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How to Turn to God in Times of Crisis
Shadows flutter on the wall as the candle flickers golden in front of us. I’ve gathered our three children to pray because I want to teach them how to turn to God in a crisis. As our time in prayer begins, I open the Bible. I read the words that have been floating through my mind for the past few weeks now: “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land” (2 Chronicles 7:14). By the yellow glow of…
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God Has a Plan for You—Even When He Seems Silent
We awoke to a fresh inch of snow on the lawn on the first day of April, and it felt like one more day tacked onto a never-ending winter. Whether you’re facing a long winter or enduring a difficult season that seems like it will never end, it can be hard to hold onto hope. You need to know that God has a plan for you, especially when he seems silent. Most of us don’t wait well. Waiting for a dream to come to fruition or a difficult time to end can be deeply discouraging. God Has a Plan for You While You Wait King Solomon said it well in…
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How to Feel God’s Love: 8 Practical Insights
Not long ago, I texted a friend and told her about long days in a house filled with noisy children. “I wish I knew how to feel God’s love, but all I feel is chaos,” I expressed. Her response came seasoned with wisdom. First, she reminded me that regardless of whether I feel God’s love or not, his love is always with me. “Feelings are futile,” she offered. “Instead of aiming to feel God’s love, stand on his promises. Cling to the words he speaks about his love for you.” I realized she was right. We don’t always feel God’s love. Furthermore, we cannot trust our feelings. We have the…
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7 Stress Relief Bible Verses About Worry
After a long winter, a hint of auburn crowns the tree line on the eastern horizon. The buds are emerging on the maples. I’ve been feeling anxious about some changes that will take place in our next season. In response, I open my Bible in search of stress relief Bible verses about worry and stress in life. I need these Truths to wash over me as I step forward without fear or anxiety. Perhaps you need to soak in these assurances, too. I invite you to read to the end of today’s post for a free devotional eBook to help you draw near to God for peace and rest. Stress…
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15 Bible Verses About Faith Over Fear
Not long ago, our family faced a battle with fear that surpassed any fear we’d ever known. As we wrestled with fear regarding the life of our child, I anchored myself in God’s Word as I clung to Bible verses about faith over fear. Bible Verses About Faith Over Fear Nevertheless, the fear was relentless. On a cognitive level, I knew the answer: Faith pushes out fear and reminds us of where we find our hope. On a heart level, I had much to learn about walking by faith. Today, I’m sharing the Bible verses about faith over fear that carried me through that time. We’ll also discuss practical ways…
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The Truth About God and Your Emptiness in Life
The first red-winged blackbird appeared from out of the pasty white sky on a Sunday, and we marveled at the feeder like we’d never seen such a miracle. We were at the end of a season when all the emptiness in life had us feeling poured out. Everyday moments suddenly feel like miracles when everything else has been stripped away. In the aftermath of the longest kind of winter season, that first red-winged blackbird looked something like a scarlet-caped wonder. At the end of a never-ending night, just a little flicker of light can change everything. Emptiness in Life We knew a thing or two about emptiness in life that…
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How to Have the Joy of the Lord: 7 Tips
It’s an unseasonably warm Thursday afternoon, aspen leaves covering the ground with a golden blanket. It’s as if they’ve absorbed every ounce of joy in life and put it on display for the world to see. I admire them as I consider how to have the joy of the Lord. Ten minutes later, I rush through the aisles of the discount grocery store, filling my cart to the brim as other shoppers scurry to get in front of me. I’ve forgotten all about pursuing joy and think only about knocking out my to-do list for the day. When the last loaf of bread is scanned and placed gently on top…
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Hold Your Peace: Finding Rest on Life’s Battlefield
“The Lord shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace.” Exodus 14:14, KJV Hold Your Peace: Finding Rest on Life’s Battlefield Autumn tends to be a full season for our family. Every year, this season nudges me to seek a deeper level of peace in life when the demands of my days feel overwhelming. This year, I’ve been shuttling the oldest to cross-country practice, storing vegetables from the garden, writing words, holding things down on the homefront, and fulfilling all the normal requirements that fill our days. Slipping away to the woods, it feels good to pause in the middle of it all. How to Hold Your…
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How to Lean on the Lord in Disappointing Times
Do you need encouragement as you aim to lean on the Lord in a disappointing situation? Today, I invite you into our family’s world for a few practical insights on leaning on God. How to Lean on the Lord in Disappointing Times A few days before our son Caleb’s fourth birthday, I asked him what he wanted to do for fun. He requested a walk to the creek, and I threw out my plans for the day to take him to the woods. As sat along the quiet bank of the creek, I let him talk about his hopes and dreams. He was most excited about his upcoming birthday. “How…
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14 Bible Verses About Letting God Take Control
Morning’s first rays of light slip through the curtain panels like beacons of hope. “Lord, help me to let go of control and surrender my life to you today,” I pray. I’ve been on a journey of giving control to God, and every day is an invitation to begin again. Today, we’ll explore 14 Bible verses about letting God take control. Then, we’ll talk about eight practical ways to relinquish our desire for control to God. Be sure to read to the end of today’s post for a free devotional eBook to help you give God control in more areas of your life. Let’s begin by turning to the Word. Bible…
