Jesus, You clearly said in Your Word that we are to follow You, but I keep hearing a new message. I am being told by podcasters and bloggers and social media folks that what will really make me happy it to follow my heart. But that cannot be right since You also warned us that the human heart is desperately wicked. I know from experience that when I followed my wishes and whims, the outcome was not good.

Oh, Lord, it is so hard to stand up for what is right and true. And when I do, sometimes people mock me. Amazingly, some of those people who taunt and ostracize me are Christians! How can this be? Truth be told, this standing up for what is right business is taking its toll on me. And my spirit is discouraged.

Lord, when I see trials, help me to remember this powerful Scripture. That You are the One, Jesus, who saves the best for last. As followers of You, Lord, I know that heaven awaits me. Yes, eternity with the One who made me and loves me best will be unfathomably glorious.

But even in the now, thank You for all the times You surprised me with gifts that I longed for but never deserved.

Jesus, I was listening to a podcast that assured me my life would be beautiful if I would just believe in myself. This was supposed to be the way to live a rich, productive, and empowering life. And yet, I know that is not what You teach. You asked us instead, to believe in You. That following You would bring us abundant life. Both now and in the life to come.

As always, no matter what the world chooses to peddle, I choose You, Jesus. Your ways will be my ways.

Dear Lord, it’s all too much now. Too much chaos and clamor. And too much TV and social media! I need quiet waters and to be still before You. Why can’t I accomplish that—even a little bit daily? Deep down, am I afraid to be still before You—worried that You might ask me to do something way out of my comfort zone?
Maybe.

If so, Lord, give me the discipline to turn off the noise, to be still before you, and truly listen. Then if I know clearly that You need me to do something hard, give me the courage and strength to follow through…

Dearest Lord, I have hit an impossible roadblock today. Actually, these barriers seem to be popping up all over the place. Right here in my foggy brain, in my pathetic career, my sometimes maddening relationships, my dreams and goals. Everything.

The enemy seems to be attacking me from all sides. Please help me. I can no longer help myself, but then maybe that is where You need me to be and this is the prayer You would have me to pray.
Thank You, Jesus, that You are the One who makes the impossible possible again!

Dear Jesus, today my child rejected me. I never saw it coming, but she locked the door and wanted nothing to do with me. So much love has been poured into this beloved child, but I guess the more I loved the more pain I feel in the rejection.

Then I remember, Jesus, how You loved beyond all imaginings, and yet mankind rejected You. Please help me to never forget all that You sacrificed for me, including giving up Your life. And please heal the relationship with my child. In Jesus’ powerful name I pray. Amen.

Sometimes, Lord, I am so busy waiting for a parting of the Red Sea kind of miracle, I miss some of the marvels before me. Like the shining eyes of my child gazing up at me with delight. The ripened pears calling out to be plucked and enjoyed. The benevolence of a stranger. A lost soul coming home. The unexpected gift of a quilt handmade by my Gigi. The diamond shimmers of moonlit snow.

Life is full of all kinds of wonders. Let me see through Your eyes, Lord, that I may not miss any of them!

Jesus, I see some people who love to live large. They know what they want, and they will do almost anything to get it. They live in a way that announces their presence. They try to do everything big—the best of everything—because they believe they deserve it. They are self-governing and unstoppable.
Until they aren’t.

But somedays I too have to be reminded that without You at the helm, there is no ship or sea. There is nothing—for You are the One who laid the earth’s foundation. Show me the way, God, for You alone know what living should look like!

Lord, I see these verses play out way too often in my own life. When I verbally tussle with someone, it can sometimes escalate into a messy brouhaha. But when we forgive each other, it not only frees us but it almost seems like it releases a sweet fragrance between us to replace the foul one.
Help me, God. May the sun never go down on my anger, and may my forgiving spirit rise up to You as a pleasing aroma…

Questions for Pondering…
When have I held a grudge, and how did it make me feel?
Should I forgive even if the other person fails to? Why?

There is this niggling in my spirit, Jesus, that has me quite bewildered. My life feels strangely compartmentalized. I find myself ostracized for speaking freely about my various concerns. And I find myself tiptoeing these days. I see so many topics that need to be acknowledged and addressed—and yet I am silenced.
Thank You, Jesus, that I never have to walk on eggshells with You. And please help me to find a way to speak the truth in love with my fellow sojourners…

Questions for Pondering…
Why are there suddenly so many topics that seem taboo now?
How can I stop the tiptoeing and begin to speak the truth in love?

Dearest Lord, I have done it again. I allowed myself to be all high and mighty in my work. And it was while I was volunteering in the church! Oh dear.
Someone actually had to call me out. I could have gotten really miffed; except I knew my coworker was right. I had a chip on my shoulder. What I was thinking? I let the enemy puff me up, and sure enough, I ran with it. Lord, next time, may I sense what is happening so that I do not travel down that pitiful path called pride.

Questions for Pondering…
How do I feel when I have clothed myself in a haughty spirit?
How can I avoid this temptation in the future?