Devotionals for the Heart: When God gives you good things to enjoy in life

When God Gives You Good Things

A devotional by Kerry Sue Teravskis

“Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits—who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.”—Psalm 103:2-5 (NIV)

Isn’t it wonderful to pause and smell the ocean? To take in a pasture scene with grazing cows and sheep? To observe a newborn baby with his or her mommy? Or to take that first bite of a luscious lasagna complete with herbs and cheese?

There is something so satisfying about these things. The sea salt scented air is breathtaking and soothing all at once. It smells like home for me because I grew up in Southern California with all its beautiful beaches. Nothing can quite replace that scene or nature-made fragrance.

These places are not forgotten because they are etched into my heart and into my mind. They bring up feelings of peace, joy and fun for me. How about you? When you need to escape the doldrums of reality (such as our commute to work, the piles of laundry, the stack of dirty dishes), are you able to recall a place that brings you joy and a smile?

King David, who prior to becoming a king, spent his time as a shepherd, wrote Psalm 103. He begins this Psalm with a call to remembrance of all God’s benefits. Not some, but all. That is a lot of remembering. One of the things David wants us to remember is God satisfying our desires with good things. Notice it is not just one desire, but multiple ones.

What are you desiring right now? A good job? Better communication in your family? Restored relationships? A few more dollars leftover at the end of the month instead of leftover month at the end of your dollars? God does satisfy our desires with good things. The Bible says every good and perfect gift is from above, from the Father of the heavenly lights (James 1:17). God still gives good gifts in this modern day. He meets our needs, but even more, He satisfies our longings, our desires, the deep cravings of our heart.

What are you craving? Yes, there are the “here and now” things, but do you have a deep desire you have shared with no one because it seems absurd? Audacious? Far out there? Have you spoken these out loud to God? He already knows, but He loves to be included in your thoughts and dreams. It is how God shows you His love and direction. He demonstrates His provision and His goodness.

Are you experiencing a season of silence from God? Have you been praying for things for quite a while and yet no answer is the answer? I’ve been there—for five long years, at one point in my life. God was silent even though I wasn’t. I still read the Bible, prayed, went to church, and served, but there was this void in my life because I wasn’t hearing the voice of God.

Looking back, I can see He was there, but without words. He was enjoying my presence and wanting me to do the same with Him. I’ll admit I did a lot of complaining because I felt words were necessary, but it turns out they are not.

God satisfied me by sustaining me through that time with more than I could ask for—a place to hide in, a shelter, and a strong tower. A yoke to step into, and a green pasture to lie down in. He gave me water from a Rock, and faith handcrafted by His Son, just for me. Hebrews 12:2 tells us that Jesus Christ is the Author of our faith. Because of this, we can rest assured Jesus created our faith and He is daily writing our faith journey with Him and giving us what we need to trust Him.

God is good and He does good (Psalm 119:68). Always. He wants us to acknowledge this and to live in faith knowing that whether we choose to see the good does not negate the good He is and does. Let us recognize God’s loving hand in our lives and forget not all His benefits—all of them—and thank Him for all of it. It starts here with a heart of thankfulness. At the end of our time of thanking and remembering, God is there, meeting our desires.

If you’re in a season where you don’t hear God’s voice or receive answers from Him when you pray, just hold on and keep praying. He will provide in His perfect time. God is never late!

Let’s Pray: God, sometimes I forget all Your benefits. I look at the immediate, but You have been there all along taking care of my needs and even my wants. Thank You for blessing me with good and perfect gifts from above. Help me to see them as from Your mighty, powerful and loving hand of provision that is perfectly fashioned just for me. Thank You for satisfying my desires with Your goodness.

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

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Author Bio:

Kerry Sue’s life is very full because she is a wife and Marmee to three adult children—two of whom are married—and a new grandson. 

Kerry Sue met her husband in college and served on the mission field with him for a few years before settling down back in the United States of America to raise their family.

Kerry Sue’s family was a homeschooling family for 20 years and they enjoyed it immensely. For the last 24 years they have lived on a small farm in Northern California where they have raised many farm animals, along with growing and preserving their food. Kerry Sue’s family farm has been a great source of enjoyment and a place to host many family gatherings. She maintains an open-door policy for dear friends—old and new.

Following and serving Jesus Christ is an integral part of Kerry Sue’s life as well as her family’s. Whether it’s singing in the church choir, teaching children or leading and lecturing at a women’s Bible study, Kerry Sue loves to demonstrate her love for Jesus by giving to Him in service. She’s been a blogger for more than eight years, a Bible study writer for four years, and a devotional writer for more than two years.

Kerry Sue feels led to write about finding God’s Sovereignty in our suffering because of her own ongoing journey of more than four years, with the hope to encourage others.

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Connect with Kerry:
Blog: https://www.sovereignblog.com/home
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kerry.teravskis
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ksteravskis/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sovereignblog

Devotionals for the Heart: When you realize God is faithful through it all

God is Faithful
A devotional by Christine Monteiro

“So do not fear, for I am with you;

do not be dismayed, for I am your God.

I will strengthen you and help you;

I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

—Isaiah 41:10 (NIV)

This year has been one of the hardest for me.

In many areas of life, I feel slammed to the ground. My heart has gone numb, and I feel like I’ve lost myself. Day by day, I just survive—carrying out responsibilities even when it means doing things I despise. The world makes me feel unworthy and unseen, no matter how hard I try. I stumble, lose balance, and question my purpose.

I often ask myself, What am I even fighting for? It feels like I’m wrestling the wind—facing endless, unseen struggles. Each night I come home from the office physically and emotionally drained. For months now I’ve stood alone, holding myself up, with no one truly understanding my pain. I spin inside the storm, not knowing when it will end. In that endless waiting, I lose the energy to survive. At times, all I want is for someone to rescue me.

Recently, I felt urged to go to church even though I hadn’t wanted to for months. The sermon wasn’t a structured teaching but more of a testimony from an elderly pastor. At age 70, he had lived through many ups and downs with God, leaving a legacy by building schools for underprivileged children. His mission is simple—providing hope for those who might never dream of education.

Honestly, I went to church because the topic of the day was about finances. I was desperate for a glimpse of hope, a way to escape my burdens while supporting both my family and my sick mother. At first, I couldn’t follow the speaker’s message. But then he said something that pierced me. He said, “We don’t know what will happen tomorrow, but one thing I know: As long as I have the opportunity to serve the Lord, I will do it.”

The pastor reminded us that life’s true purpose is not in what we demand but in what we give. Proverbs 19:17 (NIV) echoed in my heart: “Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done.”

In that moment, my own vision resurfaced—the vision to help unfortunate teens. I realized how buried I had become in my personal suffering.

The pastor then shared about his seven grandchildren—three of them in top, expensive universities. Yet God provided for all of it. His story reminded me of my own daughter. She was accepted into a prestigious university I could never have afforded on my own. Still, God made a way.

I broke down, overwhelmed with tears. How could I forget His faithfulness? For all the essentials of life, God never failed to provide. Yet I had been demanding, ungrateful, and impatient, trying to force God to remove my pain instead of trusting His plan.

Responding to God’s call is never easy. He doesn’t hand us a full blueprint; He asks for obedience—one faithful step at a time. I had learned this lesson before, but somehow, I forgot. As fragile and forgetful humans, we are quick to doubt. But God, full of grace, never abandons us. His love is not transactional. He loves us simply because we belong to Him.

Philippians 4:7 (NIV) comforts me. It says, “The peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” That is the peace I need to refocus.

Now, as I cling once again to His promises, I feel His peace covering me. The storm around me has not vanished, but my heart has shifted. I know my next step: to repent for doubting Him and to walk forward with renewed faith.

Where have you been demanding answers from God instead of trusting His step-by-step leading?

Let’s Pray:

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for your unconditional love and mercy for me. I often fail to trust You. Even though You pulled me out of the pit many times, I still doubted You. Please forgive my sin and my doubtfulness toward You. When I feel challenged, remind me that You never leave me nor forsake me. Thank You for reminding me that I need to surrender to your perfect plan. It is your agenda, not mine. Please Lord, never tired of reminding me. I will be still and know that You are God until I can see your perfect timing. In Jesus’s name I pray, Amen.

Song of Reflection #1: “Deserved” by Anthony Brown & Group Therapy. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “Great is Thy Faithfulness” by Carrie Underwood ft. Cece Winans. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #3: “Faithful God” by I AM THEY. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #4: “Yes And Amen” by Chris Tomlin. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #5: “Constant” by Maverick City, Jordin Sparks, Anthony Gargiula | Ft. Chandler Moore. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #6: "He's Been Faithful" featuring TaRanda with The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #7: "Through It All" by Andrae Crouch. Listen to it here.

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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: When God's standards for living seem too high

Impossibly High Standards
A devotional by Suzanne Felton

“Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”

—Matthew 5:48 (NIV)

Of all the verses in the Bible, I think I’ve wrestled with this one (above) more than any other. As a perfectionist and rule-follower by nature, I want to be perfect. I want to get everything right every time. I hate making mistakes.

Perfection is the ultimate high standard, so shouldn’t we all strive to be perfect? In this verse (above) spoken by Jesus Christ, the answer is yes. But I’m not perfect. And I can’t be, no matter how hard I try. It’s hopeless.

Romans 3:23 clearly tells us that no one (apart from Jesus) is perfect. It says, “…for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (NIV). When we fall short of perfection, we tend to start comparing ourselves to others. Either we look for some way to make ourselves feel superior to someone else (thinking: At least I’m not as bad as she is.) or we put ourselves down and feel sorry for ourselves (thinking: Who could love a loser like me?). Neither of these mindsets are pleasing to God.

Part of the problem is that humans tend to define perfection by human standards. It feels good to get a perfect score on a test, play a perfect game, or have a perfect driving record. Those things are nice, but they’re insignificant in the grand scheme of things. But how often do we think in terms of wanting things like the “perfect” job, a “perfect” body, or a “perfect” relationship? We try to meet the world’s standards through our own efforts, but there’s always someone else who we perceive as having more or doing it better than we do.

When Jesus speaks of being perfect, He is not referring to worldly standards. He’s taking about following God’s laws perfectly. The writer of Psalm 119 expresses a longing to follow God’s laws perfectly while knowing that it’s not humanly possible. He wrote, “You have laid down precepts that are to be fully obeyed. Oh, that my ways were steadfast in obeying your decrees. Then I would not be put to shame when I consider all your commands” (Psalm 119:4-6 NIV).

I think that perfectionism is part of human nature. We all want to get things right. No one likes to fail. But we all do, all the time, and when we measure ourselves honestly by God’s standard of perfection, our failure seems even greater. If we all have an innate desire to be perfect, but none of us can achieve perfection, then why did Jesus tell us to be perfect?

A turning point of understanding Christ’s command to be perfect came for me when I finally read Romans 3:23 and the verse that follows it as one complete thought. It reads, “. . .for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus” (Romans 3:23-24 NIV). The Apostle Paul wrote the Bible book of Romans. He doesn’t end this sentence after pronouncing us all to be sinners and failures. He writes that, yes, we are all sinners who fall short of God’s standard of perfection, and we are all justified, or made right again, through the death and resurrection of His Son (Jesus Christ).

When we realize that we are all sinners, we can stop comparing ourselves to each other. No one can measure up to God’s perfect standard, and God’s standard is the only one that matters. We’re all in the same boat: equally sinful and equally deserving of God’s punishment. The wonderful news, though, is that we are also all equally loved. God’s gift of salvation through Christ is freely available to everyone who will receive it. Jesus is the way to perfection for all of us.

I love the way The Message version of the Bible translates Hebrews 10:14-15. Scripture reads, “It was a perfect sacrifice by a perfect person to perfect some very imperfect people. By that single offering, he did everything that needed to be done for everyone who takes part in the purifying process.” God is our Creator. He made us, and He knew all along that we would never be able to keep his laws perfectly through our own efforts. I believe He gave us that innate desire for perfection not just to show us how far short we fall, but to draw us to Jesus.

Christ’s command to be perfect in Matthew 5:48 is both a reminder that we all need perfecting as well as an invitation to be perfected by Him. God’s impossibly high standard will never change, but neither will His boundless love for us. Now that’s perfect!

Let’s Pray: Dear God, I know that I fall far short of your perfect standard. Thank You that I am not a hopeless case because I am made perfect through the perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Thank You, Lord! In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “How Marvelous” by Austin Stone Worship. Listen to it here.

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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.

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

Devotionals for the Heart: Why God wants you to look like Jesus Christ

Look Like Jesus Christ and Be Deeply Rooted in Him
A devotional by Patricia Russell

“Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither—whatever they do prospers.”—Psalm 1:1-3 (NIV)

She looked fabulous! Hair and makeup were stunning. The outfit she wore was sharp. She beamed with confidence and looked “picture perfect” until someone asked a question which seemed to cause her picture of perfection to unravel.

Her life was not what it appeared to be, and for so many of us, that is our story too. If you hit us hard enough, the area we thought was firm and grounded can explode in minutes just like when you hit a piñata hard, it breaks wide open and an overflow of candy gushes out. Perfection is what many of us are striving for, but deep-rooted conviction in truth and having humans reflect His Son (Jesus Christ) is what God is looking for in us. To look like Christ does not require a fancy brand of clothing nor an expensive price tag on our shoes. God is looking for something deeper. He is looking for a heart that hungers and thirsts after Him regularly. He is looking for those who desire Him over everything. Sometimes we have to become totally undone and hit rock bottom to realize that God is the only one who can fill the longing of our hearts, give us the peace we crave and satisfy the hunger that we need filled daily. It’s the cry of the desperate that He responds to. The voice of the weary who recognize that God is the one who can give the rest we truly need.

The person who delights in the law of the Lord and meditates on His Word, is described as a “blessed” person in Psalm 1:1. The Amplified translation describes this person as “fortunate, prosperous, and favored by God” who does not walk in the counsel or advice of the wicked. The psalmist uses the analogy of a tree whose roots are planted deeply and grow, making it clear that not only are they well-planted, but they are also healthy, thriving and blossoming. It is God’s desire that, like a healthy tree, our hearts and lives are so firmly planted in Him that we trust Him in not only the good times but when stormy weather confronts us.

We can be sure we are rooted in God’s love when He is first in our thoughts, desires and goals. We can know we are rooted when it’s His name we call on in times of trouble. Trees, when planted, are never left to fend for themselves. The person who plants the trees checks in on them to make sure their needs are met. Likewise, God watches over us and has provided for our every need. We can speak with confidence like the Apostle Paul that “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).

The Bible is our source of spiritual food and strength that our soul craves and needs. God’s Word is our guide providing us with wisdom and reminding us of our value. When our thoughts, plans and lives are rooted in the principles of Scripture then our lives are rooted, our thoughts are clear, and we will grow tall and strong just like the trees.

If your faith is shaky today, if you feel fearful or overwhelmed with life right now, plant your feet firmly, cry out to the Lord and dig deep in His Word. Read Psalm 1. Read it thoughtfully and prayerfully. Know that as you do what it states, your roots will go deep, and your faith will become deeply anchored in Christ. The winds will blow, but remember if you stay rooted in God, you will bring forth fruit, you will grow, and you will prosper in every area of your life.

Let’s Pray:

Heavenly Father, regardless of what I feel or see right now, the Bible says that when I delight in Your Word, I will be like a tree that is rooted. Scripture states that I am blessed. I believe what Your Word states. Please help me look to You, because You are the author and finisher of my faith. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection #1: “As the Deer Pants for the Water”. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “More than Anything” by Lamar Campbell. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #3: “What Faith Can Do” by Kutless. Listen to it here.

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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 34 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.

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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: How to live by faith with one small step at a time

One Small Step
A devotional by Colleen C. Howard

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

—Joshua 1:9 (NIV)

I think of God’s command to be strong and courageous every time I open the door from my house to the garage. Yes, I’m referring to that giant room attached to your home that stores cars, tools, memories, and perhaps an extra fridge with some snacks.

But when I open the door to my garage all I see is darkness and being courageous is not my first thought. A tinge of fear shivers down my spine as I take my first step into the dark abyss. But the instant my foot hits the floor, light floods the garage as if it’s high noon on a hot summer day. Where is this light coming from? Its seemingly magical appearance is due to the motion-sensor light bulbs installed in our garage.

But in contrast, each morning when my feet hit the floor, I head for the kitchen. Without even thinking about it, I assume the coffee maker will fill my cup, the shower will offer a steady stream of warm water, and of course, the car will start when I turn the key. So, why do I easily place my faith in these conveniences, but sometimes hesitate to trust God? I don’t know about you, but it’s difficult for me to surrender the details of my life without knowing what’s coming next. However, uncertainty is a given when walking down the path of life. When you decide to move forward it takes faith and courage.

Many writers, politicians, and soldiers have described courage as not being the absence of fear, but moving forward in the face of it. Personally, I’m partial to John Wayne’s quote, “Courage is being scared to death but saddling up anyway.”

When facing big decisions in the midst of a challenging season I know I need to turn to Jesus Christ and ask Him for wisdom. But humans are a complex mixture of faithfulness and fear. We want to trust, but we falter. We have faith, but it wavers. However, Jesus wraps us in His everlasting arms and is with us wherever we go.

But be aware, the enemy wants us to believe otherwise. How do we fight against the enemy’s attack? Take your fears to God and lay them at the foot of the cross. Ask Him to steady your feet, fill you with strength, and give you the courage to step out in faith—one small step at a time. God’s love for humankind is unwavering, and His grace is abundant for us.

Let’s Pray:

Dear God,

We are thankful for your love and provision. You hold us steady and fill us with strength. Shower us with the courage to let go of the fear and step out in faith—one small step at a time. We are in awe of you, the Father of all comfort and mercy. We love You, Lord.

In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection #1: “Turn to Jesus” by Katy Nichole. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “The Breakup Song” by Francesca Battistelli. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #3: “No Fear” by Jon Reddick. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #4: “What If” by Matthew West. Listen to it here.

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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.

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

Devotionals for the Heart: How to find hope in broken relationships

Finding Hope in Broken Relationships
A devotional by Jessica Brodie

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here.”—2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV)

Have you ever loved someone who ended up disappointing you? Maybe they hurt you emotionally, or betrayed you, or perhaps they did something to another person so awful you had to cut ties with them?

Broken relationships are one of the hardest things we humans navigate during our lifetime. The pain we experience, and the decisions we have to make, can be difficult and even traumatic. In my life I’ve rarely had to completely break ties with someone I’ve loved, but I’ve had to put firm boundaries in place. Even that can be tremendously challenging.

Perhaps because it’s so hard, it’s one of the topics I find myself coming back to over and over again, not only in my faith blogs and other nonfiction but in my fiction. I’m particularly drawn to difficult family relationships—mostly because you often feel “stuck” with your family, so you’re forced to find creative ways to deal with tension and brokenness. And sometimes those methods are decidedly imperfect. For instance, the sibling relationship is one of the most complicated and extraordinarily beautiful that we’ll ever experience. But sometimes, horribly painful circumstances can erect walls between siblings—walls so high they cause permanent damage.

That’s the crux of my latest novel, Tangled Roots, explores the broken relationship between Tiff and James, a brother and sister who were once so close they relied on each other for survival—but now they can barely speak to each other.

Tiff and James grew up in a dilapidated former mill town, two children of abusive, alcoholic parents. James was Tiff’s protector throughout her childhood—her hero—but their lives took two very different paths. He joined a gang and wound up locked up in prison for a hate crime, while she got a college scholarship and moved far away, burying herself in her faith and her future. Now, in peaceful Dahlia, South Carolina, she’s finally built the respectable life she’s always craved. With a proposal from her upstanding boyfriend Bobby, everything seems perfect.

Then she gets word that her brother has been released from prison—and his parole officer wants him to join Tiff in Dahlia. But Tiff hasn’t told anyone, including her fiancé, about her past—or about her brother. Nor has she forgiven her brother for the wrongs he’s done, or for abandoning her to survive the chaos of their family alone. And she can’t believe her brother really has become a born-again Christian and wants to turn his life around, despite his letters and his pleas. She’s also not convinced that she herself won’t repeat the cycle her family started.

I won’t tell you anything else, because I hope you’ll read the book and see how Jesus Christ triumphs over this seemingly irredeemable situation. But here’s the not-so-secret real-life secret: Jesus does fix our broken, seemingly irredeemable, seemingly unfixable messes.

I’m fascinated with Christian redemption stories, the way that deeply flawed people undergo a profound, miraculous transformation as they see the proverbial light and begin to walk God’s path for their lives. Perhaps it’s because I myself am a redemption story, and I’ve seen the powerful and beautiful ways God works in our lives. At its core, that’s where this book originates—in the notion that no matter how far away someone seems from Christ, no matter how many wrongs they’ve done or how bad a sin they might have committed, no one is exempt from the saving grace of Jesus Christ. No one, no matter what. There is room for everyone at God’s table.

God’s love is that powerful. One of my favorite Bible verses is 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV). It reads, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here.” That’s how big God’s love for us is—we who genuinely believe have the opportunity for a do-over, a rewrite, a truly fresh start, no matter what. In our relationships, sometimes that’s not possible or healthy. But with God, it’s different. God wipes our slate clean.

If you’re someone who, like me, has had to navigate your share of broken real-life relationships, take heart. On this side of Heaven, things don’t always get resolved. But sometimes they do. Yet no matter what, you can be certain Jesus is walking right beside you. He knows your pain and your heartache, your baggage and your guilt, your anger and your anguish. And he can help.

Let’s Pray: Lord, thank You for your willingness to shine your pure and holy light into the darkest of circumstances and the darkest of relationships. Thank You for meeting me in my pain and understanding the whole situation. I surrender all to You and your healing mercy. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection #1: "I Surrender All" by CeCe Winans. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: "The Master's Hand" by Annie Herring. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #3: "Broken and Beautiful" by Mark Schultz. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #4: "Testimony" by Terrian. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

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

Her two Christian contemporary novels, The Memory Garden and Tangled Roots, are Amazon bestsellers. Learn more about Jessica’s writing ministry and read her faith blog at http://jessicabrodie.com. She has a YouTube devotional, and you can also connect with her on Facebook, Instagram, and more. 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: When you didn't choose the valley lows in life

I Didn’t Choose this Valley
A devotional by Terry Overton

“I called on your name, O Lord, from the depths of the pit; you heard my plea, ‘Do not close your ear to my cry for help!’ You came near when I called on you; you said, ‘Do not fear.’”—Lamentations 3:55-57 (ESV)

Like most of you reading this devotional, there have been many highs and lows, seasons, blessings, and tragedies in my life.

Currently, I find myself walking through a lengthy valley with an uncertain future. It is easy to spiral in the wrong direction, repeating questions of “Why me?” or “Why now?” or “Why this?” and of course, the ever-important questions like, “Did I make the wrong choice?” or “Did I cause this to happen?” One can’t go through a rough patch without trying to assign blame.

These negative thoughts and pesky questions go nowhere. They occupy time and space that could be filled with God’s blessings. But it was one of these mornings walking through this undesired valley when I received the tiniest blessings which spoke to me of our great God. I was sitting outside in the space where I often go to meet God, read the Bible, sing praises, and pray. But this time, I had not retreated to the porch to find God. Instead, I went to my sacred space to escape being in the valley. I wanted something to feel normal as I gathered my thoughts and prepared for the rest of the day. But my mind was not in a good place, and my heart ached even more.

That is when it happened: A gentle breeze and a colorful dragonfly floated by. The first songs of the Carolina Wren called out. Another breeze brought a yellow butterfly zigging in and out. My heart and mind quickly remembered: God made these creatures. He still creates, establishes His will, and performs miracles. Everything is in His hands, including me.

In Scripture, we find stories of many people who walked through valleys they did not request. Job had everything taken from him, but he chose to praise God through the storm and trust Him through the trials. After those dark times were over, God blessed Job with even more wonderful gifts. Read the Bible book of Job for the full story. Elijah, fearing for his life, fled, and God gave him instructions on where to go to meet Him. What happened? A mountain was torn apart, and an earthquake rattled the rocks, and a fire emerged. But God was not there in the disasters; He was in a gentle breeze that came to Elijah. Read 1 Kings 19:1-12 for Elijah’s story. And how about Moses? He didn’t ask to be stranded in the desert with no food. What happened? God heard the cries for food and provided daily manna. Read Exodus 16 for this story about Moses. And what about Paul and Silas? They didn’t ask to be imprisoned for their beliefs. But what did they do? They praised God, and they were freed. Read Acts 16:16-40 for Silas and Paul’s full story.

There are many more examples of people in the Bible overcoming disasters far worse than my own. But they were never abandoned. God provided for each of them. He will provide for me. Walking through the valley, God will comfort me, He will guide me, He will provide. I didn’t choose this valley, but I will choose to see God’s hand in it. I choose to lean in and listen. I choose to open my eyes to God’s blessings. I choose to rely on His strength and not worry about being able to do it all. He is with me.

In closing, I’d like for you to meditate on this Bible verse. Psalm 23:4 (ESV) says, “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”

Let’s Pray:

Dear Heavenly Father,

My heart hurts at times. I did not choose this valley, but You have chosen it for me. I know You will be by my side through it all and provide for me. Remind me each day You are near. Help me to understand and feel Your peace each day.

In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection #1: “Peacespeaker” (Live from Prague)” by Heritage Singers. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “Psalm 23” by Kathy Troccoli. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #3: “Hills and Valleys” by Tauren Wells. 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