Have you ever been mistreated and felt it was unfair? 

One of my adult kids reported that some family members had accused me of an unkind act toward another family member. Many family members dropped all communication with me, but I heard gossip about disparaging comments spoken behind my back. I was devastated. How could they think that I'd ever do that? It's not fair! My fingers itched to pick up the phone and find out who started such a stinky lie.

If you're carrying hurt, anger, or resentment, it's tempting to fire off an angry test or lose your temper during a phone call. Maybe you avoid confrontation, so your response is to entertain long, imaginary conversations in your head. None of us like to be mistreated, misunderstood, or maligned. However, someone's bad behavior doesn't have to keep you in the wrong emotional place. 

If you've wrestled with the understandable hurt, anger, or desire for revenge, today's Happy Monday Devotional is for you. King David writes about an unknown but actual time in his life when he struggled with being mistreated. 

David begins this psalm in a pretty emotionally low place:

"I pray to you, O LORD, my rock. Do not turn a deaf ear to me. For if you are silent, I might as well give up and die." -Psalm 28:1 NLT

Take a moment and put yourself in King David's place. It's easy for us to think about Bible figures only on paper. Still, David had emotions, and he was deeply hurt. David told God that he might want to give up and die if God isn't listening. It's encouraging that David could be this honest with God - and so can you! 

WHEN YOU'RE DISCOURAGED OR IN PAIN, PRAYER IS POWER!

Listen to my prayer for mercy as I cry out to you for help, as I lift my hands toward your holy sanctuary. -Psalm 28:2 NLT

Notice how David doesn't minimize his hurt. He doesn't let it settle into his hurt and keep it around like a housepet. Prayer is proactive. Pray invites an Almighty God to make a difference where you have no power. Prayer is power. My friend, you aren't being a complainer or a baby for expressing your pain to God. Even if you lost your cool, don't let Satan convince you that because you messed up, then God doesn't want to hear from you. Not true!

IT'S NOT WRONG TO PRAY FOR GOD'S JUSTICE

Give them the punishment they so richly deserve! Measure it out in proportion to their wickedness. Pay them back for all their evil deeds! Give them a taste of what they have done to others. -Psalm 28:4 NLT

You can pray for God's justice when you've been wronged. I've seen and heard far too many Christian women give into others' pressure to "forgive and forget" abusers or others who've committed illegal acts. You can love Jesus and press charges if the situation requires it. 

Your part is to work through the forgiveness process, which may or may not result in accountability. Remember, there is a difference! But leave any form of revenge to God. He won't forget, even if it takes months, years, or even eternity. The scriptures say that God will replay, and you can trust God's justice.

NO ONE CAN STOP GOD FROM BLESSING YOU

The Lord is my strength and shield. I trust him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy. I burst out in songs of thanksgiving. -Psalm 28:7 NLT

Here's the hope for you to carry today! David's naysayers didn't mess up his praise! David knew nothing his enemies could do or say would stop God from blessing him. The same is true for you - people can talk about you, mistreat you, lie about you, or take away everything you own, but if you are a child of God, they cannot stop God from blessing you or taking care of you. Can I get an AMEN? 

I'D LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU: Which verse in Psalm 28 encouraged you today? 

Make Lent More Meaningful This Year!

• Do you start Lent with good intentions, but lose motivation after a week or two?
• Is Lent usually filled with guilt or going through the motions and you'd like to have a more meaningful experience with God?
• Would you like to experience the scripturally rich Book of Psalms in a fresh new way?

If you answered "yes" to at least one of these questions, click the button to find out more about the Finding Jesus in the Psalms book study. Check out the link to find out how to host a small group at your church or online with friends around the country this Lenten season.

I don’t need a calendar to know when Valentine’s Day is near—my heart reminds me. Just like a woman struggling with infertility feels the weight of Mother’s Day approaching, single women often feel the sting of a holiday meant to celebrate love. It’s a long 24 hours watching the world pair up, even in unhealthy relationships, while we wonder if we’ll ever find "The One."

If you're married or happily single, this message isn’t for you. I’m speaking to my single Christian sisters who feel unseen, unheard, and unloved on this day. Let me say what you know deep down but need to hear aloud: There is nothing wrong with you.

The Pressure on Christian Single Women

Too often, single Christian women are bombarded with messages about why they’re still single:

• “You’re too picky.”

• “Maybe if you lost weight...”

• “At your age, maybe you should lower your expectations.”

• “You shouldn’t have let him go, even if he cheated.”

• "Maybe this is God's punishment for some of the mistakes you've made."

Christian single women live with conflicting messages. There's pressure to find someone and settle down, but the criticized if she expresses sadness or frustration along the way. No one would tell a woman struggling with infertility, “Not everyone is meant to be a mother,” yet single women hear similar dismissive remarks about marriage.

So let me say it again: There is nothing wrong with you.

• There is nothing wrong with desiring marriage.

• There is nothing wrong with having standards and boundaries, even if it means getting ghosted.

• There is nothing wrong with rejecting situationships or men who aren’t serious.

• There is nothing wrong with upholding a biblical sexual ethic, despite what culture—or even some Christian men—say.

• There is nothing wrong with being the last of your friends to marry.

• There is nothing wrong with never having been married, even if you thought it would’ve happened by now.

Your singleness isn’t a curse, a punishment, or even just “a season.” It is a part of your journey, and it is not less valuable than anyone else’s.

The Gift of Shalom

What you need today is shalom—God’s peace, a deep wholeness of heart and mind. His shalom cancels the lie that you are lacking something. Too many of us believe we can’t be whole without a relationship, and when we don’t have one, we assume something is wrong with us. But God’s love completes you in a way no human relationship ever can.

When you walk in God’s wholeness, you no longer settle for low-effort men or chase relationships to feel validated. By the way, if you are in a toxic relationship or in a relationship with a man whose actions aren't consistent, respectful or bring out the best in your, let that man go. God's wholeness is big enough to heal your heart and to hold you until you meet the right man or if you'll walk out life on your own.

Let God’s Love Define You

Ready to shift your mindset.

Instead of: There is something wrong with me.

Shift to: God's wholeness completes me.

Instead of chasing human love, let yourself be pursued by God’s perfect love. Your relationship status does not determine God’s goodness toward you. He is with you, for you, and He will never fail or leave you.

You are God's beautiful, lovable, capable daughter. You don’t need a man to be confident in Christ. And no matter what has happened in your past—or even if it’s always just you—nothing will stop God from giving you His best.

There is nothing wrong with you, my friend.

Be loved, Beloved.

Join the Conversation: What’s the best advice you’ve received about being single and Christian? Any encouragement for those struggling this week?

One of the women in my Bible study had a disagreement with her daughter-in-law. This led to a full-on argument. Her son sided with his wife and my friend felt betrayed. The disagreement escalated into lots of ugly accusations and angry words. Within days, the son called to let my friend know that her visit with the grandkids that weekend was canceled and that she was no longer welcome in their home.

As my friend shared her story, the tissues in her hands grew limp from wiping the stream of tears leaking from her eyes. She hung her head after courageously sharing her part in the meltdown. I can’t believe that I said such awful things to her. My son won’t answer my calls. I want to apologize. What if I never see my grandchildren again?

If you’re reading today’s devotional and this story triggers grief or sadness because this is your reality, I’m so sorry. If we were sitting next to each other, I’d give you a big hug right now. Perhaps you know a friend or a family member who has been devastated by a broken relationship. It’s so hard because you can’t fix it for them.

At the time I’m writing this devotional, I’m in Maryland teaching at the Women Digging Deeper Retreat weekend. Before I share what God has put on my heart for today’s devotional, I want to start by showing you this picture of a sign that sits right at the main entrance to the lodging. “Jesus Never Fails.” Say that to yourself over whatever situation you’re facing right now whether it’s an estranged relationship, an unanswered prayer, a fear, or anything.

For today, let’s check out helpful guidance from God’s Word. In Romans 12:18, the Apostle Paul also gives relational instruction to believers. I’ve included his teaching in two different translations:

Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone. -Romans 12:18 NLT

If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. -Romans 12:18 ESV

Which translation resonates most with you? I appreciate both versions, but for different reasons. 

In the New Living Translation (NLT), the phrase “Do all that you can” is a call to God-honoring action and it gives a wise boundary. Some of us grew up in homes or families where “keeping the peace” meant staying silent, accepting, or not reporting toxic, abusive, immoral, or illegal behavior. That is not what Paul teaches. 

“Do all that you can” references Jesus’s teachings on confronting those who’ve harmed or offended you (Matthew 18: 15-17) and offering forgiveness (Matthew 18: 21-35). Jesus’s teachings not only set us up to glorify God, but his teachings are the basis of good, healthy, and wise boundaries, too.

The ESV version (similar to NKJV) starts with the phrase, “If possible, as far as it depends on you.” Those are such important words! We are only in control of ourselves, not others. We’re also responsible for living out Jesus’ teachings whether others do or not. 

“As far as it depends on you” often requires surrender because you can't make people fix the relationship. Everyone handles hurt at different speeds. You may be ready to move on from how someone hurt you, but they may not be over how you hurt them – even if you think that what you did wasn’t that bad. In other instances, perhaps you are willing to forgive an offender, but they aren’t willing to acknowledge or see their part in the problem. You may need to surrender your attempts to convince people of what which they aren’t willing to hear. Jesus said don’t cast your pearls before swine. 

I’ve been there. I was married, there were seasons when my former spouse had left our family and no matter how much I'd call or beg to work things out, he was not ready nor was he interested. Every unanswered text and phone call heaped more rejection on me. The more that I pushed, the more pain it created for peace. Surrender was my only path to peace.

Surrendering doesn’t mean that you’re giving up on the relationship, it means that you’re creating space for God to work. Not only does surrender create a path for you to experience God’s peace instead of suffering but while you’re waiting, you can be assured that God is working. In the meantime, here are some ways to live in peace instead of stalking or stirring the pot:

1. Take the words that you would say to them and turn those words into prayer to God. Pour your heart out to the Father who sees and cares about YOU.
2. You can give the other person/people space and let them know that the door is open when they are ready. 
3. You can prayerfully discern whether to write a letter. I’ve seen this done with positive results and I’ve also seen those letters ignored or fueled to ignite a new argument. I suggest having a trusted friend look the letter over and also help you discern why your expectations or motivations.

As I wrote this week’s devotional, I couldn’t address every situation and nuance that led to conflict or estrangement. What I pray is that you will focus on Paul’s teaching in Romans 12:18 and ask God’s Holy Spirit to speak directly to you about your specific situation. 

By the way, after a long period of estrangement, my friend received a call from her son. He asked if they could meet for coffee. After several months, he let the grandkids come over. Their relationship still has ups and downs but my friend smiles because she saw how God worked in her life when she finally stepped back and surrendered the situation to His control and timing. 

TAKEAWAY TIME! What did you take away from today’s devotional that you needed to hear? Where is God calling you to surrender and trust Him? What’s been hard for you?

Make Lent More Meaningful This Year!

• Do you start Lent with good intentions, but lose motivation after a week or two?
• Is Lent usually filled with guilt or going through the motions and you'd like to have a more meaningful experience with God?
• Would you like to experience the scripturally rich Book of Psalms in a fresh new way?

If you answered "yes" to at least one of these questions, click the button to find out more about the Finding Jesus in the Psalms book study. Check out the link to find out how to host a small group at your church or online with friends around the country this Lenten season.

We're a week into the new year and even if you aren't into New Year's resolutions, the start of a new year is a helpful reset for all of us. Whether you decide to reorganize a messy closet or jump back into Bible study after a break (hint-hint), there is value in making plans, starting new habits, and saying "yes" to important changes.  

That brings me to what I feel led to say today:

Can I lovingly ask you to make 2024 the year that you take better care of yourself?

Specifically, have you sensed God prompting you to deal with your health, but you’ve been ignoring or even rebelling against those promptings?

If you’re tempted to bail on this devotional, stay with me! I'm not writing this to spark shame or criticism. God loves you and I do it! This was the devotional that God put on my heart this week, so I'm trusting that God knows who needs to read this.

Perhaps your doctor, counselor, or nurse practitioner has asked you to cut back on salt, and sugar, exercise more, or reduce your stress. Our healthcare providers aren't God, BUT God gave them the skills and insights to diagnose what's happening to your mind or body. Have you considered that God might be speaking through them?

Even if we go to the doctor, just going to an appointment is not enough! The Bible teaches us that we can’t just hear the word, but we must live it out. We can apply this to hearing instructions from our healthcare providers. Again, what if God is speaking through them and we’re resisting their wisdom? Too often do we make excuses for our non-compliance? Any of these sound familiar:

Oh, I'm cutting back, but today, I'll have just this one.

I know what my counselor said, but I don't have time to journal.

Exercising? Lifting weights? I'm too old to start all that.

At this point, guilt might be creeping in. Tell it to stop!  God never wants you to be ashamed of your health struggles. God loves you and I do, too. But, He does want more FOR you!

God cares about the body that He created for you. He cares about how you care for yourself.

Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself.

-1 Corinthians 6:19 NLT

After my third child, I was diagnosed with lymphedema in my right foot and leg. It took months of appointments and tests, the doctor gave me the diagnosis. He added the following: "You'll be fine, but you need to work out and maintain a healthy weight or else this condition can turn dangerous very quickly."

I decided to follow his instructions. In addition to lymphedema, I’ve also had a minor heart defect my entire life. More reason for me to listen and obey. It’s been twenty years and I still follow the doctor’s instructions. It hasn’t been easy, but not following the doctor’s wisdom would have made my life even harder.

I've had to create boundaries like not keeping dessert in my home since I don't have good self-control with dessert. I also make myself work out, even though I'd rather not most days. I do it because what I want to do isn't going to be what's best for me.

This reminds me of Paul's reply to believers who thought that freedom in Christ meant that they could do whatever they wanted to do:

You say, “I am allowed to do anything”—but not everything is good for you. You say, “I am allowed to do anything”—but not everything is beneficial.

-1 Corinthians 10:13 NLT

Here’s something that you need to remember: Not everything good is good for you. There are things that taste really good, but not good for you. Skipping exercise might feel good because you aren’t sweating or tired, but the lack of movement is not good for you.

Sweet friend, God wants more for you this year!

QUESTIONS FOR YOU TO REFLECT ON:

What action steps has your healthcare provider recommended?

Since God loves and cares about your body, has His Holy Spirit prompted or convicted you of either mistreating your body or your resistance to taking better care of yourself?

What have you been eating, drinking or doing that does NOT bless your body?

Who can you make yourself accountable to?

TELL ME WHAT YOU THINK! Did today's devotional tap into what you've been thinking or praying about? Where is God calling you to be obedient?  

Not feeling Christmas-y? You aren't alone. 

As much as the songs tell us that it's the most wonderful time of the year and deck the halls, there are many of us who aren't feeling Christmas-y.

You know that you should be happy during this time of the year, but you are feeling sad or even like the Grinch.

How can you experience joy during the Christmas season when you're having a hard time?  Maybe you've lost a loved one, dealing with a health crisis or marriage issue. As someone who lived through many Christmas seasons under the dark cloud of alcoholism in our home, there were many years where Christmas time was hard and and sad.

But, today I want to share with you how God taught me how to experience joy during the holidays, even though there were many tears.

(By the way, if you want an in-depth message, check out my recent sermon below on finding joy during the holidays when it's hard.)

To be clear, joy doesn't mean that you have to minimize or ignore your grief or pain. Joy is an inner happiness that isn't dependent on what's going on in your circumstances. Joy is God's gift that helps you to hold onto hope and peace.

As you wonder how you can experience joy if you're not feeling Christmas-y, there is ONE thing that God wants you to remember:

Joy is found in the miracle of Christmas, not the magic of Christmas.

Most of us are waiting around hoping that the magic of Christmas shows up. We want that happy fa-la-la-la-la feeling flowing through our veins. We believe that we’ll feel the magic of Christmas when we find the right gifts, if all of the kids come home or if we hav enough money to do what we want.

But, too often our hope of the magic of Christmas is hijacked by the hard and broken in our lives. Even though we long for the magic of Christmas, grief, brokenness and hardship often overwhelms us.

Where does this leave you? Christmas is the reminder that Jesus came to earth to be the miracle that you need this Christmas in the midst of your sadness. What is that miracle?

The miracle of Christmas is embracing the Good News that Jesus left heaven to bring heaven to earth. He came into our broken world to save us from the penalty and consequences of the sin that is the reason behind why life is so hard for you today.

Jesus came because we NEEDED him.

You need him.

I need him.

Jesus came to be WITH us in our our human brokenness and show us the visible image of the invisible Creator of the Universe and Lover of our soul.

“Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel which means ‘God is WITH us.’” -Matthew 1:23 NLT

He came to earth so that you could experience WITHNESS with God. If you are a believer in Jesus Christ, savor this: God is WITH you, right now.

That reminder should uplift our hearts and thrill us! Remember the angel’s words to the shepherds in the field when Jesus was born:

But the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you GOOD NEWS that will bring GREAT JOY to all people. The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! -Luke 2:10-11 NLT

Because Jesus came, you can experience great joy!

The joy of salvation,

The joy of knowing God,

The joy of freedom,

The joy of healing,

and more!  

Here’s the challenge: Instead of chasing or longing for the feeling of the magic of Christmas, shift your focus to expressing your gratitude for God's gift to you: Jesus. Focus on the Good News and all the reasons for joy that Jesus brings because he came into our world.

Need help to make that shift? Here's a beautiful song by Francesca Battistelli called “Behold Him” that will help you focus on the miracle of Christmas in Jesus. Listen here.

Did today's devotional help? Tell me how you plan to stay focused on the miracle of Jesus this Christmas? I'd love to hear from you! 

*If you think that this devotional will help someone who is having a hard time, share this via email or on social media.