Devotionals for the Heart: God is always with us so we are never alone

Never Alone
A devotional by Melissa Henderson

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”—John 16:33 (NIV)

Every morning, I open the front door of the house and give thanks to God.

Then, I walk to the back door, open it, and give thanks to God again. This simple routine allows me to begin my day with thanksgiving and to remember that I am never alone. Depending on the season and the weather, when I open the doors, I experience something different. As the sun begins to rise, I watch the sky and look for indications of weather changes. God’s glorious creations cover the world and bring me joy. Looking at the sky and remembering the Creator tells me that I am never alone.

Bird watching is one of my favorite hobbies. The end table in my living room has several bird books that offer details about these winged creatures. Colorful photographs, migrating habits, descriptions of male and female traits, and more are found on each page. When I see a bird that I don’t recognize, I refer to the books. I listen for the sounds of chickadees, bluebirds, and woodpeckers as they begin the day by displaying their unique calls. Their songs remind me that I am never alone.

The past year was filled with health issues that changed the way I experienced life. Walking around the block every day became too painful. When I was asked to participate in events, I had to inquire about stairs and nearby parking. Frustration set in, and depression tried to take over my thoughts. My prayers for healing continued throughout the day and night. I changed doctors. New scans and tests were ordered. Although I was disappointed at some of the test results, I knew that God had a plan. I was never alone. God was always with me.

Pain continues to fill my body today, yet I’m not discouraged or heartbroken. Through my pain, I’m able to minister to other folks who are experiencing pain in their bodies. I want those people to know they are not alone. A listening ear, a shoulder to cry on, and prayers can bring hope and peace.

There are various ways in which a person can feel lonely: The death of a loved one, losing a job, being left out of a conversation, not being able to participate in events due to health issues, living alone, or feeling isolated while in a crowd are a few scenarios where someone may feel alone.

When my husband travels for work, and I am the only person home, the house becomes quiet. I listen to the wind move branches, the birds calling their mates, and the children playing outside. Laughter fills the air. I’m not alone.

I’m thankful to go to God whenever I feel lonely. Scripture shares many verses about God being with us in every situation. The Bible says God will never leave us. Deuteronomy 31:8 shares that the Lord will go ahead of us. He will never abandon us.

How can we help others who might be experiencing loneliness? Taking time to pause and look someone in the eye when they speak, offering to visit the shut-ins in our church and neighborhood, sharing conversation and sharing prayers are a few ways to shine the love of Jesus Christ.

Let’s Pray: Dear God, thank You for covering us with peace and comfort when we are lonely. Help us to remember that You are always with us. In every moment, your presence fills us with love. Thank you, Lord. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

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Song of Reflection #1: “Oh My Soul” by Casting Crowns. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “God Only Knows” by King & Country. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #3: “Still Waters” by Leanna Crawford. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #4: “I Am Not Alone” by Kari Jobe. 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/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/ahenderson312/

Devotionals for the Heart: When you feel like you are fighting battles alone

You Are Not Fighting Alone
A devotional by Dr. Jessica B. Turner

“The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent.”

—Exodus 14:14 (ESV)

Think about the last time you felt wronged.

Perhaps someone said something about you that wasn’t true or maybe you were looked over for a promotion when you were the most qualified. Whatever the situation was, I would think it’s safe to assume that your reaction wasn’t to be silent. Instead, I would guess that you became more vocal, possibly even rudely opinionated, as a response to the discrimination. I know I would because there are enough examples in my past where that was my default.

I felt unjustly treated and so I made it my focus to make that known along with why I was correct. Looking back, I realize I let my flesh take over. My need to defend myself was an attempt at preserving my pride. I had to come out as the “right” party to come out on top no matter the cost. It was always about me. My ego. My efforts. My image.

I forgot that God was ever in the picture because I often forgot to invite Him in. It wasn’t until I really began to study God’s Word (The Holy Bible) that I understood I am never alone, especially when in the middle of a fight. The Lord will fight for me and He will fight for you!

Yet, sometimes that looks quite differently than what we picture. Instead of raising our voices, it’s choosing to bite our tongues. Instead of pressing for retaliation, we pursue peace. Taking such an approach goes against our natural state. It requires the Holy Spirit and offers us an opportunity to walk in the fruit of the Spirit.

But how does one fight in such a manner? By remembering who God is and trusting that He is fighting alongside you. He will go before you and make a way. He will send people to speak on your behalf. He will expose lies that need to be brought to light to restore your name. All while you remain silent.

What a beautiful promise to stand on when it feels as if the world is against you! Rest assured, my friend, even if it is, our Lord has already won!

Let’s Pray: Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding me that I am never fighting alone. You are always by my side and focused on what is best for me. Help me to walk in the fruit of the Holy Spirit when faced with conflict so that I can be a witness to Your power and love. I love You and I trust You. In Jesus’s Name, I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “Battles” by The Afters. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

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

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

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

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

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

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