Joyful Moments in Christ

A 31-Day Devotional

As the seasons begin to change and the first signs of spring appear, our hearts often look for a fresh start. Life can be demanding, and it is easy to feel overwhelmed by the noise of the world. Fortunately,God provides us a steady foundation through his word. This month, I invite you to journey through a daily devotional focused on the certain promises of Scripture. We will look at why we have hope, how we find victory over sin, the nature of God’s faithfulness, the peace of trusting him, and the beauty of our redemption. God is not distant! He is active, speaking, and deeply committed to your spiritual growth. Let these daily promises be a lamp to your feet as you walk through the month of March.

ACTS Prayer Method

Each day, read the suggested Bible verse, consider the reflection question, then pray using the ACTS method: Adoration, Confession, Thankfulness, and Supplication. A brief sample is provided each day.

• Adoration: Praise God. Does this verse bring any specific characteristics of God to mind?
• Confession: Tell God that you are sorry for specific sins. Does this verse bring any specific sins to mind?
• Thankfulness: Show gratitude towards God. Does this verse inspire gratitude?
• Supplication: Make requests for yourself and for others. Does this verse inspire a request?

If helpful, you can use a prayer journal template.

Hope in Christ

Hope is more than just a wish or a positive feeling. In the Bible, hope is a confident expectation based on the character of God. This first week will focus on how Christ provides a hope that does not fail. Whether we are facing personal trials or looking at the state of the world, we can look to the resurrection of Jesus as proof that God has the final word. This hope changes how we live today, giving us patience when we wait and joy even in difficult times. Our living hope carries us through the darkest valleys specifically because Jesus rose from the dead.

Day 1: Our Hope Is in the Lord

• Bible Verse: “And now, O Lord, for what do I wait? My hope is in you.” – Psalm 39:7 (ESV)
• Read More: A Psalm of David: Psalm 39
• Context: In this Psalm, David is reflecting on how short and fragile human life really is. He looks at the world and sees people rushing around, piling up wealth that they cannot take with them. This realization leads him to a moment of deep prayer where instead of putting his confidence in his own strength or worldly success, he turns his eyes toward God. This context shows a man who has reached the end of himself and finds that God is the only stable place to rest. By asking what he is waiting for, David concludes that nothing on earth can satisfy his soul. His hope is not in a change of circumstances, but in the person of the Lord.
• Reflection: What is one earthly thing you have been putting your hope in lately instead of God?
• Prayer: Dear Lord, My heart praises you because you are the eternal King who remains the same yesterday, today, and forever. Please forgive the times I have foolishly chased after worldly things to find a sense of security. Your role as a steady anchor for my soul is a blessing when the storms of life feel completely uncertain. Help me to wait on you today with a heart full of quiet trust. Amen.

Day 2: God Fills Us with Joy and Peace

• Bible Verse: “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 (ESV)
• Read More: Christ the Hope of Jews and Gentiles: Romans 15:8-13
• Context: Paul writes these words as a blessing for the church in Rome. He has been explaining how Christ came to serve both Jews and Gentiles, bringing everyone together under God’s grace. This verse serves as a beautiful summary of the Christian life, showing that joy and peace are not things we manufacture on our own. Instead, they come from God as we believe in him. The Holy Spirit works within us to overflow with hope. This isn’t just a small amount of hope to get by; the text says we can “abound” in it, which means our hope can be energetic and visible to everyone around us because of God’s power.
• Reflection: How does knowing that the Holy Spirit provides hope change the way you handle stress?
• Prayer: Heavenly Father, You are the magnificent God of all hope and the only true source of every good thing in my life. Forgive me for often trying to manufacture peace through my own frantic efforts rather than leaning on your strength. The precious gift of the Holy Spirit, who lives within me and provides power when I am weak, is a treasure. I ask that you fill me with an abundance of your joy so that I can be an encouragement to everyone I meet. Amen.

Day 3: We Have a Living Hope Through Christ’s Resurrection

• Bible Verse: “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.” – 1 Peter 1:3 (ESV)
• Read More: Born Again to a Living Hope: 1 Peter 1:3-12
• Context: Peter is writing to Christians who are suffering and feeling like strangers in the world. He starts his letter by pointing them toward their new identity in Christ. This “living hope” is unique because it is tied to a historical event: the resurrection. Since Jesus is alive, our hope is alive. It is not a dead tradition or a philosophy, but a relationship with a living Savior. Peter emphasizes that this is all due to God’s mercy, not our own merit, giving us an inheritance that can never perish, spoil, or fade, providing us with a perspective that outlasts any earthly trouble.
• Reflection: In what way does the reality of the resurrection give you courage for today’s problems?
• Prayer: Lord God, My soul praises you for the incredible, life-giving power that raised Jesus from the grave to defeat death once and for all. Deep sorrow fills me for the times I live as if you are not alive and active in my daily circumstances. Thank you for the great mercy that has given me a brand new start and a future that is bright with promise. Please help me to walk today in the light of the victory you have already won for me. Amen.

Day 4: The Lord Is Our Everlasting Light

• Bible Verse: “The sun shall be no more your light by day, nor for brightness shall the moon give you light; but the Lord will be your everlasting light, and your God will be your glory. Your sun shall no more go down, nor your moon withdraw itself; for the Lord will be your everlasting light, and your days of mourning shall be ended.” – Isaiah 60:19-20 (ESV)
• Read More: The Future Glory of Israel: Isaiah 60
• Context: This passage is a prophetic vision of the future glory of God’s people. Isaiah is describing a time when the presence of God will be so bright and constant that we won’t even need the sun or the moon. While we still live in a world with physical light and darkness, this promise points toward the ultimate restoration of all things in Heaven, speaking to a comfort that never ends and a light that never fades. The “days of mourning” will end because God himself will be the source of our joy, reminding us that no matter how dark our current season feels, God’s light is eternal and will eventually swallow up all sorrow.
• Reflection: When you feel surrounded by “darkness,” how can you remind yourself of God’s everlasting light?
• Prayer: Gracious God, You are the glorious light of the world, and your word promises that in you there is no darkness at all. Please forgive me for sometimes focusing much more on the shadows of my problems than I do on the beauty of your glory. Your wonderful promise that one day all my mourning and sadness will come to a final end is my comfort. I ask you to guide my every step today by the constant light of your truth and your comforting presence. Amen.

Day 5: We Are Saved by Hope

• Bible Verse: “For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.” – Romans 8:24-25 (ESV)
• Read More: Future Glory: Romans 8:18-30
• Context: In Romans 8, Paul is talking about the groaning of all creation as it waits for God to set everything right. He explains that as believers, we also groan inwardly while we wait for our full adoption as children of God. This is where hope comes in. If we already had everything God promised, we wouldn’t need hope. Hope is specifically for the “not yet;” it is the virtue that allows us to wait with patience for the return of Christ and the renewal of our bodies. This passage encourages us that waiting is not a sign of God’s absence, but an opportunity for our faith to grow as we look forward to what he has planned.
• Reflection: What is one promise from God that you are currently waiting to see fulfilled?
• Prayer: Dear Father, Adoration belongs to you because you are completely faithful to finish the good work you first started in my heart. Please forgive me for my frequent impatience and for the times I complain when things do not happen according to my own schedule. The certain salvation I have in Christ, along with the weight of glory still to come, is a reason for deep thanks. I ask for the spiritual strength to wait with a quiet and trusting heart as I look forward to your plans. Amen.

Day 6: The Hope of the Righteous Brings Gladness

• Bible Verse: “The hope of the righteous brings joy, but the expectation of the wicked will perish.” – Proverbs 10:28 (ESV)
• Read More: The Proverbs of Solomon: Proverbs 10
• Context: The book of Proverbs often compares two different ways of living: the way of the wise (the righteous) and the way of the foolish (the wicked). This verse highlights the final outcome of where people place their trust. Those who follow God find that their hope leads to lasting gladness because it is built on a foundation that cannot be destroyed. On the other hand, those who ignore God and chase after their own desires will eventually find that their expectations come to nothing. The “righteous” here are those who have been made right with God and seek to follow his ways. Their joy is secure because their hope is in the Lord.
• Reflection: Does your current hope lead to a sense of gladness, or does it leave you feeling anxious?
• Prayer: Holy Lord, You are the source of all true joy and the one who generously rewards those who seek you with their whole heart. Forgive me for often looking for lasting happiness in earthly things that are destined to eventually pass away. Deep security and gladness come from being made right with you through the work of Jesus, and I thank you for it. I ask for your divine help to walk in wisdom today and keep my expectations fixed on your unchanging goodness. Amen.

Day 7: We Can Rejoice in the Hope of God’s Glory

• Bible Verse: “Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God.” – Romans 5:1-2 (ESV)
• Read More: Peace with God Through Faith: Romans 5:1-11
• Context: This passage explains the wonderful results of being “justified,” which means being declared righteous by God because of our faith in Jesus. Because of what Christ did, we are no longer at odds with God; we have actual peace with him. We aren’t just visiting his grace; we “stand” in it. This permanent position of favor gives us a reason to rejoice. We look forward to the “glory of God,” which refers to the time when we will see him as he is and be made like him. This hope is not a gamble, but a certainty that flows from our new relationship with our Creator.
• Reflection: How does the fact that you have “peace with God” change the way you see yourself?
• Prayer: Almighty God, My heart praises you for the perfect peace that you have provided for me through the selfless sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. Please forgive me for the times I have lived in fear or anxiety as if I were still your enemy instead of your child. This ocean of grace that surrounds and sustains me every single moment of every day is a gift I cherish. I pray that the hope of your coming glory would fill my heart with a new song of praise today. Amen.

Victory Over Sin

Sin often feels like an unbeatable enemy. It can leave us feeling guilty, trapped, or exhausted. Fortunately, the Bible promises that through Jesus Christ, the power of sin has been broken and we are no longer slaves to our past mistakes or our broken desires. This week, we will explore the victory that is ours because of the cross and the Holy Spirit. We will see that God has not only forgiven us but has also given us the power to live a new life. Victory doesn’t mean we are perfect, but it means that sin no longer has the final word in our lives!

Day 8: Christ Has Defeated Death and Delivered Us

• Bible Verse: “Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery.” – Hebrews 2:14-15 (ESV)
• Read More: The Founder of Salvation: Hebrews 2:5-18
• Context: The author of Hebrews explains why it was necessary for Jesus to become human. By taking on “flesh and blood,” Jesus could die a physical death on our behalf. In doing so, he entered the enemy’s territory and broke the power of the devil. Before Christ, humanity was enslaved by the fear of death and the judgment that follows sin, but by dying and rising again, Jesus took away the weapon of fear. We are “delivered” from that slavery, which means we can face life and even death with confidence, knowing that Christ has already conquered our greatest enemy and secured our freedom.
• Reflection: In what ways has the fear of failure or death held you back from following God fully?
• Prayer: Lord Jesus, I praise you for the humility you showed by becoming human and walking this earth to rescue and save me. Forgive me for often letting the fear of what might happen control my decisions instead of trusting in your total victory. You broke the heavy chains of death and gave me a life of true, spiritual freedom, and I thank you. I ask you to help me live today as someone who has been fully delivered by your sovereign power. Amen.

Day 9: The Spirit Sets Us Free from Sin and Death

• Bible Verse: “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death.” – Romans 8:1-2 (ESV)
• Read More: Life in the Spirit: Romans 8:1-11
• Context: These verses are some of the most comforting in the entire Bible. Paul is contrasting two different “laws” or powers. The first is the law of sin and death, which leads only to guilt and failure. The second is the law of the Spirit of life. Because we are united to Christ, God no longer condemns us. Incredibly, the Holy Spirit gives us a new internal power that is stronger than our sinful nature, making it so that we don’t have to live under the weight of “I should have done better.” Instead, we live in the freedom of “God has already accepted me,” which is the foundation for growing in holiness.
• Reflection: How does the truth that there is “no condemnation” help you when you make a mistake?
• Prayer: Gracious Father, Adoration and praise go to you for your amazing grace that removes every stain of my guilt through the blood of Jesus. Forgive me for the many times I have listened to the lying voice of shame instead of believing your voice of truth. The Holy Spirit who gives me new life and sets me free from the power of old, sinful patterns is my constant help. I ask that you help me to walk in that freedom and honor you with every choice I make today. Amen.

Day 10: Sin Will Not Rule Over Us

• Bible Verse: “For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace.” – Romans 6:14 (ESV)
• Read More: Dead to Sin, Alive to God: Romans 6:1-14
• Context: In Romans 6, Paul asks if we should keep sinning so that grace can increase. His answer is a loud “No!” He explains that because we are in Christ, we have died to our old way of life. Sin is described like a master or a king. Before we knew Christ, sin had “dominion” or total control over us, but now, we live under the reign of grace. Grace is not just a safety net for when we fall; it is a power that enables us to stand. Since God’s favor is toward us, sin no longer has the legal right to dictate how we live. We are free to serve God.
• Reflection: Which area of your life feels like sin is still trying to be the “boss”?
• Prayer: Mighty God, I praise you for being a God of grace who empowers me to live a life that is right and pleasing in your sight. Please forgive the times I willfully choose to follow my old selfish desires instead of submitting to your perfect and holy will. Thank you for taking away the legal authority that sin once held over my heart and my future. I ask for your help to remember today that I belong to you and not to the mistakes of my past. Amen.

Day 11: Born of God Overcomes the World

• Bible Verse: “For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world except the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?” – 1 John 5:4-5 (ESV)
• Read More: Overcoming the World: 1 John 5:1-12
• Context: John writes to encourage believers that they are not victims of the world’s systems or temptations. Being “born of God” means we have a new nature and a new source of strength. The “world” in this context refers to the parts of society and human nature that are in rebellion against God. We overcome, not by working harder or being smarter, but through faith. By believing that Jesus is the Son of God, we are connected to his victory. This doesn’t mean we won’t have struggles, but it does mean that the final victory is already guaranteed through our relationship with Christ.
• Reflection: How can focusing on your faith in Jesus help you overcome a specific temptation this week?
• Prayer: King of Kings, My soul praises you for your absolute victory over every power and authority that exists in this broken world. Forgive me for the times I have let the intense pressures of the world squeeze me into a mold that does not honor you. This vibrant new life you have given me as your beloved and adopted child is a source of great thanks. I ask you to strengthen my faith today so that I can live as a true overcomer in every situation I face. Amen.

Day 12: Christ Delivered Us from Darkness

• Bible Verse: “Whoever makes a practice of sinning is of the devil, for the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil.” – 1 John 3:8 (ESV)
• Read More: Children of God: 1 John 2:28-3:10
• Context: This verse clarifies the mission of Jesus. He didn’t just come to teach or to be a good example, but he came on a rescue mission to “destroy the works of the devil.” These works include sin, deception, and the brokenness of the human heart. John points out that a life defined by a “practice of sinning” is inconsistent with being a child of God. While we all do stumble, the direction of our lives should change because of Christ’s work. Jesus appeared to break the cycle of sin in our lives and to give us a new path. His victory over the devil is our victory as well.
• Reflection: What “work of the devil” (like bitterness, lies, or pride) do you want Jesus to destroy in your heart?
• Prayer: Heavenly Father, I praise you for sending your Son on a rescue mission to save me from the dark power of the enemy. Please forgive me for often clinging to old habits and attitudes that do not reflect the beauty of your holiness. Jesus, you came to this earth specifically to destroy the power of sin and the works of the devil in my life, and I thank you. I ask you to work in me today to remove everything that does not belong to your eternal kingdom. Amen.

Day 13: Those Who Seek the Lord Lack No Good Thing

• Bible Verse: “The young lions suffer want and hunger; but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing.” – Psalm 34:10 (ESV)
• Read More: Taste and See That the Lord Is Good: Psalm 34
• Context: David wrote this Psalm during a time when he had to run for his life. Even though he was in danger and living in caves, he could say that those who seek the Lord lack no “good thing.” Knowing that human strength and self-reliance have limits, he compares himself to a young lion, a strong animal that is usually capable of finding food but can still go hungry. However, God’s provision for those who seek him is unlimited. In the context of victory over sin, this means that God provides the spiritual resources, wisdom, and strength we need to live a godly life. He won’t hold back any “good thing” that helps us grow closer to him.
• Reflection: How can seeking God first change the way you look at your “needs” today?
• Prayer: Faithful God, You are worthy of praise because you are a generous and loving provider who knows exactly what I need before I even ask. Forgive me for the times I have complained about what I do not have instead of seeking your face. Your promise to give me every good thing necessary for my life and my spiritual growth fills me with gratitude. I ask you to help me seek your presence today above all the other things this world offers. Amen.

God’s Promises

We live in a world where people often break their word. Plans change, and promises are forgotten, but the Bible tells us that God is different, he is perfectly faithful. This week, we will focus on the nature of God’s promises. We will see that he does not lie, he does not change his mind, and he is fully capable of doing everything he said he would do. Every promise he has made finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. When we feel uncertain about the future, we can look back at God’s track record in scripture and find the confidence to move forward.

Day 14: God’s Promises Are Yes in Christ

• Bible Verse: “For all the promises of God find their Yes in him. That is why it is through him that we utter our Amen to God for his glory.” – 2 Corinthians 1:20 (ESV)
• Read More: Paul’s Change of Plans: 2 Corinthians 1:12-24
• Context: Paul was defending his integrity to the Corinthians because his travel plans had changed. He wanted them to know that while humans might be inconsistent, God is completely reliable, explaining that every single promise God ever made in the Old Testament is confirmed and fulfilled in Jesus. When we see Christ, we see God’s big “Yes” to his people, showing us that we can say “Amen” (which means “it is true”) with confidence. Our prayers are not shots in the dark; they are based on the finished work of Jesus, which guarantees that God will keep his word.
• Reflection: How does it change your prayer life to know that God has already said “Yes” to you in Christ?
• Prayer: Sovereign Lord, I praise you for being the God who is completely faithful to keep every promise he has ever made to his people. Please forgive the way I often doubt the truth of your word when I do not see the immediate results I want. Sending Jesus to be the living proof of your eternal faithfulness toward me is a gift beyond words. I ask for the courage to pray with great confidence today, knowing that my entire life is held safely in your secure hands. Amen.

Day 15: The Lord Is Faithful to Fulfill His Word

• Bible Verse: “Who has spoken and it came to pass, unless the Lord has commanded it? Is it not from the mouth of the Most High that good and bad come?” – Lamentations 3:37-38 (ESV)
• Read More: Great Is Your Faithfulness: Lamentations 3
• Context: These verses come from a book of deep sorrow written after the destruction of Jerusalem. Even in the middle of ruins, the author recognizes the absolute sovereignty of God and knows that nothing happens unless the Lord allows it or commands it. This is a reminder that God is in total control of history and our individual lives. If God says something will happen, it will “come to pass.” This provides a sense of peace because it means our lives are not governed by random chance or luck. Even when we don’t understand the “bad” things that happen, we can trust the mouth of the Most High.
• Reflection: Does the idea of God’s total control over your life bring you comfort or cause you worry?
• Prayer: Almighty Father, Your authority is over all things and your word is the final authority in the universe. Forgive me for the times I have tried to control my own life and have pridefully pushed your will aside. Thank you for being in total charge of my past, my present, and every detail of my future. I ask for your help to rest in your sovereignty today, even when I do not fully understand my current circumstances. Amen.

Day 16: God Will Supply Every Need

• Bible Verse: “And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:19 (ESV)
• Read More: God’s Provision: Philippians 4:10-20
• Context: Paul wrote this while he was in prison, thanking the Philippian church for the financial gift they sent him and useing his own experience of God’s provision to encourage them. The promise isn’t just that God will give us whatever we want, but that he will supply every “need.” The scale of this provision is not based on our merit or even the world’s resources, but according to “his riches in glory.” Since God has an infinite supply of grace, wisdom, and strength in Christ Jesus, we never have to worry that he will run out of what we need to serve him.
• Reflection: What is a “need” you are currently facing that you can entrust to God’s riches today?
• Prayer: Provider God, My heart praises you because you own the cattle on a thousand hills and all the wealth of the world belongs to you. Please forgive the way I often worry about my finances and my future as if you have somehow forgotten your child. Your generous promise to take care of all my needs out of your glorious and infinite riches is my security. I ask that you give me exactly what I need for today and help me to be truly content in you. Amen.

Day 17: God Watches Over His Word to Fulfill It

• Bible Verse: “Then the Lord said to me, ‘You have seen well, for I am watching over my word to perform it.’” – Jeremiah 1:12 (ESV)
• Read More: The Call of Jeremiah: Jeremiah 1:4-19
• Context: When God called Jeremiah to be a prophet, Jeremiah felt young and unqualified, but God gave him a vision of an almond branch to encourage him. In Hebrew, the word for “almond” is a wordplay on the word for “watching.” Just as the almond tree is one of the first to bloom, God is alert and active, making sure his words come true. This verse tells us that God is not passive, but is “watching over” his promises with the intent to “perform” them. We don’t have to remind God of what he said; he is already on it, ensuring that his plans are carried out exactly as he intended.
• Reflection: How does knowing that God is actively “watching over” his word change your perspective on his promises?
• Prayer: Dear Lord, I praise you for your constant alertness and for your deep, unwavering dedication to the well-being of your people. Forgive me for the times I have doubted your timing and thought you had fallen asleep on the promises you made to me. Thank you for being a God who is always awake and working all things together for my ultimate good. I ask that you help me to trust your active and loving presence in my life throughout this day. Amen.

Day 18: God Does Not Lie

• Bible Verse: “God is not man, that he should lie, or a son of man, that he should change his mind. Has he said, and will he not do it? Or has he spoken, and will he not fulfill it?” – Numbers 23:19 (ESV)
• Read More: Balaam’s Second Oracle: Numbers 23:13-30
• Context: This statement was made by a prophet named Balaam, who was hired to curse the people of Israel. As he set out to complete his mission, he found that he could only speak what God told him, which was not a curse on Israel! He explains that God is fundamentally different from humans. People lie to protect themselves or change their minds because they gain new information or get tired, but God has all the information and never gets tired. His character is the guarantee of his word. If he has “spoken,” the result is inevitable. This verse gives us a rock-solid foundation for our faith because it reminds us that God’s nature makes it impossible for him to fail the ones he has promised to sustain.
• Reflection: Which of God’s characteristics—his truthfulness or his unchanging nature—gives you the most peace today?
• Prayer: Holy God, Adoration belongs to you because you are the ultimate Truth and there is absolutely no deceit or shadow of turning in you. Forgive me for sometimes treating your holy promises as if they were as shaky and unreliable as the promises made by men. I thank you for being unchanging in your character and for always following through on every word you have spoken. I ask you to help me build my life on the solid and immovable ground of your word today. Amen.

Day 19: God’s Covenant Will Never Be Forgotten

• Bible Verse: “I will not violate my covenant or alter the word that went forth from my lips. Once for all I have sworn by my holiness; I will not lie to David. His offspring shall endure forever, his throne as long as the sun before me.” – Psalm 89:34-36 (ESV)
• Read More: I Will Sing of the Steadfast Love of the Lord: Psalm 89
• Context: This Psalm celebrates God’s covenant, a solemn, binding agreement, with King David. God promised David that his kingdom would last forever. While the physical kingdom of Israel eventually fell, this promise was ultimately kept through Jesus Christ, who is the “Son of David” and the eternal King. God swears by his own “holiness,” which is the highest possible standard. This means that God’s promises are as certain as his own existence; he will not “alter” what he has said. Knowing that god is truthful, we can trust that God’s commitments to us in the New Covenant are just as permanent and unbreakable as the Old Covenant.
• Reflection: How does the permanence of God’s covenant help you feel secure in your relationship with him?
• Prayer: Eternal King, I praise you for your perfect holiness and for your unwavering commitment to keep your covenant with your people. Please forgive the times I have acted as if my relationship with you depends on my own performance rather than your grace. The “once for all” work of Jesus that secures my permanent place in your heavenly kingdom is my greatest reason for thanks. I ask you to help me live today in the total security of your everlasting and protecting love. Amen.

Trust in the Lord

Trusting God is an action we take every day. It means choosing to rely on his strength instead of our own. This week, we will look at what it means to make the Lord our refuge. Life often brings “days of trouble” and situations where we feel unsafe or uncertain, but fortunately the Bible promises that those who take refuge in God will find safety and strength. Trusting in him doesn’t mean life will be easy, but it does mean we are never alone. As we commit our plans to him and delight in his ways, he promises to guide our steps and establish our hearts.

Day 20: The Lord Is Our Strength and Shield

• Bible Verse: “The Lord is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts, and I am helped; my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to him.” – Psalm 28:7 (ESV)
• Read More: The Lord Is My Strength and My Shield: Psalm 28
• Context: In this Psalm, David is crying out to God for help against those who do evil. He finds his confidence by looking at who God is. By calling God his “shield,” a piece of armor used for protection in battle, David is saying that God is the one who protects his heart from the attacks of fear and despair. Since he chooses to trust, God shows up and he experiences actual “help,” leading to a heart that “exults,” or overflows with joy. Trusting God isn’t just a mental exercise; it leads to a visible change in our emotions and a song of gratitude in our mouths.
• Reflection: What is one “attack” or worry you need God to shield you from today?
• Prayer: Mighty Protector, You are my strong tower and my constant, reliable help in every time of trouble. Please forgive me for often trying to protect my own heart with my own fragile plans and worldly defenses. Being the shield that guards my mind and the strength that keeps me moving forward when I am tired is your nature, and I thank you. I ask you to fill my heart with a song of joy and praise as I put my full trust in you today. Amen.

Day 21: Commit Your Plans to the Lord

• Bible Verse: “Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.” – Proverbs 16:3 (ESV)
• Read More: Proverbs 16
• Context: This proverb gives us a practical way to approach our daily tasks and long-term goals. To “commit” something means to roll it over onto someone or something else. Instead of carrying the weight of our work and our future on our own shoulders, we are invited to roll it onto the Lord. When we do this, God promises that our plans will be “established.” This doesn’t mean everything will happen exactly how we imagined, but it does mean that God will bring about the right outcomes according to his wisdom. Trusting God with our work relieves us of the pressure to be perfect and allows us to focus on being faithful.
• Reflection: What specific task or project do you need to “roll over” onto the Lord’s shoulders today?
• Prayer: Wise Father, My heart praises you today because your plans are always perfect and your ways are so much higher than mine. Please forgive the many times I have worked in my own strength and forgotten to involve you. I am so thankful for the invitation to bring my daily work and my big dreams to your feet. As I go about my day, please establish my steps and use my efforts for your glory. Amen.

Day 22: The Lord Is a Refuge in Trouble

• Bible Verse: “The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; he knows those who take refuge in him.” – Nahum 1:7 (ESV)
• Read More: God’s Wrath Against Nineveh: Nahum 1
• Context: The book of Nahum contains strong words about God’s judgment on an oppressive nation. In the middle of this serious message, we find this beautiful promise: even when the world is in chaos or judgment is falling, God is a “stronghold,” a fortified and safe place, for his people. Most importantly, the verse says he “knows” those who take refuge in him. This isn’t just intellectual knowledge; it is a personal, caring relationship. God recognizes you when you turn to him, and he provides the safety you need during your “day of trouble.”
• Reflection: How does it feel to know that God personally “knows” you when you are struggling?
• Prayer: Good and Gracious Lord, I praise you for your kindness and for being the safe place where I can always hide. I confess that my heart often looks for security in money, people, or my own abilities instead of you. Thank you for being a stronghold that can never be broken by any enemy. Help me to rest in the comforting fact that you know me and care for me today. Amen.

Day 23: Trusting the Lord Brings Safety

• Bible Verse: “The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is safe.” – Proverbs 29:25 (ESV)
• Read More: Proverbs 29
• Context: This proverb contrasts two very different ways of living. The “fear of man” refers to being overly concerned with what others think of us or being intimidated by people in power. This kind of fear is a “snare”—it traps us and keeps us from doing what is right. On the other hand, trusting in the Lord provides true safety. When our primary concern is what God thinks and how he is leading us, we are protected from the traps of people-pleasing and social pressure. True security is found not in human approval, but in the unshakable protection of our Creator.
• Reflection: Is there a situation where the fear of what others think is keeping you from trusting God?
• Prayer: Sovereign Lord, I adore you as the only one whose opinion truly matters in the end. Please forgive me for the times I have let the fear of people’s words or actions control my heart. Thank you for the safety and the total freedom that come from putting my trust in you alone. Give me the courage to follow you today, regardless of what others might say. Amen.

Day 24: Blessed Is the One Who Trusts in the Lord

• Bible Verse: “Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord.” – Jeremiah 17:7 (ESV)
• Read More: The Sin of Judah: Jeremiah 17:1-13
• Context: Jeremiah compares a person who trusts in humans to a shrub in the desert, but a person who trusts in the Lord to a tree planted by water. This tree doesn’t fear the heat or worry during a year of drought because its roots go deep into the source of life. To be “blessed” here means to be in a state of flourishing and favor. Notice the verse says our “trust is the Lord.” It’s not just that we trust him for things; he himself is our trust. When we root our lives in him, we can remain fruitful and steady, even when our external circumstances are difficult and dry.
• Reflection: What “roots” are you growing today to ensure your trust stays in the Lord?
• Prayer: Living Water, I praise you for being the source of all life and the one who sustains me. Forgive me for the times I feel like a dry shrub because I have disconnected myself from you. I thank you for the promise of blessing and fruitfulness when I keep my heart fixed on you. Help me to sink my roots deep into your word and your love today. Amen.

Day 25: Trust in the Lord and Delight in Him

• Bible Verse: “Trust in the Lord, and do good; dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness. Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act.” – Psalm 37:3-5 (ESV)
• Read More: He Will Not Forsake His Saints: Psalm 37
• Context: Psalm 37 is a series of instructions on how to live when we see the wicked prospering. David encourages us to keep a long-term perspective. Instead of being envious or anxious, we are told to “delight” in the Lord. When we find our greatest joy in God, our desires start to align with his. This beautiful promise that he will “give you the desires of your heart” happens not because we get everything that we ask for, but because our hearts start wanting what he wants. As we commit our way to him, we can step back and watch him “act.” He takes responsibility for the results when we take responsibility for trusting and doing good.
• Reflection: What does it look like for you to “delight” in God rather than just asking him for things?
• Prayer: Dear Father, I praise you because you are more beautiful and satisfying than any earthly treasure. I am sorry for the times I have treated you like a vending machine instead of a loving Father. Thank you for the promise that you will act on my behalf as I commit my life to you. Help me to find my greatest joy in your presence today. Amen.

Christ Our Redeemer

To redeem something means to buy it back or to set it free by paying a price. This final week of March will focus on Jesus as our Redeemer. We were once lost and separated from God, but Christ paid the ultimate price, his own blood, to bring us home. We will explore how his sacrifice freed us from the curse of the law, purified us from sin, and secured an eternal inheritance for us. This redemption is complete and “once for all.” Because of Jesus, we have been transferred from darkness into his wonderful kingdom, and we can live with the hope of his glorious return.

Day 26: Christ Redeemed Us from the Law

• Bible Verse: “Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us—for it is written, ‘Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree’— so that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, so that we might receive the promised Spirit through faith.” – Galatians 3:13-14 (ESV)
• Read More: The Righteous Shall Live by Faith: Galatians 3:1-14
• Context: Paul is explaining that no one can be saved by keeping the law, because we all fail to keep it perfectly. This failure brings a “curse” or a spiritual penalty, but Jesus did something amazing: he took that curse upon himself when he died on the cross (the “tree”). He traded places with us, taking our penalty so that we could receive the blessings promised to Abraham. This redemption is what allows us to receive the Holy Spirit by faith. We don’t have to live under the weight of trying to earn God’s love since Christ has already paid the price to bring us into his family.
• Reflection: How does the “great exchange”—Jesus taking your curse and giving you his blessing—change your view of the cross?
• Prayer: Precious Savior, I praise you for your willingness to suffer and take my place on the cross. I confess that I often try to earn your favor by my own good works, forgetting that you have already paid it all. Thank you for freeing me from the curse of my sin and giving me your Spirit. Help me to walk in the blessing of being your child today. Amen.

Day 27: Christ Entered Holy Places by His Own Blood

• Bible Verse: “He entered once for all into the holy places, not by means of the blood of goats and calves but by means of his own blood, thus securing an eternal redemption.” – Hebrews 9:12 (ESV)
• Read More: Redemption Through the Blood of Christ: Hebrews 9:11-28
• Context: In the Old Testament, priests had to offer animal sacrifices over and over again to cover people’s sins. Each of these sacrifices were only temporary. The author of Hebrews explains that Jesus is our Great High Priest who offered a much better sacrifice. He didn’t use the blood of animals, but instead used his own “precious blood.” Since his sacrifice was perfect, he only had to do it “once for all,” securing an “eternal redemption.” Our forgiveness is not a temporary fix that might run out; it is a permanent reality that lasts forever because of the infinite value of Christ’s blood.
• Reflection: Does your faith feel like a “temporary fix” or an “eternal redemption” right now?
• Prayer: Lord Jesus, I praise you for being both the High Priest and the perfect Sacrifice for my sins. I am sorry for the times I have doubted the power of your blood to cover my mistakes. Thank you for the security of knowing that my redemption is eternal and finished once for all. Let this truth give me deep peace and confidence as I serve you today. Amen.

Day 28: Christ Gave Himself to Redeem Us

• Bible Verse: “Waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.” – Titus 2:13-14 (ESV)
• Read More: Teach Sound Doctrine: Titus 2
• Context: This passage looks at both the past and the future. In the past, Jesus “gave himself” to buy us back from a life of “lawlessness” or sin. The goal of this redemption was to create a special people who belong specifically to him. We are his “own possession,” given a new identity that should change how we live and cause us to be “zealous” or excited about doing good works. While we live this new life, we also look forward to our “blessed hope,” which is the second coming of Jesus. Redemption isn’t just about where we go when we die, but about whose we are right now and how we live today.
• Reflection: What does it mean to you personally to be God’s “own possession”?
• Prayer: Great God and Savior, I praise you for your generous heart and your plan to return for your people. I confess that I am often more zealous for my own comfort than I am for good works. Thank you for choosing me, purifying me, and making me your very own. Use my life today to show others the beauty of your redeeming love. Amen.

Day 29: Christ Saves to the Uttermost

• Bible Verse: “Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.” – Hebrews 7:25 (ESV)
• Read More: Jesus Compared to Melchizedek: Hebrews 7:11-28
• Context: This verse highlights the ongoing work of Jesus in Heaven right now. He isn’t just a figure from history; he “always lives.” His current job is to “make intercession” for us, which means he is speaking to the Father on our behalf and able to save us “to the uttermost.” This means his salvation is complete, total, and reaches to the very end. No matter how far we feel we have wandered or how complicated our problems are, Jesus is capable of saving us completely as we draw near to God through him.
• Reflection: How does the image of Jesus praying for you right now encourage your heart?
• Prayer: Living Savior, I praise you because you are alive and you never stop caring for your people. I am sorry for the times I have stayed away from you because I felt my problems were too big to solve. Thank you for always standing before the Father on my behalf and for saving me completely. I draw near to you today, trusting in your perfect and total salvation. Amen.

Day 30: Redemption and Forgiveness Are in Christ

• Bible Verse: “He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.” – Colossians 1:13-14 (ESV)
• Read More: Thanksgiving and Prayer: Colossians 1:3-14
• Context: Paul uses powerful language to describe what happens when we trust in Christ. It is like being moved from one country to another. We were once under the “domain of darkness,” where sin and fear ruled, but God has “delivered” us and “transferred” us into the kingdom of Jesus. In this new kingdom, we live in a state of constant redemption and forgiveness. This isn’t something we are waiting for, but is a present reality for every believer. We are citizens of a kingdom of light, and we live under the loving rule of the Son.
• Reflection: How should your “citizenship” in God’s kingdom change the way you respond to the news or the culture around you?
• Prayer: King Jesus, I praise you for your glorious kingdom and for the light you have brought into my life. I confess that I sometimes act as if I still belong to the darkness by holding onto anger or greed. Thank you for rescuing me and giving me a new home and a new identity in you. Help me to represent your kingdom well in everything I do today. Amen.

Day 31: Redeemed by the Precious Blood of Christ

• Bible Verse: “Knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot.” – 1 Peter 1:18-19 (ESV)
• Read More: Called to Be Holy: 1 Peter 1:13-25
• Context: Peter reminds us of the high cost of our salvation to encourage us to live holy lives. We were “ransomed” or bought out of a “futile” way of living, out of a life that had no eternal purpose. The price paid for us wasn’t something earthly like silver or gold, which eventually loses its value, but instead, we were bought with the “precious blood of Christ.” By comparing Jesus to a “lamb without blemish,” Peter points back to the Passover lamb whose blood protected the people. Our value is seen in the price God was willing to pay, we belong to him, and our lives now have infinite meaning because of his sacrifice.
• Reflection: Knowing the high price paid for you, how does that influence the value you place on your own life today?
• Prayer: Lord God, I praise you for the perfect sacrifice of your Son, the Lamb of God. I am sorry for the times I have lived as if my life had little value or purpose. Thank you for paying the highest possible price to bring me back to yourself. Help me to live a holy and purposeful life today that reflects the value of the blood of Christ. Amen.

Rest in His Faithful Word

As we close this month of daily promises, I hope your heart feels a bit lighter and your faith a bit stronger. We have traveled through the themes of hope, victory, faithfulness, and redemption, which are not just nice ideas to think about once in a while; they are the very air we breathe as Christians. When the world feels unstable, these truths from the Bible provide a firm place to stand.

Remember that God’s word does not return void. The verses you have read this month are seeds planted in your heart. Even on the days when you don’t feel particularly “spiritual,” God is still working. He is still the God who watches over his word to perform it. He is still the Redeemer who has brought you out of darkness and into his marvelous light. As you move into the next month, take these promises with you, letting them be the first things you think about in the morning and the last things on your mind at night. You are loved, you are redeemed, and you are held by a God who never breaks his word.

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English Standard Version (ESV): Unless otherwise noted, scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language.