Devotional Archives for Encouragement for Today

As a young mother and caregiver, author Grace Fox discovered that spending time with God fueled her emotional, mental, and spiritual strength during a crisis in her life. By choosing to prioritize her relationship with Him, she found the inner peace and confidence to navigate difficult circumstances, just as the Old Testament prophet Habakkuk did when he faced an impending Babylonian attack.

Karen Ehman shares her personal struggle with people-pleasing and how she learned to break free from it, finding courage in God's approval instead. By recognizing the snare of seeking others' approval and tapping into a spirit of bravery, readers can learn to make choices that align with God's Word and live confidently, rather than timidly.

Alicia Bruxvoort shares a personal story of her daughter's uncertainty about starting fourth grade, and how she learned to focus on what she knew rather than fretting about the unknown, just like David in Psalm 27. By shifting her focus from doubt to God's reliability and presence, Alicia finds confidence and peace in the midst of uncertainty.

Glynnis Whitwer reflects on a biblical story of three men who refused to bow down to a golden idol, instead choosing to focus on their God and His power to deliver them from certain death. By changing the direction of our eyes from problems to God, we can shift our perspective and remember that He is the One who has the power and desire to help us in our time of need.

Lysa TerKeurst shares a deeply personal story of her own medical crisis, where she struggled to understand why God seemed silent and distant during her time of intense pain and suffering. Through her journey, she comes to realize that God's silence was not a sign of indifference, but rather a demonstration of His holy restraint, loving her enough to spare her life through the very pain that threatened to take it.

When God calls us to do something that feels scary or uncertain, He equips us with Himself, not just our own abilities. By pressing into our fear and taking the first step of faith, we can trust that God will be with us every step of the way, as promised in Joshua 1:9.

As a Christian, Shae Tate has struggled with body image issues for years, but recently realized that her spiritual and physical struggles are intertwined, and that God's love and faithfulness can transform her relationship with her body. By exploring biblical truths and practical practices, Tate shares her journey of healing and invites readers to invite Jesus into their own struggles, finding hope and satisfaction in His presence.

A mother's harsh greeting to her preschool-age daughter sparks a profound realization for author Amanda Bacon, forcing her to confront her own shortcomings and the dangers of self-righteousness. Through a powerful parable from Luke 18, Bacon explores the importance of humility and graciousness in our interactions with others, encouraging readers to examine their own hearts and seek connection before judgment.

Arlene Pellicane shares a personal story of how encouragement from her youth pastor, Dale, transformed her life and helped her find confidence to get involved in the church. She draws parallels with Barnabas, a biblical figure known for his generosity and encouragement, highlighting the powerful impact that simple acts of kindness can have on others' lives.