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10 Prayers for Teens This School Year and Beyond
The teenage years can be exciting as well as challenging. As we begin a new school year, our teens need our prayers. We can pray for them by focusing on their mental health, relationships with others, and relationship with God. Today, we’ll explore a list of prayers for teens at the start of this school year and beyond. Prayers for Teens Years ago, I was a high school teacher and youth leader for the teens at our church before having my own family. I’ll never forget a conversation with a mom who declared, “I know my son isn’t walking with God right now, but I believe my relentless prayers for…
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God Uses the Unqualified: 7 Reasons Why God Chooses the Weak
I recently met with a friend who has been telling a relative about Jesus. Her family member doesn’t know much about God and has been grappling with the message of the gospel. My friend shared how unqualified she feels to be teaching anyone about Jesus. I gently reminded her that God uses the unqualified to fulfill his purpose. God Uses the Unqualified It has been said that God doesn’t call the equipped; he equips the called. Scripture reinforces this truth. Today, we’ll explore Paul’s first letter to the Corinthian church as we discuss seven reasons why God uses the unqualified and weak for his purposes. Be sure to read to…
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How to Be Forgiven by God: Practical Steps Toward Healing
Years ago, I realized I’d made such a mess of my life that I wasn’t sure how to be forgiven by God—or if forgiveness was possible for someone like me. I’d grown up going to church, but I’d drifted in my faith. Angry with God over some disappointments, I turned away from him. When I finally hit rock bottom, I wasn’t sure I could be forgiven. Maybe you can relate. Today, we’ll talk about how to be forgiven by God and cleansed from our sins and mistakes. Be sure to read to the end of today’s post for a free devotional eBook to help you grow closer to God. How…
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14 Comforting Bible Verses for Hope and Assurance
The songbirds awoke me with their morning melodies, and until I checked the clock, I was sure it was still the middle of the night. Each new day begins early this time of year. Unable to return to sleep, I pulled out my Bible in search of comforting Bible verses to carry me through the day ahead. Writing the words in my journal, they felt like an anchor, reminding me of my source of hope. Today, I’m sharing the verses I listed. We’ll also talk about how to apply these Scriptures to our painful circumstances. I invite you to read to the end of today’s post for a free devotional…
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God Is Love: Making Sense of Suffering
“I know God is love. I know he can only be good. But everything about this situation feels unkind,” I admitted to a friend. “All of this is true,” she responded. “God is love. He is always good, only good. And this situation feels unkind.” I was dealing with a debilitating medical issue that struck at what felt like the worst possible time. As much as I wanted to trust God to sustain and equip me, it felt like he’d pulled the rug out from under my feet. As I walked through the situation, the following words repeatedly came to mind: “Everything God permits in your life is his vessel…
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Blaming God for Suffering: How to Release Offense
A curtain of stratus clouds shrouds the sun, and morning finds us with hoary light. As I gaze out the window, I remember a similar morning years ago. It was the morning I decided I was never again blaming God for allowing suffering or difficulty in my life. I told him that I would never again take offense, blame him, or hold it against him when trouble came into my life. Blaming God for Hard Times I made the commitment at the end of a long season in which everything seemed to be going wrong. Within the span of three months, both our young pet beagles died suddenly; our financial…
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15 Bible Verses for Depression and Discouragement
The snow was knee-deep when we awoke to another storm, flurries quickly escalating to whiteout conditions. The long, dark days of winter were taking their toll, and there was no end in sight. We all face long, discouraging seasons when we need God to lift our heads. Today, we’ll look at 15 Bible verses for depression and discouragement. I encourage you to soak in these words as you ask God to renew your mind and refresh your spirit. Before we begin, it’s also important to point out that God uses many different means to heal us. In addition to reading Scripture, praying, and seeking support from loved ones, pursuing help…
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Christmas Sadness: 5 Insights for Hope and Comfort
Snow falls heavily, and I’m alone with only my thoughts and the whisper of flakes falling in the forest. As I sit beneath the hemlocks, I’m reminded of a season years ago when Christmas sadness threatened to consume me. Everyone in the world seemed to be celebrating while I felt dismal and alone. It can be challenging to know where to turn when Christmas is hard instead of celebratory. Navigating Christmas Sadness Our difficult Christmas came after a year filled with illness, disappointment, and deep grief. We’d just watched a lifelong dream fall apart, and we weren’t sure where to turn next. We were grieving, and we were having a…
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12 Healing Bible Verses for a Broken Heart
We all face heartache in life. When these times come, an invitation always awaits: We can turn to the One who always understands. Today, we’ll explore 12 Bible verses for a broken heart and soak in God’s truth for our painful moments. Be sure to read to the end of today’s post for a free download to help you find healing and hope in God’s presence. Bible Verses for a Broken Heart Let’s take some time to uncover what God’s Word says about healing a broken heart. God’s Definition of “Good” Romans 8:28 is often quoted in difficult times: “God causes all things to work together for good to those…
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How to Lament With God: Finding Healing Through Honest Prayer
Years ago, a friend encouraged me to lament with God after a difficult loss in my life. “It’s important to let all these feelings out because they can lead to bitterness toward God if you hold them in. Tell him what you’re feeling. He can take it,” she said. Taking her advice, I went to the woods on a snowy winter evening. I let the tears flow as I sat along a quiet stream. I also let my anger out as I threw rocks into the water and told God that what happened didn’t seem fair. Verbalizing my anger, frustration, and confusion, I didn’t hold anything back from him. After…
