Daily Devotional: Our Father Knows Best
By Mark Waldrop

Scripture: Psalm 82:3-4
“Defend the weak and the fatherless; uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed. Rescue the weak and the needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked.”

Reflection:

God’s heart has always been toward the vulnerable—the weak, the fatherless, the poor, and the oppressed. In His divine wisdom, He calls us to do more than just observe the struggles around us; He asks us to act. This calling isn’t a burden but a blessing. As we stand for those who cannot stand for themselves, we reflect God’s own character. He is the ultimate defender, provider, and rescuer, and He has equipped us to mirror that love in the world.

Living defensively as Christians doesn’t mean we are only guarding ourselves—it also means we are defending the helpless. When we offer a hand to someone in need, we are participating in God’s redemptive work. We become His instruments of justice, mercy, and love in a broken world. Our Father knows best how deeply we need community, care, and compassion. As we defend and rescue others, we fulfill the calling God has placed on our lives.

Today, ask yourself: How can I be a defender of the weak? Where can I offer rescue to the needy? Trust that as you serve others, God is not only blessing them—He is transforming you to become more like Him.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank You for showing me how to defend the weak and care for the oppressed. Help me to see those in need through Your eyes and respond with compassion and boldness. May my actions reflect Your love and justice as I follow Your lead. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Daily Devotional: Our Father Knows Best
By Mark Waldrop

Scripture: Psalm 23:6
“Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.”

Reflection:

As we journey through life, there are moments when we wonder about the path ahead. Questions arise: Why am I here? What’s next? Will everything work out? These are the moments when we must remember that our Father knows best. Just as David reflects in Psalm 23, God’s goodness and love are not distant promises but constant companions. They follow us, pursue us, and surround us each day of our lives.

In the midst of uncertainty, we can rest in the assurance that our Father has laid out a perfect plan for us. Even when circumstances don’t make sense, God’s loving care is always at work. He knows the trials we face and the triumphs that lie ahead. His goodness is a guiding force, not only for today but for all our tomorrows.

When we fully trust that God is working everything for our good, we can let go of fear. He leads us, not just to provision and peace but to an eternal home with Him. Dwelling in the house of the Lord forever is more than a future hope—it’s a present reality. As His children, we are already embraced by His eternal love, right where we are.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your constant goodness and love that follow me each day. Help me trust in Your perfect plan for my life, knowing that You know best. Guide my steps and remind me that I am always held in Your care. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Daily Devotional: Our Father Knows Best
By Mark Waldrop

Scripture:
Proverbs 24:15-16
“Lie not in wait as a wicked man against the dwelling of the righteous; do no violence to his home; for the righteous falls seven times and rises again, but the wicked stumble in times of calamity.”

Reflection:
Life is full of challenges, and even the righteous face trials, setbacks, and failures. Yet, what distinguishes the righteous from the wicked is not a life without trouble, but the ability to rise again after each fall. Proverbs 24:16 reminds us that although the righteous may stumble many times, they are never defeated because they rely on the strength and grace of God to get back up.

In contrast, those who live in wickedness stumble and fall, but their calamity is final because they lack the foundation of faith and hope that sustains the righteous. This passage encourages us not to fear failure or opposition, but to trust that God will help us rise again, no matter how many times we fall.

God, our loving Father, knows that we are not perfect. He understands that we will make mistakes, struggle, and face difficulties. But in His wisdom and love, He offers us grace to stand back up each time we fall. His plan is not for us to be without trouble, but for us to grow stronger and more resilient through each challenge, trusting in His strength to lift us when we are weak.

No matter what trials you are facing today, remember that falling is not the end for the righteous. Our Father knows best, and He has promised that in Him, we will rise again.

Prayer:
Father, I thank You for Your unending grace and strength. When I fall, help me to remember that You are there to lift me up. Give me the courage and faith to rise again, knowing that You are with me in every trial. Protect me from the schemes of the wicked, and help me to walk in righteousness, trusting in Your wisdom. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Reflection Question:
When you face setbacks or failures, how can you rely on God’s strength to help you rise again? What does it mean for you to trust in His wisdom, even when things go wrong?

Daily Devotional: Our Father Knows Best
BY Mark Waldrop

Scripture:
Luke 12:2-3
“Nothing is covered up that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known. Therefore whatever you have said in the dark shall be heard in the light, and what you have whispered in private rooms shall be proclaimed on the housetops.”

Reflection:
In our lives, there are moments when we might feel tempted to hide our thoughts, actions, or feelings from others. We may keep certain things hidden in the shadows, hoping they will never come to light. However, God reminds us in Luke 12:2-3 that nothing is hidden from Him. He sees everything—our struggles, our fears, and even our sins. Though we may cover things up from others, God knows us intimately and deeply.

This scripture can be both a warning and a comfort. It warns us that our secret actions and thoughts will eventually be revealed. We cannot hide from the truth or from God. However, it also comforts us because it means that God fully knows us—the good and the bad—and still loves us unconditionally. He sees our hearts, and His grace covers even the things we wish to keep hidden.

As we walk through today, let us remember that our Father knows best. He knows the areas where we need healing and transformation. Instead of hiding from Him or others, we can bring everything into the light. In His hands, there is redemption, forgiveness, and renewal. We do not need to carry the burden of hiding. God offers us freedom when we trust Him with all aspects of our lives.

Prayer:
Father, thank You for knowing me completely and loving me despite my flaws. Help me to live in the light of Your truth, not fearing what is revealed but trusting in Your grace. Guide me to be honest with myself, others, and You. I surrender the things I have kept hidden, knowing that You can heal and restore. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Reflection Question:
Are there areas of your life you have kept hidden from God or others? What would it look like to trust God with those hidden parts today?

Daily Devotional: Our Father Knows Best
By Mark Waldrop

John 14:27 “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."

In this world, the weight of our worries often feels overwhelming. Life's circumstances may cause us to question the path we're on and bring fear into our hearts. But Jesus offers us something the world can never give—His peace. This peace is not tied to our circumstances or fleeting moments of tranquility, but it comes from knowing that our Father knows best.

He sees the whole picture. He knows every trial we face, every fear that grips our hearts, and every burden we carry. When we surrender to His will and trust in His perfect timing, we open our hearts to His peace. This peace is not dependent on understanding every detail of our journey; it's rooted in trusting that our Father, in His infinite wisdom and love, has already prepared the way.

 Reflection:
Today, let us take comfort in knowing that we are held by a God who sees beyond what we can see, who gives us peace that surpasses understanding, and who promises to guide us safely through every storm. Whatever we face today, let's remember—our Father knows best, and His peace is ours to embrace.

Prayer:
Lord, thank You for the peace that only You can give. Help us to trust in Your wisdom and rest in the assurance that You know best. Calm our troubled hearts and lead us in Your perfect path. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Daily Devotional: Our Father Knows Best
By Mark Waldrop

Scripture: 
1 Thessalonians 4:11 - "And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you;"

In a world full of distractions, noise, and endless demands, it is easy to get caught up in the rush of life. We find ourselves juggling responsibilities, chasing after success, or getting entangled in other people's affairs. Yet, through the wisdom of Scripture, we are reminded of a divine principle: quietness, focus, and diligence in our own work.

God, our loving Father, knows what's best for us. He calls us to a life of calmness and to mind our own business, focusing on what He has entrusted to us. By working faithfully with our hands, we honor Him and live a life of contentment and purpose.

This verse encourages us to avoid meddling in the affairs of others and to cultivate a peaceful, diligent spirit. When we focus on the work He has given us, we are living in alignment with His will, bringing glory to His name and finding fulfillment in the process. Trust in His guidance, knowing that His plans for you are perfect.

Reflection: 
Are there areas in your life where distractions have pulled you away from the work God has called you to do? How can you embrace a quieter, more focused walk with Him today?

Prayer: 
Heavenly Father, thank You for knowing what is best for me. Help me to be quiet in spirit, to mind my own business, and to work faithfully with what You have placed in my hands. Guide my steps so that everything I do brings glory to Your name. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Daily Devotional: Our Father Knows Best
By Mark Waldrop

Scripture: Matthew 24:44 - "So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him."

The return of Jesus is certain, but the timing is unknown. In Matthew 24:44, Jesus emphasizes the importance of being ready at all times. We often live as if we have endless days ahead of us, but this verse serves as a reminder that our lives and the world as we know it are fleeting. God, in His wisdom, knows the perfect moment for His Son’s return, even though we do not.

Being ready means living each day with purpose, faith, and obedience, trusting in God's plan and aligning our lives with His will. Our Father knows best, and while we may not know the hour or the day, we can live in constant expectation by walking closely with Him, serving others, and growing in our faith.

Reflection:
How are you preparing your heart and life for the unexpected return of Christ? Are you living each day as if it were your last, fully trusting in God’s timing and guidance? Reflect on how you can be more mindful and ready for His coming.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, help me to live each day ready and eager for the return of Your Son. Guide me in faithfulness, and teach me to trust in Your perfect timing. Strengthen my heart to remain watchful, obedient, and joyful as I wait for Your plan to unfold. Amen.

Daily Devotional: Our Father Knows Best
By Mark Waldrop

Scripture: Mark 8:29 - "But what about you?" he asked. "Who do you say I am?" Peter answered, "You are the Messiah."

In Mark 8:29, Jesus asks His disciples one of the most important questions they would ever answer: "Who do you say I am?" It’s a personal, direct question, and Peter's answer, "You are the Messiah," demonstrates both his faith and understanding of Jesus' divine identity.

In our walk with God, we face the same question: *Who do we say Jesus is?* The way we answer this shapes our entire relationship with Him. When we confess Jesus as our Messiah, we acknowledge Him as the Savior, the one who delivers, guides, and knows what is best for us. Often, life presents uncertainties that can shake our faith, but when we hold fast to the truth of who Jesus is, we can rest in the assurance that He leads us according to God’s perfect plan.

Reflection:
Who is Jesus to you in your daily life? Do you trust Him as your Messiah, the one who knows what is best for you and guides you through every challenge? Take a moment to reflect on how this truth changes the way you face your day-to-day struggles.

Prayer:
Father, thank You for sending Your Son, Jesus, as the Messiah who leads me and knows what is best for my life. Help me to trust in His wisdom and power, especially when I am uncertain or afraid. May my faith in Him grow stronger each day. Amen.

Daily Devotional: Our Father Knows Best
By Mark Waldrop

Scripture: Philippians 4:13 - "I can do all this through him who gives me strength."

No matter what challenges we face, we can trust in the wisdom and care of our Heavenly Father. He knows us better than we know ourselves and understands the obstacles and burdens we carry. When the road feels steep or overwhelming, we often question why things are happening the way they are. But our Father sees the bigger picture, and He lovingly guides us, giving us the strength to endure and persevere.

Philippians 4:13 reminds us that we are not alone in our struggles. Through Christ, we are empowered to overcome difficulties, not because of our own strength, but because of His. His wisdom far surpasses our understanding, and in trusting Him, we discover the peace and strength to carry on.

Reflection:
When you are faced with trials, remember that God knows what is best for you. Rather than relying on your own abilities, lean on His strength and wisdom. He has equipped you for this moment, and with Him by your side, you are able to do all things.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, I thank You for Your strength and wisdom that guide me each day. Help me to trust in Your perfect plan for my life, especially when the way forward seems unclear. Strengthen me through Your Son, Jesus, and remind me that You know what is best. Amen.

Daily Devotional: Our Father Knows Best
By Mark Waldrop

Scripture:
Matthew 11:25 – “At that time Jesus said, ‘I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children.’”

Reflection:

In this verse, Jesus praises God for revealing His truths not to the “wise and learned,” but to “little children.” This is a powerful reminder that God’s wisdom often transcends human intellect and pride. The “little children” here represent those with childlike faith—those who humbly trust in God and are open to His guidance without trying to control or outthink Him.

We live in a world that celebrates human knowledge and achievement, but Jesus shows us a different path. God’s greatest truths—about love, grace, and salvation—are not grasped through cleverness or academic prowess. They are revealed to hearts that are simple, open, and ready to trust.

This teaches us a vital lesson: the key to understanding God’s will and purpose is not found in striving for worldly wisdom, but in coming to Him with humility. When we approach God with the innocence and trust of a child, He opens our eyes to His deeper truths, giving us peace and understanding beyond what the world can offer.

Prayer:

Father, thank You for revealing Your truths to those who come to You with a humble heart. Help me to approach You with childlike faith, setting aside my pride and intellectual striving. Teach me to trust You fully, knowing that Your wisdom is greater than anything I can imagine. Open my heart to receive Your guidance today. Amen.

Takeaway:
Today, embrace childlike faith. Trust God’s wisdom, even when you don’t fully understand it, and He will reveal His deep truths to your heart.