The NIV 365 Day Devotional
The Light of His Love
I want to be your encourager, a voice that cheers you on to believe that God is who he says he is and that walking in his ways will prosper your soul. There’s a lot at stake. Without personal encouragement we begin to lose sight of the goal. We get lost in the isolation of making so many choices. The days blend into one another and we slowly lose perspective. To complicate matters, the voices that offer false promises are too alluring to refuse.
No wonder God told us to whisper the truth in each other’s ears, because sin is deceitful. It lies. It makes promises it can never deliver in the long run. Initially sin feels good. An affair is exhilarating. Controlling others is empowering. Taking revenge feels therapeutic. Building a bigger house is an anesthetic to the pain. Gossip makes us feel better about ourselves. Fighting for our rights massages the pain of unfairness. The list goes on.
The longer I choose to believe (and act on) the false promises of sin, the harder my heart becomes. If I sin today, I will be more hardened tomorrow. I’ll be even less likely to be affected by the truth. God’s voice will be more unwelcome. The purity of his ways will seem more perverted.
Let’s put our arms around someone who is struggling with critical choices today. Let’s remind them that God’s ways are worth it. He delivers what he promises: peace, confidence, eternal rewards and the joy of living in the light of his love.
Reflection
- How might things have been different for the Israelits if they had encouraged one another rather than listening to the grumbles of the “rabble”?
- What situation is causing you to grumble and lose perspective concerning God’s provision?
- Who do you know that needs a word of encouragement? Follow Christine’s advice and remind her that God’s ways are worth it.
Taken from the NIV Women’s Devotional Bible.