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READ: no other reading today
“My soul is weary with sorrow; strengthen me according to your word.” Psalm 119:28
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7
“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?
And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field … will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? … your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Matthew 6:25-34
Reflection: In the psalm, David prayed for peace in his heavy heart. You do not have to continue carrying the weight of anxiety, loneliness, depression, stress, or pain alone. Go to the Lord in prayer and ask for His strength to sustain your soul.
As this Psalmist writes, it’s wonderful to go to His Word as a source of strength and peace when you’re anxious or sorrowful. Oftentimes, it reminds me of the grand scheme of things, of the reality of His kingdom coming or of His objectives for me. When I’m reminded of Paul’s persecution, my struggles seem small. When I’m reminded of the urgency of sharing the gospel to those who are still lost, I come to realize what’s really important in life. Even though reading His Word will not always resolve your struggles or provide an answer, it often is a source of strength and reassurance.
Prayer Prompt: What wears down your heart with pain or sadness? Ask God to strengthen you with His supernatural peace and presence. Ask God to give you a thirst for His Word. Ask for him to help you trust in His provision, and surrender or submit to Him whatever is bothering you.