Even in our afflictions God wants to satisfy us with his love.  In God’s love we can always find satisfaction, if we choose, because his love for us never fades away. He proved his unfailing love for us through Jesus who laid down his life so that we could take up ours and experience an everlasting satisfaction in Him.

This week, reflect on how perfectionism or feelings of inadequacy may be holding you back. Ask God to reveal the depths of His perfect love and how it can drive out those fears.

Like Martha, we often get caught up in what we’re trying to do for the Lord that we sometimes forget to just stop and spend time with Him. Jesus pointed Martha to care for her soul, which was the better portion to her many tasks of service. Matthew Henry comments that “Worldly business is a snare to us when it hinders us from serving God and getting good to our souls.”

We all have seasons, but my point here is that we cannot compare the season we’re experiencing to the season of another believer. It never seems fair to look sideways at your prospering neighbor while you feel like you’re neck deep in muck. Focus on where you are and no matter whether you face a tough season or plentiful one, give thanks.

If you've put your faith in Christ, you are the sheep of His pasture. It isn't greener in any other pasture! He made you and you are His. His pasture is full of abundance.

With life comes change. Try not to fear it. Learn from it as much as possible. But find comfort in the fact that there is a God who does not change and in him is all peace, joy and security.

I have more joy when I am not focused on me. The world would say the opposite - create your own joy, do what makes you happy. But God's design is so different. True, lasting joy comes from shifting our focus away from ourselves and unto Him. Together, let us intentionally, moment by moment, remember our place. In doing so shall come peace, joy, and so much more.

Get out of God’s way today and tell Him you’re willing to empty your plate. What has He asked you to do to conquer the sins in your life or share His name with the people around you? This year, I will make room for Him, so He is free to use me for something miraculous.

Everything becomes sacred and everything becomes opportunity for thanksgiving when we slow down and look closer. A pile of dirty laundry - the reminder of another day passing and another day that God has not left us or forsaken us! Floors that never stay clean - the reminder of many friends and family who have gathered near! The list goes on.

Our greater need is always spiritual. God is not concerned with the things we often are. In fact, He says not to worry about earthly things, like what we will eat or drink or wear (Matthew 6). God is most concerned about the eternal.

My prayer has been that God would remind me of this early and often as I go about my day and that I would not be quick to forget God’s goodness toward me all of my days.