“Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him; fret not thyself because of him who prosperth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass.” Psalms 37:7
“Where there is no vision, the people perish; but he that keep the the law, happy is he.” Proverbs 29:18
Today’s Christian daily devotional
The mail arrives. Flipping through our tedious pile of bills, my heart leaps for a second. Elle, my favorite fashion magazine is at the bottom of my pile. What a welcome respite for the kind of day I’m having!
I have a serious problem: I seriously can’t afford my own taste. Now, that’s where my fashion subscriptions have really come in handy. Each month, I promise myself that one day I will purchase those dreamy shoes (dress, necklace…whatever!). This promise only lasts until the latest issue of Elle finally arrives. And when it does, I realize that my latest obsession just isn’t in style anymore!
Hence, the cycle begins again. I tell myself: “Perhaps next month…”
Can you believe I can actually hear your eyes roll from here? I only know this because many of my friends have scoffed at my method of delayed gratification. For them, this isn’t the most exciting way to live.
In my defense, for many years, I did live my life on the ‘exciting’ edge; plunking my weary credit card down for every whim my greedy little heart desired. And, predictably, every billing cycle was about as fun as putting my hand through a meat grinder.
How unfortunate for me (and my credit score) that the ‘high’ of getting what I wanted seemed to be stronger than the reality of my budget.
At this point, you probably assume that I don’t get the things I like. Well the answer is yes and no…
You see, through my exercise in waiting, I have not only learned to be more selective in my choices, but I have also learned to rely on God for even the ‘little’ things.
In doing this, I have seen Him answer many ‘silly’ and ‘insignificant’ prayers. Of course, those specific answers weren’t insignificant to me! They have not only strengthened my faith to believe for bigger things, they have actually built my trust in the goodness of God’s provisional nature.
Psalms 37:7 encourages us to not give up hope while we are waiting on God.
Sometimes this isn’t so easy when we see people who have no regard for Him prospering—and doing so quite abundantly. Oh, this especially stings when it seems the more we try to live for Him the more challenging life becomes for us!
If you are suffering from discouragement and beginning to lose your hope, ask God to give you a vision that will encourage you. Proverbs 29:18 encourages all believers to do just that. As you focus on God’s vision for your life, continue doing what you know He would want you to do. When you do this with an attitude of trust and gratitude for what He has given you today, it will only be a matter of time before you begin to see the little miracles of encouragement God will send your way.
“Dear Heavenly Father,
I am sorry that I have been looking at life in such a negative and superficial way.
Most of the time I look at all the people who are blessed in this life and I get very discouraged.
It seems the more godless people live the more rewards they receive. I want to be popular, well-dressed and loved by the masses, too!
Lord, you promised that the meek would inherit the earth. So, no matter what it looks like right now, if I am living for you one day in the future I will see the reward for it.
I need you to give me a vision for my life. Help me to move along life with that vision in mind. As the distractions of this world will come to veer me off your path, help me to keep my focus on you.
In the meantime, I really need some encouragement.
Show me if there is sin that I am willfully engaging in that is stopping your blessings from flowing freely in my life. Help me to get rid of anything that is stopping your power from radically changing my situation.
Give me a taste for your desires; overcome my own.
In Jesus’ name, I want everything you want to give me. Amen.”
Thank you for reading today’s Christian daily devotional on verses: Psalms 37:7 and Proverbs 29:18
Please check back and see what we have for you tomorrow!
Author: Julia Shalom Jordan