2021 Daily Devotion - Day 416

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How many times have we read a Bible scripture and thought – oh, I understand what God is telling me. But then you read the same Bible scripture days, weeks, months or even years later, and once again you say – oh, I understand what God is telling me.This is one of the many things I love about God and reading my Bible; His Word for our daily lives.

God will meet you exactly where you are. He will use the same Bible scripture and it will take on a completely different meaning. Why? Because you are now in a different place on your journey with God.

Today I read these two Bible scriptures:

John 16:22
Therefore you now have sorrow; but I will see you again and your heart will rejoice, and your joy no one will take from you.

John 16:33
These things I have spoken to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.

The key words here are Peace and Joy. These are part of God’s promises for those of us who believe in Christ Jesus as our Lord and Savior. Yes, we will indeed face many problems on this earth, have prayers not answered the way we wanted, and experience life situations that just were not able to be resolved. In these two Bible scriptures, God has promised those who believe in Christ, when we get to Heaven – our Joy will never be taken from us and we will have continual Peace in His beautiful and glorious Heaven.

I know, for myself, I have faced many challenges – the loss of my husband at a very young age, the loss of my mother (my mentor), and just recently the loss of my sister. Through all of these challenges, Satan tried to beat me up by taking my Joy. And yes, I had some very difficult days.

But you see, I have the greatest God who gave me His word that while I’m here on earth, I can stand on His promises and lean on Him for strength – which I did! I believe in His promise of eternal life, where I will be reunited with the ones I’ve lost and we will have Joy and Peace for eternity. So when things get hard, don’t turn away from God. Turn into God and keep holding onto His hand. His promises will get us through.

Pray with me:
Father God, You know our hearts. You know exactly where we are in our journey with You. Help us to remember no matter what is going on in our lives, You are standing right beside us, holding us by our hand, and we are never alone when we carry You in our hearts. We thank You for sacrificing Your son, Jesus, so we might have an eternal relationship with You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Maria Gleckl
Cursillo Member LC 103, Usher Team and Mount of Olives Member
Mount of Olives Church
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