You don’t have to be happy all the time.
Monday — John 11:32–36
Mary is grieving. The people around her are grieving. And Jesus does not rush past it. He sees the pain, enters the moment, and weeps.
That matters because Jesus already knows Lazarus will live. He knows resurrection is coming, and he still cries. Sadness is not automatically weak faith.
What are you carrying today that you have been trying to hurry yourself past?
🫶 Jesus, thank you for meeting me honestly in what I feel. Help me remember that I do not have to pretend with you.
Tuesday — Matthew 26:36–39
In Gethsemane, Jesus says, “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow.” He does not hide what he feels or try to sound stronger than he is.
He feels it, names it, and brings it to the Father.
Take a minute today and do the same. What are you actually feeling?
🌿 God, help me be honest about what is happening inside me and bring it to you instead of hiding it.
Wednesday — Psalm 42:5–8
The writer of this psalm talks honestly to his own soul. He is downcast, but he does not pretend that means God is absent.
Hope and sadness can exist at the same time.
You can trust God and still have a hard day.
🌊 God, when my emotions feel heavy, remind me that your presence is still real and my story is not over.
Thursday — Psalm 34:17–18
God is not uncomfortable around hurting people. Scripture says he is close to the brokenhearted.
Sometimes we assume we need to get ourselves together before we come to God. The opposite is true. He invites us to come close in the middle of it.
What would it look like to stop hiding today?
💛 God, thank you for coming close when I hurt. Help me receive your presence instead of pretending I am okay.
Friday — 1 Peter 5:6–7
“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”
God does not ask you to carry everything alone. He invites you to hand him what is heavy because you matter to him.
Name one thing you have been carrying this week and give it to God in prayer.
🎒 God, I give you what has been weighing on me. Thank you that I do not have to carry it by myself.
Saturday — Hebrews 4:14–16
Jesus understands weakness, pain, temptation, and struggle. That means you do not have to approach him cautiously or pretend to be someone you are not.
You can come honestly and confidently because grace is waiting for you.
What do you need from Jesus today?
🚪 Jesus, I come to you as I am. Thank you for meeting me with mercy, grace, and help.
Sunday — Romans 6:3–4
Following Jesus means new life. Baptism gives us a visible picture of that reality: the old life buried, a new life raised with Jesus.
If you have said YES to Jesus but have never been baptized, maybe this is your next YES.
🎉 Jesus, thank you for giving me new life. Give me courage to take whatever next step you are asking me to take.