Apr 28
Today's Reading: My Utmost for His Highest
Jeremiah 45:5
"I will give your life to you as a prize in all places, wherever you go"
The Life God Gives
Surrender does not mean pretending to enjoy a hard outward life. God is not asking you to call hardship “good” or to settle for a life that feels heavy. You can long for change and pray for relief. That desire is not wrong. What God gives is the inner life you can live from while you walk through the outward life you have today. Your circumstances may not shift immediately, but your inner life becomes calm, held, and protected in Him.
Think of Daniel in the lions' den. Consider John the Baptist, Paul, and Joseph in their imprisonments. Each endured real hardship, yet each rested in the peace only God can give and sustain in the inner man. Christians around the world are enduring hardships of all kinds even now. I have endured hardships before, and I am enduring hardship today—but I am resting in the promises of God and His peace. I am living one day at a time, because one day at a time is what we are given.
There was a week when I tried to rush ahead in this book of Chambers. But as I returned each morning to read what I had prepared for that day's post, I realized something: I am living these devotionals as they unfold. I cannot rush through them. God is meeting me in them daily. Each lesson for each day is exactly what I am walking through on that day. I am experiencing these devotionals one day at a time because that is the way God intends to meet me—right where I am.
I meet God in my daily life, and He sustains me with His care, strength, guidance, protection, and peace. I am secure in the inner life no matter what turmoil is taking place in the outer realm. The life God gives unfolds in His timing. Always know that He is with you wherever you are, and He is in control even when you cannot see any outward evidence of Him. When I look back over my life, I can see His hand clearly—even in seasons when I had no idea He was working for my good.
The life God secures within you is untouchable by stress, fear, hardship, loss, or even death. You gain a quiet confidence that you are safe in the Father’s care and that nothing can destroy His work in you. As you rest in that life, God leads you forward in His timing, not yours. We are His, and He cares for His own. He is the Good Shepherd, and we are His sheep. Knowing your name is written in the Book of Life gives you all the confidence you need. Knowing He is near—living inside of you—brings peace simply in the knowing, and He also bestows peace over your life as you lean on Him.
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, lean not unto your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths" (Proverbs 3:5-6). Surrendering to Him means leaning on Him for the peace inside of us that only He can provide—the peace that is beyond our understanding.
God gives you a life that nothing on earth can take from you.
You surrender your inner will and control to Him—your life to Him—to gain your life in Him.
He never sleeps, and He never stops watching over you. “For He who keeps you will neither slumber nor sleep.” Psalm 121:4
Prayer
Lord,Teach me to surrender every part of my life to You.
Take what I hold too tightly,
and give me the life that is secure in You alone.
Let my outer life never shake the inner life You have given me.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Breath Prayer
Inhale: My life is YoursExhale: Hold me secure
~ Quil
Scripture References:
“He gives us an inner life that is held, steady, and secure in Him.”
Colossians 3:3 — your life is hidden with Christ in God.
John 10:28–29 — no one can snatch them from His hand.
Psalm 62:1–2 — He alone is my rock and salvation.
“Our responsibilities and pressures may stay the same, but the life God gives cannot be harmed.”
2 Corinthians 4:16 — the inner person is renewed day by day.
John 16:33 — in Me you have peace.
Psalm 46:1–2 — God is our refuge and strength.
“Surrender does not mean pretending hardship is good.”
Romans 12:12 — patient in tribulation.
Psalm 34:17–18 — the Lord is near to the brokenhearted.
2 Corinthians 1:3–4 — the God of all comfort.
“The inner life becomes calm, held, and protected in Him.”
Philippians 4:7 — the peace of God will guard your heart.
Isaiah 26:3 — He keeps in perfect peace.
Psalm 91:1 — dwell in the shelter of the Most High.
“This life is untouchable by stress, fear, hardship, loss, or even death.”
Romans 8:38–39 — nothing can separate us from the love of God.
Psalm 23:4 — You are with me.
John 11:25–26 — whoever believes in Me shall never die.
“Nothing can destroy His work in you.”
Philippians 1:6 — He who began a good work will complete it.
1 Peter 1:5 — kept by the power of God.
Jude 24 — He is able to keep you from falling.
“God leads you forward in His timing, not yours.”
Proverbs 3:5–6 — He will direct your paths.
Psalm 37:23 — the steps of a good person are ordered by the Lord.
Isaiah 30:21 — this is the way, walk in it.
“God gives you a life that nothing on earth can take from you.”
John 10:10 — life abundantly.
Colossians 3:3 — your life is hidden with Christ.
1 John 5:11–12 — God has given us eternal life.
Biblical examples of enduring hardship with inner peace:
Daniel 6:22 — God shut the lions’ mouths.
Matthew 11:2–6 — John the Baptist in prison, still trusting Christ.
Acts 16:25 — Paul and Silas praying and singing in prison.
Genesis 50:20 — God meant it for good.
Christians suffering around the world:
1 Peter 4:12–13 — do not be surprised at the fiery trial.
Hebrews 13:3 — remember those in chains.
Living one day at a time:
Matthew 6:34 — do not worry about tomorrow.
Lamentations 3:22–23 — His mercies are new every morning.
God meeting you daily and sustaining you:
Psalm 73:23–24 — You guide me continually.
Isaiah 33:6 — He will be the stability of your times.
Psalm 68:19 — He daily bears our burdens.
God working even when unseen:
John 5:17 — My Father is always working.
Romans 8:28 — God works all things together for good.
Psalm 121:3–4 — He who keeps you will not slumber.
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