Ok this post is going to be a little different than most but I wanted to share in case it helps any of you. This year has been pretty transformative for most of us, and one way that it’s changed greatly for me has been in regards to my faith. If you’re like me, sometimes you end up praying to God more in times of trouble and uncertainty. There’s something about the challenging seasons that I think make us realize our need for our Lord’s guidance and wisdom. With everything going on with Coronavirus I started to feel a great deal of stress and uncertainty. You’re constantly hearing so much dire information and major news sources are telling you conflicting things- one day it’s one thing and the next it’s something completely different. At the end of each day, I was just overwhelmed with what to believe. I felt anxious, lost, and spiralizing with fear. I felt like I needed more truth in my life. Whenever I feel that calling, I turn to God’s word. It’s pretty amazing that the Bible is the bestselling book of all time. Reading the Bible though can be a little overwhelming at first, especially if it’s new for you. My best recommendation if you’re feeling that desire to learn more about God and Jesus’s life is to get a devotional. It’s so nice to start each morning with a short little message that corresponds to a specific Bible chapter and verse that you can read afterward. I’ve found that starting my day {and sometimes ending it too} reading a devotional along with my Bible has helped me put so much into perspective. It’s given me a type of peace knowing I can put my trust and faith in Him and know that everything will be ok. I’m sharing some of the devotionals I’ve loved over the years and I’d also love to hear if you have any favorites I should check out!
My Favorite Devotionals for Starting Each Day
Jesus Calling by Sarah Young– This has been a strong favorite for me! There is a page for each day of the year so you always know where to look. Sarah Young is a missionary who started journaling to help her get closer to God. Each devotional is written from Jesus’ point of view. I feel so blessed by His presence when I read from this devotional, knowing that I can achieve peace through Him.
Hope for Each Day by Billy Graham– My mother in law gave this one to me a few years ago and it’s perfect for those times (like now) where I’m wanting to be more and more connected with Christ. This book has a morning and evening devotional for each day and has been such a blessing for me and a reminder of God’s everlasting love for us.
Embraced: 100 Devotions to Know God Is Holding You Close by Lysa TerKeurst– If you don’t know Lysa TerKeurst, I just have to say she is one inspiring woman! She is the President of Proverbs 31 Ministries and a NYT bestselling author. I love the P31 First 5 App and I’m currently doing their Study on Galatians. But anyway, I love Lysa’s voice and how despite all that she’s been through she puts all her faith in Christ. This book has 100 devotions, daily scriptures, and prayer prompts that really help draw you to be embraced by God’s love. I love how this devotional speaks to my heart and lets me know He is near.
Awaken: 90 Days with the God who Speaks by Priscilla Shirer– Oh Priscilla Shirer! Her voice is one of my favorites – to both listen to and read. She’s a bestselling author and this is her first devotional. Priscilla speaks such truth while connecting it all back to scripture. She gives insight in a way that is always so relevant for whatever I’m going through. I highly recommend her books too – Fervent is so so good and a great way to get back into the habit of making daily prayer a practice.
Finding I Am by Lysa TerKeurst– Another one from Lysa that I liked. Finding I Am is a Bible study that goes through the seven I AM statements of Jesus found in the Gospel of John. This is a little different from a typical devotional but a great study to do on your own, or with a small group. I’ve loved having studies like this that really delve into the different books of the Bible. Just a note though, you need to buy the videos that accompany the teachings.
New Morning Mercies: A Daily Gospel Devotional by Paul David Tripp– This is a devotional that is next on my list since I know several friends who have loved it. Countless people have said this is an excellent devotional for men or women, believer or non-believer. I’ll report back after I go through it personally, but couldn’t not include it since it’s been high on my radar.
By the way, if you’re looking for a good Bible, I really like the ESV Study Bible. It’s big but it’s because there’s a study center below each page so you can learn more about context, meaning, and applicable chapters/verses. There are also charts and maps and tons of other information that’s especially interesting if you want to get a more complete picture of what was going on during the time. I love history so this has been a great version for me to use as I’m learning more.
Ok I hope this post is helpful! I pray it encourages you all to seek out God’s word and develop a stronger relationship with Jesus. I truly believe that He wants to be known to us and it’s amazing what happens when we start to seek Him out. If you have any questions or need some encouragement, feel free to message or email me!
xox
“So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.” Romans 10:17
