God's Sovereignty Can Lead to Humbling Circumstances

Many are the sorrows of the wicked, but steadfast love surrounds the one who trusts in the Lord. - Psalm 32:10

Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. - Romans 12:12

You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore. - Psalm 16:11

Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. - I Peter 5:6-7

Dear God,

I don't mind being put in humbling circumstances. It stinks to be always worried about what's going to happen from day to day. But I would appreciate some help once in a while with regard to dealing with the people who tear me down and back me into corners. So can I just leave that with You right now? Because this week has been a very bad week for me on the emotional front and I honestly don't think I handle anything else going wrong or astray right now.

Thank You.

In Jesus' Name,

Amen

All Day Long

"Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all the day long." - Psalm 25:5

"Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness." - James 1:2-3

"I have set the Lord always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices; my flesh also dwells secure." - Psalm 16:8-9

"You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore." - Psalm 16:11

Dear God, 

Help me to keep You in my mind all day long. I need You all day long. You are with me all day long.

Thank You.

In Jesus' Name, 

Amen

Putting Down the Pebbles

"Therefore, holy brothers, you who share in a heavenly calling, consider Jesus, the apostle and high priest of our confession, who was faithful to him who appointed him, just as Moses also was faithful in all God's house." - Hebrews 3:1-2

"He loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of the steadfast love of the Lord." - Psalm 33:5

"By faith he left Egypt, not being afraid of the anger of the king, for he endured as seeing him who is invisible." - Hebrews 11:27

"You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore." - Psalm 16:11

Dear God,

Help me to look past my problems to see You in the midst. Help me to put down the pebbles so I can see the ocean.

Thank You.

In Jesus' Name,

Amen

The Path

"No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it." - I Corinthians 10:13

"So we are always of good courage. We know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord, for we walk by faith, not by sight." - II Corinthians 5:6-7

Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." - John 14:6

"You make known to me the oath of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore." - Psalm 16:11

Dear God,

The path of life has a wonderful destination in heaven. You are walking with me. You know everything that will happen on my path. You see the whole path even when I can only see a small part. Help me to trust You and to walk by faith. 

Thank You.

In Jesus' Name, 

Amen

Look the Right Way

"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things." - Philippians 4:8 

Other translation: Continue to think about the things that are good and worthy of praise. Think about the things that are true and honorable and right and pure and beautiful and respected. - Philippians 4:8

"My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me." - John 10:27 

"The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace." - Numbers 6:24-26

Focal verse, other translation: "May the Lord show you his kindness. May he have mercy on you." - Numbers 6:25

"You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore." - Psalm 16:11

Other translation: You will teach me God's way to live, being with you will fill me with joy. At your right hand I will find pleasure forever. - Pslam 16:11

Dear God, 

I choose not to focus on the Trump catastrophe because Trump is not good or worthy of praise nor is he true or honorable or right or pure or beautiful or respected. He mocked people. He still mocks people. And he lies all the time. I would much rather enjoy beautiful and good things, like my precious kitten, Evie, and the sweet song of a bird. By focusing on the good things, I am encouraged and I will be made stronger in my faith. I will indeed have to deal with those things that are ugly, like the bullies who call people all kinds of horrid names when they have a different opinion and try to shit us up when we stand up against their bullying. But I definitely do not have to keep thinking about those things. I choose to focus on the kind words, the people who are helping others (kudos to Meryl Streep), and Your beautiful creation. You are with me throughout my day through these small things. 

Thank You for retraining my focus.

In Jesus' Name, 

Amen