Devotions Inspired by the Fresh Start BibleSample

### God's Promise to You By Elizabeth Settle As you read through today’s Scriptures, do you notice an intermingling of God’s blessings and earthly disappointments? In Genesis 9:1, God blesses Noah, and his family gets a new start. However, that blessing contrasts what happens later in Genesis 9:22–25. Noah is shamed by his youngest son, and he puts a curse on his own grandson, Canaan. Here’s another instance. In Psalm 3:5, David acknowledges God’s protection, “I lay down and slept, yet I woke up in safety, for the Lord was watching over me.” Amidst the disappointments of family battles and sad situations, David tapped into the powerful reality that he slept in safety because God was alert to his plight, and He hadn’t abandoned His promise to protect him. Finally, in one of the most provocative combinations of blessing and disappointment, there are The Beatitudes in which Jesus proclaims paradoxical blessings in verse after verse of Matthew 5. Blessed are the poor, the sad, the lowly and needy, the understated, and kind for “theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Today we continue to experience earthly disappointments, but as in every age, Scripture reminds us that God is alert to our plight, and He has not abandoned His blessings and promise to us. That promise is that God is with us. What do today’s readings say to you? You might be experiencing family battles and difficult situations. You might be struggling with sadness and anxiety. Will you trust that the Lord is watching over you? He knows your plight and is faithful to fulfill His promise to you—even if you feel bound by shame, grief, conflict, or injustice. Prayer Lord, I choose to stop and become aware of Your faithful covering. Will You give me ears to hear what You are saying and eyes to see how You are protecting me? Thank you for watching over me. In Jesus’ name, Amen. Memory Verse “You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.” Matthew 5:14–16