Isaiah 50:4 (NLT) The Sovereign LORD has given me his words of wisdom, so that I know what to say to all these weary ones. Morning by morning he wakens me and opens my understanding to his will. COMMENTARY PEARL I've been paying attention to the first thoughts of my day. What's on my subconscious mind as I respond to the alarm or become aware that the sun is up? Most mornings, a song is running in the background of my thoughts. Music is one of the ways I best commune with Jesus. When I wake with a song already playing, it usually remains with me throughout the day. Sometimes, it's a verse of scripture that has been "playing" while I slept. The Word is deeply embedded in me from years of treasuring it, cherishing it, reading, rereading, pondering, and studying. What if that storehouse were empty? What thoughts would consume me if worship songs and Scripture hadn't collected within me? Even that is evidence of the grace of Jesus. I am alive during an era when Scripture is more easily accessible than ever before. I was privileged to hear about Jesus from an early age. He softened my heart to believe the Bible, cling to it, and follow Him. He made it clear to me that He loved me. Jesus intervened to keep me from derailing into a life without Him. I ache for those who wake with worry or fear on their minds. Gratitude explodes at the dawn of each day that I'm privileged to serve Jesus. Each morning, He gives me confidence that together we'll handle whatever comes up as He walks me through it. And that He's been teaching me, even while I sleep. Cynthia Ruchti Faith Step: For the next week, take note of the first thought in your mind when you awaken. If its of Him, let it carry you all day long. [Mornings With Jesus 2023 Devotional by Guideposts and Zondervan] COMMENTARY Hope for the Weary Many years ago, my brother, Orville, introduced a hymn to me I'd not heard before. Its moving strains often accompany me as I drive or walk in solitude or return late from a day of demands. Art thou weary, heavy laden, Art thou sore distressed? "Come to me," saith One, "And coming, Be at rest." Growing weary is the outcome or consequence of many experiences, none of them bad but all of them exhausting. To name just a few. We can be weary of waiting (Psalm 69:3). We can be weary of studying (Ecclesiastes 12:12). We can be weary of fighting the enemy (2 Samuel 23:10). We can be weary of criticism (Psalm 6:6-7). The longer wearisomeness lingers, the more we face the danger of that weary condition clutching our inner man by the throat and strangling our hope, our motivation, our spark, our optimism. Like Isaiah, I want to sustain you who are weary with a word of encouragement: The Sovereign LORD has given me his words of wisdom, so that I know how to comfort the weary. Morning by morning he wakens me and opens my understanding to his will. Isaiah 50:4 Since our Lord never grows weary and never gets tired, He can give strength to the weary - He really can! The Lord doesn't promise to give us something to take so we can handle our weary moments. He promises us Himself. That is all. That is enough. [Chuck Swindoll www.insight.org.] CLOSING THOUGHT Kind Words We should accustom ourselves to speak in pleasant tones, to use pure and correct language, and words that are kind and courteous. Sweet, kind words are as dew and gentle showers to the soul. The Scripture says of Christ that grace was poured into His lips that He might know how to speak a word in season to him that is weary. Psalm 45:2; Isaiah 50:4. COL336 LINKS FOR FURTHER STUDY Isaiah 50:4 - Encouragement Begins Each Morning. http://www.abible.com/devotions/2016/20161206-0946.html Isaiah 50:4 - Encouragement Classes Begin Each Morning. http://www.abible.com/devotions/2004/20040622-0641.html LINKS WORTH CHECKING OUT https://abible.com/links/