Friday, June 6, 2025

New Testament Reading Plan: 2 Thessalonians 2

If I had to guess, a crushed spirit is something most of us have felt before. Just reading those words - crushed spirit - probably stirs up a memory or a feeling from a season when life felt especially heavy. You may be reading this with a crushed spirit right now.

When life breaks our hearts or weighs us down, it's easy to feel like the pain may never lift. But God promises something more than momentary relief. He promises that one day, our crushed spirits will be gone forever!

Revelation 21:4-5
“He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.”
And the one sitting on the throne said, "Look, I am making everything new!" And then he said to me, “Write this down, for what I tell you is trustworthy and true.”

What a beautiful image. Every grief, every ache, every sorrow will be gone. And it's not just wishful thinking. God tells us to write it down because his words are trustworthy and true.

But this promise isn't only for the future; if you accept it, it will comfort you now.

Psalm 34:18
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed.

I remember a time when I was in a season of suffering, and all I could do was hold on to the hope that, one day, God would make all things new. That belief didn't erase my crushed spirit or instantly heal the broken parts of my body, but it gave me the strength to keep going.

If your heart feels heavy today, hold on. The sorrow won't last forever. God is close and making everything new, even when you can't see it yet.

Questions:
Can you think of a time when holding onto the hope of heaven gave you strength or peace during a difficult season?

Next Steps:
Read the Holy Spirit Devotional found in the App under Your Journey | Spiritual Domain | Learn.

Prayer:
Jesus, where would I be without your promises? Thank you for reminding me that you are my true hope amid life's storms. Even when I create a mess or life throws something I didn't ask for, you promise to come and make everything new. I love you, I trust you, and I worship you. Amen.

Series Theme Verse:
2 Corinthians 1:20
For all of God’s promises have been fulfilled in Christ with a resounding “Yes!” And through Christ, our “Amen” (which means “Yes”) ascends to God for his glory.

This post was written by Lori Tuckerman, Director of Content for the Daily LivingItOut.