Wisdom for Today, Strength for Tomorrow
LYSA TERKEURST
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“so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.” Isaiah 55:11 (NIV)
Do you ever get overwhelmed when you sit down to read your Bible?
Me, too … especially when I’m feeling worn down and worn out.
When we’re in these desperate places, we may simply want God to rain down right-now wisdom, answers, and solutions for what’s breaking our hearts, but spending time in God's Word actually offers us so much more. You see, the Bible doesn’t just give us instruction for today; it also plants wisdom in our hearts for the future.
We see this powerful truth in Isaiah 55:10-11:
“As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it” (NIV).
This water imagery would have been quite significant to the people of Israel. Because of where they lived, they were heavily dependent on seasonal rains. Water simply wasn’t as accessible to them as it was to other nations like Egypt with its Nile River.
The Israelites’ dependence on God for physical sustenance and satisfaction served as a continual reminder of their need to depend on Him spiritually as well. They didn’t just need the rain for immediate nourishment for their plants. It served a dual purpose — enabling the crops to flourish that year as well as to produce the seeds necessary for the following year. The water provided not only sustenance for the present but assurance for the future.
How like the Word of God.
Scripture, like rain, brings us immediate nourishment and refreshment for our present circumstances (Psalm 19:7-10), and it also waters seeds to sustain us in the future (Isaiah 55:10). God already sees everything coming our way, and that means He knows exactly how to prepare us.
Storing Scripture deep in our hearts prepares us for the most unpredictable changes. The unforeseeable circumstances. The moments that take our breath away and give us no other option but to trust God to carry us through. I’ve seen this to be so true in my own life, even in times when I didn’t feel like I had much to give.
So, friend, let’s open God’s Word today. Even if you don't feel like it or you’re not sure you can, start with one or two verses. And more than just reading His words, choose to receive them. Choose to live them. Because the more we apply God’s teaching to our lives, the more it becomes part of us. For today. For one day. For every day.
Lord, when I feel worn down and tired, help me to be intentional with spending time in Your Word. Let the truth on the pages sink deeply into my heart and remind me of who You are, even when I am faced with difficult circumstances. When I don’t know what to do, I know I can rely on You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
OUR FAVORITE THINGS
The Therapy & Theology podcast exists to help you work through what you’re walking through. With theological wisdom and therapeutic insight, Lysa TerKeurst, counselor Jim Cress, and Dr. Joel Muddamalle put words to struggles and challenges you may be facing but feel ill-equipped to overcome. Right now, they’re talking about red flags to be aware of in relationships. Start listening to Episode 1 here!
ENGAGE
Find real-life encouragement when you connect with Lysa TerKeurst here on Instagram.
FOR DEEPER STUDY
Psalm 19:7, “The law of the LORD is perfect, refreshing the soul. The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple” (NIV).
What if God’s Word is the immediate refreshment your heart needs right now? Take time today to read and write down one or two Bible verses. As you sit with them, let them bring peace to your soul.
We’d love to hear from you! Share your thoughts in the comments.
© 2025 by Lysa TerKeurst. All rights reserved.
Proverbs 31 Ministries
P.O. Box 3189
Matthews, NC 28106
www.Proverbs31.org
Originally published Thursday, 24 July 2025.
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