In yesterday’s devotion one quote from Billy Graham left a deep impression in my heart. He said: “Like Joseph storing up grain during the years of plenty to be used during the years of famine that lay ahead, may we store up the truths of God’s Word in our hearts as much as possible, so that we are prepared for whatever suffering we are called upon to endure.”1 As I have shared in previous devotions life is difficult and trials and suffering are part of the package. In order to cope with these storms of life I have found that one of the best ways is to store up the Word of God in our hearts and meditate on its timeless truths. May we all hide the following verses in our hearts and memory banks to equip us to deal with life’s difficult moments.
(1 Peter 5:7)
“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”
We were created to have a relationship with Jesus and live an abundant life. However, because of sin life is full of stress, trials, and disappointments. One thing we were not created to live with is anxiety and worry since we serve a God who cares for us more than we can ever imagine. He wants us to experience true peace and desires us to place all of our cares on Him. We are not very good in dealing with the burdens of life but we serve a God who is. And when we cast our cares on Him it frees us up to live a joyous life and spend more time in worshipping Jesus and praying for the needs of others rather than being consumed with our worries. So, the next time you are hit with a trial trust God and leave your anxious thoughts in His very capable hands.
(Psalm 91:1)
“Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.”
What a beautiful verse to mediate on. When we dwell in God’s presence by spending time in private devotion, reading the Bible, or worshipping in church it’s like being in the most beautiful place possible. Keeping our minds occupied with the beauty of the Lord will give us great peace and will allow us to experience resting in the shadow of the Almighty. Turning our thoughts to Jesus and not to our problems is the great antidote for anxiety for we read in (Isaiah 26:3): “You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.” Imagine if just staying in God’s shadow can supply us with rest from our daily struggles, what it must be like to dwell in His intimate presence!
(Philippians 4:6-7)
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
As we trust God for all of our provisions, as we keep our minds on Jesus, and as we read and fall more in love with the Bible we should never forget to talk to God through the awesome vehicle of prayer. When we let God handle all of our cares not only do our burdens lift but peace replaces anxiety and joy becomes our new constant companion. And please don’t forget to fill your prayers with praise and thanksgiving for in so doing you set into motion how much you appreciate the Lord.
My friends we are not equipped to fight our battle with trials by ourselves but with the help of Jesus we will not only always prevail, but worry will vanish since we become more concerned with advancing His kingdom then our own agendas. And the result will be peace which surpasses all understanding because our focus becomes all about being used by God to bring Him glory.
If I can leave you with one closing thought, it would be to view trials as opportunities to bring glory to God.
1 Billy Graham quote: Like Joseph storing up grain during the years of plenty… (azquotes.com)
You did it again!!! Another perfectly timed devotion about the peace that prayer and communion with God can bring us. These devotionals mean so much to me and whenever you write about peace during trials it’s so perfectly lined up with a current struggle I’m facing. Thank you for the constant reminders that with God and prayer I can put my mind at rest. You don’t know how badly I needed this devotional this morning. I’ve been up since 3:30 and this just reminded me to pray and already I feel better.
I hope everything with your surgery is going well. I’m SOO VERY GRATEFUL for bible camp and having met your daughter so that you are still part of my life for these readings are so important to me. Thank you for your dedication to God. We all appreciate you.