A Day-by-day devotional

February 28, 2023

Spent

Chronological One Year Bible Reading Plan: Numbers 14-15

Scripture of the Day: Isaiah 40:28-32

As a biologist, I remember one of the basic experiments we performed in class. When you cut the top rib and leaves of a Chinese cabbage, then put the lower rib with the core on top of some water, it grows back leaves, and can even produce flowers! Even without soil, it thrives. All it takes is water and sunlight.

The story of a lot of us is like that. You have given everything you know and are capable of to give, for your family, your career, and the people around you. You are tired, because you already gave all that you can, and still continue to do so. In the process, you might even have lost your sense of self.

We can become extremely spent, as though life and circumstances have taken away everything. We become so exhausted, weary and anxious that we no longer feel that we would be able to recover, to re-grow.

Nonetheless, if we keep what’s left, i.e. the core of our being submerged in water, and look up to the light for sustenance, we still can sprout back and re-grow what has been taken away.

Dependence on the Living Water that gives life, and hope in the Light that makes all things new – are key to victory over weeds that choke, or an environment that drains.

Jesus Christ. Living Water. Light.

In this tumultuous and evil times, He is the only hope we can depend upon.

Reflection: When daily life becomes very taxing, it could drain the best out of you. It could even try to take whatever remains until you feel like nothing has been left. Just hang in there. Remember your hope. Remember the One who renews all things. Remember how He loves you!

Prayer: Father, in every difficult and trying time, you have never left me. At times of exhaustion, you have always given me hope. Thank you for renewing my strength. Amen.