Devotionals for the Heart: The cure I discovered for sleepless nights

Say Bye to Insomnia
A devotional by Christine Monteiro

“In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat—for he grants sleep to those he loves.”—Psalm 127:2 (NIV)

Many nights, I found myself questioning God about the trajectory of my life.

Burdened with the responsibility of my mother’s care while barely sustaining myself, the weight became unbearable. When she required surgery without insurance, I was left alone to navigate the overwhelming medical expenses.

Even when the financial issues were eventually solved, insomnia slowly became my best friend. It accompanied me faithfully every night, leaving me alone to entertain my racing thoughts. Therefore, I tried to find comfort in distractions—movies, short stories, testimonies, games—anything that offered hope that I could escape my suffering. I found myself chasing hope in people, trying to duplicate the miracles I saw in other people’s lives. But I never found the formula. In fact, I was drawn deeper into the struggle because my focus was on the wrong place.

One night, out of desperation to sleep, I picked up my Bible. I turned to King David’s story because I know he wrote the Bible book of Psalm during moments of profound sorrow and crying out to God. I hoped to find a formula there but instead, I found something better: I learned that all we need to do is hold on to God’s promises written in His Word (The Holy Bible). God gave me the promise of peace that night and He promised me that He will take care of me.

The Spiritual Root of Insomnia

After 11 months of struggle, I realized that the insomnia I carried wasn't just about my body; it was about my soul. I realized that my sleeplessness was fueled by these four factors: overthinking and the fear of losing control, stressful thoughts about tomorrow, trying to solve my problems in life with my own strength, and carrying responsibilities that God never asked me to carry alone.

I realized that even sleeping pills won't work in helping you to sleep if your brain won’t shut down. It is an excruciating moment when you take a sleeping pill to help you sleep, but it fails because your mind is still racing with worry.

Surrendering the Burden

Jesus Christ offers a different solution in Matthew 11:28 (NIV) where He says, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” He offers to take the burden away. Jesus doesn't ask us to be perfectly composed and presentable before we approach Him. We simply need to come to Him when we are exhausted.

Here is how I learned to say goodbye to insomnia:

Acknowledge the Source: Since God created us, we must go to Him for the fix.

Daily Surrender: I came to Him every day, asking Him to fix the way my brain works.

Cast Your Anxiety on God: As 1 Peter 5:7 (NIV) says, “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”

God isn't annoyed by your fears; He is waiting to carry them.

A Call to Rest

As we end this year, I encourage you to let go of the anxieties, fears, and worries that you own. Let this be the year you stop fighting battles that are already won by God. Let this be the year you learn to sleep like someone who is protected, loved, and held by the Creator of the Universe.

“In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety.”

—Psalm 4:8 (NIV)

God cares about your rest and your sleep. Surrender is not losing; it is falling into the hands of Someone who won’t drop you.

Let’s Pray:

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for being the Father I can call Abba. You promised to give me comfort in my troubled moments. Please forgive us for doubting that You will take care of us. Give us the strength to go through life and keep walking by Your side. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection #1: “Still” by Hillsong. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “Sparrows” by Cory Asbury. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #3: “Peace Be Still” by Hope Darst covered by Lauren Daigle / The Belonging Co / All The Earth. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Christine Monteiro is a certified transformative coach, writer, and keynote speaker who is passionate about helping others navigate the complexities of purpose, personal growth, and resilience. 

Christine’s journey to becoming a coach started four years ago, following the loss of her husband to brain cancer. That experience left her feeling as though she had lost her purpose—a feeling she deeply understands in clients who she works with now. Through self-discovery and training, Christine found the missing pieces in her life and regained her purpose and drive that now motivates her to help others.

Christine coaches her clients from all walks of life—from young adults to retirees—helping them to embrace change, set meaningful goals, and confidently pursue their dreams. She has received training through Creative Results Management and holds credentials from the International Coaching Federation (ICF). Christine also has certifications in Positive Psychology and Mental Health Coaching from Yale and Light University. Her diverse approach to coaching her clients combines empathy with strategic insight, helping them to navigate every stage of life.

When she writes, Christine likes to focus on topics like finding purpose, coping with grief, and achieving personal transformation. As she writes, Christine draws from her own experiences as a single mom and empty nester. She enjoys sharing these insights on various platforms to reach a wider audience and foster community support.

When not coaching or writing, Christine spends her time sipping black coffee and swimming in the pool. She has found that having three independent children gives her a privilege to have a lot of “me time” that she didn’t have when they were growing up.

Devotionals for the Heart: Someone who remains the same every day

The Person and the Promise Remain the Same
A devotional by Patricia Russell

“Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.”

—Hebrews 13:8 (KJV)

I have found myself doing what my parents used to do when I was younger—pointing out places that “used to” be where a store or a building was located.

It has either been built over by a condo or new development, leaving no evidence of what was there before. I’m sure you can relate. Maybe you’ve gone back to visit a neighborhood that in your mind held memories but no longer looks the same. Sometimes it’s for the better, but many times there is a sadness that accompanies that change.

We were created to grow and become more like our Creator (God) and reflect His image in the Earth. Because of Adam and Eve’s original sin they committed in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 2:1-3:24) our human nature leans more toward evil than good. However, when Jesus Christ died on the cross (Matthew 27), was buried and rose again (Matthew 28), that event broke the power of sin over us (John 3:16).

Now, when we put our faith and trust in Christ, He gives us a new nature and the power to become conformed to His image. We receive the power to change for the better forever. It is an amazing gift of grace that was given to us by God, and it’s all based on a sure promise because our God cannot change and will not go back on any of His promises.

The promise of the Messiah (Jesus Christ) coming to die in order to bring us back to a relationship with God was a promise that never changed. Once again, the promise was made by the promise keeper, God, who remains the same. Our life as humans are filled with change: Our world is changing every day. Men and women alike are never satisfied with what they have but are always wanting more. Politicians make promises that often go unfulfilled. Today it’s sunny and tomorrow it’s raining. As we age, our bodies change too. I’m often stating that obvious, that I’m not 16 anymore! Our hair color goes from one shade to the next, and our other features change as we grow older.

Perhaps you’ve asked, “Does anything remain the same? Is anything constant?” The true answer is yes because God never changes. The writer of the book of Hebrews 13:8 (KJV) states, “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.”

You can open the Bible, read a promise in one passage, keep turning the pages and you’ll see His consistency: God does what He says He will do. His character does not evolve or become something other than who He has always been. Our faith can be rooted in this knowing. Our faith must be rooted in Someone who is constant and unwavering for it to grow. We have one constant in life who never changes: Jesus Christ.

There have been times when I’ve been discouraged and disappointed, but when I recall the goodness of God and how He has allowed me to hear a message, receive a timely phone call or text message I can see that He has not forgotten me. I can see how He has kept me. I can see His constant provision in my life. Why would I not trust Him whose name is “Faithful and True” (Revelation 19:11)?

Let’s Pray:

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for never changing. Your Word reminds us that You are the same yesterday, today and forever. There is no one like You. I want to be like You in character. Please help me to be consistent in my speech and behavior so that I can reflect your holy nature and serve You as a witness to the world for Jesus Christ while I am living on this Earth. 

In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection #1: “The Same” by Anthony Brown and Group Therapy. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “Constant” by Maverick City, Jordin Sparks, Anthony Gargiula | Ft. Chandler Moore. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

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

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

Her greatest joy is being married to her husband, Wayne, for 36 years. Together they serve the community through their local congregation as well as providing premarital and marriage coaching. They have two adult children, Raquel and Benjamin. As a two-time breast cancer overcomer, Patricia coaches’ others to develop resilience and live life to their fullest.

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

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

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

Devotionals for the Heart: Why God's perfect timing is worth the wait

Trusting God When His Gifts Are Out of Reach
A devotional by Sarah Cole

“And by faith even Sarah, who was past childbearing age, was enabled to bear children because she considered him faithful who had made the promise. And so from this one man, and he as good as dead, came descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as countless as the sand on the seashore.”—Hebrews 11:11-12 (NIV)

Do you ever feel like a kid beneath the Christmas tree, anxious to open God’s gifts now instead of waiting until Christmas Day arrives?

The week before Christmas, I would help my father wrap gifts while my mother was in the kitchen making chocolate fudge and anise candy. Dad crooned to Bing Crosby as he transformed boring brown boxes into colorful masterpieces while I sat beneath the tree, desperate to see their contents.

We are a society caught between wanting everything now and having to wait for it. We wait for our morning coffee to heat up, rush hour to clear up, the weather to warm up, and our bodies to shape up. But the more significant challenge is waiting for God to fulfill our deeper longings.

If you’ve been waiting for what feels like an eternity, find solace in knowing God’s delay is rooted in His perfect judgment and goodness. His plan may be mysterious, but His love for you is not. True contentment comes not from having everything we want but from recognizing that Jesus Christ is enough—that He is our ultimate source of joy and our reason for living.

Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV) is a powerful reminder to trust Him with all our hearts, acknowledging His perfect timing and wisdom. It says, “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.”

Feeling entitled robs us of joy and peace and fuels a never-ending struggle to align life with our wishes. I don’t know about you, but I find that exhausting!

If you’re tired of waiting and are tempted to take matters into your own hands, you’re not alone. Even heroes of the faith, like Abraham and his wife Sarah who we read about in the Bible, took matters into their own hands when they thought God wasn’t moving fast enough. Read Genesis 16:1-16 for details.

Trusting God means knowing at this moment you are precisely where you’re supposed to be. Like Sarah in the Bible story, who had unwavering faith amid uncertainty, you too can trust God to fulfill His promises, even if they seem far-fetched.

My waiting season began several years ago after I suffered three concussions. While I saw nothing good about my suffering, God used it to prepare me for my calling. By the time I recovered, God had already opened several doors for me to minister to women. My experience taught me this: Even when it seems like nothing is happening, God is working behind the scenes to prepare us for our ultimate purpose: to glorify Him.

As hard as it is to wait, I hope you let God use this time to prepare you for your promised land. And don’t forget to enjoy the present because tomorrow’s gifts aren’t meant to be opened yet.

Let’s Pray:

Dear Heavenly Father,

When my waiting season feels heavy, equip me to enjoy today as I trust You with my tomorrows. When doubts fill my mind, remind me that Your plans for me will unfold perfectly as I trust Your timing above mine. I’m grateful you love me enough to ensure all the pieces fall into place. When I can’t see the complete picture, I’m confident that the day I open Your gifts, I will be ready to enjoy them. In the Name of Jesus I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection #1: “Promises” (feat. Joe L Barnes & Naomi Raine) | Maverick City Music | TRIBL. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: "We Are the Reason" by AVALON. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Sarah Cole’s passion to follow Jesus Christ is woven throughout her writing. She loves using words to encourage women to embrace their identity in Christ so they can experience victory in every area of their life. 

In 2024, Sarah was a featured speaker in the 28-Day Devotional Challenge. She also launched her new Substack newsletter, "A Peaceful Pace", which inspires her readers to let Jesus Christ set their pace in a world that values speed at all costs.

Sarah’s short stories have appeared in the St. Paul Almanac, and Mysterious Ways by Guideposts. Her latest short story is featured in a new book published by Guideposts, titled Too Amazing For Coincidence.

Her devotionals have appeared in David C. Cook’s The Quiet Hour and Devotions, The Secret Place by Judson Press, and Pray a Word a Day by Guideposts.

Sarah is a dog sitter who lives in Minneapolis with her dachshund Frank. Her hobbies include cooking and vacationing each year on the Gulf Coast of Florida.

~*~
Connect with Sarah:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sarah.cole.52
Substack: https://colebopper58.substack.com/publish/home

Devotionals for the Heart: Dance through life following God's lead

The Dance
A devotional by Colleen C. Howard

“Let them praise his name with dancing, making melody to him with tambourine and lyre.”—Psalm 149:3 (ESV)

There’s a bronze sculpture in my family room of a man and woman dancing together. This is a treasured gift from the past. It catches my eye each time I walk into the room and causes me to remember the night when that sculpture found its way into my heart and home.

One December evening after work, I arrived home late. When I walked through the door, I caught a whiff of something wonderful cooking in the kitchen. A fire flickered in the fireplace, music filled the room, and my husband greeted me with a hug. Walking toward the kitchen, I saw an elegant bronze sculpture of a man and woman dancing together. A decorative envelope with my name on it was propped against the sculpture. Anticipation began to build inside me as I took the envelope, carefully opened it, and then discovered a gift I had always longed for: a certificate for ballroom dancing lessons.

Three months of lessons with the man I adore by my side. It just doesn’t get any better. This gift was more than just dance lessons from his heart to mine. He did this just for me, and it made my heart sing. A gift that shouted, “I love you” all the way down to my soul. Thereafter, I learned a lot of life lessons through ballroom dancing classes.

The most basic lesson in ballroom dancing is someone must lead and someone must follow. Yes, we were aware of that going in, but I don’t think I gave it any serious thought. However, I suspect that my darling husband knew all along—we were not going to rock the ballroom dancing world. Our challenge? We march to different drummers. And believe me, this is a problem on the dance floor! So much for smooth beginnings. This was the first of many dance lessons that season. We never got the hang of it, but that didn’t stop us. We fumbled, stumbled, twisted, and turned our way through each lesson. It was a joyous time, and there was much laughter.

This sculpture represents love and reminds me that dancing with someone is a give-and-take of the heart. My husband and I have been doing the marriage dance for quite a while now, and it’s not a problem-free endeavor. Sometimes he leads, sometimes I lead, and sometimes we step on each other’s toes. The dance isn’t perfect, but the music keeps playing.

The lessons learned from ballroom dancing remind me of my walk with Jesus Christ. I’m often distracted by the chaos of life and stumble off the path God has prepared for me. In His perfect timing, He gently reminds me to be still, know He is in control, and wait for His lead. Other days, I’m in step with the Savior and feel His presence at every turn.

When you walk through life with faith in Jesus Christ, you enter into God's loving arms and the dance begins. He is the master choreographer, guiding you gracefully through every leap and every turn. God will hold you tight and let you soar. He loves you, delights in you, and pursues you relentlessly. Accept His invitation to dance and your life will never be the same.

Let’s Pray:

Dear Jesus,

We rejoice as we praise you through prayer, music, and worship. Help us to remember you are in control. Just as life keeps moving forward, you’re faithful in guiding our steps, and will catch us when we fall. Praise be to God, the Father of all love and comfort. Please continue to lead us. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection #1: “Let it Be a Hallelujah” Lauren Daigle. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “Lead Me Lord” by Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir with Elizabeth Goodine. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #3: “Artist of My Soul” by Sandi Patty. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Colleen C. Howard is a Jesus follower, wife, mom, mimi, educator and author. 

She lives with her husband in the beautiful Arizona desert where the sunsets are spectacular, the summers are hot, and the winters are a little slice of heaven. Her two adult children and their families live nearby. She considers it a joy to spend time with her family members!

She is a lifelong educator and co-founder of an educational professional development business. After spending her professional life in education, Colleen retired as the STEM Specialist for a large public school district. As she approached the end of that season, God placed a strong desire in Colleen’s heart to shine a light on God’s presence throughout ordinary days and encourage women in their faith-walk with Jesus Christ.

When asked what makes her faith walk real, Colleen replied, “It isn’t just one thing, but a million little things. Although some days bring trials and others bring joy, it’s never just another day.” She says when you give your heart to Jesus, each new day is another opportunity to walk hand-in-hand with Him and begin to know the heart of God. As you become more aware of His presence, stop, take a breath, and watch what God will do.

Colleen holds a Bachelor of Arts in Education from Arizona State University and a Masters in Educational Leadership from Northern Arizona University.

She has been published online via these websites: Inkspirations, Her View From Home, and Inside Out Worldwide.

~*~
Connect with Colleen:
Website: https://www.authorcolleenchoward.com/

Devotionals for the Heart: Why we should look up to Jesus Christ

Look Up
A devotional by Suzanne Felton

“When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy.”

—Matthew 2:10 (ESV)

I have an early memory of being in a very crowded store with my mom during the holiday rush. As a small child, all I could see was a jungle of feet, legs, purses, and shopping bags all around me.

As we waited in the long checkout line, I must have been fascinated by my surroundings because I remember reaching out distractedly to grab my mother’s hand, only to realize that the hand I grabbed did not belong to my mother! Fear seized me in that moment, but fortunately, I looked up and saw a kind stranger’s face, and then my mother’s face smiling down at me, and all was made right.

The Christmas season can be overwhelming. Everywhere you turn, signs of the season are on non-stop full display, vying for your attention. Store displays, television commercials, radio playlists, neighborhood lights, and more bombard us from every direction. That’s not to mention all the holiday parties, pageants, potlucks, and other events that fill our Christmas calendars. All good things, but with so much going on at once, it’s easy to get swept up in the festivities and lose sight of what’s most important.

The Magi, or “wise men,” are familiar characters from the Bible’s Christmas story. They were educated men from an eastern land who recognized a new star in the night sky as an announcement of the Messiah’s birth. They followed the star in search of the newborn king. When they reached Jerusalem, they knew they were close, so they asked around for specific directions, saying, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him” (Matthew 2:2 NIV).

I wonder what it was like for the Magi when they arrived in the big, bustling city of Jerusalem, a place foreign to them where they knew no one, surrounded by unfamiliar sights and sounds. Were they expecting the people to already know about the birth of the Messiah, since the star they’d followed was there for all to see? That doesn’t seem to have been the case, since the questions they asked in town caused quite a stir. The Bible says in Matthew 2:3 (ESV), “When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.” The arrival of the wise men and the things they spoke of must have been huge news in Jerusalem. People were probably talking about it in the streets, spreading rumors, and crowding around the Magi, offering their unsolicited advice. Even King Herod heard about it. He summoned the wise men to meet him and gave them his own underhanded instructions.

I imagine the Magi left the buzzing city feeling a bit overwhelmed. They’d been told where to go by Herod, and probably others, too, but it wasn’t until they looked up and saw the star that they knew they were back on the right track. The Bible says in Matthew 2:9-10 (ESV), “After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy.” It was by keeping their eyes on the star that they found Jesus Christ.

As you enjoy all the trimmings and trappings of the Christmas season, remember to look up and keep your eyes on the holy light that still shines in the darkness so that you will find Jesus in the midst of it all.

Let’s Pray:

Dear God,

Thank You for sending your son Jesus into the world to save us from our sins. When we feel overwhelmed or distracted by the world’s expectations and distractions during this busy time of year, help us to pause and look up to You to guide us to the true joy and meaning of Christmas. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection #1: “Oh, Holy Night” by Nat King Cole. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “Look Up, Child” by Lauren Daigle. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #3: “Light of the World” by Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir. Listen to it here. 

~*~
Author Bio:

Suzanne Felton has been a writer for most of her life, even before she realized it. 

She has worked in a wide range of settings, from non-profits to science labs to government contracts to educational classrooms, all of which involved writing in one form or another.

Suzanne is amazed by the power of words and now 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 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.

She is a wife, mother, writer, reader, teacher, deep thinker, and sinner saved by grace. 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-five years, Suzanne is active in her church, where she and her husband have served as deacons for over a decade. They enjoy watching sports and visiting national parks with their two teenage sons. Suzanne is also an avid birder, easily and happily distracted by anything with feathers.

~*~
Connect with Suzanne:
Website: https://suzannefelton.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/l_suzanne_felton
Email address: suzannefeltonwriter@gmail.com

Book Spotlight on "A Verse a Day for the Anxious Soul" by Becky Keife

Why I Wrote A Verse a Day for the Anxious Soul (my book)

A guest post by Becky Keife

For years, I couldn’t name what lived inside my chest.

I only knew it felt heavy—like a brick I woke up with and carried into the night. I didn’t understand why my thoughts raced when everything around me was quiet. I didn’t have language for the ache that sat beneath the surface of my life, or the sadness that rose without warning and didn’t match my circumstances. All I knew was that something in me felt wound tight—tense, scattered, knotted up.

For a long time, I believed my anxiety was evidence that I wasn’t trying hard enough or trusting God enough. If I could just pray more, be more disciplined, more grateful, more something, then surely I’d find relief. Instead, I felt like I carried a scarlet A—not for adulteress, but anxious. And in my mind, anxious meant weak. Broken. Less-than.

Looking back, I can see how the enemy would have loved for me to stay stuck in that shame. Anxiety became a place I hid. A wall between me and God, and between me and the people I loved.

But walls, even painful ones, can become doors.

It wasn’t until I finally reached the end of what I could muscle through on my own that I discovered anxiety is both a legitimate diagnosis and, strangely, a gift. A teacher. An invitation. A place where God met me not with condemnation, but compassion.

My anxious soul was not proof that God was far away. It was the place He came closest.

Why This Book Matters to Me

A Verse a Day for the Anxious Soul was birthed from that journey—years of untangling knots, sitting in therapy, learning the wisdom of medication when needed, and slowly discovering that peace isn’t the absence of anxiety—it’s the presence of Jesus in it. And like any gift God gives, I couldn’t keep it to myself.

I wrote this book for the woman who lies awake at night replaying conversations, sorting through “what ifs” like pebbles she can’t put down.

For the mom who holds everything together on the outside but collapses internally under the weight of worry. For the believer who loves Jesus but wonders why her faith doesn’t erase fear. For the one who has prayed to be steadier, calmer, braver—and feels guilty that she still can’t breathe.

I wrote this book because we need a way to meet God in the middle of the spinning. A way to come—not as women who have it together, but as women who are tired of trying. Jesus never asked us to carry our burdens alone. He simply says, Come.

“Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28, NLT) Those words changed me. And I believe they will change you, too.

What I Hope You Experience

As you turn these pages of A Verse a Day for the Anxious Soul, you won’t find a quick fix or a magic formula. You’ll find a companion. You’ll find Scripture that breathes oxygen into weary lungs. You’ll find gentle truth for days when your heart feels loud and uncertain. You’ll find exercises that help you inhale God’s promises and exhale trust, one breath at a time. You’ll find prayers for the moments when your own words don’t come.

This book won’t ask you to ignore your anxiety. It won’t shame you for it. Instead, it will walk with you toward peace—slowly, steadily, kindly. A little each day. A step at a time. Because peace isn’t something we earn. Peace is Someone we come to. And when you do, even in the smallest, simplest way—reading one verse, pausing for one breath, whispering one prayer—you make space for God’s presence to fill the places fear once occupied.

Why I Believe It Will Help You

You might be holding this article right now with a heart that feels frayed or frantic. Maybe you’re tired. Maybe you’re discouraged by how often anxiety shows up in your story. Maybe you’re worried that you should be stronger by now. Friend, I have been there. Truly.

But hear me—your struggle does not disqualify you from closeness with God. It draws you nearer. An anxious soul is not evidence of spiritual failure. It is an invitation to deeper dependence. To rest. To renewal. To Jesus. If you let Him, He will meet you right where you are. In the racing thoughts. In the shallow breathing. In the midnight hours where your fears feel loudest.

I wrote A Verse a Day for the Anxious Soul because I needed a guide like this—practical, gentle, rooted in Scripture and overflowing with hope. And now I want to place it in your hands, so you never have to walk this road alone.

I believe, with everything in me, that peace is possible. Not someday when you feel stronger. Not when the anxiety evaporates. Not when life becomes easier.

Peace is possible today—because Jesus is here today.

Come with me.
Let’s breathe.
Let’s read.
Let’s walk toward rest together.

Your anxious soul is not the end of your story.

It might just be the beginning of healing.

~*~
Author Bio:

Becky Keife is a Bible teacher, speaker, and author of books and Bible studies. 

Her newest release is a 100-day devotional called A Verse a Day for the Anxious Soul. Becky is passionate about helping people hear God’s voice, embrace their true identity, and see God’s kindness even when life is messy.

As a mental health advocate, Becky equips individuals and churches to understand anxiety biblically and experience Jesus wholly. She loves long naps, puffy clouds, and shady trails. Becky lives in Southern California with her husband and three always-hungry teenage sons.

Learn more about Becky’s work and invite her to speak at beckykeife.com, or connect with her on Instagram @beckykeife.

Devotionals for the Heart: What to do when you're feeling overwhelmed

When the Inbox Overflows
A devotional by Terry Overton

“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”

—Matthew 11:28 (ESV)

I checked my email before the sun was up. Once again, my inbox is overflowing. It is full of two types of email messages: someone wants something from me, or someone wants me to make time for them to offer something to me. I looked at the list. Some of the unanswered emails were from weeks ago yet still unanswered.

I am in a season where I need support but want to avoid all demands. Have you been there? Life’s noise doesn’t just come from outside; it comes from inside—our thoughts, expectations, guilt, and “shoulds.” Even when we try to rest, our minds often scroll through tasks we haven’t completed. We feel we can’t stop because everything seems urgent.

But Jesus Christ’s invitation in Matthew 11:28 is not about adding another task to your list—it’s about relief. He doesn’t say, “Finish your work and then come to me.” He simply says, “Come to me.” It’s an open door in the middle of chaos, not at the end of it. Jesus says in Psalm 46:10 (ESV): “Be still, and know that I am God.” But the voice I hear in my mind is one that says, “Get it done or you will miss the deadline. Don’t stop now. You’re not tired! You can’t stop.” However, if I close my eyes and quiet my mind then I hear another voice. God whispers a calming message: “Be still.”

In an action that seems counterintuitive, I close my laptop. My heart is heavy. My mind feels stretched beyond capacity. I stop. I stop trying to finish self-imposed demands. I stop and whisper, “Jesus, I’m here.” He’s not checking my productivity to see if I’ve met my goal. He is not concerned if I achieved more today than yesterday. No, He is concerned with my well-being. He’s healing my exhaustion.

Have you felt this? Too many demands, schedules, timelines, and not enough rest? This is not what our Lord and Savior wants for us. He is our loving Father. He wants His children to feel His love, compassion, and peace. Stillness doesn’t always mean laziness or incompetence—it means surrender. It’s the pause between breaths where you let go of your busyness and remember who holds the world together (God, not you).

Psalm 46:10 doesn’t say “work harder and know that I am God.” It says, “Be still.” The psalmist wrote those words during turmoil, not peace. God calls us to trust Him even when the world presses us to move faster, produce more, be better at everything. God remains unshaken.

Resting in Him isn’t laziness—it’s surrender. It’s believing that God’s strength can hold what burdens you. His love is everlasting. This means He loves you when you are overwhelmed and He knows you need rest. When others demand, “Pay attention or answer now”, the quiet voice of Jesus whispers, “Abide in Me.”

The work will still be there, but resting in Jesus will provide you with strength and peace. Return to Him. Rest in Him. Trust God. His love will bring you peace.

Let’s Pray: Father, thank You for always loving me and protecting me. Teach me that rest is peace with You and renewal. Replace my hurriedness with silence and rest. Lord, I bring You my exhaustion and endless to-do list. Teach me to release what I can’t control, and to find peace in Your presence. 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: “Abide in Me” by Ana Laura. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

Terry Overton is a retired university professor of educational and school psychology. She has an Ed.D. in Special Education and a Ph.D. in Psychology. 

Her professional experience includes teaching public school, teaching at the university level, and being a college dean.

She has two children, seven grandchildren, and one great granddaughter.

Her previous writing and publication experiences include textbook and journal articles in the fields of special education and school psychology. She now seeks to answer God’s call to share the good news and grow the church by writing Christian books and devotionals.

Over the years, Terry’s books have won the Mom’s Choice Award, Christian Indie Award, Firebird Book Awards, American Writing Winner Awards, Bookfest Winner Awards, Pencraft Award, Reader Views Silver Reviewers Award, and International Book Award Finalist. Her writing examines real world events with a Christian worldview. She enjoys writing for young children, middle grade readers, YA fiction, and adult level novels.

Terry’s background in teaching adults and children shine through her stories that often include a character with educational or learning challenges. Her Christmas series, The Oddball Ornaments, features a box of misfit ornaments who first learn the meaning of Christmas and then discover the meaning of forgiveness. In The Underground Book Readers series, one of the main characters is on the autism spectrum yet is one of the leaders of the group of teens. Book one of a new series, The Messiah Brigade, features an awkward middle school nerd who helps his school turn around a bully gang of kids. Adoption and family issues are the focus of her new book, Charlotte McMaster and the Messenger Angel.

Terry lives in Texas and enjoys reading, taking pictures for devotional posts on social media, visiting with her family, playing golf, and writing.

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Connect with Terry:
Website: https://www.authorterryoverton.com
Blog: https://terryovertonbooks.com
LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/overtont