Author: Beth Morrison

Two-minute read.

In my book, 4:13: Doing Hard Things with Strength, I share how this verse changed my life, helping me change my thinking and face difficulties with confidence. Driving home from a girls’ weekend, struggling with anxiety over driving, I began repeating this verse, then I tailored it to address the fears plaguing me.

“I can do hard things through Christ who strengthens me.”

By meditating on those words and allowing God’s truth to seep into my being, I conquered my anxiety and found new freedom in Christ. When we lean into the Lord’s promises and apply them to our lives, they lead us to a freedom we can find no other way. God doesn’t want us tied up in knots, worrying about things we can’t control. Instead, He tells us to trust Him for the strength we need to face our giants.

Paul wrote the letter to the Philippians while in prison, very probably chained to a guard. In the previous verses, he talked about finding contentment no matter what his circumstances. Through the Savior, he had learned to live with abundance and endure hunger, as well as experience prosperity and face hardships. Then he concludes with today’s verse: I can do everything through Christ who strengthens me.”

The “everything” refers to every situation God allows him to face, not every dream or ambition he might have. Just as the Lord gave me strength to conquer my fears and anxiety, He gives us what we need when we need it through Christ, who strengthens us.

Paul teaches us that Jesus provides strength for today’s challenges. God doesn’t remove our difficulties, but He provides the strength to walk through them. We also learn that contentment comes from trusting Christ and receiving His joy that doesn’t depend on our circumstances. Our sufficiency comes from Jesus. Instead of relying on our own abilities, we depend on the Savior for endurance, wisdom, courage, and peace.

Driving down that mountain on that day long ago, I found divine contentment as I prayed those words and let them become part of me. Now, when a mountain rises before me, I think of that day and the work God did in me, and I face it with the strength of Jesus, knowing He will give me what I need when I need it.

Find contentment in Christ, as you allow Him to strengthen you and guide your ways.

Journal Questions:

• What challenge feels overwhelming?
• How does Christ strengthen you?
• What can you face with confidence today?

Stressbuster:

Take a brisk 15-minute walk.

Two-minute read.

Following Jesus fulfills our needs, not as a promise of wealth, but of contentment. God gives us everything we need. True satisfaction comes from trusting the Good Shepherd instead of constantly searching for something “better.”

Interestingly, sheep won’t lie down unless the shepherd meets four conditions: fear, friction, flies and parasites, and hunger.

Because of their naturally timid nature, the smallest disturbance can frighten an entire flock, but the shepherd’s presence calms them. Friction happens in flocks when a dominant sheep bullies a weaker one, but the shepherd’s presence brings peace. Flies and parasites cause constant irritation to the sheep, getting in their eyes, ears, and mouths. The shepherd cares for them, anointing them with oil to ward off the pesky irritants. And if they have empty stomachs, sheep won’t sleep, so the shepherd prepares a nutritious pasture in advance.

A good shepherd prepares the green pastures for his flock by removing rocks, pulling weeds, planting grass, irrigating the land, and maintaining it for his flock. In the same way, God prepares places of spiritual nourishment for us by removing distractions and giving us divine peace that surpasses understanding.

Only after the shepherd meets all four needs will the sheep lie down peacefully. Our Good Shepherd, Christ, brings peace by calming our fears, easing conflict, protecting us from spiritual attacks, and satisfying our deepest hunger. He restores our weary souls by giving us rest from the world’s annoyances, just as the shepherd does for his flock.

Sheep don’t like to drink from rushing streams because they can easily lose their footing, just like we can. The good shepherd finds quiet pools or builds dams to slow the water, leading the sheep to safe places to drink. Christ, our Shepherd, leads us to places of peace rather than confusion and chaos.

Wise shepherds know which paths lead to food, which lead to cliffs, which contain poisonous plants, and which expose the flock to predators. Sheep don’t have the wisdom to choose correctly on their own, and neither do we. The Lord leads us along good paths, even when we don’t understand them. God does this “for His name’s sake,” reflecting His faithful character in how He cares for His people.

David’s psalm illustrates complete dependence on the Good Shepherd. As a shepherd, David knew that sheep only thrive under the care of a devoted shepherd, and believers flourish as they trust in Christ’s provision, guidance, protection, and restoration.

Journal Questions:

• Where do you feel depleted?
• What restores your soul?
• How is God inviting you to rest?

Stressbuster:

Spend 15 quiet minutes outdoors.

Two-minute read.

In the Old Testament, God’s presence dwelt in the Temple in Jerusalem. But now, through faith in Christ, the Lord no longer dwells in a building alone; He lives within every believer through the Holy Spirit, our bodies, His temple. Sacred, set apart for God’s purposes, and a place where His presence resides, our bodies belong to the Lord, meant to reflect His holiness.

Paul, writing to the Corinthians, understood many of them had pagan backgrounds, known for their wealth, trade, and widespread sexual immorality. They often incorporated sexual sin into their religious practices. Hence, the apostle addressed the misuse of the body, reminding them that following Jesus changes every part of life, including how they treat their physical bodies.

“You are not your own,” challenges the world’s message of self-ownership. Our lives ultimately belong to God; therefore, our choices about our bodies, relationships, habits, and lifestyles should follow the Lord’s will rather than our personal desires alone. Freedom in Christ means choosing to do the right thing.

Over the past couple of years, I’ve developed acid reflux. As I prayed for guidance from the Lord, He led me to eliminate certain things from my diet: peppers, chocolate, onions, carbonated drinks, and wine. After much rebellion and bickering with the Lord, I eliminated them and, in doing so, got rid of the acid reflux, taking care of God’s temple.

Jesus paid for our lives on the cross, just as someone might purchase a slave’s freedom in the ancient world. With His blood, Christ redeemed us from sin and death. Because the Savior gave everything for us, we should respond with gratitude and obedience rather than obligation. Honoring the Lord with our bodies includes pursuing sexual purity, caring for our physical health wisely, and using our strength and abilities to serve others. We avoid habits that enslave or damage us, living in a way that reflects Christ in both public and private.

We shouldn’t worship our bodies, nor neglect them. But rather cherish the gift God gave us. Rooting our identity in Christ, the Holy Spirit lives within us. Jesus paid the highest price to redeem us, giving His life for ours. Taking care of our bodies for the Savior becomes an act of worship when we keep the Son in our eyes.

Journal Questions:

• How well are you caring for your body?
• What healthy habit could you improve?
• How does physical health affect stress?

Stressbuster:

Drink extra water throughout the day.

Two-minute read.

Nothing transforms your life until you transform your thoughts. What we think leads to what we do. Negative thoughts lead to negative actions; positive thoughts lead to positive actions.

A friend sent me a video clip of a lawyer speaking at a church. He talked about meeting a woman who changed his life. When he arrived at her church to speak, she peppered him with questions: “Do you got good stuff? Do you like to give? What about worship?” With each question, she talked about Jesus and the importance of preaching well for Him, giving Him your best, and praising Him with vigor.

Her love for the Savior flowed from every part of her being.

Then he found out this woman, who praised the Lord, had a tragic past, having lost two sons in a drive-by shooting and battling cancer. As the man reflected on the woman who exuded Jesus, despite her struggles, he concluded. “I want to be like her.”

The woman chose to take Paul’s advice and focus her thoughts on whatever is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent, and worthy of praise. And only one person perfectly fits that description: Jesus. In the midst of her tragic life circumstances, she focused her eyes on the Savior and lived for Him. She experienced a transformed life because of her transformational thoughts.

As I did when working through a difficult situation that sent my mind spiraling. Seeking God and focusing my mind on Him helped me not get stuck in the offense. Instead, I laid my pain at the foot of the cross, trusting the Lord. Then I focused on the Savior, allowing Him to heal my wounds.

Paul encourages us to “think about,” which means more than having a passing thought. The Greek word means to carefully consider, dwell on, or continually meditate on these things. By training our minds to think on the good rather than allowing anxiety, sin, or negativity to control our thoughts, we will experience transformation as well.

Developing a disciplined mind means intentionally dwelling on what is true, honorable, pure, and worthy of praise. Our hearts will reflect Christ more closely, and we will become better equipped to experience God’s peace and live faithfully for Him.

Journal Questions:

• What thoughts dominate your mind?
• Are those thoughts true and helpful?
• What godly thought can replace them?

Stressbuster:

Make a list of positive truths from Scripture.

Two-minute read.

Paul wants us to know something: nothing can stop God from loving us.

The Lord doesn’t base His love on human performance or shifting circumstances. Nothing in creation can sever a believer’s connection to the unconditional love of God, as demonstrated through Jesus Christ.

To illustrate his point, Paul lists several categories to cover every possible fear or threat an individual might face. Death and life show the fundamental limits of human existence. Angels and demons refer to the spiritual forces under God’s dominion. Time itself doesn’t hinder the Lord’s love; no current hardship or future worry can separate a believer from Him, and neither can the extremes of the universe. The highest highs and the lowest lows have no impact on the Creator’s love for His creation.

Rooted in Christ, the Father’s inseparable love doesn’t come from anything we do. God finished the work with the sacrifice of His Son and the victory that Jesus gave us.

Concluding the chapter, these verses give it a triumphant end. Paul explores life in the Holy Spirit, present sufferings, and the ultimate victory of believers. After addressing life’s hardships and trials, the apostle shifts his tone to praise. He concludes that despite today’s momentary affliction, persecution, or difficulty, believers can live as more than conquerors because of the Savior’s permanent love.

In life, our circumstances will change, sometimes quickly. Accidents happen. Jobs end. People die. Health wanes. So many things affect our daily life, and they can make us feel separated from God’s blessing. But no matter how much life may change, God’s love for us never does.

Difficult situations don’t mean God has pulled away from us. Paul reminds us that the opposite remains true. Whether a difficult diagnosis, financial hardship, or death of a loved one, none of these things separate us from the love of Christ. In an unchanging world, you can anchor yourself to the One who never changes, nor does His love for you.

Journal Questions:

• How does God’s love strengthen you?
• When do you struggle to feel loved?
• What truth from this passage comforts you?

Stressbuster:

Spend five minutes thanking God for His love.

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.

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[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.