Sorrow and grace

I’m on a diet of tears—
     tears for breakfast, tears for supper.
All day long
     people knock at my door,
Pestering,
     “Where is this God of yours?”
~ Psalm 42:3 (MSG)

The Lord said: “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. ~ 2 Corinthians 12:9 (NLT)

SUMMARY SENTENCE

God's grace is the only survival tool we need.

PRAYER

Lord, thank you for your undeserved grace. Forgive me when I slip into thinking that I need more power or control to overcome my problems. Stir again the deposit of grace that you have planted within me. I'm going to trust that the power of Christ will override all my weaknesses. Amen.

Make a stand

But David told the Philistine, “You are coming against me with sword, spear, and scimitar, but I come against you in the name of the Lord of heavenly forces, the God of Israel’s army, the one you’ve insulted." ~ 1 Samuel 17:45 (CEB)

So stand with the belt of truth around your waist, justice as your breastplate, and put shoes on your feet so that you are ready to spread the good news of peace. ~ Ephesians 6:14-15 (CEB)

SUMMARY SENTENCE

Make your stand with the Lord utilizing his weapons of choice.

PRAYER

Lord of heavenly forces, who can oppose you? I'm so glad that you call me to fight next to you. It's such a safe place to be. Forgive me when in the face of opposition I feel compelled to come up with my own plans -- battle strategies which rely on violence and violent words. When the stressful moments come and I feel compelled to do something reawaken me to your presence. I'm going to stand with you. Amen.

Ask

The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right; his ears are open to their cries for help. ~ Psalm 34:15 (NLT)

Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. ~ Matthew 7:7 (NLT)

SUMMARY SENTENCE

Tell God because he is listening.

PRAYER

Thank you, God, for hearing me. I confess that I grow weary of asking you for things when what I recieve isn't exactly want I asked for. True, once it comes, the answer is always better than what I asked for, but it's frustrating having to adjust my expectations. Help me to be open to healthy change. I'm going to follow Jesus' instruction and continue to look to you for solutions. Amen.

Rejoice

My heart rejoices in the Lord! ~ 1 Samuel 2:1a (NLT)

Although you’ve never seen him (that is, Jesus), you love him. Even though you don’t see him now, you trust him and so rejoice with a glorious joy that is too much for words. ~ 1 Peter 1:8 (CEB)

SUMMARY SENTENCE

Let the joy that comes from the Lord wash away the challenges that hold you back.

 PRAYER

Glorious God, thank you for intervening in my life. Even though I love you, I am hesitant to express my joy. I'm worried that people will think I'm some kind of religious nutcase. Help me to grow thick and indifferent skin so that I can freely express the joy that is waiting to bubble out of my heart. I'm going to start by singing -- even though I have trouble carrying a tune. It's going to be okay. Amen.