January 16

In Genesis 30-31, we continue to follow Jacob’s journey in Haran, where he faces numerous challenges and conflicts with his uncle Laban. Although Laban changes his wages and tries to control him, God is with Jacob, blessing him with prosperity and a growing family. Through divine intervention, God protects Jacob and leads him back to his homeland, proving that His faithfulness is greater than any human manipulation or adversity. Even in the struggles of family conflicts and broken trust, Jacob experiences God’s presence and provision, which remind us that God is with us in every season, especially when we feel wronged or powerless.

Psalm 11 is a song of trust in God amid adversity. David declares that God is a refuge, asking, “When the foundations are being destroyed, what can the righteous do?” (Psalm 11:3). He answers with confidence: “The Lord is in His holy temple; the Lord is on His heavenly throne” (Psalm 11:4). David’s words show us that even when life feels unstable or uncertain, God is always in control, watching over His people and acting justly. He is our refuge and our strength, and we can find security in His faithful care.

In Mark 12, Jesus teaches about the greatest commandment: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength” and, “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Mark 12:30-31). Jesus emphasizes that a life pleasing to God is one marked by love for Him and for others. Loving God fully means trusting Him in all circumstances and placing Him at the center of our lives, even amid uncertainty or challenges. Jesus also speaks of the widow who gave two small coins, highlighting that true devotion is not about the size of our gift but the sincerity of our heart.

These passages call us to trust in God’s faithfulness and to love Him wholeheartedly, regardless of our circumstances. Like Jacob, we may face situations where we feel wronged or treated unfairly. Like David, we may encounter moments where life feels unstable, and we’re unsure of what to do. But both remind us that God is our refuge and provider. Jesus’ teachings show us that when we trust and love God with all our hearts, we find strength and security. God sees our struggles and our sacrifices, and He invites us to trust Him, knowing that He is faithful to His promises.

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