The more we study the Bible and God’s plan, the more we realize the gaps in our understanding. Jesus tells us however in Mark 4:22, “For everything that is hidden will eventually be brought into the open, and every secret will be brought to light.”

In order to learn and understand, we need to take the time and effort to study. Jesus continues in Mark 4:25, “To those who listen to my teaching, more understanding will be given. But for those who are not listening, even what little understanding they have will be taken away from them.”

Dear Lord, Thank you for the understanding of your plan that you have given us. Help us continue to listen to your teaching by reading and meditating on your word. In Your name we pray. Amen.

God wants a relationship with you. He wants you to incorporate him in everything. When we forget this, and ignore our relationship with Him, often he will give us hints reminding us to include him.

CS Lewis, amazing Christian author writes, “God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our conscience, but shouts in our pains: it is his megaphone to rouse a deaf world.”

When we hear those shouts from God in our pain, we should remember that God wants to have a close relationship with us, and as Paul writes in Philippians, 4:6,7. “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

Dear Lord, Help us hear your voice, and remember that you are right there ready to be with us in our lives, the joys and the sorrows. And know that when we have a relationship we can experience the amazing peace that you promise. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

In modern times people use the expression “keeping up with the Jones’,” to describe how people worry about how they compare to someone else, whether their income, the car they drive, size of their house, position at work, or many other ways. Our human perspective makes us believe that winning these “competitions” makes us “better.”

However, God tells us through Paul’s writing in Galatians 6:4, “Let everyone be sure that he is doing his very best, for then he will have the personal satisfaction of work well done and won’t need to compare himself with someone else.” TLB

I have heard it said, “Comparison is the thief of joy.”

Our motivation should not be the “competitive spirit”, it should be the satisfaction of doing, and being, our best. God has made us each unique, and gave us unique skills, talents, interests, and personalities. He tells us that the important thing is to do our best with them.

Dear Lord, thank you for the unique people you have made us. Help us make the most of what we have, and in doing so, we give glory to you. In Jesus’ name. Amen

Romans 8:39 Paul says “nothing can separate us from the love of God which is Jesus Christ”. NIV

We do not give those we love everything they want, because we know some things would not be good for them, and sometimes we make them do things that are difficult and frustrating because ultimately those things are good for them. In the same way, God lets us struggle, and doesn’t always give us what we want when we want it, but we can know as Paul said, God is doing these things for our good.

Personally, this is often incredibly difficult to believe.

You may be tempted to think, God doesn’t know that I am sitting in traffic, late for an important event, or that I got a flat tire, bombed a math test, argued with my spouse, can’t pay my bills, etc, but you would be wrong to think that. Matthew 10:29-30 says that not a sparrow falls to the ground that is not Gods will, and he knows the number of hairs on your head. So remember even when things are not going well, God knows and He is not neglecting you.

Dear Lord, help us to be strong in the knowledge that with Your unlimited power you love us and are looking out for us. In Jesus name. Amen.

Sometimes, we just cannot understand why God is letting things happen the way they are. Terrible tragedies happen to innocent people, people lose their loved ones, evil people seem to succeed. We try and try to find the logic in the events, but cannot.

In those times, a few of the following verses may help:

Isaiah 55:8-9 says, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”

Proverbs 3:5-6, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, do not depend on your own understanding.”

Psalm 91:14, “I will rescue those who love me. I will protect those who trust my name.”

Psalm 27:1, “The Lord is my light and my salvation so why should I be afraid? The Lord is my fortress, protecting me from danger, so why should I tremble?”

Psalm 27:14, “Wait patiently for the Lord, Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord.”

Psalm 23:4, “Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.”

We may not understand the work God is doing, but we can know that He is in control, and He is there for us.

Dear Lord, You know how difficult life can be for some people, be with those who mourn, help them feel your presence and comfort. Give use the words, wisdom, and love to be your hands of caring to those in need. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.