Devotional Archives for Encouragement for Today
Kristel Acevedo shares a powerful personal story of finding comfort and rest in the wilderness, drawing inspiration from the biblical account of Elijah's experience with God. Through her own struggles with depression and exhaustion, she reveals how God's love and provision can bring nourishment and respite to our souls, reminding us that sometimes the holiest thing we can do is simply receive and rest.
Sarah Freymuth shares her personal struggle with anxiety and insomnia, finding comfort in the love and support of her husband, family, and friends who point her to God's Word and promises. Through her experience, she highlights the importance of community and connection in our times of hardship, and encourages readers to look around for the people God has given them to help get through their struggles.
As a child, author Karen Wingate struggled with obedience, but Jonah's story reveals that God invites us to share His concern for lost people and love those we serve, just as He does. By embracing this heart of compassion and trust in God's plan, we can overcome our own hesitations and boldly follow His leading.
A recent visit to the Museum of the Bible in Washington, D.C., turned into a profound moment when an employee offered each visitor a bookmark with their name written in Hebrew, revealing a deeper connection between their names and lives. This experience highlights the potential for small talk to lead to big moments, as seen in biblical stories such as Joseph's encounter with his cellmates and Jesus' conversation with two of His followers on the road to Emmaus.
Angela Halili and Arielle Reitsma share their personal journey of finding hope and healing through reading the Bible together, discovering that God's Word is the source of life and light in a world filled with darkness. Through their devotional "Out of the Wilderness," they invite readers to walk with God through their hardest seasons and find fulfillment in living a holy life.
Emily Wilson Hussem shares her personal journey of struggling with loneliness and feeling unworthy of deep friendships, but ultimately discovers the power of God's truth to soften her heart and cultivate meaningful relationships. Through her story, she invites readers to join her in embracing the lie that true friendship is impossible and instead, experience the freedom and beauty of community rooted in Christ.
Shala Wilon shares a personal story of how God reminded her to carry herself with great expectation, just like Peter did for a man crippled from birth in Acts 3. By increasing faith and trusting the Lord's promises, believers can approach His throne of grace with confidence and receive mercy and help in their time of need.
A local Christian bookstore employee shares a personal story of feeling separated from God's love during a time of great grief, but finds comfort in the unexpected hug of a customer who sensed the Holy Spirit's leading and saw past her pretenses. Through this experience, Beth Knight reflects on two key truths: our deepest sorrows do not signify a separation from God's love, and feeling seen by God is often rooted in a longing to feel connected with Him.
Lisa Harper shares a personal story of her daughter's struggle with honesty, mirroring the biblical concept of being "gut-level honest" with God, and how this truth can bring freedom from pretending to be perfect. By embracing our imperfections and sharing our true feelings with God, we can experience a deeper connection with Him and find radical kindness in His love.
As uncertainty and fear creep into our lives, Jesus reminds us that we must not be alarmed, for this is a test of faith. By choosing to focus on God's peace and provision, we can build spiritual strength and overcome the alarm that threatens to consume us.