Trusting God Day by Day

[Aeliana]

November 5

Know God’s Character

For My yoke is wholesome (useful, good—not harsh, hard, sharp, or pressing, but comfortable, gracious, and pleasant), and My burden is light and easy to be borne.
MATTHEW 11:30

I sat down at my computer today and was ready to begin working when I sensed that the Lord wanted me to “take a few minutes and just wait on Him.” I waited very briefly, then started to make a phone call.
The Lord gently prompted me not to make a phone call, but to wait on Him as He had directed me to. Our flesh is so full of energy it is difficult for us to just be still, but it is very important to learn to be promptly obedient to God, even when He is asking us to be still.

You might ask, “Joyce, how do you know for sure God was leading you—that your mind was not just making it up?” The answer is that I had peace about what I was receiving. It felt right inside me. My spirit confirmed it as being truly from the Lord. We know things about God by the Spirit, not necessarily by the head. In my mind I wanted to get to work, but in my spirit I knew I was to wait. Are you following your own mind most of the time, or discerning what God is leading you spiritually to do?

Satan will try to deceive us and lead us in the wrong direction, but if we know God’s character, we will recognize any voice or leading that is not from God. When I sensed I was not to make the phone call, I didn’t feel guilt or condemnation because that is not God’s nature. I sensed a gentle reminder from God that I was not following His instructions. He is not harsh, hard, sharp, or pressing, but He is gentle and loving.

There are many facets of God’s character, and each one of them seems to be more wonderful than the next. He is faithful, true, loving, kind, long-suffering, just, and honest—among many other wonderful attributes. Know God, know His character, and you will not be led astray, for God’s Word says that His sheep know His voice, and they will not follow the voice of a stranger.
Trust in Him As you grow in the Word and study the character of God, you will come to intuitively know His voice. Trust the voice that you know is His.


Joyce Meyer, Trusting God Day by Day: 365 Daily Devotions

 

[Aeliana]

November 6

Honor God’s Voice Above Everyone Else

But as for you, the anointing (the sacred appointment, the unction) which you received from Him abides [permanently] in you; [so] then you have no need that anyone should instruct you. But just as His anointing teaches you concerning everything and is true and is no falsehood, so you must abide in (live in, never depart from) Him [being rooted in Him, knit to Him], just as [His anointing] has taught you [to do].
1 JOHN 2:27

This Scripture isn’t saying that we don’t need anybody to teach us the Word. Otherwise, God wouldn’t appoint some to teach in the body of Christ. But it does say that if we are in Christ, we have an anointing that abides inside of us to guide and direct our lives. We might occasionally ask somebody for their wisdom, but we need not go constantly to other people to ask them about decisions we need to make for our lives.

Sometimes we give more consideration to what people tell us than to what God has said to us. If we pray diligently, get direction from God, but then start asking everybody else what they think, we are honoring people’s opinions above the Word of God. This attitude will prevent us from developing a relationship in which we are consistently led by the Holy Spirit.

We need to have an attitude that says, “God, no matter what anybody else is telling me, no matter what I think myself, no matter what my own plan is, if I clearly hear You say something to me, and I know it’s You, I am going to honor You and what You say above anything else.”

When people ask me for advice I am willing to help them, but I also want them to have confidence that they can be led by God’s Spirit themselves. If we are ever going to develop an ability to hear from God and be led by His Spirit, we have to start making our own decisions and trust the wisdom God has deposited in our hearts.

Trust in Him Jeremiah 17:7 says, “Blessed is the man who believes in, trusts in, and relies on the Lord.”


Joyce Meyer, Trusting God Day by Day: 365 Daily Devotions

 

[Aeliana]

November 7

The God Kind of Love

Love never fails [never fades out or becomes obsolete or comes to an end].
1 CORINTHIANS 13:8

Human love depends on feelings. We love people because they have been good to us, they helped us, or they loved us first. They make us feel good about ourselves, or they make our lives easier, so we say we love them. Or we love them because we want them to love us. But that type of love is based on what they are doing, and if they stop doing it we will probably stop loving them.

That kind of love comes and goes; it is hot and then cold. That is the kind of love we experience in the world. Many marriages and other personal relationships are based on that kind of love. We love ice cream because it tastes good, and we love people because they give us nice Christmas gifts.

God’s love is totally different—it is not based on anything except God Himself. And when we receive Christ as our Savior, the love of God is poured into our hearts by the Holy Spirit (see Rom. 5:5). As God’s partners on the earth, He expects us to be His representatives. And He equips us with the love that we need to do the job He asks us to do. When human love ends, which it often does, God’s love is in us and available to finish what needs to be done.

The God-kind of love cannot be grasped with the mind; it is a matter of the heart. Human love always comes to an end, but thankfully the love of God does not. God promises us that His love never fails!

Trust in Him If you trust the love that God has poured into your heart, you can love with the God-kind of love—unconditionally and without end.


Joyce Meyer, Trusting God Day by Day: 365 Daily Devotions

 

[Aeliana]

November 8

God Is Talking to You

For God [does reveal His will; He] speaks not only once, but more than once.
JOB 33:14

God speaks to us in many ways, including through an audible voice. Hearing the audible voice of God is rare for most people and nonexistent for many. I have heard the audible voice of God three or four times in my life.

Two of those times were at night when I was awakened by His voice simply calling my name. All I heard was, “Joyce,” but I knew it was God calling me. He did not say what He wanted, but I knew instinctively it had something to do with a ministry call on my life, although clarity did not come in that area for several more years.

I heard the audible voice of God the day I was filled with the Holy Spirit in February 1976. That morning I cried out to God about how awful my life was, telling Him something was missing in my relationship with Him. I felt I was at the end of my rope, so to speak. His voice seemed to fill my entire car, and He simply said, “Joyce, I have been teaching you patience.” Since that was my first time to hear anything of that magnitude, it both thrilled and shocked me.

I instinctively knew what He meant. Several months prior to that time I had asked God to teach me patience, not realizing the lesson would include a lengthy period of feeling my life was on hold. The frustration of that feeling peaked that morning in February when I cried out to God in desperation, asking Him to do something and give me whatever it was I was missing.

When I heard God’s voice, I was suddenly filled with faith that He was going to do something wonderful in my life. That event was the beginning of a new level in my relationship with God. I think it is safe to say that every new level in God is preceded by Him speaking to us in some way. He may not speak audibly; it may be through revelation in His Word or a divine circumstance that only God could arrange. His voice may be simply a whisper in your soul, but I urge you to believe that God does speak to His people still today.

Trust in Him Ask God to help you be sensitive to His voice. He wants to talk to you. It is your privilege and right as a born-again believer in Jesus Christ to fellowship daily with God the Father, Jesus Christ His Son, and the Holy Spirit.


Joyce Meyer, Trusting God Day by Day: 365 Daily Devotions

 

[Aeliana]

November 9

Trials Reveal Your Character

Be assured and understand that the trial and proving of your faith bring out endurance and steadfastness and patience.
JAMES 1:3

Trials “try” us, and tests “test” us. Most of the time, the purpose of them is to show us who we really are, to reveal character in us.

We can think all kinds of good thoughts about ourselves, but until we are put to the test, we don’t know whether those things have become realities in us or not. We may consider ourselves generous, honest, or deeply committed to a particular truth or ideal, but the depth of these dynamics only reveals itself when we’re under pressure. When we go through trials, we learn whether or not we really have the character and commitment we think we have.

I believe it’s very important for us to really know ourselves; tests are good for us because they affirm strengths and reveal weaknesses. Don’t be afraid to face your weaknesses. God’s strength is available to you specifically for them.

I must say that before my trials worked steadfastness and patience into my life, they brought out many other negative qualities, mind-sets, and attitudes I didn’t know I had. One reason God allows us to go through tests and trials is so the hidden things in our hearts can be exposed. Until they are exposed, we cannot do anything about them. But once we see them, we can begin to face them and ask God to help us.

God does not allow us to go through difficult times because He likes to see us suffer; He uses them for us to recognize our need for Him. Everything you go through ultimately does work out for your good because it makes you stronger and builds your endurance; it develops godly character; it helps you to know yourself and to be able to deal with things at an honest level with God and take care of those things so you can reach spiritual maturity.

Trust in Him How do you behave under pressure? The next time you encounter some sort of trial or test, decide to believe it is for your good. Placing your trust in God opens the door for Him to work miracles out of messes—transforming your weaknesses into godly character.


Joyce Meyer, Trusting God Day by Day: 365 Daily Devotions

 

[Aeliana]

November 10

The Simplest Recipe

Sacrifice and offering You do not desire, nor have You delight in them; You have given me the capacity to hear and obey [Your law, a more valuable service than] burnt offerings and sin offerings [which] You do not require.
PSALM 40:6

God delights in our obedience. Naturally, it doesn’t do God any good to instruct us if we aren’t going to listen and obey.

I was moved by a story from a pastor of a very large church who spoke at a pastors’ conference in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Hundreds of pastors came from all over the nation to hear this man tell what he did to build his church. He told them simply, “I pray, and I obey. I pray, and I obey.”

One of the ministers who attended this meeting expressed to me his disappointment in the pastor’s message. He said, “I spent all that money and went all that distance to hear this world-renowned leader tell me how his ministry grew to the point it is. For three hours, in various ways, he said the same thing, ‘I pray; I obey. I pray; I obey. I pray; I obey. I pray; I obey.’ I kept thinking, Surely there’s something else.”

Looking back over more than three decades of walking with God, I would have to agree that if I put into words the simplest explanation for the success I have enjoyed, I, too, have learned to pray, hear from God, and then do what God tells me to do to the best of my ability.

Over the years, I have been seeking God about the call on my life and pressing forward in what I feel He has told me to do. The essence of it all is that I tried doing things my way and experienced only defeat and frustration. It took a few years, but I finally learned to pray, and obey. It has not always been popular with everyone else, but I have prayed, I have obeyed—and it has worked. God’s plan is not hard; we make it hard.

If you want God’s will for your life, I can tell you the recipe for this in its simplest form: pray and obey. God has given you the capacity to do both.


Trust in Him Trusting God is simple—just pray and obey. If you do that, before you know it, you will have stepped right into His perfect plan for your life.


Joyce Meyer, Trusting God Day by Day: 365 Daily Devotions

 

[Aeliana]

November 11

You Are God’s Friend

Let us then fearlessly and confidently and boldly draw near to the throne of grace (the throne of God’s unmerited favor to us sinners), that we may receive mercy [for our failures] and find grace to help in good time for every need [appropriate help and well-timed help, coming just when we need it].
HEBREWS 4:16

When you take God as your partner in life and you’re not interested in doing anything without Him, then you are a true friend of God. Some people are not getting their needs met because they are insecure about their relationship with God and won’t pray boldly and with confidence.

But when you know that you are God’s friend, it gives you the boldness to approach Him at any time, for anything. This friendship causes you to press in to receive things that you know are yours according to God’s Word. Possessing the knowledge that you are a friend of God causes you to be shamelessly persistent until you feel victory in your spirit. When that happens, you will feel a release that allows you to go ahead and enjoy your life, knowing that God is answering your prayer.

Unfortunately, many people are afraid to expect anything from God. But there is nothing wrong with asking God for big things and being expectant. Friendship with the Lord involves prayer, and prayer is all about moving in faith and getting situations changed. It is intimate conversation between you and Father God. It is in our prayer lives—those private conversational times alone with Him—that we develop our friendship.

If you try to wait until you are perfect to develop this divine friendship, it will never happen because we will always be growing spiritually; we will never be perfect. All God is asking is that we do our best every day to follow Him. The apostle James said, “You have not because you ask not” James. 4:2. Start asking!

Trust in Him Let Jesus be your best friend. He wants to help you in every area of your life. Trust that He hears your prayers and will answer in the best way at the right time.


Joyce Meyer, Trusting God Day by Day: 365 Daily Devotions

 

[Aeliana]

God Lives in You

May Christ through your faith [actually] dwell (settle down, abide, make His permanent home) in your hearts!
EPHESIANS 3:17

For many years I believed in Jesus Christ as my Savior but did not enjoy close fellowship with God. I felt that I was always reaching for Him and coming short of my goal. One day, as I stood before a mirror combing my hair, I asked Him a simple question: “God, why do I consistently feel as though I am reaching for You and coming a little bit short of finding You?”

Immediately I heard these words inside my spirit: “Joyce, you are reaching out, and you need to be reaching in.” God’s Word says that He lives in us, but many people find this truth difficult to understand. I did, too, for a long time.

I recall a day when I was walking around my house with my head hanging down—I was downcast! I was murmuring and complaining, saying, “God, I’m so tired of all the struggles I have. When are You going to do something? When am I going to get a breakthrough?”

Just then God reminded me that He lived inside me, and that fact alone should keep me joyful.
If you are born again, then Jesus is dwelling in you through the power of the Holy Spirit. But is God comfortable in you, and does He feel at home there within you? It took me a long time to understand that God lives in me along with all the other stuff that’s going on in my inner life. Because many Christians are not willing to submit to the inner promptings of the Holy Spirit, they are not full of peace. Their inner lives are constantly in turmoil. If we want to be a comfortable home for the Lord, let’s learn to dwell in peace and joy, trusting Him to take care of us.

Trust in Him Is God comfortable in you? If you want to be a comfortable home for the Lord, let go of everything you believe makes Him uncomfortable and fill yourself instead with gratitude, joy, and peace—and simply trust in Him.


Joyce Meyer, Trusting God Day by Day: 365 Daily Devotions

 

[Aeliana]

November 13

Love Frees Us to Forgive

Above all things have intense and unfailing love for one another, for love covers a multitude of sins [forgives and disregards the offenses of others].
1 PETER 4:8

The apostle Peter said love covers a multitude of sins. Love doesn’t just cover one mistake, it covers a multitude. God’s love for us not only covered our sins, it actually paid the price to completely remove them. Love is a powerful cleansing agent. I want you to notice that Peter said we should love “above all things.”
When Peter asked Jesus how many times he would be expected to forgive a brother for the same offense, Jesus told him to keep on doing it as many times as it took (see Matt. 18:21–22). Peter suggested seven times, and I have often wondered if he was already at six and thought he had only one more effort in him.

We must understand that a lot of forgiveness is required of us. In fact, it will probably be part of our daily experience. Some of the things we need to forgive may be minor and fairly easy, but occasionally that big thing comes along and we start wondering if we can ever get over it. Just remember, God never tells us to do anything unless He gives us the ability to do it. We can forgive anyone for anything if we let God’s love flow through us.

The Bible tells the story of a man named Joseph, who was sold into slavery by his brothers. When Joseph’s brothers discovered years later that he was alive and in charge of the food supply they desperately relied on, they were afraid. They remembered how badly they had treated Joseph, and so did he, but he chose not to reveal it to anyone else. He spoke with them privately and simply told them he was not God—and vengeance belonged to God, not to him. He freely forgave them, urged them not to be afraid, and proceeded to provide for them and their families. No wonder Joseph was a powerful leader who found favor everywhere he went. He knew the power of love and the importance of total forgiveness!

Trust in Him The Bible tells us to love, and in order to do so we must forgive a multitude of sins. Trust God to give you the ability to forgive all things, and thank Him for forgiving you.


Joyce Meyer, Trusting God Day by Day: 365 Daily Devotions

 

[Aeliana]

November 14

Everything You Need

As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God.
PSALM 42:1

Like a deer that has been running through fields all day, or a dog in the hot summer sun, or a man in the desert, we also thirst. What we thirst for is more of God, but if we don’t know He is what we are craving, we can be easily misled.
We might think food is what we crave, or people’s approval, or material things. But those things won’t satisfy us. If we set our minds on seeking God—if we give Him first place in our desires, thoughts, conversation, and choices—our thirst will truly be quenched and we will not be led astray.

David expressed his longing for the Lord in Psalm 42. Verse 2 says, “My inner self thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and behold the face of God?” We have needs, but God says, “Here I am. I have everything you need.” We are to search after God like a thirsty man in the desert. What does a thirsty man think about? Nothing but water! He isn’t concerned about anything else but finding what it takes to quench his thirst. Likewise, we should seek God above all else in order to quench our thirst.

If we are looking for only material things or improved circumstances instead of looking for God, Satan can set up a mirage (false image) to put us on the wrong track. But if we are seeking God, the devil can’t mislead us, because God has promised that those who seek Him with their whole hearts will find Him. God essentially says, “My people shall no longer be led by a mirage, but they will know to seek Me, the Living Water. Those who come to Me will never thirst again” (see John 4:10, 14).

Until our desire for God is greater than all other things, Satan has an advantage over our lives. But we can turn that advantage into disadvantage by resetting our priorities. Seek first God’s Kingdom, and all other things will be added (see Matt. 6:33).

Trust in Him God designed you to long for Him, and only He can satisfy that longing. Trust Him to quench your thirst as you continue to study, read, and listen to the Word of God, and you will never be thirsty again.


Joyce Meyer, Trusting God Day by Day

 

[Aeliana]

November 15

Ready for Anything

I have glorified You down here on the earth by completing the work that You gave Me to do. And now, Father, glorify Me along with Yourself and restore Me to such majesty and honor in Your presence as I had with You before the world existed.
JOHN 17:4–5

This passage gripped my heart one day, and I broke into tears. I thought, Oh, God, if only I can stand before You on the Last Day, look You in the eye, and not have to be ashamed, but be able to say, “Lord, I did it. With Your help I came through to the finish. I completed what You gave me to do.”

I realized that real joy comes from being a vessel for God to use for His glory: letting Him choose where He’s going to take me, what He’s going to do with me, when He’s going to do it—and always submitting to Him. It is one thing to be willing to do some things for the Lord, but it’s another thing entirely to be willing to do anything for the glory of God.

We may mistakenly think that some things would just be too difficult, but God will give us the strength through Christ to do all things He asks. When you sense that God is leading you to do something that frightens or overwhelms you, just take that first step in faith and you will find the power of God available when you take the next one.

I often feel incapable, but I have learned to trust God more than I trust my feelings. If He asks us to do something, He will definitely give us the grace to do it one day at a time. Don’t stop short of finishing the work God has given you to do; glorify Him by pressing through to the end.

Trust in Him Make a decision today to glorify God by completing each task He gives you. Trust Him to give you all that you need to do so. He will never fail you!


Joyce Meyer, Trusting God Day by Day: 365 Daily Devotions

 

[Aeliana]

November 16

Stop and Smell the Roses

Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy-laden and overburdened, and I will cause you to rest…
MATTHEW 11:28

Much of the world is in a hurry, always rushing; yet very few people even know where they are going in life. People rush to get to yet another event that has no real meaning for them, or that they really don’t even want to attend. We hurry so much we finally come to the place where we cannot slow down.

I can remember the days when I worked so hard and hurried so much that even if I took a vacation, it was almost over by the time I geared down enough to actually rest. Constantly hurrying definitely inhibited me from having peace in my life, and it still can if I do not stay alert to its pressure. Life is too precious to rush through it.

I find at times that a day has gone by in a blur; at the conclusion of it, I know I was very busy all day yet cannot really remember enjoying much, if any, of it. I have committed to learn to do things in God’s rhythm, not the world’s pace.

Jesus was never in a hurry when He was here on earth, and God is absolutely not in a hurry now. Ecclesiastes 3:1 states, “To everything there is a season, and a time for every matter or purpose under heaven…” We should let each thing in our lives have its season, and realize we can enjoy that season without rushing into the next one.

Our pace of living affects the quality of our lives. When we eat too fast, we don’t properly digest our food; when we rush through life, we don’t properly digest it, either. God has given life to us as a gift, and what a pitiful shame to do nothing but rush through each day and never, as they say, “stop and smell the roses.” Each thing we do in life has a sweet fragrance, and we should learn to take it in and enjoy the aroma.

Trust in Him Are you in a hurry? If you want to be at peace with yourself and enjoy life, you must stop rushing all the time. Trust God to give you the grace, the energy, and the time to do everything you need to do at a pace that allows you to enjoy the journey.


Joyce Meyer, Trusting God Day by Day: 365 Daily Devotions

 

[Aeliana]

November 17

You Can Be Content in All Circumstances

I have learned how to be content (satisfied to the point where I am not disturbed or disquieted) in whatever state I am.
PHILIPPIANS 4:11

People of God should be peaceful, joyful, thankful, and content. In Philippians 4:11, Paul said he “learned how to be content.” Well, I don’t know about you, but I spent many years, even as a believer, before I learned contentment, and I believe there are many others who struggle as I did trying to find it. You may be one of them.

I knew how to be satisfied if I was getting my own way—if everything was working exactly as I had planned—but how often does that happen? Very rarely, in my experience.

I knew absolutely nothing about how to handle even the ordinary trials that come along in most every person’s life. I didn’t know how to adapt to other people and things. I found out that a person who can only be satisfied when there are no disturbances in life will spend a great deal of time being discontented.

I finally desired stability enough that I was willing to learn whatever it took to have it. I wanted to be satisfied no matter what was going on around me.

The Amplified Bible defines the word content as “satisfied to the point where I am not disturbed or disquieted in whatever state I am in.” I appreciate this definition, because it does not say that I must be satisfied to the point where I don’t ever want change, but I can be satisfied to the point that I am not anxious or disturbed. I desperately wanted, and now enjoy, that kind of peace. How about you?

Trusting God and refusing to complain during hard times greatly honors Him. It is of no value to talk of how much we trust God only when all is well. But when difficulty comes, then we should say and sincerely mean, “I trust You, Lord.” He delights in a contented child. I have come to believe being content is one of the greatest ways we can glorify Him. Be content where you are while you are waiting for what you want or need.

Trust in Him Don’t wait until everything is perfect before you decide to enjoy your everyday life. Trust God and be content regardless of your circumstances.


Joyce Meyer, Trusting God Day by Day: 365 Daily Devotions

 

[Aeliana]

November 18

You Are Perfect in Christ

You, therefore, must be perfect [growing into complete maturity of godliness in mind and character, having reached the proper height of virtue and integrity], as your heavenly Father is perfect.
MATTHEW 5:48

We have a command (or perhaps it is a promise) in Matthew 5:48: “Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect” (NIV). Because God is perfect and is working in us, we can also look forward to sharing in His perfection.

The apostle Paul said although he had not already been made perfect, he pressed on toward the goal. He then said those of us who are imperfect should be thus minded, to let go of what was behind us (mistakes) and press on. In essence, he was saying that in God’s eyes, by faith in Jesus Christ, he was perfect, yet he was not totally perfected (see Phil. 3:12–15).

We must learn to see ourselves in Christ, not in ourselves. Corrie ten Boom taught that if you look at the world, you will be oppressed; if you look at yourself, you will be depressed; but if you look at Jesus, you will be at rest. How true it is that if we look at ourselves—at what we are in our own abilities—we cannot be anything except depressed and totally discouraged. But when we look to Christ, the Author and Finisher (perfecter) of our faith, we can enter His rest and believe He is continually working in us (Heb. 12:2 NIV).

We always say, “Nobody is perfect.” What we mean is that nobody manifests perfect behavior, and that is a correct statement. Our behavior, however, is quite different from our identities.

The Bible says that faith in Jesus makes us righteous, but in our actions, we don’t always do the right thing. I have said for years, “Our who is different than our do.” We don’t do everything right, but God always loves us. He always sees us “in Christ,” through our faith in Him, and He views us as perfect in Christ while we are still being changed by His power.

Trust in Him You are, this very moment, perfect in God’s eyes and on your way to perfection, not because of anything you have done but because of who you are in Christ. Trust God to continually work in you to help you mature, grow, and change.


Joyce Meyer, Trusting God Day by Day: 365 Daily Devotions

 

[Aeliana]

November 19

The Best Thing for You

Having gifts (faculties, talents, qualities) that differ according to the grace given us, let us use them…
ROMANS 12:6

We all have different gifts, but we shouldn’t compare or be jealous of the gifts of others.

I remember hearing one preacher talk of how often he saw Jesus. I had never seen Jesus, so I wondered what was wrong with me. Another person I knew prayed four hours every morning. I could not find enough to pray about to keep praying for four hours and always ended up bored and sleepy, so I wondered what was wrong with me. I had no gift to remember large portions of Scripture like someone I knew, who memorized all the Psalms and Proverbs as well as other entire books of the Bible, so I wondered what was wrong with me.

I finally realized that nothing was wrong with me.

Whatever we cannot do, there are many other things we can. Whatever someone else can do, there are also things they cannot. Don’t let the devil deceive you any longer. Don’t compare yourself with anyone in any way, especially not spiritually. We can see other people’s good examples and be encouraged by them, but they must never become our standard. Even if we learn how to do something from them, we still will not do it exactly the same way.

At some time or another, I think we all fall into the trap of wondering why we are not like others we know or why we don’t have the same experiences they do, but it is a trap—and a dangerous one. We are caught in a snare set by Satan when we enter into spiritual competition and comparison, and we become dissatisfied with what God is giving to us.

We should trust that God will do the best thing for each of us and let Him choose what that is. If we trust God in this way, we can lay aside our fears and insecurities about ourselves. I am sure we would all like to see into the spiritual realm and have an abundance of supernatural experiences, but getting frustrated if we don’t only steals our peace, and certainly does not produce visions of Jesus.

Trust in Him What spiritual gifts has God given you? Remember what Romans 12:6 says: “use them.” Be yourself. You are unique; trust that God has a plan just for you and the gifts He has given you.

Joyce Meyer, Trusting God Day by Day: 365 Daily Devotions

 

[Aeliana]

November 20

God Gives You Grace for Today

Give us this day our daily bread.
MATTHEW 6:11

God wants us to pray every day for whatever provision we need for that day. God will give you all the grace you need for today, and He will also give you grace for tomorrow; but tomorrow’s grace won’t show up until tomorrow. We are to learn to live our lives one day at a time.

I used to be frustrated as soon as I got up in the mornings. I was always in such a hurry. No matter what I was doing, I had my mind on the next thing I needed to do. I’d rush to make my bed, but because I never kept my mind on what I was doing, I was already anxious about the next thing I needed to do.

As I started making the bed, I’d think, I better lay out some meat to thaw for dinner. So, I’d leave the bed half-made and rush downstairs to get meat out of the freezer, but on the way there I’d see a pile of dirty clothes and think, I better put those clothes in the washer and get the laundry started.

Just as I put soap in the washer, the phone would ring, so I would run back upstairs to the kitchen to answer the phone. While I talked on the phone, I’d realize I needed to load the dishwasher, so I’d put a few dishes in the dishwasher as I talked. But then whoever was on the phone would say, “Would you like to go to town with me?” and I’d think, Well, I do need to get some stamps to mail some letters, so I’d hurry to get dressed to go to town.

I’d carry on like that all day, never finishing anything I started because my mind kept moving to other tasks I needed to do. That is not the way to enjoy your life. It is a challenge to thoroughly enjoy every moment that God gives us, but when we learn to do this, we will enjoy our days. If we don’t enjoy every part of our day, we will miss the life God intended for us to enjoy.

Trust in Him Have you enjoyed your day? Every moment? God wants you to! I challenge you to examine your life and ask yourself: “How much of my life am I wasting on anxiety or simply not paying attention?” Make trusting God your first priority in life and He will give you peace to enjoy every moment of every day.


Joyce Meyer, Trusting God Day by Day: 365 Daily Devotions

 

[Aeliana]

November 21

Practice Common Courtesy

[Love] is not rude (unmannerly) and does not act unbecomingly.
1 CORINTHIANS 13:5

Being courteous is a way to show kindness and respect for others. One way to be courteous is to always say “please” and “thank you.” These are two forms of common courtesy that I encourage you to practice.

I want to especially encourage you to be courteous at home with your family. I am trying to remember to always say “please” when I ask Dave to do something for me, and “thank you” when he has done it. It is very important that we don’t take our loved ones for granted. Having good manners in public should be an overflow of what we normally do at home behind closed doors.

Love is not rude, according to 1 Corinthians 13:5. Rudeness usually results from selfishness, and one way to fight it is to use good manners at all times. Our society is filled with rudeness, harshness, and crudeness, but this does not display the character of God. Jesus said He is “not harsh, hard, sharp, or pressing” (Matt. 11:30), and we need to follow His example.

We certainly need to make a point of being thankful and expressing our gratitude. In several places, the Bible makes the point that we are to be thankful and say so. We may think we are thankful, grateful people, but what is in the heart does come out of our mouths (see Matt. 12:34). If we are indeed appreciative, expressing thanks should come naturally for us.

Trust in Him Do you say “please” and “thank you”? Don’t overlook “common” courtesies as being trivial. Trust that showing kindness and respect to others is pleasing to God and reveals His character.


Joyce Meyer, Trusting God Day by Day: 365 Daily Devotions

 

[Aeliana]

November 23

Determining Your Priorities

For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
MATTHEW 6:21

The best way I have found to determine if God is first in my life is to slow down and ask myself some simple questions:
• What do I think about the most?
• What is the first thing on my mind in the morning and the last thing on my mind at night?
• What do I talk about the most? What do I do with my time?

If we spend only a few minutes a week praying and five or ten hours a week shopping, then shopping is a higher priority than God. If we spend thirty minutes reading the Bible every week, but spend fifteen hours a week watching sports shows, reality shows, and talk shows, then television is a higher priority than God. The truth is that we make time for what we really want to do. Make your time with God a priority and you will enjoy the rest of what you do much more.

What about your money? Is it easy for you to spend money on a new outfit, complete with new jewelry and shoes, or something for your house or car, but difficult to obey God at offering time? Do you find it easier to spend money on eating out than on Christian teachings and music that feed your spirit?

Money in itself is not evil—it’s “the love of money [that] is the root of all evil” (1 Tim. 6:10 KJV). If you love God more than money, you can do with your money what God tells you to and be at peace. However, if you love your money more than God, you are probably going to get upset or act like you didn’t hear Him when He asks you to do something with it that you don’t want to do.

I challenge you to regularly stop, and take a good look at your life. Ask the Holy Spirit to show you where your priorities are out of line. Then, allow His conviction to motivate you to seek a deeper relationship with Him.

Trust in Him If you need to adjust your priorities, trust God and make whatever changes you need to make in order to keep God first in your life.


Joyce Meyer, Trusting God Day by Day: 365 Daily Devotions

 

[Aeliana]

November 24

Burn On, Not Out

Look carefully then how you walk! Live purposefully and worthily and accurately, not as the unwise and witless, but as wise (sensible, intelligent people).
EPHESIANS 5:15

One of the reasons I previously found myself stressed-out, burned-out, and sick was from not knowing how to say “no.” I wanted to take every ministry opportunity that came my way, but it just was not possible. We must all learn to let God’s Spirit, and not other people’s desires (or our own), lead us.

Frequently people tell me that God has shown them that I am supposed to come to their churches or conferences and be their speaker. There was a time when that would pressure me because I thought, If I say no, then I am, in reality, saying they didn’t hear from God.

But other people cannot hear from God for us. We are individuals and have the right to hear from God ourselves. I started realizing that no matter what others thought they had heard, I could not do the engagement with peace if I had not heard from God about it myself.

Are you saying “yes” with your mouth while your heart is screaming “no”? If so, you will eventually be stressed-out, burned-out, and possibly sick. We just cannot go on like that forever without ultimately breaking down under the strain.
No matter how many people you please, there will always be someone who will not be pleased. Learn that you can enjoy your life even if everyone does not think you are wonderful. Don’t be addicted to approval from people; if God approves, that is all that really matters.

Being committed is very good, but being over committed is very dangerous. Know your limits and don’t hesitate to say “no” if you know that you need to. God has assigned a life span to each of us, and although we don’t know exactly how long we have on earth, we should certainly desire to live out the fullness of our years. We want to burn on, not burn out. We should live with passion and zeal, not with exhaustion; we should be good examples to others.

Trust in Him Are you committed, or over committed? No one else will stand before God and give an account of your life; only you will do that. Be prepared to be able to say to Him, “I trusted You and followed my heart to the best of my ability.”


Joyce Meyer, Trusting God Day by Day: 365 Daily Devotions

 

[Aeliana]

November 25

You Can Live in an Atmosphere of Peace

He Himself withdrew [in retirement] to the wilderness (desert) and prayed.
LUKE 5:16

We live in a noisy society. Some people have to have some noise in their atmospheres all the time. They always have music or the television on or the radio playing. They want someone with them all the time so they can talk. Each of these things done in balance is good, but we also need complete quiet and what I call “alone time.”

In order to enjoy a peaceful atmosphere, we must create one. Outer peace develops inner peace. Find a place where you can go that is quiet, a place where you will not be interrupted, and learn to enjoy simply being quiet for periods of time.

I have a certain chair in my living room where I sit and recover. The chair is a white recliner that faces a window to our yard, which is filled with trees. In the spring and summer, I can watch the birds, rabbits, and squirrels. There was a time when I would have considered that boring, but not now—now I love it. When I return from a conference, I go home, take a hot bath, and then sit in that chair.

Sometimes I sit there for several hours. I may read a little, pray, or just look out the patio door window, but the point is I am sitting still and enjoying the quiet. I have discovered that quiet helps me recover.

Being still has a soothing effect on us. If we find peaceful places and remain in them for a while, we will begin to feel calmness engulf our souls. Waiting on God quietly does more to restore our bodies, minds, and emotions than anything else.

We regularly need quiet time to wait on God. Insist on having it; don’t let anyone take it from you. Jesus made sure He had seasons of peace and alone time. He ministered to the people, but He slipped away regularly from the crowds to be alone and pray (see Luke 5:15–16). Surely if Jesus needed this type of lifestyle, we do also.

Trust in Him Where is your quiet place? Take my suggestion and try regular doses of “alone time.” Rest in God’s presence by trusting in Him and being quiet, and you will take His peace with you when you go back to normal activity.


Joyce Meyer, Trusting God Day by Day: 365 Daily Devotions