Daily Devotional
The Words of Hope Devotional is a non-profit, donor-supported publication whose goal is to encourage readers to grow in faith through the practice of daily Bible reading and prayer.
Open Hands, Fulfilled Needs
Read: Psalm 145
Every day I will bless you and praise your name forever and ever. (v. 2)
When we choose to hold the things of this world loosely, letting go and letting God, we open up our lives to worship him more fully. As one of David’s psalms of praise, Psalm 145 reminds me that the Father takes delight in our worship.
Depending on what part of the world you live in, your corporate worship may take place in a large church building, someone’s home, or even in a secret place. When we gather with other believers, we have the opportunity to praise God together, and this is extremely valuable for growth and community.
But how about when we are not gathered with the larger body of believers? How we conduct ourselves at work, home, and in our neighborhoods are also acts of worship, often bearing greater witness than when we are at church. In 2005, Christian music group Casting Crowns released “Lifesong.” In the chorus, the songwriter says he wants to sign God’s name to the end of the day, knowing that his heart was true, and then says, “Let my lifesong sing to You.”
While there is much in life that we want to hold tightly to, when we let go and let God we are free to let our very lives serve as a witness to his great love. Our hands can be open to his work, lifted high in praise no matter the time or season. —Joy Petroelje
As you pray, praise God for his unfailing and constant care for you.
Embrace
Read: Luke 15:11-24 But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. (v. 20) “Letting go, and letting God” is a theme that has allowed
Lowering the Bar
Read: Philippians 1:12-30 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. (v. 21) Expectation is a regular part of life. While we know a new day is not promised, it’s likely most of us get up
Overwhelmed
Read: Psalm 61:1-3 Lead me to the rock that is higher than I. (v. 2) According to the New England Journal of Medicine, the first confirmed case of a COVID-19 infection in the United States was reported on January 20,
Only One You
Read: Psalm 139 For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. (v. 13) It shows up on Facebook, words laid over a flowered background: “Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.” I have seen
The Gift of Forgiveness
Read: Colossians 3:12-17 As the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. (v. 13) Yesterday we focused on the apostle Paul’s admonishment to release bitterness, one of a long list of sins he urged the Ephesian believers to
Cast Out Bitterness
Read: Ephesians 4:24-32 Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. (v. 31 NIV) Perhaps you’ve heard this quote or a variation thereof: “Don’t get bitter, just get
Letting Go by Example
Read: Romans 12 We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. (v. 6 NIV) In a recent church service I attended, new elders and deacons were ordained and installed to help lead the church throughout
Pride Set Aside
Read: Matthew 1:18-25 When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him: he took his wife. (v. 24) The Bible tells us quite a bit about Mary, the mother of Jesus. She was a
Drop the Net
Read: Luke 5:1-11 And Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men.” (v. 10) One of the first Sunday school songs I learned as a child was Harry D. Clarke’s “Fishers of