Jesus Listens August 31

Jesus, my splendid Companion,

I desire to walk with You in close, trusting Love-bonds of joyful dependence. The companionship You offer me sparkles with precious promises from the Bible: You love me with per-fect, everlasting Love. You are always with me, each moment of my life. You know everything about me, and You have already paid the penalty for all my sins. My inheritance_-kept in heaven for me-can never perish, spoil, or fade. You guide me through my life, and afterward You will take me into Glory!

You’ve shown me that dependence is an inescapable part of being human- You designed me to rely on You continu-ally. Help me to view my constant need of You as a blessing.

When I accept my dependent condition and stop striving to be self-sufficient, my awareness of Your loving Presence increases.

Draw me closer to You, Lord, so I can enjoy Your marvelous Companionship.

I delight in Your invitation to walk with You in joyful dependence along the pathway of my life. And I love hearing You whisper: “Beloved, I am with you.”

In Your marvelous Name, Amen.

“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

‭“In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight”
‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭1‬:‭7‬-‭8‬

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you,”
‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭1‬:‭3‬-‭4‬

“You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will receive me to glory.”
‭‭Psalm‬ ‭73‬:‭24

Excerpt from Jesus Listens by Sarah Young

Jesus Listens August 30

Lovely Lord Jesus,

Help me to look in the right direction as I go through this day. In the world around me, there are vistas of bright beauty as well as dark, ugly wastelands. When I look the right way–toward what is true, noble, lovely I’m encouraged and strengthened. You created me with a wonderful capacity to enjoy beauty and goodness. My soul resonates with these blessings and draws strength from them.

Every day I encounter some things that make me cringe-things that are wrong and ugly. Help me deal with these things without letting them become my focus. I need to bring these matters to You and seek Your perspective. Then I can go on my way lightheartedly. I’m blessed by hearing You say time after time, “Beloved, look the right way.”

This world in its fallen condition can never satisfy me fully.

I yearn for perfection, and only You are the fulfillment of that deep longing. You are perfect and holy, yet You choose to stay close to me as I walk through this sin-stained world. When I look the right way toward blessings, toward You–the Joy of Your Presence shines brightly upon me.

In Your perfect, holy Name, Amen.

‬ “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.”
‭‭Philippians‬ ‭4‬:‭8‬

“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you;”
‭‭Numbers‬ ‭6‬:‭24‬-‭25‬

“You have made known to me the paths of life; you will make me full of gladness with your presence.’”
‭‭Acts‬ ‭2‬:‭28‬

Excerpt from Jesus Listens by Sarah Young

Jesus Listens August 29

Blessed Jesus,

Please help me not to be afraid of being happy. Sometimes anxiety intrudes upon my carefree moments. I start wondering whether there are things I should be doing or plans I should be making. My underlying feeling is that it really isn’t safe to let down my guard and simply savor the moment. But I know this kind of thinking is all wrong. Because I belong to You, I can expect to experience a measure of happiness- even in this deeply broken world.

The Bible teaches me to cease striving- let go, relax- -and know that You are God. I used to think I needed to have all my ducks in a row before I could relax and enjoy Your Presence. But then I considered the overall context of this command: though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea.

The psalmist who penned these words was describing a terrifying catastrophe! So I don’t have to wait until all my problems are solved before daring to be happy. This very moment is the perfect time to delight myself in You.

Lord Jesus, I choose to enjoy You here and now!

In Your joyful Name, Amen.

“Blessed are the people to whom such blessings fall! Blessed are the people whose God is the Lord!”
‭‭Psalm‬ ‭144‬:‭15‬

““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

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea,”
‭‭Psalm‬ ‭46‬:‭1‬-‭2‬

“Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.”
‭‭Psalm‬ ‭37‬:‭4‬

Excerpt from Jesus Listens by Sarah Young

Jesus Listens August 28

Faithful God,

My times are in Your hands, so my best response to the circumstances I face is trusting in You. You’re training me to feel secure in the midst of change and uncertainty. I’ve found it can actually be a relief to realize I’m not in control of my life. When I accept this human condition while resting in Your sovereignty, I become increasingly free.

I know it’s important not to be passive or realistic but to use the energy and abilities You have given me-prayerfully. You’ve been teaching me to pray about everything and to search for You in my moments. I’m learning to look for You in unexpected places because You are a God of surprises!

Help me to rejoice in this day that You have made; please orchestrate its details and events according to Your will. Since You are in control of my times, I don’t need to be anxious about trying to make things happen faster. Rushing and anxiety go hand in hand, and You have instructed me to not be anxious.

So I invite You to set the pace-blessing me with Peace that transcends all understanding.

In Your trustworthy Name, Jesus, Amen.

“But I trust in you, O Lord; I say, “You are my God.” My times are in your hand; rescue me from the hand of my enemies and from my persecutors!”
‭‭Psalm‬ ‭31‬:‭14‬-‭15‬

“This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.”
‭‭Psalm‬ ‭118‬:‭24‬

“do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
‭‭Philippians‬ ‭4‬:‭6‬-‭7

Excerpt from Jesus Listens by Sarah Young

Jesus Listens August 27

My Strength,

You’ve been showing me that living in dependence on You is the way to enjoy abundant life. I’m learning to appreciate tough times because they amplify my awareness of Your Presence.

Tasks that I used to dread are becoming rich opportunities for me to enjoy Your closeness. I delight in remembering that You are my Strength- especially when I’m feeling weary. Leaning on You is becoming increasingly natural and pleasurable.

Please help me to focus on You more consistently. This is much easier for me to do when I am alone. I confess that when I’m with other people I often lose sight of Your Presence. My people-pleasing tendency puts me in bondage to others, and they become my primary focus. Thankfully, I can turn back to You quickly by whispering Your Name, “Jesus.” This tiny act of trust brings You to the forefront of my mind, where You belong. As I relax in the blessing of Your nearness, Your life can flow through me to bless other people. You came into the world so that we may have life-and have it more abundantly!

In Your bountiful Name, Jesus, Amen.

“I love you, O Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.”
‭‭Psalm‬ ‭18‬:‭1‬-‭2‬

“The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is safe.”
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭29‬:‭25‬

“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

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Jesus Listens August 26

Wonderful Lord,

This is a time of abundance in my life–my cup overflows with blessings. After plodding uphill for many weeks, now I feel as if I’m traipsing through lush meadows drenched in sunshine.

Help me enjoy this time of ease and refreshment to the max.

Thank You for providing it for me!

I admit that sometimes I hesitate to receive Your good gifts with open hands. Feelings of false guilt creep in, telling me I shouldn’t accept these gifts since I don’t deserve to be so richly blessed. But I realize this is fuzzy thinking, because no one deserves anything good from You, How I rejoice that Your kingdom is not about earning and deserving! It’s about believing and receiving.

Instead of balking at accepting Your gracious gifts, I want to receive all Your blessings with a grateful heart. Then Your pleasure in giving and my pleasure in receiving can flow together joyously.

In Your generous Name, Jesus, Amen.

“You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.”
‭‭Psalm‬ ‭23‬:‭5

““For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”
‭‭John‬ ‭3‬:‭16‬

“And I tell you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened.”
‭‭Luke‬ ‭11‬:‭9‬-‭10

“He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭8‬:‭32‬

Excerpt from Jesus Listens by Sarah Young

Jesus Listens August 25

Delightful Jesus,

Thank You for showing me that heaven is both present and future. As I walk along my life-path holding Your hand, I am already in touch with the essence of heaven- nearness to You!

While journeving with You, I perceive lovely hints of heaven.

The earth is radiantly alive with Your Presence. Shimmering sunshine awakens my heart, gently reminding me of Your brilliant Light. Birds and flowers, trees and skies evoke praises to Your holy Name. Help me to be fully open to the splendors of Your creation as I walk in the Light of Your Love.

I rejoice that there’s an entrance to heaven at the end of my journey. Only You know when I’ll reach that destination, but I trust that You’re preparing me for it each step of the way.

The absolute assurance of my forever-home fills me with Joy and Peace. I know I’ll arrive at this glorious haven in Your perfect timing not one moment too soon or too late. While I walk with You down the path of life, the sure hope of heaven strengthens and encourages me!

In Your heavenly Name, Amen.

“But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For as by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive. But each in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, then at his coming those who belong to Christ.”
‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭15‬:‭20‬-‭23

“We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain,”
‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭6‬:‭19‬

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭15‬:‭13

“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 August 24

Triumphant God,

If You are for me, who can be against me? Please help me to grasp- in the depths of my being that You really are for me. When things don’t go my way or someone I trusted turns against me, it’s easy for me to feel abandoned. So it’s essential at such times to remind myself of the truth: You are not only with me always, You are for me all the time. This is true on days when I perform well and on days when I don’t, when people treat me well and when they don’t.

I can face adversity more calmly and courageously by trusting wholeheartedly that You are for me. Knowing that You will never turn against me gives me confidence to persevere during tough times. Because I belong to You forever, I am continually in Your approving Presence. I’m thankful that it’s ultimately Your opinion of me that matters- and will continue to matter throughout all eternity. And I rejoice that nothing in all creation will be able to separate me from Your Love!

In Your invincible Name, Jesus, Amen.

“What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭8‬:‭31‬, ‭39‬

“teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.””
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭28‬:‭20‬

“the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.”
‭‭Numbers‬ ‭6‬:‭26

Excerpt from Jesus Listens by Sarah Young

Jesus Listens August 23

Merciful Jesus,

I ask You to smooth out the tangled-up places in my life, including those in my mind and heart. I come to You just as I am–with all my knotty problems and loose ends. Many of my difficulties are complicated by other people’s problems. So it’s hard to sort out how much of the mess is mine and how much is theirs. I want to take responsibility for my mistakes and sins without feeling responsible for the sinful failures of others.

Please help me untangle my complex circumstances and find the best way forward.

I’m realizing that Christian growth is all about transforma-tion–a lifelong process. Some of the knots from my past are very hard to untie, especially those that involve people who continue to hurt me. Instead of obsessing about how to fix things, I need to keep turning toward You seeking Your Face and Your will. As I wait with You, help me to relax and trust in Your timing for smoothing out my tangled-up places. Show me how to live with unresolved problems without letting them distract me from You. I rejoice that Your abiding Presence is my portion-and my boundless blessing!

In Your magnificent Name, Amen.

“But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For as by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive. But each in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, then at his coming those who belong to Christ.”
‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭15‬:‭20‬-‭23‬

“Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually!”
‭‭1 Chronicles‬ ‭16‬:‭11

““The Lord is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore I will hope in him.””
‭‭Lamentations‬ ‭3‬:‭24‬

Excerpt from Jesus Listens by Sarah Young

Jesus Listens August 22

Precious Jesus,

Help me to trust You in the midst of a messy day. I don’t want my inner calm–my Peace in Your Presence–to be shaken by what’s going on around me. Even though I live in a temporal world, I know that my innermost being is rooted and grounded in eternity. When I start to feel stressed, I need to detach myself from the disturbances around me. As I stop striving to maintain control, You enable me to relax in Your sovereign control–and receive Your Peace that transcends understanding.

Your Word instructs me to seek Your Presence continually!

Please share Your mind with me and open my eyes to see things from Your perspective more and more. I love to hear You telling me: “Do not let your heart be troubled and do not be afraid. Take heart! I have overcome the world.” Lord, I rejoice that the Peace You give me is sufficient for all my circumstances!

In Your all-powerful Name, Amen.

“do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
‭‭Philippians‬ ‭4‬:‭6-7

“Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually!”
‭‭Psalm‬ ‭105‬:‭4

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”
‭‭John‬ ‭14‬:‭27‬

“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.””
‭‭John‬ ‭16‬:‭33

Excerpt from Jesus Listens by Sarah Young