Touching Lives with James Merritt DAILY DEVOTIONAL EMAIL Subscribe to receive the daily devotional from Dr. James Merritt right into your inbox SUBSCRIBE Everything We Need February 12, 2021 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. (Ephesians 1:3) We live in a world that likes to measure others by what they have. We compare what we have to what other people have – the car they drive, the clothes they wear, the house they live in. But in reality, it doesn’t matter how many possessions and tangible things we have. According to Scripture, we have everything we need from Jesus if we have surrendered our lives to Him. Paul reminds us of this truth in his letter to the Ephesians when he says, “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ” (Ephesians 1:3). There are two words to pay attention to in this verse. That is the word “has” and the word “every.” We are not told that one day God will give us every spiritual blessing. We are not told that God has given us some spiritual blessings. We are told plainly that God has already given us every spiritual blessing. In other words, God has already given us all that we need to be in Him, and He has already given us all that we need to do for Him. In other words, we are lacking nothing. We never have to do without, because God has given us every spiritual blessing through His Son. What an amazing gift! It is my prayer that you don’t take that gift for granted, and that you thank God for every single blessing He has bestowed upon you in this life. Dear Father, thank you for being so generous in providing everything I could ever need through your Son, Jesus Christ. Help me to be more grateful for your blessings and to resist the temptation to find contentment in the things of this world. In Jesus’ name, amen. Topics: Work of Christ Bible Reference Ephesians 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, About Contact Us Jobs Pastor Resources Prayer Request Privacy Policy Copyright © 2019 Touching Lives, Inc. | 1800 Satellite Blvd, Duluth, GA 30097 | United States | 770-982-0168 Touching Lives is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization

Touching Lives with James Merritt DAILY DEVOTIONAL EMAIL Subscribe to receive the daily devotional from Dr. James Merritt right into your inbox SUBSCRIBE I Am A Saint February 11, 2021 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, to the saints who are in Ephesus, and are faithful in Christ Jesus. (Ephesians 1:1) If you would like to know what the real God looks like, the God who is great and glorious, who is magnificent and majestic, who is supreme and sovereign, you need to look no further than a letter that was written two thousand years ago by a man named Paul who had met this God personally on the Damascus Road. When you read who he says this God is and what this God has done, and what this God is doing and wants to do, the only word you’ll be thinking is, “unbelievable.” It may sound contradictory, but we really do believe in a God who is unbelievable. And in the book of Ephesians, Paul tells us that what God has done for his people is unbelievable and what God wants to do through His people is unbelievable. Paul begins his letter to the Ephesians by saying, “Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, to the saints who are in Ephesus, and are faithful in Christ Jesus” (Ephesians 1:1). Do you know what he called everyone in the church? He called them saints. From this description, you get the idea they were a cut above you and me. But no, they had the same kind of people in their church that we have in our churches today – people who struggled with anger, lust, jealousy, bitterness gossip, and greed. Yet Paul calls them saints. His point in doing so is that he is talking to ordinary believers like you and me. There is no special class of Christians who are saints. Every believer is a saint and every saint is a believer, because that’s what God says we are. May we not forget the power and comfort we can derive from that truth! Dear Lord, thank you for Paul’s reminder that I am a saint because of your sacrifice. Help me to remember that truth everyday and to live in the power that comes with it. In Jesus’ name, amen. Topics: Grace Bible Reference Ephesians 1:1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, To the saints who are in Ephesus, and are faithful in Christ Jesus: About Contact Us Jobs Pastor Resources Prayer Request Privacy Policy Copyright © 2019 Touching Lives, Inc. | 1800 Satellite Blvd, Duluth, GA 30097 | United States | 770-982-0168 Touching Lives is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization

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The Gift of Weakness

February 10, 2021

“The LORD gives strength to His people; the LORD blesses His people with peace.” Psalm 29:11

Where else, besides God, is weakness a gift? Who else desires brokenness above greater sacrifice? It is one of the great paradoxes of the Christian life, this exchange of weakness for strength. The Apostle Paul even wrote, regarding the sufficiency of God’s grace, “I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” The more we acknowledge our weakness, the more ready our hearts become to receive the gift of God’s supernatural strength.

The phrase, “supernatural strength,” is quite likely to stir up mental images of Hollywood characters with super-human powers. Batman, Spider Man, The Avengers, and X-Men are just a few examples. But this is not the kind of strength that God gives, or even honors. While man looks at the outward appearance, God looks at the heart; so the strength He gives starts there.

True Christian transformation always happens from the inside out. When we humbly bring God the weaknesses in our hearts, admitting that we can’t do it without Him, He is honored. It is then that His power becomes most visible in our lives. God reminds us in 2 Corinthians 12:9, “My power is made perfect in weakness.” This means that the weaker we are, the stronger He is in us. Therefore, when we are weak, then we are strong.

Dear Lord, as much as I don’t want to appear weak, I know that you can use my weakness for your glory in a way that I never imagined. Help me to be submissive as I hand my weaknesses over to you so that you might use them to accomplish your greater plan and purpose. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Topics: Christian Living

Bible Reference

Psalm 29:11

May the LORD give strength to his people! May the LORD bless his people with peace!

2 Corinthians 12:9

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Verse of the Day ▼ Devotions ▼ Search Home Verse Of The Day Jeremiah 50:6 ◄ What Does Jeremiah 50:6 Mean? ► “My people have become lost sheep; Their shepherds have led them astray They have made them turn aside on the mountains; They have gone along from mountain to hill And have forgotten their resting place. Jeremiah 50:6(NASB) Verse Thoughts From Abel to Abraham, from Moses to David, and from Amos to those men in the fields of Bethlehem who were keeping watch over their flocks by night, we see God using shepherds as an illustration of His loving-care for the needs of His people Whom He describes as little lambs and wandering sheep – lambs and sheep who have been led astray by false, destructive, and idle shepherds. He also uses the lowly shepherd as a beautiful picture of our God and Saviour Jesus Christ, the good and faithful Shepherd of the sheep Who sacrifices His life for the sake of the sheep. He is the great Shepherd of the sheep Who cares for His flock – and gently leads those that are with young. Jeremiah mourned that, “God’s people have become lost sheep Their shepherds have led them astray. They have made them turn aside on the mountains. They have gone along from mountain to hill. They have forgotten their resting place.” Despite wandering far from their blessed Shepherd, He cares for them with a deep and tender love. He searches them out and rescues each one from danger. He carries them to safety when they foolishly stray from the straight and narrow pathway or wander aimlessly… from mountain to hill… in search of green pastures, peaceful waters, or a secure resting place. Our great Shepherd is long suffering and of great mercy, for He recognises that His sheep have become scattered afar and dispersed abroad by their enemies. God’s chosen people, Israel, have been led astray by many false and careless shepherds over their difficult history. They have been devoured and distressed by ravening wolves that stalk and steal their homes and their hope. And these words of comfort come to them in the middle of a prophecy of judgement against Babylon and its grotesque gods. Jeremiah, in part, seems to be describing some of the judgements that befell Babylon in 539 B.C. after which many Israelites returned to Israel to rebuild their nation. It also seems to look forward towards the full and final restoration of God’s chosen people, with the full and final destruction of Babylon, and the full and final reestablishment of Israel into their promised land at the end of the coming Tribulation. On that day, Christ will return from heaven to earth with His church-age saints, to set up His millennial kingdom in Jerusalem, as King of kings and Lord of lords. The days is fast approaching when the northern kingdom of Israel and its southern sister of Judah will be united as one nation under one God. In that day, the lost and wandering sheep of God’s own pasture, who have been devoured and devastated throughout many centuries of time, will be reunited to the good and faithful Shepherd of Israel. Today, the chosen people of Israel have become like lost sheep. Their idle shepherds have led them astray and they have wandered about from land to land, from mountain to hill, and have forgotten their resting place. BUT the Lord is still their Good Shepherd and He will one day return from heaven to lead them into green pastures. He will re-establish the nation in Jerusalem and settle each one under his own fig tree and olive grove, and none shall make them afraid – for the mouth of Lord of hosts has spoken it. The Lord will guide them through the valley of the shadow of death. He will protect them under the shadow of His wing during that future time of Jacob’s trouble. And He will one day return in clouds of great glory, at the end of the 7-year Tribulation, to establish the promised Kingdom of Heaven. And every eye will see Him and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. On that day, He will finally set up His millennial kingdom in Jerusalem, and none shall make them afraid. Surely goodness and mercy, which by God’s grace has followed the despised nation of Israel down through centuries of time, will finally settle them in their land of promise… and they will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Praise God for JESUS – Israel’s good and faithful Shepherd-King. Praise God for our Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ. My Prayer Heavenly Father, thank You for Jesus and the wonderful way that You have led Your people Israel down through the years. Thank You that You never forgot the covenant that You made with Your people. I pray for the many in Israel that are lost sheep without a Shepherd. And I pray that many would come to faith in Jesus Christ as their Lord and King. Thank You that Your Word is true and Your promises never fail, and I praise You that You are the same yesterday, today, and forever. Thank You in Jesus’ name, AMEN. ◄ Previous: Jeremiah 42:3 Next: Lamentations 1:1 ► Choose a Verse from Jeremiah 50 12345678910111213141516171819202122232425262728293031323334353637383940414243444546 Philemon 1:21 Romans 1:10 2 Timothy 1:2 Hebrews 13:9 Follow us Jeremiah 50:6 Further Study Jeremiah 50:6 in the Parallel Bible Jeremiah 50:6 in the Thematic Bible Jeremiah 50:6 Cross References Jeremiah 50:6 Treasury of Scripture Knowing Jeremiah 50:6 Sermons Jeremiah 50:6 Prayers Jeremiah 50:6 Images Choose Chapter Subscribe to the Verse of the day Today’s Devotionals The Alpha and the Omega Luke 16:25 John 9:4 Experience Superseded Are You Exhausted Spiritually? 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Touching Lives with James Merritt DAILY DEVOTIONAL EMAIL Subscribe to receive the daily devotional from Dr. James Merritt right into your inbox SUBSCRIBE God Is For Us February 9, 2021 “What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?” Romans 8:31 Four simple words…life-changing words. God is for us. He is on our side. He wants what is best for us in all things. He will never leave us or forsake us. This is life-transforming truth. Sometimes it’s easy to believe these words. But what about the times when God seems far away? What about the seasons of life that bring disappointment and heartbreak? How can we learn to remember this truth when it doesn’t feel true? Notice that those four words – God is for us – are the response to a question posed by the Apostle Paul at the beginning of the verse. Romans 8:31 asks, “What, then, shall we say in response to these things?” The answer Paul gives, “If God is for us, who can be against us?” I believe the key to knowing that God is for us, no matter the circumstances or feelings we face, is found within the phrase, “these things.” What “things” is Paul referring to that should automatically elicit the response, “God is for us?” To answer this question, we must look at what Paul had previously written in Romans 8. He has told us that there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus (verse 1), we have been set free from the law of sin and death (verse 2), those led by the Spirit are children of God (verse 14), we have been given the Spirit of adoption (verse 15), we are co-heirs with Christ (verse 17), the Spirit Himself intercedes for us (verse 26), in all things God works for the good of those who love Him (verse 28), and we have been predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son (verse 29). Then he asks the question: In light of all of these things that God has done, what should we say in response? Could we come to any other conclusion except that God is for us? And if God is for us, who could be against us? So the next time you don’t feel like God is for you, just look to Romans 8 and be reminded of all of “these things” He has done to demonstrate His love and faithfulness. Whatever we face in this life is temporary, but His gifts are eternal. This is all the reason we need to believe that God is for us. Dear Lord, thank you for all the things you have done for me over the years, whether I recognized they were your doing or not. Help me to remember your blessings and your gifts so that I develop a stronger faith and trust in you. In Jesus’ name, amen. Topics: Trials and Tribulations Bible Reference Romans 8:31 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? About Contact Us Jobs Pastor Resources Prayer Request Privacy Policy Copyright © 2019 Touching Lives, Inc. | 1800 Satellite Blvd, Duluth, GA 30097 | United States | 770-982-0168 Touching Lives is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization

Toggle navigation Search Browse The Bible Toggle Dropdown Search The Bible Find it! 7 Prayers for Loneliness for When You Feel Unseen Melissa Henderson | Contributing Writer 2021 8 Feb Have you experienced a time of feeling lonely? Even when we are in a crowd of people, loneliness may surround us. Have you felt like no one sees or hears you? Have you felt lost? A prayer for loneliness can bring peace and comfort. No matter the reason we feel lonely, going to God in prayer is the best way to remember we are not alone. Jesus prayed to His Father, knowing God was listening. Sharing time with the Father, telling Him about our loneliness, and asking Him to take away that feeling will bring us to a closer relationship with God. There are different reasons for feeling lonely. Perhaps you are away from loved ones due to illness, relationship struggles, or distance. Whatever the reason, reading Scripture and going to God in prayer gives us the opportunity to feel connected again. Turn off the noise around you. Focus on God. Go to Him in prayer. He is waiting to comfort you. What Does the Bible Say about Loneliness? Scripture tells us to be strong and courageous (Deuteronomy 31:6). The verse shares how God goes with us and will never leave or forsake us. When we are lonely, reading His Word can remind us of His promises. We are never alone. No problem, no situation, no worry, is ours to handle on our own. God is always with us. He is our comfort. What Should Christians Do When They Feel Lonely? When Christians feel lonely, the first action should be to go to God in prayer. Acknowledge your loneliness. God knows your heart. Share your feelings of loneliness with Him. Ask God to help you through this loneliness and thank Him for His love and comfort. Another important action may be to share your thoughts with a friend who is a believer. Seek help from a counselor, if needed. In all circumstances, give thanks to God. Thank God for being able to go to Him in prayer (1 Thessalonians 5:18). Why Does God Allow Loneliness? The question is asked, and we wait for an answer. “God, why are You allowing me to be lonely?” There may be an answer provided, or not. During a time of loneliness, we can learn valuable lessons. God can teach us how to help ourselves and others by the things we experience in life. As we navigate through a lonely period, we learn how to lean on God for comfort and peace. We can ask God to guide us through loneliness and allow us to help others in their loneliness. Every moment in life is an opportunity to lean closer to Him. Prayer Asking God for Help When the Reason for Loneliness Is Unknown Father, I am lonely today. I’m not really sure where this feeling is coming from. I have tried to share my feelings with friends, but I feel like they don’t see or hear me. I have many great things happening in my life. You give me so many wonderful blessings and joys. Please hold me in Your loving arms. Help me to remember I am not alone and that You are always with me. Help me to shine Your love and light in all my words and actions. Thank You, Father, Amen. Prayer for a Friend Who Is Lonely and Feels Unseen Dear God, my friend is lonely. I have tried to provide comfort, but they say the loneliness is bringing them to a place of despair. They tell me that no one sees them; no one listens or tries to understand. Help me to be a beacon of light and to share Your love and glory. Please comfort my friend. Take their loneliness away and give them a happy spirit. Help them to know You see them. Please guide my friend to ask for help when needed. Thank You, Father, Amen. Prayer for Remembering You Are Not Alone Heavenly Father, I need You. I feel like no one understands what I am going through. I feel alone and unseen. My heart aches and I am filled with sadness. I am coming to You, dear Father, asking for Your comfort. I am praying for You to remind me that I am not alone. You see me. Even if I feel like no one else sees me or listens to me, I know You are with me. You are listening to my every thought, my every word. Fill me with Your presence and remind me that I am never alone. In the name of Your Son, Amen. Prayer for When You Are Grieving and Feel Lonely Father, I feel so alone. I am grieving. In the beginning of my grief, I was surrounded by friends, family, and strangers. Time has moved on and although I am still grieving, the people have stopped checking on me. The cards, letters, phone calls, and visits have almost stopped. I still need support from others. I feel like they don’t see me anymore. I know they have their own lives to handle. But, God, I am lonely. Please heal my broken heart (Revelations 21:4). Please help me to remember to reach out to You. Remind me to go to You first. I pray I will have a compassionate heart if anyone needs comforting. Thank You for being with me during this grieving period. I love You. Amen. Prayer for When Everyone around You Is Rejoicing and You Feel Alone Dear God, I come to You with a heavy heart. Everyone around me is celebrating and filled with joy. Good things are happening, and they have reason to be happy. Yet, I am sad to say I feel left out and alone. I’m thankful for the good news my friends have shared. I hope that I have shown my friends how happy I am for them. I don’t want to make them sad or to feel like I don’t care. But, God, my life is not filled with good news at this moment. I feel lonely and lost. Please, Father, would You take this burden of loneliness away from me? Will You help me remember Your Words about joy coming in the morning (Psalms 30:5)? Thank You for loving me. I am thankful to be Your child. Amen. Prayer for When You Feel Lonely during the Holidays Father, I hear joyful holiday music on the radio. I see TV shows filled with happy families as they create special memories. I wish I was not alone. I’m thankful other people can be happy. I sit here alone and am beginning to feel sorry for myself. Your Word shares how we are never alone (Romans 8: 38-39). Please bring joy back to me. Scripture tells us that Jesus experienced every human emotion. Help me remember I am Your child, too. Father, help me to show Your love to others. Guide me in ways to lift others up during the holidays, so they will know Your love and glory. Please forgive me for my sins. I pray I will use this time of feeling loneliness to draw closer to You in each moment. Thank You, Father, Amen. Prayer for Loneliness While Wearing a Mask during the Pandemic Father, I come to you with worry and concern. The world is experiencing a pandemic. As health care professionals try to find a cure, the public is given instructions on how to proceed with daily life during a pandemic. We are asked to wear masks. Father, I am worried that I might miss the true feelings of someone who may be lonely and that I can’t see their facial expressions due to the mask they are wearing. I want everyone to know they are seen. Yet, I wonder how many people are hiding their true feelings behind the mask. Father, I look into the eyes of family, friends, and strangers and hope they are well. I miss seeing smiles and watching the changing facial expressions in joyful moments. I pray that people are not hiding their loneliness behind the mask. I pray everyone will share their feelings about loneliness. I pray everyone will know they can go to You and find comfort and peace. Please remind everyone to show Your love in all words and actions. Thank You, Father, Amen. Prayers for loneliness for when you feel unseen are needed. God is always listening and waiting for us to go to Him in prayer. If you feel lonely, find peace in sharing a conversation with God. If you know someone who is lonely, reach out to them. Share your love for the Lord and give encouragement. Remember there are times when medical help may be needed. God has provided medical professionals with knowledge and wisdom to provide guidance. Thank You, Lord, for loving us and providing comfort when we are lonely. Photo credit: ©GettyImages/mattjeacock Award-winning author Melissa Henderson writes inspirational messages sometimes laced with a bit of humor. With stories in books, magazines, devotionals, and more, Melissa hopes to encourage readers. Melissa is the author of Licky the Lizard and Grumpy the Gator. Her passions are helping in the community and church. Melissa is an Elder, Deacon, and Stephen Minister. Follow Melissa on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and at http://www.melissaghenderson.com This article is part of our prayer resource meant to inspire and encourage your prayer life when you face uncertain times. Remember, the Holy Spirit intercedes for us and God knows your heart even if you can’t find the words to pray. Prayers from the Bible to Guide Your Prayer Time Types of Prayers We See in the Bible What Is the Prayer of Jabez in the Bible? How to Pray for Your Daily Bread Prayers for Anxiousness Related: Listen to our podcast, Teach Us to Pray with Christina Patterson. You can find all the episodes at LifeAudio.com. Here’s Episode 1: Bible / Bible Study / Topical Studies Share Tweet Save STAY CONNECTED SIGN UP Popular Articles Why Is God a “Consuming Fire”? Clarence L. Haynes Jr. 10 Things You Need to Know about the Unforgivable Sin Dr. David Jeremiah 7 Prayers for Loneliness for When You Feel Unseen Melissa Henderson What Is Daniel’s Prayer – and How Can We Pray Like Daniel? Dave Jenkins Koinonia: What the Bible Means by “Fellowship” Douglas Mangum How Are All Things Possible with God? 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Touching Lives with James Merritt DAILY DEVOTIONAL EMAIL Subscribe to receive the daily devotional from Dr. James Merritt right into your inbox SUBSCRIBE Decisions, Decisions February 8, 2021 “Because of the LORD’S great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:22-23 A woman was sound asleep when the telephone jarred her awake. She groggily answered the phone. “Hi!” exclaimed her peppy mother-in-law. She proceeded to rattle on about the busy day she had ahead and all the things that awaited her the rest of the week. “Mom,” she sleepily interrupted. “It’s five in the morning.” “Really? What are you doing up so early?” There are many different ways to greet a new day. Some of us rise before the sun comes up, while others prefer to sleep in. Some go straight to the coffee pot while others go straight to the gym for a workout. However each of us starts the day, there is one thing we all have in common. Each new day presents a myriad of choices…decisions about how we will spend this gift of time that God has given. The truth is, the reality of these choices often robs us of this important truth – that each new day is indeed a gift from the Great Giver of Life. Instead of beginning the day with humble gratitude, we tend to spend our mental and emotional energy creating a mental roadmap to navigate the endless responsibilities and decisions ahead. This often leaves us feeling overwhelmed before we have even gotten started. What if, instead, we chose to continually draw our minds back to the abiding presence of Christ? Jesus taught us to pray, “Give us this day, our daily bread,” not, “Give us this week,” or, “Give us this month.” When we learn to walk through each day in complete dependence on God, communing with Christ through the presence of His Spirit, we realize that God lovingly equips us, one decision at a time, to choose what brings Him glory. And while what brings God glory will not always be the quickest, most popular, or easiest path, it is always what is best for us and for those that we love and serve. Dear Lord, as much as I want to plan out my day and figure everything out on my own, help me to learn to rest in your presence. Remind me that I’m not in control, and that trusting in your plan is always the better option. In Jesus’ name, amen. Topics: Christian Living Bible Reference Lamentations 3:22-23 The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. About Contact Us Jobs Pastor Resources Prayer Request Privacy Policy Copyright © 2019 Touching Lives, Inc. | 1800 Satellite Blvd, Duluth, GA 30097 | United States | 770-982-0168 Touching Lives is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization

“To worry yourself to death with resentment would be a foolish, senseless thing to do.”  Job 5:2 (GNT) If you hang on to resentment, it will always hurt you more than anyone else.  Resentment is self-destructive and will devastate your ministry. If any guy ever had a reason to be resentful, it was Job.  He was a godly man, who had everything he wanted—wealth, fame, and a great family. One day he lost it all.  Enemy nations killed all his livestock.  All of his children were killed.  He got a terrible disease.  He literally lost almost everything he had.  Then his friends came along and said, “Job, it’s all your fault.” Though Job had every reason to be resentful, he tells us that resentment is a bad idea. Job says, “To worry yourself to death with resentment would be a foolish, senseless thing to do” (Job 5:2 GNT). You might have every reason to be resentful, too.  Maybe you’ve been hurt by someone in your church. Maybe ministry demands have damaged your family. Job shows us we have a choice.  He knew he didn’t have time to be resentful.  He knew it was foolish, senseless, and illogical.  If you think back through experiences in your own life, you’ll probably agree. We can do silly things when we’re caught up in resentment.  We’ll say, “I’m going to get him!” Then we often do the ridiculous to make that happen.  When we give in to resentment, we act in self-destructive ways and hurt ourselves much more than those we’re holding grudges against. It’s like a scene from the old comedy act, “The Three Stooges.” Mo kept hitting Curly on the chest.  Curly said, “I’m going to get even with that guy. I’m going to stop him!” So he took a stick of dynamite and strapped it to his own chest.  Then he said, “Next time he slaps me, it’s going to blow his hand off!!” That’s what happens when we’re resentful—we do really dumb things to try to get even with people.  It makes us miserable in the process and never ends with us getting what we want. So why do it?  Don’t hold on to your resentment.  Let it go. Forgive. Want to Get Encouraging Messages Like This for Pastors and Leaders Sent Directly to Your Inbox Every Week? Click Here to Sign Up for More Encouraging Messages Like This! Facebook Twitter Copyright 2020-2021 Pastors.com

  Toggle navigation 7 Types of Verses for When You Can’t Sleep: Find Peace for Your Soul Debbie McDaniel iBelieve Contributing Writer 2021 6 Feb Middle of the night. Darkness surrounds. Stars shining brightly. All is quiet. All should be at peace. Except for one problem. We can’t sleep. Thoughts are swirling, anxieties pressing hard. Peace feels far away. Fear seems to be bigger in the dark. It’s hard to see or think with clarity. Too many things can keep us awake. Wide awake. If you’ve lived long enough, you may have found yourself there. Worry or stress, money problems, deep loss or grief can steal away precious hours of sleep. Illness, disease, or pain that we or our loved ones might be facing, can cause true rest to be a constant battle. Sometimes even the pain of broken relationships brings great heaviness to the soul. Unforgiveness, resentment, and anger, make it difficult to turn off our thoughts and rehearsed scripts, to find rest again. Recently when our family walked through a very difficult trial, I found myself there. Night after night, I was awakened by the deep hurt and pain in my heart. I prayed, I cried, I longed just to sleep again. But often, the only thing I found that could bring peace and comfort to my spirit was God’s Word. I would say out loud every verse that came to my mind, praying His powerful reminders back to Him. Sometimes I would read chapter after chapter, until sleep came again. I would awaken, the Bible still laying open, right over my heart. It didn’t make all our problems go away. It wasn’t a magical, instant solution. When I woke up, the pain was still there. But through time, I realized this: my mind, heart, and spirit were being renewed day by day, night by night. His peace, healing, and comfort were washing over me every time I spoke his words, believing them to be true. I was desperate for help. And God was there. He still is. His words are living, active, and powerful. They are the only thing that can bring us true peace in this life, whether it be through the brightness of day, or in the darkest of night. 1. Verses for peace. “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord Himself, is the Rock eternal.” (Isaiah 26:3-4)   “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.” (John 14:27)   “In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.” (Psalm 4:8)   “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things…and the God of peace will be with you.” (Philippians 4:8-9) 2. Verses to calm your anxiety. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7)   “Cast all your anxiety on him because He cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7)   “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow…” (Matthew 6:33-34) 3. Verses to ease your fears. “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10)   “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble, therefore we will not fear…Be still, and know that I am God…the Lord Almighty is with us.” (Psalm 46:1-2, 10-11)   “When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.” (Psalm 56:3)   “When you lie down, you will not be afraid, when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.” (Proverbs 3:24) 4. Verses for comfort. “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” (Psalm 23:1-6) “The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” (Psalm 34:18) 5. Verses to trust in the Lord. “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the LORD, ‘My refuge and my fortress, My God, in whom I trust!’ He will cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you will find refuge…” (Psalm 91:1-2, 4)   “In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength…” (Isaiah 30:15)   “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you…” (James 4:8) 6. Verses for strength. “The LORD gives strength to his people; the LORD blesses his people with peace.” (Psalm 29:11)   “In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.” (Romans 8:26)   7. Verses to rest in the Lord. “I lift up my eyes to the hills – where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. He will not let your foot slip – he who watches over you will not slumber, indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord watches over you…the Lord will keep you from all harm – he will watch over your life…” (Psalm 121:1-8)   “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30)   “…for he gives to his beloved sleep.” (Psalm 127:2) Sleep in peace. Know that He is with you. Close. He will never leave you or fail you. Our God never sleeps or slumbers, He holds all things in His hands, even you. So you can rest, and get some sleep. Peace.   Debbie McDaniel is a writer, pastor’s wife, mom to three amazing kids (and a lot of pets). Join her each morning on Fresh Day Ahead’s facebook page, DebbieWebbMcDaniel, for daily encouragement in living strong, free, hope-filled lives. Find her also at Web Site and Twitter. Photo courtesy: Thinkstockphotos.com How To Entirely Empty Your Gut Each Morning (Do This Daily) Nature’s Digestion Sponsored by Revcontent Find Out More > 65,030 NEXT: 7 Reasons Singing Is Essential to the Christian Life About Us Contact Us Privacy Policy Terms of Use Crosswalk App California – Do Not Sell My Personal Information California – CCPA Notice

Touching Lives with James Merritt DAILY DEVOTIONAL EMAIL Subscribe to receive the daily devotional from Dr. James Merritt right into your inbox SUBSCRIBE Respecting The Power Behind Authority February 5, 2021 He said to Saul, “Why do you listen when men say, ‘David is bent on harming you’? This day you have seen with your own eyes how the Lord delivered you into my hands in the cave. Some urged me to kill you, but I spared you; I said, ‘I will not lay my hand on my lord, because he is the Lord’s anointed.’” (1 Samuel 24:9-10) Let’s continue our discussion of the story of David and Saul that we began yesterday. As a reminder, in our key passage of Scripture, David is not yet king and being hunted by the king at the time, Saul. David didn’t have a high view of Saul the man. He didn’t have much respect for Saul the person, but he had a supremely, extremely high view of God and the power of God that put Saul on the throne. Did Saul personally deserve much respect? Not at all. But it wasn’t Saul’s character that was on the line. It was David’s. He didn’t focus on what Saul had tried to do to him. He focused on what God had done for Saul and would do for him. There is something we can all know about every ruler who is ruling anywhere, anytime, anyplace. Whether that ruler realizes it or not, behind every ruler is the sovereign power of God. He is the power behind all power, and David was not going to replace what God had put in place. He was not going to dethrone what God had enthroned and since God was the one who put Saul in, God would be the one to take Saul out. Remember this. Disrespectful people will always try to drag you down to their level. But just because someone chooses to disrespect you does not mean you have to disrespect them. Let us respect the God who sent Jesus and let us give others the respect that God has given us, whether they’ve technically earned it or not. Dear Lord, I want to be respectful not because other people have earned respect, but because I respect you and want to honor you. Help me to remember that you are the power behind all power and the leader behind all leaders. In Jesus’ name, amen. Topics: Respect Bible Reference 1 Samuel 24:9-10 And David said to Saul, “Why do you listen to the words of men who say, ‘Behold, David seeks your harm’? Behold, this day your eyes have seen how the LORD gave you today into my hand in the cave. And some told me to kill you, but I spared you. I said, ‘I will not put out my hand against my lord, for he is the LORD’s anointed.’ About Contact Us Jobs Pastor Resources Prayer Request Privacy Policy Copyright © 2019 Touching Lives, Inc. | 1800 Satellite Blvd, Duluth, GA 30097 | United States | 770-982-0168 Touching Lives is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization