“For thou shalt worship no other god: for the Lord, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God.” Exodus 34:14
Today’s Christian daily devotional
The moment Paula heard Richard stomping the snow from his boots at the front door, her bones shuddered in a way that felt like things would never be the same again.
They both sat down as usual for their quiet dinner. Paula pushed the peas around her plate like she did when she was a young girl. Her stomach churned nervously.
Richard’s eyes briefly met her’s; He quickly looked down, taking a sudden interest in Paula’s plain cooking.
Something was drastically different between the two of them. She knew Richard more than he knew himself. And unfortunately, she also loved him more, too.
Having a hard time bearing the silence, Paula bravely charged ahead.
“So, what’s on your mind, honey?” She barely recognized the sound of her own voice.
“Nothing.” Richard sighed heavily. Although he was staring hard at his plate, he wasn’t touching his food, either.
“…Actually, there is something.” Richard clears his throat, buying more time to form his thoughts.
“I met someone.” Tapping his fork on the table nervously, he looked up at Paula for the first time that night.
Upon hearing those words, Paula could hear her heart thumping loudly in her ears. The years she had invested in Richard swirled through her mind like a racing movie.
She had given up going to school, so he could finish his education. Paula worked full time to support Richard’s dream of becoming a pilot. Richard didn’t want children, so Paula gave up her lifelong dream of becoming a mother. She even picked up extra shifts at her job to help purchase a car Richard wanted, but couldn’t afford.
Everything Paula did she did for the man who promised to one day marry her.
She stared blankly at the stranger across the table. Soaking in the sad irony that the man of her dreams was the one who had actually stolen her dreams.
In Exodus 34:14 we are told very plainly that God is a jealous God. God loves to bless people with wonderful relationships; of course, those relationships must be in the proper order.
If any person or thing prevents you from seeking God with all your heart, mind and soul, you can be sure that eventually, that obstacle will be removed from your life. God loves you too much to let anything come between you finding Him.
“Dear Heavenly Father,
I have been blaming you for how sour my life has become lately.
After reading Exodus 34:14, I am beginning to see the importance of putting you first.
For some reason, I figured that once I ‘had it all’, I would then have the luxury of seeking you. I see now that I have had my priorities completely reversed.
I should have asked what you wanted for my life. I should have been patient in prayer and searching your word for the answers.
Instead, I tried to make my own way and ask for you to bless it.
Lord, what a mess I have made for myself. Forgive me for blaming you.
Today, I commit to seeking what you want for my life. Help me to stay on path of success you have envisioned for me. As you remove obstacles that might prevent your will for my life, help me to see things your way. Please help me not to rebel and get angry with you as I have done in the past.
I want to grow and learn from my mistakes, not be held back by them or even foolishly repeat them.
In Jesus’ precious name, Amen.”
Thank you for reading today’s Christian daily devotional on verses: Exodus 34:14
Please check back and see what we have for you tomorrow!
Author: Julia Shalom Jordan