Devotionals for the Heart: How to be still and listen for God's whispers

God’s Whisper Always Cuts Through the Chaos
A devotional by Jessica Brodie

He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”— Psalm 46:10 (NIV)

Have you ever been to an orchestra concert?

My son plays the viola in an orchestra, so we’ve been to plenty over the years.

Before the concert gets started, everybody’s warming up onstage, and it sounds like a chaos of noise. But then, at last, a single note rings out as the concertmaster plays, and the other string instruments strive to match that note, perfectly in tune. In an instant, chaos becomes order. Soon enough, the conductor onstage lifts his or her hands, and beautiful music begins to soar.

I think of that chaos sometimes when I think of our world. Everybody’s busy doing their own thing and experiencing their own troubles. People are born and they die. Marriages begin and they end. We go about our work and rush around in traffic and weave in and out of our days, and it’s all just . . . noise sometimes. But then a single note rings out, God’s whisper! His beautiful breath of life. And suddenly our ears attune to Him. Our voices become slow and steady, our work stills, and we—along with all creation—turn to honor the One, the Creator, the Alpha and the Omega, the Lord God Almighty.

I imagine that’s how it will be in the end days when the trumpet sounds. I imagine that’s how it was in the Garden of Eden when God spoke the universe into creation. I imagine that’s how it was when Elijah so desperately craved hearing God’s voice in his darkness and finally realized it was there—not in the wind or the earthquake or the raging fire, but in the whisper (1 Kings 19:11-13).

God speaks order into creation quite often. What can we mere human beings do but stop everything and listen? We are so busy and distracted all the time, my friends. All of us that distraction is a tool Satan uses to confuse us and skew our priorities. But we serve a God of order, balance, love, and perfection—not chaos. I imagine that is why Psalm 46:10 (NIV) resonates with so many of us when in that verse, God said, “Be still, and know that I am God.”

Be still, all you people. Settle down all your rushing to and fro. Bask in God’s timeless knowledge and merciful peace. We are not God, and we are not gods. But we are oh, so blessed, to belong to Him. May we surrender our hearts, our minds and our souls to him daily—now and forever.

Let’s Pray: Heavenly God, thank You so much for Your calm, true, perfect, and steady presence and love. Help us look to You even the world feels like chaos. Help us remember You are the truth and nothing else matters. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection #1: “Be Still and Know” by Steven Curtis Chapman. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “Speak” by Bethany Music. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

Jessica Brodie is an award-winning Christian novelist, journalist, editor, blogger, and writing coach. She is also the editor of the South Carolina United Methodist Advocate, the oldest newspaper in Methodism. 

Her two Christian contemporary novels, The Memory Garden and Tangled Roots, are Amazon bestsellers. 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. Jessica 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: How to find beauty in the winter seasons of life

Finding Beauty in Our Winters
A devotional by Lynette Allcock Yoon

“He has made everything beautiful in its time.”

—Ecclesiastes 3:11 (NIV)

“It’s snowing, Teacher!” My students bounced into the classroom, their young faces bright with smiles. Melting flakes dripped onto the floor from their boots.

“Really?” I looked outside with a shiver. I wasn’t as excited as the children. The snow meant an icy commute home!

In fact, as the winter dragged on, I was finding it harder to appreciate snowfalls. It felt like all I could see was endless grey, black, and brown. Muddy sidewalks, stark trees, towering grey apartment buildings. I missed green! I missed beauty!

A thought suddenly came to me: “Perhaps you’re looking for beauty in the wrong places. There is beauty in winter, even if it’s a different beauty to summer.” The thought felt like a playful challenge from God. How could I widen my perspective?

On my commute the next day, I looked out the train window at the trees and fields. Yes, they were brown and bare. But the branches made striking shapes and patterns against the vibrant blue sky. Tall, golden grasses waved at the edges of the fields. They glowed when the sunlight hit them just right. Even the endless browns had variegated shades. There was beauty here, after all; I just needed the eyes to see it.

Some seasons of our lives feel like winter—long, cold, bleak, seemingly unproductive. We may miss the beauties and abundance we experienced in our “spring” or “fall.” But what if God is inviting us to look again and find hidden gifts and loveliness in this season?

Winter is a time of rest and retreat for the Earth, and there is a beauty in that. We, too, need time to slow down, contemplate, and refresh our energies, especially in harder seasons. Ecclesiastes 3:1 (NIV) reminds us that “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.” Perhaps in this winter, God is inviting you to pause. Jesus Christ’s invitation to His disciples then could also be an invitation to you now. He said in Mark 6:31 (NIV), “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.”

As much as there is beauty in slowing down, it may feel frustrating to experience disruption to our plans and productivity. But God can give us new opportunities in winter.

The apostle Paul experienced a literal “wintering” on his way to Rome. His ship faced winds and storms as the crew searched for a suitable harbor to winter in (Acts 27:1-26). Eventually, after lost time and even a dramatic shipwreck, Paul and the other passengers and sailors arrived in Malta (Acts 27:27 – Acts 28:2). The islanders showed them “unusual kindness” (Acts 28:2). Paul healed the sick father of the island’s chief and then healed all the other sick islanders too (Acts 28:7-9). And, as Luke reports in Acts 28:10 (NIV), the islanders “honored us in many ways; and when we were ready to sail, they furnished us with the supplies we needed.”

Even though the winter storm threw the ship off course, this disruption ultimately led to blessings for both Paul and the islanders. What unexpected blessing—or opportunities to bless others—might be waiting in the disruptions of our winter?

Winter may indeed seem bleak at times, but there are gifts here still, because the Creator makes everything beautiful in its time (Ecclesiastes 3:11).

Let’s Pray: Father God, winter feels long and frustrating. Sometimes it’s hard to see goodness in this season. Renew our perspective! Open our eyes to the beauty and blessings that you have prepared for us even here. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection #1: “Winter Snow” by Chris Tomlin feat. Audrey Assad. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “In His Time” by Maranatha Music. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #3: “Shelter” by Pat Barrett. Listen to it here.

~*~
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/

Devotionals for the Heart: How to be disciplined and walk with God

Discipline: Doing the Lord’s Instructions
A devotional by Colette Christopher

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.”

—Proverbs 3:5-6 (NLT)

Happy New Year!

As you embrace this new year, you may be filled with hope of the possibility of new beginnings or you may be walking into it, fearing the unknown or still yet have mixed emotions about what to expect. No matter the emotion you may be feeling at this time, in as much as possible we have to prepare ourselves for what lies ahead of us.

Each year for the past eight years, I have been asking the Lord for a word and or scripture that guides my year, and without fail He gives me one. This year is no different. As I prayerfully asked the Lord for the word for this year, it seems the Lord was just waiting for me to ask because before the final words left of the prayer left my lips, I heard the word “discipline”, firm and strong. Immediately I understood what the Lord was saying to me, I smiled to myself and started praying for the strength to do what He called me to do, and to complete the tasks that He gave me that are still unfinished.

The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines “discipline” as “an activity that one engages in regularly to train or improve oneself.” To do what the Lord wants me to do will require action on my part. As I reflect not only on the word, but the underpinning scripture (Proverbs 3:5-6), I thought how do these two relate to each other. It takes discipline to daily read God’s Word (The Holy Bible) and apply it to our lives. And to trust Him requires a deliberate effort on our part. To not do things in our own understanding requires discipline. You and I are not short of knowing what the Lord requires of us (Micah 6:8), neither are we unaware of the instructions God has given us in His Word. I believe that sometimes we fall short of doing what is required.

You may have set some goals you want to accomplish this year or you may have some goals carrying over from 2025. How will they be met if you aren’t willing to move from talking about these goals to achieving them? For every plan you have—personal, professional, spiritual—you have to be willing to develop and stick to a plan of moving forward to achieve your goals.

We know that life is always moving. Challenges, difficulties, hardships will come that can derail our efforts to change for the better. We may wonder: How we can trust God in difficult times? How can I still do what He requires when all hell is breaking loose around us? It is in these times that we make a concerted effort to look at the Lord’s perfect track record and ask: Has He come through for me before? Does He have a good plan for my life? Is He trustworthy? By doing this, we are disciplining our thoughts to reflect on who God is, instead of allowing the enemy to cause us to believe anything other than the truth of the God we serve.

Like an athlete who has to train in good and harsh environments, we have to train ourselves to do what needs to be done. We have to set our faces like a flint and determinedly say, “No matter what I am faced with, I will move forward in order to accomplish the plans the Lord has for my life.” The choice is yours. Will you focus on what your limited understanding knows or in all your ways, will you acknowledge the Almighty God who knows all and has unlimited understanding?

Sometimes we need to simply tell God, “Lord, I don't understand your plans, but I know they are good. Help me to walk in them and help me to do what’s necessary so that your will for my life will be accomplished.” Then watch how God helps us.

Do you have a word or scripture for this year, or has God given you the same word from last year? Discipline might not be your word, but here’s how you can apply it to your life: If your goal is spiritual growth, set a plan to read your Bible daily, if your goal is financial freedom, set a plan to save by opening an account and do an automatic saving, almost everything we do is rooted in action. When you don’t know what to do, choose to trust God for His direction because you know He has the best plan for you.

May you grow this year in good ways as you walk into God’s will for your life with the full assurance that He will show you which path to take and He will walk alongside you as you trust Him with each step.

Let’s Pray:

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for this new year, thank You for the good plans that You have for your children. Thank You for your words that remind us to trust You with our whole heart. Father, we confess that it’s not always easy to move to do what you have required of us, so I pray that you will help us do Your will. Lord, your children look to You today in awe of your goodness, your faithfulness and your love. Lord whatever You have called us to do, may we trust your heart for our life and walk in purpose towards your will. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection #1: “I Know the Plans (Audrey’s Song)” by Damaris Carbaugh. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “Eyes on the Prize” by Sara Groves. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #3: “My Prayer for You” by Alisa Turner. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Colette Christopher is an empowered woman who inspires women to be who they were created to be. Her core message is empowerment. She is an author, certified life coach, podcast host, and trainer with the Maxwell Leadership team. 

Colette believes that an empowered woman empowers others and is powerful in knowing who she is and what she can accomplish. Colette is on a mission to impact the lives of the women assigned to her, whether she is their coach or trainer or shares a word that will transform their lives.

Colette utilizes her Christian principles as the base of all her engagements. She is passionate about fulfilling her life purpose of empowering women to know who they are, rebuild their confidence, and use their voices as tools to uplift themselves and others.

​​She is the founder of the M.E.E. Movement L.L.C., a faith-based empowerment ministry business that helps women of faith rebuild their confidence and use their voice to walk in their purpose through life coaching, mentoring, and empowerment speaking. Colette believes in using the gifts God has given her to help women be who God has called them to be and ultimately fulfill the purpose for which they were created. She lives by Romans 8:28 (NIV), that promises, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."

A native of Jamaica, Colette resides in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. She is the mother of two beautiful young women, a son-in-love, and two grandsons. Colette enjoys reading, writing, watching good movies, and chatting with her daughters and friends.

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Connect with Colette:
Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2367935
Email: Colettemarieonline@gmail.com

Devotionals for the Heart: Why we can always reach out to Jesus Christ

Hope in the Hem: Why Your Trembling Touch is Enough for Jesus Christ
A devotional by Patti Schultz, Ed.D.

And He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace, and be healed of your affliction.”—Mark 5:34 (NKJV)

There were days when simply remembering to breathe felt like victory.

Days when brushing my teeth required more strength than I thought I had. This was my reality through a decade of infertility, recurrent pregnancy loss, and an adoption that fell through.

In those dark moments, I longed for stories of others who understood. What I discovered in that fragile space was something unexpected: God's presence woven into every uncertain step, every whispered prayer, every tear-stained morning. Like the woman with the issue of blood (Mark 5:25-34) who reached for the hem of Jesus Christ’s garment in desperate faith, I too began reaching out—not yet knowing how the story would end, but trusting that Jesus was near.

When we finally welcomed three miracle babies, I understood her story in a deeper way: healing isn't always immediate, but His presence is always available. I learned that sometimes the miracle isn't just in the outcome, but in the strength He provides for each impossible day.

Perhaps you're entering this new year carrying your own heavy burdens—waiting for answers that haven't come, holding onto prayers that feel unanswered. The story of the woman who touched the hem of Christ’s garment speaks directly to that ache. Her desperate faith offers us a lifeline when all seems lost.

In Mark 5:25-34, we see a woman who, in desperation, reached out and found healing when she touched the hem of Christ’s garment. Despite her long suffering, she believed Jesus possessed the power to cure her. Her act was a simple yet profound step of faith—a quiet gesture that changed her life.

This story highlights that faith, when paired with unwavering trust, can transform even the darkest circumstances. As we face new challenges this year, we too can reach out to Jesus, trusting in His power to heal. Her story encourages us to believe that no matter how long we’ve waited or how heavy our burdens, Jesus is always ready to meet us with compassion.

What I've learned through my journey is this: Jesus doesn't wait for us to have perfect faith or eloquent prayers. He responds to the desperate reach, the trembling touch, the quiet cry for help. Through prayer, tears, and whispered longings, I experienced His grace in ways I never expected. The transformation wasn't always dramatic—sometimes it looked like tiny fingers grasping mine, or the strength to face another day. But each moment became evident that His life-giving presence was real, intimately woven into the fabric of my everyday life.

So how do we reach out when our arms feel too heavy to lift? How do we touch the hem of His garment when despair threatens to paralyze us? Start small. Consider creating sacred spaces in your day—perhaps a morning prayer where you literally extend your hand upward, or an evening journal where you write down the “small victories” of grace you've witnessed. These simple practices became my lifeline during the darkest seasons, and they can become yours too.

Whatever burdens you carry into this new year, whatever losses still ache in your heart, know this: Hope is never truly out of reach. It waits for you in the hem of His garment, in the sacred moment when you reach out and whisper, “Jesus, I need You.” Then in His compassion, Jesus will meet you there, ready to make something beautiful from your brokenness.

Let’s Pray: 

Heavenly Father, thank You for this new year—for fresh mercies and new beginnings. I come to You with a hopeful heart, trusting that You see every need and hear every cry. Help me to reach out in faith, just as the woman who was suffering for twelve years did, knowing that Your power is available to heal, restore, and renew. Calm my fears, strengthen my hope, and fill me with Your peace. May I always remember that no matter how long I’ve been waiting, You are the God of miracles. Meet us, Lord, in our unique needs—You who know each of us by name. Thank You for Your unwavering love. 

In Jesus’s name, I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection #1: “Healer” by Kari Jobe (covered by ASL & CC by Rock Church Deaf Ministry). Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “Just One Touch” by Kim Walker Smith. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #3: “Meet Me There” by Lydia Laird. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Dr. Patti Schultz’s inspiring journey weaves a tapestry of compassion, resilience, and divine hope. 

Formerly a public school principal, professor, teacher, and interpreter for the deaf, she now dedicates her life to a heartfelt ministry rooted in her personal experiences.

As a mother to three miracle boys here on Earth and a member of a heavenly soccer team, Patti’s story is one of unwavering faith and profound love. Her decade-long battle with infertility and recurrent loss fuels her deep compassion for grieving mothers, guiding them toward healing through the comforting embrace of Jesus Christ’s garment. 

Patti’s gentle wisdom offers a safe haven for women navigating pain, reminding them they are never alone. Through her ministry, she seeks to envelop grieving mothers in divine comfort, encouraging hope, renewal, and the reassurance that God's love is always near, wrapping them in His compassionate hem as they walk the path to healing.

Living in northern Michigan, she cherishes precious moments with family and community, drawing strength from faith and connection.

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Connect with Patti:
Website: pattischultz.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.pattischultz/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Dr.Patti.Schultz
Email: dr.patti.schultz@gmail.com

Devotionals for the Heart: Why we should let God carry our grief

God Can Carry Your Grief
A devotional by Heidi Lewis-Ivey

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” 

—Psalm 34:18 (NIV)

Grief is one of the heaviest burdens we can carry. It can feel overwhelming, like a storm that will never pass.

When someone we love is gone, or life doesn’t go as we hoped, pain can consume our thoughts and even disrupt our daily routines. Sleep can become elusive, meals may lose their appeal, and even small tasks can feel monumental. But God is not distant from our suffering; He draws near to us in our sorrow.

When I experienced the unimaginable loss of my brother, I felt as if I were walking through a dark tunnel with no light in sight. Questions ran through my mind: “Why did this happen? We were supposed to grow old together!” “What do I do with the void in my heart?” “How can I move forward and not feel as though I’m forgetting him?” I felt weak, vulnerable, and alone. But in the midst of my grief, I had to turn to God’s Word to rediscover that He was closer than I imagined. Psalm 34:18 reminded me that God is near to the brokenhearted, and His presence is a source of comfort even when life feels heavy.

Grief is not a journey we are meant to walk alone. God’s Word promises that He will walk with us, offering comfort, strength, and hope. Yet, walking with God through grief requires intentional steps, a willingness to open our hearts to Him, and patience with ourselves.

Here are four ways I learned to lean on God when grief feels unbearable:

Way #1: Bring your grief to God in prayer.

1 Peter 5:7 (NLT) says, “Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.” God wants to hear and feel your pain, your tears, and even your anger. Prayer is not just about asking for relief; it is about giving God permission to carry the weight because you can’t. Be honest with Him. Pour out your heart don’t hold back. There is freedom in knowing that God hears you and understands every ache.

Way #2: Seek comfort in Scripture.
Psalm 147:3 (NIV) says, “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” When grief clouds our hearts and our minds, Scripture becomes a guide through the dark places. Reading and meditating on God’s promises allows us to see that He is a healer, and our pain does not define the entirety of our story. Over time, His words provide the comfort our souls desperately need.

Way #3: Let the Holy Spirit guide your healing.
John 14:16-17 (NLT) reminds us the Holy Spirit is our constant helper. Jesus Christ said in this verse, “And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you. He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth. The world cannot receive him, because it isn’t looking for him and doesn’t recognize him. But you know him, because he lives with you now and later will be in you.” Grief can make us feel disoriented or lost, but the Holy Spirit gently leads us, reminding us that we are not alone. By listening to His guidance, we can find small measures of peace each day and begin to experience healing even in the midst of sadness.

Way #4: Take small steps toward restoration.
Ecclesiastes 3:1 (NIV) says, “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.” Healing is not instant. Grief has its seasons, and each person moves through them differently. Allow yourself to feel, to remember, and to grieve fully, but also trust God to guide your steps forward.

Closing Thoughts:

Grief taught me that it is okay to move slowly. It taught me that leaning on God is not a sign of weakness but a pathway to strength. When I allowed myself to trust God, to bring my pain to Him, and to follow the guidance of His Spirit, I began to feel light return to my heart. Peace replaced some of the heaviness, and slowly, I am beginning to see life with a new perspective one shaped by God’s enduring love.

Even when grief lingers, God’s presence transforms it. The pain may not vanish completely, but His comfort makes it bearable. He provides hope, restoration, and peace that the world cannot take away. God is patient with us. He does not rush our healing or force us to “move on” before we are ready. He walks beside us every step of the way, offering love that never fails.

Take heart in knowing that your grief is seen, your tears are known, and your pain is held in God’s hands. Lean into His promises. Pray without hesitation. Read His Word (The Holy Bible) for comfort. Listen to God’s Holy Spirit for guidance. Take gentle steps forward, trusting that He will bring you to a place of peace.

Let’s Pray:
Father God, thank You for being close to us in our grief. Thank You for holding our hearts when they are broken and for comforting us with Your presence. Help us trust You fully through our pain. Teach us to lean on Your Word, listen to Your Spirit, and take small steps toward restoration. Thank You for never leaving us alone, for healing our hearts, and for bringing hope where there seems to be none.

In Jesus’s Name I pray.

Amen.

Song of Reflection #1: “God Restores” by Dynamic Praise. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “The Reason for the World” by Matthew West. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #3: “Meet Me There” by Lydia Laird. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Heidi Lewis-Ivey is an affirmed prophet and an internationally acclaimed speaker. 

She impacts audiences with her authenticity and bold style of delivery. She has had the opportunity to minister in Trinidad, St. Thomas USVI, Manchester and Liverpool (England).

Heidi is an award-winning and bestselling author. She is the author of Can I Rest Awhile? and Black Girl Cry: What Black Women Need to Know to Amplify Their Voices. She is a co-author in Soulful Prayers (Volume 1 and Volume 2) and Soulful Affirmations. Heidi is the convener of the Encountering the Courts of God movement and the founder of Visions International, a training ground for five-fold ministry gifts.

She holds a Master of Business Administration in Organizational Leadership from Norwich University and a Bachelor of Science in Management from Boston University. Heidi is the CEO of Nael & Associates Inc and franchise owner of Patrice & Associates recruiting firm. She is a member of the Pentimenti Women Writers Group, a former mentor with Year Up, former board member for Friends of Young Achievers, and a Diversity Equity and Inclusion Strategist.

Heidi is the proud aunt/great aunt of 14 nieces and nephews and two bonus nieces. They are her joy. The older nephews have become her protectors.

Heidi is an NFL football fan. As a child, she taught herself the game. In 2017 she won her NFL.com fantasy football league. Heidi is an avid reader (Audible listener) of romance novels, a lover of purses and handbags, and a tea snob who believes bling is always appropriate.

She lives in Boston, MA.

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Connect with Heidi:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamheidi01
LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/heidi-lewis-ivey

Devotionals for the Heart: Why we should trust God and not lose heart

Don’t Lose Heart
A devotional by Erica N. Bryant

“I would have lost heart, unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait on the Lord; Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the Lord!”—Psalm 27:13-14 (NKJV)

Waiting has never been one of my strengths.

Every day, I ask the Lord to help me cultivate patience in my life. One of the passages He gave me is Psalm 27:13-14. It has become one of my life verses that I carry close to my heart.

Psalm 27 was written by King David. Scholars cannot pinpoint a specific time in is his when he penned this psalm. Some even say that it may be two psalms combined. But what matters is the feeling behind the psalm. David was going through something hard, and his words are still so relevant and relatable.

When life gets tough, it's easy to quit, give up, or lose heart. Trials have a way of pushing you past your breaking point. Hurt, pain, betrayal, and abuse can make you abandon your hope and turn away from what is true. David experienced all these things, too. But for David, there was something that kept him anchored in the brutal winds and waves of life. That something was hope in the Lord and hope in the promises God has made to him.

David was confident that he would see God's goodness in his lifetime. When David said he will see the goodness of God “in the land of the living” (Psalm 27:13), he was declaring that he would not die before he experienced the fullness of God’s promises. He would live to see it happen. What God promised him would come to pass and because of that hope, David refused to give up!

This is the kind of hope we should have. When we face hard trials, quitting seems logical and even reasonable. But hope in God goes against logic and reason. It is rooted in faith in a Heavenly Father who is able and willing to shine His goodness on us in ways that bring life to dead and impossible situations. Even in the waiting season of our lives, when we confidently trust that we will see the goodness of the Lord, we will experience His promises fulfilled if we hold on to Him.

When things look bleak, when you feel like you can’t take one more thing, and when it seems like it’s all over, hold on to hope. Wait with confidence in God’s promises, knowing you will experience God’s goodness in your life.

When you feel like you want to quit, remember Jesus Christ. Have you placed your faith in Jesus? Do you believe that all God’s promises are fulfilled and confirmed in Christ (2 Corinthians 1:20)? Don't believe the enemy's lie that says you were made to suffer or that things will always be bad. Counter that attack with Biblical truth and believe you will see the goodness of God in the land of the living.

Embrace this beautiful truth found in Psalm 27:14. It says that as we wait on the Lord, He will strengthen our heart. He will help us stand strong and bravely endure even the fiercest storm. He will help us have courage when we need it most.

Friends, don't lose heart! Believe in God’s goodness, mercy, and loving kindness. Remember: Jesus has overcome the world! Keep the faith so you can see His goodness in the land of the living!

Take some time to think about these questions below or write them down in your journal. Ask the Holy Spirit to show you where you can grow and then take steps to live out God’s Word:

Question #1: Is my faith firmly rooted in the hope that I have in Jesus?

Question #2: Do I truly believe that I will see the goodness of the Lord, or am I skeptical?

Question #3: Am I courageously facing the storms in my life as I confidently wait on the Lord?

Let’s Pray:

Dear Heavenly Father,

Waiting is hard, and I am often impatient. Yet, today, I choose to trust You. Help me to anchor my hope in Your promises. Strengthen my heart as I wait on You. Fill me with courage to face every storm and remind me that Your goodness is coming in the land of the living. Teach me to hold fast to hope, confident in Your faithful love.

In Jesus’s name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection #1: “Wait on the Lord” by Donnie McClurkin. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “Goodness of God” by CeCe Winans. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #3: “Don’t Lose Heart” by Steven Curtis Chapman. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #4: “Promises” (feat. Joe L Barnes & Naomi Raine) by Maverick City | TRIBL. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Erica N. Bryant is a passionate Bible teacher, speaker, and author who desires to see believers live in the complete freedom and joy of the Holy Spirit. 

As the founder of Sparrow's Song Ministries, Erica invites a community of believers to get to know God by falling in love with His Word. Through Bible study resources, devotionals, teaching, and mentorship, Sparrow's Song encourages others to grow in intimacy with God and walk daily in the power of His Holy Spirit. She began The Word W.O.R.K.S. campaigns to help believers walk in Wholeness, Obedience, Righteousness, and Kingdom Success.

Erica is a writer with several published works including devotionals for adults and children, topical and textual Bible studies, and Scripture journals. In her debut book, Dwell: Living Life Fully Knowing that the Holy Spirit Lives in You, Erica draws from her own journey of healing from childhood trauma, rejection, and the struggles of fear and anxiety. With honesty and hope, she invites readers to embrace the life-giving truth that God's Spirit resides within them. Erica believes that when you know the Holy Spirit dwells in you, everything changes.

Erica is a passionate speaker who effectively communicates God’s Word with clarity and conviction. She speaks a relevant word to hearers and ministers to their hearts, inspires practical application, and empowers them to grow in faith and purpose.

Erica is a devoted wife and loving mother who actively serves in various roles at Strait Gate Deliverance Center, where her father, Bishop Jerome Rogers, is the Pastor and Founder.

Ultimately, she is just a girl in love with God and she is a soldier for Jesus Christ.

Devotionals for the Heart: When it is time to listen to God and pray to Him

Time to Listen
A devotional by Melissa Henderson

“Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and He will establish your plans.”

—Proverbs 16:3 (NIV)

Throughout the year, my email inbox is filled with ways to cultivate a relationship with God. The ideas include but are not limited to reading the Bible in a year, studying devotions for the weary, notes on ways to find joy in life, educational information about beginning healthy eating programs, and advice on how to “start over” in various parts of daily routines. These all flood my computer.

I appreciate the guidance and wisdom of people, but I’ve made my choice. I’ve decided to be still and make time to listen to God. As a writer, I need to check emails and phone messages several times each day. When I start my day by thanking God for His blessings, I find comfort and peace. When I start my day by reaching for the phone or sitting in front of the computer and scrolling instead of focusing on God, I’ve noticed how my body reacts in different ways.

Sharing time with God first thing every day before I touch technology brings me peace and comfort. Does that mean I won’t have troubles during the day? No. God has told us that we will experience trials and suffering. But we can face those troublesome times knowing that we are not alone. God is always with us.

I have a note taped to my computer that says, “PRAY FIRST”. That note reminds me that in all areas of my life, I should go to God first. There is a different outcome when I try to handle things on my own. However, when I seek God first before trying to figure everything out by myself, I find answers and peace.

Noises of the day can try to overshadow what God intends for my life. I must be intentional in how I share time with God. Those moments with the Lord bring refreshment and renewal. When we read the Bible, we can see that Jesus Christ took time to listen to His Father (God). Often, Jesus would go away from the crowds to pray. Other times, He prayed aloud while people listened. Both examples show that Jesus knew the importance of listening to God. From retreating to a mountainside to be alone with His Father or sharing God’s message to a crowd on a hillside, Jesus listened.

Taking the time to listen to God can deepen our relationship with the Father. As we pause, pray, and listen for His Word, we are showing respect, honor, and love for God. In those quiet moments of listening, we may find answers to prayers. When we commit ourselves to God, we can rest in His promises.

In my daily prayers, I ask God for wisdom, discernment, and revelation. I wait and listen. God may provide answers quickly, or God’s response may come at another time. Either way, as I take time to listen, I rest in knowing I am not alone.

As I write this message, the house is quiet. Pausing, I listen. God speaks through nature. The rain tapping on the roof creates a beautiful melody. The cardinals, chick-a-dees, finches, and downy woodpeckers sing while visiting the bird feeders. A neighbor rides by in their vehicle. The sound of the car engine leaves as quickly as it came. Today is a quiet day in this neighborhood.

After Winter Break, school resumes. People who have day jobs will travel to work in the morning. Life will become busy for many people. I pray that in the midst of busyness and daily activities, may we remember to take time to listen to God. Start the day with prayer. Pray throughout the day. End the day with prayer. Those simple acts can bring us closer to God.

Let’s Pray: Father God, we give thanks for the opportunity to be still and listen for Your messages. Thank You for the sounds of nature and the beauty of creation. Please help us to remember to listen and rest in Your promises. We ask for wisdom, discernment, and revelation in every situation. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection #1: “People Need the Lord” by Steve Green. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “Speak” by Bethany Music. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

Award-winning author Melissa Henderson writes inspirational messages sometimes humming with humor. With articles, devotions, and stories in print publications and online, Melissa shares her love for God and life. Some of the inspirations for her writing come from family life. 

Melissa and her husband Alan have been married for over 46 years. Their son Mike, and daughter-in-love Christine have blessed the family with two precious children: Rowan and Eden. These precious souls bring laughter, love, and many funny experiences, which can often be found in Melissa’s writing. The family motto is “It’s Always a Story with the Hendersons”.

Melissa is a member of ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) South Carolina Lowcountry Chapter, AWSA (Advanced Writers and Speakers Association), CWFL (Christian Writers for Life), and many other organizations.

Melissa’s books for children include Licky the Lizard and Grumpy the Gator.

Melissa serves in Christian ministry as an Elder, Deacon, and Stephen Minister.

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Connect with Melissa:
Website: https://melissaghenderson.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MelissaHendersonAuthor
Twitter: https://x.com/mimionlife
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melissahendersonauthor/
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