Your Solid Foundation Even When Things Change
Photo by Brigitte Tohm
This year was a complete surprise to everyone. But even this year, when everything feels different, one thing remains the same.
We can trust the Lord to direct our steps (Prov. 16:9). He is with us, and He is helping us, and the desires He’s put on our hearts still matter to Him. Even in the dark, His light shines with a sure and steady faithfulness.
The people who were sitting in darkness saw a great Light,
And those who were sitting in the land and shadow of death,
Upon them a Light dawned. (Matt. 4:16 NASB)
For many of us, our carefully laid plans have changed, but the Lord is still leading us forward and causing things to work out for our good, because we love Him.
So today, in a world that feels very different, here are a few things we can always count on.
When Everything Falls Apart…
Our confidence doesn’t come from knowing everything. It comes from “leaning on” God’s understanding (Prov. 3:5).
The promise of the Lord is stronger and more real than what we see happening around us (2 Cor. 5:7).
Our strength doesn’t come from what the world says or what man thinks is true, but it comes from God (1 Cor. 2:5).
As we listen to the Lord, we realize what reality looks like (Rom. 10:17).
Nothing is impossible with God (Luke 1:37).
When We Don’t Know What to Do…
He’s the One who makes our steps firm (Prov. 16:9).
We get to ask Him for wisdom (Jas. 1:5).
He is our strength at all times, in all things (Phil. 4:13).
We get to be still with Him (Ps. 46:10).
We get to rest in Him (Matt. 11:28).
When All Hope Seems Lost…
God is faithful, and He hasn’t let go of the beautiful things He’s told us (Heb. 11:11).
We can ask Him for help whenever our hearts feel hard or discouraged (Mark 9:24).
He’s the One who refreshes us and saves us when we’re weary and worn out (Ps. 63:1).
God likes to send His light into the very places where darkness has taken over (Matt. 4:16).
He is the God of hope. When we remember who He is, our hearts start to turn toward hope again (Rom. 15:13).
Everything we want is found in Him (Matt. 6:33).
A Simple Activity to Recharge Your Heart
If it’s been a while since you’ve heard the voice of the Lord, sit down with Him this week and talk to Him about this verse:
For You light my lamp;
The Lord my God illumines my darkness. (Ps. 18:28)
Ask Him the following questions, and journal what you think He’s saying:
Lord, what does it mean that You “light my lamp”?
What does it mean that You illumine my darkness?
What has the darkness been telling me, and what are You telling me instead?
If you have any questions about what you’ve heard from God, wait a little while and then talk to Him about them. You could also take them to a trusted friend who knows the Lord well, and ask them about what you think He said.
A Prayer for Restoration
St. Augustine wrote that our hearts are restless until they find their rest in God. That is true for you, and it’s true for me. We were made for the Lord, and He is the one place where we get to truly, finally, find our rest and be refreshed.
Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. (Matt. 11:28)
If your heart is tired and needs to be refreshed, pray this prayer:
Jesus, I come to You to find my rest. You are my safe place, and I am here to lay my head on Your chest, the way John did in Scripture. Help me to hear Your voice today. In Your name I pray, amen.
Check out a few of our other prayers & devotions:
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