Honest Reflections

Two-minute read.

Fearing they might drift from their faith, the author of Hebrews wrote a letter of encouragement to the believers. Some had grown weary and stopped gathering with others, but the writer reminds them that Christ never meant for us to walk this life alone. We need others to cheer us on when we feel like giving up.

Like my friend Claire did when I had a crisis of faith.

After receiving disappointing news about a situation I’ve prayed over for years, I felt deflated. God’s ways baffle me sometimes, and I can’t always see Him working. And so I struggled with trust. When Claire texted me out of the blue to check on me, I told her the truth.

“I’m struggling,” I texted back.

Within minutes, my phone rang, and I heard my friend’s voice. “What’s going on?”

So I shared my heartache with her, and her words helped me persevere. In fact, they turned my whole morning around. After hanging up the phone, I let go of the negative thoughts and went about my day as a changed person.

Encouragement doesn’t happen by accident. We must notice others, pray for them, and look for opportunities to inspire them through acts of love, kindness, and service. Exactly what Claire did for me: she noticed my heartache, prayed for me, and inspired me with her love. Our words and actions can strengthen someone else’s faith, especially during difficult seasons.

Gathering with other Christians for worship, Bible study, prayer, and fellowship strengthens our faith. As part of the Lord’s family, meeting together reminds us that we don’t have to carry life’s burdens alone. While we need personal devotion, God designed the church to function as a community, one body working together to encourage, support, and challenge one another to grow.

We have the hope of Christ’s return, which gives purpose to our present lives. As we wait for His return, God calls us to remain faithful and to encourage one another to persevere with hope and confidence.

In a world that breeds isolation, these verses remind us that encouraging others empowers them. Sometimes a phone call, a handwritten note, a prayer, or simply showing up for someone can make an eternal difference.

Journal Questions:

• Who encourages you spiritually?
• How can you encourage someone else?
• Why is community important during stressful seasons?

Stressbuster:

Send an encouraging note or card.

Two-minute read.

In life, things happen that cause us resentment. And if we don’t learn how to release it, we can permanently damage relationships. Thankfully, we serve a Savior who tells us what to do: forgive.

Healthy relationships require grace because we all need it. Rather than expecting perfection from others, God calls us to respond with patience and understanding. Paul tells us to forgive anyone who offends us, not based on whether they deserve it or whether they apologize, but on the basis of what we have already received from Jesus.

The Lord didn’t wait until we earned His forgiveness; He freely offered it through Christ’s sacrifice on the cross.

When I went to the gas station, a young girl pulled into my spot, shaking her head and mouthing, “Not today, old lady. This is mine.” I thought of Jesus’ words, and I tempered the rising anger. Instead of responding to the rude behavior, I asked the Lord for help. Putting the car in reverse, I moved to another spot and, with divine help, let go of my resentment as I filled the gas tank.

By the time I got home a few minutes later, I had forgotten the incident, not allowing it to ruin my day. We do have the power to forgive. Christ gave it to us. Although I know some things take more work to forgive than others, when we tap into the Savior’s divine strength, we can release resentment, forgive the trespass, and move on with our day, not allowing the offense to steal our joy.

Forgiveness doesn’t pretend the offense never happened or excuse sinful behavior; it doesn’t always mean reconciliation. But forgiveness releases the debt you feel someone owes you and lets you choose not to let bitterness control you. Releasing resentment means deciding to place justice in God’s hands and allowing Him to heal your heart.

A process rather than a one-time event, forgiveness requires us to choose it repeatedly. Deep wounds may require repeated prayers of surrender. Personally, I find myself mentally giving the Lord my pain, visualizing lying at the foot of the cross. Then I ask Him to heal the wound and make me whole again. Each step towards forgiveness frees us from carrying the heavy burden of resentment and opens our hearts to experience God’s peace.

Journal Questions:

• What hurt are you holding onto?
• How has resentment increased your stress?
• What step can you take toward healing?

Stressbuster:

Take a walk and pray for someone who has hurt you.

Two-minute read.

Our words carry tremendous influence. A thoughtful comment, a sincere expression of gratitude, or a gentle response can brighten someone’s day and remind them they have value.

When Ron tells me he loves me, I feel cherished. Married to a man who doesn’t have a mean bone in his body, he naturally says kind things to me. And his kindness has softened my heart. Having suffered pain at the hands of others, I had built walls around my heart to protect it from further damage. But with each kind word from my husband over the years of our marriage, he has taken down the walls and helped me let go of the pain. Ron has helped me realize I am valuable to Him and the Savior.

Harsh and careless words leave wounds that linger long after they come out of someone’s mouth. Scripture repeatedly teaches that what comes out of the mouth reflects the contents of our heart. If we harbor hard feelings of jealousy, anger, and hatred, our words will reflect them, and they will pack a punch. And I have said harsh and careless words that have hurt others. Nothing aches my heart more than words I’ve said in bygone days that caused someone I love pain.

As followers of Christ, He calls us to speak words that build others up, rather than tear them down. Our conversations should reflect God’s grace, offering hope, truth, comfort, and encouragement. Every day provides us with opportunities to use our words to bless others. Allowing the Holy Spirit to search our hearts and cleanse them of impurities purifies us. When we empty ourselves of harmful emotions, we make room for God to fill us with His love. And when He does, our speech will change.

Encouraging others doesn’t just affect emotions; it can bring peace, reduce anxiety, strengthen relationships, and contribute to our overall well-being. Kind words lift people’s spirits, which influences how they face life’s challenges. Gracious words refresh weary hearts, encourage the discouraged, and bring healing to broken relationships.

As the Lord transforms our lives, He transforms our language. Kind words don’t just brighten people’s lives; they fill their hearts with joy. When we use uplifting and encouraging words, we speak life into those around us. Christ’s light shines brightest when we use gracious words that sweeten the soul and bring life to the body.

Journal Questions:

• How do your words affect others?
• What conversations have been stressful lately?
• How can you bring encouragement today?

Stressbuster:

Compliment three people today.

Two-minute read.

Everyone carries their own load. Some may seem heavier, others lighter, but the person carrying them feels the weight with each step. God entrusts us with responsibilities, including our attitudes, choices, actions, spiritual growth, and stewardship of the gifts and opportunities we receive. We cannot blame others for our responses, nor expect someone else to live out our faith for us.

The Lord does call us to support one another, but He calls each of us to remain faithful to the responsibilities He has placed in our hands.

Paul encourages maturity in his letter to the Galatians. Spiritual growth involves taking ownership of our decisions, admitting our mistakes, learning from them, and relying on God’s strength to achieve our goals. When we faithfully carry our own responsibilities, we become better equipped to help others carry their burdens.

Personal responsibility doesn’t rely on self-reliance, but rather on God-reliance.

Corrie Ten Boom, a spiritual mentor of mine and a Holocaust survivor, once asked her father about suffering:[1]

A little girl at the time, she told him, “I don’t think I can suffer for Jesus.”

Her father answered, “Corrie, when you and I go to Amsterdam, when do I give you your ticket?

“Why, just before we get on the train,” Corrie answered.

“Exactly. And our wise Father in heaven knows when we’re going to need things, too. Don’t run ahead of Him, Corrie. When the time comes that some of us will die, you will look into your heart and find the strength you need just in time.

When we carry heavy loads, God will give us the strength to persevere. He doesn’t give it to us weeks in advance. The Lord provides for our needs in His perfect timing, helping us carry the burdens we bear. We don’t need strength for next week today; we need enough for this moment. God gives us our ticket right before we get on the train, not a minute sooner.

Focusing on today’s responsibilities instead of tomorrow’s uncertainties can lighten your mental load and strengthen your trust in God. Lean into the Savior, and let Him help you carry the load. No one wants to help you more than Jesus.

Journal Questions:

• Where do you need healthier boundaries?
• What responsibility belongs to someone else?
• How can boundaries protect your peace?

Stressbuster:

Practice saying “no” to one unnecessary obligation.

---

[1] https://www.rabbitroom.com/post/tickets-of-grace

Two-minute read.

Full confession: I’ve held grudges. I know how to ruminate on an offense and refuse to let it go. As a result, I’ve destroyed relationships and hurt people I love. Thankfully, Jesus has transformed me, but unfortunately, some of the people I’ve hurt choose to do life without me in it.

Only when I began to understand grace did transformation begin. Instead of replaying the offense repeatedly in my mind, I captured those thoughts and made them obedient to Christ. Asking God to help me see the offender through His eyes changed my perspective. The Lord taught me about heart motivations, and that hurting people hurts others. I began to see their pain rather than my own, and my heavenly Father taught me how to forgive. With His help, I transformed and continue to transform, one day at a time.

Letting people off the hook and forgiving them does free us. We no longer have to hold onto the hard feelings; we can release the pain to the Savior and allow Him to heal the wounds. As God keeps our hearts soft, we will become more like Jesus, treating everyone with kindness and tenderheartedness, forgiving as He forgave us.

Forgiveness unlocks the door to abundant life.

Just as Christ forgave our sins, giving us new life in Him, so when we forgive others, we do the same. Last week, I saw a picture of a pastor from Africa with his arm around a smiling gentleman; they looked like the best of friends. However, the man standing in the pastor’s embrace had murdered the pastor’s family. In his life before Christ, the smiling man, like Paul, had persecuted and murdered Christians. But now, he had repented of his sins and come to Christ. And like Jesus, the pastor forgave the sins committed against him. Both men had found freedom in the Savior.

Paul tells us what to remove: bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, slander, and malicious behavior. Then he tells us what to replace those things with: kindness, tenderheartedness, compassion, and forgiveness. We can’t do any of those things without God’s help. When we remember the grace we have received, we become better able to extend grace to others.

Each day, we will have to choose kindness and forgiveness again, but it brings freedom. When we let go of bitterness, we make room for God’s peace to fill our hearts.

Journal Questions:

• Is there someone you need to forgive?
• How has unforgiveness affected your peace?
• What would freedom through forgiveness look like?

Stressbuster:

Write a prayer of forgiveness.

Two-minute read.

Watching the remake of “Little House on the Prairie” on Netflix, one scene stood out to me. Mary, the Ingalls’ oldest daughter, complains to her mother about having to share everything with her little sister Laura. Pregnant, Caroline responds with wisdom.

“Well, when this baby comes, you’re going to have to share even more, so you might as well make peace with it.”

Hearing the words, I thought of all the things in life I don’t like doing. Sometimes, I rebel against them, refusing to bend. As I thought about making peace, I realized it comes with acceptance not only of our circumstances but also of people.

Paul begins today’s verse with the phrase, “Do all that you can.” He recognizes that peace requires two willing participants. We can’t control another person’s attitudes, choices, or actions, but we can control ours. God calls us to pursue peace by responding with humility, kindness, forgiveness, and grace whenever possible.

Living at peace does not mean avoiding difficult conversations or pretending that wrongs never happened. Sometimes peace involves speaking the truth lovingly, setting healthy boundaries, or addressing conflict with wisdom and respect. Biblical wisdom doesn’t mean the absence of conflict, but the presence of Christ’s love and wisdom in the middle of it.

Peace begins in our hearts. When we become secure in God’s love and surrender to His Spirit, we are less likely to react in anger, seek revenge, or hold grudges. Instead, we become peacemakers who reflect the character of Jesus.

Choosing peace doesn’t always change another person’s behavior, but it changes ours. We can walk away knowing we have honored God by responding with grace and integrity.

In Romans 12, Paul gives many practical instructions for living as followers of Christ. After explaining God’s mercy and grace, the apostle tells us what a transformed life looks like in everyday relationships. Living in peace with all, to the best of our ability, will challenge us at times. But as we learn to accept what we cannot change and change what we can, we will make peace with those around us.

Journal Questions:

• Is there a relationship causing you stress?
• What part of this situation is within your control?
• How can you pursue peace today?

Stressbuster:

Reach out with a kind text or phone call.

Two-minute read.

After spending years in exile, the Israelites have returned to Jerusalem. Thanks to Nehemiah, his faithful prayers and obedience led to the rebuilding of the city wall, allowing the people to finally come home. When Ezra the priest read the Book of the Law, Moses’ writings in the Old Testament, the people listened attentively and became convicted of their sinful ways. Realizing how far they had wandered from God’s commands, many began to weep.

But Nehemiah, Ezra, and the Levites told the people not to remain in sorrow. Their return marked a day of worship and celebration because their faithful Lord had restored them. Instead of despair, their repentance led them to God’s forgiveness and grace, giving them a reason to rejoice.

Do you remember when you first felt convicted of your sin?

I do. At twelve years old, on a sunny Sunday, I listened to Reverend Don Hamilton preach a message on repentance and our need for Jesus. Although my young mind couldn’t grasp everything the pastor taught that day, I felt convicted and knew I needed to ask God for forgiveness. And 44 years later, I can still remember the feeling I had when Jesus took up residence in my heart, forgiving me of my sins, and beginning the lifelong journey of following Him.

Since that day, I’ve repented of many sins. Each morning, the Lord cleanses my heart as I once again give it to Him. I’ve come a long way from that scared little girl, but God knows, I still have a long way to go. But one thing I have discovered: the joy of the Lord is my strength. And without a doubt, it’s yours too.

“Joy of the Lord” doesn’t mean we must always feel happy or ignore our struggles. Instead, the joy we find in knowing God, His faithfulness, presence, forgiveness, and unchanging love becomes our joy. No matter what circumstance we face, we don’t face it alone. Our Savior lives in our heart; where we go, He goes. Jesus has the answers we seek and knows the purpose He has for us. When we give our lives to Him, He leads us on the path of abundant life and does so with joy.

Journal Questions:

• What brings you joy?
• How has stress robbed you of joy?
• How can you choose joy today?

Stressbuster:

Do something that makes you laugh.

Two-minute read.

When I left my job in retail after 16 years, I sought God for guidance. Starting each day with Bible reading and prayer, He led me to begin volunteering at church, helping prepare for Sunday’s service. Each Thursday, I met with the other ladies and prepped the auditorium, filling seat back pockets, straightening the rows, and doing whatever tasks they assigned us. Through that experience, I grew closer to God as I trusted Him to lead me on the path of life, and discover the richness of His presence.

Written by David, Psalm 16 expresses his trust in the Lord even though he faced danger, uncertainty and opposition. The warrior recognized joy didn’t come from circumstances but God’s presence. David learned that his Creator led him on the path of life and filled Him with joy because of His closeness.

People search for happiness through success, possessions, relationships or achievements. But these things don’t bring lasting joy. Circumstances change, accomplishments fade, and earthly treasures don’t satisfy forever. God’s presence, however, remains constant.

Notice that David doesn’t say God gives a little joy. He speaks of the fullness of joy found in the Lord’s presence, deeper than a passing emotion. Confidence comes from knowing God leads us, guiding our steps, strengthening our hearts and walking with us through every season.

As I trusted Jesus more and followed Him more intentionally, He led me down a path I never would have taken otherwise. One day at a time, doors opened for me, opportunities arose, and I found myself coaching tennis and caring for dogs, two businesses that brought healing to my heart through the love of children and pets. Something I never would have done if not for the Lord’s guidance. He led me on the path of life and healing.

When we spend time with God through prayer, Scripture, worship and quiet reflections, we become more aware of His presence. Our awareness doesn’t remove every difficulty, but it changes how we face them. The Lord’s presence brings peace in chaos, hope in disappointment, and courage in uncertainty.

Journal Questions:

• When do you feel closest to God?
• How does His presence calm you?
• What can you do to draw near today?

Stressbuster:

Take a prayer walk.

Two-minute read.

Working in retail, lay offs happened often. In my company, every six months another round of phone calls eliminated people’s positions. As a single woman at the time, I lived with the anxiety of losing my job. But Jesus doesn’t want us to live worrying about tomorrow, but instead, trust Him with the future and live fully in today.

God knows our tendency to think ahead, imagining worst-case scenarios and carrying burdens that haven’t happened yet. All those years I battled the anxiety of job loss did nothing for me. In the end, I left on my own terms, not the companies. Jesus reminds us that God faithfully cares for the birds of the air and the flowers of the field, concluding with this practical instruction: don’t borrow tomorrow’s worries.

The Lord doesn’t want us to ignore responsibilities or avoid planning for the future. Faithful living includes wise planning. Instead, Jesus warns against allowing anxiety about tomorrow steal the peace and strength God provides for today.

Every day comes with its own challenges, but God also gives fresh mercy and grace for each new day. When we try to carry tomorrow’s problems today, we end up carrying a load the Lord never intended us to bear. Our focus shifts from trusting the Savior’s faithfulness to fearing the unknown.

Living one day at a time doesn’t mean living without hope, it means living with confidence that the God who walks with us today will also walk with us tomorrow.

When we realize that instead of enjoying today, it’s slipping by because of worry for tomorrow, we experience a shift in perspective. During those years of uncertainty, I kept the Son in my eyes and trusted His provision. I trusted that even if I lost my job, the Lord would provide for me. And He always did, giving me food and shelter, and a job that paid the bills.

Living in the moment means letting go of tomorrow’s worries. Trusting that the Lord will care for you as He does the birds and flowers will help you release anxiety. Whatever problems we face, we can turn to the One who has the solution. In Jesus, we can find peace that surpasses all understanding, joy that strengthens us and provision for wherever He calls us to go.

Journal Questions:

• Are you worrying about tomorrow?
• What is today’s assignment?
• How can you stay present?

Stressbuster:

Focus on one task at a time.

Two-minute read.

During the last years of my mother’s life, she required constant care. After undergoing an emergency surgery for pancreatic cancer, she developed Marginal Cognitive Dementia. In other words, she had no short-term memory and would constantly ask the same question repeatedly. Eventually, she would realize she had repeated herself and ask me, “How many times have I asked you that?”

Smiling, I would say, “Not enough.”

During those long days of working and taking care of her, I cultivated gratitude. Each day I got to spend with her, I thanked God for it. Mom’s health still required care, and work remained busy, but I experienced greater peace, responded more patiently and found divine strength. Joy didn’t come from my circumstances, but from the Lord’s constant presence. Gratitude changed my attitude, filling my heart with divine joy as I focused on what I did have, a mother that loved me and Savior that provided for me, instead of what I didn’t have.

Paul wrote his first letter to Thessalonians facing uncertainty, hardship and persecution. Instead of promising an easy life, he reminded them that hope came from Jesus. Repeatedly, Paul emphasized faith, love, hope, holy living, encouragement, and the return of Christ.

One of the most well-known passages in scripture, Paul didn’t instruct the believers to rejoice over difficult circumstances. Rather he encourages them to remain joyful because of God’s presence in every situation. We discover His joy when we seek Him in the midst of our struggles.

Prayer becomes our lifeline during stressful seasons, as it did during those years with my mother. Instead of carrying the burden alone, God invites us to bring everything to Him. Gratitude changes our perspective. Intentionally thanking the Savior, even for the smallest blessings, allows us to notice His faithfulness instead of focusing on our problem.

Practicing gratitude doesn’t eliminate stress, but reminds us that we never face it alone. No matter what circumstances you find yourself in today, find one thing to thank God for in it, then find another, and another. Watch as God transforms your heart and mind in the midst of your struggles and gives you His joy which will strengthen you.

Journal Questions:

• What are you thankful for today?
• How does gratitude affect your stress?
• What blessing have you overlooked?

Stressbuster:

Send a thank-you note.