Mustard Seed Daily Devotions
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Finding Joy in the Unbearable

In the Word

In my anguish I cried to the Lord, and he answered by setting me free. The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid (Psalm 118:5–6a).

Of the Word

In 1 Samuel, we read that barren Hannah prayed earnestly for a child, and God heard and answered her prayer. In 1 Kings we are told that Elijah believed that he was the only prophet left in Israel, but God assured him that there were many others who had not bowed to Baal. In the book of Jonah, we hear of a fish, a prayer, and a rescue. King David faced many times of anguish during his lifetime, and God heard and helped.

The Scriptures are filled with examples of people who experienced deep anguish and received hope and joy from the Lord. Though the causes of our anguish in the 21st century are different, we have the same Lord and Savior. His answers — given to us in the right way and at just the right time — bring freedom from anguish and fear. True joy can be found only in Him!

Walking with my Lord

O Lord, help me to face my fears with the certainty that You are with me. As You dispel my fears one by one, help me to grow in faith and knowledge of You. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.


Mustard Seed: Living in Joy. Authors: Dcs. Betty Knapp, Irene Mensing, Myrna Lou Meyer, Margaret White. 9/30 ©2005 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. www.lwml.org

Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations were taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. All rights reserved worldwide.

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