Day 15
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Take time to be thankful. Read a short devotion and a selected Bible verse each day.
It’s Day 15 of the Gratitude for Every Day 30-Day Devotion.
DEVOTION
I lay in bed staring at the clock. "3:30 AM" shone in a soft red glow. An ongoing family crisis had been turning around and around in my mind all night. As I swung between desperate prayers and the what-ifs of the situation, I felt tight and brittle, like a rotisserie chicken left too long under the heat.
I rose quietly and paused to watch the peaceful rhythm of my husband’s breathing as he slept, grateful for his steady presence in my life. Slipping out of the room, I retreated to my desk and Bible - my anchor of peace when struggles felt too big.
King David knew all about sleepless nights spent fretting about the future. He often experienced circumstances far beyond his control or ability to comprehend. His story features not one but many "giants" faced throughout his life. Take, for instance, his experience with King Saul. For a decade, he was cruelly hunted by Saul, whom he had faithfully served. Even after David received the kingdom God had promised, challenges dogged his steps.
But David persevered in his faith. He continued to pour out his fears, anger, and desperation to God. He meditated on God’s promises, and they strengthened his heart, bubbling out of him in Psalms of joyful thanks to the God who never failed him.
God doesn’t promise an easy life. But He does promise to listen when we cry out to him, to respond to our needs, and to strengthen us in our too-big struggles. We can fill up on God’s promises as David did, and with hearts of grateful praise, say, "I am helped."
VERSE
Psalm 28:7 (ESV: English Standard Version)
Don't have your Bible handy? Click here to read online.
AUTHOR
Bethany Macklin
For two decades, Bethany has explored the power of God's attributes to anchor faith through life's fiercest storms. A contributor to Focus on the Family, in(courage), and K-LOVE Radio’s Faith Blog, her Bible study book, "God's Heart, My Harbor" breathes hope into weary hearts. Connect with Bethany to receive bi-monthly servings of faith-building devotions featured in her newsletter.
Website - https://www.bethanymacklin.com
Facebook - @BethanyMacklinMinistries
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