Be Still and Know: 365 Daily Devotions

By BroadStreet Publishing Group LLC

ECPA Gold Milestone Sales Award for more than 500,000 sold.

Why do we find it so difficult to admit that we need God—all the time? He loves to meet us wherever we are and fill us with everything we need for each new day. He encourages us to draw near to him with confidence, boldly making our requests known.

As you reflect on these devotional entries, scriptures, and prayers, be assured of God's unwavering love toward you. Unashamedly ask him for strength, joy, peace, and hope as you spend time in his presence. Ask again. And again. He is listening—every time. 

• Language: English
• Publisher: BroadStreet Publishing Group, LLC
• Release date: Sep 1, 2016
• ISBN: 9781424561131

BroadStreet Publishing Group LLC

BroadStreet Publishing inspires the world around you. We are passionate about creating meaningful, inspirational products that share God's truth with beauty, quality and creativity.

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BroadStreet Publishing Group LLC

Savage, Minnesota, USA

Broadstreetpublishing.com

Be Still and Know

© 2016 by BroadStreet Publishing®

978-1-4245-5286-3

Devotional entries composed by Janelle Anthony Breckell, Diane Dahlen, Claire Flores, Shannon Lindsay, and Michelle Winger.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law.

Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com. The NIV and New International Version are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.™ Scripture quotations marked (NCV) are taken from the New Century Version®. Copyright © 2005 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked (NASB) are taken from the New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. www.Lockman.org. Scripture quotations marked (NRSV) are taken from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked (ESV) are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked (TLB) are taken from The Living Bible copyright © 1971. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked (NKJV) are taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked (TPT) are taken from The Passion Translation® of the Holy Bible. Copyright © 2017, 2018 by Passion & Fire Ministries Inc. Used by permission of BroadStreet Publishing. All rights reserved.

Design by Chris Garborg | garborgdesign.com

Edited and compiled by Michelle Winger | literallyprecise.com

Printed in China.

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Contents

January

January 1: Something New

January 2: All Things New

January 3: Invisible

January 4: Lord Make Me Patient… Right Now!

January 5: My Identity

January 6: Not Our Own

January 7: Smelling Good!

January 8: Taming the Untamable

January 9: Faith Matters

January 10: The Fear Factor

January 11: Remember

January 12: Sitting With Sinners

January 13: Give and Get

January 14: Faith Please!

January 15: Born of God

January 16: Hear Me

January 17: Rejoice Always!

January 18: Courage for Christ

January 19: Yes to Grace

January 20: Unshakable

January 21: Crown of Life

January 22: Name Above All

January 23: Clothed in Grace

January 24: Held in His Hand

January 25: No Longer Captive

January 26: Call Me!

January 27: Rules of Happiness

January 28: Grumbly Hateful or Humbly Grateful?

January 29: At the Crossroads

January 30: Beautiful Layers

January 31: Summer and Winter

February

February 1: Built Up

February 2: Approved

February 3: Been with Jesus

February 4: Blessing Before the Watching World

February 5: Choose Joy

February 6: Illuminated

February 7: Softly Spoken

February 8: Faithful with the Few

February 9: Hills not Heels!

February 10: Sheep Need a Shepherd

February 11: His Spirit in Us

February 12: He Is Faithful

February 13: His Bravery Becomes My Own

February 14: Growing in Love

February 15: Hope That Doesn’t Disappoint

February 16: I Am Yours

February 17: Kindness Is Always Right

February 18: Lead Me on Level Ground

February 19: Much Comfort

February 20: Precious

February 21: Water Isn’t Concrete

February 22: He Hears

February 23: Held Captive by Fear

February 24: Truly Special

February 25: Ordered Steps

February 26: Temptation

February 27: Limitless

February 28: Undeniable Trust

February 29: Prepare Him Room

March

March 1: A Time for Comfort

March 2: Waiting for Dawn

March 3: Overwhelming Devotion

March 4: Lifting the Veil

March 5: Releasing Beauty

March 6: You Are Beautiful

March 7: In Sunshine and Storm

March 8: Lighthouses

March 9: Pray Like You Mean It!

March 10: Pieced Together

March 11: Your Heart’s Desire

March 12: Weary to the Core

March 13: Choosing Wisdom

March 14: Cheer for the Prize

March 15: Let God Win

March 16: Confident in Our Incompetence

March 17: Surrender Your Heart

March 18: Conscious Choice

March 19: Uncomplicated Freedom

March 20: My Reward

March 21: The Need to Breathe

March 22: Remain in Me

March 23: Working with Purpose

March 24: Our Father in Heaven

March 25: The Call for Help

March 26: Risk-taker

March 27: Rolled Away

March 28: Not Afraid of Aging

March 29: Shower of Love

March 30: The Letter

March 31: The Morning Cry

April

April 1: The Faithfulness of God

April 2: Sufficient Grace

April 3: Walking Honorably

April 4: Hope in God

April 5: The Word Is Alive

April 6: A Person of Integrity

April 7: The Judge

April 8: I Will Not Walk Away

April 9: My First Love

April 10: God’s Timing

April 11: Free To Do What?

April 12: New Life

April 13: Perfect

April 14: Grace upon Grace

April 15: The Spirit Is Willing

April 16: Vulnerability

April 17: All Things Are Possible

April 18: He Is Real

April 19: Approach with Confidence

April 20: The Compassionate One

April 21: Not Fearful

April 22: Walking Confidently

April 23: Constant in Change

April 24: Finding Contentment

April 25: On the Right Path

April 26: Being Courageous

April 27: Depending On God

April 28: Stay the Course

April 29: Calm My Heart

April 30: My Confidence

May

May 1: Consolation

May 2: Supernatural Courage

May 3: My Deliverer

May 4: All Things Beautiful

May 5: Trusting the Rock

May 6: Unmatched Faithfulness

May 7: Temper Tantrums

May 8: My Freedom

May 9: Perfect Friend

May 10: He Gives Me Grace

May 11: My Guide

May 12: Healer

May 13: He Is My Hope

May 14: My Inspiration

May 15: He Knows Me by Name

May 16: My Joy

May 17: God Is Just

May 18: His Kindness

May 19: He Is Love

May 20: He Is All I Need

May 21: My Peace

May 22: Retirement?

May 23: He Hears My Prayers

May 24: Provision

May 25: Clean Again

May 26: Purpose in Your Heart

May 27: Refreshed in His Presence

May 28: Reverse Gossip

May 29: Righteousness Poured Out

May 30: She Who Has Believed

May 31: Something New

June

June 1: He Restores My Soul

June 2: Break Every Chain

June 3: The King

June 4: Hiding Place

June 5: He Satisfies Me

June 6: Security Blanket

June 7: Always In Control

June 8: Blood, Sweat, and Tears

June 9: The Right Foundation

June 10: Supported

June 11: My All in All

June 12: Comfortable

June 13: A Reminder to Remember

June 14: Convinced of Love

June 15: Increase of Love

June 16: More than Enough

June 17: Chosen

June 18: Complete Confidence

June 19: Establish Your Heart

June 20: Nothing of My Own

June 21: Powerful Words

June 22: Standing at the Last

June 23: Unpunished

June 24: Do You Believe This?

June 25: Accomplishment

June 26: Unseen

June 27: Life of Laughter

June 28: Father of Light

June 29: Lift Up Your Leaders

June 30: Remedy for the Weary

July

July 1: Prayerful Union

July 2: Purposeful Plans

July 3: Lasting Love

July 4: Give Me Liberty

July 5: One of Us

July 6: Jailhouse Rock!

July 7: Released and Restored

July 8: Measured Days

July 9: Not Shaken

July 10: Never Disappointed

July 11: Guided

July 12: God of Safety

July 13: Cleansed

July 14: Without Fear of the Future

July 15: A Greater Wonder

July 16: Trustworthy

July 17: Fascination

July 18: Joyfully I Wait

July 19: Good and Perfect

July 20: Tears Turn to Joy

July 21: Unconditional Acceptance

July 22: A Heart That Cares

July 23: He Never Sleeps

July 24: No Darkness

July 25: He Chose You

July 26: You Are Chosen

July 27: He Will Shelter You

July 28: Peace and Quiet

July 29: Why?

July 30: Coffee with God

July 31: Real Love

August

August 1: Planner

August 2: Tell Your Story

August 3: Opened, Lifted, and Loved

August 4: His Riches

August 5: Satisfied

August 6: Whole Restoration

August 7: Any Prayer Counts

August 8: Opportunity for Joy

August 9: Quenched

August 10: Light of the Dawn

August 11: Thunder Theology

August 12: Fiery Furnace

August 13: My Redeemer Lives

August 14: Contentment in All Circumstances

August 15: Search Me

August 16: Returned Love

August 17: Continual Praise

August 18: Gracious

August 19: Full Joy

August 20: Jesus Keeps You in the Race

August 21: Wholly Devoted

August 22: Encouragement in God’s Word

August 23: Enduring Hardship

August 24: Eternity

August 25: Where He Leads Me

August 26: Garment of Praise

August 27: Every Word

August 28: The Protection of God

August 29: A Specific Purpose

August 30: Everything I Do

August 31: Remember God’s Faithfulness

September

September 1: Strength Every Morning

September 2: A Basket Case

September 3: Are You Shining?

September 4: Bad News

September 5: Bloom Where You Are Planted

September 6: Blackbird Bluff

September 7: Bridging the Gap

September 8: Clay Pots

September 9: Held Together

September 10: Joy

September 11: Fear

September 12: Light at the End of the Tunnel

September 13: Starting Over

September 14: Waiting

September 15: Songs of Victor

September 16: Refuge for the Questioning Soul

September 17: Stronghold

September 18: Most Beautiful of All

September 19: Chorus of Love

September 20: Safety Guaranteed

September 21: Never-ending Joy

September 22: Embracing Weakness

September 23: A Worthy Friend

September 24: The Plan

September 25: The Power of Seeking

September 26: Worthy

September 27: Your Eyes Will See

September 28: Unhindered

September 29: Fulfilling God’s Dreams

September 30: Found in a Desert

October

October 1: Comfort for the Failure’s Heart

October 2: Filling the Emptiness

October 3: You Make Him Happy

October 4: Stronger for Waiting

October 5: Collected Tears

October 6: Learn from Me

October 7: Ask, Seek, Knock

October 8: Committed to the Process

October 9: Freed: for Life

October 10: Greater Works

October 11: Always There for Me

October 12: Never-changing Truth

October 13: Knowing the Shepherd

October 14: A Life of Victory

October 15: Broken Fragments

October 16: Asking for Wisdom

October 17: Getting Back

October 18: The Secrets of God

October 19: How to Fill Our Hunger

October 20: I Believe I Am Accepted

October 21: Good Plans

October 22: Child of God

October 23: Perseverance

October 24: Walk Steady

October 25: Who God Made Me to Be

October 26: The Wisdom Request

October 27: Thirst

October 28: Valuable

October 29: What God Wants

October 30: When You Have Jesus

October 31: A Song of Delight

November

November 1: Recorded Wrongs

November 2: Generosity of Time

November 3: Application Accepted

November 4: A Warm Welcome

November 5: The Father’s Love

November 6: Deeper Roots

November 7: Better than Rubies

November 8: Adornment

November 9: A Strong, Graceful Oak

November 10: Strength of His Presence

November 11: The Lord Is Near

November 12: The Whisper

November 13: True Peace

November 14: Purpose to My Pain

November 15: Broken Relationships

November 16: Remember Your Wonders

November 17: Because of the Poor

November 18: Fully Devoted

November 19: Human Empathy

November 20: Make a Change

November 21: He Cares About You, Uniquely

November 22: Leveling Up

November 23: The Irony of Weakness

November 24: The Sacrifice of Thanksgiving

November 25: Redeemed and Free

November 26: Refreshing Spring

November 27: He Gives Me Rest

November 28: All Things New

November 29: Come Away

November 30: Weight of Worry

December

December 1: Childlike Faith

December 2: Escape from Battle

December 3: The Offender’s Heart

December 4: Pillar in a Shaking World

December 5: Integrity Is Possible

December 6: Delete

December 7: The Voice of Love

December 8: Transformation

December 9: Afraid of Monsters

December 10: Transparency

December 11: Face of Kindness

December 12: Ancient Paths

December 13: Inner Beauty

December 14: Brokenness

December 15: Choosing Contentment

December 16: Unusual Courage

December 17: Freedom to Soar

December 18: All Things

December 19: Home

December 20: Hope

December 21: I Want to Know You

December 22: Peace in Jesus: the Eternal Gift

December 23: Greatest Gift

December 24: Christmas Gift

December 25: Jesus: My Christmas Song

December 26: Power to Transform

December 27: Taking Account

December 28: Abundant Life

December 29: Minimal

December 30: Mourning into Dancing

December 31: Wisdom in Every Situation

Introduction

It’s difficult to admit that we need God—all the time. We find ourselves shyly requesting his attention as if he is easily annoyed. As if he’s tired of hearing us ask for something yet again. This couldn’t be further from the truth!

God loves to meet us in every moment of every day. He encourages us to come close and confidently ask him for everything we need. He wants to hear what is on our hearts.

As you spend time reading these devotions, Scriptures, and prayers, remember that God is keenly listening to your every word. He is waiting to shower you with his blessings of peace, hope, joy, and strength. All you need to do is ask.

January

SO DO NOT FEAR, FOR I AM WITH YOU; DO NOT BE DISMAYED, FOR I AM YOUR GOD. I WILL STRENGTHEN YOU AND HELP YOU; I WILL UPHOLD YOU WITH MY RIGHTEOUS RIGHT HAND.

ISAIAH 41:10 NIV

JANUARY 1

Something New

I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland

ISAIAH 43:19 NLT

Whether you have generated a color-coded list of goals, dreams, and an execution plan for the next 365 days or you’ve banned resolutions and vowed to make this just another day on the calendar, the clean slate represented by the first day of a new year is filled with an undeniable air of expectation. The excitement of a new bauble or gadget pales in comparison to the promise of a new beginning. Deep down inside, there is a part of us which thinks, This could be my year!

Guess what? It is your year. This day, and every one that follows, is yours. It is yours to choose who and how to love, to serve, and even to be. And the choice you made in reading this page represents the choice to take this journey in the company of your heavenly Father. That is a beautiful place to start.

Heavenly Father, I give you this year. I ask that you would help me keep you in the forefront of my mind as I make decisions and plans. I want to seek your advice in everything I set my hand to.

JANUARY 2

All Things New

He who sat on the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And He said to me, Write, for these words are true and faithful.

REVELATION 21:5 NKJV

The most beautiful thing about the God we’ve entrusted our lives to is that he makes all things new. That is a faithful statement—it has always been true and will always be true.

As we begin a new year, empty and full of both bright promise and worrisome unknown, we can rest our souls in the truth that our God will make everything new. Our regrets, mistakes, and failures are nothing compared to his covenanted promise of redemption and newness.

Thank you, Jesus, that you make all things new. Thank you that your Word is faithful and true, and I don’t have to doubt your promises. Bring newness to my life this year. Take my regrets and turn them into new beginnings.

JANUARY 3

Invisible

The LORD looks down from heaven and sees the whole human race. From his throne he observes all who live on the earth.

PSALM 33:13-14 NLT

Are you feeling invisible today? You may be surrounded by a crowd of people and yet feel alone and isolated. This may be how the woman who needed a healing touch from Jesus felt, but was convinced he would never notice her among so many. She reached out and touched him, and found him fully aware. Hagar, Sarah’s servant, was driven from her home by her angry mistress. Wandering lost and alone in the wilderness, God saw her and became her deliverer.

It’s difficult to comprehend that as small and insignificant as we are in time and space, God sees each of us and even knows our name. Others may not seem to notice or understand, but God knows our whole story. He is always present, all-seeing, all-wise. No matter where we are, God sees.

I am so thankful, Lord, that you not only see me physically, but you see into my heart and mind and know my every thought. Help me always to remember that I am never invisible to you.

JANUARY 4

Lord Make Me Patient… Right Now!

Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.

EPHESIANS 4:2 NIV

It has been said that a prayer for patience is a dangerous one because in order to develop it, trials need to come. Patience is developed with much practice; even the simple act of waiting—for anything really—is good practice. Think of the patience Jesus has with us. Before we knew Christ, he waited patiently for us to come to repentance. When we fail to trust him and worry and complain about our circumstances, he waits until we’re ready to turn to him once again. He puts up with our foibles and inconsistencies and loves us anyway.

Are you being called to a new level of patience these days? Are you bristling with frustration and anger at things that aren’t going your way? Are spiritual growing pains about to wear you out? Then it’s time to kneel once again at the throne of grace and ask for help in your time of need.

Oh Lord, forgive me for my impatience today. I am going to pray a bold prayer and ask that you would develop the quality of patience in my life. Help me to cooperate with the process.

JANUARY 5

My Identity

Once you had no identity as a people; now you are God’s people. Once you received no mercy; now you have received God’s mercy.

1 PETER 2:10 NLT

There is an emphasis in society on the importance of finding ourselves. It seems a valid endeavor. We need to know our gifts and skills and have an outlet for them: a purpose for living. We need an identity. As Christians, we have one! First Peter says we are living stones in God’s spiritual temple, royal priests, a chosen people, God’s very own possession. Before Christ, we were without identity and purpose.

Have you lost your identity somewhere along the way? Maybe you’ve lost your footing as you’ve dealt with daily responsibilities? Reaffirm who and whose you are. You are one who belongs to Christ, called out of darkness to shine Christ’s light in this world!

God, I want to reaffirm that I am your child. I am forgiven, I have a new name, and I am part of your kingdom. You have called me out of darkness to show others your goodness. My identity is in you!

JANUARY 6

Not Our Own

I know, LORD, that our lives are not our own. We are not able to plan our own course. So correct me, LORD, but please be gentle. Do not correct me in anger, for I would die.

JEREMIAH 10:23-24 NLT

Jeremiah, a prophet of God, was called to reveal the sins of the Israelites and warn them of coming judgment. His pleas were ignored and the consequences fell when the Babylonians destroyed Jerusalem. Prior to that catastrophe, Jeremiah made one of the most profound statements in the Scriptures. The Israelites insisted on following the lead of the idolatrous nations around them doing things their own way. They seemingly forgot they were God’s chosen people and that God had lovingly directed their steps. In their independence, they fell into sin and lost the promised presence of God.

I wonder how many times we forget whose we are and begin to think we can plan our own course in life. Perhaps we are not happy with God’s direction and are resisting the road he has asked us to walk. Maybe today you need to pray with Jeremiah:

Correct me, Lord, but please be gentle. Do not correct me in anger, for I would die. I repent of my independence and once again surrender to your direction.

JANUARY 7

Smelling Good!

Now he uses us to spread the knowledge of Christ everywhere, like a sweet perfume. Our lives are a Christ-like fragrance rising up to God.

2 CORINTHIANS 2:14-15 NLT

What are your favorite fragrances? Freshly baked bread, honeysuckles, lilacs, brewing coffee, or crisp fall air? An aroma can catapult you back in years to a childhood memory or cause an emotion or mood to suddenly arise within you as it links you to a past experience. A woman wearing a lovely perfume shares the fragrance as it permeates the space around her, wafting gently through the air.

Christ wants us to live our lives so that no matter our location, we are disseminating the sweet-smelling perfume of the gospel which then rises up to glorify God. Our gentle, quiet spirits, the peace and joy we exhibit, the kindness, love, and patience we show to others will cause people to turn their heads and say, What smells so good? I want some of that!

Oh Jesus, help me to live my life exhibiting your character in everything I do and say. I want to smell good so that my life draw others to you.

JANUARY 8

Taming the Untamable

Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips.

PSALM 141:3 NIV