Day 23 - March 31, 2025
New to the Lent, A Closer Walk with God 40-Day Devotion? Start with Day 1!
Take this time to enjoy a closer walk with God. Read a short devotion and a selected Bible verse each day.
It’s Day 23 of the Lent, A Closer Walk with God 40-Day Devotion.
DEVOTION
For years, I served the Lord with intentional dependence on His Spirit to fuel whatever work He called me to do. No late night prep so I would feel ready to teach the following day, no marathon study sessions to ensure I was ready to lead a ministry effort or present a message. And my heavenly Father never failed to provide exactly what I needed.
However, following a long season of illness and struggle, I leaned increasingly on outside help to feel more confident about my work. This extra support for my ministry efforts meant I missed the intimacy with God I had treasured. Where once I relied on and rested in the Lord for powerful service, now my work felt propped up, lacking the force and the fruit of my earlier dependence on Him.
The people in Jeremiah’s day had drifted far away from dependence upon God. Their self-reliance led them to abandon their relationship with Him. Had they forgotten their love for God and their identity as God’s chosen people? Had they forgotten His faithfulness to them? Now, after leaning on everything but God, they staggered under the weight of sin’s consequences and the discipline it had brought upon them. But amid their struggle, God called to them, offering restoration and rest through repentance.
God calls to us to examine our lives and consider our steps. Are they taking us away from God in self-reliance, or are they leading us to deeper dependence upon Him? No matter where we find ourselves today, God extends the invitation to return to Him and find rest.
PRAYER
Please take a look at my life. Then, reveal to me the areas you want to eliminate, refine, or change. You're the author and perfector. Let me be a willing character in the story you are telling with my life. Amen.
VERSE
Verse Lamentations 3:40 (NIV)
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AUTHOR
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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
Instagram - @bethanymacklin
