We are not promised a life of ease. Truthfully, we can expect there to be times when things are just flat out difficult, overwhelming, and stressful. Yet, even so, God offers His joy to us in the thick of it all. We find much encouragement from Psalm 119:143.

What comes to your mind when you think of the word devoted? What are we devoted to? Or an even more important question: what does God want us to devote ourselves to? In Colossians 4:2, we are reminded, even exhorted as followers of Christ, to devote ourselves to something very special.

In Psalm 34, we read of David praying in response to a powerful interaction he had with God that forever changed him. It led to David personally praising God and wanting to communally praise the Lord! May David's example greatly encourage each of us to praise the Lord at all times individually and together.

In God's perfect wisdom, He directs us to help one another from going adrift, from getting calloused toward God and His good ways. This is precisely why we are given clear instruction in Hebrews 3:13.

You and I are two of billions of people on planet earth. Yet, He is so acquainted with each of us that He knows the exact number of hairs on our heads. God now calls us as His followers, as Christians, to be like Him and think of others. Let's reflect on the powerful reminder of this in Philippians 2:4.

May we never forget -- God brought us into being. Each of us takes another breath because He allows it. We belong to Him! God is the "Main Attraction!" We are not. In Psalm 148, we read of our proper response to The Great God of the universe!

We're all looking for that which will bring joy to our souls. This is true because God designed us this way. Sadly, so many never find the true, lasting happiness we are all freely offered. In Psalm 119:1, God makes it clear where we find it!

Prayer is a wonderful gift from God! What power, help, and guidance are available to us directly from God through prayer. Ephesians 6:18 instructs us wisely about what to do!

When we personally come to know Jesus and put our trust in Him as Lord and Savior, a new life begins (2 Corinthians 5:17)! We aren't the same anymore. Yes, how often and how easily we can forget who we are now in Christ. 2 Timothy 1:7 reminds us of the new spirit God puts in us! Let's not forget.

We know this -- in this life there are many things we can pursue. Certainly it isnt a bad thing to have something in front of us, some good goals up ahead that we are working toward accomplishing. Let's just be reminded and never forget that of all the pursuits before us, none is more important than running after God and His ways!