Devotionals for the Heart: God taught me about rest while I observed a bird

How God Uses Rest to Sustain Weary Women
A devotional by Heather Jeffery

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”

—Matthew 11:28 (NIV)

Recently, I sat quietly watching a bluebird gather nesting material for her future home from my backyard. Once she had her materials, I assumed she would simply fly straight to her destination. Instead, I witnessed something remarkable.

This little mama bird carried her load only a short distance at a time. She would climb about eight or ten feet, then pause to rest, incrementally rising only a few branches at a time. From there, she would move carefully across the upper branches of one tree, rest, then continue to the next. Again and again, she made small, calculated flights, stopping between each one before moving forward.

Eventually, she reached the final leg of her journey, which was the longest stretch of all. By then, she had conserved enough energy to carry her burden the rest of the way. As I watched, I couldn't help but wonder why she didn't simply fly straight to the nest from the beginning. It would have been faster.

But God seemed to whisper a gentle reminder to my heart: She knows her limits. The bluebird wasn't failing. She wasn't weak or lazy. She wasn't procrastinating or avoiding her responsibility. She was simply honoring the limits God built into her design. Perhaps our limitations serve a greater purpose than we realize. We often view our limits as obstacles to push through, overcome, or ignore. Yet what if God never intended our limitations to be obstacles at all? What if they are invitations?

Invitations to pause. Invitations to trust. Invitations to rest in the One who renews our strength. Perhaps the limits God built into our bodies, minds, and hearts are not evidence of weakness, but reminders that we were never meant to carry life's burdens apart from Him.

The bluebird knew her limits. And perhaps wisdom for us begins there too. Women—especially mothers—often convince themselves that strength means pushing through. We rush from one responsibility to the next, trying to carry everything in a single flight. We skip rest and ignore our limits, wearing our exhaustion like a badge of honor. Then we wonder why we feel depleted. God never designed us to live that way. Our limitations are not flaws to overcome; they are reminders that we were created to depend on Him throughout the journey.

The bluebird persevered, but she did not exhaust herself. She carried what she needed to carry. She rested when she needed to rest, using the resources God provided along the way. What would it look like if we did the same? What if we stopped measuring faithfulness by how much we can accomplish in a single day? What if we trusted God enough to take the next step, then the next, allowing Him to sustain us in the journey?

The bluebird eventually reached her destination. Not because she hurried. Not because she ignored her limits. Not because she pushed herself beyond what she could bear. She arrived because she wisely used the strength God had given her for each leg of the journey. Perhaps God is inviting us to do the same. One step. One burden. One season. One place of rest at a time. If He cares so intimately for a small mama bird, how much more will He care for the women He created in His own image?

We too can trust Him with the journey as we move forward faithfully one step at a time. We can rest without guilt, knowing that God is not only present at the destination, but also in the resting places along the way. Perhaps our limitations are not obstacles to overcome, but invitations to rest in the One who renews our strength.

Let’s Pray:

Heavenly Father,

For every weary mother and every woman carrying burdens that feel too heavy, I pray that You would help her recognize the rest You have provided. Teach her that her worth is not found in how much she accomplishes or how much she can carry without stopping. When she feels pressured to push harder, remind her to lean closer. Give her wisdom to recognize her limits, courage to honor them, and faith to trust that You will provide everything she needs for the journey ahead. May she find comforting rest in Your presence, renewal for her weary soul, and strength for whatever lies ahead. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

~*~
Song of Reflection #1: “Find Rest” by Francesca Battistelli. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “You Are My Strength” by William Murphy. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #3: “Worn” by Tenth Avenue North. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #4: “Sparrows” by Cory Asbury. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

Heather Jeffery is a Christian author, mentor, and certified mental health coach specializing in emotional and spiritual abuse recovery. 

Her mission is to empower women with Biblical truth and practical tools to navigate life’s most confusing and painful circumstances. Heather’s passion for this work stems from her own experience of walking through a progressively destructive marriage and divorce, where she discovered the healing power of God’s Word. Today, she helps women set healthy boundaries and tune into the guidance of the Holy Spirit, offering hope and clarity in the midst of chaos.

Heather believes every story matters and has a purpose, just as the stories we read about in the Bible. In her mentoring and coaching, she weaves together her personal journey with the stories of women in Scripture, uncovering deeper insights below the surface that traditional teaching often glosses over. Her approach is both compassionate and practical, equipping women to reclaim their identity and live in freedom.

Heather lives in Maryland with her two teenage daughters, where she works as a physical therapist. She loves spending time outdoors, especially near and on the water, where she finds reminders of God’s faithfulness in the beauty of His creation. She believes God’s Creation has messages for all of us if we take time to look, whether it be the fluttering butterfly that happens to cross your path signifying God sees you or the twinkling of the sunrise as a reminder of God’s unending faithfulness. She is most at peace floating in a kayak taking in the sights and sounds around her as she spends time reflecting on God’s goodness.

Heather shares weekly encouragement and resources through her website at https://heatherjeffery.com/.

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Connect with Heather:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/straightenyourcrown.1/

Devotionals for the Heart: God used paper lines to teach me about envy

The Line People
A devotional by Colleen C. Howard

“But everything exposed by the light becomes visible—and everything that is illuminated becomes a light.”—Ephesians 5:13 (NIV)

Every day, with a cup of coffee in hand, I sit down and open my Bible then write in my journal.

As I dive deeper into God’s Word, I become acutely aware of His presence, and I can’t imagine starting my day any other way.

Most of what I share with you begins in one of my journals, but the notebooks I use for journaling are hard to find. Each spiral bound page of my journal has faint dots that are almost unnoticeable. I adore the dots on these pages. They are friendly and offer the suggestion of lines without any of the rules. The dots don’t dictate or issue mandates. They never require me to stay between the dots, and they don’t tell me that I’m doing it wrong.

I am not a fan of lined paper because I have difficulty writing within the lines—just ask anyone who has tried to read a note, letter, card or grocery list that I penned. No matter how hard I try, I absolutely cannot corral the movements of my hand and confine my words to fit inside of the lines. This drives me crazy.

True confessions, both my husband and our adult children are blessed with a mysterious ability to write within the lines. Truth be told, they don’t even need lines. They each have handwriting so perfect that it looks like a font from a laptop. I’ve always envied them for this skill. Surely, I must have been absent from school the entire year that handwriting was taught.

My point is this: Envy is a slippery slope. I have spent too much time giving power to the line people. I’ve allowed envy to invade my soul and deposit feelings of incompetence in my heart. For years I’ve let these thoughts annoy me every single time I put pen to paper. I’ve placed so much value on wanting to fit in and be like the line people. I took my eyes off Jesus Christ and focused them on my inadequacies. This became so disturbing to me and I began to believe that it was a personal weakness. Is my inability to stay between the lines really a weakness? Of course not. The true weakness is envy. It became the voice in my head chanting “I’m not good enough” over and over in my mind. I not only allowed envy to become the voice in my head; I handed it a microphone to broadcast its negative message directly to my heart.

One morning as I was writing in my journal, I suddenly became aware of how much I love to doodle, diagram and write my words over these tiny dots. It was as if Jesus took my pen and began writing back to me. He reminded me that envy is a favorite tool of the enemy and showed me that my weakness was envy, not a lack of handwriting skills.

This whole line people thing may sound like a small inconvenience to you, but anything that causes your heart to stray from God’s truth is not insignificant. My freedom from the power of the line people has opened my eyes to other lies that creep over me and try to steal my joy. This awakening has helped me to remember to ask Jesus to guard my heart.

This one tiny area of my life wreaked havoc every time I picked up a pen. It wasn't a small thing to me. I may never know why my handwriting is so weird, but what I do know is that Jesus loves me just as I am and His love brings unspeakable joy to my heart.

Let’s Pray:

Dear Jesus,

Empower me to be bold enough to seek Your wisdom and look closely at the annoyances in my life. Give me courage to dig deep and recognize the things that constantly gnaw at my heart. Help me to recognize what causes me to feel less than or not good enough. Help me to remember Jesus loves me, and how God the Father sings over my soul and calls me His child. The Holy Spirit gives me the power to overcome and believe what He says of me. In His light you will see light. Praise be to God! In Jesus’ name, Amen.

~*~
Song of Reflection #1: “You Say” by Lauren Daigle. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “The Truth” by Megan Woods. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #3: “I Believe” by Megan Woods. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #4: “The Truth About Me” by Mandisa. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #5: “His Banner Over Me” by Cheri Keaggy. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

Colleen C. Howard is a follower of Jesus Christ, educator and writer. She lives with her husband in the Arizona desert where the sunsets are spectacular, the summers are relentless and the winters are a little slice of Heaven. 

Colleen earned her Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership. This degree opened opportunities to write science curriculum, develop district programs, work with Arizona teachers, community leaders, and more. With NASA Grant funding, she was also able to work with teachers all over the country and expand their knowledge of teaching science as a collaborative effort.

Over the last few years God has placed a strong desire in Colleen’s heart to shine a light on God’s presence throughout ordinary days and encourage women in their faith walk with Him. Although some days bring trials and others bring joy, Colleen believes that if you fix your eyes on Jesus then you will see the heart of God.

Colleen’s writing has been published in the following online publications: Living By Design, Her View From Home, Inside Out Worldwide, and in anthologies like From Ruins to Restoration, Mountains Moved: 45 Devotions of Bold Faith, and The Miracle of Prayer. She is a monthly blogger for Dressing in God’s Love.

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Connect with Colleen:
Website: authorcolleenchoward.com

Devotionals for the Heart: God is our fortress and refuge in troubled times

Safety in God
A devotional by Angela Anderson

“I will say of the Lord, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust.’”—Psalm 91:2 (NKJV)

As my sons were growing up, one of the things I enjoyed doing with them was building a fort in the living room.

We would use a couple of chairs, some pillows, and the cushions from the couch. After strategically arranging these items to create the walls of the fort, we would drape a bed sheet over the chairs and cushions to provide a covering. This was a finishing touch as we crouched down into the edifice we created. My sons would use this fort as a place they could run to and feel secure. Because it was an inaccessible place, they used to sit there for a while and enjoy the manmade cave. Although it was used for fun, it was a place of safety and security.

In today’s Bible verse above (Psalm 91:2), the psalmist is using very powerful imagery from that time to describe how God protects, covers, and sustains him. A refuge is a place that is used for immediate safety. It is a quick place to duck or hide for shelter if you need comfort and covering. God is that safe place in the moment of hardship. He is close. He offers rest and relief from life’s problems when you are overwhelmed and afraid. God offers peace and protection when you are experiencing the pressures of life.

A fortress is a strong and fortified space that provides stability and defense against any attack. This ongoing defense symbolizes long-term protection and security. A fortress is difficult to invade. When life is under siege and the enemy rushes in, God serves as an immovable defense and His protection is unshakable. In your weakest moments and your greatest time of need, God hides you from the enemy. He wraps His arms around you and creates an inaccessible place so that you cannot be reached by whatever is plaguing you.

God is a refuge and a fortress. This is both personal and powerful. In the most intimate way, you can run to God. Because of His authority and strength, nothing can overtake you when you place your trust in Him. When life gets overwhelming and uncertain, God is your refuge. You can come close and be covered by Him. When life burdens you with constant pressure, responsibility, and spiritual attacks, God is your fortress. You are held and protected.

Just like my sons and their fort from their childhood years, you can visit God in times of crisis, but how much better it would be if you chose to live secure in Him?

Let’s Pray:

Father God,

Thank You for being my safe place when life gets rough. You have proven time and time again that You can be trusted. Help me to choose You above all things and to live my life securely in You. In the name of Jesus, Amen.

~*~
Song of Reflection #1: “Secret Place” by Karen Clark Sheard. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “So Close” by Mary Mary. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #3: “Trust in You” by Anthony Brown & Group Therapy. Listen to it here. 

Song of Reflection #4: “Just Be Held” by Casting Crowns. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #5: “Protector” by Kim Walker-Smith. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Angela Anderson was born in Brooklyn (New York) and raised in New Jersey. 

She started writing at an early age and realized in elementary school that it was both a strength and a passion. She continued writing through high school, college, and into adulthood. Angela is the author of a devotional book titled Just When I Thought I Knew God and she is currently working on another devotional book.

This is Angela’s sixth year as a devotional writer for Alexis A. Goring’s “God is Love” blog. In 2021, Angela was a winner of a devotional writing contest where her words were featured in a book, Hope When Your Heart is Heavy, that was published by Proverbs 31 Ministries. The following year, another one of Angela’s devotionals was featured in Living Unbroken, which is another publication produced by Proverbs 31. Angela has a passion for inspiring and impacting others through her writing as well as speaking.

Angela is a life coach for mothers. She empowers mothers who want to identify their God-given purpose and live it fully while taking care of their family. Angela develops mothers into mompreneurs by providing them with the necessary tools to be successful and fulfilled in life. She works to help them to see their value, understand their importance, and reclaim their identity.

Angela is also the host of “The Angela Anderson Show”, a virtual talk show that launched in April of 2023 on YouTube and Facebook. The show is designed for mothers who want to pursue their dream while managing family life. The audio version of the show is also available as a podcast on platforms such as Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, and more.

Angela has been married to the love of her life, Duane Anderson, for 21 years. Together they have two sons: Thomas (age 13) and Ryan (age 8). Angela’s favorite pastime is journaling, and she also enjoys spending quality time with her family.

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Connect with Angela:

To connect with Angela, you can follow her on Instagram (angelanderson1104), Clubhouse (@angelize), and send a friend request to her on Facebook.

Subscribe to Angela’s YouTube channel @The Angela Anderson Show and follow the show on Spotify. Angela offers free consultations for mothers who want to pursue their dream while taking care of their family. Schedule here:
www.ChatWithCoachAngela.com

You can also like and follow her Facebook author page for her devotional book, Just When I Thought I Knew God.

Devotionals for the Heart: How to experience joy in the midst of pain

Joy in the Midst of Pain
A devotional by Patricia Russell

“My brothers and sisters, you will face all kinds of trouble. When you do, think of it as pure joy. Your faith will be tested. You know that when this happens it will produce in you the strength to continue.”—James 1:2-3 (NIRV)

Have you ever asked God, “How on earth am I supposed to be joyful when I’m in so much pain?”

I’m sure many of us have asked that question at one time or another. As followers of Jesus Christ, we may sometimes feel conflicted: on the one hand, we want to praise God, but on the other, the pain in our bodies or hearts can seem overwhelming.

Yet, when we read James 1:2–3, we are told to “count it all joy” when we face various trials. I have been reflecting on the latter part of these verses, which explains that the testing of our faith produces perseverance. The purpose of our trials is not to crush us, but to develop character that may not be formed in any other way. As much as we might like to develop character almost instantaneously, God has not designed our journey that way. He knows what it will require for us to grow and become more like Christ. And, lest we forget, the writer of Hebrews reminds us that Jesus Himself learned obedience through the things He suffered (Hebrews 5:8).

The word learned is significant. If Jesus learned through suffering, then we must also learn through the challenges we face. We can hold on to this truth because Jesus understands the questions we ask. He walked through pain, suffering, disappointment, and rejection. On the cross, He cried out to His Father (God) in Heaven, asking why He had been forsaken by Him. Jesus carried the weight of our sin (2 Corinthians 5:21). He knows what it is to endure the deepest anguish.

So, we take our cues from His example. Just as Jesus endured suffering and continued faithfully through the crowds that first cheered for Him and later turned against Him, we also can endure everything through God’s strength.

We are invited to come into God’s presence with thanksgiving and praise. As we worship, something remarkable begins to happen: our hearts are drawn into the presence of the Lord. As a worship leader, I can testify that there have been days when I did not feel emotionally engaged in worship. Yet I have learned that those moments can become opportunities to rely more deeply on the strength of the Holy Spirit.

God’s Holy Spirit gives strength when we are weak, hope when we feel helpless, and comfort when courage is lacking. He has proven Himself time and time again to be “a very present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1 KJV).

So, my friend, I can truly tell you that we can give thanks for all that God has done, all that He has provided, and all the ways He has carried us when we felt desperate and alone. We may not be able to give thanks for every painful circumstance, but we can give thanks in all things, trusting that God is at work within us.

One day, we will look back and recognize the character that was formed, the lessons we learned, and the joy that comes from knowing we stood in the fire and came out stronger. Yes, God is good. Yes, God is faithful. And yes, the joy of the Lord gives us strength.

As we give Him thanks, may His joy become our strength.

Let’s Pray:

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for your goodness to us. Thank You for carrying us when we could barely walk. Thank You for your faithful presence in our time of need. Thank You for the joy we can have even when times are hard. We love You and praise You for eternity. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

~*~
Song of Reflection #1: “Count it All Joy” by Bebe Winans and Cece Winans. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “He Will Carry You” (Live) by Lynda Randle. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #3: “You Are My All in All” by Maranatha! Music. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #4: “His Strength is Perfect” by CeCe Winans. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #5: “Another in the Fire” by Hillsong United. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #6: “Beautiful Day” by Jermaine Edwards. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #7: “You Are My Strength” by William Murphy. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Patricia is a worship leader, songwriter, speaker and compiler of her 2020 best-seller anthology "Stronger Resilience: Stories to Empower the Mind, Body and Spirit", as well as Lord I Trust You: Words of Encouragement to encourage readers and share life lessons during her cancer journey. 

Patricia writes, speaks, and teaches on the power of God’s Word to heal and empower you to become all that you are purposed for. She has traveled internationally and shared her gifts with audiences to encourage, empower and share life lessons through word and song. Patricia has sung on national television broadcasts and shared the stage with several respected speakers including Anne Graham Lotz and Rev. E.V. Hill.

Her greatest joy is being married to her husband, Wayne, for 34 years. Together they serve the community through their local congregation as well as providing premarital and marriage coaching. They have two adult children, Raquel and Benjamin. As a two-time breast cancer overcomer, Patricia coaches’ others to develop resilience and live life to their fullest.

Patricia has released two gospel music recordings: “Draw Me Nearer” and “Lord, I Trust You”. In March 2022, she launched her podcast “Becoming Resilient” which can be downloaded wherever you get your podcasts and also seen on YouTube.

When not reading or studying, Patricia loves to eat Thai food and spend time with “Lucy” – her daughter’s Yorkie-poo who has taken up room in her heart.

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Connect with Patricia:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/patrussellsings/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pat.russell.98877/
Email Patricia: patrussellsings@gmail.com

Devotionals for the Heart: Why we need to be thankful in every season

Gratitude in Every Season
A devotional by Erica J. Hill

“Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior.”—Habakkuk 3:17-18 (NIV)

Life brings shifting seasons—joyful harvests, silent winters, and uncertain waiting.

There are seasons when our prayers are answered, doors open, and blessings seem to overflow. Gratitude comes easily when we can see the goodness of God everywhere. But there are other seasons when nothing seems to be growing, prayers remain unanswered, and we are waiting on God to move, heal, restore, provide, or simply show us what comes next.

Those are the seasons when gratitude can become difficult.

If I’m honest, it is much easier to thank God when life looks the way I hoped it would. It’s easy to praise Him for the open door, the answered prayer, the unexpected blessing, and the harvest we can finally hold in our hands. But what happens when nothing blooms?

Habakkuk gives us a beautiful picture of what gratitude looks like when life doesn't go according to plan. The fig tree isn't budding, there are no grapes on the vines, the olive crop has failed, and the fields aren't producing food. Everything around him says there is nothing to celebrate and then comes one powerful word: yet. We need to focus on Habakkuk’s quote: “Yet I will rejoice in the Lord.” It’s important to note that his circumstances had not suddenly changed. The fields were still empty. What changed was where he placed his focus.

That is the kind of gratitude I want to have. Gratitude isn't pretending everything is okay when it isn't. It doesn't mean we cannot be disappointed, tired, hurt, or confused. Thanksgiving in every season is not denial of pain. It is recognizing that our circumstances can change without changing the character of God. The field may be empty, but God is still faithful. The answer may not have come, but God is still listening. The season may be difficult, but God is still present. Sometimes we spend so much time looking for the harvest that we forget God is still present in the field.

Thanksgiving is more than simply responding to what God has done; it is a doorway into His presence. When we thank Him, we shift our focus from our circumstances to His character. Instead of looking only at what is missing, we remember who God is. He is faithful, loving, and merciful. He is our Provider, Comforter, Strength, and Peace. Worship begins with a grateful heart that recognizes God's goodness in every season.

And when gratitude becomes worship, even ordinary moments can become sacred ones. When we begin paying attention, we realize there is evidence of God's goodness all around us. Every breath is grace. Every morning is mercy. Every blessing becomes another reason to praise Him. Even our battles can become offerings of worship, not because we are thankful for everything that has happened, but because we can still thank God in the middle of it.

Sometimes gratitude sounds like, “Thank You, Lord, for answering my prayer.” Other times it sounds like, “Lord, I don't understand, but I still trust You.” Sometimes it is a joyful shout, and other times it is a tearful whisper: “Yet I will rejoice.” Maybe that is the invitation for us this November. Instead of only asking, “What am I thankful for?” perhaps we should also ask, “Who has God been to me?” Who was He when the prayer wasn't answered, when you cried, while you waited, and when nothing seemed to be blooming?

When I look back over my own life, I can see that God was present in seasons I once thought were empty. He was sustaining me when I didn't realize I was being sustained, protecting me from things I didn't understand, and strengthening me in places where I thought I was simply surviving. Recognizing that He was there all along gives me another reason to be grateful.

This November, I don't want my gratitude limited to what is on my table or thanksgiving to simply be a list of everything that went right. I want to thank God for what He has given me, but even more, I want to thank Him for who He is. I want to remember that the same God who meets me in seasons of abundance is still with me in seasons of waiting.

Seasons will change. There will be harvests and winters, celebrations and disappointments, beginnings and endings. But God remains. And when nothing seems to be blooming, when I cannot see what He is doing, and when the season doesn't look anything like I expected, I pray my heart will still remember the words of Habakkuk: “Yet I will rejoice in the Lord.”

Let’s Pray:

Father God, thank You for Your faithfulness in every season. Teach me to be grateful not only for what You have done, but simply for who You are. When life is uncertain and I cannot see what You are doing, help me trust Your character and remember that You are still present. Let my gratitude become worship and give me a “yet” kind of faith that rejoices in You even when nothing seems to be blooming.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

~*~
Song of Reflection #1: “Gratitude” by Brandon Lake. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “Praise” by Elevation Worship (feat. Brandon Lake, Chris Brown & Chandler Moore). Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #3: “I’ll Trust You, Lord” by Donnie McClurkin. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #4: “God Restores” by Dynamic Praise. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #5: “Not for a Moment” by Meredith Andrews. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #6: “Seasons Change” by Crystal Lewis. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #7: “He Was There All the Time” by Gaither [Live] ft. Sue Dodge. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #8: “Hold On To Me” by Lauren Daigle. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

Erica J. Hill is a wife, mother, and proud grandmother living in Georgia. 

With a career spanning both elementary education and higher education, she has served as an elementary and middle grade English Language Arts (ELA) teacher and now works as an administrative assistant in higher education. Currently pursuing her master’s degree in Instructional Technology and Media Center Specialist, Erica’s love for learning and teaching runs deep.

Raised in the Southern Baptist tradition, she has faithfully served as a Sunday School teacher and now as one of the youth directors at her church. A lifelong writer at heart, Erica once set her passion aside to pursue other career goals—but recently felt God’s undeniable tug to pick up her pen again, this time to write for His Kingdom.

She is currently working on her first book, Worthy. Whole. Woman. It is a devotional that she hopes will be an encouraging resource created to uplift and empower women—especially women of color—to walk confidently in their God-given identity.

Through her words, Erica blends faith in God, personal reflection, and practical wisdom to inspire women to heal, grow, and embrace the fullness of who God created them to be.

Originally from Atlanta, Erica now calls Macon County home, where she lives with her husband and children. In her free time, you’ll usually find Erica curled up with a good book, working on DIY projects, or planning her next travel adventure.

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Connect with Erica:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/leahsgrace2931/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leahsgrace2931/

Devotionals for the Heart: How to be grateful even when life is hard

Finding gratitude when life is hard
A devotional by Jessica Brodie

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”—Philippians 4:6 (NIV)

Have you ever put a pair of binoculars to your eyes, then twisted that little wheel so you’re able to focus on something tiny in the distance?

Sometimes that’s me when life gets hectic and stressful—like I’m peering through binoculars at something far away, blocking out everything else all around me. I get focused on my own needs, my own responsibilities, my own circle of life. My vision focuses on the minuscule.

At times like these, I start to grow a bit negative. I start to hear complaints and frustrations roll off my lips, and feelings of dismay and overwhelm press in like I’m standing in one of those funhouse rooms where the walls creep toward you and you have no way to escape. It’s tempting in these times to worry, or to put my head down and lock in, but the trouble is that when one time of stress is over, it’s often replaced by another. I’m realizing there’s an antidote. And it’s not simply “don’t worry”—it’s “be grateful.”

Recently, I read a devotional on Proverbs 31 Ministries where a writer was talking about Paul’s words in 1 Thessalonians 5:18: “In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (NKJV). What caught my attention was the writer’s realization that the operative word in this scripture is “in” everything, not “for.” It’s hard to be grateful for everything, isn’t it? When we’re struggling, most of us don’t feel terribly grateful for the cancer or the financial woes or the grief or the marital discord we are experiencing. But we can be grateful in that experience, even if we cannot be grateful for it.

Being grateful in a circumstance means that, even though we are experiencing hardship, we can still experience joy and hope. We can still appreciate the things in our life that are blessings, whether it’s the trees outside our window or the warm sun on our skin, the fact that we have air in our lungs, that we’ve woken up for one more day of existence on our beautiful earth that God handcrafted so carefully.

We can be grateful in the truth that—for those of us who believe Jesus Christ is the Son of God and follow Him—this life is not all there is. We who believe in Him and follow Him are able to enjoy eternity in God’s kingdom when this life on earth is over. And no matter what we are going through at the moment, that is a joy and a hope and a truth that cannot be taken away from us. I tried it recently during a hard stretch. I said the words aloud, “This is tough, and I’m tired, but I’m really grateful for the opportunity to do this.” Uttering those words didn’t change my situation, but it changed my perspective. It brought a glimmer of light and joy to a tough day, which lifted my mood and boosted my endurance.

Instead of thinking how hard it is to have to go through what we are going through right now, what if we were to change the narrative and say aloud, “Thank You, God, for the opportunity to do this work, to serve you in this way, to use my body or my mind in this way”? When we utter those words from our lips or in our hearts, suddenly the stress and pressure start to dissipate like smoke in the air. And instead of putting binoculars to our eyes and focusing on overcoming the struggle, we can push those binoculars aside and see so much more. And we can enjoy it, too.

If you are consumed by worry, stress, or pain, I invite you to consider the power of that one word “in”—gratitude in everything, not gratitude for everything. Try to acknowledge the gratitude that you feel in other areas of your life, even as you’re trudging through hardship. This life is a gift despite its challenges. God loves us so very much, and He longs to be in intimate relationship with each one of us. He longs for us to be part of His kingdom. He longs for us to come home to Him. And He walks beside us in our toughest journeys.

The next time life narrows to a pinpoint and the walls of that funhouse room start creeping in, try lowering the binoculars. Take a breath. Look around at the wider view: the people who love you, the small mercies tucked into your ordinary day, the God who has never once left your side.

Then say it, out loud if you can: “This is hard, Lord, but thank You. Thank You for being here in this with me.” You might be surprised how much more you can see.

Will you join me in a prayer?

Let’s Pray: Father God, thank You for loving me and for walking with me. Thank You for all the goodness, mercy, and grace You surround me with. When life is hard, help me remember the blessings I experience even amid the pain. Help me lower my binoculars to see the good all around me. Help me stay rooted in hope, not despair. In the holy and precious name of your son Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.

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Song of Reflection #1: “Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus” by Lauren Daigle. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “Your Grace Still Amazes Me” by Phillips Craig and Dean (Cover by Fountainview Academy Orchestra & Singers). Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #3: “Thankful” by Mary Mary. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #4: “Counting My Blessings” by Seph Schlueter. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #5: “Been So Good” by Elevation Worship (feat. Tiffany Hudson). Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #6: “Jesus Walks with Me” by Be Still Studios. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #7: “Speak Life” by TobyMac. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

Jessica Brodie is an award-winning Christian novelist, journalist, editor, blogger, and writing coach. 

Her two Christian contemporary novels, The Memory Garden and Tangled Roots, are Amazon bestsellers and her third novel, Hidden Seeds, is out now and is a top release. Learn more about Jessica’s writing ministry and read her faith blog at http://jessicabrodie.com.

She has a YouTube devotional, and you can also connect with her on Facebook, Instagram, 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.

Jessica is also the editor of the South Carolina United Methodist Advocate, the oldest newspaper in Methodism.

Devotionals for the Heart: When God proves He will take care of you

When God Interrupts Your Worry
A devotional by Lynette Allcock Yoon

“Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.”

—1 Peter 5:7 (NLT)

I looked at the pristine blue sky from my hotel window and sighed.

The vibrant scenery of my island vacation did not entirely match my mood because as bright as the day was, my mind was clouded with worry. I had just decided to resign from a stable job and try working for myself. Although I had a list of reasons why it was the right time to make the leap, my nervous imagination was already making me second-guess the decision. What if I couldn’t do this? What if it didn’t work out? Was I throwing away my security?

My anxieties ran on a loop in the back of my mind as my husband and I drove along the coastline toward town. “How about cold noodles for lunch?” I suggested to my husband, spotting a tiny restaurant on the corner of the street. We parked the car and swung open the restaurant door, eager to escape the summer humidity. As we sat down at the table, I quickly noticed the restaurant’s background music. They were playing hymns.

“The owners must be Christian,” my husband commented as we both started to hum along to the familiar tune. What was the hymn…? Suddenly, I remembered the lyrics: “God will take care of you, through every day, o’er all the way. He will take care of you; God will take care of you.”

I chuckled even as my eyes misted over with grateful tears. Out of all the restaurants we could have chosen, we ended up at a Christian eatery with a playlist that interrupted my anxieties. Hymns of God’s faithfulness and care continued to play in the background as we ate our lunch, and I gradually felt my heart lighten. “All you may need He will provide,” the song reminded me. “All strength you need will be supplied.”

Now, a few months later, I am preparing to launch my business. Of course, I can’t predict what the outcome will be. There are still days when my imagination is all too ready to present me with dire scenarios, but I look back at that moment in the restaurant when God interrupted my catastrophizing, and I direct my mind back to His truth.

I may not know whether I will be successful, but I do know that God will look after me somehow. I love how The Message paraphrase of the Bible words a famous passage that points us to the truth of God’s care. It says:

“If God gives such attention to the appearance of wildflowers—most of which are never even seen—don’t you think he’ll attend to you, take pride in you, do his best for you?

What I’m trying to do here is to get you to relax, to not be so preoccupied with getting, so you can respond to God’s giving. People who don’t know God and the way he works fuss over these things, but you know both God and how he works. Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don’t worry about missing out. You’ll find all your everyday human concerns will be met.

Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don’t get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes” (Matthew 6:30-34 MSG).

Although I am prone to worry about the future, God seeks to bring my attention back to the moment. There are still times I am tempted to feel that by giving up employment, I have thrown away my security, but I direct my mind back to where my true security lies—in the God who has said He will never fail or abandon me (Hebrews 13:5).

It is normal for anxieties to arise when we face big life decisions, transitions, and uncertainties. Yet God wants to interrupt the worries circling around our imaginations with reminders of His care and His providence. How might He want to direct your attention toward Him today?

Let’s Pray: God, my Shepherd, I don’t know what lies ahead. I have so many worries and uncertainties that cloud my mind. Remind me today of Your kindness and care for me. Interrupt my fear with Your peace and increase my faith in Your faithfulness. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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Song of Reflection #1: “God Will Take Care of You” by the Heritage Singers. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “Way Maker” by Leeland ft. Sinach, Mandisa, & Maverick City Choir. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #3: “Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus” by Lauren Daigle. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #4: “God Cares” by Sounds of Blackness. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

Lynette Allcock Yoon is a writer, teacher, and former radio host. 

She grew up in three countries and now lives in South Korea with her husband.

Lynette writes about life abroad, faith, and relationships from an expat, Third Culture Kid (TCK) perspective.

Outside of work, Lynette enjoys musical theatre and long walks with good friends.

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Connect with Lynette:
Website: https://www.lynetteallcock.com/