You Are Already Saved

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. — John 3:16 NKJV

Tuck God’s truths away in your heart. Holding on to those promises and thinking about them every day is a form of self-care that should not be underestimated. The truth is that God loves you so much He sent His only Son to die for you. Even when you feel overwhelmed, reminding yourself how deeply and unconditionally you are loved will help. This truth allows you to take a few deep breaths, slow down, and let God’s love for you surround you with comfort and peace.

Prioritize quiet time with your Father this week, and explore some of His other promises:

• Joshua 1:9
• Isaiah 26:3
• Philippians 4:7
• John 15:7
• Mark 13:11
• Romans 8:28
• 2 Corinthians 7:6
• Psalm 116:5-6
• James 1:2-3
• Deuteronomy 33:27
• Genesis 15:1
• James 4:8
• Hebrews 13:5

Which of those promises is your favorite? Why?

Which of those promises have you already seen fulfilled in your life?

Talk to God

Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. — Colossians 4:2

Maybe you pray when things are tough, and you pray a little less when life feels easy and it’s going your way. But your relationship with God will flourish when you talk to Him like a friend. God doesn’t just want a laundry list of your accomplishments or failures for the day. He wants to hear how you’re feeling, what is worrying you, what you’re dreaming about, and any other little thing on your mind. The more you open your heart up to Him, the more you will feel His peace and His presence in your life.

How often do you talk to God?

What do you usually pray about?

What’s something that you don’t usually talk to God about that has been burdening you? How can you start sharing that with Him?

Listen to God

The LORD will guide you always; He will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail. — Isaiah 58:11

Prayer is only half of what it means to have a conversation with God. If you spend all of your time talking, you miss out on the things God is trying to tell you or show you in return. Sometimes caring for your spiritual health is about being still and listening for God. He often works in ways that are mysterious, but His ways are not your ways. When God “speaks” to you, it may be subtle, like guiding you toward specific people or nudging you to read a verse in the Bible. Listening to God might mean paying attention to the things on the path before you.

The more time you can spend listening to and paying attention to God’s presence, the easier it will be to notice those little internal nudges from the Holy Spirit that steer you away from a certain choice or prompt you to go talk to a stranger.

Spend quiet time today just breathing and listening for His voice.

Is being still and listening already part of your prayer life?

If not, how can you start adding in this practice?

Have you ever heard or felt a reply from God when praying? How did it make you feel?

Excerpted with permission from The Weekly Self-Care Project, copyright Zondervan.

* * *

Your Turn

Holding onto the promises of God and reminding yourself of them is a sweet form of self-care. Give yourself the gift of remembering God’s goodness, what His Word says, and how much He loves you. Take a few moments today and practice the presence of God. Just enjoy Him, tell Him your heart, listen for His voice. He loves you! ~ Devotionals Daily