Devotionals for the Heart: Why we shouldn't do things to expect praise

Do Things Without Expecting Praise
A devotional by Heidy De La Cruz

“Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.”—Galatians 1:10 (NIV)

Upon Waking is a 60-day devotional by Jackie Hill Perry that I’ve already gone through twice this year. That’s how good it is. Today, I want to speak about Day 17 of the devotional, where Perry writes about not doing things expecting to receive praise.

First, she shares the Bible story about Jesus Christ changing water to wine at a wedding (John 2:1-11). She talks about how the master of the wedding feast praised the bridegroom for the excellent wine, but it is Jesus who deserves the credit. Jesus doesn’t correct them. He lets them enjoy their wine and the party without demanding praise.

Perry then writes, “When is the last time you did good without expecting, hoping, or suggesting it be noticed? When you gave, served, prayed, fasted, studied, rejoiced, taught, died to, wiped, cooked, cleaned, labored for, organized, plucked out, cut8 out, built up anything, did you expect a parade? When it didn’t come, how did it leave you? Bitter? Discouraged? Both, maybe?”

Friends, I am here to remind you that we should not do things with the expectation of receiving praise afterwards. We should not serve with the intention of getting credit or praise afterwards because that defeats the purpose of Christ’s desire for us to be a servant of others. If we are doing things to receive praise, we are doing it with the wrong intentions. These aren’t pure intentions, and God knows when this happens because He knows us from the inside out. God knows our hearts.

If you do things with the hope of praise afterwards, ask yourself why. Do some self-reflection to understand why you feel the need to receive praise after doing something for others.

Jesus gives us instructions in Matthew 6:1-4 (NIV) about serving others. He said, “Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”

Perry ends the devotional by reminding us of this command from Jesus. She writes, “Beloved, Jesus commands us to do as He does. Turn the water to wine, let them drink, watch them rejoice in it, and if they leave your name out of their song, that’s okay. There’s a better praise awaiting you.”

I’m not sure about you, but I’d rather get my praise from God than other humans because God’s praise is worth more than human praise. Will you join me in prayer?

Let’s Pray:

Father God,

If I ever do things expecting to receive praises from others, please help heal my heart and remind me that this isn’t the intention you want me to serve others. Lord, please let me be more like Jesus daily and serve others with no expectations in return. Although it is hard because human nature wants to be praised, we must die to our human desires and want your will for our lives, Lord. Thank You for the examples You have provided us, Lord, and may I always follow your lead.

In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray.

Amen.

Song of Reflection: “Every Praise” by Hezekiah Walker. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

Heidy De La Cruz is a published writer/author and podcaster. She writes the weekly newsletter “Into My Thoughts” on Substack where she shares personal development content, life experiences with life lessons, and faith-based encouragement posts. 

Heidy is the host of “The American Dream in The Eyes of Immigrants Podcast” where immigrants share their stories about moving to the United States. She is also a podcast coach and helps those who desire to host their own show launch.

Heidy holds a master’s degree in healthcare administration and a bachelor's degree in Psychology. She works as a Medical Coding Analyst.

In her free time, she enjoys reading, listening to podcasts, watching movies, and spending time with her husband and their two kids.

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Connect with Heidy:
Website: https://heidydelacruz.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heidy.delacruz13/

Devotionals for the Heart: Gardening can teach us about our heart's health

What’s the Condition of Your Heart?
A devotional by Peg Arnold

“A sower went out to sow his seed. And as he sowed, some fell by the wayside; and it was trampled down, and the birds of the air devoured it. Some fell on rock; and as soon as it sprang up, it withered away because it lacked moisture. And some fell among thorns, and the thorns sprang up with it and choked it. But others fell on good ground, sprang up, and yielded a crop a hundredfold.” When He had said these things He cried, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear!”—Luke 8:5-8 (NKJV)

As the Autumn season arrives, I begin to prepare my gardens for winter. While doing this, I find the soil dry and hard in some places, and thorny weeds and rocks in other areas, reminding me of the above parable (Luke 8:5-8).

When I read this story in the past, I knew Jesus Christ was describing the conditions of the hearts of those who had never heard the gospel message. But recently, I have become more aware that if I am not careful, I can be guilty of each of these heart conditions Jesus describes. I wonder if you have struggled with some of these challenges as well.

Let’s examine this further …

First, there is the Hard Path (Hardened Heart) we read about in Luke 8:5.

We don’t want to admit to being susceptible to a hardened heart like the seed sown along the beaten path and then eaten by the birds. These hearts can become cynical by challenging situations with no end or solution. Do we fall into the trap of praying for wisdom and discernment in words yet allow those scavengers of discouragement and insecurity to consume any seeds of hope? Romans 5:3-5 reminds us that times of suffering have a purpose in our lives.

Romans 5:3-5 (NIV) says, “Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.”

Next, there is the Rocky Soil (Shallow Heart) that we read about in Luke 8:6.

Are we guilty of the shallow heart where the seed falls on the rocky ground, and sprouts immediately but quickly blow away with storms? The rocks of worry, doubt, and fear can cause us to stumble and even attack fragile faith. They crowd out Christ's still, small voice, allowing stress and anxiety to take over our souls. Paul reminds us to turn our concerns to Him in prayer and thanksgiving and receive His peace.

Philippians 4:6-7 (NKJV) says, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

Then, there is Thorny Soil (Distracted Heart), which we read about in Luke 8:7.

Do thorns distract you? Do you begin the morning with your devotions and feel a sense of renewal and refreshment, but instead of taking the Lord with you through the day, you check it off your list as a completed task? When we do this, we are vulnerable to jumping into the demands of our day, completely choking out the growth and assurance that inspired us earlier. Instead, keep the promises of the Lord in your heart so earthly temptations do not crowd them out. Philippians 4:8 is one of my favorites.

Philippians 4:8 (NKJV) says, “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.”

Finally, we read about the Fertile Soil (Receiving Heart) in Luke 8:8.

A fertile heart allows us to grow and flourish in our faith. Preparing the soil of our hearts so that the roots of faith grow deep helps us to withstand life's storms and find joy in the moments. It requires intentionality, prayer, and the fertilization of God’s word. Committing this time harvests His strength and peace necessary to survive the worries, distractions, and challenges. Paul expresses this process in his letter to the Hebrews.

Hebrews 12:11 (NIV) says, “No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.”

The same commitment is required of my garden. To produce an abundant harvest, I must invest time and energy in seeding, weeding, fertilizing, watering, and monitoring pests throughout the season, including preparing it for the winter.

I continue to work in my garden, tossing out the rocks and digging deep to pull the thorny weeds and their destructive root systems. As I do this, I pray that I will take the time to do this in my heart. How about you?

In closing, I’d like for you to ponder this question: What is the condition of your heart?

Let’s Pray:

Dear Lord,

We ask for your guidance to help us identify the areas of our hearts and spirits that we have ignored. Grant us the discernment and wisdom to help determine if there are rocks to remove, thorns to dig out, or places that need watering with Your word. We desire to cultivate a nurturing and receiving heart that will flourish and produce the Fruit of the Holy Spirit in our lives. In Jesus’s Name, I pray.

Amen.

Song of Reflection: “The Garden” by Kari Jobe. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

Peg Arnold, Speaker/Author/Teacher is a Drama Queen for Jesus. 

Her vibrant, interactive, and soul-stirring messages encourage all to embrace their God-given value. As a mom, wife, nana, mentor, with a master’s in counseling, she connects on a personal basis by sharing her joys and challenges of many life experiences through her dramas, messages, and witness. Whether talking with a friend over coffee or addressing hundreds of people at a conference, her passion for equipping women is contagious.

She has published devotions on YouVersion and in the Upper Room. In addition, she has contributed to two Chicken Soup for the Soul books, three anthologies, numerous articles, and blogs. Her devotional, Devotions for the Distracted Heart, received a 2022 OASIS award.

Peg desires everyone to know that their story is important and has a purpose. She grew up in Michigan and raised her family in Maryland. Later in life, Peg and her husband relocated close to their family in Colorado.

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Connect with Peg:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arnoldpeg/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pegarnoldwow
Website: https://pegarnold.org/ Get some freebies when you visit!
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC51V_iWr0RfGAQvQnWVXEoA
Devotions for the Distracted Heart blog: https://pegarnold.wordpress.com/
YouVersion: https://www.bible.com/reading-plans/22261-devotions-for-the-distracted-heart
Holiday YouVersion: https://www.bible.com/reading-plans/28680-holiday-devotions-for-the-distracted-heart
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/wonderofwomen/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/peg-arnold-wow

Devotionals for the Heart: Jesus Christ can heal you, deliver and restore you

When Jesus Christ Anoints His Followers to Heal
A devotional by Essie Faye Taylor

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised.”

—Luke 4:18 (KJV)

Note to Readers: *Trigger Warning* This devotional mentions domestic violence. If you’re experiencing domestic violence or need support, there are free resources online to help you stay safe. Such as: https://www.thehotline.org/

I am a domestic abuse survivor. I clearly remember the verbal, emotional, and spiritual abuse I endured. I felt alone, disappointed, devastated, and angry.

I was angry at myself, my spouse, and with God. As a woman of faith, I felt trapped. So, I suffered in silence for years. During this time, I was consistently praying and crying and pleading with God to save my marriage. He couldn’t. And neither could I. But God did make a way for me to escape the marriage with my life. My spouse abandoned me and refused to do the work to reconcile.

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Let’s talk about this. I want to assure you that God loves you unconditionally and He desires the best for you. Abuse was never His plan for you. Harm was never God’s plan for humanity.

In Luke 4:18, the physician-turned-disciple (Luke) gives an account of Jesus Christ’s self-proclaimed mission on earth. Jesus declared His God-ordained itinerary in the synagogue. He affirmed his ministry by referencing Isaiah 61:1-2, which is a prophetic message concerning Christ. There were several times during His ministry when Jesus hid or He said, “My time has not come.” This was not one of them. Jesus stepped into the light and boldly confirmed His identity and purpose to the Jewish community of that day.

Jesus said God had chosen and equipped him as our Deliverer and King (Colossians 1:13) as a priest (Hebrews 4:15) and prophet (Acts 3:22). He is our Messiah, the Anointed One. The Holy Spirit empowered Christ to preach Good News to those who were lacking. God sent Jesus to heal the brokenhearted—to minister to those who’d experienced loss. God sent Jesus to preach deliverance to those who were bound. God sent Jesus to restore the vision of a blind nation. The Jewish community was so spiritually blind that they could not even identify their Savior. Jesus was sent by God to free those who were mishandled.

This same Jesus lives today. He is present to heal and deliver us and restore our spiritual vision. He’s no longer the baby in the manger; He is Lord and King for all eternity. Jesus was crucified and buried in a grave, yet He rose on the third day and now lives forever! He is alive in our hearts and everyday experiences today. Our Savior (Jesus) is consecrated and chosen by God to heal our brokenness. Whether you are stuck in the past due to childhood trauma, or you are grappling with the aftermath of abuse or divorce, there is hope for you because of Jesus! No matter what struggle or pain you’re enduring, God is able to heal you. He can restore all that you’ve lost. I am a living witness to this fact!

The power of God restored my brokenness after I experienced domestic violence. He healed my wounded heart and set me free from the physical, mental, and emotional anguish of a toxic relationship. God taught me that His love for me is without condition. It far exceeds the capacity of human love. He assured me that His plans for me are good; He wants to prosper me. Bad things happen to good people who are God’s children because of the sinful world we live in. But the story doesn’t end there. Take it from me: Jesus flooded my hopeless experiences with hope in Christ. He turned my sadness into joy. He turned my pain into purpose. Today, I share the message of God’s unwavering love in the face of domestic abuse. Jesus loved me while I was in a toxic marriage, and He loved me out of it. He made a way for me to escape the presence, power, and practice of abuse.

Because Jesus heals, restores, and brings hope to hopeless situations, as His children, we are called to do the same. Because I’ve overcome domestic violence, I can reach out to those impacted by it and heal them through the power of God. I understand the experience because I’ve walked through it because of the victory of the cross. As a result, I am able to liberate others and mend broken hearts as I follow in the footsteps of Jesus. I am anointed, as He was, to fulfill the call of my Father (God) to go into all the world with the Good News of the Gospel—the news that Jesus saves, and He has called me to do the same. Christ has called you who believe in Him and have a testimony to share, to do His work of healing too.

Let’s Pray:

Dear Heavenly Father,

You are our God who cares so much for us that You made provision to keep on loving us even after we turned our backs on You. Even when we were against you, You made provision to liberate us and heal us. Healing belongs to us who are children of the King. You’ve anointed us to set those who are bound free. Help us to partner with You to heal ourselves, our lives, our communities, our families, our loved ones, our friends, and our enemies. Help us to heal people who are hurting. Teach us how to hold onto our faith in You no matter what we face in this life. Help us to inspire others to do the same. Thank You for hearing and answering our prayers. In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “The God Who Stays” by Matthew West. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

Essie Faye Taylor is a woman of faith. She’s a bilingual author, educator, speaker, psalmist, and interpreter. 

Essie is the author of the “Finding the Love You Deserve” series for women and teens. She is deeply committed to motivating minorities, women, and youth to heal themselves, love and accept themselves, and pursue God while chasing their dreams and carving out their life’s path.

Essie is a Chicago native where she lives today.

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Connect with Essie:
Website: www.essiefayetaylor.com
Amazon Author Page:
https://www.amazon.com/stores/Essie%20Faye%20Taylor/author/B09XF3TC22
Listen to Essie’s music at https://on.soundcloud.com/X6DeoRXra7YoKcC2A.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_essie_faye/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/esther.tate.39
Read Essie’s YouVersion Devotion Plan here: http://bible.us/r/Abn

Devotionals for the Heart: When God interrupts your life for divine purpose

The Gift of Being Interrupted
A devotional by Dr. Gladys Childs

"A man's heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps."

—Proverbs 16:9 (NKJV)

We strive for order and control in our lives.

We make plans, set goals, and pursue schedules to get the most out of each day. Whether in our careers, relationships, or spiritual walk with God, we like to know what's coming next. But what happens when life doesn't cooperate? When the well-planned day suddenly takes a turn we didn't anticipate?

Interruptions have a way of exposing how much we value control. In an instant, our best-laid plans unravel, and we're left feeling frustrated, inconvenienced, or even out of control. We think interruptions are a waste of time, an obstacle keeping us from achieving our purpose. But what if the interruption is the purpose?

Consider the life of Jesus Christ. His ministry on earth was often marked by unexpected encounters, where interruptions became moments of profound transformation. One day, while teaching a crowd by the sea, Jesus was interrupted by a synagogue leader named Jairus, who was desperate to heal his dying daughter (Mark 5:21-24). Jesus immediately responded and set off to Jairus' house. On the way there, another interruption occurred—a woman suffering from a bleeding disorder reached out in faith to touch His garment, and Jesus stopped to minister to her (Mark 5:25-34).

Imagine the tension in this moment. Jairus must have been anxiously urging Jesus to hurry while the crowd wondered what would happen next. Yet, Jesus, fully aware of both needs, didn't rush past the woman's pain. He stopped, looked at her, and called her "daughter"—restoring her physically, emotionally, and socially. Although it seemed like the delay was slowing Jesus down, He arrived right on time and healed Jairus's daughter even more miraculously by raising her from the dead.

This story teaches us something profound: God's interruptions are never accidents. What feels like a disruption to our plans is often part of His divine orchestration. The very moments that seem to throw us off course are often the places where God shows up most powerfully.

We see this pattern throughout Scripture. Moses was interrupted by a burning bush when he thought his life as a shepherd would end in the desert. David was called from the sheepfold to anointing oil, not knowing he'd be king. Saul was knocked off his horse on the road to Damascus, turning a murderous Pharisee into the Apostle Paul. In each case, God used an interruption to change the trajectory of their lives.

God still works this way today. How many divine moments have we missed because we were too focused on our plans to see what He was doing? Could it be that the very thing we're resisting is God inviting us into something deeper, more meaningful, and far more significant than our original agenda?

The next time your day is interrupted, stop and reframe your perspective. Instead of viewing it as a detour, view it as an invitation. Pray for God to open your eyes to His presence in the moment and ask Him, "Lord, what are You trying to teach me in this interruption?"

Let’s Pray: Dear Lord, thank You for being in control of my life. Please help me to see interruptions as opportunities for You to work in and through me. Grant me patience and faith to embrace your purpose in each moment. Lead me, guide me, and use me for your glory. In Jesus's Name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “Glorious Unfolding” by Steven Curtis Chapman. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

Dr. Gladys Childs is an author, speaker, religion professor, pastor's wife, and mom helping others be F.R.E.E. to Thrive© for the abundant life God has for them. She serves as Chaplain at Texas Wesleyan University and the Women’s Director at LifePoint Fellowship. She brings 25 years of experience and knowledge to her ministry. 

Gladys is frequently called authentic, witty, and candid as she shares her journey through life’s ups and downs. Her passion is meeting people at the intersection of faith and life’s difficulties. No stranger to heartache herself, she grew up in a non-church-going family with an alcoholic mother and is a trauma survivor.

Gladys holds a Ph.D. in Foundations of Education, a Master’s in Religious Education, a Master of Divinity, and a B.A. with a double major in Counseling and Psychology. Also, she is an ordained Elder in the United Methodist Church.

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Connect with Gladys:
Website: https://www.gladyschilds.com/
Blog: https://www.gladyschilds.com/blog
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drgladyschilds/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GladysAnnChilds
Twitter: https://twitter.com/GladysChilds
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/gladyschildsauthor/

Don't wait until it's too late to choose Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior

Here's a scene from the movie "God's Not Dead" to explain why:

Devotionals for the Heart: We can find the rest our soul needs in God

Rest for Our Souls
A devotional by Joy Beless

“Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him. Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken. My salvation and my honor depend on God; he is my mighty rock, my refuge. Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.”—Psalm 62:5-8 (NIV)

What is shaking your world? The news bytes of the last 48 hours are enough to convince me to stay in bed with the covers over my head!

What is shaking your family’s world–conflict, exhaustion, financial need? I don’t need to convince you of the stressful and seemingly dangerous world we live in. And yet, was it not the same for King David who wrote the Bible book of Psalms?

Many people think that King David wrote this psalm in the anchor text above at the time his son, Absalom attempted to overthrow the government in rebellion against his own father’s authority and kingship. Rather than wait until David dies to reign, Absalom decides to accelerate the timeline. The story does not begin here but rather has evolved over years of division and conflict.

We each have a story that evolves over time and needs a course correction and desperate prayer for help. When our family of six lived in Tokyo (Japan), I had to learn a new way to live. Moving from a Dallas (Texas) suburb to live in Tokyo required a different way for me to do the most mundane things like buy groceries, visit the bank, and navigate the city driving on the left side of the road. I was trying to learn the language and culture while parenting four children. Then the “9/11” tragedy occurred in the USA during this time and the whole world changed overnight. I became so stressed and anxious that my hair literally fell out. I developed the autoimmune alopecia condition. There was so much I could not control—except for resting and trusting in the Lord. I knew I could not continue in the same way underneath all this stress and uncertainty life was hurling at me.

What about your story? Even as you read this devotional, what thoughts are surfacing and lurking beneath the veneer? Both domestically and internationally, the newsfeed at our fingertips reminds us that we live in perilous times—just like David. So perhaps we can learn some coping strategies from David and this psalm.

In Psalm 62:5-8, David declares where his rest and hope come from: God—pure and simple. No contingency or exit plans. What do you need rest “from”? What kind of rest? According to Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith, there are several different kinds of rest that we need to feel restored. Physical, mental, social, and emotional rest are just some of the areas we need to bring calm and space into our lives.

Some important questions we can ask ourselves are:

What do we need “less of” to restore our mind, body, and soul?

What do we need “more of” to renew our mind, body, and soul?

What life patterns are contributing to our current stressed life?

What changes can we identify and control that are restorative?

I quickly realized I needed to make some changes when life seemed to spiral downward. I was in an exhaustive state trying to juggle all the “plates” of family and ministry. I realized our Sundays in church and at home were as busy as the other six days in the week, so I began to scale back extra activities. This was hard and impacted our children’s activities the most. However, not only I but the whole family needed more time to rest. We made Sundays in our household a day to restore, relax, and slow down the pace.

I realized my morning habit of walking was squeezed out of the day’s agenda and recognized my need to be outside and have some space of margin in my life, so I made that a priority. Reluctantly, I let go of my language class after two years, as I identified that as very stressful. I began to listen to music that calmed my soul and brought me joy. Playing it in the background seemed to bring down the stress of the whole household, not just mine! Lastly, I began to share with trusted people about what I was experiencing and identify the emotions that were building up ready to spew like a volcano! I learned not only was this giving me emotional and mental rest, but also modeling an important life skill for my children who were entering their teen years.

King David said in the Bible book of Psalm, that it is in God he finds rest for his soul. David trusted God with his kingdom and personal worries and when he reached an old age in his lifetime, he was confident that God is trustworthy to be present in difficult times. David reminds himself who God is to him: his hope, rock, salvation, fortress, honor, and refuge (Psalm 62:5-8). That is quite a list. As you slowly read over the list again, which word seems inviting to you in your present circumstances? Are there some areas in your life that need adjusting with “more of” or “less of”? Ask God to lead you in this process of seeking rest then follow Him into the rest your body and soul needs.

Let’s Pray:

Dear God,

Truly You are the source of rest for our souls. We are thankful that You are a rock in our ever-changing world! Thank You for being a refuge of peace for us. We are grateful to pour out our hearts to You.

In Jesus’s Name, I pray.

Amen.

Song of Reflection: “Find Rest” by Francesca Battistelli. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

Joy Beless is a worshipper of God and lover of people. 

A practicing Spiritual Director, she is a speaker for retreats and conferences and facilitates guided solitude retreats at the family ranch in North Texas.

A seasoned worship leader and songwriter, she frequently weaves worship, God’s Word and spiritual practices together. She is a chapel provider for a shelter for the houseless and a certified Grief and Trauma Healing Facilitator. Serving at global retreats for Kingdom-minded women delights her soul.

She has written for Global Trellis and Missio Nexus. She connects God’s Word with the reality of our daily in all the ups and downs.

Joy is married to Roger. They live in Coppell (Texas). Joy is called "JoJo" by her nine adorable grandchildren. She enjoys the outdoors and encourages flowers to grow in the Texas heat.

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Connect with Joy:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joy.beless
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joy.beless/
Website: www.joybeless.org

Devotionals for the Heart: God can give you clear vision and guidance

God Will Make Our Paths Straight
A devotional by Hannah Benson

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge him and he will make straight your paths.”

—Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV)

Trusting God is a constant theme in our lives. We never truly arrive at a perfect level of trust, and we’re constantly growing in our walk with the Lord.

The anchor text above (Proverbs 3:5-6) is one of my favorites for multiple reasons, but recently, I read the last portion of it with fresh eyes. Allow me to explain: We’re commanded to trust in the LORD with all our heart and to refrain from leaning on our own understanding. We’re told in all our ways to acknowledge Him, but do we ever notice the promise at the end? “He will make straight your paths.”

Do you know what this means? We don’t need to fear or try to take control of our “destiny” because if we’re following the Lord, He will make straight our paths. Even now there are times when fear creeps in and I want to take control because, in my sinful nature, I wonder if I can trust the Lord with my future. It sounds so terrible to admit this out loud. I know I can trust Him but sometimes that head knowledge doesn’t reach my heart, and I don’t live it out in my faith walk with Jesus Christ.

Do I truly believe it with all my heart? Do I believe that if I’m following the Lord, I’m not going to miss out on anything I’m supposed to have?

I’ve always been a dreamer with high aspirations. The world would laugh if they knew of the secret desires of my heart, but I know God puts dreams in our hearts for a reason. They might not turn out quite the way we expected, but in His way and in His perfect timing, God will meet the desires of our hearts.

A couple months ago, the Lord challenged me to follow Him wholeheartedly without allowing myself to become distracted by fears or how my circumstances appear. He reminded me I don’t need to try to be someone I’m not or force myself to seize opportunities that clearly aren’t for me because everything I’m supposed to have—from the experiences to the friends who are meant to be in my path—will be there if I’m following the Lord. I don’t need to force anything. If I’m following the Lord, He will make my path straight, and I will end up where I’m supposed to be.

Dear friend, I don’t know the specific desires of your heart. But God does. Trust Him. Don’t lean on your own understanding. Acknowledge Him in all your ways, and He will make your paths straight.

Let’s Pray:

Dear Father God, thank You for making my paths straight and for leading me through this life on Earth. Thank You that I can trust You with my life no matter what. Please help me to trust You where You lead. In Jesus’s Name, I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “Trust in God” by Elevation Worship. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

Hannah Benson is a Jesus-follower who’s passionate about sharing the love of Christ with others. 

From the time she could hold a pen, she was writing. But it wasn’t until she was sixteen that she began to follow God’s calling to pursue writing seriously. Hannah is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW). In addition to fiction, she also writes devotionals and has been published on other websites. Her prayer is that her readers leave deeply encouraged and more in love with Jesus.

When not writing, Hannah also enjoys being involved with local theater companies, with a primary focus on Biblical theater. She wants to show the love of Jesus through the creative arts.

You can read more of Hannah’s writings on her blog or on her Instagram where she strives to write content that leaves others feeling encouraged.

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Connect with Hannah:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Hannah-Lynn-Writer/100073790792576/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hannahlbensonwrites/