So here’s the thing, friend… life has a way of rattling our cages. We get tired. We get tested. We get tangled up in fears that whisper, “This is the end of the road.” But Psalm 16:9-10 reminds us of a truth that’ll warm your soul like a front porch swing on a spring morning.

David says, “Therefore my heart is glad, and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure, because you will not abandon me to the realm of the dead, nor will you let your faithful one see decay.”

That right there? That’s hope with a backbone.

David knew—even when the shadows crept in and the nights got long—that God wasn’t about to walk away. He knew the grave wasn’t the end of the story. And we know even more than David did—because Jesus stepped out of His tomb and made sure ours wouldn’t be the last chapter either.

So, take heart today. Let your heart be glad. Let your soul sing. Rest secure—not because everything’s perfect—but because He is.

God doesn’t abandon His own. He sticks closer than a brother and stronger than the fear that’s trying to chase you down.

You’re not forgotten. You’re not forsaken. You’re firmly held in the arms of the One who conquered death so you could truly live.

Now go live like that’s true.

Romans 8:1 – “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”

Now friend, let me tell you—there are few things worse than guilt hangin’ around your neck like last year’s Christmas fruitcake. You know the kind—hard, heavy, and nobody really wantin’ it. And we’ve all carried it. Whether it was something we said, somethin’ we didn’t do, or just one of those moments where we zigged when we should’ve zagged.

But then comes Romans 8:1, bustin’ through like your grandma’s voice on Sunday mornin’ callin’ you to breakfast—clear, warm, and full of love: “There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” That means if you’ve trusted Jesus, your past doesn’t get to hold a press conference in your future. Your mistakes don’t get the final word—grace does.

Someone once said: “Life is like a dog—if you feed it and treat it right, it’ll love you back.” Well, grace is like that too. You feed your heart with the truth of God’s love, and you’ll start to live like someone who’s truly free. You may not be perfect—but in Christ, you are not condemned. And that, my friend, is better news than a church pew packed on Easter Sunday.

So walk in that freedom. The past is past. And the future is full of promise.

Matthew 21:5 (NIV) – “Say to Daughter Zion, ‘See, your king comes to you, gentle and riding on a donkey, and on a colt, the foal of a donkey.’”

Now, I don’t know about you, but if I were the King of Kings and had the whole world in my hands, I believe I’d have picked a Clydesdale or at least a convertible Cadillac to make my entrance. But Jesus? He came riding in on a borrowed donkey. Not exactly the stuff of red carpets and royal fanfare.

Some folks talk a big game, but the real ones just show up and get the job done. And that’s exactly what Jesus did. No pomp. No pretense. Just power wrapped in humility.

This gentle King came not to impress, but to invite. He didn’t come in force, but in peace. He didn’t demand our attention—He earned our affection.

And maybe that’s the encouragement today: the King is still coming to you. Not with flashing lights and loud demands, but with gentleness, grace, and open arms. In a world that shouts for attention, don’t miss the quiet ride of the Savior, drawing near—not to rule over you—but to walk with you.

So when you hear the sound of hooves on the dirt road of your heart, look up. Your King is coming… and He’s come for you.