Jesus Listens March 28

Gracious Lord,

Help me to hope for what I do not see-eagerly waiting for it with perseverance. Among the five senses, sight is the one I value the most. You created the world gloriously beautiful, and I delight in seeing the beauty of Your creation. However, I realize that hope, which is itself a kind of vision, is even more wonderful than sight. Hope enables me to see through the eyes of my heart- -things that are not yet. The most stunning example of this is the hope of heaven. Your Word tells me that my ultimate destination is to share in Your Glory! I can trust in this magnificent promise because it’s based on Your finished work on the cross and Your miraculous resurrection.

I need to practice hoping for things I do not see-both for this life and the next. Please guide me into hopes and dreams that are in line with Your will. I want to train the eyes of my heart to “see” these blessings while praying for Your will to be done fully and only. Teach me to wait eagerly with perseverance-with my focus primarily on You but also on the longed-for outcome.

You are my Hope!

In Your great Name, Jesus, Amen.

“But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭8‬:‭25‬

“The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one,”
‭‭John‬ ‭17‬:‭22‬

“Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.”
‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭11‬:‭1‬

Excerpt from Jesus Listens by Sarah Young

Jesus Listens March 27

Eternal God,

I realize that problems are inescapable -woven into the very fabric of this fallen world. Yet I confess that I go into problem-solving mode all too readily, acting as if I have the capacity to fix everything. This is a habitual response so automatic that it usually bypasses my conscious thinking. This habit not only frustrates me, but it distances me from You.

I don’t want to let “fixing things” be such a high priority in my life. I’m realizing more and more how limited I am in my ability to correct all that is wrong in this broken world. Instead of weighing myself down with matters that are not my respon-sibility, I yearn to make my relationship with You my primary focus. Please remind me to talk with You about whatever is on my mind, seeking Your perspective on the situation. Rather than trying to fix everything around me, I can ask You to show me what You want me to do today- and not worry about the rest.

Lord, I delight in pondering the wondrous truth that I am on my way to heaven. Help me to stay focused on You- letting my problems fade in the glorious Light of eternity.

In Your brilliant Name, Jesus, amen.

“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you.”
‭‭Psalm‬ ‭32‬:‭8

“But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.””
‭‭Luke‬ ‭10‬:‭41‬-‭42

“But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ,”
‭‭Philippians‬ ‭3‬:‭20‬

“In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.”
‭‭John‬ ‭14‬:‭2‬-‭3‬

Excerpt from Jesus Listens by Sarah Young

Jesus Listens March 26

Ever-present God,

The most important fact of my existence is that You are perpetually with me taking care of me. I’m thankful that You are not limited by time or space and that Your Presence with me is a forever-promise. So I have good reason to face the future calmly, trusting that You are already there.

Your Word assures me that when I make the quantum leap into eternity, I will find You awaiting me in heaven. Since my future is in Your hands, I don’t need to worry about tomorrow. Whenever I start to feel anxious, help me hear You saying: “My child, do not worry.?” Lord, I want to live this day abundantly seeing all there is to see, doing all there is to do. Instead of being distracted by future concerns, I’ll try to entrust them to You. Each day of life is a glorious gift from You, but I confess that I struggle to live within the confines of today. Often, my energy for abundant living spills over the timeline into tomorrow’s worries or past regrets. When I waste my precious energy in this way, I limp through the day instead of living it to the full. But when 1 keep my focus on Your Presence in the present, I can walk confidently living exuberantly.

In Your treasured Name, Jesus, Amen.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭3‬:‭5‬-‭6‬

““Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭6‬:‭34‬

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.”
‭‭John‬ ‭10‬:‭10

Excerpt from Jesus Listens by Sarah Young

Jesus Listens March 25

My Refuge,

I come to You weak and weary-on the verge of feeling overwhelmed. It’s comforting to know that You are perfectly aware of the depth and breadth of my difficulties. Nothing is hidden from You.

I pour out my heart to You, for You are my Refuge. It’s such a relief to let down my guard and my pretense to be real with You and with myself. Telling You all about my struggles enhances my relationship with You and creates a peaceful intimacy. Help me to rest in the safety of Your Presence, trusting that You understand me completely and love me with an everlasting Love.

While I relax in Your Presence, You refresh and renew me-showing me the best way to go forward. I’m thankful that You never leave my side; You have a firm grip on me and You won’t let go. This knowledge gives me courage and confidence to continue my journey. As I walk along my path with You, I can hear You telling me, “Don’t panic. I’m right here to help you.”

In Your encouraging Name, Jesus, Amen.

“Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before him; God is a refuge for us. Selah”
‭‭Psalm‬ ‭62‬:‭8

“the Lord appeared to him from far away. I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have continued my faithfulness to you.”
‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭31‬:‭3‬

““Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!””
‭‭Psalm‬ ‭46‬:‭10‬

“For I, the Lord your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, “Fear not, I am the one who helps you.””
‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭41‬:‭13

Excerpt from Jesus Listens by Sarah Young

Jesus Listens March 24

Mighty God,

Though I walk in the midst of trouble, You will revive me. So I won’t let problems intimidate me. Instead, I’ll remember that You, the Mighty One, are in my midst, and You are greater than all the trouble in the world! The Bible assures me that Your right hand will save me. If I cling tightly to Your hand, I can walk confidently through my toughest times.

I’m grateful that You enable me not only to endure my hardships but to grow stronger through them. Even so, because I’m on an arduous journey, there are times when I feel weary and faint. Help me not to interpret this as a sign that You’re displeased with me but to accept my weakness as part of living in a broken world. Please keep reminding me that I’m not alone in my struggles. You are with me, and my brothers throughout the world are experiencing the same kind of sufferings. As I go along this challenging path, I need to stay in communication with You. Your living Presence revives me- strengthening me and klessing me with Peace.

In Your matchless Name, Jesus, Amen.

“Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life; you stretch out your hand against the wrath of my enemies, and your right hand delivers me.”
‭‭Psalm‬ ‭138‬:‭7‬

“The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing.”
‭‭Zephaniah‬ ‭3‬:‭17‬

“Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world.”
‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭5‬:‭9

“May the Lord give strength to his people! May the Lord bless his people with peace!”
‭‭Psalm‬ ‭29‬:‭11

Excerpt from Jesus Listens by Sarah Young

Jesus Listens March 23

Victorious Lord Jesus,

Help me to rejoice in my sufferings really believing that suffering produces perseverance, perseverance produces character, and character produces hope. It’s so encouraging to know that pain and problems can actually be blessings increasing my hope. I realize, though, that this doesn’t happen automatically. I need to cooperate with Your Spirit as He guides me through times of suffering.

Perseverance is such a rare quality these days. Like most people, I look for and long for a quick fix. But You’ve been showing me through Your Word that lengthy adversity accepted with trust and confidence in You- transforms my character, making me more like You. This prepares me for an eternity of problem-free living with You.

The more I become like You, the more hope I experience.

These changes in my character convince me that I really do belong to You! My closeness to You also helps me cope with problems–trusting that You and I together can handle them.

And the radiant hope of heaven shines upon me, strengthening and encouraging me.

In Your glorious Name, Amen.

“Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope,”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭5‬:‭3‬-‭4‬

“And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you.”
‭‭John‬ ‭14‬:‭16‬-‭17‬

“I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”
‭‭Philippians‬ ‭4‬:‭13

Excerpt from Jesus Listens by Sarah Young

Jesus Listens March 22

My loving God,

Sometimes I hear You whispering in my heart: “Relax, My child. I’m in control.” I like to let these words wash over me repeatedly, like soothing waves on a beautiful beach -assuring me of Your endless Love.

I confess that I waste a lot of time and energy trying to figure things out before their time has come. All the while, You are working to prepare the way before me. So I ask You to open my eyes to Your wonderful surprises- circumstances that only You could have orchestrated. Please keep reminding me that I am Your beloved. You are on my side and You want what is best for me.

Someone who is loved by a generous, powerful person can expect to receive an abundance of blessings. I rejoice that I am loved by You, the King of the universe, and You have good plans for me. As I look ahead into the unknown future, help me to relax in Your assurance of who I am–the one You love. Then I can go forward with confidence, clinging to Your hand. While You and I walk together along the path of Life, You fill my heart with Joy and my mind with Peace.

In Your beautiful Name, Jesus, Amen.

“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.”
‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭29‬:‭11‬

“Of Benjamin he said, “The beloved of the Lord dwells in safety. The High God surrounds him all day long, and dwells between his shoulders.””
‭‭Deuteronomy‬ ‭33‬:‭12‬

“You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”
‭‭Psalm‬ ‭16‬:‭11‬

Excerpt from Jesus Listens by Sarah Young

Jesus Listens March 21

Merciful Jesus,

Your Face is shining upon me- beaming out Peace that transcends understanding. I’m surrounded by a sea of problems, but I am face to Face with You, my Peace. As long as I keep my focus on You, I am safe. If I gaze too long at the myriad problems around me, I will sink under the weight of my bur-dens. I’m grateful that I can cry out, “Lord, save me!” if I start to sink, and You will lift me up.

The closer to You I live, the safer I feel. Circumstances around me are undulating, and I can see treacherous-looking waves in the distance. I need to keep fixing my eyes on You, the One who never changes. I know that by the time those faraway waves reach me, they will have shrunk to proportions of Your design. And I rejoice that You are always beside me-strengthening and encouraging me as I face today’s waves.

You’ve been showing me that the future is a phantom, seeking to spook me. Help me to laugh at the future- and stay close to You.

In Your sheltering Name, Amen.

“And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
‭‭Philippians‬ ‭4‬:‭7

“He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me.””
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭14‬:‭29‬-‭30

“looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.”
‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭12‬:‭2‬

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.”
‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭13‬:‭8

Excerpt from Jesus Listens by Sarah Young

Jesus Listens March 20

Creator-God,

Your Word tells me that You make my feet like the feet of a deer and enable me to stand on the heights. You created deer with the ability to climb steep mountains effortlessly and to stand fearlessly on the heights. You also created me, and You redeemed me-making it possible for me to “stay on my feet” by trusting You. This gives me confidence to walk and make progress upon my high places of trouble, responsibility, and suffering.

It’s crucial for me to remember that I live in a world where my spiritual enemies never declare a truce. Help me to stay alert and be ready for battle at all times–putting on the full armor You provide. No matter what happens, I want to be able to stand my ground, and after I have done everything, to stand.

Whenever I’m in the thick of battle, please remind me to assert my trust in You -my confidence that You are with me, fighting alongside me. Even when I feel as if I’m losing the battle, I know I must not give up. My assignment is to hold tightly to Your hand and just keep standing. This is victory!

In Your victorious Name, Jesus, Amen.

“He made my feet like the feet of a deer and set me secure on the heights.”
‭‭2 Samuel‬ ‭22‬:‭34‬

“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.”
‭‭Habakkuk‬ ‭3‬:‭19‬

“Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.”
‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭5‬:‭8‬

“Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.”
‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭6‬:‭13‬

Excerpt from Jesus Listens by Sarah Young

Jesus Listens March 19

Exalted Jesus,

Help me to follow You one step at a time. I know this is all You require of me. In fact, I realize that the only way I can move through this space-time world is to take one step after another. But as I look ahead, I see huge mountains looming and I start wondering how I will ever be able to scale those heights. Meanwhile, because I’m not looking where I’m going, I stumble on the easy path where You’re leading me right now. As You help me get back on my feet, I tell you how worried I am about the cliffs up ahead.

You lovingly remind me that I don’t know what will happen today, much less tomorrow. Our path may take an abrupt turn, leading me away from those towering peaks. Or there may be an easier route up the mountains that is not visible from this distance. I know that if You do lead me up the steepest way, You will equip me thoroughly for that strenuous ascent. You will even command Your angels to guard me in all my ways.

I really want to stay focused on the present journey, enjoying Your Presence. Teach me to walk by faith, not by sight-_trusting You to open up the way before me.

In Your compassionate Name, Amen.

“For by you I can run against a troop, and by my God I can leap over a wall.”
‭‭Psalm‬ ‭18‬:‭29‬

“For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways. On their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone.”
‭‭Psalm‬ ‭91‬:‭11‬-‭12‬

“for we walk by faith, not by sight.”
‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭5‬:‭7‬

Excerpt from Jesus Listens by Sarah Young