God has given each of us purpose, and that truth keeps life from feeling random or disconnected. Psalm 37:23 (NLT) reminds us that our lives aren’t accidents or afterthoughts: “The LORD directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives.” That tells us God has been attentive all along — … More Looking Forward, Never Backward
When Sharon’s oldest daughter moved out, she had a pep in her step that lasted for several years. She’d finally paid off student loans and was only a few more years away from paying off her mortgage. Things seemed to be falling perfectly into place, and most of the plans she set for herself had … More Face to Face with Adversity
Ecclesiastes 7:9-10 (NIV)“9 Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit, for anger resides in the lap of fools.10 Do not say, ‘Why were the old days better than these?” When the world chews you up and spits you out, the emotional impact can be devastating—you feel it from all sides. At the start of … More Battling the War Within
Psalm 18:27-29 (NLT) “27 You rescue the humble, but you humiliate the proud. 28 You light a lamp for me. The LORD, my God, lights up my darkness. 29 In your strength I can crush an army; with my God I can scale any wall.” Psalm 18:27-29 answers any questions we might have about the incredible … More Vulnerability and the Willingness to Submit
Lamentations 3:55–57 (NLT)“But I called on your name, Lord, from deep within the pit. You heard me when I cried, ‘Listen to my pleading! Hear my cry for help!’ Yes, you came when I called; you told me, ‘Do not fear.’” “Get me out of this!”That was the only prayer I could manage in one … More Keep a Grip on Hope
Most of us know about Lot in the Bible. His record is a pretty eye-opening story. II Peter 2:7-10 (NLT) tells us: “7 But God also rescued Lot out of Sodom because he was a righteous man who was sick of the shameful immorality of the wicked people around him. 8 Yes, Lot was a … More Don’t Let Go of God
After a recent conversation with a woman about her fiancé, she realized she’s carrying a load of unresolved pain from her past relationship. It’s been nearly a decade since Sherry divorced her ex, and she’s been with her fiancé for the last two years. Despite her desire to enter her second marriage free from past … More Unresolved Hurt
In 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 (NLT), our Heavenly Father gave the Apostle Paul a powerful truth: “9 Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. 10 That’s why … More Shift from Reaction to Response
In 1 John 4:18 (NLT), our Heavenly Father teaches us that by embracing His love, believers are freed from fear. This verse states: “Such love has no fear, because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of punishment, and this shows that we have not fully experienced his perfect love.” As … More Don’t Make Fear Comfortable
Proverbs 16:24 (NLT)“Kind words are like honey – sweet to the soul and healthy for the body.” Recently, I spoke with a woman who has been grappling with feelings of betrayal for nearly two years now. You’d think with time, healing would start to take hold, but it’s not always that simple – especially when … More Coping with Painful Circumstances
