Challenge139 — Day 35

FILAS Women Online — Devotional for a deeper, more intimate walk with the God who knows you completely.

Today’s Scripture — Psalm 139:19–20

“Surely thou wilt slay the wicked, O God: depart from me therefore, ye bloody men. For they speak against thee wickedly, and thine enemies take thy name in vain.” — Psalm 139:19–20, KJV

Devotional Reflection — Before I Look at Them, Lord, Look at Me

Sis, after spending several days looking at David’s strong feelings about wickedness, there is one more place we need to look:

Within ourselves.

It’s easy to identify what’s wrong in someone else. We can recognize their attitude, their behavior, their words, and their choices. But Challenge139 has never really been about studying everybody else.

It’s about allowing God to know us more deeply as we grow to know Him more intimately.

Before we ask God to deal with them, perhaps we should ask: Lord, is there anything in me?

“Lord, is there anything in me?”

Is there bitterness hiding behind our boundaries? Pride hiding behind our convictions? Unforgiveness hiding behind our distance? Gossip disguised as concern?

God knows.

And because He loves us, we can trust Him enough to let Him show us.

This prepares our hearts beautifully for where David will eventually take us later in this Psalm:

“Search me, O God.”

Journal Prompt

Instead of writing about another person today, write about you.

Ask:

“Lord, what have these verses revealed about my own heart?”

Write whatever comes to mind without defending or explaining it.

Today’s Challenge

Challenge139 — Day 35: Look Within

Today, spend five quiet minutes with God.

No phone. No music. No distractions.

Ask Him:

“God, before I look at what needs changing in someone else, show me what needs changing in me.”

Then listen.

If He brings something to your attention, don’t condemn yourself and don’t make excuses.

Simply say:

“Yes, Lord. Help me with that.”

Today’s Prayer

Father, it is easy for me to see what needs changing in others, but today I give You permission to deal with me. Reveal any bitterness, pride, unforgiveness, judgment, unhealthy influence, or attitude that doesn’t belong in my heart. Thank You for loving me enough to correct me and for giving me grace while I grow. Make my heart more like Yours. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Sis, Remember This…

It’s easy to say, “Lord, fix them.”

Growth begins when we’re willing to pray:

“Lord, start with me.”

Sis, don’t be afraid of what God reveals. The God who shows you what needs changing is the same God who will help you change it.