MAY 19 - When Peace and Purpose Collide
3-Year-Bible Reading: Proverbs 16:7; Psalm 56; 2 Corinthians 8–9
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“When a man's ways please the Lord, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.” — Proverbs 16:7
“When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I shall not be afraid. What can flesh do to me?” — Psalm 56:3–4
“Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” — 2 Corinthians 9:7
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Life is full of moments where we feel unsure, afraid, or even misunderstood. Maybe you've had a fight with a friend, been left out of a group, or struggled with doing the right thing when it wasn’t popular.
In Psalm 56, David pours out his fears but keeps choosing to trust God. Proverbs 16:7 reminds us that when we live to please God, He can even calm tensions with people who don’t like us. And in 2 Corinthians 8–9, Paul talks about generosity—how giving with joy reflects a heart that trusts in God’s goodness. These passages together show how trusting God leads to peace, courage, and a heart that wants to give.
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THINK ABOUT IT
1. Pleasing God Over People: Are you more focused on what people think of you or what God thinks? Pleasing God can bring unexpected peace in difficult relationships.
2. Faith Over Fear: What’s something you're afraid of right now? Like David, you can bring your fear to God and still choose to trust Him.
3. Giving With Joy: Do you see giving as a chore or a joy? God doesn’t just look at what we give—but how we give. A generous heart reflects a heart full of trust.
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BOTTOM LINE
When you trust God with your fears, relationships, and resources, He can turn anxiety into courage, conflict into peace, and giving into joy.
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PRAYER
Heavenly Father, thank You for being trustworthy and good. Help me to live in a way that pleases You—even when it’s hard. Teach me to trust You when I’m afraid, and give generously with joy, knowing You are my provider and peace. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
