July 12, 2026 Devo

My grandson is learning to drive. I can’t even begin to tell you how scary that is! But I imagine people thought that about me when I was learning to drive. In fact, my wife says that I’m scary NOW! Point taken. Learning to drive can be overwhelming. When you first get behind the wheel, it seems as if there are way too many things to remember. Adjust the seat. Put on your seat belt. Check your mirrors. Check your indicator lights for any trouble. Check your gas. Make sure your passengers have their seat belts on. Put your foot on the brake. Start the car. Check for pedestrians. Check for traffic. Put the car in Drive. All of that and you haven’t even made a move yet. Now comes the thousand things you have to remember WHILE you’re driving!
Remember learning all that? That’s why it’s important to have someone teaching you who is patient and gentle. If you were taught by a yelling parent or teacher, you understand this completely. The last thing you need when you’re already panicked behind the wheel is someone screaming at you. You need someone to teach you, yes. You need someone to guide you, yes. You need someone who takes note of what you’re not doing the way you should and corrects you, yes. What you DON’T need is someone who is more panicked and emotional than YOU!
That’s why I love Jeremiah’s prayer in our passage today. First of all, he humbly acknowledges that we are only stewards of this life, and not owners. “Our lives are not our own.” Wow. How different we would live if we truly lived out of that truth. We belong to Him. Then Jeremiah makes a great confession. “We are not able to plan our own course.” Like the new driver who knows how ignorant they are, Jeremiah admits to God that we need a Teacher, a Guide, a Lord to lead us. Lastly, Jeremiah surrenders to God’s correction, seeking His Grace in the process. “So correct me, LORD, but please be gentle.” Thankfully, for Jeremiah, God is a gracious and gentle Shepherd. He corrects with patience and kindness. His rod is His last resort, not His first option in keeping us on the path.
Jeremiah’s prayer is a good one for us to begin the day. Can I lead us in it? “I am Yours, Lord. My life belongs to You and is in Your Hand. Help me to be a good steward of this day and all that it holds. Guide me, Lord. Let me not wander off on my own paths or seek after my own way. I am lost without You. Correct me, Lord. Let me hear the gentle whispers of Your Spirit as you nudge me throughout the day. Let me feel Your gentle, guiding Hand upon my shoulder. My desire is to do Your Will, Father. In Jesus’ Name I pray. Amen.” That’s God’s Word for you today.