Verses:
John 14:27 says “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
James 4:10 says “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.
Romans 12:2 says “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
Devo:
Golly, I’ve really been struggling lately. My job and work life has seemed to completely overwhelm all other parts of my life and I’ve simply felt…defeated.
Maybe for you it’s not your job, but another part of life-your marriage, your ministry, your kiddos, your health. Life has a way of weighing us down if we let it, and the more we allow ourselves to be pulled down, the more Satan capitalizes on it.
I don’t know who else needs to hear this, but I sure do, so here goes: friend, surrender that stress at the cross. Surrender that pain, those worries, that person, or that lingering thought. Surrender all that crap to Jesus, and let Him hold you close. There is no shame in reaching out to Him when we feel overwhelmed. There is no guilt in feeling like we can’t do it all. There is no fault in crawling to the cross and asking for divine help when we’re feeling alone, or victimized, or defeated, or hopeless. There is POWER that is awakened when we reach out and we reach UP in our brokenness. There is HEALING that happens when we surrender our pains and our scars. There is ENCOURAGEMENT that settles upon us when we ask for peace and comfort.
God shines best through the cracks of brokenness when we let Him. Let Him, friend.
Prayer:
God, come close to me. Let me feel Your presence in a tangible way. Let me be comforted in a way that only You can provide. I surrender my worries to you, Lord-every single one. Lift my burdens away and strengthen me with Your mighty hand. I may be feeling weak, but You are always strong. I may be feeling hopeless, but with You I am eternally hopeful. Draw near to me, God, and wrap Your arms around my tired soul.
