Today's Verse - Jeremiah 29:11

"I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

—Jeremiah 29:11

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

When Israel lay devastated in the face of a ruthless enemy that would rob them of all their glory and strip bare the very soul of God's people, God issued his promise. While the destruction visited upon them was in response to their rebellion and sin, God's punishment wasn't punitive alone; it was also redemptive. In their destruction, God promised prosperity, hope, and a future. That future was in him, not their worthiness or deservedness. Just as a doctor must sometimes cause pain when he or she sets a broken bone so it may heal properly, God's discipline is not capricious but curative and ultimately life-giving. If you are dealing with a hard time when God may be disciplining you, please remember this promise from Jeremiah 29, which is also reflected in Paul's famous promise in Romans 8:

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose (Romans 8:28).

My Prayer...

In my struggles, O LORD, please help me find your grace - not just in my relief from struggle and pain, but also in the redemption and change of my heart and my habits to conform me to your will and bring me to your glory. By your grace and in the name of my Savior Jesus, I trust in your promises. Amen.

Today's Verse - Proverbs 3:5-6

Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.

—Proverbs 3:5-6

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

When things are tough, I call on the LORD and lean on his mercy and grace. Deep in my heart, however, I fear I may have made him into my rip-cord Savior - the one I go to only in times of trouble. When I'm reveling in my blessings and things are going well, I am much like the Israelites. I forget to acknowledge that all my blessings and opportunities have come because of the LORD's grace. In my joy and success, I must learn to acknowledge him and not rely on my own wisdom and strength. The wisdom of Proverbs challenges me to honor God and acknowledge him "in all my ways," not just call on him in hard times. I must trust in the LORD and acknowledge my need for him in the good and the bad times, the easy and the challenging circumstances. I invite you to join me in committing to trust the LORD and acknowledge him "in all your ways".

My Prayer...

Gracious Father, every good thing I have in my life has come because of you. The family I am blessed with, the protection I have received, the values that I hold, the successes I have enjoyed, the hope I have, the salvation I have received, and the future I anticipate are all mine because of your grace and not my goodness or wisdom. I need you, I trust you, and I acknowledge you as my God in all of my ways. In the name of Jesus, I thank you for being my LORD. Amen.

Today's Verse - Psalm 62:8

Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.

—Psalm 62:8

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Most of us find it very difficult to share the innermost secrets of our hearts with anyone. We want to keep our secret failings, worst embarrassments, and hidden sins unknown to those who know us. We fear others might reject us if they know, or think we are evil or hypocritical. We worry that we could disgrace ourselves and our families if anyone knew the secret sludge in our hearts. The truth is clear, however: Hidden sin is hidden from us only through self-delusion. It is not hidden from our Father. Hidden sin festers in our hearts and drives a wedge between us and the God who would forgive and empower us to triumph over these things. Sooner or later, the sins we have tried to keep hidden rise to the surface and become known. If only we would pour out our hearts to God, asking for his forgiveness and cleansing (1 John 1:8-9). When we pour our hearts out to our Father in heaven, we no longer fear him. We trust him with our secrets. We accept that he will forgive and cleanse. So then, God does not become our fear, but our refuge and source of acceptance and strength!

My Prayer...

Loving Father and Holy God, today I want to confess several things on my heart. Please forgive them and cleanse me as I confess them. (Confess your specific secret sins to God by name right now.) Holy God, I have sinned and ask your forgiveness and cleansing because I know that Satan uses my secrets to diminish my allegiance to you, O God. You alone are my refuge and strength. I place these confessions in your hands and ask that you strengthen me by the power of your Holy Spirit, as you forgive and cleanse me, so that I do not fall into these same traps again and again. In Jesus' name, I confess and pray. Amen.