Today Daily Devotional

Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy.
— Psalm 126:5

The journey of life isn’t always easy. We face struggles, setbacks, and moments where it feels like our efforts are in vain. But the beautiful truth of Psalm 126:5 is that God does not waste our pain. The tears we shed are never in vain, for they are like seeds being sown for a harvest of joy. I remember a time when I was going through a season of difficulty. It felt like everything was falling apart, and I couldn’t see how any good could come from it. Yet, looking back, I realize that those moments of struggle were the very things that cultivated a deeper joy in me. God used the pain to refine me, teach me, and ultimately bring me to a place of greater peace and happiness. We are promised that, even in our sorrow, God will bring forth joy. The joy doesn’t always come immediately, and at times we have to endure some hard moments. But when the harvest comes, it’s sweeter than we could have imagined. It’s a joy that only God can bring—a joy that comes from knowing that he is with us through it all. As we walk through life, let’s remember that the joy that follows the tears is a new joy. It’s a joy that comes from trusting God with our struggles and waiting patiently for his work to be completed in us. 

God, thank you for the promise of joy in our life’s journey. Help me to trust you through the difficult times and to hold on to the hope that we will be filled with joy in you. Amen.

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.”
— John 13:34-35

When Jesus gave this new command to his disciples, he wasn’t simply telling them to show kindness or to be nice to each other. No, Jesus was calling his followers to something deeper—a radical, sacrificial love that mirrors his own. This is a love that goes beyond feelings and extends into actions. Jesus’ love is the kind of love that says, “I will put your needs above mine, even when that is difficult.” Think about how often we hear of “love” in the world today. It’s talked about in the context of self-love, romantic love, and the love we feel for family and friends. But what sets the love of Christ apart is its foundation in sacrifice. Jesus loved us to the point of laying down his life for us all. This is the love he calls us to show to others. This command is new in the sense that it is not about loving people as we want to love them, but as Jesus loved us—unconditionally and without limit. It’s a love that challenges us to love the unlovable, to forgive when that is hard, and to extend grace when it seems undeserved. When we walk in the love of Jesus, we bear witness to the world about who Jesus is and the transformation he brings. Let’s love as he has loved us. 

Jesus, thank you for showing us what true love looks like. Help me to love others with the same sacrificial love you have shown me. And may my actions reflect your love. Amen.

If anyone is in Christ, that person is a new creation. The old has gone, the new is here!
— 2 Corinthians 5:17

Becoming a new creation in Christ is one of the most beautiful transformations we can experience. But it doesn’t always feel like a sudden change, does it? I’ve found that, at times, I don’t always see the immediate evidence of my transformation, and that can lead to discouragement. It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking, “I’m still the same person I was before.” But here’s the truth: When you come to faith in Christ, you are a new creation, and that is the beginning of a radical shift. The old ways, the old habits, the old mindset—these things begin to fade away. You are not just improving on who you were; you are becoming someone entirely new. I remember when I first came to this realization. I was trying to change my behavior to match what I thought Christ wanted from me. But it wasn’t until I embraced my new identity in him that I started to experience real change. Instead of striving in my own strength, I learned to rest in the truth that Christ had already made me new. Embrace your new identity in Christ. When you’re tempted to go back to old patterns, remind yourself that the old has passed away. The new has come, and you are a new creation in him!

Lord, thank you for making me a new creation in Christ. Help me to fully embrace my new identity in you and to live out the transformation you have begun in me. Amen.

He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
— Philippians 1:6

When we set out on a new journey or season, it can be easy to feel discouraged, as if the process of change is taking too long or the work isn’t happening quickly enough. Sometimes we wonder if the growth we desire in our lives will ever truly take place. I’ve been there—often questioning if I would ever truly grow past certain struggles. But Philippians 1:6 is a reminder that God is not finished with us yet. He began a good work in us, and he is faithful to complete it. This reminds me of a time in my life when I was overwhelmed by all the changes that I felt were needed in my life. I tried to rush things, but the harder I pushed, the more frustrated I became. It was during those moments of struggle that God gently reminded me that he is the one doing the work, not me. God’s timing is perfect, and he works in ways that I can’t always see or understand. Take comfort in knowing that God is working in you. Your transformation might not happen overnight, but God will complete the good work he has started in you. Trust in his process and know that, as you walk with him, you will become the person he created you to be. 

Lord Jesus, thank you for the work you are doing in me. Help me to trust your timing and to believe that you are faithful to complete what you have started. Amen.

He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”
— 2 Corinthians 12:9

Life has a way of humbling us. Whether that takes place through physical illness, personal struggles, or unexpected challenges, we often find ourselves in places where we feel weak and incapable. But in those moments of weakness, God’s power is made evident. I’ve learned that in times when I feel I have nothing left to give, God’s strength rises within me. I remember a situation in which I was trying to balance my personal life, work, and ministry, feeling overwhelmed and worn out. I wasn’t sure how much longer I could keep going. Yet, through prayer, God reminded me that in my weakness, he could show his power. Instead of pushing through on my own, I began to lean into God’s strength, trusting that he would carry me. When you feel weak, remember that God doesn’t expect you to be strong on your own. His grace is more than enough. His strength in your weakness is the very thing that will carry you through and make you stronger than you ever imagined. 

Holy Spirit, thank you for being my strength in times of weakness. Help me to rest in your power and trust in your sufficiency. Amen.