Growing up, our minister always recited this verse before beginning his sermon. I thought it was a very fitting way to ask God to speak through him as he spoke to us. But as I grew older, I began to realize this verse means so much more. Each of us, by professing our faith and living out our lives, are speaking volumes to others whether we realize it or not.
Recently I watched two acquaintances go through a painful trial in their lives. One bore it with grace and found pleasure in the little things each day. She purposely sought out blessings in spite of her circumstances and posted about her journey on social media. It was uplifting, and it also gave us, her friends, specific ways to pray her through this time. The other used her posts as a sounding board to whine, complain, and seek pity…over and over and over.
There is an old saying, “Don’t let the devil steal your joy.” As I’ve been going through my own painful episode, I’ve remembered those two friends and chose to emulate the first one. It has made a huge difference in my attitude and my ability to endure, and it has brought closer to God.
Though hidden in our storms, there are always rainbows. We just need to seek them. There can be joy in our journey, even with a cumbersome pebble in our shoe. It all depends on where we place our focus. Choosing to stay positive and find pleasure in the little things not only boosts our faith, but also the faith of those around us. It also becomes a powerful witness to those who do not yet know Jesus personally. A triple blessing, even in the midst of pain.
Lord, you are our rock to which we can cling. You are also our redeemer who can help lift us out of our pity and save us in our times of trial. May our words and thoughts reflect the blessings you bestow on us instead of focusing on the problems we face. And may our actions speak just as loud, if not louder, than our words of faith. Amen.
Go Deeper ― Tonight before you go to sleep, purposely seek out one good thing that happened to you today and thank God for it. Better yet, tomorrow tell someone else about it as well.
Special Note from the Editorial Manager
Dear readers,
I'm happy to announce that Julie Cosgrove, the author of this devotional and a volunteer writer with us for years, has joined our team as an Editor/Writer. In fact, all of the devotionals now receive her professional editor's touch. As part of the team, she helps to create the content that compels thousands of struggling individuals to reach out for mentoring each month — people we prayerfully lead closer to Jesus.
She is now 5 months into the challenge of developing a team of prayer and financial supporters to help her fulfill our shared mission of making Jesus known, one conversation at a time. Would you prayerfully consider becoming one of her ministry's supporters, even at just $10 a month? Donations to our Us-Editorial account go to supporting Julie's ministry.
Thank you for faithfully reading our devotionals!
PS. She doesn't know I'm including this message. Let's suprise her with a bunch of donations!
Sincerely,
Mike Jantzen
Photo Credit: Mi Pham