though tools to do so were readily available. Similarly, God provides us with the Bible as a tool to understand and prepare for life’s seasons, but we often neglect it.

As you ride, dark clouds gather, and heavy rain begins to pour. Forced to pull over, you seek shelter by the roadside. You had the tools to check the weather and avoid the storm, but you refused to use them. Now, as you wait for the storm to pass, it seems to continue endlessly, as if the cloud is stuck over you.

This scenario is like our spiritual journey. Sometimes we choose not to use the tools God has given us, such as His Word, and we find ourselves caught in life’s storms. If you remain in the same spot, waiting for the storm to clear, you might stay stuck under the rain for much longer than necessary. However, if you trust in God’s guidance and keep moving forward, you’ll soon discover that the storm has ceased. Just a few hundred feet ahead, the skies are clear, and the journey continues in peace.

What This Means

This story teaches us two vital lessons. First, we should utilize the tools God has given us, especially His Word, to navigate life’s challenges. Second, even when we find ourselves unprepared and caught in a storm, trusting in God can lead us through it. Stagnation can prolong our struggle, but moving forward in faith often brings us to calm and clear skies.

Think About This

  • Are there storms in your life where you feel stuck?
  • How can you use the Bible to guide you through challenging times?
  • Do you trust God to help you move forward, even when the path seems difficult?

Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for being our guide and refuge in life’s storms. Help us to use Your Word to navigate through challenges and trust in Your presence when we feel stuck. Give us the courage to move forward in faith, knowing that You will lead us to calm and peace. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Closing Verse

Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.
Isaiah 41:10 (KJV)

 

May 24, 2024 Devotional Post a Comment

Bridging the Gap

Opening Verse

“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”
Romans 8:28 (KJV)

Introduction

In life, we often face moments where things feel out of control or difficult to manage. These challenges can seem overwhelming, but they are opportunities for growth and deeper reliance on God.

Devotional Story

Sarah felt like she was constantly juggling too many responsibilities. Between work, family, and her personal commitments, she often felt distant from her goals and overwhelmed by her tasks. One evening, after a particularly tough day, she found herself praying for clarity and strength.

As she prayed, a thought entered her mind: “You are not alone. I am here with you.” This simple reminder brought Sarah comfort and a renewed sense of purpose. She realized that she didn’t have to manage everything on her own. By leaning on God and trusting in His guidance, she could find new ways to handle her responsibilities.

Sarah began to seek God’s wisdom more intentionally. She started her mornings with prayer, asking for direction and peace. She also took moments throughout her day to pause and listen for God’s voice. This practice helped her to feel more connected and capable of managing her tasks.

What This Means

Feeling distant or overwhelmed by responsibilities is a common experience, but it doesn’t have to be a permanent state. By inviting God into our daily lives and seeking His guidance, we can find new perspectives and approaches to our challenges. Trusting in God’s plan and His ability to work things out for our good can bring us peace and clarity.

Think About This

  • What areas of your life feel challenging to manage right now?
  • How can you integrate prayer and God’s guidance into your daily routine?
  • Are there specific responsibilities where you need to trust God more?

Prayer

Dear Lord,
I thank You for always being with me, even when I feel overwhelmed and distant from my goals. Help me to remember that I am not alone and that You are guiding me every step of the way. Grant me the wisdom to manage my responsibilities effectively and the peace to trust in Your perfect plan. Amen.

Closing Verse

“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”
Proverbs 3:5-6 (KJV)

May 20, 2024 Devotional Post a Comment

The Akedah Faith

Opening Verse

 

“And he said, Take now thy son, thine only son Isaac, whom thou lovest, and get thee into the land of Moriah; and offer him there for a burnt offering upon one of the mountains which I will tell thee of.” – Genesis 22:2 (KJV)

Introduction

The story of Abraham and Isaac is one of the most profound demonstrations of faith and obedience in the Bible. Known as the Akedah, or the binding of Isaac, this event challenges us to reflect on our own faith and trust in God, especially when facing trials and tests.

Devotional Story

God called Abraham to offer his beloved son Isaac as a sacrifice. Despite the overwhelming difficulty of this command, Abraham obeyed without hesitation. He prepared to sacrifice Isaac, trusting that God’s plan, though mysterious, was ultimately good and right.

At the critical moment, as Abraham raised the knife, an angel of the Lord intervened, stopping him. God provided a ram as a substitute offering, demonstrating His provision and faithfulness. This act of sparing Isaac foreshadowed God’s ultimate plan of salvation.

What This Means

The Akedah teaches us that true faith involves absolute trust and obedience to God, even when His commands seem impossible to understand. Abraham’s unwavering faith exemplifies the kind of trust we should strive to have. God sometimes allows us to face severe trials to test our faith and obedience, but He always has a plan for our good.

In sparing Isaac, God pointed to a greater sacrifice that would come: the sacrifice of His only Son, Jesus Christ. Just as Abraham did not withhold his beloved son, God did not withhold His Son. Jesus was sacrificed to save us all, providing the ultimate demonstration of God’s love and faithfulness.

Think About This

– Do you trust God even when His plans are unclear?
– Are you willing to obey God’s commands, no matter how difficult they seem?
– How can you cultivate a faith that remains steadfast in the face of trials?
– Reflect on the parallel between Isaac’s sparing and Jesus’s sacrifice. How does this deepen your understanding of God’s love?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, give us the strength to trust in Your plans completely. Help us to obey Your commands, even when they challenge us deeply. May our faith be as unwavering as Abraham’s, always believing that You are good and Your plans are perfect. Thank You for sparing Isaac and for sending Your only Son, Jesus, to be the ultimate sacrifice for our sins. Guide us and lead us on the path You have set before us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Closing Verse

 “And the angel of the LORD called unto him out of heaven, and said, Abraham, Abraham: and he said, Here am I. And he said, Lay not thine hand upon the lad, neither do thou any thing unto him: for now I know that thou fearest God, seeing thou hast not withheld thy son, thine only son from me.” – Genesis 22:11-12 (KJV)*

 

 

May 10, 2024 Devotional Post a Comment

Don’t Delay Your Blessings

Opening Verse

“Ye shall walk in all the ways which the Lord your God hath commanded you, that ye may live, and that it may be well with you, and that ye may prolong your days in the land which ye shall possess.” – Deuteronomy 5:33 (KJV)

 

Introduction

Sometimes, we miss out on good things because we don’t follow God’s directions. Like the Israelites who took 40 years for a trip that could have been much shorter, we too can get stuck when we don’t listen to God.

 

Devotional Story

The Israelites were freed from Egypt and were headed to a land filled with good things. But instead of a quick trip, they ended up walking around in the desert for 40 years! Every time they ran into problems, they doubted God and didn’t follow His commands. Because of this, many of them never saw the wonderful land God promised, all because they couldn’t stick to God’s plan.

 

What This Means

This story teaches us something important: not following God can really slow us down. God tells us what to do because He has great things waiting for us. If we ignore Him, we just make our lives harder and might miss out on His gifts.

 

Think About This

Are you holding back from doing something God is asking of you? Remember, not listening to God might be keeping you from the best things He has for you.

 

Prayer

Lord, help us to follow Your ways and not our own. Teach us to trust You more, so we don’t wander away from the blessings You have for us. Keep us close and lead us straight to Your promises. Amen.

 

Closing Verse

 “And it shall come to pass, if ye shall hearken diligently unto my commandments which I command you this day, to love the Lord your God, and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul,” – Deuteronomy 11:13 (KJV)

 

May 6, 2024 Devotional Post a Comment

Stop Stressing: The Lord Has You!

Opening Verse

 “Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.” (1 Peter 5:7)

Introduction

In our fast-paced lives, it’s easy to become overwhelmed with worries and stress. However, the Bible reminds us that we have a reliable refuge in the Lord.

Devotional Story

Imagine a young man named Michael, burdened by his job and worrying about his future. One evening, feeling particularly overwhelmed, he remembers a verse his grandmother used to recite: 1 Peter 5:7. Deciding to put his anxieties aside, he kneels and prays, surrendering his troubles to God. Over the next few weeks, Michael notices a change in himself. Though his circumstances haven’t drastically changed, his perspective has. He feels lighter, trusting that God is managing things beyond his control.

What This Means

This story illustrates the power of prayer and the peace that comes from truly believing that God cares for us. When we cast our cares upon Him, we acknowledge His sovereignty and trust in His divine guidance.

Think About This

How often do you take your worries to the Lord in prayer? Are there areas in your life where you need to trust Him more?

Prayer

Dear Lord, thank You for always being there for me. Help me to remember to bring all my worries to You in prayer, trusting that You are in control and care deeply about my life. Amen.

Closing Verse

“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.” (Philippians 4:6)

May 5, 2024 Devotional Post a Comment

Finding Purpose in Detours

Opening Verse

 “A man’s heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps.” (Proverbs 16:9)

 

Introduction

Life is full of unexpected turns and sudden stops. Sometimes, what we perceive as setbacks are actually divine interventions designed to steer us toward God’s plans.

 

Devotional Story

Imagine a man named Tom, who always had a clear vision for his life. He planned to move to a big city and start a new business. However, just as he was about to leave, a series of unexpected events kept him in his small hometown. First, a sudden illness in the family, then financial difficulties that seemed to appear out of nowhere.

 

Initially frustrated, Tom started to volunteer at a local community center to pass the time. Through this, he discovered a deep passion for helping others and realized the community’s need for services his business could provide. The roadblock that seemed to be a setback was actually a path to a fulfilling purpose he had never considered.

 

What This Means

God’s guidance can sometimes feel like a roadblock, redirecting us from the path we’ve chosen to one that He has prepared for us. These moments challenge us to trust not in our own plans, but in His greater design.

Think About This

When faced with unexpected roadblocks, do you react with frustration, or do you take time to seek God’s purpose in the pause? Could there be opportunities to serve or grow that you are overlooking?

Prayer

Dear Lord, help me to see the roadblocks in my life as signs of Your guidance. Grant me the patience and wisdom to discern Your will and the courage to follow it, even when it leads me away from my original plans. Amen.

Closing Verse

“Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)

April 14, 2024 Devotional Post a Comment

The Wilderness

Opening Scripture

“Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.”
— Proverbs 3:5-7

Introduction

In Deuteronomy 8, Moses emphasizes the lessons learned during Israel’s tough journey through the desert, particularly highlighting the importance of humility and the risks of self-reliance and disobedience to God.

Devotional Story

The wilderness journey of the Israelites serves as a reminder for our spiritual paths. When they trusted their own wisdom and strayed from God’s commands, they found themselves literally wandering in circles—stuck in a harsh, unyielding environment for forty long years. Yet, even in this severe correction, God’s grace remained evident in small but profound ways.

What This Means

Being wise in our own eyes can trap us in a spiritual wilderness, just as the Israelites were trapped in the desert. Ignoring God’s direction and clinging to sin prevents us from moving forward. However, God’s grace never leaves us. During Israel’s wanderings, their clothes never wore out, and their feet never swelled. These overlooked miracles are vivid reminders of God’s constant presence and care, even when we are blind to it.

Think About This

Consider the ‘small miracles’ in your life that you might have overlooked. How has God shown His grace to you in ways you didn’t fully appreciate at the time?

Prayer

Lord, help us to see Your hand in every part of our lives, even when we feel lost or stuck. Forgive us for the times we rely on our own understanding rather than Your wisdom. Thank you for Your unending grace that sustains us, even in our spiritual wilderness. Amen.

Closing Verse

“And he humbled thee, and suffered thee to hunger, and fed thee with manna, which thou knewest not, neither did thy fathers know; that he might make thee know that man doth not live by bread only, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the LORD doth man live.”
— Deuteronomy 8:3

April 11, 2024 Devotional Post a Comment

Trusting God in Battle

Opening Verse

“The horse is prepared against the day of battle: but safety is of the Lord.” – Proverbs 21:31 (KJV)

Introduction

The wisdom of Proverbs often speaks to the balance between human effort and divine providence. This verse captures the essence of preparedness and trust.

Devotional Story

In a small village, there was a farmer who owned a horse. When rumors of war reached his ears, he decided to train and prepare his horse for battle. Every day, he would spend hours ensuring the horse was strong, fast, and obedient. Neighbors admired his dedication but also reminded him, “Trust not only in your horse but also in the Lord.”

One night, as the threat of conflict became imminent, the farmer couldn’t sleep. He went outside to pray, seeking assurance beyond his preparations. In that moment of prayer, he felt a profound peace, realizing that true safety comes from God.

The next day, against all odds, the village remained untouched by war. The farmer’s horse, though prepared, was never needed in battle. The farmer learned firsthand that while it’s wise to prepare, ultimate safety and victory lie in God’s hands.

What This Means

This story illustrates the balance between doing our part and relying on God. Preparing the horse symbolizes our responsibility to prepare and work diligently. However, recognizing that safety and success ultimately come from the Lord teaches us humility and trust in His divine plan.

Think About This

How often do you rely solely on your preparations and efforts, forgetting to place your trust in God? Reflect on areas in your life where you need to seek God’s guidance and trust in His protection and plan.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, grant us the wisdom to prepare diligently for the challenges ahead, but let us never forget that our safety and success come from You alone. Help us to trust in Your divine will and to seek Your protection in every aspect of our lives. Amen.

Closing Verse

“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.” – Proverbs 3:5 (KJV)