AUGUST 2 – Living for What Matters3-Year-Bible Reading: Proverbs 21:2–3; Psalm 88; 1 Thessalonians 4–5//3-Year Bible Devotional Book (Year Two) Available on Amazon//________________________________________“Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the heart. To do righteousness and justice is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.” — Proverbs 21:2–3 (ESV)“You have put me in the depths of the pit, in the regions dark and deep. Your wrath lies heavy upon me, and you overwhelm me with all your waves.” — Psalm 88:6–7 (ESV)“Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.” — 1 Thessalonians 5:11 (ESV)________________________________________Have you ever felt like you were doing everything right but still wondered if it really mattered? Maybe you’ve tried to please people, follow the rules, or do good things, but deep down, you felt empty or unnoticed. Proverbs 21 reminds us that while we might think we’re on the right path, God looks deeper—He sees our hearts and motives. Psalm 88 captures the raw honesty of feeling overwhelmed and unheard, like the writer was drowning in his struggles. But 1 Thessalonians 5 calls us to encourage and lift each other up because sometimes a simple word of hope can remind someone they’re not alone.God isn’t looking for perfection or fake smiles. He wants real hearts that choose what is right, even when life feels hard. And He’s placed people around you—friends, family, even classmates—who need your encouragement just as much as you need theirs.________________________________________THINK ABOUT IT1. Heart Check: What are some ways you can make sure your choices come from the right motives instead of just trying to look good (Proverbs 21:2–3)?2. Honest with God: Like the writer in Psalm 88, are you willing to be real with God about your struggles instead of hiding how you feel?3. Building Others Up: Who in your life needs encouragement today, and how can you live out 1 Thessalonians 5:11 by speaking life into them?________________________________________BOTTOM LINEGod values hearts that seek Him honestly, even in tough times, and calls us to lift each other up with encouragement and love.________________________________________PRAYERHeavenly Father, thank You for seeing my heart even when I feel unseen by others. Help me to be honest with You about my struggles and to make choices that honor You. Teach me to encourage others and bring hope to those who need it most. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.