Devotional Archives for Encouragement for Today

When someone we love says something hurtful, how do we respond? Is it to pretend everything is fine or confront the person to prove their wrongness? The Bible teaches us that true wisdom and soul integrity come from approaching situations with honesty and peace, not pretending or proving. By choosing peacemaking honesty, we can bring balance to chaotic relationships and reap a harvest of great qualities in our lives.

As parents, we have a unique opportunity to partner with God to help our kids develop a BIG view of Him, one that believes in His power and love. By sharing our mistakes, learning about God together, and having the end goal in mind, we can raise up a generation who knows Jesus is real and can talk to Him, hear from Him, walk with Him, and know He's going to take care of them.

When life's challenges leave us feeling bitter, it's easy to lose hope and believe God has abandoned us. But what if we could choose better than bitterness? In her new devotional, "What Your Mind Needs for Anxious Moments," Holley Gerth shares how the story of Ruth reminds us that even in the darkest moments, God still has a plan beyond our understanding.

Lysa TerKeurst shares her personal experience of struggling in a relationship and offers hope to those who are going through similar situations, encouraging them to remember that they are worthy because God created them. By focusing on the solid Truth of God's love and applying wise steps for healing and growth, readers can find the strength to navigate difficult relationships and rise above the pain.

Landra Young Hughes explores the human desire for control and fulfillment in her latest article, "What a Girl Wants," where she delves into the tension between our own desires and God's will. By examining how our want-tos can sometimes lead us astray, Hughes encourages readers to surrender their desires to God, embracing His plan as better than our own.

Lysa TerKeurst shares her personal struggle with conflict and how she learned to approach difficult conversations with gentleness, rather than harshness, in order to turn away wrath and stir up anger. By applying biblical principles such as owning our part of the issue, softening our hearts towards others, and setting necessary boundaries, we can pursue relational health and honor God in the midst of conflict.

As a mother, sharing stories of God's glory in our messy, human need is crucial for passing on faith to the next generation. By weaving these stories into everyday conversations, we can help others see God's power and wonder in their own lives, just as Psalm 78:4 reminds us to "tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the LORD."

Facing fear and uncertainty can be a daunting task, but God's presence is the antidote to our struggles. By embracing faith and courage, we can overcome obstacles and take the leap of trust that moves us forward in life.

Lysa TerKeurst shares her personal struggle with navigating difficult relationships, highlighting the importance of praying over them rather than just worrying about them. By prioritizing prayer and seeking God's guidance, she encourages readers to find a fragile balance between the beauty and frustration that can come with loving and being loved by others.

Rachel Norman shares her personal journey of hitting rock bottom and learning to surrender to God's plan, finding comfort in His presence when she was unable to control her life. By embracing her vulnerability and letting go of the need to "hang on," Norman discovered a beautiful surrender that brought her peace and strength.