Today's Verse - Psalm 42:8

By day the LORD directs his love, at night his song is with me — a prayer to the God of my life.

—Psalm 42:8

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

I have always loved music. To this day, songs help unlock the part of me that is most open to God. Songs help me declare my love for him and offer my praise to him. But as the psalmist said so many centuries ago, and I find it is still true for me today: his song is with me at night, especially on those nights when sleep is hard to find and I need reassurance of his love. Even when I can't remember what I dreamed the previous night, I often awaken to a praise song that had been sung over me (Zephaniah 3:17), with me, and by me in my sleep - "...at night his song is with me - a prayer to the God of my life ... the LORD [who] directs his love" to me!

Video Commentary...

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My Prayer...

O God of my life, thank you for music and song. Thank you for giving me so many good things to sing joyfully to you, about you, and with you. Thank you for hearing my heart when I sing, not just my words or the song's melody, but my heart. I long, dear Father, for the day I get to hear you sing over me personally, and as I join the heavenly chorus around your throne praising you. Until then, please fill my life, and especially my nights, with your songs. Through Jesus, I ask and pray for this grace to continue. Amen.

All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.

Today's Verse - Psalm 16:8

I have set the LORD always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.

—Psalm 16:8

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Many things can trouble our lives, but none can shake us loose from the grip of God's grace as our hearts remain pointed at Jesus as our LORD and our hope remains focused on the LORD's return. If Jesus is our LORD, then all of life's greatest blessings lie ahead of us, and he will let nothing rob us of this coming glory! We have confidence as believers because each of us can say:

I have set the LORD always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.

So, dear friend in Jesus, let's not just say it; let's passionately live it!

My Prayer...

Holy LORD, you are worthy of majesty, honor, and praise. I lift your name, O God, and place it above every name. As I look to the future, I want to honor you and journey with you, knowing you are with me. Since I believe you will never leave or forsake me (Romans 8:37-39), I will always look ahead with anticipation, knowing that you are leading the way. Through Jesus, I anticipate and pray. Amen.

All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.

Today's Verse - 1 John 5:12

He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life.

—1 John 5:12

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

This statement is both a reminder of God's glorious grace and also of our need to share that grace with others. Life is such a precious gift; it would be a shame and a deep loss for anyone we know and love to miss out on the gift of God's life. God gave us the gift of his Son so that in finding him, we too could share in his life, and share that life with others. As Jesus himself said:

"I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me" (John 14:6)
"Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent..." (John 17:3).

My Prayer...

Father of all nations, please resurrect a desire in your people to spread your grace to every language, tribe, nation, and people (Revelation 7:9-10). Empower us with your Spirit so that we will speak the Gospel of Jesus with boldness and respect to a world that does not know him and does not have life. Use us to help others come to life in the Son! Through the name of Jesus, your Son, and our Savior, we pray. Amen.

All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.