Your Next Chapter Will Be Greater Than Your Last. Those Who Counted You For Dead, Forget You Have The Lord Fighting your Battles
When I was growing up in church, I remember there were all these Christian Cliches--"I'm too blessed to be stressed, Blessed and highly favored" "God is good all the time and all the time God is Good." But if you were honest today, there were times it didn't feel like God has been Good. If you were honest you will admit that you have been Blessed and Stressed. Because life is not a cliche, the ups and downs of life are challenging and I will be the first to tell you, You can know God and still be stressed out. That is why Joy is so important, the inner feeling of God's divine presence will keep your head held high when you feel like bowing out.
There was a time in my life when I entered a really difficult place. One problem after another, one disappointment after another, it felt like there was no hiding place. I was beginning to lose my joy and I will never forget. I walked by the bathroom mirror and I saw my reflection and God spoke to me at that moment and said--"REMIND YOURSELF WHO YOU ARE."
IF YOU FEEL AT YOUR WITS END AND THAT JOY IS LEAVING YOUR SOUL. I WANT YOU TO PRAY TODAY'S PRAYER, TO RECLAIM YOUR JOY.
Peace, ROHO Founder, ROHO "God's Amazing Grace" SERIES ©, YOUR GIVING MAKES AN IMPACT TO OUR ABILITY TO POUR INTO YOUR LIFE. PLEASE MAKE YOUR $5 DONATION TODAY. YOUR DONATION IS VITAL. ( GIVE $5 ( DEAR GOD, I let go of my fears and my anxieties, I release my disappointments and my setbacks, Spirit of the Living God fall fresh on me, Remind me of your presence in my life, Fill me with your strength and your power Safeguard my heart, to withstand the ups and the downs Keep my head held up high And Restore my Joy, In Jesus Christ name, Amen.
Scripture for Meditation
Psalm 27:10 (KJV) - "When my father and mother forsake me, then the LORD will take me up."
Beloved, when everybody else has written you off—when they've counted you out and moved on—the Lord is still there, ready to lift you up. Your past failures do not disqualify you from your future victory. God doesn't abandon His children in their darkest hour; He draws near.
Nehemiah 8:10 (NKJV) - "The joy of the LORD is your strength."
This is not happiness dependent on circumstances, family. This is the deep, unshakeable joy that comes from knowing God Himself is fighting for you. When stress tries to steal your peace, remember: your strength is not in your situation—it's in His presence.
Proverbs 23:7 (KJV) - "For as a man thinketh in his heart, so is he."
What you remind yourself of becomes your reality. When you walk past that mirror and hear the enemy say you're finished, speak back: "I am the righteousness of God. I am more than a conqueror. My God has never lost a battle." Your words will reshape your faith.
Walking It Out
1. Reclaim Your Identity Today - Stand in front of a mirror this morning and declare aloud who God says you are. Don't mumble it—speak it with conviction. "I am loved. I am chosen. I am equipped for this season." Do this for three days straight. Let your ears hear what your spirit knows to be true.
2. Write Down Three Promises - On a piece of paper, write three Bible promises about God's faithfulness and protection. Keep this paper visible—on your dashboard, your bathroom mirror, your phone screen. When doubt creeps in, read these promises back to yourself. You are reminding your soul of God's track record.
3. Share Your Story of God's Faithfulness - Reach out to someone today who is discouraged and tell them how God brought you through a difficult season. Your testimony is proof that God's promises are real. When you speak what God has done, you strengthen both their faith and your own.
A Prayer for You
Lord, I come before You today laying down every fear, every disappointment, every word spoken against me that tried to convince me I was finished. I release what I cannot control and I reach for the joy that only comes from Your presence. Spirit of the Living God, fall fresh upon me right now—remind me that I am still standing, still climbing, still destined for greatness because You are still fighting my battles. Let me walk this day knowing that my next chapter will be greater than my last, not because of what I've done, but because of who You are. In Jesus' name, Amen.
About the Author
Rev. Nicholas S. Richards is an ordained minister, author of Destiny DNA, and founder of ROHO. For over 11 years, he has written more than 6,000 daily devotionals reaching believers worldwide. Learn more about Rev. Richards.