One Day At A Time: a devotion by Ann Broughton

“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own” (Matthew 6:34 NIV).

Are you worrying about what will happen tomorrow or in the future? Is something weighing down your heart so much that it is difficult to find joy in living? Life can bring many trials, sickness, pain, and sorrow, but Jesus knew you would have trials and provided words of encouragement in the Bible to help you make it through those times of doubt and worry. When I feel overwhelmed by life’s troubles, I pray that God will help me to see that this is just a small part of the big picture of my life, and I trust Him that good can come out of each trial that comes my way. Because of my trials, my faith has grown tremendously. I have felt peace in times of great distress, that I know could only have come through the Holy Spirit working in my life.

When you are hit by life’s trials, please know that if you call upon Jesus to help you, he will be there for you. In the gospels you will find that Jesus was full of compassion and was constantly healing those who were sick. He cares about you and your needs. He hears your prayers. He knows your thoughts, worries, and fears. He alone can calm your spirit. It is very necessary that you surrender what is troubling you into the hands of Christ. If you cannot control the situation then you must give it to Christ, and trust him to take care of it. Remember this verse: “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:13 NIV). Another verse I cling to when I am in the midst of trials is: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28 NIV). In my own life, I have seen good come from serious trials. If you trust God he can make it happen. “Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible” (Matthew 19:26 NIV).

Dear Lord,

I know trials will come, but I also know that you are with me during each trial and will give me the peace to get through it. I also know that you can bring about something good even in the worst situations. I trust you with my future and know you will never leave me.

In Jesus’ name,

Amen

Have Hope in God by Ann Broughton

“Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God” (Psalm 43:5 NIV).

   Do you need hope right now? Is your soul downcast? Hope in God.

The Bible is filled with men and women who displayed hope in difficult times. That is why it is so important to read the Old and New Testaments. It is filled with hope. I am going to give you a few examples.

   First, Abraham was told by God that a great nation was to come from him. Abraham and his wife had hope that God would give them a child. They had to wait 25 years before their son, Isaac, would be born.

   Joseph had to wait in prison for several years before he was freed. He had hope that God would be with him and He was. “But while Joseph was there in the prison, the Lord was with him; he showed him kindness and granted him favor in the eyes of the prison warden. So the warden put Joseph in charge of all those held in the prison..” (Genesis 39:20-22 NIV). When he was freed Pharaoh put him in charge of the whole land of Egypt. Joseph’s hope in God helped him through a very bad trial, and in the end Joseph was blessed.

    Mary and Martha had hope that Jesus could raise Lazarus from the dead. They believed in Him and knew He could do anything. Martha said, “But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask”

(John 11:21 NIV). Jesus proceeded to raise Lazarus from the dead to prove that He indeed is the resurrection and the life. Do you have this hope?

    You see we are to believe that nothing is impossible with God and have hope that He will be there for us in every circumstance of our lives. He will always be there for you if you call upon Him to help you.

I think it would be wise to memorize this verse and have hope in the future. “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” (Romans 15:13 NIV). 

Dear Lord,

Give us hope that you will be with us, even in the dark times. We know that you are in control and we must surrender everything over to you and have faith that you know what is best for us. Thank you for the peace only you can give.

In Jesus’ name,

Amen