God’s Work, Fully Complete
Just as a puzzle comes together piece by piece, the Lord is completing His good work in every area that concerns us.
Devotional Credit: Day by Day by Grace by Bob Hoekstra
Photo Credit: Unsplash
Bob Hoekstra draws our eyes to a precious promise tucked in Psalm 138:8, “The Lord will perfect that which concerns me.” This is not simply a hopeful wish, but a declaration of God’s unwavering commitment to bring His purposes to completion in the lives of His people. We often carry anxieties about whether we will ever grow into maturity, whether our marriages will flourish, or whether we will gain true understanding of God’s Word. Yet here God Himself speaks: He will complete the work that He began.
Hoekstra reminds us that this Old Testament promise finds its echo in Philippians 1:6, where Paul assures believers that the One who began a good work will carry it on to completion. It is the same Lord, working with the same intent, making the same pledge. God does not start and then abandon His children. He does not leave us half-finished or lacking. He brings His plan to fullness.
The devotional also emphasizes specific areas where this promise applies. Our growth in biblical understanding is not left to us alone. As we humbly approach the Scriptures and rely on Him for insight, He faithfully matures us. Our growth in godliness is not simply a matter of self-effort, but of yielding to His grace that teaches us to deny ungodliness and live righteously in this present age. Even within marriage, where challenges often run deep, the Lord promises to perfect what concerns us, shaping husbands and wives into servants of one another, reflecting the sacrificial love of Jesus.
The heart of Hoekstra’s encouragement is clear: whatever concerns us, concerns the Lord. He has staked His own name and glory on the promise to perfect His work in us. We can rest in His sufficiency, confident that He does not leave anything undone. He is faithful to the end.
Journal Entry – Voice of the Holy Spirit Through Scripture
My child, do not be anxious about your growth. What concerns you, concerns Me. I began a good work in you, and I will bring it to completion. My Word will not return void. As you yield to Me, I give you understanding, and My Spirit opens your eyes to My truth.
When you hunger for godliness, remember it is My grace that teaches you to walk in holiness. It is not your striving that changes you, but My life within you. I am the One conforming you to the image of My Son. Trust Me in the process, for I never abandon what I begin.
If you are married, do not lose heart when progress feels slow. I am at work in your union. As husband and wife submit to Me and to one another, I am weaving love, humility, and unity. My desire is for your marriage to be a reflection of My love for the church.
Rest in My promise. I will perfect what concerns you. You are not left unfinished. I am faithful. My hand will shape you, My grace will sustain you, and My purpose will be fulfilled in you.
Scripture References: Psalm 138:8, Philippians 1:6, Hebrews 5:12-14, Titus 2:11-12, Ephesians 5:21-25, Isaiah 55:11, Romans 8:29, 1 Thessalonians 5:24, 2 Corinthians 3:18.
Real-Life Analogy
Think of a puzzle spread across a table. At first it looks like a confusing mix of colors and edges. You may place a few pieces together but soon wonder if the picture will ever take shape. Then the one who sees the full image on the box continues piece by piece, patiently connecting each part until the whole design emerges in beauty. In the same way, the Lord sees the complete picture of our lives. Even when we only see scattered pieces, He is fitting them together to accomplish His perfect plan.
Today, when I am tempted to panic over unfinished areas of life, I can pause and whisper, “Lord, I trust You to carry forward Your work in me right now.” In that moment, I rest not in what I can finish, but in what He has already promised to perfect.
Prayer of Confidence
Lord, I thank You that every concern of mine is known to You. You are the One who perfects Your work in me, in my growth, in my relationships, and in every area of life. I rejoice that You never leave anything incomplete. You began this work of grace, and You will finish it. I rest in Your faithfulness and celebrate the certainty of Your promise.