Sarah Young, author of the bestselling 365-day devotionals Jesus Calling® and Jesus Listens®, was committed to helping people connect with Jesus and the Bible. Her books have sold more than fifty million copies worldwide. Jesus Calling® has appeared on all major bestseller lists. Sarah’s writings include Jesus Calling®, Jesus Listens®, Jesus Always, Jesus Today®, Jesus Lives™, Dear Jesus, Jesus Calling® for Little Ones, Jesus Calling® Bible Storybook, Jesus Calling®: 365 Devotions for Kids, Jesus Listens®: 365 Prayers for Kids, and more, each encouraging readers in their journeys toward intimacy with Christ. Sarah believed praying for her readers was a privilege and God-given responsibility and did so daily even amidst her own health challenges.

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Jesus Calling Morning & Evening

Enjoying Peace in His Presence

Thomas Nelson

January

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future."

Jeremiah 29:11

January 1

MORNING

Come to Me with a teachable spirit, eager to be changed. A close walk with Me is a life of continual newness. Do not cling to old ways as you step into a new year. Instead, seek My Face with an open mind, knowing that your journey with Me involves being transformed by the renewing of your mind. As you focus your thoughts on Me, be aware that I am fully attentive to you. I see you with a steady eye because My attention span is infinite. I know and understand you completely; My thoughts embrace you in everlasting Love. I also know the plans I have for you: plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Give yourself fully to this adventure of increasing attentiveness to My Presence.

Psalm 27:8 ESV; Romans 12:2; Jeremiah 29:11

January 1

EVENING

I want you to love Me, listen to My voice, and hold fast to Me — for I am your Life. This is the way of wisdom. I am training you to stay close to Me as you walk along perilous paths.

[Choose life,] that you may love the Lord your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him. For the Lord is your life, and he will give you many years in the land he swore to give to your fathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. — Deuteronomy 30:20

Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge. — Psalm 62:8

Also read:

Zephaniah 3:17 NKJV

Before You Turn Out the Light

Listen for My voice in My Word and through My Spirit.

January 2

MORNING

Relax in My healing Presence. As you spend time with Me, your thoughts tend to jump ahead to today's plans and problems. Bring your mind back to Me for refreshment and renewal. Let the Light of My Presence soak into you as you focus your thoughts on Me. Thus I equip you to face whatever the day brings. This sacrifice of time pleases Me and strengthens you. Do not skimp on our time together. Resist the clamor of tasks waiting to be done. You have chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from you.

Psalm 89:15; Psalm 105:4; Luke 10:39–42

January 2

EVENING

The world abounds with idols — things you turn to when you want to feel better about yourself: eating, entertainment, exercise, mastery of something or someone. However, none of these things can slake the thirst of your soul, which yearns for Me alone. When you get that gnawing sensation around the edges of your soul, return to Me — your soul will be satisfied as with the richest of foods.

O God, you are my God, earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you ... I have seen you in the sanctuary and beheld your power and your glory. Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you. I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands. My soul will be satisfied as with the richest of foods; with singing lips my mouth will praise you. — Psalm 63:1–5

Also read:

Isaiah 54:10; Psalm 46:10 NASB

Before You Turn Out the Light

Retreat into My loving Presence while I refocus your thoughts and feelings on Me.

January 3

MORNING

Refresh yourself in the Peace of My Presence. This Peace can be your portion at all times and in all circumstances. Learn to hide in the secret of My Presence, even as you carry out your duties in the world. I am both with you and within you. I go before you to open up the way, and I also walk alongside you. There could never be another companion as devoted as I am.

Because I am your constant Companion, there should be a lightness to your step that is observable to others. Do not be weighed down with problems and unresolved issues, for I am your burden-bearer. In the world you have trials and distress, but don't let them get you down. I have conquered the world and deprived it of power to harm you. In Me you may have confident Peace.

Psalm 31:19–20 NASB; John 16:33 AMP

January 3

EVENING

My Peace is a soft, soothing pillow for your weary head. Pry your mind away from plans and problems so you can rest in My healing Presence. If anxious thoughts try to intrude, give them over to Me with thanksgiving — you have a Helper who is infinitely powerful, tenderly loving, and wise beyond all understanding.

And He said, "My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest." — Exodus 33:14 NKJV

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. — Philippians 4:4–7

Also read:

John 8:31–32 ESV; John 15:26 NKJV

Before You Turn Out the Light

Instead of pondering your problems, renew your mind with My precious, freeing truths.

January 4

MORNING

I want you to learn a new habit. Try saying, "I trust You, Jesus," in response to whatever happens to you. If there is time, think about who I am in all My Power and Glory; ponder also the depth and breadth of My Love for you.

This simple practice will help you see Me in every situation, acknowledging My sovereign control over the universe. When you view events from this perspective — through the Light of My universal Presence — fear loses its grip on you. Adverse circumstances become growth opportunities when you affirm your trust in Me no matter what. You receive blessings gratefully, realizing they flow directly from My hand of grace. Your continual assertion of trusting Me will strengthen our relationship and keep you close to Me.

Psalm 63:2; Isaiah 40:10–11; Psalm 139:7–10

January 4

EVENING

I am calling you to trust in Meat all times, no matter what is happening. I understand what a difficult assignment this is, and I know that you will sometimes fail in this venture, but I continue to love you perfectly even when you don't succeed. Let this assurance of My unfailing Love draw you back to Me — back to trusting Me.

Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord, is the Rock eternal. — Isaiah 26:4

Lean on, trust in, and be confident in the Lord with all your heart and mind and do not rely on your own insight or understanding. — Proverbs 3 :5 amp

Also read:

Matt hew 11:28 NKJV

Before You Turn Out the Light

How will you rely on Me tomorrow beyond what you did today?

January 5

MORNING

You can achieve the victorious life through living in deep dependence on Me. People usually associate victory with success: not falling or stumbling, not making mistakes. But those who are successful in their own strength tend to go their own way, forgetting about Me. It is through problems and failure, weakness and neediness, that you learn to rely on Me.

True dependence is not simply asking Me to bless what you have decided to do. It is coming to Me with an open mind and heart, inviting Me to plant My desires within you. I may infuse within you a dream that seems far beyond your reach. You know that in yourself you cannot achieve such a goal. Thus begins your journey of profound reliance on Me. It is a faith-walk, taken one step at a time, leaning on Me as much as you need. This is not a path of continual success but of multiple failures. However, each failure is followed by a growth spurt, nourished by increased reliance on Me. Enjoy the blessedness of a victorious life through deepening your dependence on Me.

Psalm 34:17–18; 2 Corinthians 5:7 NKJV

January 5

EVENING

Don't try to pretend that you have it all together or that you're stronger than you really are. Instead, lean hard on Me, letting Me bear most of your weight. Rejoice in Me — your Strength — and worship Me.

A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. — Proverbs 18:24

But I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love; for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble. O my Strength, I sing praise to you; you, O God, are my fortress, my loving God. — Psalm 59:16–17

Also read:

Hebrews 11:21 NKJV

Before You Turn Out the Light

In your mind's eye, do you see Me standing nearby with My strong arm extended toward you? I am offering you My help.

January 6

MORNING

I am ableto do far beyond all that you ask or imagine. Come to Me with positive expectations, knowing that there is no limit to what I can accomplish. Ask My Spirit to control your mind so that you can think great thoughts of Me. Do not be discouraged by the fact that many of your prayers are yet unanswered. Time is a trainer, teaching you to wait upon Me, to trust Me in the dark. The more extreme your circumstances, the more likely you are to see My Power and Glory at work in the situation. Instead of letting difficulties draw you into worrying, try to view them as setting the scene for My glorious intervention. Keep your eyes and your mind wide open to all that I am doing in your life.

Ephesians 3:20–21; Romans 8:6; Isaiah 40:30–31 NKJV; Revelation 5:13

January 6

EVENING

This planet you inhabit is in such a big mess that sometimes you feel overwhelmed, but I am the Almighty; nothing is beyond My control. I am also the Lord who comforts His people and will have compassion on His afflicted ones. You can transcend your troubles because I am both powerful and compassionate.

"I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End," says the Lord, "who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty." — Revelation 1:8 NKJV

Shout for joy, O heavens; rejoice, O earth; burst into song, O mountains! For the Lord comforts his people and will have compassion on his afflicted ones. — Isaiah 49:13

Also read:

Psalm 91:1–2 ESV

Before You Turn Out the Light

In the face of tonight's headlines, consider who I am: the Beginning and the End, the Almighty, the Compassionate One.

January 7

MORNING

It is impossible to praise or thank Me too much. As it is written, I inhabit the praises of My people. Sometimes your adoration is a spontaneous overflow of Joy, in response to radiant beauty or rich blessings. At other times your praise is more disciplined and measured — an act of your will. I dwell equally in both types of praise. Thankfulness, also, is a royal road to draw near Me. A thankful heart has plenty of room for Me.

When you thank Me for the many pleasures I provide, you affirm that I am God, from whom all blessings flow. When adversity strikes and you thank Me anyway, your trust in My sovereignty is a showpiece in invisible realms. Fill up the spare moments of your life with praise and thanksgiving. This joyous discipline will help you live in the intimacy of My Presence.

Psalm 22:3 KJV; Psalm 146:1–2; 1 Thessalonians 5:18

January 7

EVENING

Even the greatest blessings can fail to bring Joy unless they are received with gratitude. Just keep coming into My Presence with thanksgiving. Your persistent thankfulness may actually provide the long-awaited key I will use to unlock major difficulties in your life.

Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations. — Psalm 100:4–5

"You now have sorrow; but I will see you again and your heart will rejoice, and your joy no one will take from you." — John 16:22 NKJV

Also read:

Psalm 107:21–22 NKJV

Before You Turn Out the Light

Thank Me, not only for obvious blessings but for the situations you would never have chosen. This is true trust.

January 8

MORNING

Softly I announce My Presence. Shimmering hues of radiance tap gently at your consciousness, seeking entrance. Though I have all Power in heaven and on earth, I am infinitely tender with you. The weaker you are, the more gently I approach you. Let your weakness be a door to My Presence. Whenever you feel inadequate, remember that I am your ever-present Help.

Hope in Me, and you will be protected from despair and self-pity. Hope is like a golden cord connecting you to heaven. The more you cling to this cord, the more I bear the weight of your burdens; thus, you are lightened. Heaviness is not of My kingdom. Cling to hope, and My rays of Light will reach you through the darkness.

Psalm 46:1; Romans 12:12; Romans 15:13

January 8

EVENING

You have a restless mind. It skips and scampers about continually, rarely taking time to be still. Listen, and you will hear Me saying, "Come to Me." I am the only resting place for your mind that will truly satisfy and strengthen you.

Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him. — Psalm 62:5

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls." — Matthew 11:28–29

Also read:

Exodus 3:3–5 NKJV; Matt hew 10:16 NKJV

Before You Turn Out the Light

Do not be deceived by the many voices calling out to you. In Me alone is rest for your restless mind.

January 9

MORNING

I am with you and for you. When you decide on a course of action that is in line with My will, nothing in heaven or on earth can stop you. You may encounter many obstacles as you move toward your goal, but don't be discouraged — never give up! With My help, you can overcome any obstacle. Do not expect an easy path as you journey hand in hand with Me, but do remember that I, your very-present Helper, am omnipotent.

Much, much stress results from your wanting to make things happen before their times have come. One of the main ways I assert My sovereignty is in the timing of events. If you want to stay close to Me and do things My way, ask Me to show you the path forward moment by moment. Instead of dashing headlong toward your goal, let Me set the pace. Slow down, and enjoy the journey in My Presence.

Romans 8:31; Psalm 46:1–3 NKJV; Luke 1:37

January 9

EVENING

It is through trust that you follow Me along the right path. From your limited perspective, your journey may be confusing, with puzzling twists and turns. However, from My limitless, big-picture perspective, I am indeed leading you along straight paths.

I guide you in the way of wisdom and lead you along straight paths. — Proverbs 4:11

A man's steps are directed by the Lord. How then can anyone understand his own way? — Proverbs 20:24

Also read:

Romans 8:28 AMP

Before You Turn Out the Light

Determine to follow Me wherever I take you. I am beckoning you forward.

January 10

MORNING

Every time you affirm your trust in Me, you put a coin into My treasury. Thus you build up equity in preparation for days of trouble. I keep safely in My heart all trust invested in Me, with interest compounded continuously. The more you trust Me, the more I empower you to do so.

Practice trusting Me during quiet days, when nothing much seems to be happening. Then when storms come, your trust balance will be sufficient to see you through. Store up for yourself treasure in heaven through placing your trust in Me. This practice will keep you in My Peace.

Psalm 33:20–21; Psalm 56:3–4; Matt hew 6:20–21

January 10

EVENING

I am indeed with you — watching over you wherever you are, wherever you go. Rejoice that I am with you not only in this life but also in the life to come. Let the promise of heaven flood your heart with My eternal Presence!