Encouragement for Today

May 4, 2026 Trusting God With the Ordinary Moments BRANDICE LARDNER Lee en español

“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:5 (NIV)

We trust God with eternity … but what about Mondays?

I’ve always found it easier to trust God with the big things. When the stakes are high, prayer flows naturally. But the ordinary moments of daily life feel different.

The more I think about it, the less sense it makes. If Jesus can secure my salvation, He’s more than able to help me navigate insomnia-inducing anxiety, the self-criticism that follows a missed dentist appointment, or the disappointment of "failing" my diet yet again.

Still, I once lived as though those moments were mine to handle — not out of defiance but independence. I was missing the Lord’s gentle whisper inviting me to use even my most ordinary struggles to seek Him.

This invitation became impossible to ignore one afternoon as I stood in front of the refrigerator. I had started the day with the best intentions, but here I was again — my diet “blown.” The well-known thought followed quickly: Since today is already ruined, I might as well eat whatever I want.

This time, something shifted. Instead of spiraling, I sensed the Holy Spirit nudging me to bring my racing thoughts to Him. I was reminded of a truth I desperately needed to hear: I was never going to be perfect — not with food, not with anything. That’s exactly why Jesus died for me, knowing every struggle I would face.

There the Lord began renewing my mind. What I had needed all along was not more control but a deeper connection to Him.

In His kindness, God used my daily struggles to draw me close, proving His love was never dependent on my performance.

Jesus’ words in John 15:5 settled in my heart: “Apart from me you can do nothing.” Like a drink of water on a hot day, those words soothed my soul. They applied to everything, from my daily anxieties to my eating decisions.

If trusting God with your Monday moments feels unfamiliar, here are some ways to invite Him in:

1. Become a gentle observer. What thoughts tend to play on repeat in your mind? When do they show up? As you begin to notice your most uncomfortable patterns, you’ll uncover the very places where God is inviting you to rely on Him — not to fix yourself but to draw near.
2. Let discomfort be your cue. Instead of fighting discomfort, allow it to become an invitation. Pay attention when your shoulders tense or your spirit feels dry. Those moments are invitations to turn toward God through honest conversation, praise, or time in His Word.
3. Turn your thoughts into a conversation with God. What if the ruminations you carry weren’t meant to be solved alone but shared with the Lord? Whisper them to God. Let your inner dialogue become prayer.

God is near — and not just in the big moments. He’s in the ordinary ones too.

Father, forgive me for trying to manage my life on my own. Teach me to pause, listen, and trust You more deeply. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

OUR FAVORITE THINGS

If you’re longing to ditch diet rules and find food freedom rooted in your faith, Fully Nourished: A Grace-Filled Approach to Ditch Diets and Find Peace with Food and Your Body by Brandice Lardner offers a biblical invitation to renew your mind and grow closer to Jesus in your everyday choices.

ENGAGE

To continue the conversation, visit Brandice at www.GraceFilledPlate.com for additional encouragement and resources to help you invite God into everyday eating decisions.

Enter to WIN your very own copy of Fully Nourished by Brandice Lardner. To celebrate this book, Brandice’s publisher will give away 5 copies! Enter to win by filling out the form here. {We’ll randomly select 5 winners and notify them via email by Monday, May 11, 2026.}

FOR DEEPER STUDY

Psalm 32:8, “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you” (ESV).

What is one ordinary area of your life where you tend to rely on yourself instead of inviting God’s guidance?

How might your day change if moments of discomfort became cues to pause and turn toward God rather than push through on your own? Share with us in the comments!

© 2026 by Brandice Lardner. All rights reserved.

Proverbs 31 Ministries thanks Grace Filled Plate for their sponsorship of today’s devotion.

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