Wednesday, April 22, 2026

Bible in a Year: Job 15-16 | Matthew 10

Have you ever reacted in a way that surprised you? Maybe frustration came out sharper than you expected, or you felt anxious, withdrawn, or overwhelmed.

We often move so quickly through life that we don’t stop to notice what’s really going on inside us.

But freedom begins there.

Ephesians 1:7-8
He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins. He has showered his kindness on us, along with all wisdom and understanding.

Ephesians reminds us that Jesus purchased our freedom and, in his kindness, gives us wisdom and understanding. That means we’re not left guessing about our inner world. God invites us to slow down, pay attention, and let him gently reveal what’s beneath the surface.

Because every behavior is rooted in a belief.

When we pause long enough to notice what we’re feeling, we can begin to name what’s really going on. Not just “I’m frustrated,” but “I feel overlooked.” Not just “I’m anxious,” but “I’m afraid I’m not enough.” And underneath those feelings is often a deeper belief shaping how we see ourselves, others, or even God.

And with that belief comes a need.

Maybe the need is to feel seen. Safe. Valued. Loved.

For me, there have been moments where my reactions didn’t match the situation, and I had to slow myself down and ask, “What am I actually feeling right now?” When I got honest, I realized there were deeper places in me still longing for healing—places where old beliefs were still trying to speak louder than God’s truth.

And that’s where freedom began.

Not in fixing the behavior first, but in bringing the deeper need into the light.

Because when we name it, we can invite Jesus into it.

He doesn’t meet us with shame. He meets us with kindness, wisdom, and understanding. He reminds us of what’s true. That we are chosen. That we are loved. That we are already enough because of him.

And as truth replaces those old beliefs, something shifts.

We begin to respond instead of react. We begin to live from freedom instead of striving for it.

So today, slow down.

Notice what you’re feeling.

Name what’s really going on.

Ask what you’re believing, and what you truly need.

Then bring it to Jesus.

Because you were chosen for freedom, and it begins with awareness.

Questions:
What emotion have you been feeling lately that you haven’t slowed down to fully notice?

What belief might be underneath that feeling, and what deeper need could God be inviting you to bring to him?

Next Steps:
Set aside five quiet minutes each day this week. Ask yourself: What am I feeling? What am I believing? What do I need? Write it down, then invite Jesus into that space with honesty.

Prayer:
Jesus, thank you for choosing me and setting me free. Help me slow down and notice what’s really going on inside me. Give me the courage to name what I’m feeling and the wisdom to understand what I need. Replace any false beliefs with your truth. Meet me with your kindness and lead me into real freedom. Amen.

Series Theme Verse:

Ephesians 1:5
God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure.

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