{"id":27128,"date":"2026-04-17T10:40:54","date_gmt":"2026-04-17T10:40:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/biblelon.com\/?p=27128"},"modified":"2026-04-17T10:40:54","modified_gmt":"2026-04-17T10:40:54","slug":"the-cost-of-neglecting-the-little-things-encouragement-for-today-april-17-2026-encouragement-for-today-daily-devotional-from-proverbs-31","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/biblelon.com\/?p=27128","title":{"rendered":"The Cost of Neglecting the Little Things –\u00a0Encouragement for Today – April 17, 2026 – Encouragement for Today Daily Devotional from Proverbs 31"},"content":{"rendered":"

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April 17, 2026<\/span><\/p>\n

The Cost of Neglecting the Little Things<\/strong><\/span>
GRACE VALENTINE<\/span><\/p>\n

Lee en espa\u00f1ol<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTherefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles.\u201d Hebrews 12:1a (NIV)\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

A few years ago, I bought a jewelry stand that has the perfect spots for earrings, bracelets, and necklaces. Everything has a place. Everything stays organized.<\/p>\n

There\u2019s just one problem: I don\u2019t use it.<\/p>\n

I come home after work and drop my necklace at the bottom of the stand instead of hanging it where it belongs. Then a few mornings later, I\u2019ll reach for that same necklace \u2014 and it\u2019s completely tangled with three others I tossed there too.<\/p>\n

It isn\u2019t purposeful. It\u2019s neglectful of what\u2019s right in front of me.<\/p>\n

I\u2019ve noticed this is also how sin works. Hebrews 12:1 reminds us to \u201cthrow off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles\u201d<\/em> \u2014 because sin often starts small. Subtle. Justifiable to the world.<\/p>\n

It begins with a jealous thought about a friend that I don\u2019t confess to Jesus. That thought slowly shapes how I speak to her, how I speak about her, and how I see myself.<\/p>\n

It starts with gossip at brunch \u2014 just one comment. And it\u2019s true<\/em>, I tell myself. But that comment becomes destructive both to someone else and my own heart.<\/p>\n

It starts with a bad habit I allow to linger. Before I know it, I\u2019m emotionally and physically drained, numbing my feelings instead of dealing with them.<\/p>\n

When I ignore Jesus, neglect time with Him, and carry my feelings and worries on my own, I entangle my life with anxiety, drama, and thoughts that were never from Him. There\u2019s really no such thing as \u201cone little sin\u201d because every sin you and I allow becomes another knot in our lives.<\/p>\n

That\u2019s why Hebrews 12:1-2 gives us clear direction:<\/p>\n

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  1. If it\u2019s sin, throw it off.<\/strong> Don\u2019t excuse, justify, or minimize because it\u2019s been a hard season. Don\u2019t entertain what Jesus calls us to release.<\/span><\/li>\n
  2. <\/li>\n
  3. Fix our eyes on Jesus.<\/strong> He is \u201cthe pioneer and perfecter of faith\u201d<\/em> (Hebrews 12:2, NIV). We’re imperfect on our own, but Jesus changes desires. He reshapes habits. We all need to talk to Jesus, read His Word, confess to Christian community that will hold us accountable, and walk closely with our Perfector.<\/span><\/li>\n\n
  4. Remember that unconfessed sin never stays contained.<\/strong> A life lived apart from Jesus will always quietly entangle us. Sin spreads, affecting our thoughts, relationships, peace, and joy. But freedom begins the moment we step into the light.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    The more of Jesus we have in our lives, the less room there is for sin, chaos, and entanglement. Our job is to place our worries, trials, hurts, and temptations into His hands, throwing our burdens onto our strong God and taking the time to pray and sit with His Word.<\/p>\n

    Jesus is right in front of us, ready to help. Will we go to Him? Or will we brush past His invitation and slowly entangle ourselves in things He was always willing to carry for us?<\/p>\n

    Jesus, thank You for being near \u2014 even when I\u2019ve neglected You. Forgive me for carrying what You are willing to hold. Today I bring my tangled thoughts, hidden sins, worries, and distractions into Your light. Help me fix my eyes on You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.<\/em><\/p>\n

    OUR FAVORITE THINGS<\/h4>\n

    Therapy & Theology<\/em> with Lysa TerKeurst<\/strong> exists to help you work through what you walk through. Season 12, \u201cFight for Your Family,\u201d<\/strong> is underway, and each episode will help you do just that. Whether you watch on YouTube or listen to the podcast while you drive, this season will equip you with biblical wisdom<\/strong> and therapeutic practices<\/strong> to live with and love the most important people<\/strong> in your life more intentionally. Start listening now!<\/p>\n

    ENGAGE<\/h4>\n

    For more encouragement from Grace Valentine, follow her on Instagram @thegracevalentine. You can also learn more about Grace and her books, including the 90-day devotional To the Girl Looking for More,<\/em> here!<\/p>\n

    FOR DEEPER STUDY<\/h4>\n

    John 3:30, \u201cHe must become greater; I must become less\u201d (NIV).<\/p>\n

    In what areas of your life have you been relying on your own strength, control, or understanding instead of inviting Jesus in? How might intentional prayer, confession, and time in His Word help untangle the stress, habits, or sins you\u2019ve been carrying?<\/p>\n

    What would it look like this week to choose less of you and more of Jesus? Share with us in the comments!<\/p>\n

    \u00a9 2026 by Grace Valentine. All rights reserved.<\/p>\n

    Proverbs 31 Ministries
    P.O. Box 3189
    Matthews, NC 28106
    www.Proverbs31.org<\/strong><\/p>\n