Devotionals for the Heart: Lessons learned on obeying God's speed limit

Obeying God's Speed Limit
A devotional by Sarah Cole

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." 

–Matthew 11:28-30 (NIV)

I looked at my calendar, and a feeling of dread came over me.

Over the next 24 hours, I planned to host a dinner party, make a meal for a friend, work at my volunteer job, rush to meet a writing deadline, and prepare my house to welcome a new foster puppy.

But when I woke up the following day with a respiratory virus, I realized God used my body to do the very thing I was not willing to do: slow down and rest.

Like many women growing up in today's culture, I was raised to live in the fast lane. My mother taught me to live by a handful of words that would drive me most of my life, and my father teased her for the "shoulds," and "musts" that were commonplace in her vocabulary. But carrying these arbitrary rules into my adult life served to push me beyond the point of exhaustion. And I learned the hard way that the payoff of running on empty wasn't worth the effort.

Perhaps, like me, you've realized that moving full speed ahead to pursue the world's version of abundant life is a recipe for exhaustion and burnout. But the good news is that we don’t have to live this way. When we slow down to God's speed limit, it can feel strange to go against the grain of how our instant gotta-have-it-now society lives, but it's the way He's designed us.

When Jesus walked this earth, He didn't sit on his laurels. But He knew the value of rest, and unlike most of us, He was never in a hurry. After a full day of ministry, He set an example for us by retreating to a quiet place to pray and recharge His batteries (Luke 5:16).

We are no different. If we want to experience the abundant life Jesus promised us, we must surrender our schedules to Him and wait on Him for direction. As our Shepherd, He leads us at His speed because He knows it fits us perfectly (Psalm 23:2-4).

If you're like me and find it challenging to slow down, here are ways to incorporate much-needed rest into your life:

1. Know ahead of time what matters and what doesn't. By doing so, you manage your to-do list before it manages you.

2. Remember to rest weekly. When God rested on the seventh day, He set a standard for us to follow (Exodus 20:8-11). Our Omnipotent Creator never grows weary, but He knows we do.

3. Listen to your body. It's God's temple (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). Like our cars, our bodies have an internal dashboard. If we choose to ignore its warnings and neglect our need for rest, God knows they'll break down. Depression, pain, anxiety, stress are just some examples of our body's warning system.

4. Create margin in your schedule (Ecclesiastes 3:1). Think of ways to recharge your batteries and try one a week until it becomes a habit. Some ideas are a brisk nature walk, journaling, indulging in a creative hobby you enjoy, watching a movie, taking a bubble bath with scented candles, or curling up with that book you've had your eye on.

When you look at this week's schedule, are you trying to juggle too much or feel uncomfortable unless you are always doing something? That, my friend, is the hamster wheel that keeps you in danger of burning out. But there's hope! Instead of feeling overwhelmed, ask God to help you sort out your priorities and find tangible ways to live by His speed limit.

I promise you that you'll be glad you did.

Let's Pray: Dear God, You are an amazing Father and friend, and we thank you for teaching us the value of rest. When the world tempts us to live at breakneck speed, help us slow down long enough to remember what's truly important, so our lifestyle reflects Your kingdom values. In Jesus's Name I pray. Amen.

~*~
Author Bio:

Sarah Cole’s interest in writing began in grade school when her poem was published in the local paper. As she got older, her mother’s chronic illness inspired her to design a line of greeting cards. 

Since then, she has written for her college newspaper and two community newspapers where she wrote restaurant reviews and articles for their “Best of” spread.

Her experience as an administrator in the marketing field gave her the opportunity to write ads for a local business journal.

After a 20-year detour and a three-year season of adversity, God reignited her passion to write. Two divine appointments later, the short story she wrote about her father appeared in the St. Paul Almanac, and a short story about her cocker spaniel Gigi was published in Guideposts (magazine) Mysterious Ways. She believes her adversity was worth the lessons God taught her.

During this year (2022) and the next (2023), Sarah’s devotionals will be published in The Secret Place by Judson Press, as well as David C. Cook’s Devotions and The Quiet Hour. To this day, she smiles, pinches herself and gives God all the glory.

When she’s not writing, Sarah enjoys watching cooking shows, designing cards and mugs, and taking day trips.

~*~
Connect with Sarah:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smittyc65
Twitter: https://twitter.com/@SarahCo45835279
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sarah.cole.52

Devotionals for the Heart: Reasons why we can completely trust God

Trust With Abandon
A devotional by Cyndi Staudt

The eternal God is your refuge, and his everlasting arms are under you. He drives out the enemy before you; he cries out, “Destroy them!” 

–Deuteronomy 33:27 (NLT)

Years ago, on a trip to Texas to visit my sister and her family, I learned a valuable lesson about trusting in God. We had gone to the community swimming pool to find relief from the intense summer heat. My youngest nephew, not yet knowing how to swim, seemed perfectly content wearing his swimmies on his arms playing safely in the shallow waters of the kiddie pool.

I vividly remember his face lighting up with delight when his daddy decided to pick him up and take him into the big pool. He seemed satisfied resting in the security of his daddy's arms as he carried him around the pool. But soon he was begging his dad to take him to the side so he could jump in. I watched with nervous anticipation as his father set him carefully on the pool deck, wondering if he would chicken out. On the contrary, as soon as his little feet hit the deck, he turned around and flung his little body boldly into the air, confident he would land safely in the arms of his father.

Wouldn't it be wonderful if we would have that kind of total trust and faith in our Heavenly Father? Instead of being apprehensive or fearful, or dwelling too much on the past, what if we would just exercise courage and trust about plunging into the unknown, anticipating stepping into something incredible?

Those without God must forever be cautious. One mistake may wipe them out. But as believers, we should be more like Peter, confidently climbing over the side of a boat to walk upon the waves of the sea, knowing that even if we falter and take our eyes off God, He never takes His eyes or focus off of us. We should maintain what I like to call “vertical vision”, fixing our eyes on Jesus Christ, the author and perfecter of our faith.

Moses’s declaration in Deuteronomy 33:27 is that God is our refuge, our only true security. So often we entrust our lives to other things such as money, career, a noble cause, or a lifelong dream. But these things will always fall short of providing any guarantees or anything of lasting value to our lives. Our only true refuge is the eternal God, who always holds out His arms to catch us when the shaky supports that we trust collapse and fail. No storm can destroy us when we take refuge in Him. No weapon formed against us can prosper.

Because we live for God, we can dare to be bold. We can take chances and step courageously into all God has called us to be. Like Esther in the Bible, we can risk putting our neck on the line knowing that the God who loves us enough to die for us goes before us and paves the way for our victory. We can live fearlessly, daring to believe that God has exceedingly more for us than we can ask or imagine. Whatever God has ordained for our lives He has also equipped and empowered us to fulfill. Let’s commit to aim for new heights today and not worry about falling, because the arms of our Heavenly Father are open wide and ready to catch us if we slip.

Let’s Pray: Loving Father, thank You for being my Rock, my Fortress, and my Deliverer. Forgive me for the times when I put my faith in other things only to come running back to You when they let me down. I choose to remove fear and anxiety from my life, placing my complete trust in You to guide me and lead me into Your perfect will, or catch me when I stumble and fall. Help me to live with abandon, stepping confidently into Your will for my life. Let me dare to be bold as I live for You and seek to walk out this life You created me for. To You and You alone be the glory, in Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

~*~
Author Bio:

Cyndi Staudt is a Jesus-loving, adrenaline junkie who is devoted to living her life for Jesus Christ until the day she is living with Him. 

With a passion for cultivating a craving for God’s Word, her devotions and Bible studies are saturated with faith and hope to stir your soul to connect with God in deeper, more intimate ways.

Through her writing she hopes to ignite your desire to read God’s Word, invite your heart to experience God’s love, and inspire you to live your live life “souled out” to the One whose love has no limits.

~*~
Connect with Cyndi on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/souledoutcyndi/

Devotionals for the Heart: What it means to walk and live like Jesus

Walking in the Footsteps of Jesus
A devotional by Karen Marstaller

“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.” 

–Colossians 3:23-24 (ESV)

At our favorite pancake house, one of the waitresses is in much demand.

Her station is always full. She moves easily from table to table, taking orders, dispensing coffee, and paying close attention to her customers. We love it when we’re seated in her section because she remembers we are the “with lemon, no ice” and “with ice, no lemon” couple. How she does it, I’ll never know.

There’s another reason why we enjoy eating at her table. Even though she’s been working there for a long time, she always greets us with warmth, and then waits on us as though she’s been waiting all her life to serve us. Another cup of coffee? Coming right up. A spilled glass of juice? Not a problem.

The restaurant is located near the city’s hospital district, so many of her customers are either out-patients, relatives visiting loved ones receiving care, or people waiting to hear what their doctor has to say. She is sensitive to each one and takes time in her constant hurry to speak to them, to listen to their stories, and to encourage them. People rarely leave her station as dejected as they were when they arrived, and on each ticket, she signs her name and puts a little smiley face beside it, thanking them for their patronage.

In the verse from Colossians above, the word “heartily” is used. In this connotation, the word means joyful exuberance. That’s what our waitress exhibits, even when she’s working short-handed and is in a rush. Her customers appreciate her kindness and her service, and many times they become part of the regular crowd that flocks to her.

Jesus was like that. Patiently and tirelessly, He walked the Judean hillsides and the countries surrounding them, meeting every need. Five thousand people are hungry? Bring Me what you have, and I’ll feed them. Terrified disciples on a little boat in a violent storm? Don’t worry. I’ve got this. Huge crowds of people all around Him, and yet He knew when one woman touched the hem of His garment and was healed. None of it was a disruption or a problem for Jesus. He went on each path with a single purpose—to serve each person with care and dignity. And with love.

Jesus kept moving along His earthly path, placing His hands on little children in blessing, touching a leper and making him clean, restoring sight to the blind, and even raising the dead to life. Always, wherever He went He reasoned with the religious leaders who couldn’t fathom Who He was—and still is today—the Son of God and the Son of Man. As Jesus walked through the Promised Land, He deliberately moved closer to Jerusalem, and to His death on a cross.

On the night before He was crucified, Jesus washed the dirty, sweaty feet of His twelve disciples. Kneeling before each man, the Lord Jesus Christ tenderly bathed and dried each foot. He had been waiting all their lives to show them how much He loved them, and He gave them a vivid portrayal of His love in action.

Then He sat down and taught them another lesson they needed to learn. He taught about servanthood. He told them, “If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you” (John 13:14-15 ESV).

His message is still resonating in the hearts of all who have accepted Jesus as their Savior, even in our world today. Now we serve the risen Lord Jesus, and we want to do our work heartily, as for our Lord. You need a piano player? It would be a pleasure. You want me to teach the little kids a Bible story? Sure, which one? You want me to feed the hungry? I’ll bring a bag of groceries and a ladle.

Sometimes our work for the Lord takes us to humble places, to hurting people, or to the sick and dying. With each job He gives us, we rejoice in becoming a visible representative of Jesus’ love. We become an extension of the hands and feet of Jesus. And in doing so, we fulfill His purpose for us—to wash each other’s feet in joyful exuberance.

Let’s Pray: Dear Lord Jesus, thank You for the privilege of serving You. We ask for Your strength to sustain us, and for Your love to fill us. Please give us Your humility to serve others as You showed us. We praise You, the Lord of Heaven and Earth. In Your Name we pray. Amen.

~*~
Author Bio:

Karen Marstaller is a retired high school teacher who spent most of her career challenging creative students to write. Her heart is for her readers.

She writes to encourage them, to make them laugh, to show them that life is a beautiful journey, and regardless of their past, to show them that there is joy ahead if they will just keep looking.

Karen and her husband live in central Texas in a sweet little home that they completely remodeled. They enjoy spending time with their family, which includes seven precious grandchildren.

Most of all, Karen writes in obedience to the command to love your neighbor, to offer a cup of water to those who are dying of thirst, and to comfort others with the comfort she has received.

You can reach Karen by emailing her at this address: klmarstaller@gmail.com

Devotionals for the Heart: What it means to be set apart by God

You Are Set Apart
A devotional by Jessica B. Turner

“And seeing in the distance a fig tree in leaf, he went to see if he could find anything on it. When he came to it, he found nothing but leaves, for it was not the season for figs. And he said to it, “May no one ever eat fruit from you again.” 

–Mark 11:13-14 (ESV) 

When I first read this scripture a few years ago, I was greatly disturbed by it. I just couldn’t comprehend Jesus Christ’s harsh response to a fig tree that was simply doing what was expected of it: not producing fruit during a season that wasn’t meant for figs.

Christ’s reaction seems so out of place, unjustified even. How could He curse something for not doing something it wasn’t even set up to do?

I believe it caused such an unsettled response in me, and still does sometimes, because I could easily relate to the fig tree. Numerous times, I’ve found myself walking through a season of drought, feeling as if I have nothing left to give. The mere thought of producing anything of value out of such a time of barrenness seems unfair and gives thought to the question, “Will I ever be able to please my Savior?” You may be asking the same thing as you read this.

But don’t fret for I have good news!

Until recently I didn’t realize that Jesus knew more than I did when it came to this particular fig tree. He understood that the presence of leaves on this tree was out of character for this time of the year, setting it apart. He also knew that the leaves should have been accompanied by fruit despite the “season” it was in.

After learning this small, yet priceless detail, the way I read this scripture has been completely transformed. Now, I can’t help but see the leaves as a symbol of our proclamation of faith. Our salvation. Our knowing of who Jesus Christ is.

As believers, we are set apart from the rest of the world, just like this tree was. But it is up to us what happens next. Do we simply accept Christ into our lives and allow ourselves to become complacent? Content with the fact that we are now planted in the kingdom of God, ready for all to see. We have the title of a Christian and may even look the part, but do we stop there?

We must be willing to go the next step. We must allow God to have access to our lives, pruning what may look good yet is an obstacle standing in the way of what God has in store. While Christ’s behavior in this scripture may appear odd, He understood that the only way His Father’s will would be done here on Earth is if there were believers willing to go through the process of transformation. A process that would require them to go from simply saying “I believe” to “I am ready to give my life to you, sharing the fruits of your presence in my life.”

So how do we do that, especially when we are in a season where it doesn’t seem possible to produce anything of value? Through sharing our stories and the role our Savior plays in them.

Feel as if you are barely hanging on by a thread? Share how you are clinging to who He is and His promises. Through doing so, you are giving the gifts of joy and hope.

On the receiving end of His grace, extend that to someone else the next time you are tempted to cast blame. Through doing so, you are giving the gifts of forgiveness and gentleness.

See someone being treated unjustly? Stand by their side and let them know they are seen and heard. Through doing so, you are giving the gifts of love and kindness.

There will be times in our lives where it easy to share the goodness of God, but we are called to spread His love and bring Him glory even when it isn’t. In fact, our greatest testimonies often come out of the seasons where we are not expected to be praising His name, yet we still do.

Let’s Pray: Heavenly Father, thank you for loving me so much that you gave Your one and only Son to die on the cross for me. Through His sacrifice, I am able to live a transformed life. A life that glorifies You. Help me to be set apart while advancing Your kingdom here on Earth by living in such a way that others may experience Your love through the fruits I produce. I love You and I trust You. In Jesus’s name I pray. Amen.

~*~
Author Bio:

Jessica B. Turner is a wife, mom, and LSU graduate with a degree in veterinary medicine.

After practicing small animal medicine for six years, she traded in her stethoscope to become an online wellness coach, motivational speaker, and writer with a passion for mental health advocacy. This major life change was sparked after Jessica struggled with postpartum depression soon after she birthed her twin girls.

Along with Jessica’s career change came the discovery of who Jesus Christ really is and how He was the missing piece for her to be able to move forward from past trauma that she had suppressed for decades.

Jesus walked alongside Jessica as she underwent a transformation like none other. God transformed Jessica’s life from a broken mom who struggled with depression, anxiety, disordered eating, and PTSD from witnessing an attempted suicide, to using her experiences to make her a powerful vessel for Him. To this day, God enables Jessica to touch the lives of others through her often unfiltered, yet inviting, form of storytelling.

Throughout this process of refinement, Jessica has shared her life story with the world through her social media platforms, in-person events, blog posts, and podcasts. She values the gift of transparency and has discovered that what so many people need to know is that they are not alone. Jessica has walked in their shoes, and she wants the world to know that Jesus is walking with them as well.

~*~
Connect with Jessica:
Website: www.jessicabturner.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jessicabturner/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessicabturner/

Devotionals for the Heart: Why believers need to wear 'Jesus Clothes'

Wearing my ‘Jesus Clothes’
A devotional by Jessica Brodie

“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” –Colossians 3:12 (NIV)

I’m one of those people who picks out her outfits the night before. On one particular day, I’d planned to wear a sleek black tunic and gray dress pants to work. But one peek out the window that morning indicated the day would be a gloomy, wet, sopping mess. I also had a ton of tedious catch-up work to do—filing and organizing and getting financials straight for the year.

The last thing I wanted to do was wear black or gray and add to the gloom.

So I picked through my closet looking for a clean pink blouse or a bright yellow top, something cheerful I could wear to keep me motivated on such a dreary day.

It’s a simple thing, really—the notion that a bright color will knock down the blues, or a smile will make your day brighter. But even a little effort to change perspective does help. We do things all the time like that, don’t we? Fake it till you make it, the saying goes. Of course, studies now prove that the very effort you put into smiling does have a physiological effect. Somehow, pushing your mouth and cheek muscles into an upturned expression supposedly releases some sort of brain signal that really does make you happier.

But anyone who’s struggled with depression, burnout, grief, or long-term stress knows there’s no amount of smiling, no perfect shade of yellow, that can fix some things.

Still, we make the effort. We try to clothe ourselves in sunny outfits—or a winning personality, or that rote “totally fine!” when people ask how things are going. We try to shine the light even on dark days.

But reading Colossians 3 today, it’s clear that’s not the sort of clothing the apostle Paul is talking about in his letter to the early church. In Colossians 3:12-14, Paul urges, “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity” (NIV).

These clothes Paul mentions, of course, aren’t actual garments. He’s talking about authentic, righteous living, living in the manner of someone who is filled with the love of Christ and the glory of the Holy Spirit, all pointing together to God in the highest. It’s the sort of clothing that permeates our soul, acts as a buffer against the forces of evil at work in the world, carries over into the way we express care and compassion for others around us.

We wear these clothes whether it is a rainy day or perfect sunshine, whether life is on an upswing or deep in a valley, whether we’re dealing with a cancer diagnosis or financial crisis or tremendous loneliness.

We are called to put on these garments because there are the garments of love, the garments worn by our savior Jesus Christ himself, and the garments that allow us to draw others to him and to the life-saving eternal truth of the gospel.

Life is hard sometimes. But whether it’s a rainy day or a poor night’s sleep or a tough season, it doesn’t mean we get a pass and get to succumb to doubt or disillusionment. Our hope in Christ, our hope in the gospel, is never dependent on our present circumstances. We hope in spite of our circumstances, good or bad.

Today, I challenge you to check your clothing. Are you wearing the garments of Christ? Are you cloaked in love and care for other people?

I’d love to hear, either in the comments below or in a private email, how you are doing in life right now. How are you challenging life circumstances? How are you keeping your faith today?

Let’s Pray: Lord, help me put on the clothes of Christ—compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience—today and every day. Help me shine Your light so others know You and know Your love through me. In Your holy name I pray, Amen.

~*~
Author Bio:

Jessica Brodie is an award-winning Christian novelist, journalist, editor, blogger, and writing coach and the recipient of the 2018 American Christian Fiction Writers Genesis Award for her novel, The Memory Garden.

She is also the editor of the South Carolina United Methodist Advocate, the oldest newspaper in Methodism. Learn more about her fiction and read her faith blog at http://jessicabrodie.com.

Jessica has a weekly YouTube devotional and podcast. You can also connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, and more. She’s also produced a free eBook, A God-Centered Life: 10 Faith-Based Practices When You’re Feeling Anxious, Grumpy, or Stressed.

Devotionals for the Heart: Learning to trust God through karate lessons

How Karate Lessons Taught Me to Trust God
A devotional by Chaplain Paul Anderson

“And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.”

—1 Peter 5:10 (ESV)

When we lived in Okinawa, Japan, I enrolled my children in a karate class.

My son asked “Dad, why don’t you do it with us?”

So I did.

It was brutal. I was already fit and working out with the Marines. Calisthenics and running three miles, three days a week was my norm. The karate regimen, on top of that, was grueling.

There was one exercise that seemed over the top. We would kneel, then lean back until our shoulders were on the floor. We were expected to do sit ups from that position. We could not do it when we started. It was hard and painful. I can’t do it now.

We watched as those who had been in this class longer did it with ease. We watched as the Sensei would move around, checking the strength of their abdomen by jumping on their stomachs. Seeing this action shocked us and amazed us at the same time!

But we persevered. For weeks we did it. Finally, the Sensei came around to us and put his foot on our bellies. We were not ready yet. Keep stretching, he would say. After a few months he came to me. He put his foot on my belly. He nodded and walked away, leaving me feeling a little disappointed. I had begun to look forward to the day when he would jump on my stomach and I could hold him up.

Just as I relaxed, in my mind, thinking that he was not going to do it, he leapt backward and landed his entire body weight on my abdomen. I took it! He stood on my stomach and said to me, “You are a chaplain. You teach people to be wary and ready for demonic assaults, but you were not ready for me. Always be ready for an adversary. The worst attacks are those that come by surprise.”

He said, “How do you feel now?”

I replied, “Happy!”

He asked, “You are happy that I am standing on you?”

I said, “No. I am happy that I can take it.”

It was then that I knew why we worked out so hard in these karate lessons. It was because the strength comes after the exercise.

1 Peter 5:10 is like that experience. It is after some inevitable sufferings, that the strength of our character and purpose shines. Don’t be a masochist, seeking suffering. But be a warrior, hardening yourself for the battle. Because it is after the exercise that muscles grow. It is after our spiritual suffering that we are made perfect, mature in faith and practice.

It is after the challenges that we become leaders. It is after effective leadership that people become willing to follow. It is after you have proven to yourself that you can do it, that you do it best. It is after the struggle that praise springs forth.

Here are some steps I gleaned from 1 Peter 5:7-10 that can help you to maximize your spiritual growth plane and leadership.

Step One: Cast your cares on God.

a. Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not to thine own understanding. Acknowledge Him in all thy ways and He shall direct thy paths.

b. Delight thyself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart.

c. Be like Jesus and you will gain testimonies. You will be a living testimony.

Step Two: Sobriety is an imperative.

d. This is not just the absence of intoxicants. It is awareness, watchfulness and preparation. I took a martial arts class some years ago. The Sensei said, “Any man who stands with his hands in his pockets is vulnerable.” Why? Because you can’t defend yourself.

e. Challenges are going to come your way. A mind that is clear and focused on the presence and the will of God in your life, is the best preparation and defense against distractions and attacks of the evil, enemy of God.

f. Some amount of suffering is assumed and expected.

Remember: When God brings you to it, he will see you through it.

Someone told me that the finger of God never points where His hand has not already made a way. Trust, obey and exercise His grace. After that is when we experience His eternal glory!

Let’s Pray: Dear God, as we move from this devotional moment, please give us a sense of readiness and a grateful enthusiasm for the blessings and challenges that we will meet today. Bless each reader with grit and fortitude. When the day is over, may each reflect upon at least one success with which they have been blessed. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

~*~
Author Bio:

Chaplain Anderson served for 20 years as a U.S. Navy Chaplain. Over 26 years of active duty, he was promoted through the ranks from Seaman Apprentice (E2) to his final rank as Commander (O5) in the Chaplain’s Corps.

Prior to his Naval career, Chaplain Anderson pastored in the Allegheny East and Potomac Conferences of Seventh-day Adventists. His undergraduate preparation for ministry was completed at Washington Adventist University in Takoma Park, Md.

He has subsequently earned four graduate degrees: a Master of Divinity from Andrews University in Michigan, a Master of Education in Counseling and Personnel Services from the University of Maryland in College Park, Maryland and a Masters of Sacred Theology in Religion and Culture from Boston University. His Doctor of Ministry degree was conferred by Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, D.C.

Chaplain Anderson also completed four units of Clinical Pastoral Education at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. He also holds certifications in Suicide Awareness and Prevention, Civil Mediation, Alternative Workplace Dispute Resolution, Temperament Analysis, Marriage Enrichment, Workforce Diversity, and is a certified Life Coach.

You may connect with Chaplain Anderson via email at this address, psanderson75@gmail.com.

Devotionals for the Heart: Life Lessons on Trusting the God Who Sees

God Sees You
A devotional by Patricia Russell

She said, “You are the God who sees me.”

She also said, “Have I truly seen the One who sees me?”

So that well was named Beer-lahai-roi (which means

“well of the Living One who sees me”). 

–Genesis 16:13-14 (NLT)

Do you remember playing “Peek-a-boo” with babies?

Cover your eyes with your hands and slowly move them aside, squealing, "Peek a boo! I see you." Usually, this causes a smile and squeal from the baby who is now ready to play.

It's an incredible feeling to be seen. You can be in a room full of people, looking dapper, and yet feel like no one sees you. We are all moving quickly through our day and our activity, although my days have somewhat changed to a different pace since 2020. Still, ongoing emails and text messages can have us not really taking the time to acknowledge people who really want you to play that game because they want to be seen.

When you see someone, you haven't seen for a long time, often our first words are, “How are you?” I have learned the importance of taking the time to stop and wait for a response. I firmly believe that if we don't have time to wait and listen for the response, we shouldn't ask the question. Why? Because you and I have an innate desire to be seen and heard. When we really take the time to acknowledge each other's presence, it is powerful. When we wait to hear the response to the question, we are telling the other person they are valued and important. It speaks volumes when we can wait and listen for their response.

Scripture helps us to understand the importance of this when we read about the struggle between Hagar and Sarai (later to be Sarah). Hagar was Sarai's servant. Sarai made a deal with Abram (later to be Abraham) to take her servant and sleep with her in order to conceive a child that in Sarai’s mind, would fulfill the promise God made. God had promised Sarai and Abram a child. However, they felt God was taking too long. So they chose to take matters into their own hands.

Moreover, when Hagar became pregnant, she was not seen with the same compassion and appreciation in Sarai's eyes who tormented Hagar. Not being able to take it anymore, Hagar eventually ran away. Can you imagine being pregnant, talked about, scorned, and criticized because your boss asked you to become a surrogate mother on her behalf? Hagar became tired. Tired of the change of attitude. She was tired of the rejection and change of heart from Sarai. She was emotionally crushed that she was now seen as an enemy. 

This is why I love the Bible—we’re able to see these are not stories or fables but real people with real feelings like us. During her pain, God's angel called out to her and called her by name. You're not a social security number or a billing code—you are someone of value. You want to be seen and heard. God looked down with love and compassion of God let Hagar know, "I am the God who sees."

God was saying (and I paraphrase), “I see you, Hagar! I see your pain. I hear your cries of distress. I see what's been done to you, and I am completely aware. I want you to know that I am the God who sees.”

God saw Hagar in all her pain and confusion, and He also wants you and I to know this very important truth: You are not forgotten. You may have been let go from your job. Your family and friends may have turned their back on you. Maybe no one has called and checked up on you but hear your Father's Heart today as I believe He is saying, “I am the God who sees. I see you.”

Let's Pray: Thank you, God, for reminding me that you see me, you hear me, and you know me. You know the number of hairs on my head. Remind me, Lord, when I get discouraged, that You hold me in the palm of Your Hand, and You are right beside me. Thank you again. In Jesus's Name I pray. Amen.

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Editorial Note: Patricia’s devotional message today reminds me of the song, “The God Who Sees” performed by Nicole C. Mullen. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

Patricia is an encourager. She passionately uses her giftings as an author, speaker, pastor, recording artist, worship leader and coach.

Stronger Resilience: Stories to Empower the Mind, Body & Spirit (a book that she wrote) was an Amazon Bestseller in October 2020.

Patricia sings! She has released two CDs titled Draw Me Nearer and Lord I Trust You.

She also travels to speak to audiences internationally.

When she is not ministering to save souls in God’s Kingdom, Patricia enjoys reading, writing and connecting like-minded people who can sharpen each other in the journey to their dreams and goals.

As a two-time breast cancer overcomer, her desire is to coach others to live life to the fullest by understanding their gifting from God and using it.

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Connect with Patricia:
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Email: patrussellsings@gmail.com