Dear Friend, Maybe Today You Need to Know . . .

Dear friend, maybe today you need to know . . .

that God requires nothing of you but a surrendered heart. He doesn’t look at you with a critical eye and assess your lack. His gaze is soft and tender, and He sees not what you’ve surrendered, but how it’s covered in pure righteousness. Take heart in the promise found in Isaiah 61:10 (TPT):

I will sing and greatly rejoice in Yahweh!
My whole being vibrates
with shouts of joy in my God!
For he has dressed me with salvation
and wrapped me in the robe of his righteousness!

You are not a disappointment. The way you see has irreplaceable value—so offer your wisdom gently as the gift that it is. Your family and neighborhood need your help to see how all the lack in the world around us is but an arrow pointing to the only One able to fill every need and heal every wound.

Dear friend, maybe today you need to know . . .

your value is not determined by how much you are needed by the people around you. Your desire to help and heal and fill in the gaps reflects the way God gives of Himself for us. But perhaps you’re feeling weary and need to know that you are loved wholly even as you rest. I pray you may experience the joy of resting in Christ that is described in Psalm 131:2 (TPT):

I am humbled and quieted in your presence.
Like a contented child who rests on its mother’s lap,
I’m your resting child and my soul is content in you.

Your selfless generosity and genuine care for others is a beautiful gift—so offer it with no conditions so it overflows from rather than defines you. You are wired to represent Christ’s unconditional love for those around you—including those in your neighborhood.

Dear friend, maybe today you need to know . . .

that God sees through to your core, and He still likes you. Oh, He loves you dearly, but sometimes it’s harder to see that He also likes you. When showing the real you to others feels too risky, remember that you don’t need to win God’s approval, nor are you in danger of losing it—and His approval matters most. Jesus says this about you in Psalm 103:13 (TPT):

The same way a loving father feels toward his children—
that’s but a sample of your tender feelings toward us,
your beloved children, who live in awe of you.

You set things in motion, and lead the way in confidence, and we love that about you. May you know today that your drive and zeal are powerful forces for good in your neighborhood and community—so employ them for the good of those around you.

Dear friend, maybe today you need to know . . .

that the vibrantly unique things that make you, you are gifts from God, and He gives only good gifts. When you feel unsettled or out of place, know that there is always a place for you in the sweet presence of God. Belonging to Him erases none of who you are, but instead calls you up into your strengths. May this prayer from Psalm 119:144 (TPT) draw you to linger at the Lord’s feet:

Give me more revelation so I can live for you,
for nothing is more pure and eternal than your truth.

Your presence can be like a balm to your friends and neighbors in their hardest life moments—so don’t discount how vital you are in your community. The way you feel deeply is a reflection of the way God’s own heart feels towards each of us.

Dear friend, maybe today you need to know . . .

that your innate ability to listen shows others how God leans to listen to each of us. You don’t have to be loud to live a life that shines brightly and points those around you to the hope He gives. When you seek His presence when you feel empty, you lead the way to God’s heart. Take comfort in the promise found in Psalm 116:8-9 (TPT):

He’s kept my feet firmly on his path
and strengthened me so that I may please him
and live my life before him in his life-giving light.

May you find all you need in the One who gives life—and then let that light shine out beyond you in your home and neighborhood. The objective lens you see the world through is an asset, and you bring a depth to relationships we all appreciate and need.

Dear friend, maybe today you need to know . . .

that the way you stick with your closest friends through everything mirrors the forever-and-always faithful God. You lead the way in loyalty, and it does not go unnoticed. When fear tries to push you away from God and away from connection, speak aloud this truth from Psalm 66:20 (TPT):

I will forever praise this God who didn’t close his heart when I prayed
and never said no when I asked him for help.
He never once refused to show me his tender love.

You see the potential places each path could lead, and you help slow down those who might rush unwisely into decisions. Your questions are a gift—so lend your wisdom with grace. As you continue to trust in the middle of fear, you live a powerful testimony that draws your family, friends, and neighbors closer to God.

Dear friend, maybe today you need to know . . .

that in the quiet place with God, you will never be alone. It’s OK to slow your pace and face the pain. He will be right there, and He will gently lead you beyond the pain to healing. Through times of solitude, He will fill you, and His presence will linger as you connect with others. May the encouragement found in Ephesians 5:2 (TPT) speak life into your soul:

And continue to walk surrendered to the extravagant love of Christ, for he surrendered his life as a sacrifice for us. His great love for us was pleasing to God, like an aroma of adoration—a sweet healing fragrance.

You are wired for relationship, and that reflects the richness of community God desires for us all. As you find the rhythm of living close to God while inviting others in close, you walk out the life of a disciple-making-disciple in your neighborhood and social circles.

Dear friend, maybe today you need to know . . .

that you are dearly beloved, and it’s because of the way God loves you that you live aware of the things that break His heart. You show us all how to employ drive and righteous anger in ways that bring hope and healing. Don’t be afraid to bring others into your efforts to be a force for good—you need others as they need you. May the words of Romans 15:7 (TPT) guide you:

You will bring God glory when you accept and welcome one another as partners, just as the Anointed One has fully accepted you and received you as his partner.

When you find yourself in front and alone, remember that you don’t have to carry it all by yourself. Your family and neighborhood need your leadership strengths—so remember who you are leading and where you are leading them.

Dear friend, maybe today you need to know . . .

that the first step in moving towards your dream is usually the hardest. It may feel like there is no grace to go at your own pace, but you will gain momentum if you will only begin. Press into God, for from Him flows all you need to shine brightly for Him everywhere you go. May these lines from Romans 15:13 (TPT) be a life-line:

Now may God, the inspiration and fountain of hope, fill you to overflowing with uncontainable joy and perfect peace as you trust in him. And may the power of the Holy Spirit continually surround your life with his super-abundance until you radiate with hope!

You are created to usher in the true peace of God wherever you go—peace that is authored by God not created by your efforts. So ground yourself in Him so all that overflows comes from Him.

P.S. Did you know The Uncommon Normal is also a podcast? Tune in on Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio, or Spotify.

Change your actual life in less than 5 minutes per day!

You can change your actual life in less than 5 minutes a day because baby steps truly can change the trajectory of your life. If you want 2021 to be the year you actually start living on mission in your neighborhood, this little book (available as a paperback and on Kindle) will help you get there. Each of the 30-day devotions takes but a few minutes to read, but they will lead to lasting life change.

If you’d like to check out Part 1 of the devotional FREE and also gain access to the rest of the missional living resources I’ve created for you in the new For You library, let me know here where to send the unlock code!