PrayingThyWill

A prayerful space dedicated to seeking and embracing God’s will through life’s daily journey.

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  • Steadfast Trust, Perfect Peace

    Bible Passage:
    You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast because they trust in you. – Isaiah 26:3 (NIV)

    Truth to Remember:
    God’s perfect peace sustains those who trust Him to guide their thoughts and choices.

    Devotional Reflection

    I remember a time when someone failed to follow through on their commitments and even threatened legal action when I refused to comply with their unreasonable demands. The threat weighed heavily on me, and my mind kept drifting toward worst-case scenarios. I sought advice on how to respond and protect myself, but nothing seemed to ease my anxiety. I realized that I had been relying on my own efforts instead of trusting God. Later, I discovered that others had faced similar experiences with the same individual, which reassured me that I was not alone. Some were ready to take matters into their own hands, but I knew that I needed to wait and allow God—not fear or anger—to guide my response.

    God showed me that I could not find peace in my decisions if I was driven by fear or pressure. I realized that my efforts alone could not change the situation. When I stood firm against the unreasonable demands, I felt God’s strength at work within me, even though I was unsure how things would turn out. In that uncertainty, I began to trust Him as the only One who could truly deliver me. As I prayed and believed His Word, His perfect peace filled me, guiding me to make confident decisions that brought closure.

    Application: Walking in Steadfast Trust

    Perhaps you are facing a situation beyond your control, and peace feels out of reach. Isaiah 26:3 promises perfect peace to those whose minds are steadfast because they trust in God. This means keeping your thoughts on Him, letting go of worry and fear, and relying on His guidance instead of your own efforts. Even when circumstances are overwhelming, He sustains you with His peace as your mind is fixed on Him. No matter the situation, trust God to guide you by letting His words direct your thoughts and decisions.

    Reflection Questions:
    1. Where are you holding on to control instead of trusting God’s plan?
    2. What does Isaiah 26:3 teach about trusting God when peace seems out of reach?

    Prayer:
    Dear Father God, Thank You for Your promise in Isaiah 26:3 to keep those whose minds are steadfast in perfect peace. As we face difficulties and are tempted to handle things on our own, remind us that we are not alone. Strengthen us to stand firm in faith and rely on Your promises, trusting that You are working all things according to Your perfect will. Fill our hearts with Your peace and guide our steps so we may walk in Your love instead of fear. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen

    Claiming God’s Promise:
    I trust God to guide me, and He holds me in His perfect peace.

  • Overflowing with Hope

    Bible Passage
    May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. – Romans 15:13 (NIV)

    Truth to Remember
    God is the source of our hope, and as we place our trust in Him, He fills us with joy and peace.

    Devotional Reflection:

    There was a time when my mind was consumed with anger and frustration. I was upset about the people who had hurt me—some of whom may not have even known or cared. I felt stuck in an environment I could not leave, tied to responsibilities and relationships that kept me there. Anger became the only way I knew to express what I felt. Then God made it clear that continuing down that path would only bring more harm, and I realized it was better to release the resentment and unforgiveness I had been carrying. Letting go allowed me to think clearly and remain in a healthy state for those I loved, rather than continuing down a path that was harming me.

    I asked God for forgiveness and for help to follow His ways. As I obeyed His guidance, hope grew, and God brought calm and clarity to my mind. I realized that love, not anger, was the response I needed—love in expressing my hurt and in relating to others. I also recognized that those who acted out of alignment with God’s ways caused pain to me, and I did not want to respond the same way or continue the cycle of hurt. Viewing the situation through God’s perspective made forgiveness possible. Hope did not come from me; it came from God through the power of the Holy Spirit. As I relied on Him, I experienced healing, renewed peace, and the ability to act with His love.

    Application: Walking in Hope

    You may be facing a situation where negative thoughts dominate your mind, and it feels impossible to see a way forward. God is the God of hope, and He invites us to trust Him. Trusting Him means living in alignment with His ways, asking for His help to respond according to His guidance, and opening yourself to what He wants to do in your life. As you do, He gives peace and joy, and the Holy Spirit empowers you with hope that flows beyond your thoughts and circumstances.

    This hope is not something we create on our own—it comes from God. It changes how we think, how we respond to challenges, and how we interact with others. When we allow God’s help to shape our perspective, hope overflows into our actions, our words, and the way we treat those around us, especially in difficult situations.

    Reflection Question:
    Where is God inviting you to trust Him and let His hope overflow in your life today?

    Prayer:
    Dear God, Thank You for Your Word and for the reminder that there is always hope, even in the darkest moments. Nothing is too impossible for You. You are able to shine light into the darkest places. As we place even a small measure of trust in You, fill us with Your joy and peace. Let Your hope fill our hearts and guide the way we live, so that our lives reflect Your joy and peace to those around us. We trust Your Word and rely on Your guidance in our daily actions. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

    Claiming God’s Promise:
    I trust the God of hope to fill me with all joy and peace as I rely on Him, and I will overflow with hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.

  • Faith is Evidence of Our Hope

    Bible Passage:
    Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see. – Hebrews 11:1 (NLT)

    Truth to Remember:
    God is trustworthy, and He desires that our confidence in His promises be expressed through faith.

    Devotional Reflection

    When a problem comes to my attention, I often start questioning God: “How could this be happening to me? Do You see what is going on? Do You care?” Sometimes I feel unsettled and even allow myself to wonder if He might abandon me. I think about how to protect myself or plan what to do next to alleviate my stress.

    Eventually, I begin to realize that my situation is not as bad as I imagined, that there are perspectives I had not considered, and that I can entrust the matter to God in prayer. As I reflect, I notice that even small shifts in my thinking—pausing to pray or considering God’s promises—can gradually change how I feel and respond. Even though doubts linger—such as wondering if prayer will work or bring the results I hope for—this is where my faith can be exercised. I am reminded that God will never forsake me, and choosing to trust this truth becomes evidence of the hope I have in Him.

    Application: Walking in Faith

    When a problem arises, God’s promises invite us to act in faith, even without knowing the outcome. Just as I have learned to pause and consider His faithfulness, we too can take steps to live in alignment with God’s truth. For instance, when we profess that God will never forsake us, we can live and think in alignment with that truth, even in difficult circumstances. These moments show that our hope is more than words—it is active faith expressed through trusting in His care, faithfulness, and provision. Living this way gradually strengthens our confidence in His promises.

    Reflection Questions:
    1. Is there a promise from God that you are struggling to trust?
    2. How can you remind yourself of God’s faithfulness and demonstrate trust when doubt arises?

    Prayer:
    Dear God, thank You for Your faithfulness. Help us to trust Your promises, even when we cannot see the way forward. When we feel fear, doubt, or confusion, remind us that You care for us and will never forsake us. Strengthen our faith so that we may trust, obey, and live in ways that reflect our belief in You. Teach us to walk by faith, knowing that this is evidence of the hope we have in You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

    Claiming God’s Promise:
    My faith is evidence that I am confident in God’s promises.

  • Seeking God First

    Bible Passage:
    But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. – Matthew 6:33 (NIV)

    Truth to Remember:
    God is faithful to His promises and loving in His guidance; He desires that we put Him first in our lives.

    Devotional Reflection

    This verse brings to mind a time when God guided me to help someone with a project. As I got involved, I learned that the work now offered a wider range of support than I had not been aware of. Their efforts became a significant help to my family during a challenging financial time.

    God’s guidance revealed His provision in ways I could never have planned. I noticed that my actions were not driven by personal need or expected outcomes—they flowed from a desire to follow God and put His kingdom first. Looking back, I am amazed at how this quiet surrender opened the way for His provision, even before I understood what it would accomplish.

    God’s Word is true: when we focus on His will, He provides according to His timing and wisdom. We do not need to strive anxiously or worry as those without hope. God’s ways are easy to understand, but difficult to live out when trust is lacking and when we rely on doing things our own way. Yet, through this experience, I have learned that when we seek His kingdom and righteousness first, God will provide for our needs, using whatever means He chooses.

    Application: Walking in God’s Provision

    Perhaps God is inviting you to step into a life that reflects His kingdom—to be His hands and feet, living in ways that prioritize His ways and values. When our focus is on our own plans, trusting His provision can feel difficult. But when we are willing to follow His leading and put His kingdom first, we can rest in the assurance that He is working on our behalf, providing for our needs even as we serve and live faithfully.

    Matthew 6:33 reminds us that seeking God first is stepping out of worry and into trust. As we focus on Him and live in alignment with His ways, we are kept from anxious striving and held in the confidence that God is faithful to provide.

    As you reflect today, where might God be guiding you to align your heart and actions with His kingdom? Have you noticed times when God provided unexpectedly because your focus was on obedience rather than outcome?

    Prayer:
    Dear God, thank You for Your promise to provide for all our needs as we seek Your kingdom first. Help us listen for Your guidance and remain faithful in walking in Your ways, even when it means letting go of our own plans or obeying without understanding every detail. Teach us to trust You fully, to do what is right, and to reflect Your presence through our actions. Strengthen us to live each day according to Your will, confident that You will provide in Your time and way. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

    Claiming God’s Promise:
    As I seek God’s kingdom first, I trust that He will provide for all my needs.

  • The Blessing of Trusting God

    Bible Passage:
    But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. – Jeremiah 17:7 (NIV)

    Truth to Remember:
    God is faithful and desires to bless those who trust Him.

    Devotional Reflection

    There was a time when I was seeking employment, and despite many efforts, only one response came. During the interview, I discovered that the salary was much lower than what had been advertised. At the time, I had no other offers, so I accepted the position. I can still recall sitting in that interview room, feeling confused by my circumstances. I would be earning less than I had before pursuing further education, and I wondered whether this was truly God’s answer to my prayers for financial provision. Although I felt disappointed, I chose to trust that God was providing for me. I committed to doing my best and sought to show my gratefulness to Him.

    Through that experience, my faith grew. I learned to be content with what I had, treated my work as meaningful and accountable before God, and saw how God provided beyond my compensation. There were moments I felt frustrated and thought I deserved better, but God encouraged me to keep moving forward with dedication. After nearly two years, I realized it was time to move on. While my efforts were appreciated by the employer, an incident occurred which made it clear it was time to step into something new. A few months later, an opportunity arose at a place I had always hoped to work. During that interview, the experiences I had gained in my previous role allowed me to demonstrate my abilities. Looking back, I can see how God had prepared me for this opportunity through the challenges I had faced.

    Application: Walking in God’s Blessing

    Reflecting on this experience, I realized it illustrates how trusting God works in everyday life. Jeremiah 17:7 reminds us, “Blessed is the one who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in Him.” Trusting God does not mean that every situation will turn out as we expect. It means choosing to rely on Him, remain faithful in our work, and believe that He is guiding us even when we cannot see the full picture. If you find yourself in a season that does not match where you want to be, remember that God deeply cares for you and has a purpose for that season. He uses these moments to shape your character, deepen your trust, and prepare you for what is ahead. Trusting God grants the blessing of facing each day with His peace and hope.

    Prayer:
    Dear God, Thank You for Your goodness and faithfulness toward us. Help us to keep our confidence in You, especially in situations that make us question how You are providing for our needs. Remind us that You desire to bless those who trust You, so we stay focused on Your will rather than on our disappointments. Help us recognize opportunities to grow in character and faith. Prepare us for where You want us to be and the ways You will work in our lives. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

    Claiming God’s Promise:
    I am blessed as I put my trust and confidence in the LORD.

  • Surrendering to God’s Purpose

    Bible Passage:
    “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” — Romans 8:28 (NIV)

    Truth to Remember:
    God is always working in every part of life to bring about His good plan for those who love Him and follow His calling.

    Devotional Reflection

    There came a point in my life when I had to choose between pursuing my own desires and surrendering to God’s will. I was seeking love in a way that did not align with His principles, and no matter how hard I tried, I could not find peace. My choices were leading nowhere good, and I was facing challenges without any assurance that God would work things out because I was outside of His purpose.

    When I finally stopped trying to force my own outcome and surrendered my misaligned desires, everything changed. God brought me out of the mess I had created and showed His faithfulness in a way I had never experienced before. I learned that peace comes from staying in His will and trusting that He works everything out for the good in His timing and His wisdom.

    Application: Walking in God’s Purpose

    Have you ever noticed that things often do not work out well when your plans are not aligned with God’s purposes? Desiring things, such as love or success, is not wrong in itself—but the way we pursue them can sometimes displease God and lead us astray. Surrendering means recognizing that His way is superior to ours and choosing to give up our own way. Romans 8:28 reminds us that God works all things for good for those who love Him. When we trust Him in these situations, we can experience for ourselves that His Word is true, and that following His ways lead to the best outcomes.

    Reflection Questions:

    1. How can you prioritize loving God above your personal desires?
    2. What practical ways can you learn to trust God’s timing and His wisdom instead of trying to make things happen on your own?

    Claiming God’s Promise:
    I trust that in all things God is working for the good of those who love Him and who are called according to His purpose.

    Prayer:
    Dear God, we thank You for Your love and Your promise to work things out for the good of those who love You and live according to Your purpose. Help us to surrender our desires to Your perfect will so that we can receive what You deem is truly best. May we seek to please You above all else and trust that Your plans are greater than anything we could want or do for ourselves. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

  • Experiencing the God of Peace

    Bible Passage:
    “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.” — Philippians 4:8-9 (NIV)

    Claiming God’s Promise:
    I experience the God of peace more fully when I focus on what is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, or praiseworthy—and when I actively live out what godly people have taught or shown me.

    Truth to Remember:
    This verse reminds me that as I fill my mind with what is good and live out His truth, I am cultivating the kind of growth that helps me experience the God of peace.

    Devotional Reflection

    I think back to a time when my backyard was overgrown with weeds. It was stressful to look at. Every time I glanced at it, the thought of tackling the mess drained me. But then, a shift in perspective came to me: instead of seeing the space as a burden, I could see it as an opportunity. The weeds were a result of whatever seeds landed in my yard and required no effort to grow, but what if I used that same space intentionally? I could plant flowers that would bring me joy or even grow food that could nourish me and others.

    That simple decision—to replace weeds with desired plants—brought peace of mind. It showed me that peace and joy do not happen by accident; they require some effort on my part. The same is true spiritually. Experiencing the God of peace means choosing to think on things that align with His Word and putting into practice the examples set by those who walk in His ways.

    Application: Walking in God’s Way

    Maybe you are struggling to experience the God of peace the way He intends. This verse invites you to examine what your thoughts tend to dwell on —and what you practice. Do your thoughts and actions pass the litmus test of being true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, or praiseworthy? It is not always easy—especially when we have grown accustomed to thought patterns that do not reflect God’s ways. Still, we can take small steps to release our old perceptions and slowly embrace God’s way of seeing things. As we let His Word guide us, our thoughts and actions become the kind that draw us closer to the God of peace.

    If you long to experience God as the source of peace in your life, start by examining what you think about and practice. Do your thoughts and actions reflect the qualities this verse calls us to? If not, invite God to guide your thoughts and actions, allowing you to experience His presence.

    Prayer:
    Our Father in heaven, holy is Your name. Thank You for reminding us that to experience You as the God of peace, we must be mindful of our thoughts and actions. You have given us a guide in this verse to measure what we think and do. Help us trust Your Word and live in ways that truly reflect Your truth. We choose to believe Your promises and have confidence that Your Word will accomplish what it says. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

  • Choosing Peace Over Anxiety

    Bible Passage:
    “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” — Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV)

    Devotional Reflection

    This verse reminds me that I have a choice—I can choose not to be anxious about anything. Instead, in every situation, I can pray, bring my requests to God with thanksgiving, and trust that His peace, which surpasses all understanding, will guard my heart and mind in Christ Jesus.

    I once had a conversation with a health professional who explained how anxiety takes up mental space and energy that could otherwise be used for clear, productive thinking. Anxiety drains us, making it harder to handle challenges effectively. This conversation helped me realize that God desires His people to live in peace, not in a constant state of worry. His plan is for us to experience well-being, both mentally and spiritually.

    This verse is a promise: when we choose prayer, thanksgiving, and trust in God over worry, He will give us peace. And not just any peace, but a kind that defies logic—a peace that steadies us even when circumstances suggest we should be falling apart. This peace protects our hearts and minds, helping us think clearly, make wise decisions, and see our situation from God’s perspective—one of truth, freedom, and love.

    Application: Walking in God’s Peace

    Maybe you struggle with choosing prayer over anxiety. Perhaps fear feels like the only natural response to your circumstances. But this verse reminds you that you do have a choice. You can choose to trust God’s promises instead of giving in to fear. Even when life feels overwhelming and problems seem endless, you can choose to believe that God will come through for you.

    Prayer:
    God, thank You for reminding me that I have a choice between worrying and trusting. When anxiety tries to take over, help me to pray, bring my requests to You with thanksgiving, and believe that Your peace will guard my heart and mind in Christ Jesus. Protect me from the negative effects of anxiety and help me trust that Your peace is greater than my fears. Even when my natural response is worry, I choose to believe that Your peace will sustain me in the darkest and most challenging situations. In Jesus’ name, Amen 

  • Trusting God in Difficult Situations

    Bible Passage:
    “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not depend on your own understanding. Seek His will in all you do, and He will show you which path to take.” – Proverbs 3:5-6 (NLT)

    Devotional Reflection

    This verse is a powerful reminder that those who seek God in all they do will be guided by Him. I experienced this truth firsthand in a difficult situation.

    I worked in a department where a senior colleague was consistently rude and dismissive toward me. She sought opportunities to make me look bad in front of management, became frustrated when I asked questions for clarity, and often ignored my presence. While she greeted others warmly, she walked past me without a word. Her emails were curt, sometimes lacking even a greeting.

    This treatment weighed heavily on me. I found myself constantly questioning what I had done to deserve such hostility. Thoughts of self-doubt crept in—Am I not good enough for this job? Will I lose my position because of her actions? The situation consumed my mind, affecting my peace and confidence.

    I had two choices: I could lean on my own understanding—retaliate, become rude, or defend myself aggressively—or I could trust God and seek His wisdom in handling the situation.

    God’s Guidance in Difficult Moments

    Instead of reacting with bitterness, I chose to respond with respect. I prayed for wisdom and sought God’s direction. I asked Him why I had to endure this and how I should handle it. In response, He led me to meditate on Psalm 86:10-11, which reminded me to keep my focus on Him rather than my circumstances.

    I realized that this woman was not in control of my life—God was. He was the one who gave me the job, and He was the one who would sustain me in it. Once I shifted my focus to Him, her actions no longer affected me the same way. I stopped allowing her negativity to take up space in my mind and trusted God to guide me.

    Over time, though her behavior remained inconsistent, I was no longer controlled by it. Eventually, an opportunity arose for her to leave the department and the company. But by that time, I had already found peace—I was content whether she stayed or left because my confidence was in God, not in my circumstances.

    Application: Walking in Trust

    When we face unfair treatment, our natural response is often to fight back, withdraw, or let bitterness take root. But God calls us to trust Him instead. Proverbs 3:5-6 assures us that when we seek His will and follow His way, He will show us the path forward. He may not always remove the challenge immediately, but He will strengthen us to endure and even thrive in the midst of it.

    Reflection Questions:

    1. Is there a situation where you are tempted to rely on your own understanding instead of trusting God?
    2. How can you shift your focus from your circumstances to God today?
    3. What verse can you meditate on to help you navigate a difficult relationship or challenge?

    Prayer:
    Lord, I surrender my challenges to You. Help me to trust You fully and not lean on my own understanding. Show me the right path to take, and help me respond with wisdom and grace. Keep my mind focused on You so that I am not consumed by the actions of others. Thank You for guiding me through every situation. In Jesus’ name, Amen.