Today's Verse - Psalm 37:1-2

Do not fret because of evil men or be envious of those who do wrong; for like the grass they will soon wither, like green plants they will soon die away.

—Psalm 37:1-2

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Aren't frustration and envy sometimes our reaction to those who are evil and yet seem to prosper? We're reminded in this psalm not to let the apparent and short-lived successes of evil people derail our faith or dampen our spirits. Their victories are temporary. Their wealth is like a flower that will wilt. Their life is like the grass that withers and is soon blown away. We, however, are like the mighty tree planted by clear waters that grows strong, bears fruit, and endures (Psalm 1:1-4).

My Prayer...

LORD God Almighty, praise your holy and matchless name. You have blessed me mightily. You have protected me in the face of my enemies. You have given me life, hope, and a future with you. Now, please, dear Father, help me avoid wasting my time worrying about what others have. I invite the Holy Spirit to help me not envy the prosperity of the wicked. Please give me a heart of thanksgiving for and contentment with all you have done to bless me. In Jesus' name, I 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 - Psalm 143:8

Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul.

—Psalm 143:8

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

A time of loneliness and doubt slips into almost every believer's heart at some point in their earthly journey. Our prayers seem to bounce off the ceiling and fall into lifeless detritus lying at our feet. God feels distant, hiding, asleep — or at least unsympathetic to our cries for mercy and help. Thankfully, God gives us the Psalms. In the Psalms, we find words for life's ups and downs. It is nice when we are down to know that others have been there before us and have recovered their faith and vitality. Thankfully, the Spirit also placed reminders of God's love and guidance in the Psalms for such moments. This psalm and these words are made for such a time. If the request does not feel relevant to you now, please pray these words for someone else. If, on the other hand, they speak to you, then please pray for them for yourself with confidence. They have sustained God's people for generations upon generations!

My Prayer...

Dear Father, please make your presence undeniably known in my life and help me see your presence and mercy more clearly because I put my trust in you as I lift up my soul to you for help. I want to honor you, dear God, but please make your guidance clear so I can follow you boldly and faithfully in your will. In Jesus' name, I 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 4:4

You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.

—1 John 4:4

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

The world can often be a hostile place for believers. God wants us, his spiritual children, to know they are never alone. God lives in us through his Spirit. We can be assured, therefore, that no matter what spirit someone else may have, the Holy Spirit of God is greater, more powerful, and more glorious. The victory is ours because God's presence in us is greater than any force we will ever face. Our victory is assured over all forces, powers, spirits, and opponents. This is a key promise made to us in our baptism because we share with Jesus in death, burial, and resurrection, which means we share in his victory over sin, death, evil, and hell (Colossians 2:12-15; 3:1-4). Yes, the one who is in us is greater than the one who is in the world!

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My Prayer...

Dear Father, please give me the confidence, boldness, and conviction of your promises. I want to live boldly for your glory and according to your will. Thank you for assuring me of your victory by allowing me to participate in Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection and assuring me of my participation in his glory. Thank you for empowering me to have this victorious life through your Spirit, who lives within me. To you belong all glory, majesty, and praise. In Jesus' name. 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.