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Consequences of Bitterness in the Bible: Finding Freedom
We all face the temptation to let bitter roots grow in our hearts. Today, we’ll talk about the consequences of bitterness in the Bible and explore practical ways to find freedom. In Scripture, bitterness is described as a root that grows and spreads. If left unchecked, it hardens our hearts. Hebrews 12:15 warns, “See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no ‘root of bitterness’ springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled” (ESV). Bitterness is frequently associated with unresolved anger, resentment, and unforgiveness. It is the bad fruit of holding onto grudges and holding offenses against others. The Consequences of…
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5 Steps to Take When You Feel Angry With God
I recently went to lunch with a friend I hadn’t seen in several years. As we caught up on life, our conversation turned to God. Her face immediately grew cold as she expressed, “God and I aren’t on good terms right now.” It was clear she was angry with God. “Do you want to talk about it?” I gently asked. “Well, after everything that happened last year, I’m not sure I want to follow a God who would allow such terrible things,” she admitted. In the previous year, she’d endured some painful losses. I listened as she shared her story. I also told her about a time in my life…
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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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8 Prayers for Hope in Difficult Times
Instead of sitting in my usual chair beside the window, I recently went to the porch at daybreak. Something about being immersed in the morning light felt nothing short of redemptive. Opening my journal, I was reminded of a different season. The page offered prayers for hope in difficult times. Prayers for Hope in Difficult Times We’re not in the middle of a crisis right now, but as I read the prayers from years ago, was filled with hope for the long winter months ahead. Perhaps you need hope today as well. If so, here are eight prayers of hope to encourage you. Be sure to read to the end…
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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…
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15 Bible Verses About Surrendering to God
Robins chatter on the lawn, delighted after an early morning deluge chased the earthworms from their sleepy hideaways beneath the earth. As I watch them from my chair beside the window, I pull out my Bible in search of Bible verses about surrendering to God. I’ve been clinging to control lately, I need God to help me release my clenched fists and trust him. Today, I’m sharing 15 Bible verses about surrendering to God. May these Scriptures help us all release our grip and trust God. I also invite you to read to the end of today’s post for a free devotional eBook to help you surrender to God daily.…
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Trusting God With Your Wounds: Bible Verses for Inner Healing
Evening casts a hushed shadow over the valley, and I pause to listen to the chimelike song of a red-eyed vireo. Our family has slipped away for a weekend in the woods, and everything about this weekend feels like an invitation to a deeper level of inner healing. Pulling out my Bible, I make a list of Bible verses for inner healing. In the silence of the woods, I let the words wash over me and begin the process of healing me on a deeper level. Today, I’ll share these Bible verses for inner healing. Then, we’ll talk about how to seek God for emotional and spiritual healing. Be sure…
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15 Powerful Bible Verses About Hope in Suffering
Pale winter sunlight slips through the curtain, and splashes of cobalt rupture heaven’s veil. Winter feels long in these parts. Hard circumstances are unfolding in the world around us, and I open crinkled pages in search of a few Bible verses about hope in suffering. Regardless of its form, God invites us to draw near to him in times of suffering and heartache. Today, we’ll look at 15 Bible verses for hope in suffering. Be sure to read to the end of today’s devotion for a free devotional eBook for hope in suffering. Powerful Bible Verses About Hope in Suffering Perhaps these words hold the secret to navigating suffering: If…
