Devotional Fuel to Reboot Your Mind

Psalm 42:5, “Why are you in despair, O my soul? And why have you become disturbed within me? Hope in God, for I shall again praise Him for the help of his presence.” NASB1995

Psalm 42:5-6, “Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again – my Savior and my God! NLT.

We all have various kinds and types of struggles we will go through during our lifetime. One of them is dealing with pain in a medical illness or one’s lumbar findings. Paul in the New Testament had a known “thorn in the flesh” in 2 Corinthians 12:7-9. It was a constant source of irritation to him, but it is not clearly stated what it was. Some say it was a chronic eye problem. One source listed migraines. But we do know it was a source of real pain that he had to endure, and we are told it was to keep him humble. Yet God did not take it away but told him, “But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”

Dear one, we may not know the reason behind our difficulty, be it physical, emotional, or financial, but we can be assured by the hope we have in the promises of God that He has a purpose and that His grace is all-sufficient in the middle of the struggle. I recommend using these verses as your prayer as they have been mine this past week:

• Lamentations 3:24-25, “The LORD is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore I will hope in him.” The LORD is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him. It is good that one should wait quietly for the salvation of the LORD.”
• Psalm 27:13-14, “I believe that I shall look upon the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living! Wait for the LORD; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the LORD!”
• Psalm 37:7, “Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; fret not yourselves over the one who prospers in his way, over the man who carries out evil devices!”
• Hebrews 10:36-37, “For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God, you may receive what is promised. For, “Yet a little while, and the coming one will come and will not delay.”
• Psalm 34:18, “Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all.”

When you are in the middle of your struggle, think about how the works of God might be displayed in you, as Christ used in healing a blind man, to teach about faith and glorifying God, in John 9:1-3. Ask God for His vision for your life and a clearer perspective. Turn from the attention of all the pain onto what God is doing in your (in my) life instead. There is hope. There is victory despite what your body is going through. Seek out proper medical answers and be your own advocate as needed. Then, when you fall into those emotional swings of discouragement when undergoing shooting pain, because that is a pattern that happens, and most commonly at 3:00 AM, recite Psalm 42:5 and stay strong in the hope of answers coming from God. Remember, you are in His presence right in the middle of your struggle.

Listen to Ride the Storm (featuring Jane Evelyn), Judah Collective. Written by Jane Evelyn and LeAnn Squier, 2024, Judah Collective.

Deuteronomy 9:23, “And when the LORD sent you out from Kadesh Barnea, he said, “Go up and take possession of the land I have given you.” But you rebelled against the command of the LORD your God. You did not trust him or obey him.”

What do you do when you feel lost and in need of direction? Moses had to go to God numerous times in intercession for the people of Israel to show them mercy as they complained about numerous things and sinned against God. “When they came to the boundary of the Promised Land, the Lord said, “Take It.” The people however refused. Why? There were giants in the land.” Jon Courson Application Commentary, page 565. Their sin was due to lack of faith in God and disobedience. Got some giants in your land right now? Keep in mind Deuteronomy 9:3 which was part of Moses’s speech to the people, “Know therefore today that he who goes before you as a consuming fire is the LORD your God. He will destroy them and subdue them before you. So you will drive them out and make them perish quickly as the LORD has promised you.”

What has been the root of the problems you have had to go through this week? Is it needing God’s provision in multiple situations? Or possibly asking for physical healing in answer to a medical problem, as you must endure waiting for further tests and appointments. It could also be handling conflict with someone you interact with, and you need wisdom in your words in responses to be correct. Maybe you repeated something you now wished you would have not said. It could be all of these. We all have burdens to bear and work through with God’s help in fully trusting in His provision in growing and changing us (called sanctification) in needing God’s grace, as Psalm 119:34 states, “Give me understanding, that I may keep your law and observe it with my whole heart.” It all starts within our heart.

Have you had to trust in God for direction and answers currently, that He divinely provided you in the past? Take heart; He will do it again. You may feel lost and need direction from God’s council and seek His compassion. Are you afraid of bad news? It promises us in Psalm 112:4, “Even in darkness light dawns for the upright, for the gracious and compassionate and righteous man.” Then verse 7 declares, “He is not afraid of bad news; his heart is firm, trusting in the LORD.”

When you feel lost and need direction, trust in God and obey Him. He is your hope, renewing your thoughts and mind from reading God’s Word. Take possession of what God has given you in your place at work, within your family, and those who rely on you. Ignore the giants around you. Grow and stretch in the Lord’s will for your life. Remember Jesus Christ is interceding for you (Hebrews 7:25). You are not alone. March on!

Listen to Casting Crowns – East To West (Live at The Ryman) 2 weeks ago.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”

“Be happy in your faith at all times. Never stop praying. Be thankful, whatever the circumstances may be. If you follow this advice you will be working out the will of God expressed to you in Jesus Christ.” J.B. Phillips New Testament (PHILLIPS)

Are you able to remain cheerful no matter what happens when you are facing a predicament you have not chosen or didn’t expect to be in? Those times when you are struggling to keep on going and your frustrations are spilling into your day. We all have been there! The truth and concept that God is working in us to be more holy doesn’t typically, humanly speaking, come into my thoughts during a trial. Is it yours? Paul taught the Thessalonian Christians in their faith and in their mental attitude in 1 Thess. 5:23-24, to be thankful, as he challenged them, “Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may our whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful, he will surely do it.”. It takes endurance and searching upward instead of inward when facing uncomfortable, irritating circumstances, calamity and adversity. It takes steadfast trust in the God who holds tomorrow. Christ’s return gives us hope.

David said in Psalm 119:

• 92, “If your law had not been my delight, I would have perished in my affliction.”
• 133, “Keep steady my steps according to your promise, and let no iniquity get dominion over me.”
• 143-144, “Trouble and anguish have found me out, but your commandments are my delight. Your testimonies are righteous forever; give me understanding that I may live.”
• 153, “Look on my affliction and deliver me, for I do not forget your law.”
• 165, “Great peace have those who love your law; nothing can make them stumble.”
• 173-174, “Let your hand be ready to help me, for I have chosen your precepts. I long for your salvation, O LORD, and your law is my delight.”

What would you assign yourself as homework when undergoing a difficulty that is out of your control? Mine this week is memorizing 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18. Next would-be rereading Psalm 119 and highlighting the words, “affliction, keep steady my steps, commandments are my delight, deliver me, great peace, nothing can make them stumble, help me, and your law is my delight.”

What about spending time in prayer? I admit I need to do more of that. God commands us to pray. As it states in Philippians 4:6-7 “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Prayer is our expression of our trust in God. It is our dialogue with our great Shepherd. It needs to be the first thing we do every morning. “But I suggest that if you learn to pause and listen in prayer, the Lord will show you how to pray on behalf of another, and how to pray specifically concerning any situation.” Jon Courson, Application Commentary, page 1292, Philippians 4:7.

Circumstances change but God does not. Shut out distractions and recognize God’s sovereign hand is not neglecting you or the world we live in as you commit to Him what is on your mind and heart. He is in charge and someday soon every knee will bow before Him.

OK, God, now what do I do? I trust in You.

Listen to Mix – Aware Worship Trust In God (Featuring Mark Gutierrez) (12/30/2023)

Daniel 3:28, “Then Nebuchadnezzar said, “Praise be to the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who has sent his angel and rescued his servants! They trusted in him, and defied the king’s command and were willing to give up their lives rather than serve or worship any god except their own God. Therefore I decree that the people of any nation or language who say anything against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego be cut into pieces and their houses be turned into rubble, for no other god can save in this way.”

What do you do when you are in an unfavorable situation, need courage, and do not know the outcome? Things will come up to bring your focus off God and on your problem. It could be a health issue, unexpected financial shortcomings, relationship conflicts, or employment issues. Jon Courson’s Application Commentary on Daniel 3, page 712, stated: “We must understand that the Lord sends His trials most frequently not when we’re stumbling and struggling but when He sees that we’re doing well. After all, Jesus said it’s the branch that’s already bearing fruit that is pruned in order that it, might bring forth even more fruit (John 15:2) . . . it means the Father sees something in us worth building upon and improving.” I had never thought of it in this light before.

So, how do you face the day in first trusting God before anything else? Jesus taught the disciples in Matthew 6:33-34, “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” God is in control of all things, as he was with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego who survived the fiery furnace. They are a great example of their profile of trusting in God no matter what the outcome. They refused to compromise their convictions with courage. God rewarded their faithfulness to Him, as they trusted God to deliver them. It is recorded that there was no smell of fire on them, which was noted by King Nebuchadnezzar’s advisers. Now, that was a total miracle of God’s almighty protection and caused this king who had set out to have them burned alive, and they were not even scorched. He admitted, “Praise be to the God of Shadrach, Meshech, and Abednego., who has sent his angel and rescued his servants.” Daniel 3:28.

The Holy Spirit will speak to you in what you read in God’s Word. Ask Him, “What do you want me to know here? What truth do you want me to know to apply in my situation?

Are you walking through a new situation where 2 Corinthians 5:7 may have new meaning for you, which says, “For we walk by faith, not by sight.” Then 2 Corinthians 4:18 admonishes us, “So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” This very moment is just a moment in time and is temporary. We have the hope of seeing Jesus soon. That is what to cling to when you don’t know the outcome. Trust God, ask for wisdom and guidance in direct steps needed to pursue, and walk by faith and trust in the one who holds tomorrow, even when you do not know the outcome. “He’ll allow them [trials] to come into our lives to reveal Himself to us and to the bunch of Nebuchadnezzars who are watching us.” Jon Courson.

Listen to Casting Crowns, Oh My Soul.

2 Samuel 12:1, 7, & 12, 13, “The LORD sent Nathan to David. When he came to him, he said, “There were two men in a certain town, one rich and the other poor. Then Nathan said to David. “You are the man! This is what the LORD, the God of Israel says: “I anointed you king over Israel and I delivered you from the hand of Saul. You did it in secret, but I will do this thing in broad daylight, before all Israel.” Then David said to Nathan, “I have sinned against the LORD.”

In my NIV Application Bible, it lists Nathan as one of those that had a profile, of example of a godly man who trusted in God in the Old Testament. He was a court prophet, a trusted advisor of David, a friend, a fearless but discerning confronter, and David’s Biblical counselor, and God’s messenger. We read in 2 Samuel 7, “That night the word of the LORD came to Nathan, saying, “Go and tell my servant David, ‘This is what the LORD says . . .” When Nathan confronted David of his sins in coveting, theft, adultery, and murder, in stealing Uriah’s wife, Bathsheba, in 2 Samuel 12, it took great discernment of the right words with compassion but tact, skill, and courage, in his delivery to a king in rebuking him. Nathan pointed out to David his sin and delivered God’s message to him. Nathan’s role was to confront sin. How the message is presented is critical backed up with the truth found in God’s Word. James 1:14-15 is truth, “But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.” This is literally what happened to David in that situation in 2 Samuel 12. David repented and wrote Psalm 51, David’s plea for mercy, forgiveness, and cleansing. Then Psalm 32, which he wrote, talks about forgiveness bringing great joy, as verse one states, “Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered.” In both, David confesses his sin to God, and God forgave him.

What about our words? Proverbs 16:1 states, “To man belong the plans of the heart, but from the LORD comes the reply of the tongue.” We read in verses 16, “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.” Nathan confronted David tactfully, directly, and skillfully. He got his point across succinctly, by pointing out to David that he would not have tolerated such behavior, and David repented. “David didn’t defend himself or try to blame Bathsheba. He simply and succinctly said, “I’ve sinned against the Lord. Period.” No amplification and honest confession.” Jon Courson’s Application Commentary, Old Testament, page 928.

Life is often times brutal and miserable. Even if we don’t get everything we want, we still have God’s Word of truthful promises, such as Psalm 23:1, “The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need.” NLT. And Romans 8:28-29 ESV declares, “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.” If the OT prophet, Nathan, came to my house today, I believe that is what God would tell him to say to me, and then would remind me to take hope and trust in God’s sovereign plan. The profile of Nathan is an example of trusting God and coming alongside someone who needs God’s words in their life at a specific time, even if the truth is painful. We all need to judge our own actions alongside Scripture, so as to have the right words at the right time.

Listen to Only For A Moment by Danny Gokey YouTube Video.

1 Samuel 17:45, “David said to the Philistine, “You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the LORD Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied.”

When you are going through a trial, be it physical, financial, relationships, or being wrongly judged, think of David’s profile of trust in God, in the Old Testament, who had enormous courage, faith, and trust in the power of God as his shield to protect him. Criticism never stopped him, as his oldest brother Eliab, in 1 Samuel 17:28, wrongly and harshly accused David of being conceited and wicked in heart and abandoning his job at home as a shepherd, guarding their sheep. David didn’t argue with his brother and took the high road in carrying on his complete faith, courage, and trust in God to be there with him to fight his battle against the giant Goliath. God had sovereignly prepared David for this event in his first job of shepherding sheep, as he bare-handedly protected them from lions and bears. As Proverbs 16:3 instructs, “Commit your work to the LORD, and your plans will be established.”

God allowed Eliab and Goliath to speak and treat David unjustly. Jerry Bridges wrote in his book “Trusting God,” “Now God sometimes allows people to treat us unjustly. Sometimes He even allows their actions to seriously affect our careers, or our futures viewed on a human plane. But God never allows people to make decisions about us that undermine His plan for us. God is for us, and we are His children. He delights in us (Zephaniah 3:17),” page 62. David took the steps needed to live out God’s agenda in defeating and killing Goliath with his javelin weapon.

My question for myself right now is, am I growing in courage and confidence in trusting God’s sovereignty over my life as it has taken some different changes? What about over our current world’s dilemmas? Am I living, as David did, in God’s promise in Psalm 84:11, which declares, “For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor. No good thing does he withhold from those who walk uprightly.” God knows the future. We do not. You don’t have to have all the answers right now because our God is the planner-majestic God, and He goes before you (Deuteronomy 31:8).

The next time you face a crisis, resight 1 Samuel 17:45 words of truth with boldness, “but I come against you in the name of the LORD Almighty.” It is more than about our talents and abilities or IQ. It is about having a new level of courage, trust, and faith in God. Jehovah Immeka – The LORD is with you. What do you think is His point of view about your situation? Ask Him. Remember, you are never alone. God’s presence is enough to defeat any enemy. May you have a new level of courage in your current circumstances to remember this truth from God’s Word.

Listen to Matthew West – Chosen (Lyric Video). New release.

1 Samuel 2:9-10, “He will guard the feet of his faithful servants, but the wicked will be silenced in the place of darkness. It is not by strength that one prevails, those who oppose the LORD will be broken. The Most High will thunder from heaven: the LORD will judge the ends of the earth.”

Hannah’s prayer in 1 Samuel 2:1-10 is a song of praise and worship that Hannah offered at the end of the story of Samuel’s birth. It is about the creator God, who protects and reverses human fortunes by His almighty power. We see in 1 Samuel how Hannah deeply trusted God and was fervent in prayer but struggled with her self-worth because she could not have children. She poured out her heart to God and received His word with faith. She portrays faith with patience. Isn’t that difficult sometimes when you are carrying a burden, yet needed? Patience is not always my friend. I admit I have struggled with this. Hannah believed in the sovereignty of God. She saw God as a solid rock (2:2) and knows what we do. She knew God was the supreme judge and sought Him earnestly. God answered Hannah’s prayer and Samuel is born and Hannah brings her son to Eli the priest when he was probably about three, and she states, “Therefore I have lent him to the LORD. As long as he lives, he is lent to the LORD.” 1 Samuel 1:28.

Now look at 1 Samuel 2:1, where Hannah prayed and said, “My heart rejoices in the LORD; My horn is exalted in the LORD. I smile at my enemies, Because I rejoice in Your salvation. No one is holy like the LORD, For there is none besides You, Nor is there any rock like our God.” On the day that Hannah made the enormous sacrifice of her life, she “rejoices in the LORD.” Hannah glorifies the LORD for His guidance and who is righteous and holy. She no doubt had ill feelings towards her husband’s other wife, Peninnah, who had treated her cruelly and caused Hannah great anxiety (1 Sam. 1:6-7). But Hannah subtly references she doesn’t have just one enemy, Peninnah, one person, but God’s enemies are her enemies (Psalm 139:21-22). She viewed Peninnah as a characteristic example of all the proud and arrogant people in the world. “Hannah wisely told the proud [1 Sam. 2:3] to talk no more and to let no arrogance come from your mouth. Pride can be expressed in many ways, but it usually is expressed by our words. It would be better if proud people just did not talk so much.” David Guzik, Blue Letter Commentary. Interesting observation and something to think about.

We are now in July. This year is half over already. God requires us to be faithful in our commitment, trust, and obedience. It takes living it out moment by moment, one day at a time. It is based on our faith, not on our age or position. Cast your cares onto Him as Hannah did, humbly and courageously, being honest and open about your concerns, questions, doubts, and fears. Sometimes, one’s courage in our faith is the size of a mustard seed, as mine is about something, but that is enough, and it is a starting point. God has a way of humbling the strong and exalting the weak. God has heard your prayer. He knows all about it (Hebrews 4:13). Pray and go to God first before you take any action. He will answer you from His holy heaven. Psalm 20:6.

Listen to Newsboys – How Many Times (Official Music Video) just out this week.

Genesis 15:1; 6. “After this, the word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision: “Do not be afraid, Abram, I am your shield, your very great reward.” Abram believed the LORD, and he credited it to him as righteousness.”

Abraham had no idea what was ahead in his future. He evidently feared that the kings he had just defeated might take revenge. His legacy shows us he was human as he had doubts and fears; he needed courage. God took him outside and pointed to the night sky. “Look up at the heavens and count the stars – if indeed you can count them.” Then he said to him, “So shall your offspring be.” Abram believed the LORD, and he credited it to him as righteousness.” Genesis 15:5-6. God promised to defend Abram – “I am your shield.” Next, he promised to be Abram’s “very great reward.” This key verse in Genesis 5:6 was quoted four times in the New Testament -Romans 4:3, 22; Galatians 3:6, and James 2:23. When you fear a predicament or what lies ahead, remember the promises God gave to Abram. He will give to you, too, if you ask Him. It takes putting your trust and faith in our all-powerful, all-sufficient God. Ones lack of faith is always evident in times of crises.

I was struggling with some fears and doubts this Summer over a health issue when we were traveling on vacation. We were visiting my brother and sister-in-law in NW Iowa, and on a stand near their kitchen table was the verse, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9. It was just what I needed to give me courage and help me fight discouragement at that very moment. I now have this verse on a plaque in our living room so that I can continually be reminded of God’s promise of His presence with me wherever I go, in whatever I am going through. I have again needed that verse as a reminder recently.

Do you feel like you have to figure everything out? You don’t, and God doesn’t expect you to. He wants you to trust Him. If God told Abram not to be afraid, who was later known for his faith, obedience, and covenant with God and chosen to be the father of the Jewish nation, be encouraged from the profile of Abram/Abraham we are given in Genesis. God’s comfort and grace are a gift to take hold of in the journey of learning to trust in God without fears and doubts.

God appears in the Psalms eleven times as a “shield.” One verse is Psalm 3:3, “But you are a shield around me, O LORD, you bestow glory on me and lift up my head.” Psalm 5:12, is another example, “For surely O LORD, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield.” A shield protects one from being hurt. It blocks out what his harmful.

God wants you to know him personally. For any pain and suffering you have to go through, God has a higher reason for you to be on this path to develop a deeper relationship, character, and trust in God displayed in your faith as you take one day at a time. You are forming a legacy in the present, that will leave a legacy in the future. Remember, God is your continual shield of protection. “Know therefore that the LORD your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commandments.” Deuteronomy 7:9. Amen!

Listen to Charity Gayle – This Is My Story (Live)

Hebrews 4:1-3, “Therefore, while the promise of entering his rest still stands, let us fear lest any of you should seem to have failed to reach it. For good news came to us just as to them, but the message they heard did not benefit them, because they were not united by faith with those who listened. For we who have believed enter that rest, as he has said, “As I swore in my wrath, They shall not enter my rest,” although his works were finished from the foundation of the world.”

“Hearing God’s word isn’t enough. Ancient Israel heard the word but it did not profit them because they did not receive it with faith. Hearing gave them the opportunity, but the opportunity only profited if it was mixed with faith.” Blue Letter Bible Commentary, David Guzik. The children of Israel had shortcomings as we all do, but it was their lack of faith in God’s promises and trusting in their own efforts, that kept them from receiving God’s best for them.

When we believe with complete faith and trust in God, in what we hear Him say to us in His Word, it gives us the experience of abiding in His rest. Our own efforts are never adequate. I have needed God’s power, especially these past few weeks and months. I take comfort in the fact that God knows every weakness I have as it tells us:

• Hebrews 4:15, “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.”
• Romans 8:26, “Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.”
• 2 Corinthians 12:9, “But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. “Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”
• Psalm 103:14, “For he knows our frame; he remembers that we are dust.”

When he was alive, Charles Stanly said he read Psalm 119, 125 – 128, and 133 almost daily. He said it helped prevent him from being discouraged. One example is in Psalm 125:1, “Those who trust in the LORD are like Mount Zion, which cannot be shaken but endures forever.”

Your (my) present-moment difficulties have an expiration date in God’s sovereign plan for your (my) life. Ask God to guide you in every decision you have to make today. You are getting to know God more personally than when you knew Him before this challenging time. Our own efforts are never adequate. Trust in Christ’s power. “He’s close enough to speak through desires and promptings and pain. Hardships make us forget we are made in the image of God. People are not the enemy – sin is.” Mark Batterson.

How much faith do you and I need? The size of a mustard seed, Jesus says is all it takes to move a mountain. Prayer will start to open doors. Your own efforts are not adequate, but your faith mixed with God’s promises in your prayers will start to get things moving. Hold on. Stand firm. Depend on Jesus and remember, “The same power that raised Jesus from the dead lives in me.” Ephesians 1:18-20.

Listen to Phil Wickham – WAIT – HOMETOWN VERSION (Official Lyric Video).

Hebrews 3:15-19, “As it has just been said: “Today if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts, as you did in the rebellion.” Who were they who heard and rebelled? Were they not all those Moses led out of Egypt? And with whom was he angry for forty years? Was it not with those who sinned, whose bodies fell in the desert? And to whom did God swear that they would never enter his rest, if not to those who disobeyed? So we see that they were not able to enter, because of their unbelief.”

I remember the old hymn often sung when I was a child: “Trust and obey, for there’s no other way, to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.” It was about the burdens that we carry. Are you carrying a burden currently? We all live with adversity of one kind or another every day. Proverbs 27:1 states, “Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring.” None of us can tell what is going to happen throughout our day, but if we have a lack of trust in God, we will be kept from receiving God’s best for us.

The Israelites failed to trust in God for His protection and did not believe He would help them conquer the giants in the land (Numbers 14:15). So, God had them wander in the desert for 40 years, and they failed to enter the promised land and were victims of their own unbelief. Their unbelief came before their disobedience. “Israel’s great failure was to persevere in faith. After crossing much of the wilderness trusting in God, and after seeing so many reasons to trust in Him, they end up falling short – because they did not persevere in faith in God and His promise.” Blue Letter Bible, David Guzik. These people walked through the Red Sea, escaped the Egyptians, and witnessed many other miracles God performed, yet they still grumbled and complained against God. They lacked trusting God in their difficult circumstances. Disobedience stems from disbelief. At times I am equally guilty. I grumble and complain and then feel guilty for allowing a frustration to get me down. So, I then recount my blessings as Ecclesiastes 7:13 declares, “Consider what God has done. Who can straighten what he has made crooked?”

How one finishes is more important than how we start – think about that. Genuine faith and trust in God will give you endurance as you persevere in receiving God’s best. Lack of trust keeps one from receiving God’s best. Trust in Him. Enter into God’s best for you due to your steadfast and faithful trust in God. Yes, it takes endurance and perseverance. Enter into His rest.

Psalm 95:7-8, Hebrews 3:15, and Hebrews 4:7 warn us, “Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts.” You are in the presence of God. Give Him praise! Take time to hear what He wants to say to you in your needful situation.

Put Psalm 20:7-8 as a prayer to give you hope, “Now I know that the LORD saves his anointed; he will answer [me] him from his holy heaven with the saving might of his right hand. Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but [I] we will trust in the name of the LORD our God.”

I still remember receiving devastating news from an envelope in our mailbox addressed to me, a number of years ago. The contents were devastating and threatening. This was in the intense adversity column and involved emotional pain. I could not see or feel God’s presence in this situation. Yet God had His sovereign plan in it all and did work it out for our good (Romans 8:28) as the turmoil lasted for five long months, before the outcome transpired.

Trust God with confidence today. Ask to hear His voice as you search the Scriptures. Do you need God to deliver you from something? Enter into His rest with obedience in your faith, and perseverance. He will provide. The urgency of today is hearing God’s voice speak to you, through His Word, to meet your need(s). He has your best in mind. God is in control, so trust Him to help you conquer your current giant.

Listen to Brandon Lake, Phil Wickham – Love of God (Music Video). Newly released this week.