WEEKLY DEVOTIONAL RECAP

“That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing? So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.” — Matthew 6:25,34 (NLT)

Welcome to the third weekly devotional recap of the year. This week, we learnt to guard our joy from the different things that seek to steal it.

We began the week by establishing that the fear of missing out (FOMO) steals joy by keeping us dissatisfied and robbing us of peace and contentment. FOMO’s greatest lie is that we are missing out on something good. Your desires may tempt you to compare, covet, and chase fleeting things, but remember that your life does not consist in the abundance of your possessions (Luke 12:15).

True satisfaction is found in God’s will. When tempted to dwell on what you lack, remember: God’s plans for you are good and eternal (Romans 8:28, Jeremiah 29:11).

On Tuesday, we were encouraged to shun anxiety as this also kills our joy. The world might argue that living anxiety-free is impossible due to life’s cares, but Matthew 6:27 reminds us that worrying cannot change anything. Instead of worrying, pray, rest in the knowledge of God’s nature (Romans 4:20-21), maintain a positive mindset based on His word, and guard your heart against doubt (Luke 8:51-54). Keep anxiety away and rest in God’s peace (Philippians 4:6-7).

Wednesday’s devotional taught us to guard against depression. Times of despair try to sell the lie that you are alone and no one can relate to your pain. Remember, you have a High Priest who can (Hebrews 4:15). You don’t have to hide your emotions from Him. Many of the heroes of faith had feelings of deep sorrow (Psalms 6:6, Habakkuk 3:17); yet they came out victorious. When feelings of depression overwhelm you, regulate your mood in the place of prayer and meditate on the truth of God’s word. 

On Thursday, we learnt that even though financial pressures can be legitimate sources of worry, one powerful approach is to shift your focus from the problem to the Provider. Bills do not have the power to steal your joy— but your mindset does. Remember that your God is Jireh, the providential God who anticipates your needs and can meet them (Matthew 6:26,32). Let His past faithfulness encourage you to rest in Him (Philippians 4:6-7,19).

We ended the week on Friday with an instruction to let go of anger and bitterness, as all they do is imprison the one holding on to them. The Bible warns that bitterness defiles (Hebrews 12:15) and anger clouds judgment (Numbers 20:7-12). 

Instead of responding in anger or bitterness, believers are called to a higher standard. Christ is our example, and He embodies love and forgiveness. By the Spirit, you can rise above fleshly feelings and respond with God’s love, forgiveness, and patience. 

Dear believer, joy is a fruit of your regenerated spirit, so be on guard against these things that fight to take its place. 

Bible Reading Plan: Genesis 42-45, Matthew 13:18 -14:12

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