Devotional Archives for Encouragement for Today
Ann Swindell shares her personal struggle with comparison and how it led to feelings of inadequacy, but ultimately finds freedom from crushing comparison through a deeper understanding of God's love and purposes for her life. By focusing on Christ's love and goodness, she discovers that God is working out all things for her good, even in the midst of hardship and uncertainty.
Ellie Holcomb shares her personal struggle with believing lies and how she found transformation through memorizing God's Word, which she calls "fighting words." By clinging to these verses, she has been able to overcome fear, shame, and anxiety, and find comfort in the power of God's living Word.
Living undistracted in our relationships requires a plan to foster love, rather than letting offense separate us from others. By asking ourselves three questions - what is the most generous explanation, what is the most realistic explanation, and what is the most optimistic explanation - we can develop a go-to plan to right the ship of our valued relationships.
When loneliness strikes, Jesus invites us into His social circle, offering friendship and belonging without conditions or expectations. By embracing this unconditional love, we can learn to be the kind of friends who create a space for others to belong, just as Jesus does.
As a pastor's wife, Jodi Harris is leaving behind her identity and role after years of serving others, but in doing so, she finds herself facing uncertainty and fear about the future. By embracing a season of spiritual "timeout" and waiting on God, Jodi discovers that this time of rest can be an opportunity for restoration, renewal, and transformation, as she learns to lean into God's path rather than her own.
As we navigate life's messy moments, God invites us to bring our hidden spaces and burdens to Him, allowing Him to clean up the wounds, worries, and fears that weigh us down. By embracing this process of surrender and restoration, we can discover a life-changing beauty that reveals peace, comfort, and joy in the midst of chaos.
When comparing ourselves to others, we often feel crushed by their apparent successes, but true fulfillment comes from pursuing righteousness and faithful love, not "crushing it." By shifting our focus to those who need care and encouragement, we can find life, righteousness, and honor in showing kindness to the lowly.
When fear creeps in, it's easy to forget God's goodness and character, leading to anxiety and uncertainty. However, remembering the faithfulness of God, His promises, and His nature can be a powerful antidote to fear, offering confidence and hope in times of turmoil.
Lysa TerKeurst shares a powerful message about the importance of reading God's Word, even when we're feeling overwhelmed or worn down. By immersing ourselves in Scripture, we can experience immediate nourishment and refreshment for our present circumstances, as well as be prepared for the future with wisdom that will carry us through life's unpredictable moments.
Jennifer Hand's new book, "My Yes Is on the Table," offers guidance for overcoming fear and finding courage to surrender to God's plans. By exploring biblical truths and personal anecdotes, Hand helps readers discover how to shift from "fear stops" to "faith steps," leading to a life of obedience and promised-land living.