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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…
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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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15 Healing Scriptures for Physical and Spiritual Well-Being
The season’s first skiff of snow greeted us with the dawn this morning, and I thought of the places we’ve been and the things that have changed since we last woke to a wintry morning. I pulled out my Bible in search of healing Scriptures to carry us into the new season. Recently, a friend remarked that everything God permits in our lives is part of his plan to heal us. I’ve been thinking about these words for days. Every relational struggle, health crisis, financial setback, and difficult situation exists to heal us. And the ultimate “healing” is that we will emerge looking more like Jesus. As we reflect on…
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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…
