Lysa TerKeurst

If there was ever a secret for unleashing God’s powerful peace in a situation, it’s developing a heart of true thanksgiving. The truly thankful person is a truly peaceful person.

Take a deep breath. Let it out slowly. And remind your heart that you can release control to the One in control of it all. He is mighty. He is loving. He is able. And nothing is going to take God by surprise.

While we can’t change what was, we can appreciate the breathtaking reality of what is. We can look for what is truly beautiful in our lives right now.

Lord, we want to be changed by Your living and active Word growing deep inside of us. But that means we must get into Your Word so it can get into us. May Your Truth seep into every corner of our hearts and minds. And then may it overflow into all that we say and do.

In the midst of circumstances that leave us feeling shaken, we must allow the truth of who God is to steady us. Let’s praise God for who He is … Our God who fulfills His purposes. Our God who saves. Our God whose steadfast love and faithfulness know no end.

We have to fight the urge to expect our version of God’s good timing, God’s good provision, and God’s good protection to match what we script for our lives. God Himself is good. And that means His plans are good, His ways are good, and we can trust Him at all times.

God absolutely does still speak to us through His Word, through His Son, Jesus, and through the Holy Spirit that lives in us as believers.

We can love and extend forgiveness to those around us without enabling behavior that harms others and dishonors God.

Lord, please forgive us for trying to get from people a love that only You can give. We’re choosing to stop the chase and we're placing our trust and hope in You. Help us live with hearts that are secure. Hearts that are at rest in You. Amen.

What name has Satan tried to label you with? Unwanted? Unlovely? Unneeded? Satan is a liar & a thief. God is the One & only One who has the right to define you. And He says you are chosen. He says you are cherished. He says you are His child, holy & dearly loved.

Let’s see the joy. Delight in the joy. And determine to hold onto it with everything we've got.

There's usually some element of protection wrapped in every rejection. Truth that's hard to see when our heart is hurting. If that's you right now, cling to God's goodness. Trust in His love. And thank Him for the protection that's part of this rejection even if you can’t see…

No one likes to feel pain. But if we avoid the hurt, the hurt creates a void in us. So instead of trying to numb the pain, let’s invite God into it. Let's ask Him to replace our faltering strength with His. And then let's choose to believe that, with Him, healing is possible.

Remembering that others have burdens of their own will help us choose to be a little kinder to one another and let love lead.

A reminder my heart and mind both need today: This life is not about me. It’s about joining hands with Jesus to fulfill whatever tasks He sets before me and to share His love with all He brings my way.

God is still at work. And you can absolutely trust Him. Let this verse be your soul’s declaration tonight. “But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation. I will sing the Lord’s praise, for he has been good to me,” (Psalm 13:5-6).

In the midst of heartbreak or unanswered prayers, let's find peace in the portion of goodness God has for us today. Let's look for the lovely. Be noticers of the good. And even if the tears are still falling, thank God for the gifts He’s tucked into today just for us.

Seeing the good come from hard things takes time. But always remember - with God, the good WILL come.

Watch for moments today when anger, envy or something negative tries to slip in. Recognize it. Refute it. And choose to replace it with God’s spirit of love.

Ever feel "less than" because of your struggles? Remember... Jesus doesn't compare. Jesus doesn't exaggerate. Jesus doesn't condemn. He simply says, “I love you. Just how you are. But, I love you too much to leave you stuck. So let’s work on it together."