Daily Devotional
April 4, 2025
Eyes on Jesus, Not the To-Do List
“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness,
and all these things will be provided for you.”
— Matthew 6:33 (CSB)
Reflection:
Let’s be real—some mornings feel like a sprint before we even get out of bed. Thoughts race: “What do I need to do? Did I forget something? Will there be enough time, money, energy, peace...coffee?”
But then Matthew 6 steps in like a gentle breeze and says, Breathe, child. Seek Me first.
Jesus isn’t handing us a spiritual to-do list. He’s inviting us to a way of life where following Him becomes our first priority—not our last resort. He reminds us that we don’t have to worry like the world does. He clothes the lilies, feeds the birds, and knows exactly what we need—even before we ask.
When we chase after Him first, everything else finds its proper place. Peace replaces panic. Joy nudges out anxiety. And that mountain of worries? He handles it one faithful step at a time.
So today, instead of scrolling, stressing, or striving, let’s flip the script:
Jesus, I’m starting with You.
Prayer:
Lord, I confess that I sometimes chase after everything but You. But today, I choose You first. I choose to follow You, not fear. To lean into Your peace, not my plans. Thank You for caring about every detail of my life. Teach me to walk in Your rhythm and trust that You’re already working on what concerns me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Reflection Questions:
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What’s the first thing I usually turn to in the morning—and how can I give that time to Jesus instead?
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What would it look like to truly seek His kingdom first today?
Today’s Thought:
When I follow Jesus first, I don’t have to fear the rest.
Join Us for 30 Days of Hope!
Are you longing for encouragement, peace, and a reminder that God’s hope never fails? 30 Days of Hope is a journey of faith leading to the resurrection of Jesus Christ—where hope was fulfilled! Each day, receive uplifting scripture affirmations, devotionals, prayers, and challenges designed to strengthen your faith and renew your spirit.
Let’s walk this journey together! Share with a friend and invite them to experience the hope we have in Christ.
The Foundation of Our Hope: Christ Jesus
"For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ."
– 1 Corinthians 3:11
Reflection:
Hope is not just a fleeting emotion or a wishful thought—it is something that must be built upon a firm foundation. And that foundation is Jesus Christ. In a world that is ever-changing, uncertain, and often full of trials, we need something solid, something unshakable to stand on. Jesus is that Rock.
The world offers temporary hope—hope in wealth, relationships, success, or even our own strength. But all of these things can fail, fade, or disappoint. The only hope that will never fail is the hope we have in Jesus. His love is steadfast, His promises are sure, and His sacrifice on the cross secured our eternal future. Because of Him, we have the hope of salvation, the hope of restoration, and the hope of eternal life.
When we place our hope in Christ, we are not standing on shifting sand but on the firm foundation of His truth, His resurrection, and His unchanging nature. This means that even when storms come, even when life feels uncertain, we can stand firm knowing that our hope is anchored in Someone who is eternal and victorious.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, You are the foundation of my hope. When the world around me feels uncertain, remind me that You are unshakable. Help me to trust in Your promises and to stand firm in the truth of who You are. Strengthen my faith, and let my hope in You shine as a testimony to others. Thank You for being my rock and my salvation. Amen.
Reflection Questions:
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What areas of your life feel unstable or uncertain right now?
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How does knowing Jesus as your foundation bring peace to those areas?
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In what ways can you strengthen your relationship with Christ today to build a firmer foundation?
Today's Thought:
Hope that is built on Christ is a hope that will never fail. No matter what comes your way, stand firm on the foundation of Jesus—He will never let you fall.
Join Us for 30 Days of Hope!
Are you longing for encouragement, peace, and a reminder that God’s hope never fails? 30 Days of Hope is a journey of faith leading to the resurrection of Jesus Christ—where hope was fulfilled! Each day, receive uplifting scripture affirmations, devotionals, prayers, and challenges designed to strengthen your faith and renew your spirit.
Let’s walk this journey together! Share with a friend and invite them to experience the hope we have in Christ.
Do Not Fear
"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." – Isaiah 41:10
Reflection
Fear has a way of creeping into our hearts, whether through uncertainty, challenges, or the unknowns of life. But in Isaiah 41:10, God speaks directly to our fears and reassures us of His presence, strength, and help.
When we face trials, our first instinct may be to panic or feel overwhelmed. Yet, God’s command is clear: Do not fear. Why? Because He is with us. Fear loses its power when we focus on the presence of God rather than the problem before us.
He not only tells us not to fear, but He also makes a promise—He will strengthen us, help us, and uphold us. We are never alone in our struggles. God’s righteous right hand is strong enough to carry us through every battle and tender enough to comfort us in our weakness.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for being with me in every moment. When fear tries to take hold, remind me that You are my strength and my help. I choose to trust in Your presence rather than the uncertainty of my circumstances. Uphold me today with Your righteous right hand. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Reflection Questions
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What is something in your life that is causing you fear or anxiety?
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How does knowing God is with you bring you peace?
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What practical steps can you take today to trust in God’s strength instead of your own?
Today's Thought
Fear may knock on the door of my heart, but I will answer with faith—because my God is with me!
I Rest in the Assurance that God's Peace Guards My Heart and Mind
“And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:7
Reflection:
Have you ever laid awake at night, your mind racing with worries about the future, regrets from the past, or fears that seem too big to handle? Our hearts and minds can are a battlefield, constantly under attack from the enemy who creates anxiety, doubt, and stress. But today’s verse offers us an incredible promise—God’s peace is a guard, a fortress around our hearts and minds.
Notice that this peace is not dependent on circumstances. It’s not something we achieve by fixing every problem or getting everything under control. No, it is God’s peace, beyond human understanding, beyond logic, beyond the turmoil around us. And this peace is found in Christ Jesus—in seeking Him, surrendering to Him and trusting Him, surrendering to Him.
When we give our worries to God, His peace takes over, not just quieting our fears, but standing watch over our hearts like a soldier guarding a fortress. It’s a peace that says, “No matter what happens, I am safe in the hands of my Savior.”
Prayer:
Father, thank You for the promise of Your peace. When my heart feels overwhelmed and my mind is restless, remind me that I am guarded by Your love. Help me to surrender my worries to You, trusting that Your peace will sustain me. Let my heart rest in the assurance that You are in control. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Reflection Questions:
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What areas of your life feel the most restless or anxious today?
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How can you actively surrender your worries to God and receive His peace?
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Think of a time when you felt God’s peace in a difficult situation—what did that experience teach you?
Today's Thought:
God’s peace is not something we earn; it’s something we receive when we are in His presence. Rest in the assurance that He is guarding your heart and mind today.