Joy: 37-Day DevotionalSample

I absolutely loved being cast for musicals in high school. Though my parts were small, having those few lines brought less stressful memorization and so much more enjoyment to my place in the production. Yet, with my comfortably light load, I still endured the same audition process as the leading actors. The unknowns of auditioning seemed to come always with fear, worry, and second guessing.

These emotions produce actions that are far from our call as Christians. Fear tells us to walk in a different direction, worry tells us to wait, and second guessing turns living and active truths into lies. While we stand far from omniscience, we serve a God who gifts us assurance through His perfect Word. We know that death is defeated, that Christ remains faithful when we are faithless, and when it comes to His promises, “He will surely do it.” This covenant displays one of the most peaceful parts of knowing Jesus. 

As I find comfort in this little verse tucked away at the end of  1 Thessalonians, I just as easily find His request for urgency. A call is an action and the One who continuously calls commands us to go make disciples, work out our faith, and reflect a perfect God. Through fear and trembling, we come to know Him more, and through drawing close to these truths we begin to look like our blameless and holy God. 

I can’t help thinking about my first audition. Nervousness displayed itself through shaky notes and short breaths. I can only imagine how confident I would have been if the part had already been promised to me. What peace comes with the assurance that Christ is who He says He is, our future in Him is known, and He is sufficient in keeping all that He has promised. 

Lord, Thank You for Your faithfulness and reassurance. I find comfort in knowing You are enough. Help me to rest fully on Your abilities and promises while seeking to be urgent in all of Your commands. Let Your strength be glorified in my weakness and Your heart be detectable in all my actions. Amen.