As You know so well, Lord, I have always felt that what can be said in a few words can certainly be improved on by some intense embellishments! Maybe I talk too much. I am sure my friends think so!

But You never get weary of me, and You never fail to listen. I just wanted to pause today and thank You for that kindness, Lord. When the whole world tires of me, You are still there. Thank you.

People like to dress things up. I get that. But I know the one thing we should not dress up is Christianity. Your Gospel needs no frills, no addons, no human traditions added that might distract us from the basics. And yet so many of us have done that very thing—added so many nonbiblical traditions to our faith and church experience that we are watering down the Gospel. Perhaps I am focusing more on traditions than on Your sacred commandments.

Jesus, please root out all the frivolous things I have embraced that do not move me closer to You!

Lord, I was walking in the city today and got pulled into a stream of people. All beautiful folk and made in Your image. And yet almost no one noticed because they were not looking at each other. They were instead consumed by technology.

Lord, when did we stop gazing at each other? When did we stop looking up? Are we so mesmerized by modern engineering curiosities that we miss Your true marvels? And forgetting to love You and Your image bearers?
I am guilty of this, Lord. Help me to love Your people more than the tools they create. Amen.

I feel I am being so foolish, Lord. Nothing new.

But lately, even the happiest of times are riddled with catastrophic thinking. If someone gives me an incredible gift, I can think of a hundred ways that blessing can be taken from me.

Release me, Lord, of this worldly mindset. You said that worrying cannot add even an hour to my life. There is freedom in that truth. Jesus, may it heal me all the way to my soul.

We have all asked that question, haven’t we, Lord? The one Pilate asked when he stood before You. “What is truth?” Such a profound question, and the very answer to Pilate’s query stood before him. You!

May I always embrace the answer to Pilate’s question, knowing that it is You, Jesus—for You are the way and the truth and the life. Amen.

I see it, God, but I do not really want to see it. People have decided it is easier to chase after their own cravings than follow Your teachings. They add to Your Words. They mock them. And they alter them to please their desires. Wake them up, Lord. Wake me up if I have drifted away from sound doctrine! In Jesus’ powerful name I pray. Amen.

Dear Jesus, I gotta be honest, there are days I do not feel like rejoicing. But I know that if I only rejoice when things are perfect—I will never do it.

I do know there is much to joy in, such as Your compassion, love, and Your glorious creation. And most of all, Your redemption and Your promise of heaven for those who follow You.

I find room for many things in my daily life. May I always find room in my heart to rejoice in You, Lord.

Dear God, I do not understand all that is happening right now—all the turmoil, lawlessness, and darkness. Life is churning and changing so fast I get afraid sometimes. I want to always trust in You.

So, I thank You, Lord, for these verses in Proverbs. They are truly spiritual sustenance and a hope in troubling times…

Dear Jesus, I am stuck again. My grumbly attitude is flying off the charts. Friends are fleeing and family members are bug-eyed. It’s not been a good spiritual look for me to say the least.

Please remind me that a soothing tongue is a tree of life. Seal this wisdom on my soul. May my choice of words never be hurtful but instead healing.

Dear God, I woke up this morning somehow seeing a new way to look at life. It sprung up in my spirit suddenly and wonderfully. Thank You. My problems did not go away, but I knew You were there. I knew You were working things out for my good.

I am at peace as I watch how You masterfully handle every part of my life. As You make that way for me in the wilderness. Thanks for helping me smile again. Breathe again.

When I ponder this verse in Galatians, Lord, I am flooded with memories of the times I set You and Your holy precepts aside to seek the applause of men. Why do I do that? Is it because I admire and adore people more than You? Is it to gain some good gift that I assume You will not give me?

When I find myself drifting into this kind of spiritual compromise, Lord, remind me to ask this question—who am I trying to please in this decision—human beings or You?

May I choose wisely!

Lord, this verse in Galatians is all about me. I am weary of doing good. Kind of burned out, in fact. Sometimes I go all out to offer a gift of kindness, and I am met with a yawn. Either folks have lost their basic etiquette skills, they feel entitled, or they no longer know how to be thankful.

Help me, Jesus. Give me the encouragement and the strength to fulfill Your Word and keep doing what is good, even when I am met with indifference.