Jesus Calling - April 2nd, 2024

Jesus Calling: April 2nd

    I have promised to meet all your needs according to My glorious riches. Your deepest, most constant need is for My Peace. I have planted Peace in the garden of your heart, where I live; but there are weeds growing there too: pride, worry, selfishness, unbelief. I am the Gardener, and I am working to rid your heart of those weeds. I do My work in various ways. When you sit quietly with Me, I shine the Light of My Presence directly into your heart. In this heavenly Light, Peace grows abundantly and weeds shrivel up. I also send trials into your life. When you trust Me in the midst of trouble, Peace flourishes and weeds die away. Thank Me for troublesome situations; the Peace they can produce far outweighs the trials you endure.

RELATED SCRIPTURE: 

Philippians 4:19 (NLT)
19 And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.

Additional insight regarding Philippians 4:19: We can trust that God will always meet our needs. Whatever we need on earth he will always supply, even if it is the courage to face death as Paul did. Whatever we need in Heaven he will supply. We must remember, however, the difference between our wants and our needs. Most people want to feel good and avoid discomfort or pain. We may not get all that we want. By trusting in Christ, our attitudes and appetites can change from wanting everything to accepting his provision and power to live for him.

2nd Corinthians 4:17 (NIV)
17 For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.

Additional insight regarding 2nd Corinthians 4:17: Our troubles should not diminish our faith or disillusion us. We should realize that there is a purpose in our suffering. Problems and human limitations have several benefits: 1) they remind us of Christ's suffering for us; 2) they keep us from pride; 3) they cause us to look beyond this brief life; 4) they give us opportunities to prove our faith to others; and 5) they give God the opportunity to demonstrate his power. See your troubles as opportunities!

Today's Prayer:

Dear Heavenly Father,

You promise to meet all my needs with Your abundant riches. Yet, weeds of pride, worry, and unbelief often choke the peace You offer to me unconditionally. As the true and wonderful gardener, You work to remove these obstacles and distractions.

Your presence brings abundant peace in quiet moments with You, and trials, when faced with trust, yield even more. Thank You for these assurances that give me comfort.

Help me to see troublesome situations as opportunities for growth and to witness Your extreme power. 

In Jesus' name, amen.