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Your Pain Has a Purpose, and This Is Part of It . . .
A wide arc of geese honks overhead like a black thread woven through the grey. I watch them from the deck and remember a similar evening several years ago. I sat on this same deck and let these words wash over me: “Your pain has a purpose. Don’t rush through this valley of suffering.” I was at the end of a long season of suffering, and most of the time, I couldn’t see the purpose of the pain. It seemed entirely unnecessary. Maybe you can relate. You want to know your pain has a purpose. Meanwhile, for the most part, it seems unnecessary. Today, we’ll talk about God’s purpose for…
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Submitting Your Emotions to God: 3 Steps to Help You
I spent most of my life believing that my emotions needed to be controlled and surpressed. Not recognizing the biblical truth that my emotions were God-given, I often wrestled with the intensity of my feelings. If you can relate, you’re in the right place. Today, I’ll invite you to begin the process of submitting your emotions to God. As we walk through this process, I invite you to join me as I walked through this process myself. Submitting Your Emotions to God Tufts of fog hover beneath an apricot sky as storm clouds roll eastward on the wings of dusk. I sit by the window and focus on breathing slowly.…
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15 Bible Verses for Wisdom and Guidance
Are you seeking God’s guidance as you step into an uncertain situation? Today, we’ll explore 15 Bible verses for wisdom and guidance. I’ll also share a testimony of applying this truth to an everyday interruption. Be sure to read to the end of today’s post for a free devotional eBook to help you walk in wisdom. Bible Verses for Wisdom and Guidance Let’s see what God’s Word says about seeking wisdom and guidance from God. 15 Bible Verses for Wisdom and Guidance 1. Proverbs 1:7 (ESV) The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction. “The fear of the Lord” refers to reverence toward God. When…
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7 Calming Verses for When Life Feels Overwhelming
We all face overwhelming moments in life. Today, we’ll explore 7 calming verses for when life feels overwhelming. I invite you to soak in these truths today as God’s peace washes over your soul. Also, be sure to read to the end of today’s post for a free devotional eBook to help you find peace in God’s presence. 7 Calming Verses for When Life Feels Overwhelming 1. A Verse for Overwhelming Moments You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you. Isaiah 26:3 This powerful verse reminds us that perfect peace is possible. Perfect peace is available when we return our wandering thoughts…
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A Prayer for Strength and Healing When Life Hurts
The Queen Anne’s Lace stands in full bloom—sprinkling the fields with flourishes of ivory. Admiring it from the window, I utter a silent prayer for strength and healing. Not long ago, I slipped into the woods on a balmy evening. As I gazed into the murky creek water, I assessed the state of my soul and realized I was wrestling with uncertainty. The creek bottom exhaled the pungent scent of decaying earth, and I immediately sensed an invitation: Anyone can declare trust in God when life’s going well, but it takes faith to declare our trust when life feels uncertain. A Powerful Prayer for Strength and Healing: “Lord, I trust…
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How to Give Thanks to God in Tough Times
Not long ago, I sat down with an older, wiser woman, and we had an honest conversation about our lives. We talked about how to give thanks to God in tough times, and she shared her wisdom and experience. No matter what you’re facing today, if you can learn to cultivate gratitude in difficult seasons, God will use it to lift your head. Here are a few things my friend offered to me as we sorted this out. I pray they encourage you to keep looking for God’s gifts in your life as well. Be sure to read to the end of today’s post for a free devotional eBook to…
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Psalm 23 Prayer Points With Scriptures
We all face times when we need the assurance that God is with us in the valley of the shadow of death. We need his assurance, comfort, and guidance. Today, we’ll explore six Psalm 23 prayer points with Scriptures to guide our prayers. Then, I’ll invite you to apply these prayers to your difficult situations. Be sure to read to the end of today’s post for a free devotional eBook to help you find comfort in the Lord. Let’s begin with our Psalm 23 prayer points. Psalm 23 Prayer Points With Scriptures Psalm 23 is an excellent model for prayer when life is difficult. Let’s use God’s Word to guide…
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Is God Calling You to a Balanced Life? (10 Insightful Scriptures on Balance in Life)
A pale moon hangs casually above the tree line tonight—like it’s in no hurry and has nothing to prove. I watch its slow ascent toward the heights of inky blackness, and I feel remarkably out of balance. I pull out my Bible in search of encouraging Scriptures on balance as I aim to align myself with God’s perspective. I’ve been feeling out of balance because our kids have been sick for weeks. I’ve crossed everything else off the schedule, set aside writing projects, and canceled plans with friends. Every ounce of energy has gone into caring for their needs. I’m tired, and I need the Lord to speak into this…
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Feeling Forgotten by God? This Is for You . . .
A single oak leaf glides on the breath of dawn like it’s in no particular hurry to meet its final resting place on the icy earth. I watch from the window and reflect on the events of the past day. We’ve been walking through some long months here, and a painful question lingers in my mind: Why am I feeling forgotten by God? I long for the gentle reminder that God is still at work in the areas where I’ve been waiting on him for years. Most of us know how it feels to wonder if the Lord has forgotten us. Whether we’re trudging through dark valleys of life-shattering losses…
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10 Bible Verses About Victory in Jesus
It rained last night—a penetrating, drenching rain. I sat beside the window this morning as robins pranced across the soggy earth, my heart feeling as melancholy as the grey sky above. Opening my Bible in search of Bible verses about victory in Jesus, I let the words wash over me. Bible Verses About Victory in Jesus Perhaps you could use some inspiration as you aim to rise above the cares of the world today, too. If so, let’s open God’s Word together. Be sure to read to the end of today’s post for a free devotional eBook that will help you establish a rhythm of connecting with the presence of…
