Better Words, Better Actions: PraiseLive's 30 Day DevotionalSample

What strikes me about today’s verse is the phrase, “my hope is in you all day long.” Most days, it is hard for us to keep that type of focus on any one thing.  There are many tasks, distractions, jobs, and activities that draw our attention away from the understanding that God wants to be involved with you every moment. Some of us may have never experienced what it is like to rely on God. I will admit it is tough for me at times too. I have two examples of how I approach a more focused day with God. As a kid, during Christmas, our family had the tradition of putting gifts under the tree, and some would be from Santa. As a child, I remember having such anticipation for what Santa would bring. Often I would become impatient, and our mom and dad would have to remind us to stay calm and teach us what it looks like to wait patiently.  As an adult, the principle behind Santa remains. I can wait in every moment to anticipate that God has a gift on the other side of a circumstance, a conflict, or setback. It keeps me patient, as I wait on the Lord. Sometimes the gift is for me, but sometimes the gift is for someone else.

Recently my wife and I were in the market for buying a used car.  We had saved up for a down payment, set our budget, and began the search. We also asked God to be involved in the process. I looked at over 600 cars online for two weeks, and finally, one stuck out. I showed it to my wife, and she said: “that’s the one.” It was almost as if God had picked it himself. The price was $5 under our budget. Then as we went to sell our car we were replacing, it sold to a family looking for our exact vehicle. After negotiating, the buyer paid us the precise amount of money we had saved for our down payment. Some people would credit this to coincidence or karma. But I believe that we have a God who is in the details if we just take a moment to recognize God in how he wants to teach us, guide us, and bless us.   

Reflection Question: 

What is one way you can ask God to be involved in your day, maybe at work or school?

Praise + Prayer:

God, I pray that having a deeper relationship with you does not have to be complicated or full of theology, but that we can simply invite you into what it is we are already doing. I ask that you show up in creative ways, and with details we didn’t think were possible. Please teach us to be patient and obedient to your guidance. Amen.

Action Idea:

Next time you have an exam, have a tough talk with your boss, make a purchase, have a work deadline, whatever gives you anxiety, pause, for a moment beforehand. Then simply ask, “God, please be with me in this.”