Devotionals for the Heart: When God prepares a feast for you in the valley

A Feast in the Valley
A devotional by Tessa Huckstep

“You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.”—Psalm 23:5 (NIV)

God has prepared a feast for you. But this feast is not only on the mountaintops when things are perfect and everything is turning out the way you dreamed. God prepares a feast for you in presence of your enemies.

Whenever I have read through Psalm 23, I imagine that this feast is happening in a lovely meadow where everything is perfect. God has prepared this beautiful feast. He has anointed my head with oil and my cup is overflowing because He has blessed me so greatly.

However, when I read this passage a few months ago, it occurred to me that the circumstances of this feast are not so perfect. In the previous verse, the setting is described as the valley of the shadow of death (Psalm 23:4). It was then that I realized this feast is taking place in the darkest valley while enemies stand by and watch.

Do you ever feel like you can’t enjoy anything so long as there is darkness or negativity in your life? I have found that there is always an enemy nearby trying to keep me from enjoying life. This enemy can be in the form of busyness, anxiety or fear. What keeps you from enjoying the good things God has placed in your life?

Whenever anxiety and fear are my companions, I feel suffocated. During those times, I don’t feel like enjoying anything good in life. These are my enemies, and they are constantly with me. Unconsciously, I realized that I kept waiting for the perfect circumstances to finally enjoy what God has for me when I reach my goal of finally conquering my anxiety. I think I can enjoy all the good things God has given me when I don’t have to worry about my finances anymore.

One thing I have found is that the enemies are always present, but so is God. Jesus Christ, our Good Shepherd, is always with us. He sits at the feasting table with you. The enemy may be present, but the enemy’s power is limited when your eyes are focused on Jesus. Turn your attention away from the darkness and the enemies that want to distract you. Focus on the Good Shepherd who has prepared a feast for you in the darkest valley.

Are you in a valley season of your life? Do you face darkness in your life and enemies that never seem to go away? God may not lift you up out of the valley and place you on the mountaintop quite yet. Maybe He wants to first enjoy a feast with you while you wait in the darkness. There is so much good God has showered upon us. Turn your eyes to the greatest good (Jesus). He will never leave you.

Let’s Pray: Dear Lord, thank You for preparing a feast for us in our valleys! Please help us to remember to always keep our focus on You and Your goodness. Help us to lean into Your goodness, love, mercy, grace and kindness. Open our eyes to the infinite blessings You have placed in our lives. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “Hills and Valleys (Acoustic Video)” by Tauren Wells. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

Tessa Huckstep grew up in rural Illinois. She was born to Christian parents and has known Jesus Christ personally since the age of five. 

Currently, Tessa is attending community college and majoring in elementary education. In the future, she plans to teach in the public school system, hoping to bring the love of God with her.

Tessa enjoys being active in her local church. She serves as a co-teacher for the two-to-five year old class where there is never a dull moment.

It is Tessa’s passion to be a girl after God’s own heart and through her studying of God’s Word, Tessa longs to draw closer to her Savior. Through her writing, she longs to take others with her on this journey of faith.

Tessa loves all things Regency, needlework, and dainty teacups of every size.

When she isn’t writing or studying for exams, she can be found in the kitchen with more flour in her hair and on the floor than in the bowl, though the mess is always half the fun!

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Connect with Tessa:
Blog: https://beautifulbeloved937002841.wordpress.com/

Devotionals for the Heart: God's grace is a gentle balm to heal your soul

When You Allow God's Grace to Heal You
A devotional by Dr. Gladys Childs

“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.”

—Psalm 147:3 (ESV)

God's grace is a balm for our brokenness, a lifeline reaching the most tender and wounded places in our life.

Healing is one of the most breathtaking facets of His grace. It intertwines His divine compassion with our raw humanity. Psalm 147:3 captures this truth: "He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds." It reminds us that no matter how shattered we feel or how deep the scars are, our God is the Master Restorer.

The phrase "heals the brokenhearted" isn't just poetic; it's personal. It speaks to those moments when life's weight is unbearable—when we've lost a loved one, faced betrayal, or seen our dreams crumble. God doesn't turn away from broken people; He draws near. This verse assures us that God sees what we hide from others and even what we might struggle to admit to ourselves. He's not distant or indifferent. Instead, He actively works to heal, meeting us in our pain with compassion that defies understanding.

But God's healing isn't merely surface level. The imagery of Him binding up wounds suggests a deliberate and tender process. Think of a caregiver gently wrapping a wound, ensuring the healing is complete. That's what God does for our souls. He binds up what is raw and exposed, protecting us while He works to restore and strengthen us from the inside out. His grace touches our apparent wounds and those hidden beneath shame, fear, or bitterness.

This grace for healing is not something we earn or deserve—it's a gift freely given. It reflects God's very nature: a Father who loves His children too much to leave them broken. And His healing work isn't rushed. Sometimes, it's immediate—a sudden peace amid chaos. Other times, it's a gradual process, like stitching a tear so intricately that the mended fabric becomes stronger than before. Either way, God's healing grace is always perfect in its timing and infinite in its reach.

Imagine God's hands—steady, gentle, and sure—working on the deepest parts of your heart. He's mending broken relationships, quieting the storms of anxiety, and weaving hope into the places where despair once reigned. Psalm 147:3 invites us to trust that no wound is too severe for His touch, no heartache too great for His restoration.

So, what does this mean for us today? It means we can come as we are—fragile, hurting, and imperfect. We can lay it all before Him, knowing He won't reject us or grow impatient with our healing journey. It also means we can live with hope. The same God who created the stars and sustains the universe is actively at work in us, turning brokenness into beauty. Our wounds may shape our story, but they don't have to define it. Instead, they become evidence of His grace, a testimony that His power is made perfect in our weakness.

This verse isn't just a promise—it's an invitation. God says, "Let Me heal you. Let Me bind up your torn, broken heart. Trust My hands to restore what you thought was lost forever." When we do, we'll discover a grace that transforms, a healing that brings wholeness and a God who is closer than we ever imagined.

Let’s Pray:
Lord, bring your healing grace to the areas of our lives needing restoration. Mend our brokenness and make us whole. In Jesus’s name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “Scars” by I Am They. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

Dr. Gladys Childs is an author, speaker, religion professor, pastor's wife, and mom helping others be F.R.E.E. to Thrive© for the abundant life God has for them. She serves as Chaplain at Texas Wesleyan University and the Women’s Director at LifePoint Fellowship. She brings 25 years of experience and knowledge to her ministry. 

Gladys is frequently called authentic, witty, and candid as she shares her journey through life’s ups and downs. Her passion is meeting people at the intersection of faith and life’s difficulties. No stranger to heartache herself, she grew up in a non-church-going family with an alcoholic mother and is a trauma survivor.

Gladys holds a Ph.D. in Foundations of Education, a Master’s in Religious Education, a Master of Divinity, and a B.A. with a double major in Counseling and Psychology. Also, she is an ordained Elder in the United Methodist Church.

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Connect with Gladys:
Website: https://www.gladyschilds.com/
Blog: https://www.gladyschilds.com/blog
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drgladyschilds/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GladysAnnChilds
Twitter: https://twitter.com/GladysChilds
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/gladyschildsauthor/

Devotionals for the Heart: How to cultivate an attitude of gratitude

Cultivate Gratitude
A devotional by Peg Arnold

“Let the peace of Christ keep you in tune with each other, in step with each other. None of this going off and doing your own thing. And cultivate thankfulness.”

—Colossians 3:17 (MSG)

It was early in the day when I woke up and went to enjoy my morning coffee.

Sitting on the kitchen counter was a delicious cinnamon roll. My thoughtful husband had gotten up early and traveled out into the wintry weather to buy this sweet treat for me. My mouth was watering as I heated the roll and fixed my coffee. He knew I loved sugary and gooey breakfast treats.

I sat down in a comfy seat in front of the fireplace and took my first bite with great expectation. It was dry, bready, and not as sweet as I had anticipated. The first words out of my mouth were, “What’s wrong with this?” Not a single word of gratitude to my husband for his unexpected efforts but a critical comment with disdain instead.

My husband playfully replied, “Well, good morning to you too, and thank you dear for the unexpected surprise!”

I immediately backtracked and became defensive as I made excuses for why I responded the way I did. When I finally expressed my appreciation, it was a futile attempt. To make matters worse, I have been trying to focus on cultivating a thankful heart and practicing an attitude of gratitude. Instead, I failed to demonstrate appreciation for those whom I love most dearly. It happens when I least expect it and instead of apologizing, I become defensive and try to make excuses. Does this ever happen to you?

It’s easy to express gratitude when everything is going well and we are well-rested. The challenge to be grateful occurs when we are tired, distracted, or our expectations of others have not been met. Some examples you might identify with are when the garbage was taken out of the house but the trashcan in one room was forgotten, or the car was cleaned but the windows were still dirty, or the kitchen has been cleaned but the counters still have crumbs on them. Instead of responding with gratitude for the effort made, we sometimes start complaining and pointing out what was left undone.

Throughout his letters in The Holy Bible, Paul instructs early believers in God who were followers of Jesus Christ not to complain and grumble. He models being content in all circumstances, and thankful in all things. When we respond to others with criticism or defensiveness, it can strain our relationships. In contrast, words and actions of love, appreciation, and sometimes biting our tongues (self-control) can strengthen our personal connections with the people we love.

After I apologized to my husband, I asked for his help in keeping me accountable if I began to complain and grumble again. I realize these are selfish responses that can negatively impact others. Choosing to be content and thankful in all circumstances is not always my first response, but I am working on it.

As we learn to cultivate an attitude of gratitude, may we increase our awareness of how our responses affect those around us. Let us each strive to plant the seeds of thankfulness in all we say and do while learning to recognize and pull out the weeds of discontent, criticism, and defensiveness.

Let’s Pray:

Dear Lord,

We want to come to you with a contrite heart. We know we have been selfish in our attitudes and expectations around those we love most. Help us to recognize when we become defensive and critical of others. Teach us how to cultivate the attitudes of love, appreciation, humility, and kindness. Thank You for your patience with me whenever I falter. Help us to demonstrate that same patience You give us to others. In Christ’s name we pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “Gratitude” by Brandon Lake. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

Peg Arnold, Speaker/Author/Teacher is a Drama Queen for Jesus. 

Her vibrant, interactive, and soul-stirring messages encourage all to embrace their God-given value. As a mom, wife, nana, mentor, with a master’s in counseling, she connects on a personal basis by sharing her joys and challenges of many life experiences through her dramas, messages, and witness. Whether talking with a friend over coffee or addressing hundreds of people at a conference, her passion for equipping women is contagious.

She has published devotions on YouVersion and in the Upper Room. In addition, she has contributed to two Chicken Soup for the Soul books, three anthologies, numerous articles, and blogs. Her devotional, Devotions for the Distracted Heart, received a 2022 OASIS award.

Peg desires everyone to know that their story is important and has a purpose. She grew up in Michigan and raised her family in Maryland. Later in life, Peg and her husband relocated close to their family in Colorado.

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Connect with Peg:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arnoldpeg/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pegarnoldwow
Website: https://pegarnold.org/ Get some freebies when you visit!
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC51V_iWr0RfGAQvQnWVXEoA
Devotions for the Distracted Heart blog: https://pegarnold.wordpress.com/
YouVersion: https://www.bible.com/reading-plans/22261-devotions-for-the-distracted-heart
Holiday YouVersion: https://www.bible.com/reading-plans/28680-holiday-devotions-for-the-distracted-heart
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/wonderofwomen/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/peg-arnold-wow

Devotionals for the Heart: God hears you when you cry out to Him

When God’s Children Cry
A devotional by Essie Faye Taylor

“O Lord my God, I cried out to You, And You healed me.”

—Psalm 30:2 (NKJV)

I’ve learned much about God by watching my sister’s relationship with my niece.

My sister’s calming presence is always near her daughter as she is actively observing, nurturing, and guiding her child through the day’s activities. My sister steers her child from dangers and constantly instructs her young one for the best outcomes. When my niece cries, my sister is alerted and concerned. Therefore, she springs into action to address her daughter’s cry. If her child has even a slight injury then I witness my sister, in Mama bear mode, question her child, examine the injured area, kiss the boo-boo, pray with her, and wrap her arms around her toddler’s body as she gives a loving hug and kiss.

Watching my sister interact with her daughter makes me think about how God as our Heavenly Father interacts with us. If humans, being evil, know how to respond to the cry of their child in a caring and compassionate way then how much more will our Heavenly Father hear the cry of His children and be moved to act on their behalf?

In Psalm 30:2, the psalmist directly addresses the Lord. He acknowledges his personal connection and intimacy with the Lord. He recognizes God as the ruler of His life. He submits to God’s sovereignty. He cried out to his Heavenly Father with a request for divine intervention. In this case, the psalmist needed healing that he could not bring about for himself. He knew where his help came from, so he went directly to the source (God).

The psalmist shows us how to cry out to God as our Healer. Scripture says He is the Lord who heals us (Deuteronomy 32:39). God can repair and restore our body, mind, spirit, and soul to complete health. He is our Manufacturer and Maker. He knows the original intent of every fiber of our being. As a result, He is the Mastermind behind His Masterpiece and can heal us completely from the inside-out. In addition to all of this, our Heavenly Father is omniscient and omnipotent. He knows the details of how and when we were hurt. God has all the universe’s resources at His disposal to restore health to our body, mind, spirit, and soul. If the healing resource doesn’t exist, He can create it with His Word. What a mighty God we serve!

God declares in Jeremiah 33:3 (NKJV), “Call to me and I will answer you.” This is a Bible-based promise that we can hold onto. Even when it seems like God is silent and we cannot hear Him, He hears us and He will answer us in His perfect time.

Remember: God always hears us when we cry out to Him and He always answers. His ears are open to the cry of the righteous (Psalm 34:15). He doesn’t ignore the cries of the afflicted (Psalm 9:12). This is a promise that is guaranteed. We are not forgotten by God. He sees us and He knows exactly what we are experiencing. Like a Mama Bear responds to the cry of her child, God responds to the cry of His children. He comforts us with His loving presence and reassures us with His certain Word. He heals our brokenness and disease.

If you are crying out to God for healing in any area of your life, please remember:

1. God hears your cry.

2. You are not forgotten by God. Just as a mother can never forget her child, your Heavenly Father can never forget you because you are His child.

3. God loves you deeply. Just as you desire healing, He desires to heal you.

4. God is faithful to fulfill every promise He has made to us—including His promise of healing. As His children, healing is our right.

5. Our cry to God calls Him to act. He will heal us and make us whole.

Let’s Pray:

Dear God,

You are the God of miracles, signs, and wonders. You are the God who parted the Red Sea so Your people could walk safely to the other side on dry ground. You are the God who raises the dead, heals the lepers, and delivers those bound by sin’s burdens. You are the God who speaks calm to the storms we experience in this life on Earth. You send Your Word and heal our brokenness. I thank You because You are present to heal. You’ve not forgotten us. You’ve not forsaken us. You’ve not disappeared. You are present in the good times and bad times. Father, I pray that we will know this deeply. Help us to hold onto our faith, especially when we are in pain. Help us to believe that You are working for us even when we can’t trace Your hand. Lord, thank You for hearing our cries and answering our prayers.

In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “When God’s People Pray” by Wayne Watson. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

Essie Faye Taylor is a woman of faith. She’s a bilingual author, educator, speaker, psalmist, and interpreter. 

Essie is the author of the “Finding the Love You Deserve” series for women and teens. She is deeply committed to motivating minorities, women, and youth to heal themselves, love and accept themselves, and pursue God while chasing their dreams and carving out their life’s path.

Essie is a Chicago native where she lives with her husband Donald Taylor II.

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Connect with Essie:
Website: www.essiefayetaylor.com
Amazon Author Page:
https://www.amazon.com/stores/Essie%20Faye%20Taylor/author/B09XF3TC22
Listen to Essie’s music at https://on.soundcloud.com/X6DeoRXra7YoKcC2A.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_essie_faye/ on Instagram
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/esther.tate.39
Read Essie’s YouVersion Devotion Plan here: http://bible.us/r/Abn

Devotionals for the Heart: Why we should always follow God's Roadmap

Following God’s Roadmap Leads to His Greatest Blessings
A devotional by Sarah Cole

“By day the Lord went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud to guide them on their way and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so that they could travel by day or night. Neither the pillar of cloud by day nor the pillar of fire by night left its place in front of the people.”—Exodus 13:21-22 (NIV)

My parents and I vacationed at campgrounds across the Midwest every summer.

After we packed up the station wagon and hooked up the camper, we hit the open road, playing car games along the way. With my father behind the wheel, we inevitably arrived in the middle of nowhere because he refused to stop for directions. If it weren’t for my mother’s exceptional navigation skills we wouldn’t have reached our destination.

I wish my mother were here now that I live in the middle of a busy shopping district. Wherever I go, traffic is always heavy and without GPS, I don’t get very far. The same is true of our spiritual lives: without God’s guidance, we will go in circles trying to navigate life alone. When we drive solo, thinking we know better, our merciful Father sees us headed in the wrong direction and keeps us from careening over the cliff of our good intentions.

In today’s anchor text (Exodus 13:21-22), we learn that after Pharaoh agreed to let the Israelites go, God instructed Moses to take them on a long route through the wilderness. The shorter route seemed more convenient to the Israelites, but God saw the dangers ahead. Therefore, He went before them, faithfully leading with pillars of cloud by day and fire by night.

This story reminds us that when the way forward is unclear, we can trust God to guide us, protect us, and equip us with everything we need for the journey.

The Bible warns us in Proverbs 14:12 (NKJV), “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.” Following God’s roadmap protects us from dangers only He can anticipate. But when we ignore it and go our own way, we suffer consequences that we could’ve avoided if we had relied on Him.

The road of life will lead us through hills and valleys. And we can’t avoid every obstacle that comes our way. But Jesus Christ is our traveling companion, and when we let Him take the wheel, He promises to lead us on a glorious adventure here on Earth that ends with eternity in His Presence someday in Heaven.

Let’s Pray:

Dear Father God,

When the pressures and stresses of life cause me to become sidetracked, I’m grateful that You patiently lead me back to You. As my Shepherd, I know I can always depend on Your perfect wisdom, love, and protection. Your Word is a light that keeps me on the path of abundance here on Earth, eventually leading to my eternal home in Heaven. Thank You, Lord! In Jesus’s name, I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “Psalm 23: Surely Goodness, Surely Mercy” by Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

Sarah Cole’s interest in writing began in grade school when her poem was published in the local paper. 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 Mysterious Ways by Guideposts. She believes her adversity was worth the lessons God taught her.

Sarah's devotionals have been published in David C. Cook’s The Quiet Hour and Devotions, The Secret Place by Judson Press, and Pray a Word a Day by Guideposts. Her short story will be featured in an upcoming book, Too Amazing For Coincidence, also to be published by Guideposts. To this day, Sarah smiles, pinches herself and gives God all the glory.

When she's not writing, she's enjoying her hobbies that include dog sitting, watching cooking shows and taking day trips.

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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: How to write a psalm of Thanksgiving

Writing Your Own Psalm of Thanksgiving
A devotional by Joy Beless

“You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, that my heart may sing your praises and not be silent. Lord my God, I will praise you forever.”—Psalm 30:11-12 (NIV)

Much like the fall winds that tug at the leaves on the trees outside my window, so has change come to our family and loved ones.

I will be setting two fewer dinner plates at our table this Thanksgiving. I know I’m not the only one. As much as I want the beautiful tablescape, delicious traditional menu, and smiling faces around my table, the reality cannot be ignored. This year has been marked by loss, grief, and difficult circumstances. I want to honor the loss of loved ones before moving on to the festive table chatter. Much like noticing the fallen leaves before raking them into a pile for my grandchildren to jump in.

I need to step away and take some time to care for my soul and prepare for this hectic but meaningful holiday season. I spend hours preparing the holiday meal, my house, and décor before our loved ones joyfully come through the door announcing their arrival. Likewise, I want to care for my soul to receive my guests from an authentic place of peace and hope, not a cultivated artificial smile.

How do I do this? I begin with a ritual every November of writing my own psalm, patterning after the biblical psalms. There are six different kinds of psalms in the Bible, including those of thanksgiving, which are divided between personal prayers and prayers for the nation of Israel. Written by King David, the psalms are rich in description and often are ones we still sing today. While we generally associate thankful songs as happy and upbeat, a closer look at the personal psalms of David reveals something different. Psalm 30 (referenced above) is written in an authentic and reflective tone. As he looks back, David recalls being “lifted out of the depths” by God and not letting his enemies boast (verse 1), sparing him from sliding into a pit of despair (verse 3) and crying for God’s mercy (verse 8).

David also contrasts calling for God’s help and experiencing his healing (verse 2), God’s anger and his favor, weeping and joy (verse 5), and wailing and dancing (verse 11). Lastly, David mentions singing or praising God five times throughout the twelve verses. As David reflects on a painful and difficult season of his life, he sees the faithfulness, deliverance, and restoring power of God through it all and repeatedly praises Him.

As I consider writing my own psalm of thanksgiving, I will not think too hard about how it sounds or if the grammar is correct, but rather let it simply flow from my thoughts and allow the raw emotions to run through my arm, hand, and pen onto the paper. I may include laments, confessions, and prayers answered and unanswered. As thoughts of God’s goodness and faithfulness throughout this time rise in my soul, I jot those down too. When I recall sweet memories of those who are absent, that also goes on the paper.

My objective is not to have a beautifully crafted psalm for generations to read but rather an outpouring of my soul as an offering for God, who is the sustainer of hope through it all. The words may be something I read to a few close people, but most often will be an entry into my private journal.

When Thanksgiving in the USA ends and I begin to purchase and wrap Christmas gifts, I usually feel an invitation from God to set aside some time to reflect and write down a psalm of thanksgiving and gratitude. I feel encouraged to embrace the season of gratitude similar to the “selah” pause in the Psalms, a reset for my soul. Henri Nouwen said, “Gratitude as a discipline involves a conscious choice.” I agree completely with this sentiment.

It is a choice to come to the festive table with a lighter soul and a heart overflowing for the many ways I experienced the love and hope of God. I mentioned the two empty place settings at our table this year, but I’m so very grateful for the two additional place settings that I will add once my two grandbabies can move from their mother’s laps into the high chairs. And for that I’m very grateful and praising God!

Let’s Pray:

Heavenly Father,

You have been faithful in the highs and the lows of the past year. Your strength has sustained me, and your love preserves my hope. I am grateful and thankful for so many things, including your presence on the journey.

In Jesus’s Name, I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “Sovereign” by Chris Tomlin. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Joy Beless is a worshipper of God and lover of people. 

A practicing Spiritual Director, she is a speaker for retreats and conferences and facilitates guided solitude retreats at the family ranch in North Texas.

A seasoned worship leader and songwriter, she frequently weaves worship, God’s Word and spiritual practices together. She is a chapel provider for a shelter for the houseless and a certified Grief and Trauma Healing Facilitator. Serving at global retreats for Kingdom-minded women delights her soul.

She has written for Global Trellis and Missio Nexus. She connects God’s Word with the reality of our daily in all the ups and downs.

Joy is married to Roger. They live in Coppell (Texas). Joy is called "JoJo" by her nine adorable grandchildren. She enjoys the outdoors and encourages flowers to grow in the Texas heat.

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Connect with Joy:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joy.beless
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joy.beless/
Website: www.joybeless.org

Devotionals for the Heart: God can still make miracles for you today

God Still Works Today
A devotional by Hannah Benson

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.”

—Hebrews 13:8 (ESV)

I grew up in a Christian home, attended church regularly, and read Scripture.

I knew the truth, but for some reason it didn’t fully register with me that God never changes, and He still works today. Oh, I knew that. I was taught it by my parents, after all, and I read such truths in Scripture.

The God of the Bible parted the Red Sea, provided manna in the wilderness, raised people from the dead, and enabled a donkey to open its mouth and speak like a human. At the time, I hadn’t seen any miracles compared to that, so I assumed God no longer worked miracles.

For some reason, I guess I just thought that if miracles happened today, they happened to other people. Sometimes I wonder if we don’t see miracles because we don’t need or expect them. Now, don’t get me wrong. God is not a genie who will perform a “miracle” just because we ask Him to. His ways are higher than ours, so a miracle or answer to prayer may not always come in the form we were hoping for.

But how many times do we stress or take matters into our own hands when we’re supposed to be turning to God to supply our every need? As Paul reminds in Philippians 4:19 (ESV), “And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”

Is it possible we don’t see a miracle because we’re not asking for one?

When I was younger, I thought God didn’t make miracles anymore. At least, not like He did back in the days of Moses, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. But I realize now that’s not true. God may not have parted a literal Red Sea in my life, but He made a way when there was no way, opening doors only He could open. He may not have given me manna from heaven, but hasn’t He provided everything I needed?

How is it that those dreams in my heart, those dreams that were next to impossible, are now part of my reality? Only God. The same God Who turned water into wine, raised people from the dead, opened the eyes of the blind, and called the lame to walk still works today. And in case you’re wondering if God still works miracles as radical as opening the eyes of the blind or raising the dead to life, yes, He does.

There was once was a man in our monthly prayer gathering who was dying of cancer. In fact, we didn’t realize it at the time, but doctors had told him he should prepare for his funeral. But God had other plans and completely healed him, and he is now cancer-free. Another time, a friend of mine had an eye problem “unexplainably” healed at a worship gathering. And the list could go on.

Time would fail me to share all the miracles I’ve seen or the ways God has worked in my life. In ways, big or small, the Lord is always moving and working all things for our good (Romans 8:28). I remember last year when I prayed for a specific opportunity, the Lord opened doors and answered prayers in ways I’d never thought possible. Do you believe that God never changes and that He still works today?

I pray you do and that you’ve seen it!

Let’s Pray:

Dear Father God,

Thank You for the truth that You still work today. Forgive me for not believing this truth earlier. Help me to remember all the miracles and the ways You’ve worked in my life. And keep me encouraged in believing that you still make miracles today!

In Jesus’s Name I pray,

Amen.

Song of Reflection: “Famous For (I Believe)” by Tauren Wells, Jenn Johnson. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

Hannah Benson is a Jesus-follower who’s passionate about sharing the love of Christ with others. 

From the time she could hold a pen, she was writing. But it wasn’t until she was sixteen that she began to follow God’s calling to pursue writing seriously. Hannah is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW). In addition to fiction, she also writes devotionals and has been published on other websites. Her prayer is that her readers leave deeply encouraged and more in love with Jesus.

When not writing, Hannah also enjoys being involved with local theater companies, with a primary focus on Biblical theater. She wants to show the love of Jesus through the creative arts.

You can read more of Hannah’s writings on her blog or on her Instagram where she strives to write content that leaves others feeling encouraged.

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Connect with Hannah:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Hannah-Lynn-Writer/100073790792576/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hannahlbensonwrites/