Anchor Week 2 Devotions (with scripture)
Monday, April 15, 2024, Read Psalms 56:3-4 “3When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. 4In God, whose word I praise— in God I trust and am not afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?”
Do you ever feel like God is far away or doesn’t see what you’re going through? You’re not alone. When we face problems big and small, it’s common to wonder why our loving, kind, and all-powerful God would allow us to feel so defeated, anxious, and alone. So when we feel alone or like God doesn’t see us, let’s remember that God promises never to leave us. Where is God when life is hard? Exactly where He says He’ll be: Right next to you, a comforting presence in any situation.
Tuesday, April 16, 2024, Read Matthew 6:28-32 28 “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. 29Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 30If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? 31So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them.”
If you’ve ever worried about the future, then Jesus has an encouragement for you: Be like birds. What? Yes, birds. When life is hard, worry feels as natural as breathing. Our minds spiral with countless what-ifs, and it’s easy to expect a difficult future. Learning to focus on today is a practice that can be developed over time. We need to intentionally remember the promises of God. Where is God when life is hard? Exactly where He says He’ll be: Alongside you, providing exactly what you need to get through today.
Wednesday, April 17, 2024, Read Matthew 11:28-30 “28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Wouldn’t it be nice if God provided us with quick fixes for life’s problems? It would certainly make life easier, but God never promised that life would be easy. Whether we have a job we don’t like, we’re dealing with loss, or we’re unsure of the future, Jesus wants to help us. God isn’t just on the sidelines cheering you on. He’s willing to walk the path together with you, no matter what you’re going through. Where is God when life is hard? Exactly where He says He’ll be: Offering steady support as you take steps toward a better future.
Thursday, April 18, 2024, Read Revelations 21:3-6 3And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. 4‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” 5He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”
6He said to me: “It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To the thirsty I will give water without cost from the spring of the water of life.
The Bible concludes with a vision of the future, where God will make the world new and free from heartbreak, pain, and loneliness. But what about the frustration, fear, and anxiety we’re facing today? If God is all-powerful and He’s making the world new, why doesn’t He hurry up and finish the job? God has a plan for you. It may not feel like it, especially if you feel anxious, but God is with you, making you new every day. Where is God when life is hard? Exactly where He says He’ll be: With you, reminding you that a better future is still possible.
Friday, April 19, 2024, Read John 14:25-27 25 “All this I have spoken while still with you.
26But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. 27Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
God sees us and He’s with us, carrying our burdens alongside us. But He’s not simply beside us. His presence is inside every follower of Jesus through His Holy Spirit, making us new every day. The pain we experience isn’t a sign of God’s rejection or lack of power. Instead, it’s a sign that God is still in the process of making all things new. Together we take steps toward hope, joy, and wholeness, trusting God’s process and listening to His Spirit within us. Where is God when life is hard? Exactly where He says He’ll be: Within you, leading you to join Him in making the world a better place for everyone.
Monday, April 15, 2024, Read Psalms 56:3-4 “3When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. 4In God, whose word I praise— in God I trust and am not afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?”
Do you ever feel like God is far away or doesn’t see what you’re going through? You’re not alone. When we face problems big and small, it’s common to wonder why our loving, kind, and all-powerful God would allow us to feel so defeated, anxious, and alone. So when we feel alone or like God doesn’t see us, let’s remember that God promises never to leave us. Where is God when life is hard? Exactly where He says He’ll be: Right next to you, a comforting presence in any situation.
Tuesday, April 16, 2024, Read Matthew 6:28-32 28 “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. 29Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 30If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? 31So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them.”
If you’ve ever worried about the future, then Jesus has an encouragement for you: Be like birds. What? Yes, birds. When life is hard, worry feels as natural as breathing. Our minds spiral with countless what-ifs, and it’s easy to expect a difficult future. Learning to focus on today is a practice that can be developed over time. We need to intentionally remember the promises of God. Where is God when life is hard? Exactly where He says He’ll be: Alongside you, providing exactly what you need to get through today.
Wednesday, April 17, 2024, Read Matthew 11:28-30 “28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Wouldn’t it be nice if God provided us with quick fixes for life’s problems? It would certainly make life easier, but God never promised that life would be easy. Whether we have a job we don’t like, we’re dealing with loss, or we’re unsure of the future, Jesus wants to help us. God isn’t just on the sidelines cheering you on. He’s willing to walk the path together with you, no matter what you’re going through. Where is God when life is hard? Exactly where He says He’ll be: Offering steady support as you take steps toward a better future.
Thursday, April 18, 2024, Read Revelations 21:3-6 3And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. 4‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” 5He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”
6He said to me: “It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To the thirsty I will give water without cost from the spring of the water of life.
The Bible concludes with a vision of the future, where God will make the world new and free from heartbreak, pain, and loneliness. But what about the frustration, fear, and anxiety we’re facing today? If God is all-powerful and He’s making the world new, why doesn’t He hurry up and finish the job? God has a plan for you. It may not feel like it, especially if you feel anxious, but God is with you, making you new every day. Where is God when life is hard? Exactly where He says He’ll be: With you, reminding you that a better future is still possible.
Friday, April 19, 2024, Read John 14:25-27 25 “All this I have spoken while still with you.
26But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. 27Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
God sees us and He’s with us, carrying our burdens alongside us. But He’s not simply beside us. His presence is inside every follower of Jesus through His Holy Spirit, making us new every day. The pain we experience isn’t a sign of God’s rejection or lack of power. Instead, it’s a sign that God is still in the process of making all things new. Together we take steps toward hope, joy, and wholeness, trusting God’s process and listening to His Spirit within us. Where is God when life is hard? Exactly where He says He’ll be: Within you, leading you to join Him in making the world a better place for everyone.