Devotions By Jan

Category Archives: Contentment


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Nesting Too Near!

Scripture for Today: Psalm 84:3-4 “Even the sparrow has found a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may have her young – a place near your altar, Lord Almighty, My King and My God.”

I never would have seen this nest if I had not been weeding! The mother duck had carefully pulled over these flowering bushes to cover her baker’s dozen. I had previously seen this duck dive into our flower bed along the walkway leading up to our front door. But it never occurred to me that she was nesting there! And she was sitting on her eggs when I disturbed her. I hope she returns but at the same time I can’t imagine thirteen little ducklings waddling around our entrance!

Today’s verse speaks of a perfect place for a nest. The swallow builds her nest near God’s altar. When one thinks of a nest, there is the thought of comfort, care and protection. A nest represents home and hearth. And the altar of God represents His presence. It is a place of adoration and worship. The psalmist cannot even mention the word “altar” without praising His name! The context of this verse goes on to say that there is happiness when dwelling in His presence.

A nest may be built of all sorts of bits and pieces. It could include mud, feathers, twigs and leaves. But the most important factor is its proximity to God’s altar. My “nest” could be feathered well with all kinds of creature comforts, but does it include God’s presence? If I am dwelling in His presence, He makes my home beautiful. His presence there means there is blessing for me and praise for Him (verse 4).

Lord, keep me dwelling in Your presence today! 


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Greener Grass

Scripture for Today: Psalm 23:2-3a “He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul.”

This silly goat must be convinced that the grass is greener on the other side of his fence to be in this predicament! We cannot fault him too much as our longing for what might be just out of our reach is an apt description of many of us! The author and scholar James Pomerantz, proved in 1983 that grass at a distance will appear greener even when it is not! Without going into his optical and perceptual laws, it is seeing the blades of grass close up and perpendicular to the ground that will give us the true color.

Today’s verse speaks of green pastures. God, as our Shepherd leads us there and makes us to lie down. It is such a beautiful picture of rest and refreshment. The grass is plenty green as it is fed by quiet waters and it is there that our souls are refreshed. It is not on the other side of the fence. It is not out of reach. However, our Shepherd has to lead us there. It can be right in front of us but we are too busy and distracted to see it. We are also too busy to slow down and stop. He makes us lie down.

When I am feeling overwhelmed or discontent my soul needs refreshing. The world will tell me that I need to refresh myself with a spa treatment, the newest tech product or any number of theatrical or culinary distractions! I believe in having a balanced life that includes fun. But none of these touch my soul. Restoring my soul is spending time with my Shepherd in that green pasture. My soul is refreshed when He walks with me along those still waters. He calms that pervasive disquiet inside.

Thank you Lord, that spending time with You refreshes me.


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Daybreak or “Daybrake?”

Scripture for Today: Psalm 118:24 (KJV) “This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.”

What puts the brake on your day? A recent survey concluded that the average American knows by 8:36 am whether it will be a good day or a bad day! Apparently, the mishaps of the morning cause half of those surveyed to cancel plans or call in sick! On average this happens four times a month due to: waking up sick or with a headache, a poor night’s sleep, misplacing keys, forgetting a wallet or phone, running out of TP or oversleeping!

Today’s verse can begin a day much differently, despite our circumstances! To acknowledge that the Lord has out of His goodness and love granted us one more day is a reason to be thankful. (verse 29) To recognize that the Lord is our strength, our song and our salvation completely changes our outlook! (verse 14) His mercy and compassion are new again as we awake. They are renewed specifically in the morning at the start of a new day. (Lamentations 3:22-23) These thoughts on waking stir in us joy and gladness!

Realistically, these thoughts do not always characterize me on waking. Especially when the night’s sleep was less than refreshing! But there can always be a meaningful pause before rolling out of bed. A pause to thank Him for life, for His love, for the faithfulness He shows me. These thoughts of gratitude can even be turned in God’s direction BEFORE coffee! Things may still go wrong with my morning but this way the beginning is always positive!

Thank you Lord, that I can wake up with joy!


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Our Bald Eagle

Scripture for Today: Psalm 103:5 “who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.”

The majestic Bald Eagle has been our National Bird since being placed on our official national seal in 1782 by congress. As we were still embroiled in war with England until the following year, this bird was a fitting choice, looking strong and fierce! In fact, the eagle has been used as a symbol of strength in many different countries throughout the centuries. It was even used by the Roman Legions as their standard.

Today’s verse is a call to praise the Lord for all of His benefits. David then lists several, ending with this amazing declaration. God satisfies our desires so that even our youth is renewed like the eagle’s!  Rather than constantly flapping our wings, we ride that thermal air current, soaring in His power. To be like the eagle means gaining new heights and flying long distances with minimal effort. Regardless of our age, renewal gives new impetus and energy! Satisfaction with what God gives allows us to experience new strength!

Looking to the Lord to take care of each desire is an exercise in renewal. No longer is there an energy drain fussing about what I do not have or pining away for what I wish I had. I am freed from discontent when I hand over my desires to Him. He knows what I really want. He knows what it is I truly need. He sees what complications can come from some of my wants. He only gives to me what is good. I want to relinquish every desire to Him and not be dragged down from the heights where I can be soaring! Satisfaction with Him is energizing!

Thank you Lord, for the renewal You offer me today.


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Big Boy Pants

Scripture for Today: Philippians 4:13 “I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”

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We have a saying in our home that my husband uses when faced with a difficult or unpleasant task; ” I’ll just put on my big boy pants!” Although not heard so often, the idea comes from an earlier era. In the 1910’s and 1920’s, wearing long pants was a true rite of passage. Sometime during the teen years, knee pants, knickers or knickerbockers worn as a boy are exchanged for long pants. This signals to others a certain recognized maturity. So to wear big boy pants today is to do the responsible mature thing!

Today’s verse is Paul’s confident assertion that Christ gives him strength. This strength enables him not just to do the responsible mature thing but to find contentment in whatever situation he finds himself. It is Christ’s offered strength that is the secret to Paul’s contentment (verse 12). Not only does God give strength for the task but He also gives a sense of contentment throughout the ordeal. And it is in abiding and connecting ourselves to the Source of strength that we can rise to the occasion and be effective (John 15:5).

I tend to lean on my own resources. There is a certain “can do” attitude that I expect of myself. But to have a contented heart when the going gets tough is truly a gift of strength from the Lord. When I am overwhelmed by circumstances I cannot change, I need His supernatural strength to be settled and peaceful inside. His contentment has nothing to do with whether today was a good day or a bad day. What a beautiful gift His contentment is! Regardless of the difficulty, He makes my heart light.

Lord, I need Your strength today.