May 2 - Joy Starts with Listening

MAY 2 - Joy Starts with Listening3-Year-Bible Reading: Proverbs 15:12-13; Psalm 50; 1 Corinthians 3//3-Year Bible (Year 1) Devotional Book Available on Amazon//________________________________________“A scoffer does not like to be reproved; he will not go to the wise. A glad heart makes a cheerful face, but by sorrow of heart the spirit is crushed.” — Proverbs 15:12-13“Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving, and perform your vows to the Most High, and call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me.” — Psalm 50:14-15“So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth.” — 1 Corinthians 3:7________________________________________Have you ever had a hard time taking advice? Sometimes it feels easier to just do things our way instead of listening to others, especially when it means admitting we need to grow. But Proverbs 15 shows us that when we’re open to wise advice, it actually leads to a happier heart. Psalm 50 reminds us that God isn’t asking for perfection—He’s looking for our thankful hearts and our trust when things get tough. And in 1 Corinthians 3, Paul reminds us that real growth comes from God, not from trying to be impressive or doing it all alone. When we listen, trust, and stay connected to God, He changes us from the inside out.________________________________________THINK ABOUT IT1. Are you willing to listen? When someone gives you advice or correction, do you take it seriously or get defensive?2. God loves thankful hearts: How can you make gratitude a regular part of your relationship with God this week?3. Remember who grows you: It’s not about being the best—it’s about letting God work in you. How can you depend on Him more today?________________________________________BOTTOM LINEJoy and real growth come when we listen to wisdom, stay thankful, and trust God to lead our journey.________________________________________PRAYERHeavenly Father, Thank You for loving me even when I don’t have it all figured out. Help me to listen to wise advice and not be stubborn. Teach me to have a heart full of gratitude and trust that You are growing me, even when I can't see it right away. I want my life to show Your love and joy to others. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.