6 Devotions That Will Anchor You in God’s Word Each Morning

"In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it." - John 1:4-5

Consider how each morning is announced through piercing, beautiful light that brings color and definition to our world. This is the imagery John uses to describe Jesus. The Messiah’s life and death were purposed to illuminate who God is, what his Kingdom is about, and to show us how to join his family. A new way was born with the dawning of Christ. 

The light, Jesus’ life, and God’s truth are what we need to guide us through this day. We must keep our eyes on the person of Jesus, remembering that His way is better. Practically, that requires us to pause, pray, and surrender our day to Him. We can’t follow his way without opening our eyes to it. Only through his illuminating power can our attention be brought to the right details that we need to attend to.

As we start a new day, invite the light in. Allow his generous illumination to brighten your spirit. Invite the light to show you and teach you God’s path. Without God’s warm, comforting luminance, we would be hopeless, stuck in the day. Thank you Jesus for being the life that was the light of all mankind.

Let’s Pray
Jesus,
We are so grateful that you came to Earth so I could know you. You may have made known your redemption plan for all mankind through your life and death. Today, I need you to illuminate my way forward. Help me attend to the right details, give me wisdom for every situation. I surrender my day to you. I ask you would illuminate your beauty and truth for me. Help me not miss out on the good gifts you have for me.
Amen.

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"Blessed are those whose strength is in you, whose hearts are set on pilgrimage." - Psalm 84:5

Independence, ability, achievement, and grit are all celebrated human character traits. If we are honest, we all want to be strong in some way or another. Maybe we pride ourselves in our physical ability, it could be are emotional toughness, or mental acuity. Rarely is our dependence on others or failures something that we celebrate. We share our highlight reels, and we hide our more vulnerable moments.

God invites us to view strength in a way that goes against our every instinct. He tells us that we are blessed when our strength is not in ourselves but on the Lord. We are blessed when our hearts are seeking God’s way because we have the humility to see we don’t have the strength we need to live a righteous life on our own.

As you start this new day, take comfort in the fact that God does not expect you to be strong. Actually, he knows how weak we are! He sees our sinful nature, our short temper, the temptations that taunt us as we go about our days. He does not condemn us but instead tells us: Find strength in me. Rely on me for what you need. Cast your cares on me, my burden is light.

Let Him be your strength today.

Let’s Pray
Father,
I confess to you that I am weak. I have sinned and fallen short. As I enter this new day, I ask that you alone would be my strength. I need you every hour of this day. Be with me and work through my.
Amen.

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"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." - Hebrews 12:11

When you think of discipline, what comes to mind? Most of us probably conjure up images of the uncomfortable corrections we endured from our parents as children or the consequences we’ve had to administer to our kids as parents. We may think of all the hard things we need to be doing to reach a goal we’ve set for ourselves. The discipline of a diet, of physical exercise, of completing our work, of daily devotions, or being faithful to relationships. Discipline is often something we dread, put off, or avoid.

Yet, there are some beautiful gifts to be received when we embrace discipline in our lives. Hebrews tells us that it may not always be pleasant, but when we are disciplined, a harvest of peace and righteousness awaits us. The opposite of discipline is disorder, chaos, anxiety, and randomness. We need discipline to organize our days well and as a tool to be the best stewards of all that we’ve been given by the Lord.

Today, embrace God’s discipline. Maybe you feel his convicting Holy Spirit leading you to repentance. Pause and ask for his gracious forgiveness and power to change course. Maybe it’s a new habit you need to make. Request that the Holy Spirit help you take the next right step towards solidifying better habits. Let God’s discipline be the catalyst for peace for your day.

Let’s Pray
God,
Help me to embrace your discipline so that I may receive a harvest of peace and righteousness. Give me a good attitude when it comes to the disciplines you are calling me to cultivate in my life. Let excellence through the power of your Holy Spirit be my goal. Use all that I am for your glory.
Amen.

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"By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established." - Proverbs 24:3

Wisdom is a perspective and understanding that aligns with God’s character and purposes. We need wisdom from the Lord every day to live in a way that is pleasing to Him. How can we even begin to be redeemed creatures without first aligning our hearts with His character?

Wisdom acts as a foundation for our homes. It serves as the foundation for all our decisions, goals, and actions. Wisdom guides us towards God’s glory. 

Proverbs 19:20 says, “Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future.” As we seek wisdom for our day, remember that the first step to finding it is a humble heart. We have to be open to accepting advice, allow God’s Word to convict us, and receive instruction. Let all you do be done with wisdom and grace today. 

Let’s Pray 
Father,
I thank you that if we ask for wisdom, you freely give it to me. Today, I ask that your wisdom would guide me and teach me. I want to build a house that stands the test of time and that is pleasing to you. Help me to remain humble so I can receive your correction and guidance.
Amen. 

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"You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore." - Psalm 16:11 

Nehemiah said, “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” - Nehemiah 8:10

We often complicate joy. We create elaborate plans and hold lofty expectations for what circumstances must perfectly come together for us to experience joy. What is actually true is that joy is most often found in the simplest moments and in the most unexpected ways. 

Joy comes more easily when you are younger. When wonder is still all-consuming. As we age, we let go of the sense of amazement. Stress replaces our awe for the beauty that exists in God’s world and in his presence. 

I watch my 10-month-old let out a hearty laugh when an older sibling plays peek-a-boo with her, or when my 4-year-old belly laughs when his Daddy chases him around the house. Pleasure, joy, and happiness come quickly for them. 

As God’s children, to know his joy that we so desperately need for this day, we have to embrace wonder again. We cast our cares on him, letting him carry the heavy stuff, so we have space to embrace the many simple pleasures a day offers us. 

Let’s Pray 
Father,
I ask that you would help me embrace wonder. Help me not to complicate joy, but still my soul enough that I have space to savor the many simple pleasures a day offers. As I spend time with you in your presence, I release my burdens as I embrace your strengthening joy.
Amen. 

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"For we walk by faith, not by sight." - 2 Corinthians 5:7 

"And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him." - Hebrews 11:6 

Without faith, we cannot please God. When Jesus walked this earth, performing miracles so that we would believe, faith was the one thing he needed from us for his power to be released. It was the faith of the woman with the issue of blood that led to her healing (Luke 8). The faith of the paralytic man that was lowered through the roof by his friends, which resulted in him walking out of the house (Matthew 9). It was the lack of faith held by those from Jesus' hometown that prevented him from doing many miracles (Mark 6). Faith is essential in the Kingdom of God. 

How then can you walk by faith today? What do you need to trust God with? How can you serve others in a God honoring way? What healing do you need to boldly ask God to release in your story? Ask God for the faith you need to please Him! He is gracious to provide the belief we need to draw close to Him and see His power at work on our behalf. 

Let’s Pray 
Father,
I believe, help my unbelief! Give me the faith I need to please you. I boldly come before you asking for your miracle-working power to be released in my life and in my story. Help me to walk by faith, not by sight. Give me the strength I need to be obedient to your word and faithful to your calling.
Amen. 

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