Jessica Van Roekel

Life is full of trouble, agony, and sorrow, but it’s also filled with beauty, fun, and laughter.  

God’s Word meets us in the ordinary rhythms of life, from the first quiet moments of the morning to family interactions, work responsibilities, daily encounters, and evening rest. This article gathers 20 encouraging Bible verses to help readers live with more intention, notice God’s faithfulness, and carry Scripture into the moments when they need His peace, strength, and guidance most.

Because of His steadfast love, we can remember we are loved even when we feel we are not. We can find our confidence in who He says we are, not in what a family member may say. Because of the power of God within us, we can extend forgiveness even if we don't experience reconciliation this holiday season.

Today's prayer reflects on Psalm 139:23-24, inviting us to let God search our hearts and guide us in setting resolutions aligned with His will.

The mindset of Christ helps us lay aside our worst-case scenarios and view other people through the lens of humility so we can discover the power of God at work in them and us.

Do you ever start January with resolutions all shiny and bright? Do you think, “This is the year I’m going to get it all together?” And some of us work those goals like a bread maker kneading dough. But others, like myself, find those shiny resolutions dulling after a few days.

I had forgotten how to pray. It was my first Moms In Prayer group and we bowed our heads and hearts before the Lord to lift our children to him. Tears leaked from my eyes as I sat listening to the other women pray for my child.

Expectations, especially unspoken, can create trouble in our lives. It leads to assumptions where we guess, sometimes wrongly, and then disappointment comes in waves. But do we know how to answer that when Jesus asks the question?

Self-discipline can be defined as putting into practice gentleness and patience. It’s applying biblical wisdom to our lives. It’s allowing the Holy Spirit to transform us.

In our lives, God can use people, sermons, devotions, music, or the Word of God to show us the status of our hearts.

We find our hope in the personhood of God. He is everything we could ever hope for, and he promises us his presence.

While many of us have external struggles with home, family, work, and finances, we also deal with internal battles.

Humankind has repeatedly turned away from him, yet God is patient.

Hope is foundational to faith and love. It is more than a wish. It is a confident expectation rooted in God’s character, provision, and promise.