Daily InsPirational MOments with Rev. Dr. Precious Prothro

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We Still Have a Song

I watched a video of a man riding a bike, singing Elevation Worship’s “I Trust in God.” There was lamenting in his praise. Maybe he was dealing withe something difficult and praising his way through. Maybe he was simply expressing his love for God. Whatever his reason, the young people who were recording him were fascinated by his praise.

What a testimony! He was riding a bike in his own world, and his praise was reaching people.

Sometimes people look at our lives and see hardship. They see what we are facing and wonder what we could possibly have to sing about. We make mistakes. We don’t always get it right. We fall, and sometimes we struggle to get back up. Yet God’s grace keeps meeting us there, giving us a reason to keep declaring, “I trust in God.”

Trusting God when life is uncertain can be difficult. Continually testifying of His goodness when things aren’t working out takes faith. Sometimes we sing with tears in our eyes and questions still on our hearts.

Consider the people of Judah in captivity. When their captors demanded “one of the songs of Zion,” they asked, “How shall we sing the Lord’s song in a strange land?” (Psalm 137:1-4). Their grief was real. How could they sing while so far from home and enduring such pain?

We may not share their captivity, but we understand how difficult it can be to find a song in an unfamiliar, painful place. We look around at the evil in this world or at the trouble in our own lives, and praise may not come easily.

Still, God is with us. Even in the valley of the shadow of death, we do not walk alone. His goodness remains, even when our circumstances are hard.

So let us keep testifying…on a bike or in a vehicle, at home or on the streets, in health or in sickness. Someone may hear our praise and find encouragement to trust Him too.

“In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” —1 Thessalonians 5:18

We don’t have to pretend that hardship, difficulty, confusion, and suffering don’t exist to declare that God is good. Our praise can tell both truths.

Father, help us trust You when life is hard and praise feels difficult. Give us a song that strengthens our faith and points someone else toward You. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Let Kindness Catch On

I heard someone say, “Kindness is contagious.” That’s so true—and I wish we saw more of it.

In a world with so much cruelty and constant antagonizing, I love to see people being kind. Kindness doesn’t have to be a grand act. Holding a door, saying “excuse me,” helping someone, smiling, and saying “please” and “thank you” may seem small, but they matter.

Kindness also shows up in how we choose our words. I see comments on posts that are so unnecessary. People degrade and disrespect others simply because they can hide behind a screen. Before we hit “post,” we should ask ourselves: Is this helpful? Is it necessary? Is it kind?

We can disagree and still be respectful. We can tell the truth and still show compassion. Having something to say doesn’t mean we have to say it in a way that wounds someone.

Colossians 3:12 reminds us, “Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience.”

Kindness is one of the fruits of the Spirit. It should be evident in how we treat people, in person and online. And when we show it, we may encourage someone else to do the same.

If kindness is contagious, let’s give somebody something good to catch. It can start with us.

Father, help us to reflect Your love in our words and actions. Teach us to pause before we respond and choose kindness, even when we are frustrated. Let the way we treat others point them toward You. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Delivered… Now Live Differently

Throughout the Bible, we see the children of Israel caught in a cycle: disobedience, oppression, crying out to God, and deliverance. Then, often, after experiencing His mercy, they returned to doing evil.

How many times did God have to deliver them before they would learn? WAIT…Before we judge them, we should ask ourselves the same question.

In human relationships, repeated offenses can strain even the strongest bond. We may forgive, but many will eventually establish boundaries or sever ties to protect our peace. God, on the other hand, continues to call us to repentance, offering mercy we could never earn…over and over again. 

That kind of love should move us to change.

“Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God.” (1 Peter 2:16)

God’s forgiveness is not permission to keep doing what He delivered us from. His grace calls us to live differently; to turn from sin and pursue a life that pleases Him. We will not walk perfectly, but we should walk with a heart willing to be corrected and changed.

Israel’s story reminds us of God’s patience, but it also challenges us to examine our response. Are we only asking Him to change our circumstances, or are we willing to let Him change us?

Let’s not become so comfortable being forgiven that we stop being willing to change.

Father, thank You for Your patience and mercy. Forgive us for returning to what You have brought us through. Help us to repent sincerely, change our ways, and honor Your love through the lives we live. In Jesus’ name, amen.