Daily Christian Devotion

From The Meribah to The Rock

“These are the waters of Meribah, where the people of Israel quarreled with the Lord, and through them he showed himself holy.” -Numbers 20:13 ESV

Meribah was named after the Israelites quarreled with God because they were thirsty and found no water.

These people of God were known for disputing with their leader and with God. Their joy seemed short-lived, and their dissatisfaction never ended.

From slavery to the Promised Land, the Israelites never stopped complaining, even in the midst of God’s faithfulness and steadfast love.

Blaming seemed to be part of their lives. Even in every good move of God, they could hardly embrace His plan but were quick to grumble. Their dissatisfaction was always magnified.

They grumbled when God wanted to bring them out of Egypt.

They grumbled when they saw the Egyptians chasing them.

They grumbled when there was no food.

They grumbled when they were tired of eating the same food every day.

Each time they grumbled, they contended with their leader, believing he had failed — and that God was never good enough to care for them.

If it were not for the covenant He made with Abraham, these people might not have been rescued at all.

At the place of Meribah, the people were thirsty — a place marked by insecurity and lack of trust.

Had they remembered the goodness of God and their first love, their grateful hearts would have stopped the complaint. Instead, they quickly leapt into strife.

At Meribah, the solution was at the rock — and out of that rock came water that quenched their thirst, bringing peace and satisfaction.

Psychologists reveal that people who engage in constant arguments and quarrels are often chronic blamers who struggle with deeper unrest.

The Word of God reminds us that even in our own Meribah moments, we can find the solution only in the Rock — Jesus Christ.

Paul exalts Jesus as that Rock.

“and all ate the same spiritual food, and all drank the same spiritual drink. For they drank from the spiritual Rock that followed them, and the Rock was Christ.” — 1 Corinthians 10:3–4 ESV

Whether you are a chronic blamer or dealing with one, there is never a true win in contention, for there is no satisfaction in any solution given. A grumbling heart can never feel content; there is always a craving for more — more power, more blessing, more of everything. Anything less than one’s expectation leaves the soul unsettled.

That unaddressed need seeks someone or something to feed on. The Bible warns that the heart of a grumbler will be destroyed by the destroyer.

If you are weary from striving at the place of Meribah, look to the Rock.

In the Meribah of your workplace, ministry, family, or friendships — let your desire for relief and fulfillment be quenched by the living water of Jesus.

At the place of peace, your quarrel will cease.

Jesus Christ invites you to cast all your burdens, desires, and insecurities upon Him, and He will give you rest.

The Holy Spirit can change your heart from being a chronic blamer to a continual praiser of God’s faithfulness.

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, You are the Rock that gives living water. Help me to rest from grumbling and striving, and to trust in Your faithful provision. Quench my thirst with Your Spirit, and fill my heart with gratitude and peace. Amen.

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Daily Christian Devotion

Use The God Given Authority

“You will trample upon lions and cobras; you will crush fierce lions and serpents under your feet! The Lord says, ‘I will rescue those who love me. I will protect those who trust in my name.’”

Psalm 91:13–14 NLT

I had a life-changing opportunity to go on a mission trip along with my church to a rural part of South India. That trip deepened my desire to commit and serve the Lord wholeheartedly.

The church we visited was located near a sugarcane field, and the minister’s house stood right in the middle of it. The church didn’t even have a solid floor—it was filled with sand. It looked like a very humble place of worship, yet the believers there were rich in love and on fire for God.

It was a retreat for young girls, and the invitation had gone out to several nearby villages. Despite some incidents that prevented public transportation, the girls still managed to come—by walking, cycling, or carpooling on motorbikes. We had a wonderful time ministering to them. They were fed with spiritual food and filled with the Holy Spirit.

Later that afternoon, we were invited to have lunch at the minister’s home. The path to his house was narrow and muddy, surrounded on both sides by sugarcane. We had to walk carefully.

While we were having lunch, I noticed a photo on the wall and asked when it was taken. It was a picture of the minister posing with a huge, dead poisonous cobra—more than seven feet long! Curious, we asked him to tell us more.

Because they lived in the middle of the fields, snakes were a common sight. He shared how once a snake had grabbed a duck right before their eyes, and how they often found snakes near their doorstep or even in the bathroom.

I grew terrified just listening, wondering what would happen if a snake were under the table where we sat. Yet his two teenage children, who were serving us lunch, seemed completely unbothered. We asked, “Weren’t you scared?” Their immediate response was, “No, not at all! We have Jesus Christ with us.”

Then they shared the most astonishing story. During a youth convention at their church, while they were worshiping and being filled with the Holy Spirit, a snake had crawled onto the sand-filled floor. These teenagers were so immersed in worship that they didn’t even notice it. At the end of the service, they discovered the long snake dead under their feet—trampled and crushed—while the girls were completely unharmed.

When they told that story, I was instantly reminded of Psalm 91 and how God protected believers who were under the wings of the Almighty.

After lunch, we spoke with the young girls and asked about the snake incident. They casually said, “Oh yes, Sister! We’ve even seen poisonous scorpions dead in the church on other days.” I looked at them in awe because these kinds of divine interventions seemed to them like an everyday occurrence.

To me, these young girls looked like warriors—fearless and full of joy. I could see that the joy of the Lord had become their strength. Every mouth exalted the name of Jesus, even in the midst of danger.

I’m not sure if I would have that same courage if I saw a cobra, but I realized that even the most dreadful situation is powerless under the shadow of the Almighty.

This scripture gives us confidence that whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. When you take refuge in His presence, no harm will overtake you, and no disaster will come near your dwelling.

Not only that, God has given you authority to take dominion over every power and principality through the blood of Jesus Christ.

You under the power of Satan or he under your feet depends on how powerfully you exercise your authority in Christ.

If looking around threatens you, look up to seek the Lord’s help and look down to read the Word of God. Then, in you, the Spirit of God will give strength to overcome it all.

You are victorious in every situation—a living testimony of God’s mighty hand at work. So get up from your lame self to walk over the scorpions and snakes.

Prayer:

Dear Lord, thank You for being my refuge and my fortress. Teach me to dwell in Your presence and not fear what surrounds me. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit, that I may stand firm and fearless in every battle. Let my heart be steadfast, trusting in You, and may Your joy be my strength all the days of my life.

In Jesus’ mighty name, Amen.

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Daily Christian Devotion

From Yours To Theirs

“Behold, I have taken from your hand the cup of staggering; the bowl of my wrath you shall drink no more; and I will put it into the hand of your tormentors.” Isaiah 51:22–23 (ESV)

I remember my mom mentioning this Scripture — it spoke to her when she was at the lowest point of her life.

That was the time she found Jesus as her Lord and Savior, while also facing the struggles of black magic and witchcraft spirits. Our family was crushed on every side—from betrayal to abandonment.

This Word came as a comfort while people around her were suggesting all sorts of ways to get rid of the evil spirits. But she chose to hold onto this promise.

Some suggested we move out of the house, others said the entrance of the house needed to be changed. A few even made me throw away my favorite dolls believing evil spirits would dwell in it. Yet, nothing got better—it only got worse.

My new, comforted mother held onto her salvation and the righteousness of God through the fire and the furnace. She clung to Jesus Christ, the Redeemer and the Comforter.

It looked as if we were all going to be destroyed by the work of the evil spirit, but Jesus came through for us.

The cup of wrath that our family was drinking was taken from our hands and placed into the hands of our tormentors—those who had done the black magic against us.

I do not wish to share the details of what happened to them, but I know for sure it did not end well for them. We saw with our own eyes what happens when God hands over the cup of wrath to the evildoers. We must be very careful not to find ourselves in a position to hold that cup of God’s wrath.

This chapter begins by calling the people in exile to remember what God did for their forefathers. It is a call to remember His faithfulness and power. It brings encouragement that God will make your dry land into a fruitful and fertile land.

He promises to set His justice as a light. He will restore and bring everlasting joy upon you.

Above all, His salvation will be upon you forever, and His righteousness will never end.

Having said that, your pain is not unnoticed, nor is the intensity of your suffering diminished.

Yes, your situation looks very real, and your struggle to find a way out is deeply understood.

There might be judgmental tongues ready to criticize or offer man-made wisdom, but I am here to offer the only solution that worked for us in our distress was the mighty work of King Jesus, and He will also take away the cup of wrath from you.

Trust Him—He is able, well able—to shift that cup of wrath away from you.

The fate of that cup lies in the hands of a just and righteous God. Our part is to rejoice, for He will remove it from you in His perfect time.

Jesus Christ, the Author and Finisher of our faith—

Believe in Him.Hold onto Him tight.Draw Him close to your heart, and you will see a great deliverance.

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, thank You for taking away the cup of wrath from my hands. You are my defender and deliverer. Strengthen my faith to hold onto You through every storm, and let Your justice, joy, and salvation shine over my life.

In Your mighty name, I pray. Amen.

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Daily Christian Devotion

You are defined for great purpose

“Isn’t this the carpenter’s son? Isn’t his mother’s name Mary, and aren’t his brothers James, Joseph, Simon, and Judas?”

— Matthew 13:55

Have you heard of the term “Tall Poppy Syndrome”?

It comes from the idea of cutting down the tallest poppy in a field so that all the flowers remain at the same height. It’s a social phenomenon where people attack or criticize those who have achieved success and stand out from their peers.

We’ve all faced such experiences — and even Jesus Christ was not spared.

When Jesus returned to His hometown after preaching and teaching elsewhere, He was valued and appreciated outside His town. Yet when He came home, the people who had known Him since childhood were astonished by the wisdom He carried.

Their question was, “Is this not the carpenter’s son?”

They were offended because they could not see Jesus as more than the local carpenter’s son. It was a sarcastic attempt to level Him down — to prove that He was ordinary. They struggled to submit to His divine authority.

Jesus, knowing their hearts, said, “A prophet is not without honor except in his own hometown.” Even when He performed miracles, He often told those healed nearby to keep it a secret, but to the Gentiles, He said, “Go and testify.”

In spite of what His people thought, Jesus Christ was the divine plan of God to rescue mankind. Whether or not people acknowledged Him as the Son of God, He remained sovereign and came to dwell among us for a divine purpose.

All creation acknowledges Him. Even the very stones would cry out His praises!

Be encouraged — the blessing and position you hold are part of God’s divine plan.

Maybe you are in a hostile work environment where colleagues unfairly criticize or undermine. They might call you “arrogant” or “too ambitious” for being successful.

In other cases, High-performing students or athletes often face jealousy and exclusion. Even in families, older siblings may humiliate the younger when they see them rise beyond their own achievements.

Many people, instead of appreciating who you are, will be quick to criticize who you are not. Their mindset often says, “You can succeed, but not more than me.”

But do not be discouraged if you are not honored at your workplace or among your family. Jesus Himself proved that people can be biased in showing honor.

Regardless of people’s opinions, the gift you carry reflects God’s character.

Your value is not defined by critical eyes — your worth is seen through the Father’s eyes.

You are not what they say you are. You are a promise and a great work in progress. Jesus’ own people saw Him only as a carpenter, but the rest of the world saw Him as the Savior. They saw Him as a familiar family member, but He was the long-awaited Messiah.

You are not what others say you are — you are what God says you are.

You may not be honored now, but your feet will go to places that exalt the glory of God.

You may be a carpenter’s son or daughter — a child of humble beginnings — but God sees you as a revolutionist, like David, Esther, or Nehemiah, chosen to bring change from a lowly place to a place of divine exaltation.

Prayer

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for reminding me that my value is not measured by the world’s opinion but by Your truth. Strengthen my heart when I face rejection or criticism, and teach me to walk in humility and confidence, just as Jesus did.

In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

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Daily Christian Devotion

God Is Very Serious About Your Destiny

“But my servant Caleb, because he has a different spirit and has followed me fully, I will bring into the land into which he went, and his descendants shall possess it.” Numbers 14:24 ESV

In today’s social media era, we see countless voices online influencing people—some for good and others for harm. There is tremendous power in influence. By influencing others, we can either lead them toward their destiny or cause them to lose their way.

When we influence someone, it comes from our inner self—that place where our thoughts and values are formed. We naturally project our perception, and the person we influence often begins to see things through our lens.

Throughout history, there have been powerful influencers who shaped the world. Hitler is an example of a negative influence, while Martin Luther King Jr. is an example of a positive one. We are accountable for the way we influence others—whether for good or bad.

The Bible warns about the dangers of leading people in the wrong direction.

Moses selected twelve men—one from each tribe—to explore the land God had promised. After forty days in Canaan, they reported that it was indeed a land flowing with milk and honey—a rich and fruitful place. They even displayed the large produce they brought back as proof.

However, ten of them gave a fearful report. They said the land was filled with giants, that the cities were large and fortified, and that the people were too powerful to overcome. Their words planted fear in the hearts of the Israelites.

Only Joshua and Caleb stood firm in faith. The ten men’s negative influence crushed the people’s hope and caused them to lose sight of God’s promise. Fear replaced faith, and the people began to see the giants as greater than God Himself.

The fear of death blinded them to the purpose for which they were rescued from Egypt. They cried out against Moses and Aaron and even longed to return to slavery rather than step into freedom.

Joshua and Caleb tore their clothes in grief and urged the people not to be afraid. They reminded everyone that the Lord was with them and that He would surely give them the land He had promised.

The Bible says that Joshua and Caleb had a different spirit. Their faith and courage stood out in the midst of doubt and fear. But instead of listening, the people wanted to stone them for speaking encouragement.

The result of the crowd’s unbelief was tragic. None of those who doubted and grumbled against God entered the Promised Land. They perished in the wilderness. Only Joshua, Caleb, and the next generation entered the land flowing with milk and honey.

Those who were negatively influenced missed their opportunity to enjoy God’s blessing. But Joshua and Caleb, guided by the Holy Spirit, walked into the fulfillment of God’s promise. Without the Spirit’s leading, we too can become overwhelmed by fear and discouragement.

For Joshua and Caleb, the giants looked like prey; but to the rest, they looked like grasshoppers before the giants. Joshua and Caleb had trained their hearts to see through God’s lens. They had witnessed His mighty hand upon their people and knew that God’s heart was always for their good.

They influenced the people with faith, but the crowd chose not to listen. When the time came, Joshua and Caleb stood their ground, faced the giants, and conquered what God had placed in their hands.

Be careful who your ears are tuned to. Are you listening to voices of negativity, fear, and hopelessness? If so, surround yourself with godly influences—people who speak faith and truth. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you discern the people and places that shape your life.

No matter what you see or hear, stand on the promises of God and stay connected with His people. Two are always better than one—because when you fall or lose heart, the other can lift you up and help you walk toward your destiny.

God is serious about your destiny. He will deal with every bad influence in His own way. Do not allow anyone to mislead or hinder your path to the Promised Land.

Be a godly influencer—lift others up, guide them toward hope, and lead them into their God given purpose.

Prayer

Lord, help me to be a godly influence wherever I go. Guard my heart from fear and negativity, and fill me with Your Holy Spirit so I may lead others in truth and love. Teach me to see through Your eyes, to speak life, and to stand firm on Your promises.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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Daily Christian Devotion

You Will Receive What Belongs To You

Numbers 27:7

“And the Lord said to Moses, ‘The daughters of Zelophehad are right. You shall give them possession of an inheritance among their father’s brothers and transfer the inheritance of their father to them.’”

Inheritance is the process of passing down money, wealth, property, or any possessions from one family member to another, according to the will or law written. When it is legally announced, there is little or no chance that anyone can fight and take it for themselves.

In the days of Moses, when a man had no son and only daughters, his name would not appear in the family lineage. The son was seen as the seed of the next generation. If there was no son, the father’s name would fade, and his family line would be forgotten.

But in the Bible, we read about five brave daughters who stood up for their family and reclaimed their father’s inheritance.

Their names were Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah—daughters of Zelophehad, descendants of Manasseh. Their father died in the wilderness, and according to the law given through Moses, only sons could receive the father’s inheritance.

Yet these daughters came boldly before Moses, the priest, the leaders, and the whole congregation, asking that their father’s possession be given to them. Their plea was powerful:

“Why should our father’s name be removed from his family because he had no son?”

The Lord acknowledged that the daughters were right, and a new command was written to include women in the inheritance law.

Their fear—that their father’s name would be forgotten—became the reason God used them to make a historic change for generations of Hebrew women who had no voice. Their father’s name was honored for raising daughters who were bold enough to bring divine justice and help rewrite the law of Moses.

This story reminds us that we serve a God who is perfectly just and fair.

In recent years, I have seen many women and children left abandoned by their families—treated as burdens by their own parents or siblings—disappearing in the most crucial times of their need. For some, even though their family members are alive, it feels as if they are gone.

You may be in a place where you were unjustly denied something that rightfully belongs to you—your inheritance, your position, or your rightful place.

Like the daughters of Zelophehad, you may appear unnoticed or insignificant, but go boldly before your Heavenly Father and ask for what belongs to you.

He is a God who shows no partiality. There is no favoritism in His Kingdom—He is righteous and just in all His ways.

Not only in material inheritance but also spiritually, go before the Lord and reclaim your lost family. Ask God to reestablish your boundaries. Do not allow anyone to take control of your children, your spouse, your job, or your ministry. Stand firm in faith and take hold of what belongs to you.

The Lord will rewrite policies, show you favor in the eyes of authorities, and raise up people who will advocate on your behalf to restore what has been lost.

You do not need an influential father, brother, or anyone else. The Lord Himself will intervene in your case.

And it will become a testimony for you—one that generations will witness and glorify God for what He has done in your life.

Prayer

Lord, thank You for being a righteous and just God. Give us courage to stand in faith like the daughters of Zelophehad.Go before us, open doors, and restore what has been lost.

In Jesus’ name,

Amen.

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Daily Christian Devotion

Is It Really Worth to offer a life?

“The message of the cross is foolish to those who are headed for destruction!But we who are being saved know it is the very power of God.”

— 1 Corinthians 1:18 (NLT)

John Harper, a Scottish pastor, boarded the famous RMS Titanic to preach in Moody’s Church in Chicago.

He was accompanied by his six-year-old daughter and his sister.

On April 15, 1912, the majestic ship hit an iceberg and began to sink, as we all are aware. Pastor Harper had just put his daughter to bed when he saw people running to survive. He quickly wrapped his daughter in a blanket and handed her over to the crew to be placed in lifeboat number 11.

Witnesses saw him praying and preaching on his knees, calling out for souls to believe in Jesus Christ and be saved. He later sank beneath the icy water, still preaching the good news—even in that moment of tragedy.

Five years later, when there was a gathering of the Titanic survivors, one man stood up and said that he was the last convert of Pastor Harper.

He shared that Pastor Harper had asked him, “Are you saved?” The man replied, “No.” Pastor Harper then handed him his own life jacket and shared the good news: “Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved.”

Later, the man saw Pastor Harper holding on to a piece of wreckage, using what little strength he had left to preach the message of salvation for almost an hour—lifting up the name of Jesus before he sank.

Until his last breath, as Jesus asked us, he preached the gospel to the perishing souls. He knew that his final stop would be with Jesus, and his dying desire was to share that assurance with lost and hopeless hearts.

Death did not scare him—he faced it with courage and faith.

For many, what Pastor Harper did in that panicking environment might have looked foolish. But the Bible says:

“The message of the cross is foolish to those who are headed for destruction,but to us who are being saved, it is the very power of God.”— 1 Corinthians 1:18 (NLT)

The greatest opposition in this world is against the message of the cross, and the most severe persecution—even unto death—is faced by those who carry the gospel.

Many have been beheaded, stripped naked, beaten, burned alive, thrown into hot oil, lost their families, possessions, names, and reputation—yet they still considered it worth saving at least one single soul for eternity.

Death or the threat of death never stopped those zealous servants from sharing the gospel. For them, losing was gain for Jesus.

None of those who died for the gift of salvation were forced to lose their lives; they did it out of the joy of the Lord—to let others taste the goodness of God through Jesus Christ.

Those who received Jesus Christ and were ready to die for Him knew that every soul is precious and deserves eternal life.

They knew it was worth dying because Jesus Himself found us worth dying for.

The greatest gift you can offer anyone is Jesus Christ.

Pray for your loved ones to be saved, and preach the gospel—for it is the will of God.

If Pastor Harper could share the love of Christ while dying in that dark, freezing, ice-cold water—leaving his daughter an orphan—then you can also share the gospel sitting in your cozy, comfortable environment.

Every soul is worth being saved, just like yours.

Don’t waste any more time, for you never know—someone might be that last soul God wants to reach through you.

Above all, The Word of God brings encouragement to the lost and hopeless, reminding us that the gospel is the power of God. Believe in Jesus and be saved. You are worth the price He paid.

Prayer

Lord Jesus,

Thank You for the power of the cross and for the salvation You freely gave.Let Your compassion burn within me, and may every word I speak draw someone closer to You.

In Your precious name,

Amen.

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Daily Christian Devotion

Shift That Spotlight From You

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”

— Romans 12:2 (ESV)

More often than not, pity is misunderstood as compassion. Pity is just being sorry for someone’s misfortune without desiring to help. But compassion is a heart that moves to help someone in their misfortune — to comfort them and stand with them.

Self-pity is when a person feels sorry for themselves, focusing only on their sorrows and misfortunes and dwelling on them. Self-pity does more harm than any external situation around us.

The Bible talks about the dangers of being confined to worldly thoughts and patterns. It’s like taking ownership of every situation, whether it concerns you or not. It’s desiring to stay in the spotlight — whether for a good or bad reason.

Prophet Elijah, a powerful man who brought the Word of God to the people — highly respected and honored. In one memorable event, he called upon the name of the Lord on Mount Carmel, and God answered him with fire before all the people. That day, Elijah destroyed many false prophets, and the fear of God fell upon everyone.

It was a historic moment still remembered today. But soon after, this same brave man of God had a moment of weakness when Jezebel threatened to kill him. The zealous prophet who had just displayed God’s mighty power ran for his life and even left his servant behind. He prayed that God would take his life and said he was done.

Just days before, Elijah had shown great bravery and faith with his focus fixed on the Almighty. But now, his focus shifted inward. He became self-centered, and that almost ended his ministry — all because a woman’s threat frightened him.

Self-pity is a silent killer. If not addressed, It affects our mental health and steals our peace and joy when we refuse to walk away from it.

Remember — you are created for greatness and in you is greatness. If the world projects you as something less, refocus from what the world says to what the Bible says. The Word teaches us not to be conformed to the world’s patterns but to be transformed through the renewal of our minds.

It takes humility to move the spotlight away from yourself and place it back on the Word of God. You are not the hero of every scene — Jesus is.

Not every challenge around you is meant to break you. Not everyone is trying to pull you down or hurt you. We are created to coexist with others. When we constantly seek attention — whether good or bad — we begin to place ourselves equal with God.

Humble yourself before the Lord and surrender, saying, “Not my will, but Yours be done.”

The truth is, you are not in a sorry state as you are projecting outside. You are more than a conqueror. You are brave, blessed, and above all, a child of the Most High God.

Transfer the power you’re holding over situations, thoughts, and people to your loving Father, Yahweh. You can rest peacefully when you understand who controls your future.

If you face misfortune, give thanks and surrender it to God. If you face hardship, thank Him again and surrender it. If you face betrayal, bring it to Him and let Him heal you.

Do not dwell on your past, and do not stay stuck in your present. Be expectant of the new thing God is about to do, and let Him renew your mind every day.

Prayer:

Father God, thank You for reminding me that I am not defined by the world or my feelings. Teach me to lay down self-pity and to walk in compassion and humility. Help me to fix my eyes on You and not on myself. Renew my mind and fill my heart with peace as I trust in Your perfect plan. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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Daily Christian Devotion

Your Cry Has Reached His Ears

“In my distress, I called upon the Lord; to my God I cried for help. From His temple He heard my voice, and my cry to Him reached His ears.”

— Psalm 18:6

During my childhood, in my parents’ home, we had a helper who assisted us with cleaning and cooking. She had a troubled marriage and three kids. Her husband was cheating on her, and both he and his new girlfriend were abusing her emotionally.

The distressed woman often shared her agony and expressed her pain to my mom. She continued to do that every single day. My mom listened patiently for some time, and then she got tired of hearing the same story over and over again.

Later, when our helper realized that my mom was no longer showing any interest, she started talking to herself and pretending to have conversations with her husband. Slowly, she began to yell at her imaginary husband.

Whenever we walked in during those moments, she would stop what she was doing and focus on her work. It got so bad that she started to literally fight with her imaginary husband, and she couldn’t even rest from doing that. Eventually, she began to throw things against her imaginary husband.

We couldn’t help her much because we didn’t know Jesus back then. Sadly, she ended up in a hospital that treated people with mental health conditions, and she remained there as her condition worsened. That is how an unaddressed and distressed person’s mental health can become damaged.

But a distressed woman named Hannah in the Bible handled it differently.

A man named Elkanah had two wives—Hannah and Peninnah. The world of Peninnah was full of life and celebration, while Hannah’s world was full of shame and heartache because she was barren.

Fortunately, her husband loved Hannah. It was the custom for Elkanah to go up year after year to sacrifice and worship the Lord at Shiloh. Elkanah gave a double portion of the sacrifice to Hannah compared to Peninnah, who went to the house of the Lord with her sons and daughters.

Peninnah provoked and grieved Hannah because the Lord had closed Hannah’s womb. Hannah went often to the house of the Lord, and as often as she went, she was provoked by her rival.

Hannah refused to eat and looked too sad, even though her husband tried to comfort her. One day, she was deeply distressed, and she wept bitterly and prayed to God for a son.

Hannah was making a vow and speaking in her heart—only her lips were moving, but her voice was not heard. The priest Eli watched and mistook her for a drunken woman. He rebuked her to withdraw from wine or strong drink.

She immediately responded humbly to the priest, saying she was speaking out of great anxiety and vexation. She explained that she was a woman troubled in spirit and had been pouring out her soul before the Lord.

Then Eli answered and said, “Go in peace, and may the God of Israel grant you the petition that you have made to Him.” She returned home, and her face was no longer sad.

In due time, Hannah gave birth to a son and called him Samuel, saying, “I have asked for him from the Lord.”

Our helper and Hannah were both women of troubled spirits, desperately trying to put the pieces together and hold themselves up. But sadly, the constant harassment and mockery couldn’t let them hold it together.

There are people where their world may look like a celebration outside, but might be breaking apart inside. At least Hannah had a loving husband. Many times, we do not even have someone to share love or pain with. We might be left alone during such times of sadness.

To all who are vexed and grieving about something that is out of your control, I want to direct you to God’s mercy seat and encourage you to pour out your tears before Him. He does not judge you.

You may think, “How long?” The Bible says Hannah went year after year, and she wept as often as she was provoked and irritated and the Word of God brings encouragement—“Go in peace, and may God grant your petition.”

The peace of God will lift your countenance, and you will give birth to the answer to your prayer.

My mother and I were ignorant of the works of Jesus Christ back in those days, but today we are more than assured that He is a prayer-answering God. He is alive, and His Spirit gives comfort to anyone who seeks Him.

So, in your distress, need, and longing—seek the Lord. It is better to trust in the Lord than to seek man’s counsel.

Often, we are judged even in our distress. And a few of you who handle life’s challenges like a pro are also judged—because you don’t look unhappy in the way others expect you to. I tell you, keep it up! Continue to be lifted in the joy of the Lord.

Those who criticize your grief may not understand the depth of your pain, but if you draw near to God as David did, you will soon discover—every tear, every whisper, every cry is heard and answered by Him.

Come into the arms of the loving Father. He knows your name, He understands you, and He will walk with you through your pain and suffering. Your present suffering is nothing compared to the glory you will see soon.

Prayer

Lord Jesus,

In my distress, I pour out my soul before You. Strengthen my heart, calm my spirit, and fill me with Your peace. Help me to trust that You hear my cry and will turn my sorrow into joy.

In Your precious name, I pray,

Amen.

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Daily Christian Devotion

The Chosen Ones Receive the Signet Ring

On that day, declares the Lord of hosts, I will take you, O Zerubbabel my servant, the son of Shealtiel, declares the Lord, and make you like a signet ring, for I have chosen you, declares the Lord of hosts.”

— Haggai 2:23 (ESV)

A signet ring is no ordinary ring. It represents a family, an organization, a kingdom, or even the identity of an individual.

This ring is made of superior quality, marked with symbols, initials, or emblems.

In olden days, the signet ring was used to stamp official documents. The king used his signet ring to execute orders or sign decrees. When the scroll carried the king’s official seal, it meant the command could not be changed or overruled.

Often, the king would hand over his signet ring to a trusted person to act on his behalf. The one who held that ring carried power and authority to make decisions and execute royal orders.

Unlike today’s systems, where an executive order can be challenged or revoked, once the ancient king’s seal was stamped, the matter was settled—it was a done deal.

The king would only entrust this ring to someone trustworthy, brave, and loyal—someone he believed would execute his will wisely. Since the one wearing the signet ring represented the kingdom and bore the king’s image, any misuse of that authority could bring dishonor or destruction to the king’s name and reign. So it was not easy to earn that trust or carry that identity.

Even if you had ten rings on ten fingers, the signet ring had no equal—it carried the highest value and meaning.

The word for today was given through the prophet Haggai to Zerubbabel, who was leading the temple restoration. Tracing back his lineage, he belonged to the royal bloodline of David—whose descendants ruled the nation generation after generation.

But a curse had fallen on King Jehoiachin (Zerubbabel’s grandfather) that none of his descendants would ever sit on the throne of David because of their disobedience and wickedness.

(Jeremiah 22:24–30)

Three months after Jehoiachin ruled, the people were taken into exile in Babylon, and as the curse continued, his son never took the throne.

Yet, in Haggai 2:23, the Lord spoke through the prophet Haggai and reversed that curse. God restored power and authority to Zerubbabel, declaring him His chosen one—the signet ring of the Lord.

Jesus Christ, who is an incarnation of God the Father, holds the signet ring to reverse the curse and restore the power and authority to us. Anyone who believes in Him, worships Him, and walks in His way shares the same authority and power that Jesus has.

The Bible brings so much hope through Jesus Christ, who also belongs to the royal lineage of David and is the chosen one by the Father. The good news is, God, the almighty also calls us the chosen ones. (1 Peter 2:9)

You are not separated by countries, boundary lines, bloodlines, family lines, or beliefs. The Bible simply brings hope that anyone who believes in Jesus Christ and His work on the cross.

No matter how broken your situation may look, how impossible restoration may seem, or how deeply wounded you may feel—emotionally or physically.

The Root of David, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, will intervene on your behalf .

Jesus Christ took up that cross to reveal your true identity. You are a trusted ally in the kingdom of God and with that authority, speak life over your situation.

Wear the signet ring of the Kingdom with humility and integrity to display God’s goodness and share the good news.

Heaven is counting on you.

Prayer

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for calling me Your chosen one and restoring my authority through Jesus Christ.Even when life feels broken or uncertain, remind me that I carry Your mark—Your signet ring of love and power.Help me walk in confidence, speak life over my circumstances, and reflect Your kingdom wherever I go.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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