Resilience | lent devotions

“Listen and hear my voice; pay attention, and hear what I say: Does a farmer keep sowing or ploughing forever? Does he never stop breaking up and harrowing his land? No - when he finishes levelling it, he scatters his dill-seed, sows his cumin, puts wheat in rows, barley where it belongs, and plants buckwheat around the edges; because his God has taught him this, has given him instruction.” Isaiah 28:23-26, CJB

Who are you listening to today?

If you’re listening to concerns about the economy God’s word says: “the Lord takes pleasure in the prosperity of his people” (Psalm 35:27) and there is no lack in the Kingdom (Psalm 23:1).

If you’re listening to stories of war and suffering God’s word acknowledges both but says: “Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10).

If you’re listening to that Christian friend who never stops moaning about the church/life/other people God says: “A gossip goes around telling secrets, so don't hang around with chatterers” (Proverbs 20:19).

If you’re listening to your body telling you you're weary and not able God says: “He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak” (Isaiah 40:29) and that “by [Jesus’] stripes we are healed” (Isaiah 53:5).

If you’re listening to your thoughts, or the voices of others telling you you're worthless God says: you are “his masterpiece created anew in Christ Jesus”, so you can do the good things he planned for you long ago (Ephesians 2:10).

God has a word to help you in every circumstance. Find it, and you will increase your capacity for resilience.

Let’s pray
Lord, thank you that you are so invested in my well-being you speak to me about everything from dill-seed to buckwheat! Thank you, you have given me ears to hear and the mind of Christ. Keep my ears open to your voice and my mind open to your teaching. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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