READ: 2 CHRONICLES 32:1-22; MATTHEW 4:1-11

At one time in Israel’s history, the army of Assyria came to invade Jerusalem, and the Assyrian king, Sennacherib, was sure that this Israelite God would be as easy to defeat as the gods of the other nations surrounding it. He laid siege to Jerusalem, then used fear tactics. He sent threatening letters to King Hezekiah of Judah and sent officers to yell threats at the Israelites standing on the city walls, directly addressing the people in their own language.

Sennacherib did this “to frighten and discourage them in order that he might capture the city. They spoke against the God of Jerusalem like they had spoken against the gods of the peoples of the earth, which were made by human hands” (2 Chronicles 32:18-19).

Here’s some of Sennacherib’s long and pompous speech: “So now, don’t let Hezekiah deceive you, and don’t let him mislead you like this. Don’t believe him, for no god of any nation or kingdom has been able to rescue his people from my power or the power of my predecessors. How much less will your God rescue you from my power!” (2 Chronicles 32:15).

King Hezekiah and the prophet Isaiah both sought God’s help, and the story has a wonderful ending. I hope you read it for yourself. But notice how the enemy used lies to terrify God’s people. Sennacherib wanted to “frighten and discourage them.” Their fear could have become so crippling that Sennacherib could easily have conquered them. Our enemy does the same thing today. Satan’s lies abound. We might feel like nobody cares or that we are all alone. But none of those things are true! We are treasured and loved by God, and He is always with us.

So how can we combat the lies? The best way to defeat the lies of the enemy is with the truth of God’s Word. That’s what Jesus did when His enemy tempted Him with half-truths (Matthew 4:1-11). Jesus knew that He was going to defeat Satan through dying on the cross and rising from the grave—and He did! Today, we can know that if we’ve put our trust in Jesus, He is with us, and His Holy Spirit fills us with truth and hope in the face of the devil’s lies. Whenever we’re afraid, let’s look to Jesus. • Kristen Merrill

• How can things like memorizing God’s Word, talking with Him in prayer, and spending time with other believers help us remember the truth about who Jesus is and who we are in Him?

• When we fall for Satan’s lies, God has so much compassion on us. He always wants to forgive and restore us. What lies do you need to bring to Him today?

[Jesus said,] “You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:32 (CSB)

READ: PSALM 25:1-5; ROMANS 8:35-39; REVELATION 6:9-11

I’ve been reading the book of Revelation recently, and Revelation 6:11 is one of the verses that’s really stuck with me. Though it describes John’s vision of events that haven’t yet taken place, it still feels very relevant. The martyrs described in this verse are waiting in heaven for the Lord to punish those who had killed them because of their faithfulness to Him on earth. Rather than acting in that moment, however, God waits. The time for Him to enact justice hasn’t come yet.

Even though I’m not a martyr, I can relate to the people John sees in his vision, wanting God to act on their behalf but being told to wait. It can be difficult for me to trust God, especially because I know He can act. I don’t doubt His ability, but sometimes I doubt His timing.

In situations when I’m tempted to doubt the Lord’s timing, it helps to remember He’s never early or late. His understanding of what the “right” time is far surpasses mine. Although I can only see a small part of the whole picture, He can see the entire thing.

If you’re in a situation where you need God to intervene, you can trust that He’ll act at exactly the right moment—not a moment early or a moment late. You may simply need to wait a little longer. • Grace McCready

• Is there a situation in your life where you want God to take action? God invites us to cry out to Him and be totally honest about what we want Him to do. As we draw near to Him in prayer, we often find it becomes easier to trust His timing in each situation and rely on Him while we wait. Consider taking a moment to talk to God openly about what’s going on in your life and what you want Him to do about it.

• As we think about justice, it helps to remember that God is perfectly just, and He promises to right every wrong and punish every sin—including the sins others commit against us, and also the sins we commit. This is a sobering thought, and yet it makes the good news all the more wonderful, that Jesus took our sins upon Himself on the cross, taking the punishment for us. That means everyone who has put their trust in Jesus is spared from the punishment we deserve. This is God’s heart: He longs to forgive sinners and bring them into His family to live with Him forever. According to 2 Peter 3:3-9, why is God waiting to bring about full justice?

Then each of them was given a white robe, and they were told to wait a little longer, until the full number of their fellow servants, their brothers and sisters, were killed just as they had been. Revelation 6:11 (NIV)

READ: PSALM 46; JOHN 16:33; HEBREWS 4:14-16

I have heard that peace is like a river of serenity.

I have heard that the Lord is the giver of tranquility.

If peace can be revealed through the raindrops of a raging storm,

Why does the thunder never stop? It leaves my heart feeling torn.

My friends are gone. I’m alone in the dark. No peace can I find.

Fear holds me as a slave. I feel like I am losing my mind.

My heart races fast inside of my chest. I can’t catch my breath.

The darkness closes in all around me. Is this the end: death?

But wait! His scarred hands are lifting me high above the darkness.

Though the raging waters are by my side, He is my fortress.

Jesus knows the anguish that makes me tense. He is human too.

His reckless love is never any less for me or for you.

He is my peace in the raging storm when fear is all around.

Even though things may fall apart, I will stand on solid ground.

So, I will raise my head and fix my eyes, seeing only Him.

Though Satan tempts, I know fear is a lie. Darkness will grow dim. • Brooke Morris

• Jesus promises peace to everyone who puts their trust in Him. In fact, Ephesians 2:14 says that Jesus “himself is our peace.” Because He died on the cross and rose from the grave to forgive our sins, we can have peace with God (Romans 5:1). And we can look forward to the day Jesus will return and make all things new! But in the meantime, we all experience times when we feel anything but peaceful. Thankfully, Jesus invites us to take refuge in Him—to honestly tell Him all we’re thinking and feeling, and be reminded of His steadfast love and faithfulness. Can you think of a time you experienced Jesus helping you when you were afraid? What was that like?

• If you want to dig deeper, read Psalms 88:18; 139:12; Isaiah 41:10; 66:12-13; Matthew 7:24-27; 26:37-38; Luke 22:44; John 20:24-29; Romans 8:15; Philippians 4:6-7; Hebrews 2:15; 12:1-3.

[Jesus said,] “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27 (NIV)