DECEMBER 20 - No Respect, No Rest
3-Year-Bible Reading: Proverbs 30:11–14; Psalm 22; Isaiah 53
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3-Year Bible Devotional Book Available on Amazon
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“There are those who curse their fathers and do not bless their mothers. There are those who are clean in their own eyes but are not washed of their filth.” —Proverbs 30:11–12
“But I am a worm and not a man, scorned by mankind and despised by the people.” —Psalm 22:6
“He was despised and rejected by men; a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief… he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows.” —Isaiah 53:3–4
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Ever felt like no one gets you? Like people don’t really see what you’re going through—or worse, they just write you off? In Psalm 22, we hear someone crying out, “Why have you forsaken me?” It’s raw, honest, and painfully familiar. When you're going through stuff—family drama, pressure at school, feeling invisible—it’s easy to think no one cares.
Isaiah 53 shows us that Jesus knows what rejection feels like. He was misunderstood, judged unfairly, and pushed aside—just like we sometimes are. Proverbs 30 reminds us how broken this world is, with people who dishonor parents, act like they’re flawless, and treat others with arrogance. But in the middle of all that mess, God sees us, carries our pain, and offers a better way.
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THINK ABOUT IT
1. Respect Starts With the Heart: Proverbs talks about dishonor in families. How do you treat your parents or people in authority, even when it’s hard? Our attitude toward others reflects what’s really in our hearts.
2. Jesus Gets It: Isaiah 53 reminds us that Jesus didn’t just suffer physically—He went through emotional pain and rejection. When you feel alone, remember He’s been there. He’s not distant; He’s deeply personal.
3. It’s Not Just About You: The people described in Proverbs 30 think they’re clean, but they’re not. Sometimes we ignore our own faults and focus on others. What’s one area where you need to be real with God today?
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BOTTOM LINE
Even when people let you down or make you feel invisible, Jesus sees you, knows your pain, and chose to carry it for you. Respect isn’t just about behavior—it’s about reflecting the heart of the One who loved us even when we were at our worst.
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PRAYER
Heavenly Father, thank You for seeing me when I feel overlooked. Thank You, Jesus, for choosing to carry my pain and not turning away from my struggles. Help me to respect others, even when it’s tough, and to be honest with You about where I fall short. Teach me to love like You do. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.