Tuesday, January 20, 2026

Bible in a Year: ❏ Psalms 24-26 | ❏ Acts 11

Our hearts have the tendency to drift. It doesn’t begin with a big decision. It starts with something we hold onto a little too long. Maybe it is guilt we haven’t brought to God, or anger we’ve tucked away and tried to manage ourselves. Slowly, almost silently, those things begin nudging us off course.

We start to drift because guilt and anger whisper louder than grace and truth.

Guilt keeps replaying what we did. Grace quiets the noise.

Anger replays what was done to us. Truth reminds us that the battle is not ours.

These emotions try to convince us that staying stuck is safer than surrender. Both drain our hearts more than we realize.

But God’s grace and truth always rise above, guiding us away from the drift and back into the secure, healing presence of Jesus.

I’ve walked through seasons like that, carrying what I thought I could handle, only to find myself exhausted and spiritually disconnected. Guilt made me hide. Anger made me guarded. Neither pulled me toward hope, healing, or deeper faith. They only clouded my view of God.

Ephesians 4:31–32 
Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.

Scripture doesn’t shame us for these emotions, it simply shines a light on what happens when they take root. Ephesians reminds us that anger, harshness, and bitterness are signs that something tender in us needs God’s touch. They’re not proof that we’re failing; they’re signals that our hearts need care.

And God never exposes what he’s not willing to heal.

He invites us to let go, not because we earned forgiveness, but because Jesus already covered us with his.

He invites us to release, not because what happened was okay, but because freedom is part of his promise.

He invites us to return, not because we’ve drifted too far, but because he never stopped drawing us back.

When guilt rises, God is not pointing a finger. He’s offering his grace.

When anger flares, he’s not stepping away. He’s asking to carry the weight with you, as he reminds you of his truth.

The life God has for you is steady, anchored, and rooted in his forgiveness.

He keeps your heart close, waiting for you to turn toward him.

Questions: 
Where have guilt or anger tried to shape your responses or your relationships this week?

What might God be gently inviting you to release into his hands today?

Next Steps: 
Name one thing you’ve been carrying and give it to God in prayer or writing as an act of surrender.

21 Days of Prayer and Fasting - Day 16
Today’s Prayer Focus: To Come Close to God 

Prayer:
Dear God, you have promised if I draw near to you, you will draw near to me. I need more of your strength and presence today. I am drawing near to you through prayer, worship, and your Word. I open my heart to you and ask you to be near to me, growing me to be more like you. Amen. 

Series Theme Verse:
Hebrews 2:1
So we must listen very carefully to the truth we have heard, or we may drift away from it.

This post was written by Monique Myers, a Perrysburg attendee and regular contributor to the Daily LivingItOut.