I have been spiritually drained these past few days, waking up feeling exhausted. But Lord, my Father, You are so good to me and so faithful. Thank You for showing up in my need. Your presence is my greatest comfort and my ultimate reward.

I am still in awe of how marvelously You placed this line in my path. Far from the U.S., yet You printed these words on a big wall, just for me to see in that very moment:

“To shine, not to be illuminated.”

And this morning, You sent me this verse:

“And you must show mercy to those whose faith is wavering. Rescue others by snatching them from the flames of judgment. Show mercy to still others, but do so with great caution, hating the sins that contaminate their lives.” (Jude 1:22-23 NLT)

I see now that I have poured so much effort into trying to fix the world around me. I have expected people to change and have strived for perfection in things that were never meant to be. But my focus has been misplaced. Lord, help me recenter my heart on You. I want all my best efforts to go toward You alone.

Please take away my disappointments and the bitterness I feel toward this world. I know these feelings do not belong in a heart that belongs to Christ. Fill me instead with Your love and compassion for those who are suffering in the very ways that grieve me. Keep my heart tender and my spirit ablaze for You.