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God’s Invitation in Brokenness: Bible Verses About Pain and Hurt
Morning exhaled its first hopeful breath in shades of lavender. Watching from my chair on the deck, I breathed it in, needing the hope of a new season, a new beginning. It had been a tough season. Pulling out my Bible, I began searching for hope-filled Bible verses about pain and hurt. As I read God’s Word, peace flooded me. I found comfort, hope. Perhaps you need this today as well. Bible Verses About Pain and Hurt Today, we’ll explore a list of Bible verses about pain and hurt of various kinds. We’ll also talk about the ways God uses brokenness for our good and his glory. Be sure to…
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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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How to Keep Your Faith (With Bible Verses About Faith in Hard Times)
I walk through the forest as my mind replays the events of the past months. I recently received a phone call that felt like a punch to the ribs, and I’m reeling from it. As I walk, I remind myself that God is good, and he wastes nothing. Maybe you need this reminder today as well. I invite you to join me as we explore a list of Bible verses about faith in hard times and talk about how to cling to God. Bible Verses About Faith in Hard Times Let’s start with some insights on how to keep your faith when life is tough. 7 Steps to Keep Your…
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When Negative Thoughts Attack: 15 Bible Verses on Renewing the Mind
Several months ago, an unexpected turn of events left our family feeling derailed. Today, I’ll share the words I wrote during that time. Then, we’ll look at 15 Bible verses on renewing the mind as we aim to remain in alignment with God. Here are the words I wrote as we navigated the challenging circumstances: “Time has slowed this week. Our oldest child is home from school with influenza B. I have a herniated disc in my back. The rains of April are here, and our spring sporting events have been cancelled. And so we sit in the house, me with my heating pad, and Bekah huddled under piles of…
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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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The God Who Sees Me: He Hasn’t Missed a Moment
One of my close friends frequently reminds me that God never misses a moment of my life. Her words bring me comfort when I feel uncertain and overlooked. The God who sees me is always with me, providing for me. Today, we’ll enter into the story of a woman who felt marginalized, a woman who fled from a difficult situation in desperation. Then, we’ll draw seven lessons from her story that can help us trust in El Roi, The God Who Sees. Be sure to read to the end of today’s post for a free devotional eBook to help you find comfort in the presence of the God who sees…
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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…
