thoughts by Karen Huffaker Archives - Daily Devotionals by Thoughts about God

Published September 23, 2023

Heart’s Desire

“Lord, You have heard the desire of the humble; You will strengthen their heart, You will make Your ear attentive.” Psalm 10:17 NASB

As a young man Dan wanted to be a missionary. He hoped to serve as a career missionary along with his wife. But his marriage didn’t work out. Not only was he devastated about his marriage, but he felt that his divorce disqualified him pursuing missionary work ever again.

Many years later he remarried. Not long afterwards the newlyweds had the opportunity to take short-term mission trips with his church to the Caribbean islands to serve with teams in various construction projects, Bible studies and sharing the Good News about Jesus. In this way he was enjoying a kind of missionary work he longed for years ago.

I remarked to him that God brought him full-circle to see the desires of his heart fulfilled. He grinned and nodded in agreement how the Holy Spirit had worked in such a way in his life.

“Delight yourself in the Lord; And He will give you the desires of your heart.” Psalm 37:4 NASB

“You have given him his heart’s desire, and You have not withheld the request of his lips.” Psalm 21:2 NASB

God can and does turn things around and use them for your good and His glory while fulfilling the desires of your heart. When plans go off course, hopes are dashed, hearts are broken, or things just don’t work out as you expected, don’t think that’s the end of it all, the end of the story. That may only be the beginning.

Be alert. Watch how the Lord may be working through many circumstances to open better opportunities than you hoped for. Trust in Him.

Be hopeful. You may end up on a better team, with a better job, or a nicer house. The Lord loves to give good gifts to His children.

Be patient. It could take years. God does not operate on our time schedule. We must remember “that with the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years like one day.” (2 Peter 3:8, NASB). But it will be worth the wait!

“May He grant you your heart’s desire and fulfill your whole plan!” Psalm 20:4 NASB

Prayer: Dear Lord, help me to be alert, be hopeful, and be patient!

By Karen Huffaker
Used by Permission

SEEK MY FACE

You have said, “Seek my face.” My heart says to you, “Your face, Lord, do I seek.” Psalm 27:8 ESV

A newborn’s eyes at birth are blurry. They must become accustomed to light and movement. Gradually their vision begins to focus on objects. Their little eyes begin to clear. Then they make their first real eye contact zeroing in on another set of eyes. Your eyes. Eventually the infant starts to seek your face, and the relationship journey begins.

This precious bundle takes comfort in connecting with you and being in your loving arms, like I take comfort in being in the loving arms of Jesus. I seek His face early in the morning, late in the evening, and troubling times throughout the day.

As Saul of Tarsus (later named Paul) walked toward Damascus his sight was struck by a blinding light. He lost his vision and was led by others into the city. God sent a believer named Ananias to Saul and he placed his hands over Saul’s eyes. Scales fell away from his eyes and he could see once again. Not only could he see with his eyes, but spiritually he could see more clearly, that the Lord that he had persecuted was indeed the Son of God. The Holy Spirit worked in his heart.

Whenever I seek the Lord’s face, He draws me in, into a circle of love, place of peace, and source of strength. I begin to see more clearly as if a warm, bright light shines all around me.

In the arms of Jesus I experience these things and much more. Assurance, trust, confidence in Him and increasing faith are mine. He will guide me to and through the next big thing in my life. Even if I’ve stepped away from Him I know I can return to Him at any time, and seek Him, the beautiful face of Jesus.

By Karen Huffaker
Used by Permission

Thirsty for God

“My soul thirsts for God; for the living God.” Psalm 42:2 ESV

I rarely get thirsty and can go for a long time without drinking water, like a camel. They have the ability to go for days or weeks without water. However, it’s not healthy for us. I try to drink a minimum of two quarts per day but it took some time to work up to that amount of water.

Gardening, yard work, outdoor activities, and sports will stir up a thirst pretty quickly. Athletes require an incredible amount of liquids and electrolytes. It’s amazing how much marathon runners can drink. In fact, they don’t wait until the end of the race to drink. They will grab for a water cup multiple times along their race route at various refreshing stations to get ongoing hydration and keep up their energy.

Jesus said on the cross, “I thirst.” He had the same human needs as we do. Our bodies thirst, and so do our souls. We need to satisfy our thirst for water daily, and we need to satisfy the longings of our soul with the life-giving fulfillment that only God can provide. Both are ongoing necessities. We need refreshing.

When King David was in the wilderness he sought God and cried out to Him.

“O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water. (Psalm 63:1 ESV)

“There’s great satisfaction in receiving a word from God which so often comes by way of immersion in His Word and time spent with Him. Devotion to the scriptures, studying, meditating and prayer will prove to quench a deep thirst for a closeness with the Lord, for the living God. The great prophets like Isaiah, Jeremiah and Ezekiel had such devotion as this.

As a deer pants for flowing streams,
so pants my soul for you, O God.
My soul thirsts for God,
for the living God. (Psalm 42:1, 2 ESV)

Draw near to God daily and enjoy His blessings as He fills your heart, mind, and soul with words of life, wisdom, love, and purpose. It will nourish us for the long journey.”

By Karen Huffaker
Used by Permission

A Better Perspective

“They looked to Him and were radiant, and their faces were not ashamed.” Psalm 34:5 NKJV

We’ve heard it said many times, “There are two sides to everything.”

Our frame of reference comes from a variety of circumstances and situations: upbringing, environment, health/wellness, family unit, economic status, culture, safety, tragedy, disasters and the list goes on. How we judge or measure things can be influenced by any combination of these kinds of things.

Some may view a glass of water as half full, others as half empty. It’s about perspectives. Everyone’s situation is different and personal. Our background influences how we view life.

Yet many overcome their own circumstances, in spite of unfortunate backgrounds, and rise above difficult situations to benefit others giving them hope, encouragement and inspiration.

But Jesus is our everlasting hope! He encouraged everyone whose life He touched. He filled their cup with mercy, grace and love.

“They looked to Him and were radiant, and their faces were not ashamed.” Psalm 34:5 NKJV

He offered them freedom from burdens and sin. They each had a new lease on life from a whole new perspective, released from all that had gone before. Think how the blind, lame, leprous, demon-possessed and those who were shunned and outcast must have felt with new-found hope Jesus brought to them.

Jesus still provides this to us today. By placing our trust in the Lord as our Savior we have the assurance of a full and better life on earth and in heaven. Hope in God and praise Him!

“Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.” Psalm 42:11 NIV

How do you view your glass of water?

Karen Huffaker
Used by Permission

Follow the Leader

“He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.” Psalm 23:3 NKJV

Don’t you love watching children at play? The kids were playing in the big sandbox at the playground on a warm, sunny afternoon. My grandson started walking on the railroad ties around the perimeter of the sandbox with his arms outstretched for perfect balance. One by one I watched other children fall in line behind him to follow suit. He was a natural leader and they chose to follow him. This was the first of many times he rose to opportunities to lead, up to and including as president of his senior class.

We are tempted at times to follow wrong leaders. Whether for causes, beliefs, ideologies, or popular movements, we may take our focus off of Jesus. It’s easy to get caught up the in moment. It’s easy to be enticed by the latest trend. But God leads us in the paths of righteousness.

In the wedding at Cana, Jesus’s mother told the servers to “do whatever He tells you.”

In all things we must do as God tells and directs us if we are to stay on the right track.

Many things in scripture are very clear. For others we may have to study scripture, dig deeper, or ask for helpful advice from someone who is more experienced and further along in their spiritual journey.

Leaders shoulder the burden of great responsibility. The choices they make impact many others. We can pray for wisdom and guidance as we make important decisions. God sees the big picture. If we listen to God’s voice and wait for His direction He will help us to lead in a way that honors and glorifies Him, and accomplishes His purposes for what’s best.

God’s way is perfect and with Him our plans will succeed as scripture tells us. We can depend on God to lead us as He did with many Bible heroes of the faith like Abraham through the land of Canaan. There was Moses as he led the Israelites out of Egypt and then Joshua as their new leader. When they looked to Him and fully obeyed, their plans were successful.

By Karen Huffaker
Used by Permission

FIRST PLACE

“He is also the head of the church, which is his body. He is the beginning, the first to come back to life so that he would have first place in everything.”
Colossians 1:18 GOD’S WORD Translation (GW)

I can’t imagine starting my day without seeking God first!

When I wake up long before my alarm clock goes off I’m so excited to get that extra free time to spend with Jesus. I rush to fill my coffee cup and spread His Word around me, studying and waiting for fresh insights from Him. In the early morning I seek Him. What new wisdom will He have for me today? Lord, give me understanding of what you are teaching me.

Honoring the Lord with my time, following His agenda rather than my own, and joining Him in His work are ways I try to prioritize my day. Am I flexible when God throws me curve ball? I need to be open to new developments in His scheduling.

His will is before mine – “Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven,” as David’s prayer tells us. We are to seek first His kingdom and His righteousness.

We are to put God first in our relationships, before a spouse, children or parents. We can only have the right kinds of relationships if they are built upon and centered in the deep love of Christ. We can only know this pure kind of love if we abide in Christ and have a growing intimacy with Him. God must be given first place in our lives, the place of highest honor, the seat at the head of the table.

The people we know will come and go during different seasons throughout our lives. But God remains forever. He is the first and the last. And all His children will be together with Him for eternity.

In heaven I won’t just give God my early morning hours or occasional moments throughout the day, but I will worship, praise and glorify Him with all of my heart all of the time.

By Karen Huffaker
Used by Permission

Lifted Up

“Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; For I shall yet praise Him, The help of my countenance and my God.” Psalm 43:5 NKJV

Why are you cast down today?

Why the feelings of discouragement, depression, and despair? God gives us hope. We can cling to it. Hold on and believe it.

By putting your hope in God you hand over the burdens of your heart to him. Then look to him to touch you, to become intimately involved in your situation. Be encouraged by his love for you and being there with you, right beside you. He will lift up your countenance and give you a better hope.

Every day God offers fresh hope, and new hope. As dawn breaks I get a glimpse at what the day will look like. A day bursting with bright sunshine pulls me outdoors to enjoy his beautiful creation. A day of cloud cover, snow or rain is the perfect time to get comfy and read, dream and plan big.

Every day the Lord presents new opportunities. New people to meet, places to go, things to see and do. Think of the possibilities! Who can you connect with? Who can you bless?

Every day Jesus lavishes his love on you. You don’t have to earn his love. He already knows you and loves you just as you are. You only have to receive the gift of his love. How beautiful is that?

Every day our heavenly Father showers his blessings upon us. From the air we breathe, to the air conditioning we enjoy. Running water is the best! But there is so much more… the sun, moon and stars, all of his creation, autumn leaves, spring flowers, expanding our mind, friendship, family, help, health, medicines, children, music, the list is endless.

Consider keeping a gratitude journal. Each night before you turn out the lights, reflect on anything, however great or small, that was something you were grateful for that day. I’ve learned that journaling about all the things and people I’m grateful for, along with answered prayers, can change my outlook and my mindset. It’s a way to give thanks and praise God for all his abundant goodness.

I know that He is working in all things for my good. By hoping in God, it lifts up my countenance and I am blessed.

By Karen Huffaker
Used by Permission

Like a Child

“Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children.” Mark 10:14 NLT

I am like a little child often wondering what path to take. “Lord, take me by the hand and lead me. I’m lost and really don’t know where I’m going. Guide me through the brush, limbs, thorns and thistles, nagging bugs and insects, side-stepping serpents as I make my way.”

The Lord is my compass, and will direct me and lead me through paths of righteousness when I’m faced with life’s obstacles. He is purely motivated by His great love for me.

As a child I need wisdom. “Father, you are all wise and all-knowing. Give me wisdom to grow in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.” The young King Solomon asked God for wisdom, too. He could have asked for anything, but he chose the better thing.

“Truly I say to you, unless you change and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 18:3 NASB

When I turn the pages of the Bible and learn from Jesus, He opens my eyes to see, ears to hear, and heart to receive all the wonderful teaching He has for me!

“See how very much our Father loves us, for he calls us his children, and that is what we are! But the people who belong to this world don’t recognize that we are God’s children because they don’t know him.” 1 John 3:1 NLT

After he encountered the Lord on the Damascus road, the Apostle Paul went away to learn fresh new life-changing teaching from God. From that point forward he was a bold witness for Christ.

As I grow and mature I want to unravel life’s great mysteries. Instead, little by little God gives me discernment and understanding. I pray for boldness to share what He shows me and accomplish all He would have me to do.

Children are delightfully teachable — energetic, excited, and enthusiastic about the many wonders of the world. May I be like that, joyfully anticipating the next big thing God wants to show me!

By Karen Huffaker
Used by Permission

Roots That Grow

“Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong.” Ephesians 3:17 NLT

Amateur genealogy has been a long-time passion since I was a teenager. Researching my family roots has been fun and rewarding. Adventures have taken me through small towns, old cemeteries, dusty bookshelves, historic records and scenic drives through the country.

There have been some surprises along the way. You never know what you might discover in the family tree!

Connecting with so many cousins over the years, collecting old photos and creating lasting relationships was even more exciting. I am an only child so having the opportunity to meet that many kinfolks was particularly fascinating.

As distant cousins we may become friends, but many times it’s not that close familial love we share with immediate family members who know us so well. God’s love is greater still. He knows us intimately and has known us even as we were knit together in our mother’s womb. We are fearfully and wonderfully made by God.

For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. Psalm 139:13 NIV

Searching for my family roots is rewarding. But God’s Word says that your roots will grow down into God’s love. As we spend more time with Him we will draw closer to Him, draw nourishment from the living water He offers us. Our roots will grow down and spread deep, providing a strong foundation for our spiritual growth and enduring relationship with Him.

Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. Ephesians 3:17 NLT

Our relationship with Jesus is more meaningful than any other earthly connection we can hope for. He will come to live in us and make his home in our heart.

Has Jesus found a home in your heart?

By Karen Huffaker
Used by Permission

YIELDING

“He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way.” Psalm 25:9 (NIV)

How many Yield signs did you pass by this week? Yield right of way to other cars? If you were in a hurry, maybe you didn’t.

Did you yield to another customer in the checkout line? I would have but her buggy was full and I only had one item. What about yielding to another in conversation? Is what I have to say so amazing that I can talk louder over the other person rather than listen with grace?

Yielding is a part of life. We can count on a steady stream of opportunities to yield to others in conversations and situations.

What about in matters of faith?

Have you felt the nudge to yield your plans, wishes and burdens to God?

To yield to the God of the universe who made heaven and earth, who holds you in the palms of his hand? He has a plan for you, wants the best for you.

Maybe your take-charge style makes it difficult for letting someone else be in control. I admit there are times I would like for someone else to take charge like in preparing tax returns, complex repair jobs, computer crashes to name a few. But I welcome the knowledge that God already knows my needs and concerns, he is with me and hears my prayers. I can pray and ask for His help, wisdom and guidance. Then it’s up to me to give it all over to Him – – to yield to Him for His way, will and timing. It’s a welcome relief and lifts my burdens!

Each day I seek the Lord, and must be ready to yield to God as He works in and through me and my circumstances. I can trust that His way is best and serves His greater purposes. If we humble ourselves before the Lord, our plans will succeed

By Karen Huffaker
Used by Permission

Heart’s Desire

“Lord, You have heard the desire of the humble; You will strengthen their heart, You will make Your ear attentive.” Psalm 10:17 NASB

Prayer: Dear Lord, help me to be alert, be hopeful, and be patient!

Further Reading

SEEK MY FACE

You have said, “Seek my face.” My heart says to you, “Your face, Lord, do I seek.” Psalm 27:8 ESV

Further Reading

Thirsty for God

“My soul thirsts for God; for the living God.” Psalm 42:2 ESV

Further Reading

A Better Perspective