Devotionals for the Heart: Who you can turn to when life is overwhelming

God is Mighty to Save Us
A devotional by Dr. Gladys Childs

“The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love, he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.”—Zephaniah 3:17 (NIV)

Sometimes, life feels heavy. The weight can be overwhelming, whether it's the pressure of responsibilities, struggles we didn't see coming, or just feeling like we're not enough. But Zephaniah 3:17 gives us a different perspective—one where God steps in as both a powerful defender and a loving Father.

Think about this for a second: God, the Creator of the universe, not only saves us from trouble but delights in us. He rejoices over us with singing. That kind of love goes far beyond what we usually imagine. We might think God tolerates or is disappointed with our shortcomings, but this verse tells a different story. God sees us, loves us deeply, and finds joy in who we are, even when we don't feel worthy.

It's hard to grasp sometimes. We're used to conditional love—love based on performance, behavior, or how well we “measure up”. But God's love doesn't work like that. He's not distant or detached; He's right here with us as a "Mighty Warrior" who fights for us, saves us, and sings over us with joy. The next time we feel weighed down by the struggles of life, remember that God is with us, loving us every step of the way.

Here are some practical steps to help you during times of struggle:

Step One: Take Time to Be Still. In the middle of the chaos, pause. Take a few minutes each day to sit quietly and be in God's presence. You don't have to do, say, or prove anything. Just let the truth sink in: God delights in you, and He is with you right now. It might initially feel strange, but this practice can be a powerful reminder that you're not alone.

Step Two: Lean on God's Strength, Not Yours. When you're facing something difficult, remember that you don't have to handle it on your own. God is described as a "Mighty Warrior" for a reason—He's strong enough to fight the battles that overwhelm you. Pray for His strength and trust that He's working for you, even when you can't see it.

Step Three: Practice Receiving Love. This might sound simple, but for many of us, it's hard. We're used to striving, trying to earn approval, or feeling like we're never quite enough. Today, take a deep breath and allow yourself to receive God's love as it is—free, unconditional, and overflowing. Remind yourself throughout the day: “God loves me right now, just as I am.”

Reflection Questions:

1. Is there a situation where you feel like God is distant or uninterested? How does knowing that He is with you and rejoicing over you change the way you see that situation?

2. What might it look like to fully embrace God's love for you without trying to earn it or feeling like you must prove yourself?

Let’s Pray: Dear Lord, thank You for being a Mighty Warrior who saves and a loving Father who delights in me. Sometimes, believing that You rejoice over me is hard, but I trust Your Word. Help me to rest in Your love, lean on Your strength, and stop striving to earn what You freely give. Let me experience the joy and peace of knowing that You are always with me, even in the most challenging moments. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “Mighty to Save” by Laura Story. 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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