January 8 ~

Fret not yourself; it tends only to evil ... do not show annoyance; it brings nothing but harm ... By the help of the Lord always keep up the glad spirit ... Be happy in the Lord always ... Rejoice always ... give thanks in all circumstances ... Have no anxiety about anything ... "Do not resist one who is evil. But if any one strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also ... I say to you, Love your enemies" ... Cast your cares on the LORD ... he will never let the righteous fall ...
Ps.37:8 (RSV,Har); Phil.4:4 (Wil,Beck); 1 Thess.5:16,18 (RSV); Phil.4:6 (RSV); Matt.5:39,44 (RSV); Ps.55:22 (NIV)

No fretting? No annoyance? No concern?
No burdens? None? It just would not be me!
No self-defensiveness? Am I a worm
and no man? What do You want me to be?
A flotsam? Doormat? Irresponsible?
In these grim days to just float with the tide?
But then, dear Lord, I hear You softly call ...

Surrender child. In Me, not Self, abide.
Let My Own Spirit, Love and Wisdom dwell
within thee; and receive each circumstance,
though seemingly from nature, man or hell,
as working for thy good, sent by My hands,
and see through it to Me. That’s its intent:
to cleave thee to Me! For such all is meant ...

But I am a worm, and no man; a reproach of men, and despised of the people ... They part my garments among them, and cast lots upon my vesture ... But be thou not far from me, O LORD: O my strength, haste thee to help me ... Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider him that endured such contradictions of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds ... These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world ... "Abide in Me" ...
Ps.22:6, 18-19 (KJV); Heb.12:2-3 (KJV); Jn.16:33 (KJV); 15:4 (NAS).

Christ - The Better Way Home Page / Devotional Contents Page / Calendar Table for Devotions / Index of Devotions by Title