Devotional Archives for Encouragement for Today
As fear and anxiety overwhelm us, we can turn to the example of King Jehoshaphat, who sought God's peace despite being "alarmed" by his circumstances, and found a deep-seated resolve to trust in His sovereignty. By focusing on God and inviting His peace into our fears, we can transform our emotions from ones of anxiety and worry to ones of trust and hope.
Fear can be overwhelming, but it's not a sign of weakness; rather, it's an opportunity to trust God and seek His power, love, and self-discipline. In this powerful devotional, Lysa TerKeurst shares her personal struggle with fear and how she learned to release control to God, finding healing and growth in the process.
The author of this article, Alli Patterson, shares her personal journey of discovering a divine blueprint for relationships in Jesus' life, which has transformed the way she loves others. By understanding that Jesus had five different types of relationships and that love looks different for each person, readers can gain fresh eyes to see what love looks like for everyone they encounter.
When facing difficult times, God's plans may not align with our desires, instead calling us to "build houses and settle down" in the present moment. By embracing this unexpected command, we can discover a deeper purpose and growth within ourselves, even in the midst of discomfort and uncertainty.
Anitha Abraham reflects on the importance of respectful disagreement and open dialogue, drawing inspiration from Paul's approach to discussing complex issues with Jewish leaders in Acts 17:2. By embracing a spirit of "I think I'm right, but I'm also here to listen," we can transform conversations into opportunities for growth, understanding, and love.
Megan Fate Marshman shares her personal journey of discovering the freedom in focusing on being a good friend instead of searching for perfect friendships, and how this realization is rooted in her relationship with Jesus, who lovingly pursued her first. By extending God's perfect friendship to others, we can find strength to love imperfect people and become better friends ourselves, as exemplified by Jesus' command to "do to others as you would have them do to you."
Rejection can be a painful and damaging experience, but God's Word offers a different message of love, acceptance, and encouragement. Through the story of Hagar, an abused and rejected woman who experienced God's love and care, we discover that God sees us, values us, and has a plan for our lives.
Carole Holiday shares a personal encounter with her doctor, where she finds comfort and encouragement in the midst of physical and emotional pain, highlighting the idea that the Kingdom of heaven is already present in our lives. In her latest study, "Heaven," Holiday explores questions about what happens after this life, how to separate biblical truth from hopeful guesses, and how to live with confidence and peace.
Ashley Morgan Jackson shares her personal struggle with feeling like a burden to others, but finds comfort in knowing that God never tires of hearing about our struggles and invites us to pour out everything on our hearts. In her latest book, "Tired of Trying," she offers practical encouragement and biblical guidance for facing spiritual exhaustion and finding strength in God's presence.
Sharon Jaynes shares a powerful devotional about finding joy and praise in everyday moments, encouraging readers to rejoice in the beauty of God's creation and to recognize His presence in their daily lives. Through personal anecdotes and biblical insights, Jaynes invites readers to shift their focus from future worries to the present moment and to experience the divine in the mundane.