Editor's note: Enjoy today's devotion from Jesus Listens by Sarah Young.
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Victorious Jesus,
Help me to welcome problems as perspective lifters. When things are going smoothly in my life, it’s easy for me to sleepwalk through my days—just following my routines.
But if I bump into an obstacle that blocks my way, I suddenly wake up and become more attentive. I’ve discovered that when I encounter a problem with no immediate solution, my response to that situation takes me either up or down. I can lash out at the difficulty—resenting it and feeling sorry for myself. But experience has taught me that this negative attitude will take me down into a pit of self-pity.
Instead of this hurtful response, I can view the problem as a ladder—enabling me to climb up and see my life from Your perspective. Looking down at the problem from this elevation, I’m able to see that the obstacle that stymied me is only a light and momentary trouble.
- Once my perspective has been heightened, I’m free to look away from the difficulty and turn wholeheartedly to You.
As I focus my attention on You, the Light of Your Presence shines upon me—blessing and refreshing me.
In Your radiant, refreshing Name, amen.
2 Corinthians 4:17–18; Psalm 89:15; Numbers 6:24–25 NKJV
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Loving Savior,
Help me to stop overthinking things—obsessing about unimportant matters. When my mind is idle, I tend to go into planning mode, attempting to figure things out and make decisions before I really need to. I realize this is an ineffective way of trying to be in control; it’s also a waste of precious time. I often end up changing my mind anyway, or even forgetting what I decided. I know there is a time for planning, but it’s definitely not all the time—or even most of it.
I really want to live in the present, where Your beautiful Presence awaits me continually.
As I refresh myself in Your nearness, Your Love soaks into my innermost being. I delight in relaxing with You—putting aside problems so I can be attentive to You and receptive to Your Love. My soul thirsts for You, but so often I don’t realize what I’m really longing for: awareness of Your Presence with me.
Lord, please lead me beside quiet waters and restore my soul. Just as lovers can communicate deeply with very few words, so it is in my relationship with You—the Lover of my soul.
In Your tender Name, Jesus, amen.
Ephesians 3:16–18; Psalm 63:1 NKJV; Psalm 23:2–3
Excerpted with permission from Jesus Listens by Sarah Young, copyright Jesus Calling Foundation.
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Your Turn
Are you frustrated with the obstacles in your life today? Don’t settle into self-pity! Focus on Jesus and consider His perspective. Set your problems aside and rest in Him. ~ Devotionals Daily