Jesus Calling: February 19

    You are feeling weighed down by a plethora of problems, both big and small. They seem to require more and more of your attention, but you must not give in to those demands. When the difficulties in your life feel as if they're closing in on you, break free by spending quality time with Me. You need to remember who I AM in all My Power and Glory. Then, humbly bring Me your prayers and petitions. Your problems will pale when you view them in the Light of My Presence. You can learn to be joyful in Me, your Savior, even in the midst of adverse circumstances. Rely on Me, your Strength; I make your feet like the feet of a deer, enabling you to go on the heights. 

Exodus 3:14

English Standard Version
God said to Moses, “I am who I am.” And he said, “Say this to the people of Israel, ‘I am has sent me to you.’”

Habakkuk 3:17-19
English Standard Version
Though the fig tree should not blossom,
nor fruit be on the vines,
the produce of the olive fail
and the fields yield no food,
the flock be cut off from the fold
and there be no herd in the stalls,
yet I will rejoice in the Lord;
I will take joy in the God of my salvation.
God, the Lord, is my strength;
he makes my feet like the deer's;
he makes me tread on my high places.
To the choirmaster: with stringed instruments.

Thoughts
Retreating to the Lord rarely is my first option when problems arise. Instead, I often will figure out a way on my own to feel better, sometimes this is talking about the problem, which in a way becomes gossip. I become more critical. I moan. I complain. I cry out, "woe is me." Sometimes I figure out a way to cope with it by engaging in sin, because I think and get accustomed to these acts making me feel good real quick. I am impatient often in these circumstances.

But, here I am reminded to do what Daniel did when problems came to him, he didn't change his course of action. He remained steady and continued to pray to the Lord three times a day. He stayed consistent in His walk with the Lord. I should take comfort in the words of Moses that God is "I Am" and he has been sent to me. In Habbakuk, I can be reminded that though all doesn't look right, I can rejoice in the Lord and take joy in the God of my salvation. The Lord is my strength.

My Prayer
Lord, change my habits and may I be in a habit of turning to you and continuing to retreat to You amidst all the circumstances of my life. Keep me close to You. Thank You for protecting me and raising me up. Thank you for the new life that is in You. Bring back the joy of my salvation.

Note: The devotion and scriptures are from author Sarah Young. If you haven't already, please purchase the book and support the author.

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