Today Daily Devotional

Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me.

— Psalm 23:4

In some translations of the Bible, the “darkest valley” in Psalm 23:4 is called “the valley of the shadow of death.” Regardless of the translation, the idea of a shadow-cast valley can be frightening. This imagery can remind us of a traumatic loss or a difficult crisis, and our memories of such things can be fearful and frightening.

I recall a conversation I had with a widow not long after her spouse of nearly 60 years had passed away. While sitting at her kitchen table, surrounded by photos and stories of their life together, she shared with me her insight on Psalm 23. She spoke about the “valley of the shadow of death,” and how dark it can be when mourning the loss of a loved one. She talked about how quiet and still the house had become; how hard it was to stay in a home filled with memories. It was heartbreaking to hear, yet she also shared a glimpse of hope she had discovered while traveling through that valley. The only way for a shadow to exist, she said, is for a source of light to be present. A shadow is not the absence of light, but rather the evidence of a light nearby. She also noted that the greater the source of light, the smaller the shadow that is cast.

Friends, I pray that whatever valley you may be in today or at some other time, the light of Christ may shine bigger and brighter—and that he may be the source of your strength.

Lord of light, shine your mercy and love into our darkest valleys, guiding us always to keep our eyes and hearts on you. Amen.

We are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing.

— 2 Corinthians 2:15

“Have you smelled like Jesus lately?” This odd question can help us to think hard about living like Jesus did.

In some ways it can be easy to look like Jesus—that is, to imitate his actions. We can feed the hungry and give things to people who need them. We can offer a cup of cold water to someone who is thirsty, and we can forgive when we are wronged. These are righteous and good actions that all believers should aim to practice.

But what does it mean to smell like Jesus? Well, it’s not actually about having a smell or aroma. It’s about showing the love of God and the character of Jesus from deep within your heart and soul, and this leads others to respond in a way like people did when Jesus lived among them. If we represent Jesus as God calls us to, we are like “an aroma that brings life” to people who are seeking God and open to his leading, and we are like “an aroma that brings death” to people who reject God and want nothing to do with him. Of course, we don’t want people to reject God. We hope that showing his love will help people see that God is good and wants to live with them forever. But some people still refuse, and that hurts God the most, for he is their Creator.

Like Christ, we are called to spread the good news of God’s love, and God is the one who supplies that in us—like giving us a smell or aroma that shows we are representing him, as Jesus himself did.

Father, spread your love and grace through us to show everyone who you are and how much you love them. Amen.

In her deep anguish Hannah prayed to the Lord, weeping bitterly.

— 1 Samuel 1:10

Many people can relate personally to the story of Hannah. The emotional, mental, and spiritual pain of infertility is all too common, and it is often held close like a distressing secret.

One of the most beautiful parts of Hannah’s story is how God responded to her anguish and distress. Though Eli the high priest accused her of being drunk, God witnessed Hannah’s pain and responded with abundant care and compassion. Instead of pointing the finger and keeping his distance, the infinite God of creation drew close to Hannah, embracing her and her grief. He listened to her heart. He heard her cry. He cared for her soul. And he gave Hannah what she longed for—a son.

Hannah is an example of someone who is unashamed to pour out their soul to the Lord, because they know that he listens, hears, cares, and relieves even the deepest of pains.

As followers of Christ, we can share his love and compassion with others who are in distress. We can listen to their cries and help to carry their burdens, praying with them and helping them to find comfort in the God who loves us all.

Loving God, draw near to all who are hurting, and bring comfort to all who know the pain that Hannah felt. May they know that you hear them and care for them; fill and satisfy their souls with your mercy and grace. In the Savior’s name, Amen.

We love because he first loved us.

— 1 John 4:19

Eight-foot tables lined the sidewalk leading up to the local community center. They were divided into sections for clothes, canned goods, water, and other basic necessities. A young family gleaned some baby formula and pureed foods for their little child. Meanwhile, in the community center, a makeshift shelter was being built, with portable cots and chairs for people to rest on. Volunteers moved quickly, walking people who needed medical attention to the area where doctors and nurses were making health assessments.

The volunteers came from all walks of life and faith. The pastor of the local Baptist church and the rabbi from the synagogue nearby worked together to help an elderly couple find a seat. Outside, a group from the Knights of Columbus had partnered with a group of Reformed church members to search for and rescue people’s pets that were left behind as flood waters had forced residents to evacuate during a hurricane.

Though the storm had left a wide swath of disaster, God was at work restoring the devastated community. And this was the collective work of a group of people from many backgrounds who showed godly love because they knew God had first loved them.

God of rescue, protect and help all who are affected by disasters and devastation. And may your love for us overflow into the lives of people around us, that we may be known for showing your love in action. Amen.

“The seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop.”

— Luke 8:15

It was evident from the tan lines on his arms that the man sitting across from me spent a lot of time outdoors. And a quick look at his hands showed the calluses, scars, and soil-stained fingers that came from a life of hard work on the farm. This man appeared to have lived a humble, strong, and yet simple life that didn’t have much to offer the fast-paced world around him.

But how quickly that impression changed with just one conversation—for this humble farmer was far more than simple. He was a deep well of wisdom and experience, a lifelong follower of Jesus who had carefully tended the soil of his soul for over half a century. That soil was really good, and that man’s heart had clearly allowed gospel seeds to be planted and to grow, producing beautiful fruit to be shared with the people around him. The Spirit of God had clearly worked in this man’s heart and life, and I was blessed by the fruit of his Christ-centered faith.

In what ways are you applying God’s Word to your life, giving room for his seeds of love and goodness to grow and bear fruit that will draw others to seek and praise him?

Lord God, thank you for the seeds you have planted in our hearts through faith in your Son, Jesus. Send your Spirit to nurture and grow those seeds, and help us to bear fruit so that others can enjoy the goodness of life you want for us all forever. Amen.

Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.”

— Matthew 18:22

When I was invited to write this month’s devotions, I accepted with eager anticipation. But I could not have known that I would soon also face a disruptive series of events that would turn this opportunity into an anxious task.

Pressure continued to build as my due date approached—and then passed. I struggled to find the motivation to keep writing, and a weight of guilt made things even worse.

Throughout this challenging time, however, the staff editor who worked with me remained encouraging, compassionate, prayerful, and forgiving. And, perhaps most of all, patience has been the constant thread woven into this experience for me.

This experience has reminded me of Jesus’ response to Peter when he asked about forgiving others. And it has helped me to see how patient a forgiving person can be, despite our own shortcomings at times.

Peter asked Jesus for guidance on how much patience we should give people who push situations past a reasonable limit to endure. And Jesus’ answer reminds us of just how patient our heavenly Father is with us. Though we, in our sin and wrongdoing, have been God’s enemies, he sent his own Son to give up his life for us so that we can have new life forever with him (Romans 5:8-11)!

Patient, forgiving King, how often we fall short, and how quick you are to remind us of your love. Thank you for your patient, full forgiveness. Help us to be patient in forgiving others. Amen.

“A new command I give you: Love one another.”

— John 13:34

Jesus’ followers in the first century were the first people to be called “Christians.” In addition to the apostles named in the New Testament, Jesus had many other disciples—men and women who witnessed his miraculous works, listened to the authority of his teaching, and were entrusted to carry on the mission he started. Christ’s entire mission could be summed up in the simple command he gave to his disciples on the night before he was crucified.

Christ’s disciples are still carrying on his mission today. The method may look different, but the message remains the same. The call to follow Jesus is the same today as it was that night: Christians are to love one another, just as Christ loved them. Christians are to set aside selfish desires and notions of religious entitlement and take on the role of a servant, just as Jesus did for us. In the most profound way, Christians are to follow Jesus, past palisades of power and symbols of strength, to the cross, where our sin and shame are put to death and buried. The cross is where we hear the essential command to the Christian: “Love one another, just as I have loved you.”

Lord of love, Savior of sinners, help us to love others the way you have loved us—selflessly and unconditionally. Amen.

“Do not worry about how you will defend yourselves or what you will say, for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what you should say.”

— Luke 12:11-12

There is a common misunderstanding in many churches. Many Christians think there is a big difference between proclaiming God’s Word from a pulpit and sharing his truth in a conversation. Similarly, lots of Christians think the apex of evangelism happens on a Sunday morning in a sanctuary and not in a coffee shop or in a car ride to work.

As Christians, we often think that to share the gift of salvation with someone, we first have to be qualified academically or be trained in a special way. As a result, we can get tangled up in our inabilities, bogged down by our insecurities, and overwhelmed with fears of failing ourselves, others, or—even worse—God.

But you aren’t called because you’re qualified; you’re qualified because you’ve been called. Your life, regardless of religious education or ability to speak in public, is a testimony in itself. It’s the story of God’s redemption and restoration plan in you.

God knew you even before he established the foundations of the earth. He created you, wired you, and called you by name. God has adopted you as his child into his eternal family, and he has entrusted you with his kingdom work, which simply means sharing with someone the good news of forgiveness from sin and of new life in Christ forever. So share the good news today!

God, thank you for qualifying all of us whom you have called. Strengthen us by your Spirit to share the good news of your kingdom. Amen.

Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God. . . .

— 1 Peter 2:10

Peter, one of Jesus’ closest followers, urgently encouraged Christians in the first century as they endured intense persecution, suffering, trials, and hardships. I imagine that Peter’s words also helped to lift himself up in some way, especially considering the changes he went through since first meeting Jesus near the Sea of Galilee. Once a professional fisherman, he soon became a church planter, a pastor, an encourager, and a defender of the faith. He went from mending nets to leading the newly formed church of Jesus Christ, full of freshly baptized believers.

Peter’s words are unapologetically bold while also being full of grace and love. Although these words were written over 2,000 years ago, they are just as true today for you and me, because we too are God’s chosen people, a group called to be ministers and shepherds in our homes and communities. We have been set apart by God’s grace, and we are heirs with Christ in his glorious kingdom, which is yet to come in its fullness. God has given us the wonderful and beautiful gift of salvation, the light of eternal life that eliminates the darkness of sin and death, for which we were once destined. Amazing!

Loving God, thank you for calling us your people and for equipping us to be the church in our world today. Help us to see where you are at work in our homes and communities so that we may partner with you in building your kingdom here on earth. Amen.

There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.

— Ecclesiastes 3:1

I can still remember the sound of the little bird that popped out of the old cuckoo clock on the wall at my grandparents’ house. Every hour, on the hour, the red faded bird would announce the time. I also recall that when the bird was quiet, I could hear the second hand ticking away the seconds of the day.

It’s often said that you can’t get time back, so it’s best to make use of the time you have. Though the author of Ecclesiastes didn’t write those words, they sound like something he might have said. In Ecclesiastes we hear the words of a person who has had the opportunity to look back on his life and recall the joys, concerns, victories, and defeats he has experienced. We hear someone who reflects on how important each season was.

Notably, the wise King Solomon, who wrote Ecclesiastes, ends his short reflection by commenting that God makes all things beautiful in their time and sets eternity in the human heart (v. 11). That brings me back to those days in my grandparents’ home with the cuckoo clock, and I remember stories that they shared around the dinner table. I can’t get that time back, but the beauty of the memories lives on, and the thought of reuniting with those family members in God’s presence in eternity brings me joy, both now and forever.

Lord God, thank you for eternity, and please instill in our hearts the hope of everlasting life. Strengthen us by your Spirit, and help us to reflect on your goodness each day. Amen.