Today’s Always Uplifting Verse and Devotional to start your day off right!

Kindness That Carries

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Psalms 112:4-5 — Light shines in the darkness for the godly. They are generous, compassionate, and righteous. Good comes to those who lend money generously and conduct their business fairly.

I’ll never forget finding my husband on the floor after his accident. Both feet broken in a car crash, and every day had been so hard for him. He was inching his way down the hallway just trying to get to the bathroom.

My heart was hammering. Our house had become a recovery ward. The dogs were restless. Hospital bills stacked up on the counter. Appointments filled every inch of my planner. I was strong—or maybe I just acted strong—but there were mornings I didn’t know if either of us would make it through without breaking down.

Then one day my phone rang. Two friends said they wanted to bring groceries. No lecture. No advice. No questions about how we were managing.

Just groceries.

Later, I stood in the kitchen with Walmart bags piled on the counter, and for the first time in weeks, I felt relief. We weren’t invisible. God hadn’t missed us.

It felt like light breaking into a dark place—quiet and steady.

“Light shines in the darkness for the godly.”

That light didn’t look dramatic. It looked like bread and milk. It looked like kindness that didn’t need recognition. It looked like compassion that moved.

Psalm 112 says the godly are generous and compassionate—and that good comes to those who open their hands. That day, the light of God shone through two friends who simply chose to give.

I learned something in that kitchen: generosity doesn’t have to be impressive to matter. Sometimes it’s enough to show up and say, I see you.

Small acts carry hope. They carry God’s love. And sometimes they are the very light someone needs to make it through the darkest season of their life.

A MOMENT TO REFLECT

  • When have you experienced “light in the darkness” through someone else’s generosity?
  • Is there someone in your life right now who might need simple, steady compassion?
  • What small act could you offer this week that might feel like light to someone else?
  • Are your hands open—ready to give when God nudges you?
  • How has God used others’ generosity to remind you that you weren’t invisible?
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Faith in the Field, Encourage Boldly

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Hebrews 3:13 — But encourage each other daily, while it is still called today, so that none of you is hardened by sin’s deception.

He stands in a field that belongs to him, the dirt warm under his sandals, the air quiet enough to hear his own thoughts.

No one is watching.
No one is clapping.

This isn’t a church moment. It’s a personal one.

This is Barnabas—before anyone ever calls him the Son of Encouragement.

Jerusalem is buzzing in those days. People are gathering in homes, sharing meals, retelling stories about Jesus like they’re afraid they might forget a single word. The church is alive, but it’s young. There are needs everywhere—food, shelter, safety. Faith feels thrilling and fragile at the same time.

Barnabas isn’t an apostle.

He’s not preaching or leading crowds.

He’s just paying attention.

He notices the strain behind steady smiles. He sees how quickly hope can thin when cupboards are bare and pressure rises. And he knows what this field represents. Selling it would mean becoming a resource for the church—but it would also mean releasing something secure, something measurable, something that has always been his.

Encouragement, it turns out, costs something.

Still, something in him understands that faith was never meant to be stored away. It is meant to move—to strengthen others before their hearts grow hard from disappointment or drift into discouragement.

So he sells the field. He lays the money at the apostles’ feet—not as a performance, but as quiet obedience.

No speech.
No spotlight.

But that act shapes his name.

They begin to call him Barnabas—Son of Encouragement—because what he gives does more than meet a need. It fortifies fragile hearts. It keeps courage alive while the church is still learning how to stand.

“Encourage each other daily… while it is still called today.”

Encouragement wasn’t first something he said. It was something he sacrificed.

And that hasn’t changed.

Encouragement still costs time, attention, comfort, resources. It strengthens people who are tired, distracted, or quietly wondering if they should quit. It keeps hearts tender when life presses hard against them.

So encourage someone today. Don’t wait.

Maybe there’s someone near you whose faith feels thin. Someone smiling but stretched. And maybe what steadies them won’t be a speech—but something tangible, something intentional, something that reminds them they are seen.

Faith grows in soil tended by encouragement.

And sometimes the most powerful way to speak courage into someone’s life is to place something valuable at their feet—and trust God to use it.

A MOMENT TO REFLECT

  • Who in your life might be quietly carrying more than they show?
  • What “field” — time, comfort, attention, or resources — might God be asking you to release for someone else’s strength?
  • Have you ever been steadied by someone else’s quiet encouragement? What did it cost them?
  • Where could your obedience today prevent someone’s heart from growing discouraged?
  • What would it look like to encourage someone before they ask for help?
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One Song of Hope

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Psalm 55:17 — Morning, noon, and night I cry out in my distress, and the Lord hears my voice.

The room feels too quiet after the call ends.

John stands there with the phone still in his hand, like the words were spoken in a language he doesn’t understand. Then he sits on the edge of the bed, because standing suddenly feels like too much. An hour ago, his future made sense. Now the love of his life is gone.

He’s a veteran. He knows darkness. He knows how to keep moving when things get hard. But this… this breakup… it feels like free fall.

Things he learned long ago to bury begin rising up. He survived so much by locking memories away. You don’t feel too much. You move forward.

But that’s impossible tonight.

He doesn’t want to die. He just doesn’t know how to keep living without her. That tension presses against his chest. He leans forward, elbows on his knees, staring at the floor, trying not to give up—though he’s not even sure what “not giving up” means anymore.

He tells himself to get up, to do something, but his body won’t listen.

And then, soft as a whisper, a thought comes:

Turn on the radio.

In the darkness, John reaches over and turns the dial. Music fills the room—gentle, steady. Words about God being near. About holding on. About light that doesn’t abandon him.

John doesn’t sing. He doesn’t move. He just stays.

The noise inside him quiets enough to breathe. Nothing is fixed. Nothing is solved. By morning, the grief is still there. The road ahead is still unclear.

But he is still here.

Somewhere in the lyrics, something breaks through. Not a solution. Not a plan. Just a reminder: God loves him, and He meets us where we are—even in the dark.

“Morning, noon, and night I cry out in my distress, and the Lord hears my voice.”

God wasn’t waiting for perfect prayers. He was listening through the long night. Through the silence. He was listening to a man sitting on the edge of the bed with nothing left to offer.

If you’re there right now—worn down, overwhelmed, just trying to make it through—there is grace for staying. You don’t have to fix everything tonight. You don’t need the right words.

God hears you. Even now.

Let Him fill the silence. Let the night pass. Morning knows how to find you. And His voice can carry you—one song at a time.

A MOMENT TO REFLECT

  • Where do you feel like you’re just “staying” right now instead of thriving?
  • What emotions have you been trying to bury that may need to be brought honestly before God?
  • How does it change things to know God hears you—even when you don’t have the words?
  • What small step (like turning on the radio) could help you breathe tonight?
  • When have you experienced God meeting you quietly in a dark season before?
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Overwhelmed by Grace

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Romans 8:37 — No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us.

Life is moving faster than I can keep up. Notifications. To-do lists. Half-finished conversations still playing in my head. Even small decisions feel hard.

I know the word for this. I’ve used it for years.

Overwhelmed.

It’s the word I reach for when life feels like too much. When my soul feels stressed. It feels right. It fits. And until recently, I never thought to question it.

Then I heard the song “Overwhelmed” by Big Daddy Weave on the radio, and the word caught my attention. Because it was used differently than I usually use it.

I’ve always used overwhelmed to describe a breaking point—something I need to escape from or fix. But what if being overwhelmed isn’t the problem? What if it depends on what—or Who—is doing the overwhelming?

Romans 8:37 doesn’t deny that life is hard. It says, “despite all these things…” Not instead of them. Not after they’re gone. Despite them. And in the middle of them, we are given overwhelming victory through Christ, who loved us.

God’s love doesn’t pretend your stress isn’t real—it simply presses harder. His grace crowds out anxiety. His peace doesn’t come from escaping the struggle, but from being surrounded by something stronger than it.

When I think about that, nothing really changes on the outside. My responsibilities are still there. But something inside steadies.

Because of Christ, I’m still standing.

His goodness and power overwhelm everything trying to take me out. And that’s true for you too. Whatever you’re facing today, may you be overwhelmed in the best way—overwhelmed by the confidence of His love and the victory that is already yours in Him.

A MOMENT TO REFLECT

  • When you say you feel overwhelmed, what is currently overwhelming you?
  • How does it change your perspective to remember that “despite all these things,” overwhelming victory is already yours in Christ?
  • Where do you need to let God’s love press harder than your anxiety this week?
  • What would it look like to be overwhelmed by His presence instead of your pressure?
  • How can you remind yourself today that you are standing because of Him—not your own strength?

LYRICS

VERSE 1
I see the work of Your hands
Galaxies spin in a Heavenly dance oh God
All that You are is so overwhelming
I hear the sound of Your voice
All at once it’s a gentle and thundering noise oh God
All that You are is so overwhelming

CHORUS
I delight myself in You
In the glory of Your presence
I’m overwhelmed, I’m overwhelmed by You
God, I run into Your arms
Unashamed because of mercy
I’m overwhelmed, I’m overwhelmed by You

VERSE 2
I know the power of Your cross
Forgiven and free forever You’ll be my God
All that You’ve done is so overwhelming

BRIDGE
You are beautiful, You are beautiful
Oh God, there is no one more beautiful
You are beautiful, God you are the most beautiful

You are wonderful, You are wonderful
Oh God, there is no one more wonderful
You are wonderful, God You are the most wonderful

You are glorious, You are glorious
Oh God, there is no one more glorious
You are glorious, God You are the most glorious

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Words Hurt, Truth Heals

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Proverbs 12:18 — Some people make cutting remarks, but the words of the wise bring healing.

Mean girls don’t remember what they said

But it’s funny because, well, I can’t seem to forget.

Most of my childhood was spent either singing or riding horses—sometimes both at the same time—so this felt pretty on brand. When I was thirteen, I broke my hand because the ground gave way underneath my big horse, Crispy. One trip to the doctor, a hot pink cast, and a few weeks later my hand was good as new. Eventually, I forgot all about the pain.

That’s the thing about broken bones. They heal, and life moves on.

I wish words worked the same way.

I wish the things people said when they were careless or cruel could be wrapped up, and forgotten after a little time. But words don’t heal like bones do. They stay. They replay and stick around long after the moment has passed.

If you and I were sitting across from each other over coffee, I’m guessing you wouldn’t have to think long to tell me what words hurt you most. You could probably tell me exactly who said them, where you were standing, and how small they made you feel. Because even if it’s been years, the sting is still familiar.

I’ve had my own run-ins with mean girls. People who spoke without thinking…or worse, people who spoke knowing exactly what they were doing. Either way, their words left bruises you couldn’t see but felt every time you doubted yourself or your worth. Every time, their voices shouted louder than the truth.

Scripture doesn’t sugarcoat this. Proverbs 12:18 says, “The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.”

Some words cut deep. And some words heal deep. There’s no pretending otherwise.

For a long time, I let reckless words name me. I let them cling to my heart like they were permanent. But here’s what I’ve learned: just because words stick doesn’t mean they’re true, and just because something hurts doesn’t mean it gets the final say.

God is the One who names us. He is the One who heals us. He is the One who tells us who we really are. The voices that wounded you don’t get to write your story. They don’t get to define your future, either

Words can pierce like swords—but God’s truth binds wounds. They are what last.

So, here’s the invitation today: stop rehearsing what hurt you and start repeating what heals you. Let God’s words be the loudest ones in your life. Let them replace every label that never belonged to you in the first place.

You are not what they said. You are who God says you are.

Chosen.
Known.
Loved.

And His words are strong enough to heal what theirs never should have touched.

— LeAnna Crawford

 

A MOMENT TO REFLECT

  • What words from your past still replay in your mind?
  • Who spoke them — and have you allowed those voices to define you?
  • What names or labels has God given you in His Word?
  • Where do you need to replace a painful memory with a healing truth?
  • What kind of words are you speaking over others — cutting or healing?

 

Lyrics:

I try to pray but the words aren’t coming out the way they used to
Did I lose my faith God do I still trust You (mmm)
I try to worship but when I lift my hands it all just feels so empty
Is it the heavy of the world or is it just me (mmm)
Though I’ve sung a thousand times
You’re perfect and You’ll never leave leave my side

Can I be honest
I just wanna know that You still got this
When all I’m holding onto is a promise
God You promised
That You’ll never leave me
When I’m scared of the dark You’re right there with me
Your kindness never fails, it’s always reaching after me
But right now, God all I need
Is to be honest

Oh I’ve heard stories of you showing up when it was least expected
Every time you prove your timing always perfect – and the wait was worth it
Again and again and again – see your power coming through
You bring life to what is dead – no there’s nothing You can’t do
I believe you did it then – so won’t You do it now

Can I be honest
I just wanna know that You still got this
When all I’m holding onto is a promise
God You promised
That You’ll never leave me
When I’m scared of the dark You’re right there with me
Your kindness never fails, it’s always reaching after me
But right now, God all I need
Is to be honest

Is Your breath when I can’t breathe
Your eyes when I can’t see
An anchor as the waves crash all around
Be my heart when I can’t feel
And show me something real
Just one taste of heaven here and now

Can I be honest
Can I be honest
I just wanna know that You still got this
When all I’m holding onto is a promise
God you promised
That you’ll never leave me
When I’m scared of the dark You’re right there with me
Your kindness never fails, it’s always reaching after me
But right now, God all I need
But right now, God all I need

/by

Hold Tight to What Matters Most

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John 8:31-32 — Jesus said to the people who believed in him, “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.

My daughter Reese is two, which means bath time is basically her happiest place on Earth. She’s in that joyful stage where there are more bath toys than water in the tub.

Lately, she’s been doing something new — something small, but fascinating to me. She has started organizing her foam bath letters.

Now before you say it, yes, my child is brilliant — thank you for noticing.

She lines the letters up carefully along the edge of the tub. Not randomly. By color. And she always starts with red. Sometimes she only does the red ones.

It’s adorable… until it’s time to get out.

When I lift her from the tub, she tries to gather those red letters like treasure. If one slips from her hand, everything falls apart until it’s recovered. If I try to dry her off without them, it’s a full-blown, end-of-the-world meltdown.

Logic doesn’t help. Explanations don’t matter. Because to Reese, in that moment, those red letters are everything.

Meanwhile, I’m standing there with soaked clothes, a screaming toddler, and a fistful of foam vowels.

But it’s made me think.

We don’t let go of what we love, do we? We cling to it.

And those red letters remind me of Jesus. In many Bibles, His words are printed in red. I admire them. I underline them. I quote them. But I don’t always cling to them — not with desperation. Not with the kind of grip Reese has.

Then I remember what Jesus actually says about His words.

In John 8:31–32, Jesus tells those who believed Him: “If you remain faithful to my teachings, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

Notice that freedom doesn’t come from casually reading. It comes from remaining. Continuing. Holding on.

Freedom is tied to staying close to what He says.

That’s what I want.

I want to experience that kind of freedom — the kind that comes from clinging to His words like they’re essential… because they are.

Reese isn’t thinking about theology. She just knows what matters to her. She knows what she loves. She isn’t embarrassed by how tightly she holds on.

Maybe that’s the picture.

Because freedom doesn’t necessarily come from knowing better. It comes from holding tighter. From letting the words of Jesus interrupt our thinking, reshape our reactions, steady our fears.

His words really are the words of life.

And I don’t ever want to let them go.

A MOMENT TO REFLECT

  • What words of Jesus have you admired but not fully “remained” in?
  • When pressure rises in your life, do you instinctively cling to His truth — or to something else?
  • What would it look like practically to “remain faithful” to His teachings this week?
  • Is there a specific truth from Scripture you need to hold tighter right now?
  • How might your experience of freedom change if you treated Jesus’ words as essential rather than optional?
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Hooked on the Wrong Things

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1 Corinthians 10:13 — No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.

My coffee’s gone cold by the time Leslie’s text lights up my phone.

Leslie isn’t one to send fluff. When she reaches out, you pay attention. This time she writes, “I prayed for you this morning. I prayed whatever shiny bait the enemy dangles in front of you, that God would clip his line and he’d lose his lure.”

I laugh because it’s so Leslie. So Southern. So exactly what I needed.

Because in my life, fishing makes sense.

I grew up around it — early mornings, dew on the grass, the smell of bait that never quite washes off. I’d watch a bobber like it was the most important thing in the world. And if the fish don’t bite? You don’t blame the fish. You switch the bait.

The enemy fishes the same way — and he’s been doing it a long time. He’s skilled and persistent. If one lure doesn’t work, he just swaps it out for something shinier. Something more distracting. Something designed to pull my eyes off what really matters.

And I’ve chased a few of those shiny things myself. Nothing catastrophic or headline-worthy. Just distractions that sparkle more than they satisfy. Things God never really wanted for me.

That’s the trick. The lure isn’t dangerous because it’s irresistible — it’s dangerous because it wastes time. While I stare at the wrong things, I miss the good stuff God is actually placing right in front of me.

Scripture reminds us of something steady and grounding. 1 Corinthians 10:13 says, “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.”

The temptation isn’t unique. The struggle isn’t proof you’re failing. And the lure isn’t stronger than God.

There is always a way out.

Sometimes the escape looks like walking away.
Sometimes it looks like deleting the app.
Sometimes it looks like not replying.
Sometimes it looks like simply waiting long enough for the shine to wear off.

God is faithful. Not distant. Not distracted. Faithful.

So when something glittery pulls at your attention — something that promises quick relief or easy satisfaction — pause. Ask yourself if it’s nourishment or just noise.

Let the wrong line get clipped.

Turn toward what lasts. Turn toward the steady, nourishing goodness of God that truly satisfies. Let go of every shiny distraction that was never meant for you in the first place.

He is faithful. And He always provides a way through.

 

A MOMENT TO REFLECT

  • What “shiny bait” has been competing for your attention lately — something that looks appealing but may not lead where you truly want to go?
  • When you feel tempted or distracted, what does your usual response look like? Do you react quickly, or do you pause long enough to notice the way of escape?
  • How have you seen God provide a way out in the past — even if it wasn’t obvious at first?
  • What practical step could you take today to “clip the line” on something that keeps pulling you away from what matters most?
  • How might trusting God’s faithfulness change the way you face temptation this week?
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Power With a Purpose

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Acts 1:8 — You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere —  in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.

You know the character Popeye, right? You know how he gets his strength from spinach?

He doesn’t just look at the spinach. He actually has to consume it. It had to be inside of him for him to be strong — to fight his battles and win them.

Right?

So where am I going with this? Why bring up Popeye today?

Because Jesus made a promise about strength too.

In Acts 1:8, He told His disciples: “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere —  in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

Notice what that power is for.

It’s not just for surviving.
It’s not just for feeling stronger.
It’s not just for winning personal battles.

It’s power with a purpose.

Just like Popeye found strength from his spinach, we receive strength through the Holy Spirit. But that power isn’t meant to sit still. It’s meant to send you out. It’s meant to make you bold, steady, and faithful wherever your feet are planted.

God is not here for us to admire from a distance. He desires to dwell within us. When you believe that Jesus is the Son of God and surrender your life to Him, the Holy Spirit takes up residence in you. And from that place — not your own effort — comes the strength to live differently.

The Spirit empowers you to love when it’s hard.
To stand firm when culture shifts.
To speak truth with grace.
To reflect Jesus at work, at home, in ordinary conversations.

That strength is given so you can step into the world as His witness — right where you live, right where you work, right where you are.

So when you feel outmatched…
When the pressure feels heavy…
When you’re unsure if you’re strong enough…

Remember this: your victory is not won by how well you fight. It is secured by the One who lives in you.

And His name is Jesus.

The Spirit who empowers you isn’t only fighting for you — He is working through you.

A MOMENT TO REFLECT

  • Where in your life do you feel like you’re relying on your own strength instead of the Holy Spirit’s power?
  • How might God be inviting you to be a witness for Him right where you are right now?
  • What fears keep you from stepping out boldly in faith?
  • Do you view the Holy Spirit primarily as comfort for you, or power for God’s mission through you?
  • What would change this week if you truly believed you have already received His power?
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Full Circle Encouragement

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Proverbs 11:25 — A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.

Some days, advice comes out of my mouth a whole lot easier than it is to hear it.

Yeah, recently I was encouraging someone. We were having a long conversation over coffee, and I meant every word I said.

“God’s got you. Don’t settle. Don’t rush it. Wait for His best.”

Then I went home, sat down at my computer to get some work done. The internet was slow so I was left staring straight into that spinning blue circle of death.

You know the one. That little wheel that just goes round and round making no progress like it’s got all the time in the world. And wouldn’t you know, that’s exactly what my life felt like in that moment. Waiting on a breakthrough. Waiting on God’s timing. Waiting on something—anything—to move forward.

That’s when the temptation creeps in.

“Maybe I’ll just settle.

“Maybe this is close enough.

“Maybe waiting is overrated.”

Which is funny, considering what I just told my friend.

Then, out of nowhere, my phone buzzed.

A message popped up from another friend, and I had to laugh—out loud—because there it was. Nearly word for word.

“Don’t settle. God’s got you. Hold out for His best.”

And then it hit me: sometimes God brings encouragement full circle. We all get discouraged at times, and the very seeds of encouragement we sow into other’s lives, God uses them to comfort us.

Scripture puts it plain as day. Proverbs 11:25 says, “A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.” And sometimes that generosity isn’t money — it’s encouragement. It’s truth spoken at the right time. It’s hope offered when someone else is tired. And God promises that what we pour out, He pours back in.

The blue circle on my screen was still spinning. The situation hadn’t magically resolved. But something in me had settled—not into compromise, but into trust. I took a deep breath. I remembered what I already knew. God wastes nothing. Not words. Not waiting. Not even the sermons we preach to ourselves and forget five minutes later.

So if today feels like you’re stuck in that waiting place—watching life buffer while everyone else seems to move on—hear this gently. The kindness you’ve shown. The prayers you’ve prayed. The hope you’ve spoken out loud when you didn’t feel it yourself… none of it is lost.

It may come back to you in a text. Or a conversation. Or a quiet reminder right when you need it most.

And when it does, maybe you’ll smile too—realizing you didn’t need a new sermon after all.

You just needed to take your own good advice to heart.

 

A MOMENT TO REFLECT

  • When was the last time you encouraged someone with words you needed to hear yourself?
  • Where in your life are you tempted to “settle” instead of trusting God’s timing?
  • Proverbs 11:25 promises that those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed. How have you experienced that truth personally?
  • What seeds of encouragement have you planted recently — and how might God be using them in ways you cannot yet see?
  • If you took your own best advice to heart today, what would change?
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The God Who Never Gets Tired of You

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Ephesians 1:16-17 — I have not stopped thanking God for you. I pray for you constantly, asking God, the glorious Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, to give you spiritual wisdom and insight so that you might grow in your knowledge of God.

Do you remember how afternoons felt when you were a kid? They felt endless.

I’d skid into the driveway, ditch my backpack, and grab my bike. Sneakers half-tied. Sun still high. I’d pedal up and down the street, knocking on doors, gathering friends until the gang was assembled. Once we were together, we knew exactly where we were headed.

Mrs. Glenda’s house.

She lived right next door, which makes it feel more like visiting than trespassing. Her front door was always open. We’d knock on the screen door and wait.

“Mrs. Glenda, do you have any candy?” I’d say.

Of course she did. She always did. She’d smile like she had been hoping someone would ask, then reach for a bucket of candy like it was Halloween on a random Tuesday.

With suckers in hand, we’d ride off into the sunset, disappearing into whatever adventures our imaginations cooked up. And there she’d be, standing in the doorway, smiling and waving like she hadn’t just given away candy for the fifth time that week.

I remember being appreciative for the candy, but never really knowing just how special that was. Because the miracle wasn’t the candy—it was the consistency. We kept showing up, and she kept answering. I think about it now, and think “At what point do you become a nuisance.” Did she ever get tired of us kids stopping by?

I don’t think she did.

You don’t run into many people like that. And replaying those afternoons now, and that’s where those memories connect with me spiritually.

We’re told to pray. To ask. To knock. But if we’re honest, we sometimes hesitate. We wonder if God gets tired of us or if our prayers are too repetitive.

We worry we’re wearing God out, but really, He’s inviting us in.

God isn’t rationing His goodness or guarding the door. But I’m learning that His greatest answers to prayer aren’t always quick fixes. The sweetest gift is Him.

That’s why Paul’s prayer in Ephesians lands differently now. He writes: “I have not stopped thanking God for you. I pray for you constantly, asking God, the glorious Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, to give you spiritual wisdom and insight so that you might grow in your knowledge of God.”

Paul doesn’t ask for fewer problems or easier circumstances. He asks for deeper knowing. He asks that their hearts would grow in wisdom and insight—not just to receive from God, but to truly know Him.

And notice the rhythm of his prayer. He doesn’t stop thanking. He’s constantly asking. Over and over. He’s not worried about bothering God—confident that God welcomes the asking.

So don’t worry, God isn’t annoyed by repeated prayers. Often, it’s through persistent prayer that He reveals more of Himself to us.

Keep showing up. Keep knocking. Keep riding right up to the door with whatever your carrying that day. Ask boldly for more wisdom and nearness. Ask for more of Him.

The door is already open, and you were never a bother.

 

A MOMENT TO REFLECT

  • Do you ever hesitate to bring the same prayer to God more than once? Why?
  • Are you praying mainly for circumstances to change, or for deeper wisdom and closeness with Him?
  • What would it look like to approach God with childlike confidence instead of quiet reluctance?
  • Where in your life is God inviting you to keep knocking instead of walking away?
  • How might your faith grow if you believed you were never a burden to your Heavenly Father?
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