“Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” – John 14:27 (NKJV)
Welcome to the 45th weekly devotional recap of the year. This week, we learnt about how to maintain our conviction, joy, and peace in dark seasons, and what it means to live selflessly and love others as believers.
We kicked off this week by learning how to stay steadfast in our convictions even in the storm. In trying times, we must speak to our souls and encourage ourselves in the Lord. We do so by remembering that God is greater than our situation and is present with us in it. We must also not forget His faithfulness in previous seasons and be filled with gratitude, knowing that the God who once showed up for us can do it again.
On Tuesday, we explored ways to maintain joy during dark seasons. As believers, we have been called to live a life of supernatural joy. Our circumstances don’t dictate this joy, but it is a fruit of our regenerated Spirit (Galatians 5:22). We will live in perpetual joy when we remember that our names are written permanently in the book of life, that nothing can separate us from the love of Christ, and when we are utterly convinced that in Christ, we always win.
Wednesday’s devotional taught us that we can find peace even in the midst of chaos. True peace isn’t the absence of trouble, but the presence of Christ in the trouble. Therefore, in trying times, pray instead of worrying; fix your thoughts on God’s Word, and trust that He is in control.
Thursday’s topic showed us what it means to live selflessly as believers. We are called to live for Christ and for the good of others. Our joy is not rooted in how much we receive but in how much we give. We have an example in Christ, who laid down His life as a sacrifice to save our souls. This bestows upon us the responsibility to have selfless ambitions and live beyond ourselves, as that’s when our joy will truly be full.
Finally, we concluded the week on Friday by learning to love others wholeheartedly. We have the ultimate calling to love like Christ. However, we can’t do this on our own; we must be led by the Holy Spirit, who teaches us how to show the God kind of love towards others. We can demonstrate this love by giving, forgiving, and putting ourselves in our neighbours’ shoes and treating them accordingly.
Dear believer, since Jesus is our joy and our perfect example of love, keep your gaze on Him in every season. Trust Him to guide your steps and establish your heart in His love as you walk with Him.
Today, decide always to be conscious of God’s presence in every circumstance and lead a life of love and selflessness like Christ.
Have a blessed weekend!
Bible Reading Plan: Ezekiel 10–15; 2 Timothy 2–3