Devotionals for the Heart: Why we can trust God to guide us through life

Trust That God’s Leading the Way
A devotional by Alicia Searl

“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.”—Psalm 32:8 (NIV)

This morning I went on a walk all by my lonesome. It was wonderful. Don’t get me wrong—I enjoy walking with my pup, crew of kiddos, or my husband, but today, I needed it to be just me and God.

When I get the simple pleasure of going for a walk alone, God always meets me in the most beautiful ways. Today was no different, yet His approach was a little more unusual this time. Maybe because He knew I needed Him to meet me in this season with a bit of His firm love. Yes, the love that comes with conviction. Sigh.

The last few months have held both beauty and sorrow, but I will be the first to admit that I have fallen into some not-so-great habits. From binge watching shows late at night and escaping reality by immersing myself in the mindless scroll of social media to feeding my emotions with an entire bag of pretzels, let’s just say my body was telling me, “Enough is enough!”

Now to be fair, my kids have been home all summer, my hubby has been working most weekends, and our oldest daughter is about to leave for college. So, if my girl wants to watch a sappy rom-com at midnight with buttery popcorn, you better believe, I’m all in! In other words, I am going to pounce on that opportunity because time is of the essence. Yet, if I am being fully honest with myself, my momma heart has been weary, my mind completely overwhelmed, and my body continues to remind me of how old I am getting with every ache and pain, especially in the morning. Yet, this morning those body aches and pains prompted me to hit the pause button and forced me to shift my focus. It was time!

After a hurried and hasty rush out the door and getting back into a school routine, I finally got the chance to dive into God’s Word in my quiet home. It was utter bliss. Yet, what I found was that I was naturally reaching for my phone. Just a quick look led to an hour detour. Old habits are hard to break. Thankfully, God’s firm love met me with the conviction to put the phone down, pry myself off the coach, and step outside.

Honestly, I needed it more than I realized. The sun saturated my skin. The whisper of the trees calmed my soul. Then God softly touched my heart, reminding me to trust Him. So, I moved from my backyard around the house, to the street. I felt like God was telling me: Keep going. Take the next step, the next block. Go the extra mile. I listened. I obeyed. And I was recharged. As I took each step, I was blessed in that moment to experience God’s presence and His gentle response to the choices I had been making. Choices that I didn’t think were “all that bad” but surely didn’t honor God and put Him first.

In the Bible book of Psalm, King David is open and honest with his struggles and how his sinful choices that affected his walk with God. Yet, time and time again, we see how God met him right where He was and whispered for him to keep going because He was leading the way.

As people who believe in God, we can rest assured that we have a faithful Father who knows what is best for us and walks beside us, goes before us, and picks up the pieces behind us (Deuteronomy 31:8). That includes the times we fall into habits that may not be good for us. God always meets us with His gentle yet firm hand, reminding us that He calls us to live this life abundantly (John 10:10). When we do, we find this sweet place where hope meets healing.

Maybe you need to be reminded to press the pause button in your life and let God do a little spiritual realignment. Step out in faith today and see where God leads you. All you have to do is trust that His is guiding you and then be bold enough to take the first step.

Let’s Pray: Faithful Father, thank You for meeting us in all walks of life and bringing us sweet reminders of Your love. As we fall into patterns that pull us away from You, meet us with bold convictions and give us the space to humbly submit to Your will and way. Help us not to be swayed by worldly temptations and grant us the wisdom to heed Your instruction and follow Your truth. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

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

Song of Reflection #2: “Walk by Faith” by Jeremy Camp. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #3: “The Sun is Rising” by Britt Nicole. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #4: “Lead Me Lord” by The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir w/ Elizabeth Goodine. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Alicia Searl is a Christian author, writer, writing coach, and speaker who is passionate about sharing God’s Word to spread hope and healing. She has an educational background and a master’s degree in advanced literacy. 

Alicia is a contributing writer for iBelieve, Crosswalk, Christianity.com, and Your Daily Prayer. She has authored two devotionals, a children’s book of grief, and several Bible studies and prayer journals.

She enjoys helping new and aspiring writers follow their calling and pursue their God-given purpose and shares personal faith stories on her blog. Alicia’s heartfelt words and authenticity are portrayed in each of her literary pieces in hopes of bringing her readers a sense of understanding, comfort, and encouragement on their faith journey.

Alicia resides in Texas where her family is currently fixing up a tiny home in the Piney Woods in East Texas to spread hope, bring healing, and share God’s love with others.

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Connect with Alicia:
Email: alicia.searl@gmail.com

Devotionals for the Heart: When you are struggling to trust God

Why We Can Always Trust God
A devotional by Colette Christopher

“Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.”

—Isaiah 41:10 (NLT)

I woke up in the middle of the night and remembered the current deadline I couldn’t meet and all its implications.

I had no idea what would happen for the rest of the month or the months ahead. Fear came over me in the dark as I wondered where God was and how long He would take to respond to my prayer. My heart broke, and tears welled up in my eyes.

Then I heard a gentle, caring voice say, “Trust Me.” As my mind returned to the situation, I heard it again, even more softly: “Trust Me.” The second time, something changed within me, and peace filled my soul. My body relaxed, and my thoughts settled on my Heavenly Father’s invitation to trust Him. This is what I’ve learned: It is easy to lose sight of God in the middle of a trial or a difficult season. It is easy to forget His words and His promises to us.

Isaiah 41:10 was a reminder to the children of Israel who were in exile in Babylon. They were taken away from their homes, hundreds of miles away in a foreign land, to be oppressed by the Babylonians. They burned their cities down, including their place of worship—the temple where God dwelt among them. I can only imagine how they must have felt, abandoned and wondering if God cared for them. This was the place I was at, and possibly, it is the same place you are as well. My sweet friend, God has not and will not abandon you. His love carries us. His Word (The Holy Bible) reassures us of His promises, and His covenant is unbroken toward us.

It’s not easy to trust God when bills are due and the finances are lacking, a health crisis looms, and there seems to be no way out of your current circumstances. I know I have been there. God reassured the children of Israel by saying these words in Isaiah 41:10, “Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.” God is lovingly reassuring and comforting you with those same words. Truth be told, God, our Heavenly Father, is trustworthy. His words are His bond, and it's impossible for Him to go back on what He says.

As I leaned into the comfort of the words the Lord whispered to me this morning and the subsequent peace they gave me, I refocused my prayer instead on the promises of God. Instead of “Woe is me”, I used back His words to Him, “And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19 NLT).

Those are His words to me. What words has He spoken to you as you wrestle with the weight and burden? Are you able to trust that God is well able and more than capable to meet your needs—whatever they may be?

Sometimes the way in which we want our prayers answered, God knows that’s not the best option for us right now. In that, He still says trust Him. It is amazing to know that we have a Heavenly Father who has the absolute best plans for us, but our impatience sometimes robs us of His best.

Although I believe and pray for the best outcome, my God knows what’s best for me and what’s best for you. Today, trust Him. He knows the needs that must be met and the right path to take. The same God who loved and cared for the children of Israel cares for you in the same way. In the darkest of the night, let us trust Him, when it seems not to make sense, still trust Him. When you feel like letting go, trust Him. His ways are past finding out, and though it may seem as if He is taking a long time to come through, please know that what He is preparing for you and me is His absolute best for us.

Let’s Pray: Heavenly Father, help us to trust You even when the path does not seem clear. Help us to lean on You and know that You love us. As we wait, help us to trust that You are working all things out for our good. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

~*~
Song of Reflection #1: “Trust Me” by Crystal Lewis. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “I’ll Trust You, Lord” by Donnie McClurkin. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #3: “In the Waiting” by Vicki Yohe. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #4: “More Than Able” (feat. Chandler Moore & Tiffany Hudson) by Elevation Worship. 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: What to do when everything is falling apart

Encouraging Yourself in the Lord When Everything Falls Apart
A devotional by Erica N. Bryant

“And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the Lord his God.”—1 Samuel 30:6 (KJV)

When trials hit you out of nowhere or if you find yourself at a low point—and we all have them—the weight can feel entirely overwhelming. In those moments when your foundations are shaken, you need to encourage yourself in the Lord. It is not just a good idea; it is a spiritual necessity.

In 1 Samuel 30:1-8, during one of the darkest chapters of his life, David gives us a powerful, practical pattern to follow when we don't know where else to turn.

Before he was king, David had set up a temporary residence in Ziklag while on the run from Saul. He wasn't alone; he was surrounded by 600 fierce, elite warriors and their households. These men had started out as broken, indebted outcasts hiding in caves. Still, over the years they had married, raised their children, and grown into a tight-knit family. Read about this in 1 Samuel 22:1-2, 1 Samuel 27:3, and 1 Chronicles 12:1-2. One day, David and his fighting men returned home from the battlefield only to discover absolute devastation. The Amalekites had raided the area. They had attacked Ziklag, burned it to the ground, and captured the wives, children, and everyone else, carrying them away to an unknown place.

When reading this account, the pain these men felt is almost palpable. The Bible tells us they wept aloud until they were physically too weak to cry anymore. To make matters worse, David’s personal pain was compounded by a terrifying betrayal. Not only were his own wives and children taken away, but his faithful followers—the men he had led, prayed with, and fought with—had now become an angry mob insistent on stoning him. He was entirely alone, facing total loss and the threat of death.

But right there in the midst of his pain, we find one of the most powerful phrases in Scripture is found in 1 Samuel 30:6 (KJV). It says, “But David encouraged himself in the Lord his God.” In the presence of God the Father, David was strengthened and fortified, emboldened to take the next steps. True biblical encouragement is not about practicing self-reliance, counting on your own willpower, or having confidence in your ability to pull yourself out of a pit. To encourage yourself in the Lord is to reach out to Him with urgency and fervor, knowing that He will lift you by His divine power and strength when your own has failed.

If you are facing a Ziklag season today, David's experience shows us a way to navigate the pain.

Let’s read and reflect on these three steps:

Step #1: Go Ahead and Cry. It's Okay.

Crying is not a sign of a lack of faith. It can be cathartic and healing. Know that God cares deeply for you. He knows about every heartbreak, every devastation, and every bit of pain you have faced. He has accounted for every single tear you’ve shed. He is not unaware of your suffering. He sees, He knows, and He is working on your behalf. The Bible says in Psalm 56:8 (NKJV), “You number my wanderings; Put my tears into Your bottle; Are they not in Your book?”

Step #2: Remind Yourself of God’s Faithfulness

When your current circumstances look bleak, you must intentionally redirect your focus. The love of the Lord is unfailing, and you can count on Him to be there in every circumstance. Remind yourself of that! Remembering what God has done in the past can help you hold on during difficult times. David knew this, and he often remembered past victories to help him overcome the immediate challenges he faced, anchoring his hope in what the Lord had already done.

King David said in 1 Samuel 17:37 (NKJV), “The Lord, who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear, He will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine.”

Step #3: Talk to God and Get the Plan

Do not let your pain paralyze you or drive you to make rushed decisions. In the midst of his grief, David inquired of the Lord. He prayed and asked God whether he should pursue the invading troops and whether he would succeed. God met him in that place of prayer, affirmed David’s course of action, and assured him that he would have divine success. In times of intense pain and uncertainty, follow David's lead: pray. Talk to God and let Him lead the way. Through His Word and His Holy Spirit, God will tell you whether to move or wait, go or stay, pursue or avoid. Follow His leading, and you will have divine success.

The Bible says in 1 Samuel 30:8 (NKJV), “So David inquired of the Lord, saying, “Shall I pursue this troop? Shall I overtake them?” And He answered him, “Pursue, for you shall surely overtake them and without fail recover all.”

If you are standing in the middle of a broken situation today, remember that the story isn't over. Go ahead and cry; God knows and understands your tears. But when you are ready, dry your eyes, seek the presence of your Heavenly Father, and steel your resolve to encourage yourself in the Lord!

Let’s Pray:

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for being a God who sees and understands everything I encounter. I am grateful for Your presence during times when I feel overwhelmed, exhausted, and uncertain about the future. In those moments, help me to turn to You for the strength and encouragement I need to keep moving forward. Remind me of the victories You’ve brought into my life before. Give me with a clear plan to move forward and the resolve to follow Your guidance, trusting that You are actively working on my behalf.

In Jesus' name, I pray.

Amen.

~*~
Song of Reflection #1: “Encourage Yourself” by Donald Lawrence & The Tri-City Singers. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “Just Cry” by Mandisa. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #3: “You Are” by Virtue. Listen to it here.

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

Song of Reflection #5: “Everything Falls” by Fee. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #6:  “That’s Who You Are” (Original song by Megan Tibbits). Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #7:  “Hold Us Together” by H.E.R. and Tauren Wells (Hope Mix). 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.

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

Devotionals for the Heart: When the press is part of God's plan for you

Hardship Produces What You Never Knew Was Inside
A devotional by Heidi Lewis-Ivey

“For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.”—2 Corinthians 4:17 (KJV)

Long before olive oil found its way onto kitchen shelves and dinner tables, someone had to press the olive. Not gently. Not carefully. The stone wheel rolled over it with full, crushing weight and only then did the oil flow. The most valuable thing inside that small, humble fruit was never going to come out on its own. It required the press.

Now think about your life right now. The weight you’re carrying. The pressure that seems relentless. The season that is lasting far longer than you thought you could endure. What if, just what if the press you are under is not punishment, but process? What if God is not squeezing the life out of you, but drawing something priceless from you?

The Press Has Always Been Part of the Plan

The Garden of Gethsemane—the very place Jesus Christ went the night before His death on the cross—means “oil press” in Hebrew. Jesus, on the most agonizing night of His earthly life, chose to go to a place named for crushing. It was there, under the weight of what was coming, that His surrender produced the salvation of the world.

Nothing about that night felt like victory in that moment. But Heaven knew what the press was producing. Let’s read about it in Isaiah 53:3-5 (KJV). It says, “He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not. Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.”

Christ was bruised so that peace could flow. That is the theology of the press. Not that suffering is good, but that in the hands of a sovereign God, nothing is wasted. Not one tear, not one sleepless night, not one moment of pain that you thought would break you.

Suffering Has a Produce

The Apostle Paul was not a man who wrote about suffering from a distance. He was well acquainted with suffering. Paul was shipwrecked, beaten, imprisoned, and abandoned. He knew what it felt like to be pressed from every side. And yet he teaches us that every step is producing something.

Let’s read more about this in Romans 5:3-5 (KJV). It says, “And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.”

Tribulation produces Patience then Experience that turns into Hope, which results in God’s Love Shed Abroad. Every step in that chain has weight and purpose. Tribulation is not a dead-end, it is producing patience. Patience does not grow in comfort. Experience is not produced on easy days. And hope the kind that maketh not ashamed is produced in the exact moments when hope seems hardest to hold onto.

What the Press Produces in You

Think about the people whose faith has moved you most. The ones whose testimonies stopped you in your tracks. Chances are, they were not people who had easy lives. They were people who had been pressed and out of that pressing came depth, compassion, resilience, and an anointing that simply could not have come any other way.

God is not interested in producing a shallow version of you. He is after the gold. And gold, scripture reminds us, is tried in fire. Let’s look at 1 Peter 1:7 (NIV) to explore more of that this means. It says, “That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ.”

Your faith is being tried, yes. But it is also being proven. Every time you choose trust over fear, praise over despair, and surrender over control, the press is producing something eternal in you.

You Are Not Being Crushed—You Are Being Prepared

There is a difference between being destroyed and being pressed. The Apostle Paul knew it. He lived it. And he made sure we understood it. Let’s read what he says in 2 Corinthians 4:8-9 (KJV). He wrote, “We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed.”

Troubled on every side but not distressed. There is a boundary on what this season can do to you. The press is real, but it does not have the final word. God does. And what He says about you is that you and I are being prepared for greater fruitfulness, for deeper influence, for a testimony that will set someone else free. Hallelujah!

The olive doesn’t get to choose the press. But it doesn’t have to. Because the one holding it knows exactly how much pressure is needed, and exactly when to stop. The Lord knows the same about you. Let’s read Job 23:10 (KJV) for more knowledge about this. It says, “But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.”

Be Strong and Let the Press Do Its Work

In my devotional published on this blog last month, we talked about what it means to be strong. But strength is not the absence of pressure it is the decision to trust God in the pressure. It is believing that the One who allowed the press is the same One who will catch every drop of what it produces.

You are not being punished. You are not forgotten. You are not too far gone. You are in the press and what is coming out of you is more valuable than you know. Your tears are not wasted. Your endurance is not invisible. Your faith, tried in this fire, is orchestrated by Heaven and will be used in ways you have not yet imagined. Hold on. The oil is coming.

Let’s Pray:

Lord, I don’t always understand the press I’m in, but I trust the hands that are holding me through it. Help me to remember that you waste nothing. That every hard thing is being worked together for good. That I am not being destroyed; I am being prepared. Help me to surrender to the process, to give thanks in the midst of it, and to believe that what you are producing in me is worth every moment of the pressing. In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

~*~
Song of Reflection #1: “Greater is Coming” by Jekalyn Carr. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “Refiner” by Maverick City Music. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #3: “Blessing in the Storm” by Kirk Franklin. 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: When you feel blindsided and off course in life

When Life Isn’t Just Fun and Games
A devotional by Suzanne Felton

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”—Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV)

Have you ever played “Pin the Tail on the Donkey”?

It is a children’s game where everyone stands across the room from a large picture of a donkey without a tail (or a clown without a nose, or a cowboy without a hat, etc.). All you have to do when your turn comes is walk over and stick the donkey’s tail in the proper place. That seems easy enough, but what makes the game challenging—and fun—is that you’re blindfolded and spun around first so that pinning the tail in the right spot becomes nearly impossible. The poor donkey ends up with many tails in all the wrong places, and everyone laughs at the results.

Sometimes life feels like a game of “Pin the Tail on the Donkey”. You can see your goal clearly, and the path to reach it seems easy, but then, out of nowhere, you’re blindsided, spun around, and disoriented, and you end up way off course. When it’s real life, though, it’s anything but funny. You thought you had everything under control. You thought you knew where you were going. You thought you knew exactly how to get there. Instead, you find yourself somewhere entirely different with no idea what to do next.

Does this sound familiar? Maybe you started a new business thinking it was a sure thing, only to find yourself one year later with no profits and no idea how to recover your investment. Maybe you moved to a new state to be near a loved one, but that relationship became strained, and now you feel like an outsider in an unfamiliar community. Maybe you were expecting a promotion in the job you put your heart and soul into for years, only to be let go. Maybe you finally found the courage to trust someone, only to have that trust broken. Whatever your story, I’d bet there’s been a time in your life when you felt like you stuck your pin in the worst possible place.

The book of Exodus in the Bible tells the story of how the Israelites, God’s chosen people, miraculously escaped slavery in Egypt. Led by Moses, they set off triumphantly toward a new land God had promised to give them. If they had taken the most direct route, they probably could have made the trip on foot in under two weeks, but the journey took them forty years. Forty years. Talk about a detour!

God allowed the Israelites to wander in the desert for so long because there were things He wanted to teach them before they reached the Promised Land. The people were not expecting such a long and winding journey. They questioned and complained along the way, but God knew what was best for them.

Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us we should not rely on our own understanding as we walk through life. Our paths will only become straight, it says, when we submit our lives to God and trust Him completely. When we rely on our own understanding, thinking we can find the target and reach our goals on our own, we stick our pins in the wrong places. However, when we learn to trust God, we will we end up exactly where He wants us to be.

If you feel like you’re wandering right now, like you have been blindfolded and spun around and can’t find where to stick your pin, perhaps God has something He wants to teach you. You may not yet understand the reason you got off course but trust Him to lead you every step of the way, and He will fulfill His promise.

Let’s Pray: Heavenly Father, sometimes I venture off course in my life, and I feel disoriented and confused. Help me stop leaning on my own understanding and to trust You with my whole heart. Make my path straight and keep me in the center of Your will. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

~*~
Song of Reflection #1: “Proverbs 3:5-6 (Trust the Lord)” by Warrior. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “Order My Steps” by GMWA Women of Worship. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #3: “Lead Me Lord” by Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir w/Elizabeth Goodine. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #4: “Made A Way” by Travis Greene. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Suzanne Felton is a wife, mother, writer, reader, teacher, birder, deep thinker, and sinner saved by grace. 

She has worked in a wide range of settings, from non-profits to science labs to government contracts to educational classrooms. Amazed by the power of words, she currently uses her passion and experience to help authors and students as a writing coach. Encouraging others to find the words and the courage to share their stories is one of her greatest joys.

Suzanne’s devotionals have been published in periodicals and blogs including Truly Magazine, The Upper Room, The Love Offering, Keys 4 Kids, and The Swallow’s Nest. She is also a two-time finalist in the Cascade Christian Writing Contest for poetry.

Suzanne and her family reside in Northern Virginia, but Suzanne will always call her native South Carolina home.

Married to her best friend for twenty-six years, Suzanne is active in her church, where she and her husband serve as deacons and small group leaders. They enjoy watching sports and visiting national parks with their two college-age sons.

~*~
Connect with Suzanne:
Website: suzannefelton.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/l.suzanne.felton
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/l_suzanne_felton/
Email: suzannefeltonwriter@gmail.com

Devotionals for the Heart: God wants us to be still and trust Him to guide us

God Wants Us to Be Still and Trust Him
A devotional by Kelly Patterson

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)

When I received an email last week asking if I could write a devotional for this month, my first thought was, “I am too busy! I just don’t have time.”

I almost replied to decline the opportunity, but I felt a check in my spirit. Too busy? Most everything I write and talk about is stillness and not allowing “busyness” to distract from slowing down and tuning in to God. How can stillness be what God has drawn me to if I can’t do it? And how did I almost get back to this place where I am running on fumes? I said yes because sitting down to write a message feels like hitting a pause button for me. I needed that. We all need pauses.

God brought me to the ministry of stillness years ago. You see, I am an excellent plate spinner. In honest and humble opinion, I excel at multitasking. Therefore, I was shocked when, about 15 years ago, one after another, plates I had so perfectly balanced began to fall and I began to experience failure in certain aspects of my life. People weren’t cooperating with my plans, and it turns out, they really weren’t appreciating my efforts to control them. And when things weren’t going according to my plans, I got mad at people, and then, at God! I remember thinking, "God, I am doing all the things alone, can you help me out a little?" 

Turns out, He didn’t need all of what I was doing. He may have even tipped a few of those plates. How arrogant I was before the first few plates fell. I was saying, in essence, “God, I’ve got this. I’ll call you when I need You.” But it doesn't work that way.

If God really is sovereign and trustworthy, and it is He who controls and directs, I do not need to live my life in a busy spin. When I am functioning correctly, under full submission to Jesus Christ and getting direction from the Holy Spirit, He leads me to quiet waters every time. The storm still swirls around me, but even as I sit here and focus on who God is, He quiets the swirling in my soul. He gives me rest.

I need to do this every day. Stop being driven by the tyranny of the “to-do” list. Stop stomping around as if anyone’s world is dependent on me. I need to give everything to God, trust Him and learn to rest. I can say no to things, so I have space to say yes to the things God is calling me to. I recommend to everyone who feels too busy to pause: Stop and write a devotional or a letter to God. By doing this, you are simply pausing to tune into God and ask Him what He thinks you should do.

We need to remind ourselves who God is and where He sits in our attention. All goes better when our attention is on Him.

Let’s Pray: God, forgive me for rushing into my day, thinking what I need to get done is more important than time with You. Help me quiet my soul and find rest in You. You are also so faithful to encourage my stillness. May I start each day remembering Your Presence so I can be more aware as I go about my day. 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: “Be Still My Soul (In You I Rest)” by Kari Jobe. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #3: “Still Waters (Psalm 23)” by Leanna Crawford. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Coming from a Mormon childhood and agnostic belief, Kelly Patterson found Jesus Christ after wrestling with God for many years. 

Kelly has a hunger for the Word and has spent a lifetime following Jesus and going (not always joyfully) where the Holy Spirit leads. It has been a roller coaster, but Jesus has been with her the entire ride. Kelly has a passion for sharing the freedom she found in Jesus with believers and unbelievers alike.

Kelly is a wife, mother of four adult children and has two grandchildren. Kelly still enjoys cultivating intimacy with God, time with family and friends, pickleball and her job at a mental health clinic. Kelly considers life with God an adventure that she loves to share with others.

~*~
Connect with Kelly:
Website: Kellyannpatterson.wordpress.com

Devotionals for the Heart: When God calls you to be strong in heavy warfare

Be Strong: Why the Warfare Has Been So Heavy
A devotional by Heidi Lewis-Ivey

“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.”

—Ephesians 6:10 (KJV)

Early one Tuesday morning, the Lord woke me with a shout: “Be Strong!” I knew immediately what He meant and I knew it was not just for me.

I have been walking through a season of overwhelming challenges, the kind that leave you literally speechless. When I asked the Lord what was happening, He spoke clearly to me: The assignment of the enemy has been to silence your voice.

Maybe you can relate. Maybe you, too, have found yourself muted by circumstances, overwhelmed by spiritual warfare, or quietly wondering why the attacks have been so relentless. The moment the Lord uttered those two words “Be Strong”, I was immediately anchored in Ephesians 6:10 (KJV) that says, “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.”

Notice it does not say be strong in your own strength, your own resolve, or your own resilience. It says in the Lord, in the power of His might. That is where our strength lives. And the warfare we are experiencing is often the very sign that something significant is at stake.

Heavy Warfare Means You Have a Voice Worth Silencing

The enemy does not waste his resources on things that do not matter. If he has assigned a coordinated, relentless attack against your peace, your words, your confidence, or your ability to speak then it is because what flows from your mouth carries weight in God’s Kingdom.

Scripture confirms this in Isaiah 59:19b (KJV) saying, “When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard against him.”

A flood is not a mild nuisance. A flood is an overwhelming force designed to submerge everything in its path. If you feel submerged, it is because the Spirit of the Lord is about to raise a standard and you are standing right in front of it.

Do not misread the intensity of the warfare. The enemy is not attacking you because you are weak. He is attacking you because of what God is about to release through you. Be strong!

Strength is Not the Absence of Struggle—It is the Decision to Stand

Being strong in the Lord does not mean you feel invincible. It does not mean the pressure is not real, or that grief is not heavy, or that the silence has not cost you something. It means that during all of it, you decide this: I will not lay down my assignment.

Ephesians 6:11-18 (NIV) describes the full armor of God. Let’s read it below: “Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore, put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.”

Every single piece of that armor is meant to help you do one thing: stand. “Having done everything, stand” (Ephesians 6:13). God is not asking you to win the battle in your own strength. He is asking you to stand while He fights.

The wiles of the devil are strategies that are calculated, patient, and layered. What has felt like random hardship may be a carefully constructed attempt to wear you down until you sit down. This is the moment to put on every piece of God’s armor that He describes in Ephesians 6:11-18. Remember that our spiritual armor includes these elements: Truth around your waist. Righteousness on your chest. The gospel on your feet. Faith as your shield. Salvation covers your mind. The Word of God in your hand. And prayer that is unceasing covers it all.

You may be weary. Stand anyway. Be strong!

Your Silence Is Not Your Defeat

There are moments when God allows us to be brought low not to break us, but to strip away everything we have been leaning on outside of Him. The silence the enemy intended as a weapon, God is using as a wilderness. And wildernesses, in Scripture, always precedes a new dimension of power and purpose. Remember these Bible stories: Jesus Christ came out of the wilderness in the power of the Spirit (Luke 4:14). John the Baptist emerged from the desert with a voice that shook a nation. The silence you have endured has been preparing something in you that could not have been formed any other way.

Listen to this clearly: The enemy's goal was for you to stay silent. God's plan is for you to come out of this season with a testimony so undeniable, so forged by fire, that it breaks chains in the lives of people who hear it. Your voice restored, refined, and rooted in what God has walked you through is what the enemy feared all along.

Do not let the devil and his evil forces win. Open your mouth. Praise before the breakthrough comes. Speak the Word over your life even when your voice trembles. The flood is meeting the standard. Be strong!

Let’s Pray:

Father God, I come before You in the name of Jesus. I thank You that You are not surprised by this season and that before I ever felt the weight of this warfare, You already had prepared a way through it. You woke me with Your word telling me to “Be Strong!” You have not left me to face this alone.

Lord, I confess that there have been moments when the pressure silenced me and when the enemy's flood felt higher than my faith. But Your Word declares that when the enemy comes in like a flood, You raise a standard. Today I stand on that promise. I receive that standard. I declare that what the enemy meant to silence; You are about to amplify for Your glory.

Strengthen me now not in my own might, but in the power of Your might. Let my mouth—the very thing the enemy came after—be opened wide and be filled with Your praise, Your Word, and Your testimony. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

~*~
Song of Reflection #1: “Encourage Yourself” by Donald Lawrence & The Tri-City Singers. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “Trust in God” (feat. Chris Brown & Isaiah Templeton) by Elevation Worship. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #3: “Soul’s Anthem (It Is Well)” by Tori Kelly. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #4: “Stand” by Donnie McClurkin. 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.

~*~
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: What to do when your life feels out of control

Finding Peace in the New Year
A devotional by Anne Madison

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”—Philippians 4:6-7 (NKJV)

As we step into a new year, 2026 stretches out before us like a blank page filled with possibility, but also uncertainty. We set goals, make resolutions, and map out plans. But beneath all our organizing lies a humbling truth: We are not in control. And that is where the rubber meets the road.

I learned about this deeply one winter evening while driving home from work. What began as a light snowfall quickly turned into a full-blown whiteout. The road, so familiar under normal conditions, was now hidden beneath inches of blowing and drifting snow. Visibility dropped to nearly nothing. Landmarks I relied on—road signs, mailboxes, houses, and intersections—all vanished in the flurry of the storm.

Fear surged through me. My hands were white-knuckled on the steering wheel as I crept forward, barely inching along. Each turn of the tires felt like a step of faith on ground I could not see. I had driven that road countless times, but now, the blizzard swallowed everything. I was disoriented. Alone. Scared. I whispered prayers to God, pleading not to slip into a ditch or crash into something hidden in the storm’s fury.

And then I saw it. A solitary light shining through the storm at the next intersection. It was not much, but it was enough. That small glow pierced the darkness just enough to reveal the bend in the road ahead. Relief washed over me as I cleared the curve, and I slowly continued the final stretch toward home. Soon, I saw the soft glow of my porch lights—warm, familiar, and full of welcome. I whispered, “Thank You, Lord,” as I pulled in the driveway. I made it. Whew!

Life is often like that whiteout. We hit seasons when nothing looks familiar anymore. The path we once relied on seems hidden. The answers we used to have do not seem to work. Fear takes our faith hostage. Like snowflakes caught in a swirling wind, we feel tossed, beaten, and out of control. Swallowed up by the storm.

Philippians 4:6-7 reminds us of what to do when anxiety creeps in and fear takes hold: Pray with thanksgiving. Paul does not deny that we will face anxious moments. Instead, he gives us the antidote: bring everything—our fears, plans, questions, and confusion—to God in prayer. And not just prayer out of panic, but prayer wrapped in gratitude. Because gratitude changes our attitude. When we thank God in the midst of uncertainty, we acknowledge that He is already at work, even if we cannot yet see the outcome. Prayer with thanksgiving activates our faith.

And then comes the promise: “The peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” God does not promise instant solutions. He promises peace. Not a surface-level calm, but a deep, unshakable peace—one that does not always make sense to the world. It is peace that shows up when the storm rages. Peace that steadies your heart when fear tries to hijack your life. Peace that protects your mind from spinning into panic. In other words, my friends: When the blizzard hits, pray. When fear swells, pray. When you cannot see your way forward slow your roll and pray.

Call to Action:

As you step into this year, let this be your sole resolution: Be anxious for nothing.

You do not need to control the year ahead. You need to trust the One who already holds it. He is not panicked by the storms. He is not blinded by the blizzards. He sees the road clearly when you cannot. His promises are sure, His presence steady, and His peace available in the midst of your storm.

Let 2026 be the year you trade anxiety for intimacy with God. When fear rises, respond with prayer. When worry presses in, respond with worship. And when the way forward disappears, trust that God will shine just enough light for the next bend in the road.

Let’s Pray:

Lord, I do not know what this year holds, but I know You hold me. When fear grips my heart, help me remember to turn to You in prayer. Teach me to bring every worry, every plan, and every unknown to You with thanksgiving. May Your peace fill my heart and guard my thoughts. Thank You for being faithful in every season. In Jesus’s name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection #1: “Eye of the Storm” by Ryan Stevenson (feat. GabeReal). Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “God Will Take Care of You” by Rosemary Siemens. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #3: “How Firm a Foundation” by Reawaken Hymns. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #4: “Hold Me Still” by ForeverJones. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Anne Madison is a devotional writer whose words gently guide women toward a deeper connection with God through personal reflection, scripture, and everyday experiences. 

Based in Iron River, Wisconsin, Anne is continually inspired by the natural beauty around her and the strong sense of community she calls home.

A dedicated journaler for over 46 years, Anne draws from a rich well of spiritual practice and daily life to craft devotionals that are heartfelt, relatable, and deeply rooted in faith. Her writing speaks to women seeking encouragement, stillness, and spiritual renewal amid the busyness of life.

Anne has a unique gift for noticing God in the ordinary. Whether it's a cup of morning coffee, a walk through the woods, or a quiet conversation with a friend, she uncovers sacred messages that reveal God’s goodness and the blessings hidden in everyday moments.

In addition to her writing, Anne is pursuing her certification as a Life Coach through the Life Mentoring School, further deepening her calling to encourage and uplift others.

She finds joy in simple pleasures—quilting, reading, and spending time with her beloved family and friends.

~*~
Connect with Anne:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lessonsinthejourney    

Email: lessonsinthejourney@gmail.com  

Devotionals for the Heart: Why we should surrender to God every day

Surrendering to the Source
A devotional by Jessica Brodie

“Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.”—1 Peter 5:6 (NIV)

Have you ever done something you’re really not good at? Have you done it intentionally, even though you’re not naturally gifted or even simply okay at it, knowing it was somehow good for you? Still enjoyable? Still worth the exercise?

The other night, my kids and I were painting at our kitchen table. I always laugh when I get artistic because I have long claimed that I write because I have no talent as a painter. I use words to paint my pictures.

Still, I like to paint. Although I’m not terribly good at it, it’s fun. I love to play with color and see images come to life beneath my fingers. We started painting during the COVID-19 pandemic because we needed something to do as a family besides watch TV and go for walks. And while we don’t do it often, especially now that my son is off to college, when he’s home on breaks we usually try to dabble a bit.

My poor kids, though . . . I didn’t mean to, but as a recovering perfectionist, I’ve somehow raised two perfectionists—particularly my oldest, who plays first-chair viola in his college orchestra, majors in finance, and has always been tremendously hard on himself. He kept berating himself as we painted for not being able to get his lines straight or be as precise as he wanted.

“Stop beating yourself up!” we all told him. “It looks really good.” And it did! He just laughed. “I’m a perfectionist. I can’t help myself! It’s killing me not to do this right.”

I looked at him over our canvases. “But remember—whenever you do things out of your comfort zone, you’re stretching your brain. You’re using different muscles. You’re making yourself better in some way. I always say that every time I pick up a paintbrush I become a better writer.”

My own words have stayed with me since then. It’s true, isn’t it? And it’s not just because we’re stretching different sides of our brain. Whenever we do something out of our comfort zone, it’s scary, but it always makes us better.

I see a huge spiritual lesson in this. Think about all the times you’ve had to relinquish control and depend on God. Remember how it ultimately made you better, deeper, stronger in the Lord? Really ponder this—for me, it’s been every single time.

Consider in Scripture how Peter jumped out of the boat and walked on water toward Jesus Christ (Matthew 14:22-33). He certainly didn’t do this in his own strength, but because of faith—he was entirely dependent on his trust in Jesus, and that faith gave him the ability to do supernatural things.

Later, his faith enabled him to heal in the Lord’s name and to do other miracles. Jesus taught in John 15:1-17 how he is the vine and we are the branches. Apart from Him, we can do nothing, yet in Him, because of our connection to Him, we can thrive and grow in ways unimaginable. It’s not that we ourselves are better. But in surrendering and letting him take over, we’re surrendering to the full power of the Holy Spirit within us. That’s when the true work happens. That’s when we become what we can never become on our own.

I have no illusions I’ll ever be a painting prodigy. But I do know that practicing the art of surrender is good for my brain and good for my soul. The most beautiful things I’ve ever written have come from a source deep inside of me that is connected to the One—God Almighty, the Alpha and the Omega. I have no illusions it comes from me or any talent I possess. It is a combination of my hard work and my willingness to surrender to the Creator who somehow miraculously lives within me.

This year, instead of worrying about becoming the best version of you possible, maybe consider how you can surrender to the One who handcrafted the very universe around us all. That is the true measure of greatness.

And the true evidence of His love.

Let’s Pray: Lord, my ego sometimes tells me the good things I do come from me—my talent, my work, my giftedness. But apart from You, I am nothing. On my own, I am lost. Help me remember that I become worthy only in my connection to You and help me learn to surrender to You daily. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection #1: “What Faith Can Do” by Kutless. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “I Surrender All” by CeCe Winans. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #3: “I Surrender” by Hillsong Worship. Listen to it here.

~*~
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 and Instagram.

She’s 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: Trust God

Trusting God Even When We Can’t See
A devotional by Hannah Benson

“For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.”—Matthew 16:25 (ESV)

Trusting God is hard, especially when I really want something, and God doesn’t seem to be doing anything to give me what I want. Can you relate?

Our circumstances may testify to one thing, but God is not limited by our circumstances. In fact, I think that when our circumstances look the bleakest that this is when God shows us His power. Even as I write this, I hold hopes and dreams in my heart. Dreams not yet fully realized, dreams I don’t know if I will see ever come to fruition. But I am challenged daily to trust God even when I can’t see all the ways He is providing.

Trusting God has been a key theme for me this year. I can’t tell you how many times I struggle to have faith. I’m often tempted to look around at my circumstances and become discouraged, but I fail to remember that present circumstances do not necessarily determine the destination.

In Matthew 16:25, Jesus Christ says that whoever loses their life for His sake will find it. Does this mean that we will be a martyr for Christ? Not necessarily. But I do believe, in a practical sense, He is calling every single one of us to lay down our dreams and what we hold dear at His feet.

Are we willing to lay down everything, even if it means losing it, and give it to Jesus?

This is a challenge for me everyday as I find myself struggling to lay down what I want and surrender it to the One Who loves me most. I used to pride myself on having control of my life. I gripped God’s good gifts with an iron fists, terrified of losing anything. I’ve mentioned before that my mom was diagnosed with cancer last year. I love her so much and greatly feared losing her. During that season, for the first time in my life, I felt completely helpless because there was a situation I couldn’t change. I had to learn to surrender to God’s plan.

God calls me to lay everything, even my hopes and dreams, at His feet.

And you know what? When we lay down our hopes and dreams at the feet of Jesus and truly trust Him with everything, then we will find that in Jesus, we have everything we need. Right now, I have so many unanswered questions about the future. There are so many things I can’t change that I wish I could. I wish I could change XYZ about my finances, relationships, and so on. Can you relate? But the fact is, there are some things in our life that no matter how hard we try or wish were different, we simply can’t change and some answers we don’t need to know right now.

Through the uncertainty, God is calling me to trust Him even when I don’t have all the answers. Whenever I begin to fear the future, I am reminded of God’s faithfulness and am challenged to trust Him. What unanswered questions do you have today? Do you feel God calling you to trust Him?

Let’s Pray: Dear Father God, please help me to lay down my hopes and dreams and entrust them into Your care. I know You care about me and that my hopes and dreams are better in Your hands than in my own. Help me to trust You, Lord. In Jesus’s Name, I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “Lay it Down” by Sanctus Real. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

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

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

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

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

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

Devotionals for the Heart: Our need to stop striving and start trusting God

Stop Striving
A devotional by Aubrey Taylor

“Stop striving and know that I am God.”

—Psalm 46:10 (NASB)

There are times in our life when God calls us to work toward something. There are also times in our life when we realize we have done all we can, and God calls us to rest so that He can work.

When the Israelite army marched around the walls of Jericho, they did so obediently, but there was nothing in their marching that caused the walls to fall down. That work was God’s and God’s alone. Even their shouting could not have been a sound loud enough to cause the stone masonry to crumble to bits.

Sometimes, God wants it to be clear that He is the one who has done this. He wants us to stand back and say, “This is the Lord’s doing; it is marvelous in our eyes” (Psalm 118:23 ESV).

This is when we look to Him. This is when we rest from our work. We’ve done all we can, to no avail. This is when, hopefully, we realize that it feels good to rest.

My mother used to love to quote the NASB’s rendering of Psalm 46:10: “Stop striving and know that I am God.”

Why should we stop striving? Because striving is stressful. It causes frustration when we don’t see the change we long for, and causes others to become frustrated with us. Yes, take steps of faith, but a continued, sensitive walk with God will alert us when it is time to cease from our labors and rest.

In his letter to the Galatians, Paul asks this question in Galatians 3:3 (NIV): “After beginning by means of the Spirit, are you now trying to finish by means of the flesh?”

Paul is saying the standard was set in the outset. If God initiates something, He wants to be the power behind it from beginning to end.

Have you been striving and wondering why nothing has come of your efforts? Perhaps is it time to rest. That may not mean idleness. It may mean letting the issue rest while you attend to the other things He has given you to do. There is always much to be done in His kingdom. Or maybe, it is truly a time of stillness. A time of preparation and drawing near. Setting the foundation in your spirit for what lies ahead.

Tune out the loud, clamoring voices of this world and tune into God. Learn to hear His voice.

Let’s Pray: Dear God, I ask you to show me if I have been striving, and if you are calling me to rest. I ask You to be the power behind the work You’ve begun, knowing that You will be faithful to complete it. Most of all, let me hear Your voice and prepare me for the next steps. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

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

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Author Bio:

The only child of a single parent, Aubrey Taylor filled her younger years by creating characters and writing stories. This ended around age sixteen when music, friends and part-time jobs began to fill her time. After that came college, work, marriage, and children.

It wasn’t until the world was beginning to come out of the COVID pandemic that God led her back to her love for writing, coupled with a passion she’d always had for history. It was time to start a new adventure! Her current long-term project is Gott Mit Uns, a German-perspective 20th century historical fiction series.

Aubrey lives in Upstate New York with her husband and three children. She’s busy keeping the home, caring for her family, doing research for and writing her books.

Aubrey enjoys music and is involved with the worship ministry at her church as well as a German choral group. She also plays gigs occasionally with friends as a singer and acoustic guitarist. After all that, she finds time to sketch, craft, and hike.

She is a lover of Jesus Christ, The Holy Bible, history, German culture, tea, and cats.

Aubrey has a special heart for those who struggle with severe anxiety, depression and PTSD.

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Connect with Aubrey:
Website: https://www.aubreytaylorbooks.com
Blog: https://www.aubreytaylorbooks.com/blog
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aubreytaylorbooks/
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/aubtaybooks
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aubreytaylorbooks/

Devotionals for the Heart: True satisfaction is found in Jesus Christ

Finding Satisfaction in Jesus
A devotional by Tessa Huckstep

“And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.” –John 6:35 (KJV)

“True satisfaction is found only in Jesus.”

I have heard this statement many times. Maybe you have too. In the Christian community, many of us are blessed to have friends who point us to Jesus Christ. These friends remind us that nothing in this world can satisfy but Christ alone. Often, we nod our heads and agree. We might even remind someone else that Jesus alone can satisfy. But how well do we live out this simple truth?

After a long afternoon at work, I came home at about nine o’clock in the evening. By this time of the evening, I was hungry, but I did not feel like making anything. I simply had the urge to snack. Conveniently, I had a chocolate bunny left over from Easter sitting on my dresser. I decided to eat it instead of making myself an actual meal. Not surprisingly, the chocolate did nothing to satisfy my hunger, though it did taste good. I had no desire to go to bed hungry. So, I decided to satisfy my hunger by making exactly what I needed: a grilled cheese sandwich.

There is a life lesson for us to learn from this situation: I knew before I ate the chocolate that it would not satisfy my hunger, but I ate it anyway. Isn’t this like the spiritual choices we make every day? For example: I know that when my spirit is afflicted, and I am feeling sad or depressed that I should go to Jesus. However, I often find myself running to “chocolate” (the things that feel good but do nothing to satisfy my soul) for solace.

What are we missing? Jesus said He is the Bread of Life. We can find complete satisfaction in Him, but He is usually the last place we run to. All the things that feel good—television, food, control—are constantly competing for our attention and promising satisfaction that they cannot deliver. As Christians, we need to ignore the noise of the world. It is only when we make a choice to turn away from the things that feel good that we can finally find the One (God) who can satisfy us and fill our empty hearts to the brim.

What are some ways you can choose to turn away from the noise of the world? Maybe you could consider taking a break from social media. Maybe you could choose to memorize Scripture and spend more time praying to your Heavenly Father. Focusing on Jesus Christ to satisfy our spiritual needs is a choice. Choose to turn away from the noise of the world and turn toward the only Source of true satisfaction.

Let’s Pray: Dear Lord, thank You for offering us satisfaction in our lives. Please grant us the strength to turn away from the noise of the world and turn to You. Help us to seek wholeness and satisfaction in You alone. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “Turn To Jesus” by Katy Nichole. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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