Knowing God in the Everyday

Reflections From

Be strong, &take heart

ALL YOU WHO HOPE IN THE L ORD !

PSALM 31:24

Knowing God in the Everyday

Reflections From

COVER PHOTO: © shutterstock.com/Carpathian, Ukraine

EDITORIAL TEAM: Anne Cetas, Becky Knapp, Dave Branon, Tim Gustafson, Alyson Kieda, David Sper • ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS: Scriptures taken from Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. © 2023 Our Daily Bread Ministries. All rights reserved. • Printed in Europe.

Knowing God in the Everyday

Blaise Pascal, the 17th century French mathematician and philosopher, said there’s a God-shaped vacuum in every human heart. Centuries before Pascal, a man named Augustine searched to fill the aching void in his own life. After he found what he had been missing, he wrote a prayer in which he said to God, “You have made us for Yourself, and our heart is restless until we find our rest in You.”

Those two thinkers expressed what each one of us realises in our quiet, reflective moments. Deep within us is a restless need to know the One who made us. We want to discover the purpose He has for our existence in His universe. We long to find peace in a world that never quite seems to give us what we’re after.

Maybe you’ve never really had an active relationship with God before. Or maybe your time with Him has been slowly taken over by other things. Maybe your everyday life has just rumbled on and you’re wondering where the spark has gone.

That’s why we have created this little booklet. Within its pages are daily readings that are designed to help you rediscover the joy of spending time with God. Refresh yourself in the truth of the Bible and be reminded just who God is and what He has done for you in Jesus.

It is our prayer that the following pages will speak to you directly, helping to point you to the satisfaction that can only be found in knowing Jesus for yourself.

In Him, Your friends at Our Daily Bread Ministries

“You have made us for Yourself, and our heart is restless until we find our rest in You.”

14 For this reason I kneel before the Father, 15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name.

16 I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18 may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19 and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.

20 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

Baking for God

To him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

[ EPHESIANS 3:21 ]

“It seems like a frivolous thing to ask the Lord to help my gelatine to set, but . . . I had the attitude of this whole experience [being] a gift from God,” reflected Kevin Flynn after his Great British Bake Off experience. “Whatever goes well I thank the Lord for, and whatever doesn’t go well I hold onto with an open hand.”

Kevin highlights Ephesians 3:20–21 on his social-media sites as a key passage because he wants to pour out praise to God as the One worthy of all the honour. To God “be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever!” (V. 21). Kevin wants to use all his words and actions—and all his bakes—to glorify God.

These verses from Paul’s letter form part of a prayer for the Ephesian Christians. Paul desires that they would be strengthened with the power of the Spirit (V. 16) so that, indwelt by Christ, they would be “rooted and established in love” (V. 17). After all, God can do “immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us” (V. 20).

We might not be able to bake like Kevin, but we can ask God to help us serve Him in all our activities. He will fill us with His grace through His Spirit, helping us to bring Him honour and praise.

AMY BOUCHER PYE

REFLECT: Why is it important that Christians such as Kevin take part in cultural events such as Bake Off? How can you lean on God today, asking Him to fill you with His power?

PRAY: Creator God, You have made me in Your image and filled me with Your Holy Spirit. Help me to find my strength in You.

WHATEVER YOU DO, WHETHER IN WORD OR DEED, DO IT ALL IN

the name of the Lord Jesus,

GIVING THANKS TO GOD THE FATHER THROUGH HIM.

Colossians 3:17

5 Verses to Help You Entrust Everything You Do to the Lord

1 May the favour of the Lord our God rest on us; establish the work of our hands for us—yes, establish the work of our hands.

PSALM 90:17

2 Whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

COLOSSIANS 3:17

3 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters. COLOSSIANS 3:23

4 Good deeds are obvious, and even those that are not obvious cannot remain hidden for ever. 1 TIMOTHY 5:25

5 If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ.

1 PETER 4:11

12 If an enemy were insulting me, I could endure it; if a foe were rising against me, I could hide. 13 But it is you, a man like myself, my companion, my close friend, 14 with whom I once enjoyed sweet fellowship at the house of God, as we walked about among the worshippers.

15 Let death take my enemies by surprise; let them go down alive to the realm of the dead, for evil finds lodging among them.

16 As for me, I call to God, and the Lord saves me. 17 Evening, morning and noon I cry out in distress, and he hears my voice.

18 He rescues me unharmed from the battle waged against me, even though many oppose me. 19 God, who is enthroned from of old, who does not change—he will hear them and humble them, because they have no fear of God.

20 My companion attacks his friends; he violates his covenant. 21 His talk is smooth as butter, yet war is in his heart; his words are more soothing than oil, yet they are drawn swords.

22 Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.

“Gary!”

Evening, morning and noon I cry out in distress, and he hears my voice. [ PSALM 55:17 ]

Ayoung Prince William was playing in Buckingham Palace when he tripped and fell over. Palace staff rushed to his aid. “Gary!” he cried. But who was Gary? Much confusion followed. Was Gary on the staff? A friend?

Suddenly the Queen herself appeared. Completely deadpan, she announced, “I’m Gary.” Going to comfort her grandson, she explained, “He hasn’t learnt to say Granny yet.”

That was my favourite Queen Elizabeth II story to circulate after she passed away in 2022. It showed the love and devotion she had for her family.

However, realistically, no earthly ruler can extend this kind of intimate attention and care to every person under their sovereignty. Yet when it comes to the King of kings, no one is ever lost in the crowd. This was certainly King David’s hope as he reeled from the betrayal of a friend (PSALM 55:12). He wrote, “As for me, I call to God, and the Lord saves me. Evening, morning and noon I cry out in distress, and he hears my voice” (VV. 16–17).

Prince William could expect the Queen to answer his cries because she was his grandmother. We too can cry out to the Lord—day or night—and expect His attention: we are more than His subjects; we are each individually loved as His children. So “Cast your cares on the Lord,” David encourages us, “and he will sustain you” (V. 22). CHRIS WALE

REFLECT: How does it encourage you to know the Lord is always attentive to your cries? What does it look like for you to seek His sustenance when life is hard?

PRAY: Heavenly Father, thank You that I can cry out to you “evening, morning and noon”. Your ears are always attentive to me, Your precious child.

CAST YOUR CARES ON THE LORD AND he will sustain you.

7 Invitations to Draw Near to God

1 As for me, it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign Lord my refuge.

PSALM 73:28

2 Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere; I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked. PSALM 84:10

3 Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.

PSALM 91:1

4 Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.

MATTHEW 11:28

5 In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.

EPHESIANS 3:12

6 Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. HEBREWS 4:16

7 Come near to God and he will come near to you. JAMES 4:8

10 I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. 11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

14 Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles. 15 Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; 16 for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid more than once when I was in need. 17 Not that I desire your gifts; what I desire is that more be credited to your account. 18 I have received full payment and have more than enough. I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. 19 And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.

Content in all Circumstances

I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. [ PHILIPPIANS 4:11 ]

The sign said, “The Elephant Man”. It described an “exhibit” in Victorian circuses and “freak” shows. Shockingly, however, this popular exhibit was a human being: Joseph Merrick (18621890). He suffered from severe deformities and had escaped an abusive life in the workhouse only to endure the shrieks of horrified crowds as he sought to make a living.

But then he found refuge and friendship with surgeon Frederick Treves. Treves wondered at Merrick’s gentleness and why he never complained about his abusers or his condition. The answer lay in Merrick’s deep faith. He knew the Bible intimately, not just in his head, but also in his heart and soul. He had the strength and transforming presence of Christ that the apostle Paul had experienced.

Paul faced hunger, beating, stoning and imprisonment, and suffered with a debilitating health condition too. But he had “learned to be content whatever the circumstances” (PHILIPPIANS 4:11). His “secret of being content” was his union with Jesus (V. 12). “I can do all this,” Paul said, “through him who gives me strength” (V. 13). Neither Paul nor Merrick relied on circumstances. Their resilience, assurance and character came from their living union with Christ through His Spirit and Word. Upsetting, painful and difficult circumstances can overwhelm us, consuming our thoughts and emotions. But we can draw strength from God, who meets our needs or helps us to face them, “according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus” (V. 19).

ANNE LE TISSIER

REFLECT: Which promise has God given you from His Word to infuse peace into your heart for a challenging situation? Could you pause in your day to worship Him in song, bringing His love and power to the forefront of your mind?

PRAY: Ever-present Jesus, thank You that Your life in me reassures, satisfies and strengthens me, despite the problems I face.

I HAVE LEARNED TO

BE

CONTENT whatever the circumstances.

Philippians 4:11

6 Ways to Learn Contentment from Philippians 4

1 Take time to rejoice before the Lord: “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: rejoice!” (V. 4).

2 Bring everything to God in prayer: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God” (V. 6).

3 Ask for His peace: “The peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (V. 7).

4

Set your mind on God and His ways: “Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things” (V. 8).

5

Don’t base your contentment on your circumstances: “I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances” (V. 11).

6

Live by Jesus’ inexhaustible strength: “I can do all this through him who gives me strength” (V. 13).

10 The name of the Lord is a fortified tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.

11 The wealth of the rich is their fortified city; they imagine it a wall too high to scale.

Your Safe Place

The name of the Lord is a fortified tower; the righteous run to it and are safe. [ PROVERBS 18:10 ]

My daughter and I were arranging to attend an extended family gathering. Because she was nervous about the trip, I offered to drive. “Okay. But I feel safer in my car. Can you drive it?” she asked. I assumed she preferred her more spacious vehicle to my compact one so I responded, “Is my car too cramped?” “No, it’s just that my car is my safe place. Somehow I feel protected there.”

Her comment challenged me to consider my own personal ‘safe place’. Immediately I thought of Proverbs 18:10, “The name of the Lord is a fortified tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.” In Old Testament times, the walls and watchtower of a city provided warning of danger from without and shielding for its citizens within. The writer’s point is that God’s name, which stands for His character, person and everything that He is, provides true protection for His people.

Certain physical places promise longed-for safety in moments that seem dangerous. A sturdy roof overhead in the midst of a storm. A hospital offering medical care. The embrace of a loved one.

What is your ‘safe place’? Wherever we seek safety, it is God’s presence with us in that place that provides the strength and protection we really need.

ELISA MORGAN

REFLECT: How can you let go of situations that are out of your control and surrender them to God? What aspects of His character help you to take refuge in Him?

PRAY: Dear God, thank You that no matter what worries and concerns I have today, when I think about You, I find safety in Your presence.

THE NAME OF THE LORD IS A fortified tower; THE RIGHTEOUS RUN TO IT and are safe.

Proverbs 18:10

5 Descriptions of God as Our Refuge

1 The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. PSALM 9:9

2 The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock. PSALM 18:2

3 You are my hiding-place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance. PSALM 32:7

4 He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. PSALM 91:4

5 You hem me in behind and before, and you lay your hand upon me. PSALM 139:5

32 And what more shall I say? I do not have time to tell about Gideon, Barak, Samson and Jephthah, about David and Samuel and the prophets, 33 who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and gained what was promised; who shut the mouths of lions, 34 quenched the fury of the flames, and escaped the edge of the sword; whose weakness was turned to strength; and who became powerful in battle and routed foreign armies. 35 Women received back their dead, raised to life again. There were others who were tortured, refusing to be released so that they might gain an even better resurrection. 36 Some faced jeers and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment. 37 They were put to death by stoning; they were sawn in two; they were killed by the sword. They went about in sheepskins and goatskins, destitute, persecuted and ill-treated— 38 the world was not worthy of them. They wandered in deserts and mountains, living in caves and in holes in the ground. 39 These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised, 40 since God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect.

Faithful but Not Forgotten

These were all commended for their faith.

[ HEBREWS 11:39 ]

As he was growing up, Sean knew little about what it meant to have a family. His mother had died and his father was hardly home. He often felt lonely and abandoned. A couple who lived nearby, however, reached out to him. They took him into their home and got their children to be ‘big brother’ and ‘big sister’ to him, which gave him assurance that he was loved. They also took him to church, where Sean, now a confident young man, is a youth leader today.

Although this couple played such a key role in turning a young life around, what they did for Sean isn’t widely known to most people in their church family. But God knows, and I believe their faithfulness will be rewarded someday, as will those listed in the Bible’s ‘Hall of Faith’. Hebrews 11 starts with the big names of Scripture, but it goes on to speak of countless others we may never know, yet who “were all commended for their faith” (V. 39). And “the world,” says the writer, “was not worthy of them” (V. 38).

Even when our deeds of kindness go unnoticed by others, God sees and knows. What we do might seem like a small thing—a kind deed or an encouraging word—but God can use it to bring glory to His name, in His time and in His way. He knows, even if others don’t.

LESLIE KOH

REFLECT: What is one simple thing you could do for someone today? How can you remind yourself that God knows your heart and the work of your hands?

PRAY: Heavenly Father, please continue to show me what good works You’ve prepared for me to do, and give me the faith to do it for You alone.

Running to God’s Ready Embrace

Every day the father craned his neck to look towards the distant road, waiting for his son’s return. And every night he went to bed disappointed. But one day, a speck appeared. A lonesome silhouette stood against the crimson sky. Could that be my son? Despite the torn clothes and bare feet, he glimpsed enough that was familiar. Yes, that has to be my son! And so while the son was “still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms round him and kissed him” (LUKE 15:20).

It is remarkable that the family patriarch did something that was considered undignified in Middle Eastern culture—he ran to meet his son. The father was full of unbridled joy at his son’s return.

The son didn’t deserve such a reception. When he had asked his father for his share of the inheritance and left home, it was as if he had wished his father dead. But despite all that the son had done to his father, he was still his son (V. 24).

This is perhaps the most famous story Jesus ever told. But is it primarily about the wayward younger son? The stubborn and proud older son? Or maybe it’s firstly about the unmerited and unchanging love of their Father . . .

Even as the younger son was trying to apologise, we’re told: “the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate” (VV. 22–24).

The son, who had lost everything, was fully restored. Firstly, he was given “the best robe.” Whose robe could this have been but the Father’s? He was the master to whom all “the best” clothes would have belonged!

Secondly, a ring was put on his finger. No longer a nomad without friend or family, the son received the mark of his Father’s household as his own again.

Finally, sandals were put on his feet. Through his foolish living, the boy had made himself a slave. Slaves often went without any shoes for their feet. But now the Father restored him to being a son once more.

This parable reminds us that today we’re accepted by God and fully restored as His precious children because of His grace, not because of our merits. The younger son changed dramatically through the story: from life to death to life again. What remained the same was His Father’s love; it is the same love that’s always ready to race to us and restore us, no matter how far we may fall or what battle may rise before us.

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Knowing God in the Everyday

Deep within us is a restless need to know the One who made us. Maybe you’ve never really had an active relationship with God before. Or maybe your time with Him has been slowly taken over by other things. Maybe everyday life has just rumbled on and you’re wondering where the spark has gone. That’s why we have created this little booklet for you. Within its pages are encouraging and uplifting daily readings to help you rediscover the joy of spending time with God. Refresh yourself in the truth of the Bible and be reminded just who God is and what He has done for you in Jesus.

For information on our resources, visit ourdailybread.org

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