January

JANUARY 1

Heartfelt Praise

You can pass through his open gates with the password of praise. Come right into his presence with thanksgiving. Come bring your thank offering to him and affectionately bless his beautiful name!

Psalm 100:4

Creator, I come right into your presence with praise. There are so many reasons to give you thanks. I offer you my heart, my attention, and my love right here and now in this very place. As I do, I know you meet me. You usher me into the courts of your kingdom by your presence. You fill me with joy as I offer you my wholehearted thanks. Like a good father knows his daughter, you always know just what I need to hear in every moment. I depend on you to fill me up with your life-giving love each and every day.

Thank you for loving me so well. I belong to you, Lord. As your Word says, you are our Creator, and we are the people of your pleasure (v. 3). Oh that I would know the depths of your delight over me today! Reveal your heart as I focus my attention on you. Thank you, Lord, for loving me to life over and over again.

What are you grateful for today? Nothing is too small. Use it as fuel for your praise and go right into the presence of your King.

JANUARY 2

Relief at Last

His massive arms are wrapped around you, protecting you.

You can run under his covering of majesty and hide.

His arms of faithfulness are a shield keeping you from harm.

Psalm 91:4

Almighty God, you are the one I run to in my trouble. You are the one I depend on when my life feels as if it's turning upside down. It doesn't matter how big or small my problems are; you welcome me with open arms. There is nothing too difficult for you. You cover me with your grace every time I run to you. Relieve me of my fear as I lean into your arms of faithfulness. Fill me with your perfect peace as I depend on you. Be my defense and my advocate. I rely on you, God!

When I feel the burden of others' expectations weighing me down, I will not try to shoulder them alone. I will bring you all I am carrying. Lift the burdens that are not mine to bear and ease the pain I have endured. I hide myself in you, for you are the one who gives me peace, a reason to hope, and a love that redeems even that which seems irreparable. I rest in you today.

What do you need God's protection from? Run into his arms and find your rest in his presence.

JANUARY 3

My Source of Life

Deep within me are these lovesick longings, desires and daydreams of living in union with you. When I'm near you, my heart and my soul will sing and worship with my joyful songs of you, my true source and spring of life!

Psalm 84:2

Father God, my soul bursts with longing for you. The hunger of my heart leads me to your presence. You hold the words of life my soul craves; where else would I go? My heart spills over with songs of grateful praise. I cannot begin to thank you for the overwhelming goodness of your love. You revive my soul, and you satisfy my thirst with the living waters of your presence. You have been so good to me, and I trust that you will continue to be.

Your friendship means the world to me. You are closer to me than even my closest confidant in this world. As I draw close to you, my true source and spring of life, meet me with the power of your love once again. I long for more of you!

What song stirs in your heart when you turn your attention to the Lord? Serenade him today.

JANUARY 4

Great Advocate

You have stood up for my cause

and vindicated me when I needed you the most.

From your righteous throne you have given me justice.

Psalm 9:4

God, I trust you to come through for me in the time of my great need. When I am completely powerless to change my situation, you are a faithful help and a strong presence. Do what only you can do, Father. I don't want to waste away in worry. Strengthen my faith as I remain anchored in you, my living hope. You are righteous and true, and you will not fail to bring beauty from the ashes of my life.

Show me, oh Lord, when I need to change my heart or my approach and when I simply need to hold my ground and wait on you. You are faithful regardless. I know you will not accuse the innocent. Build me up in your wisdom and give me strength as I lean on you. Protect me, guide me, and reveal the truth so others may see, know, and drop their weapons. Thank you!

What are you trusting God to come through with? Give him your worries and wait on him.

JANUARY 5

Overflowing Gladness

We laughed and laughed and overflowed with gladness.

We were left shouting for joy and singing your praise.

All the nations saw it and joined in, saying,

"The Lord has done great miracles for them!"

Psalm 126:2

Lord, you are the miracle maker. You do great and wonderful things, and when you do, we are overcome with joy, washed with relief, and filled with gladness. When you move in mercy, we are left shouting for joy. As I think about the ways you have transformed my life in your limitless love, I cannot help but sing your praise today. I won't get caught up in the unknowns of the future when I slow down to focus on your goodness to me, both in my history and in the present.

Your presence is filled with delight. Joy not only fills my heart but also flows through my body, making me smile and lifting the weight of worry off my shoulders. You are so good! Thank you for the miracles of your restoration and redemptive power. I am in awe of you.

When was the last time you "laughed and laughed"? Do something today that brings you real joy.

JANUARY 6

Conquered by Love

Even when your path takes me through the valley of deepest darkness, fear will never conquer me, for you already have! Your authority is my strength and my peace. The comfort of your love takes away my fear. I'll never be lonely, for you are near.

Psalm 23:4

YAHWEH, you are my shepherd and my best friend. I trust you to guide me through the twists and turns of this life. I know that this path isn't easy, and it is not always clear. I need your leadership, especially when I walk through deep, dark valleys of suffering. Your presence carries perfect peace, and I know that is my portion. Overcome me with the light of your love and relieve the fear that threatens to drain me of all my energy.

I trust that you know what you are doing every step of the way. You see the obstacles I can't, and you guide me with goodness. Your comfort is close, and your love overwhelms my fear. I am never without your presence. I'm never without your friendship. I'm never without you. Thank you.

When life is painful, where do you turn for guidance and comfort?

JANUARY 7

My Savior

I will sing my song of joy to you, YAHWEH,

for in all of this you have strengthened my soul.

My enemies say that I have no Savior,

but I know that I have one in you!

Psalm 13:6

YAHWEH, my heart bursts with joy at the thought of all you have done for me! You have strengthened my soul, and you have protected my life. You have been so very wonderful to me, and I know you aren't finished working out the miracles of your mercy in my life. Even when others doubt your goodness toward me, I don't doubt for a second. They may not be able to see the power of your presence with me, but I am the one who experiences it.

I will offer you my song of joy today for all that you are to me. You are a constant comfort and faithful companion. You are my healer and my holy help. You are always with me, and I can't get away from your love. What good news that is! You are a breath of fresh air whenever the world's air grows stale. You are my confidence and my hope. All my treasures are rooted and found in you.

What has God done for you lately?

JANUARY 8

Pleasant Paths

Your pleasant path leads me to pleasant places.

I'm overwhelmed by the privileges that come with following you!

Psalm 16:6

Good Shepherd, I am so thankful for the steady hand of your leadership in my life. You don't lead me astray; I know your pleasant path leads me to pleasant places. The boundaries of your great love hem me in, behind and before. You have surrounded me with the power of your presence, and I am never alone. I don't take for granted the goodness of your faithful kindness toward me. I stand undone and in awe as I think of all the ways that you have provided for me.

Open my eyes even more and tune my attention to the fingerprints of your mercy in my life as I recount your faithfulness. What pleasant paths you have laid for me! What peace I have found in you. I know you will continue to guide me in loyal love as I trust you....