3-Minute Devotions for MenEsimerkki

 THE JOY OF RELYING ON GOD

In light of today’s passage, ask yourself what you’re trusting in or leaning on today. Are you joyful? Are you feeling fearful or frustrated? Your emotions and thoughts are helpful clues to what you think about God. They provide the evidence of a life of faith or a life of attempting to get by on your own. While following Jesus never assures you of smooth sailing, you’re assured of God’s presence based on His mercy for you. If you aren’t joyful today and find yourself stuck in despair, it could be that you’re trusting in yourself to earn God’s mercy or simply relying on your own resources and wisdom to help yourself. There is great contentment in trusting God’s mercy and falling back on His help. You don’t lean on God because you’ve earned His help or favor; rather, you start with His mercy that assures you of His saving help and presence, whether you’re going through good times or bad. 

God, please encourage my heart. Help me to experience Your peace and joy now. Draw me close to You. I pray all this in the name of Jesus.