Devotional Archives for Encouragement for Today
As believers, we often feel like we're on the sidelines of life's battles, wondering if God is present and actively involved in our struggles. However, a closer look at Isaiah 59:16 reveals that God is not just a distant observer, but an active participant who brings salvation and support to His people through His own strength and righteousness.
Lysa TerKeurst shares a personal story of feeling "not good enough" after being left off an invitation to a party, but finds comfort in the truth that God made her for good works and not just "good enough." She encourages readers to rest in the assurance of God's lavish love and believe they are forever safe, accepted, and held by Him.
When life doesn't go as planned, trusting God can be a daunting task. By acknowledging His presence and faithfulness in our daily lives, we can build trust in Him even when circumstances don't make sense, leading to peace and a deeper relationship with Him.
As a Christian family navigates the ups and downs of life, they often focus on intentional moments of devotion, but neglect the power of unintentional conversations that can spark spiritual growth. By shifting their attention from planned quiet time to being available for God's Holy Spirit to speak in every moment, families can deepen their relationships with each other and with God.
When fear hijacks your mind, it can be overwhelming and paralyzing, leading to disordered eating and a loss of control over your thoughts and behaviors. By recognizing the power of both the enemy's lies and God's Truth, you can break free from the chains of fear and find freedom in Christ.
When our lives are shattered, we often pull away from God's loving presence, fearing that exposing our brokenness will only hurt more. However, bringing our brokenness to Jesus is the first step towards finding belonging and healing in His arms, as He promises to heal the brokenhearted and bind up their wounds.
Working for the world's largest antislavery organization has taught author Amanda Vohs that trusting God is crucial to overcoming self-reliance and grasping for control. By drawing close to their Father through quieting distractions and entering vulnerable spaces, individuals can begin to feel whole again and trust in God's design for their lives.
The Advent theme of Christ's coming is a centuries-old expression of yearning, with the word "come" echoing through Christmas carols and Hebrew scriptures as a plaintive cry for salvation. As the Bible reminds us, God sent Jesus when the fullness of time had come, bringing joy and redemption to all who receive Him.
After being hurt in a friendship, it's natural to feel like closing ourselves off to new relationships. However, drawing on the example of God, who has been hurt and yet still loves and seeks out new connections, can help us recover from our hurts and fears. By embracing optimism, vulnerability, and courage, we can keep our hearts open to new friendships and discover the joy of connection with others.
Joni Eareckson Tada shares her personal experience of having hopes deferred but not denied, and how she learned to trust God even when her circumstances seemed hopeless. Through her story, she reveals the transformative power of faith in overcoming darkness and finding hope in the midst of uncertainty.