DAILY BREAD READING (Published Daily by Our Daily Bread Ministries)
March 19, 2026
READ: Lamentations 3 (Focus vs. 22-33)
MEMORY VERSE
“The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.” Lamentations 3:24
BACKGROUND
Joseph combed the job listings frustratedly. Previous jobs as a waiter had paid well, but regular weekend shifts typical of the restaurant industry made it hard for him as a new believer in Jesus to attend church regularly.
“Why doesn’t God answer my prayer?” he lamented. “Wouldn’t He want me to attend church?”
It took a year before Joseph saw that he had to adjust his expectations and try a different industry, where he finally found a job with regular weekday shifts.
Thanking God, he realized how the long wait had made him more mature in making decisions. This job change process had also taught Joseph what it means to persevere in life and trust in God to reveal His plans in His time.
That’s what James told Jewish believers in Jesus, who were scattered and facing trials. Encouraging them not to give up, he said, “Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete” (James 1:4).
The process of asking God for wisdom, waiting, and standing firm (vv. 5-6) would not only nurture their patience and trust in God but also help them grow in maturity as they learned more about themselves and God.
Waiting for God’s answer can be tough, but it makes us more mature and steadfast, strengthens our faith, and gives us a deeper understanding of what it means to trust God.
Leslie Koh
INSIGHT
James’ letter is typically classified as wisdom literature because of its stylistic use of short, memorable proverbs and sayings.
It also emphasizes themes common in Hebrew wisdom literature, such as divine wisdom (3:13-18), the importance of ethical speech (vv. 1-12), and justice for the poor (5:1-6).
James also draws heavily from Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, reflecting teachings like joy in trials (James 1:2-3; see Matthew 5:10-12), asking God for wisdom (James 1:5; see Matthew 7:7-11), and the danger of a divided heart (James 1:6-8; see Matthew 6:24).
James urges believers in Christ to see “trials of many kinds” (James 1:2) as an opportunity to trust in and rely more deeply on God while waiting for Him to answer. This deepens our wisdom, perseverance, and faithfulness (vv. 3, 5).
Monica La Rose
APPLICATION
What’s the hardest part of waiting for God’s answer to prayers? How can you draw on His strength to keep trusting in Him?
PR’s (Pastor Richard) RE-EMPHASIS (From Today’s Post)
“Waiting for God’s answer can be tough, but it makes us more mature and steadfast, strengthens our faith, and gives us a deeper understanding of what it means to trust God.”
PR’s TAKE
“…but they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.” Isaiah 40:31
“When you can’t trace God’s hand, trust His heart” Charles Spurgeon
PRAYER
“Dear Father, thank You for the assurance that You’re compassionate and hear my prayers. Please give me the wisdom and patience to keep trusting You.”
TODAY’S HYMN/WORSHIP/PRAISE/GOSPEL SONG
“I DON’T MIND WAITING” Juanita Bynum
… I don’t mind waiting
I don’t mind waiting
I don’t mind waiting
On The Lord
… I don’t mind waiting
I don’t mind waiting
I don’t mind waiting
On The Lord
… I don’t mind waiting
… I don’t mind waiting
Because I know He’s coming in awhile
I don’t mind waiting…
