To get the most out of this devotion, set aside time to read the scriptures referenced throughout.
Franklin D. Roosevelt wrote, “A smooth sea never made a skillful sailor.” It’s a simple but wise saying that reminds us about the importance of hardships in our life. Without challenges, we never learn new skills or gain the spiritual strength needed in order to endure. This is why the apostle Paul teaches us to “celebrate in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope” (Romans 5:3-4).
Everyone faces difficulties. For some, it might involve financial challenges or the loss of good health. Others might know the pain that comes with the breakup of a family or the death of a long-held dream. The question is not if one of these things will happen to us but when. Rather than spend time worrying, we put our faith in God—the One who tells us, “Even to your old age I will be the same, and even to your graying years I will carry you!” (Isaiah 46:4).
Think about it
- Write a thank-you note to God, expressing gratitude for the challenges and difficulties you have faced in life. Tell Him all the ways they’ve benefited you over time.
Discouragement feels like a big weight on our shoulders. It steals motivation, makes work more difficult, and diminishes our enjoyment of life. The reasons for discouragement vary—general dissatisfaction with life, criticism from others, failure to live up to our own expectations, painful relationships, ongoing trials, declining health, and hopelessness for the future are just a few.
Nehemiah’s situation teaches an important lesson about handling discouragement. When he heard a report about the poor condition of Jerusalem and the plight of the Jewish remnant living there, he was deeply distressed. In his dismay over their situation, Nehemiah turned to the Lord in prayer. He knew that His great God could change the situation. In his prayer, Nehemiah praised God’s awesome character, confessed sin on behalf of himself and the nation, recalled divine promises, and presented his petition.
When we face discouragement, our first priority should be to cry out to our heavenly Father. But our prayers should begin with a focus on the Lord, not our problems. Once we have confessed our sin and adjusted our perspective to see God’s greatness and care, then we’re ready to trust Him to answer our petitions in His timing
If you attend church, then God has given you a pastor to care for your soul by modeling godliness, preaching the Word, and training and exhorting you in righteousness—even when you might not feel like listening. He cares about your spiritual well-being and needs to know you care for him too.
Many believers neglect giving encouragement to the pastor because they forget that he too is a member of the body of Christ. It can be lonely and discouraging to selflessly sacrifice for the congregation without ever receiving honor and appreciation from them.
Today’s passage says that we should obey and submit to our leaders so they can faithfully do their job as shepherds with joy instead of groaning. Paul said elders who rule well and work hard at preaching and teaching should be given double honor (1 Timothy 5:17).
When was the last time you expressed appreciation to your pastor? This week, look for ways to demonstrate your love to him. And above all, pray for him. Don’t assume that he needs no intercession; the opposite is true. Every pastor needs to know that his congregation values him.
Would you rather have riches or wisdom? The Lord considers wisdom much more precious than wealth, and today’s passage says nothing we desire compares to it (Prov. 3:15). The reason it’s so valuable is because this passage is talking about God’s wisdom, not man’s.
The Lord created wisdom, so the best way to gain it is to know Him—His character, works, ways, and perspective. When we make it the pursuit of our life to know Him through His Word, we’ll discover the blessings that accompany wisdom.
The primary blessing is knowing God more intimately. As we see Him in His Word, we’ll begin to understand His viewpoint and recognize how He’s working in our life. Then our response to life’s circumstances will be aligned with His viewpoint. The Lord sees everything with complete accuracy, and every decision of His is right. He knows exactly what is needed to accomplish His will in our life and to conform us to His Son’s image.
All the other blessings of wisdom flow out of knowing God. Why? Because when our confidence is in the Lord instead of our own understanding, we can walk securely and boldly without stumbling into sin.
To get the most out of this devotion, set aside time to read the scriptures referenced throughout.
The word captive conjures up some very specific imagery. Usually, it includes a person wearing shackles or someone being thrown into a dark prison. But the truth is, we’re all captives to one thing or another. It could be something obvious like drugs or pornography, both of which do great harm and keep us from glorifying God with our bodies (1 Corinthians 6:18-20). However, there are thousands of things, many of them seemingly harmless, that keep us from the true freedom Jesus provides. (See Luke 4:18.)
Perhaps you are captive to praise and suffer whenever you feel overlooked. Or it might be that you crave success and spend too much time striving for wealth or power. Yes, even good things like hard work and relationships can keep us in bondage if we’re not careful. But thankfully, Jesus came to set the captives free—all of us.
Think about it
• Think about places in your life where you aren’t truly free. This will require some time spent in prayer and meditation. (You can also use a journal if it helps.) Figure out where you are being restrained, and ask God to help you shake off those bonds.
