Prayer: Father, I surrender...

Father God,

I come before You with a heart that feels exhausted, overwhelmed, and heavy. God, it feels like depression is swallowing me whole, like the darkness is getting louder than the hope I am trying so hard to hold onto. You see the battles I do not have the words to explain. You see the tears I wipe away, the moments I feel numb, the thoughts that tell me I am too tired to keep going. You see every part of me, even the parts I feel ashamed of, and You do not turn away.

God, remind me that my feelings are real, but they are not the final truth. Depression may feel like a wave crashing over me, but You are the One who holds me when I cannot hold myself. When my mind tells me I am alone, remind me that Your presence has never left me. When my heart feels broken beyond repair, remind me that You are close to the brokenhearted and that You are still working in places I cannot see.

Father, I am tired of fighting battles that nobody else knows I am fighting. I am tired of pretending I am okay when I feel like I am falling apart inside. Please meet me in this moment. Give me strength for today, not just for tomorrow. Give me the courage to take the next breath, the next step, the next small moment. Help me stop measuring my worth by how productive I am, how strong I appear, or how well I can hide my pain. Remind me that I am Your beloved child before I am anything else.

Be Strong And Courageous

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous.” These words were spoken to Joshua at a moment of overwhelming responsibility. Moses was gone, the wilderness years were ending, and the Promised Land stood ahead, along with battles, uncertainty, and challenges far greater than Joshua could overcome in his own strength.

Notice God didn't tell Joshua to be strong because the path would be easy. He commanded courage because His presence would go with him.

Biblical courage isn't the absence of fear, but obedience in the presence of fear. It's choosing to trust God when the future is unclear, circumstances are overwhelming, and your own strength feels insufficient.

The Lion of Judah still goes before His people today. He remains sovereign over every battle, every uncertainty, every closed door, and every impossible situation in your life. Whatever lies in front of you today, remember the rest of the verse: “Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”

Be strong and courageous.

- David Delfeld

Provided by "I Am With You Always"

Prayer: Trusting God's Presence In The Darkness

Provided by Ellie Mont

Prayer: Peace and Protection...

Finding Contentment Through Christ's Strength

 “I am able to do all things through him who strengthens me.”

Philippians 4:13 (CSB)

Help!

This word may be simple, but my prayer sure wasn’t. It was one of the most gut-wrenching prayers I had ever prayed … and the most powerful.

It came after months of watching an already heartbreaking situation spin devastatingly out of control. I had cried out in prayer many times, offering up my solutions to God. But I was all out of words, with nothing left but a cry for help.

Have you ever come to the end of yourself like that?

I’m reminded of Philippians 4:13: “I am able to do all things through him who strengthens me.”

Sometimes we may be tempted to read this verse out of context, but God's Word isn't cheerleading us to do whatever we want. While it’s true that anything good we accomplish is by God's power (John 15:5), if we zoom out a bit in the book of Philippians, we see Paul’s words weren't really about achieving our dreams.

Instead, Paul wrote his letter to the church in Philippi to encourage believers to find joy in Christ, persevere in faith no matter what, and “be content” in all circumstances (Philippians 4:11-12, CSB). The good and the bad. Moments of triumph and moments of desperation and emptiness.

When he wrote this around A.D. 60-64, Paul was imprisoned in Rome for preaching the gospel. When he said, “I am able to do all things,” he mostly meant things no one wants to do, like endure suffering and wait for God to intervene. Yet Paul revealed the secret to his contentment: It came by Christ’s strength alone.

Paul was not speaking about mere feelings of happiness, which he wasn't feeling in prison. Instead, true contentment means deeply trusting in God’s sovereignty and receiving His peace even when life feels overwhelming.

In my situation, I had been fighting God for control. I knew my desired outcome. Though I knew I should pray for His will to be done … what if His will went against everything I desperately wanted to happen?

But my strength was gone, so I had only two choices: 1) give up and sink into despair or 2) trust the God of the universe to do what He knew was best.

I chose the latter. And while the situation didn’t change, I sure did. Peace flooded my heart as I went from wrestling God to resting in His sovereign power and grace.

Contentment amid heartbreak is possible when we choose to rely on His strength rather than our own. Is there something you need to let go of to experience that for yourself? Will you trust Him enough to do so? Even if all you have to offer is a cry for help, that's all you really need.

Father, trusting You can be hard, but wrestling You is even harder. Give us the strength to lay down our resistance so we can experience true strength and contentment that comes only from You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

- Stacy J. Lowe
Provided by "Proverbs 31 Ministries"

The Weight That Holds Us Steady

“This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, ”

Hebrews 6:19a (NKJV)

Recently, my husband and I went on a cruise for our 25th anniversary. As we rested on the balcony, watching the waves go by, I caught myself imagining what would happen if the ocean decided to get unruly.

The ship would have no choice but to drop anchor. Then the waves may not stop, but they would lose their power to push us off course. We would be held steady by something heavy, strong, and unseen.

That image immediately reminded me of Hebrews 6:19a: “We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.”

If you think about it, anchors don’t get much credit. They’re covered beneath the waterline, doing the quiet work of keeping everything grounded. By definition, an anchor is a heavy object attached to a cable or chain and used to moor a ship, fixing it firmly and securely in one place. Without that secure attachment, a ship does not stay put. It drifts.

We tend to drift in our own way, don't we? With a few hard hits, disappointments we didn’t see coming, or unanswered prayers … our souls loosen their grip on God. It’s not that we stop believing in Him, but the waves of life wear us out.

Drifting never announces itself; it just happens quietly and slowly. On the ship’s deck that day, it was like I heard a whisper in my heart: Are you drifting?

God invited me to pause long enough to reflect on what my soul had attached itself to for stability and whether that mooring point was actually strong enough to hold me during life’s storms. I had to admit that after facing a series of personal setbacks, my faith was wavering. I felt disconnected and was drifting without direction.

As I searched the Scriptures, I also came across Psalm 62:5, and it hit me like holy correction: “Rest in God alone, my soul, for my hope comes from him” (CSB). This truth recentered me and made me thankful for the hope I have in Christ, knowing my faith is secure in the God who is always faithful.

He is the One who holds us steady when circumstances feel unfair, unfinished, or overwhelming. Friend, when life is storm-tossed, when emotions get out of control, when fear or doubt shows up, when insecurity starts rearing its head, this is your reminder and mine: Hope in Christ.

We don’t get to escape the waves, but we do get to choose where we anchor. Christ is steady, trustworthy, and unshaken. Rest your weight there. He is strong enough to hold you.

Lord, when life feels unsteady, teach us to anchor our souls in You. Remind us that hope in Christ is stronger than any storm. Strengthen our faith, settle our fears, and keep us close. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

- Dr. Avril Occilien-Similien
Provided by "Proverbs 31 Ministries"

Seasons In Life

Some seasons in life feel heavier than we can bear. They press on our hearts and stretch us in ways that leave us exhausted, unsure, and overwhelmed. Paul understood this when he wrote in 2 Corinthians 1:8-9 that he and his companions were under great pressure, far beyond what they could endure. He admits that the trials they faced were bigger than human strength alone. Even the most faithful of hearts encounters moments that feel impossible.

But here is the truth: God does not place us in these seasons to crush us. He allows them to teach us dependence, to draw us closer, and to deepen our trust in Him. When life feels unbearable, when our resources and understanding fail, that is when faith becomes real. That is when we discover that we do not have to carry life on our own. Hardship becomes a doorway to intimacy with God, a moment where His presence feels undeniable because it is all we have to lean on.

These trials are not meaningless. They are shaping your character, strengthening your patience, and cultivating courage in the places fear used to live. They teach you to trust Him when the way forward is unclear and to rest in Him when your strength is gone. What feels overwhelming now is preparing you for the victories to come. God is teaching you not defeat, but reliance, showing that even in weakness, His power is made perfect.

If today feels heavy, do not despair. Lean into Him. Be patient. Be brave. Let this season shape your faith and deepen your relationship with God. Even in the unknown, even in the struggle, His purposes are good, and His presence is faithful. The pressure you feel now is not the end of your story. It is shaping you, refining you, and preparing you for the life God has already planned, a life marked by trust, courage, and victory.

- Ellie Mont 

When You’re Clinging to the Dust

My soul clings to the dust; Revive me according to Your word.

Psalm 119:25

I was overwhelmed - thrown into the most difficult and desperate time of my life. I had trouble concentrating without tears welling up, my mind drifting, every thought leaving me more unsettled. I couldn’t picture the future, and I kept fixating on the worst possible outcomes.

Maybe you can relate to those feelings. Your painful season may look different from mine, but the heartbreak is often the same.

Everything unraveled right after my husband unexpectedly left our family, leaving me bewildered. I thought he loved me. I thought his distance was because of work. But now, as I sat sobbing in my closet, everything was uncertain. I couldn’t string a coherent thought together. My kids were confused and angry. God felt distant, and I didn’t know how to connect with Him.

Talking to friends was helpful, but I felt defensive when questions came up. And most of the time, there was no one to talk to. Everyone’s lives were busy, especially when I felt discouraged.

When no one was available to process things with me, I’d reluctantly settle for talking to God. I’d wander over to the table where my Bible and journal waited for me. I rarely wanted to open it, but I knew that, like medicine, this would be good for me. Honestly, it felt more like flossing than feasting - it was something I needed to do even if I didn’t feel like it.

Sometimes I would read and reread the same passage, my mind drifting to my problems instead of the words in front of me. I’d been in Psalm 119 for days, and the words were all blurring together. I couldn’t relate to the psalmist’s continual praise of Scripture.

Then I read, “My soul clings to the dust; Revive me according to Your word” (Psalm 119:25).

This I could relate to. That’s how I felt. My soul was beaten down, and I needed revival. So I prayed that verse - really prayed it. God needed to renew me because I couldn’t muster up anything myself.

As I kept reading, I sensed a surprising lightness as the words of Scripture came to life. God was reviving me as I watched my outlook, my hope, and my peace begin to change. The words that days earlier felt flat suddenly became vibrant.

That transformation was over 15 years ago, and Scripture has continued to meet me. It began with my desperate need - leaning on God’s Word to change me and waiting expectantly for Him.

If you’re walking through something difficult right now, the last thing you might feel like doing is spending time with God in His Word. But, friend, that is the very thing that will renew your soul, transform your perspective, and give you lasting hope. God is waiting to meet you in His Word - will you join Him there today?

Lord, I know Scripture has power, but sometimes reading it feels like a chore. Give me a desire to read Your Word, and transform me through it. Revive me according to Your Word. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

- Vaneetha Rendall Risner

Provided by "Proverbs 31 Ministries"

Why Is This Happening?

Trust that every circumstance is permitted by God to draw you closer to Him. This doesn’t mean every circumstance is good. It means every circumstance is used. The pain, the delay, the confusion, the moments where you feel like you’re carrying more than you can handle - none of it is outside His awareness, and none of it is wasted. Scripture is clear - God doesn’t just work despite your situation… He works through it.

Jesus, under the weight of the cross, wasn’t outside the will of God - He was walking directly through it. The suffering wasn’t random. It was purposeful. It was leading somewhere. What looked like defeat was actually the path to redemption.

The same principle applies to your life.

The situation you’re in right now that feels heavy, the one you don’t fully understand - may actually be the very place God is using to shape your faith, refine your character, and pull you closer to Him. Not to break you, but to deepen you.

God’s goal isn’t just to make your life easier. It’s to make your life eternal. Sometimes, the road that leads you closest to Him is the one you never would have chosen.

So don’t just ask, “Why is this happening?” Start asking, “How is God using this to draw me closer to Him?”

- David Delfeld

Provided by "I Am With You Always"

Jesus Wants You To Know...

"One of the hardest things about trials is the uncertainty about how long they will last. Usually, you can’t predict or control the unpleasant circumstances. You just have to live with them indefinitely. At times you may feel as if you can endure no more, but you can always reach out to Me for help. As you cling to Me moment by moment, I enable you to persevere. This produces in you not only endurance but also a harvest of righteousness and peace." "No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it." - Hebrews 12:11 - "Jesus Lives" by Sarah Young

In The Middle Of The Noise

When your mind will not slow down, it can feel exhausting in a way that is hard to explain. Your body might be still, but your thoughts keep moving. You try to rest, but your head fills with reminders, worries, conversations, plans, and fears. One thought leads to another and then another. Before you know it, you feel overwhelmed and worn out, even if you have not done anything yet.

You want to pray, but it feels hard to focus. You want peace, but your mind keeps running back to everything you need to do, everything you forgot to do, and everything you are trying to figure out. It can make you feel distant, distracted, and tired.

God understands what it feels like to carry a restless heart.

In Psalm 94:19 it says, “In the multitude of my anxieties within me, Your comforts delight my soul.” That verse does not pretend that the thoughts are not there. It says a multitude. A mind full. Thoughts layered on top of each other. And right in the middle of that, God’s comfort is still present.

You do not have to wait for your mind to be perfectly calm to come to God. You can come with all the noise. You can come with every anxious thought. You can come when you feel scattered.

Isaiah 26:3 says, “You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.” Peace is not something you force. It is something God holds for you. When your thoughts start running in every direction, you can gently bring your attention back to Him again and again. Even if it lasts only a few seconds at a time.

2 Corinthians 10:5 says we can bring “every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.” That does not mean you will never have anxious thoughts. It means you are allowed to hand them over, one by one. Every fear. Every pressure. Every what if. You do not have to carry them all by yourself.

And in Philippians 4:7, there is this promise: “The peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Not peace that makes sense. Not peace that comes because everything is figured out. Peace that stands guard over your mind when it feels like too much.

If your mind will not stop racing, you are not failing. You are human. You are carrying a lot. And God is not standing far away waiting for you to get it together. God is near in the middle of it.

Even if your prayer is just a deep breath.

Even if your prayer is just, God help me.

Even if your thoughts are still loud.

God meets you there, in the middle of the noise, and holds you with a gentleness that does not rush you or shame you.

- Ellie Mont

Faith and Perseverance

Your faith and perseverance through intense trials are truly incredible. I can only imagine how heavy this season must feel. Fighting battles you never asked for. Carrying burdens that feel unbearable. Waking up each day knowing you still have to show up for people who need you, even when you feel worn down to your core. And yet, despite everything pressing against you, you are still standing.

That matters more than you realize.

There are seasons where survival itself is an act of courage. Where simply staying faithful, staying kind, staying present takes more strength than anyone else can see. You may not feel strong. You may feel stretched thin, exhausted, and unsure how much longer you can keep going. But heaven sees what you carry. God sees the weight you hold and the tears you hide and the prayers you whisper when words are hard to find.

You did not choose this trial, but you chose to trust God in it. You did not ask for this pain, but you are allowing God to meet you in the middle of it. That is not weakness. That is faith in its rawest, most honest form. Faith that shows up even when the outcome is uncertain. Faith that keeps walking even when the road feels endless.

Your perseverance is not accidental. It is evidence that God’s hand is steady on your life. Evidence that you are being sustained in ways you cannot fully see yet. God is strengthening you day by day, breath by breath. Even on the days when all you can do is keep going, that is enough.

You are not failing because you feel tired. You are not falling behind because you need rest. You are human, and you are held. God is not disappointed in you for struggling. God is near you in the struggle.

So keep standing. Keep trusting. Keep bringing your honest heart before God. This season does not define you, but it is shaping you. And one day, you will look back and see that you were never carrying this alone.

Your endurance is a testimony. Your faith is seen. And God is not finished with your story.

- Ellie Mont

Perfect Peace

Some days my soul is restless, searching for something solid to hold onto. I confess: the weight of life overwhelms me and I forget there’s a peace that doesn’t vanish with the evening news. But then I remember: "You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in You." (Isaiah 26:3 NIV) Lord, steady my heart. Help me stay anchored in You when waves threaten to pull me under.

Provided by "Word of Encouragement"

What To Do When Fear Fuels Our Suffering

“I said, ‘If only I had wings like a dove! I would fly away and find rest.’”

Psalm 55:6 (CSB)

Have you ever read something in Scripture and thought, Wow, this really resonates with me? Because that's exactly how I feel when reading Psalm 55:4-6:

“My heart shudders within me; terrors of death sweep over me. Fear and trembling grip me; horror has overwhelmed me. I said, ‘If only I had wings like a dove! I would fly away and find rest’”.

The raw honesty here is almost startling. David wasn’t sugarcoating or putting on a brave face. He said exactly how he felt when life was coming at him hard.

But here’s what I’ve learned and David discovered, too: Before we are able to fully process suffering, we often need to deal with the fear that’s fueling our suffering.

Fear has this terrible way of keeping us frozen in our pain. It’s like being stuck in quicksand; the more we struggle against it in our own strength, the deeper we sink. The harder we try to pull ourselves out, the faster we sink.

So what’s the first step out of fear? We have to get honest and name it.

David didn’t just say, “I’m scared” - he got specific. He identified his fears as coming from harsh words spoken against him, from people who acted wickedly, and from disaster and harassment caused by those determined to harm him (Psalm 55:3-4). And here’s the part that really stings: Some of this was coming from people he thought were friends (Psalm 55:12-14).

I have a suspicion we could all raise our hands right now, nodding along, saying, “I totally get it.” Betrayal by people we trusted, harsh criticism, feeling attacked or misunderstood - these experiences create fear that can paralyze us.

So how did David handle this? And how are we supposed to handle it when fear threatens to drown us? David said, “But I call to God, and the LORD will save me” (Psalm 55:16).

That little word “but” is doing some heavy lifting. It’s creating a contrast and inviting us into a marked moment. Everything before it was an honest acknowledgment of pain and fear. Everything that follows is a deliberate choice to turn toward God instead of remaining trapped in terror.

When fear is fueling your suffering, remember David’s progression. Be honest about what you’re feeling, name your specific fears, and then make the conscious choice to call out to God. He hears you. He sees what’s happening. He promises to sustain you through it.

You don’t have to fly like a dove to find rest. You just need to remember that the God who has been enthroned from long ago is still on His throne today, and He’s got you. You don’t need wings because God Himself lifts you and shelters you in His embrace.

Lord, when fear overwhelms me and I long to escape, help me remember You are my refuge. Give me the courage to name my fears and the faith to call out to You, trusting You will sustain me. Thank You for being my resting place. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

- Dr. Joel Muddamalle
Provided by "Proverbs 31 Ministries"

Motivational: "Find Strength In God's Word"

Made To Be Good, Not Just Feel Good

I wait for the Lord, my soul waits,

And in His word I do hope.

Psalm 130:5 (NKJV)

The challenges kept coming. Just when I thought I was recovering and getting back up on my feet after one hardship, another difficulty would come crashing in and send me right back to my knees.

Financial insecurity.

Relational stress.

Struggling children.

Professional uncertainty.

Illness.

I couldn’t catch my breath. There wasn’t a direction I could look and find peace, abundant life, or the provision I felt God had promised me.

These struggles aren’t unique, and the urge to give up when everything feels overwhelming is something we all experience. So what do we do when we want to quit? When we feel like we’re in over our heads and our emotions are screaming, You are never going to make it through this?

Personally, I like to take the easiest route. A venting call with a friend helps for a moment. Or I’ll try out the latest productivity hack that will pull my head above water for a couple of days. I might even get really disciplined and go for a “30-Day Reset” plan I saw online, which sometimes gives me a few weeks of reprieve.

But honestly, none of these tricks brings lasting change.

The only place I have found true strength and hope to carry me through the toughest of days is in the promises of our all-knowing, all-powerful God.

Maybe today you’re facing impossibilities like I am, and maybe your feelings are screaming at you to lie down and quit. Let me remind you of what God promises in His holy, perfect Word. He promises He will …

• Give you eternal life in Christ (John 5:24).

• Love you forever (Psalm 136).

• Make you more like Him through the work of the Holy Spirit (John 14:26).

• Give you peace (Philippians 4:6-7).

• Work all things out for good (Romans 8:28).

And so much more.

Those are good promises, but I want to take a step back and see something that’s not promised. In all the words of the Bible, God doesn’t promise a comfortable, easy life on earth, and He doesn’t promise to give us all we want.

What He promises is to give us His enduring love and to work all things out for good. It’s not that things always feel good, but they will be good … There’s a big difference. To be good is to be like Christ, displaying the fruit of the Spirit. Feeling good comes and goes; being good lasts forever.

The challenges I’m facing haven’t changed. Even as I write this, I’m tempted to give up. But Psalm 130:5 tells me what to do: “I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, and in his word I hope …”

Today, instead of just venting to a friend or trying another productivity hack, I’m choosing to believe God's Word instead of my feelings. I'm letting Him use the waiting to make me good, not just comfortable.

Lord, in my waiting, help me trust Your Word more than my feelings. Make me more like You, even when it’s hard. I choose to hope in You today. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

- Meredith Brock
Provided by "Proverbs 31 Ministries"

You Don't Have To Hold It All Together

“But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses,
so that Christ’s power may rest on me.”

2 Corinthians 12:9 (NIV)

My mind was spinning with everything I had to do: overdue tasks, upcoming deadlines, and the pressure to be everything for everyone. I was exhausted but trying to power through, hoping I could catch up if I just pushed a little harder.

The next morning, I awoke to a whisper I couldn’t unhear: “My grace is sufficient.”

This simple truth comes from 2 Corinthians 12:9, which wasn’t a new Bible verse to me. I’ve heard it, quoted it, and even encouraged others with it. But that morning, it landed in my heart like a fresh revelation. I’ve learned that the Holy Spirit has a way of highlighting a truth right when you need it most, even before you know you need it. So I paused and leaned in.

When I looked up the full verse, I was struck by Paul’s words: “But [Jesus] said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me” (2 Corinthians 12:9).

I don’t know about you, but weakness isn’t something I tend to boast about. Most of us are taught to push through, stay strong, and hold it all together. But Paul delighted in hardship. Not because he enjoyed suffering but because he had learned the secret: When we come to the end of ourselves, we come face-to-face with the sufficiency of God's grace.

As I reflected on this scripture, I realized how weak I was feeling. But God wasn’t asking me to push harder. He was calling me to surrender, to stop measuring my strength and start trusting His.

That’s what I call the upside-down beauty of grace. It doesn’t show up when we’re “crushing it” in life; it shows up when we’re crushed. When we’re out of options, energy, and motivation. When we’ve tried to hold everything together and finally admit we can’t. Grace isn’t God’s reward for the capable; it’s His gift to the weary.

If you’re in that place today - tired, stretched thin, unsure how to keep going - I want you to hear what I heard: You don’t have to keep going in your own strength. Not for one more minute. God is not disappointed by your weakness. He’s drawn to it because His power is made perfect right there.

Whatever burdens you may be facing, remember the pressure is off. God’s grace is sufficient, and Christ’s power is waiting to rest on you.

Father, thank You that Your grace is not a backup plan - it’s the main source of my strength. Thank You for meeting me right in my weakness and not expecting me to have it all together. Help me to stop striving and start surrendering. Teach me to see my limits not as failures but as invitations to experience Your power. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

- Dr. Avril Occilien-Similien
Provided by "Proverbs 31 Ministries"

When It Hurts to Trust

Father, my head aches with thoughts that won’t stop. It feels like nails pressing in. My heart feels so heavy that even breathing feels like work. My eyes are open, but I can’t see where I’m going. I know Your will is better than mine, but part of me still aches for success, for something to finally work. I keep thinking that if I stop moving, everything will fall apart. But You whisper, “Be still, and know that I am God.”

Sometimes faith feels like standing still while everything inside me wants to run. It’s hard to rest when the world keeps shouting that progress equals worth. Yet You remind me that You’re not measuring me by my productivity, but by my heart. You see me not as lazy, but as tired, not as failing, but as fighting.

You are the God who works in silence. The One who plants seeds deep underground before they ever touch sunlight. Maybe that’s what You’re doing now, burying something in me that will bloom later. Maybe my stillness isn’t failure, but the soil You’re preparing for growth.

You promised that Your plans are for my good, to give me hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11). So even when it feels like I’m falling behind, remind me that I am exactly where You’ve placed me. Even when I can’t see what You’re building, help me believe You’re still working.

Let my heart unclench. Let my mind quiet down. Teach me that rest is holy, that waiting is sacred, and that success in Your eyes looks like surrender.

Because You are not done with me yet. And You never will be. - Ellie Mont

Jesus Wants You To Know...

"On some days, your circumstances and your physical condition feel out of balance: The demands on you seem far greater than your strength. Days like that present a choice between two alternatives - giving up or relying on Me. Even if you wrongly choose the first alternative, I will not reject you. You can turn to Me at any point, and I will help you crawl out of the mire of discouragement. I will infuse My strength into you moment by moment, giving you all that you need for this day."

"I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint." - Jeremiah 31:25 - "Jesus Calling" by Sarah Young

Comfort in the Wilderness

 suddenly an angel touched him, and said to him, “Arise and eat.”

1 Kings 19:5b (NKJV)

Sitting on my bed with tears streaking down my face, I remember feeling tired, emotionally and spiritually spent. My husband sat in front of me, looking concerned.

“I think I’m depressed,” I said.

For so long, I had been holding those words - carrying the weight of them. I couldn’t help but feel like a failure. This wasn’t my first bout with depression. I had struggled postpartum. Feelings of anxiety and sadness weren’t new to me, but I thought I had overcome them.

Although saying those words brought relief, I also felt overwhelmed with the feeling that I would have to do something about it. I would have to work hard to be happy and rested again.

The prophet Elijah knew about fatigue and despair. In one of the most unbelievable experiences in Scripture, he faced off against 450 of Baal’s prophets at Mount Carmel (1 Kings 18). Fire fell from heaven, and the people watching fell face down, realizing that the God of Elijah was the one true God. This was a great spiritual victory! But soon after, Elijah ran for his life because the murderous King Ahab and Queen Jezebel were out to get him.

In our key verse, Elijah was on the run and exhausted, alone in the wilderness. Thankfully, God brought comfort:

“Suddenly, an angel touched him. The angel told him, ‘Get up and eat.’ Then he looked, and there at his head was a loaf of bread baked over hot stones, and a jug of water. So he ate and drank and lay down again” (1 Kings 19:5b-6, CSB).

The voice in my head as I read this is that of a loving parent nursing a child back to health. And all Elijah had to do in response was willingly receive nourishment and rest. He didn’t have to muster up his energy to keep going. He didn’t have to prove that he was still faithful. He simply had to receive and rest.

Sometimes the holiest thing you can do is eat a snack and take a nap.

One of the ways my Abuelita Carmen says “I love you” is by serving up a hot plate of gallo pinto (Nicaraguan red beans and rice) and tortillas. There is nothing fancy about this meal, but it’s delicious and nourishing. I lived with Abuelita from the time I was a child until I got married. Through the years and all the ups and downs, gallo pinto was always on the stove, a comforting reminder of her love.

I imagine that when Elijah saw the warm bread and refreshing water God provided for him, it made him feel loved as well.

Reading the story of Elijah and God’s comfort in the wilderness helps us to see that God calls us to rest too. He wants to be our comfort, bringing nourishment and respite when we need it most.

Heavenly Father, You are the God who brings comfort, rest, nourishment, and grace in the midst of our wilderness seasons. Help us to receive Your love, especially in moments of despair and exhaustion. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

- Kristel Acevedo
Provided by "Proverbs 31 Ministries"