Devotional Archives for Encouragement for Today
As Christmas approaches, many of us struggle with food anxiety and body insecurities, distracting us from our true purpose. By embracing the biblical perspective that our bodies are vessels for God to use for holy things, we can shift our focus away from self-doubt and towards serving others and honoring God.
A 45-foot-long mural in an alleyway, once vibrant and alive, has faded with age, prompting the author to reflect on the impermanence of things and the hope found in God's promise to make all things new. In a powerful exploration of faith and resilience, Stacy J. Lowe shares her personal journey of finding comfort in the uncertainty of empty spaces and trusting in God's plan for the future.
Dr. Alicia Britt Chole invites readers to reconsider their relationship with darkness, arguing that spiritual nights are not only normal but essential for growth and deepening faith. By exploring the biblical concept of "night-faith" and its connection to trust, healing, and love, Chole offers a practical guide through spiritual pain and encourages readers to embrace the darkness as an opportunity to discover God's presence and guidance.
Dr. Joel Muddamalle shares a personal journey of discovering the importance of rest in his life, highlighting how living without it can lead to exhaustion and burnout. By incorporating God's rhythm of rest into their weekly routines, Dr. Muddamalle's family has found peace and tranquility, learning to live an unhurried existence that fuels and energizes them.
Elizabeth's story in Luke 1 reminds us that God's timing is perfect, even when we can't understand why He chooses to fulfill His promises at a particular moment. By trusting in God's plan and remaining submitted to Him, we can find peace and joy, even in the midst of waiting seasons.
When Christmas feels broken, it's easy to lose hope and feel like God is absent. However, as Psalm 16:8 reminds us, "I know the LORD is always with me. I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me." In this heart-wrenching yet hopeful devotional, Tracie Miles shares her personal struggle after a divorce and how she found comfort in God's presence during the holiday season. As we navigate our own struggles, whether it's a recent separation or an ongoing challenge, we can draw strength from David's words in Psalm 16. By refocusing on God's presence and promises, we can find peace and joy even in the midst of heartache.
Lysa TerKeurst shares her personal struggle with feeling abandoned by God, but finds comfort in Psalm 23, which reminds us that our Shepherd will never lead us carelessly and always leads us intentionally for His name's sake. By holding fast to the promises of Scripture and trusting in Jesus as our author and finisher of faith, we can find hope and peace even in the darkest valleys.
When life's storms rage on, Jesus whispers, "Take My hand. I will carry you through." In this powerful devotional, Bonnie Gray shares a personal story of being caught in a thunderstorm and finds solace in God's peace, reminding us that we aren't in control but He is.
Crystal Paine shares a powerful message about the true nature of Jesus' birth, highlighting that He came to save and heal those who are brokenhearted, not just the righteous. By embracing our imperfections and messiness, we can find rest and hope in Him, and discover the beauty of God's love for us as revealed in the Christmas story.
As a mother, Jamie Ivey shares her heart's desire for her children to love God and others, reflecting on the example of Jesus' growth in wisdom, stature, and favor with God and man. Through her personal story and biblical reflection, Ivey invites readers to join her in partnering with moms around the world who want their children to flourish in their faith.