“Restore to me the joy of Your salvation and uphold me with a willing spirit” (Psalm 51:12).

Do you feel tired and stressed? Anxious or depressed? Being a believer doesn’t make us immune to these things. God did not promise us a life without struggles—on the contrary: “I’ve told you all this so that trusting Me, you will be unshakable and assured, deeply at peace. In this godless world you will continue to experience difficulties. But take heart! I’ve conquered the world” (John 16:33). We will all have challenges, but Jesus promised never to leave or forsake us!

We would all likely agree that the unexpected trials of the past three years took a toll, physically, emotionally, and mentally. Sickness, losing loved ones, relational strains, lost employment, and financial stress has touched us all. The enemy exploits our weakness in these dark moments to assault our joy and hope. Jesus perfectly describes our predicament: “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly” (John 10:10). Even in troubles, we CAN live a life of peace, knowing He is with us every step of our journey!

While we may have many questions, our answers are found in the Lord. He gives us gentle reminders that He is always here. His hope is carried on the wind that blows through our hair. His promise is in a rainbow on a gloomy day. His peace is in the sunset of the evening sky. His hand is in the moon and stars He spoke into existence. His gentleness is in the ocean waves that refresh our spirits. His love is in the flowers that bring us joy. His grace is in the birds that sing sweetly in the trees. His salvation is in every cross we see. Take heart in these gifts that come from Him! Let them draw our hearts and minds back to God and accept the blessings He has for you!

Guiding Points:

Call to Action: Reach your hands to God and ask the Holy Spirit to enter the room today. Request a special touch from our Heavenly Father, asking Him for restoration and healing for your body, mind, and soul. Submit your heart and open yourself up to His blessings with expectancy as you pray. God shows up when we lean into Him and ask for His help. Nothing is out of reach or impossible for God! “I am the Lord, the God of all mankind. Is anything too hard for me?” (Jeremiah 32:27).

Read these scriptures and BELIEVE in Him for renewal and refreshment. Decree these promises in Jesus’ name!

“But He was pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins. He was beaten so we could be whole. He was whipped so we could be healed” (Isaiah 53:5).

“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds” (Psalm 147:3).

“For every child of God defeats this evil world, and we achieve this victory through our faith” (1 John 5:4).

“Let not your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; but trust also in me” (John 14:1).

“I tell you, you can pray for anything, and if you believe that you’ve received it, it will be yours” (Mark 11:24).

Prayer: Lord, we thank You for Your many blessings that remind us of Your presence! May we be mindful of them, drawing our hearts closer to You. We raise our hands to You and ask for Your restoration of our physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual health. We need Your touch, God— Your supernatural healing! You said after we have suffered for little while, Your grace, through eternal glory in Jesus, will restore, support, and strengthen us, setting us on a firm foundation” (1 Peter 5:10). We claim that promise in Jesus’ name. We know nothing is out of reach for Your healing hands. In the precious name of Your Son, Christ Jesus, we pray, Amen!

Final Thought: Enjoy this old song by Annie J. Flint, written before 1902. It says it all!

What God Has Promised

God has not promised skies always blue,

Flower-strewn pathways all our lives through;

God has not promised sun without rain,

Joy without sorrow, peace without pain.

But God has promised strength for the day,

Rest for the labor, light for the way,

Grace for the trials, help from above,

Unfailing kindness, undying love.

God has not promised we shall not know

Toil and temptation, trouble and woe;