Jesus Calling Devotional Bible

The Blessed State of the Righteous

Praise^a the LORD!

I am in a tough spot, God. And I’m not sure what to do about it. You see, every time I try to take a step forward, I hesitate because I’m afraid. I’m afraid of making a mistake and losing what I cherish, and afraid of failing You.

I feel a lot of pressure in trying to live for You. You say the key is to trust You with every decision and every step, but how do I do that really? Does anybody get it right? Much as I’d like to, I don’t depend on You like I should. And when I don’t—when I feel like I can’t—I imagine that I’ve fallen short of who You want me to be. Have I failed You? How can You possibly love someone who constantly rejects the guidance You offer?

Right now I can’t anticipate how things are going to turn out, but I am sure another curve in the road is coming. Strengthen my faith and sustain my hope. Because as much trouble as I’m having with this thing called trust, I have no doubts that not trusting You is a dead end. Just show me how to stay on course with You.

—Mary Lynn

Trust

HAVE NO FEAR OF BAD NEWS. I want your heart to be steadfast, trusting in Me—in My unfailing Love. Remember that My Love for you is independent of your performance. So, when you become anxious or fearful, I do not love you less. Having a steadfast heart is an excellent goal, and you are making some progress in this quest. I am like a proud parent watching his baby learn to walk, eager to see you take each step of trust—however small. No matter how unsteadily you walk, I applaud each trust-step as if it were an Olympic feat. When you stumble or fall, I give you time to pull yourself back up. However, if you lift your arms to Me, seeking My help, I cannot resist coming to your aid.

Looking to Me for help demonstrates genuine trust in Me. It is easy to turn against yourself when you have failed, but this is not pleasing to Me. Some of My children blame others—or Me—for their failures. All of these responses are hurtful and counterproductive. The sooner you turn toward Me, the better. My tender Love can soothe your wounded pride and help you learn from your mistakes. As you sit in ashes of failure, looking up to Me, you grow more humble. You realize that you need Me continually to develop a steadfast heart. In My unfailing Love I will lead you. In My strength I will guide you—all the way to My holy dwelling.

(From Jesus Lives by Sarah Young)

FOR MORE ON THIS TOPIC, SEE PAGE 907.

Blessed is the man who fears the LORD,

Who delights greatly in His commandments.

²His descendants will be mighty on earth;

The generation of the upright will be blessed.

³Wealth and riches will be in his house,

And his righteousness ^bendures forever.

⁴Unto the upright there arises light in the darkness;

He is gracious, and full of compassion, and righteous.

⁵A good man deals graciously and lends;

He will guide his affairs with discretion.

⁶Surely he will never be shaken;

The righteous will be in everlasting remembrance.

⁷He will not be afraid of evil tidings;

His heart is steadfast, trusting in the LORD.

⁸His heart is established;

He will not be afraid,

Until he sees his desire upon his enemies.

⁹He has dispersed abroad,

He has given to the poor;

His righteousness endures forever;

His ^chorn will be exalted with honor.

¹⁰The wicked will see it and be grieved;

He will gnash his teeth and melt away;

The desire of the wicked shall perish.