These are a collection of devotionals and Bible verses that have been especially soothing to my broken soul during this time.  I’ve drawn so much comfort from them, and hope that you will too.  Thank you to my dear friends and family who God has used to pass these treasured bits on to me.

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from “Jesus Calling” (by Sarah Young)

Let Me prepare you for the day that stretches out before you.  I know exactly what this day will contain, whereas you have only vague ideas about it. You would like to see a map, showing all the twists and turns of your journey. You’d feel more prepared if you could somehow visualize what is on the road ahead.  However, there is a better way to be prepared for whatever you will encounter today:  Spend quality time with Me. I will not show you what is on the road ahead, but I will thoroughly equip you for the journey. My living Presence is your Companion each step of the way.  Stay in continual communication with Me, whispering My Name whenever you need to redirect your thoughts.  Thus, you can walk through this day with your focus on Me.  My abiding Presence is the best road map available.  (see also Exodus 33:14; John 15:4-7)

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from “Jesus Calling” (by Sarah Young)

I am your strength and shield.  I plan out each day and have it ready for you, long before you arise from bed.  I also provide the strength you need each step of the way.  Instead of assessing your energy level and wondering about what’s on the road ahead, concentrate on staying in touch with Me.  My Power flows freely into you through our open communication.  Refuse to waste energy worrying, and you will have strength to spare. Whenever you start to feel afraid, remember that I am your Shield.  But unlike inanimate armor, I am always alert and active.  My Presence watches over you continually, protecting your from both known and unknown dangers.  Entrust yourself to My watchcare, which is the best security system available.  I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go.   (see also Psalm 28:7; Matthew 6:34; Psalm 56:3-4; Genesis 28:15)

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from “Jesus Calling” (by Sarah Young)

Seek My face, and you will find not only My Presence but also My Peace.  To receive My Peace, you must change your grasping, controlling stance to one of openness and trust.  THe only thing you can grasp without damaging your soul is My hand.  Ask My Spirit within you to order your day and control your thoughts, for the mind controlled by the Spirit is Life and Peace. You can have as much of Me and My Peace as you want, through thousands of correct choices each day.  The most persistent choice you face is whether to trust Me or to worry.  You will never run out of things to worry about, but you can choose to trust Me no matter what.  I an ever-present help in trouble.  Trust Me, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea.  (see also Romans 8:6; Psalm 46:1-2)

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from “Jesus Calling” (by Sarah Young)

Rest with Me a while.  You have journeyed up a steep, rugged path in recent days.  The way ahead is shrouded in uncertainty.  Look neither behind you nor before you.  Instead, focus your attention on Me, your constant Companion.  Trust that I will equip you fully for whatever awaits you on your journey. I designed time to be a protection for you.  You couldn’t bear to see all your life at once.  Though I am unlimited by time, it is in the present moment that I meet you.  Refresh yourself in My company, breathing deep draughts of My Presence.  The highest level of trust is to enjoy Me moment by moment.  I am with you, watching over you wherever you go.  (see also Psalm 143:8; Genesis 28:15)

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Don’t worry about anything; instead pray about everything.  Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done. – Philippians 4:6, NLT

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from “Jesus Calling” (by Sarah Young)

My Face is shining upon you, beaming out Peace that transcends understanding.  You are surrounded by a sea of problems, but you are face to Face with Me, your Peace.  As long as you focus on Me, you are safe.  If you gaze too long at the myriad of problems around you, you will sink under the weight of your burdens.  When you start to sink, simply call out “Help me, Jesus!” and I will lift you up.

The closer you live to Me, the safer you are.  Circumstances around you are undulating, and there are treacherous-looking waves in the distance.  Fix your eyes on Me, the One who never changes.  By the time those waves reach you, they will have shrunk to proportions of My design.  I am always beside you helping you face today’s waves.  The future is a phantom, seeking to spook you.  Laugh at the future!  Stay close to Me.

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Psalm 46

God is our refuge and strength,   
an ever-present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way   
and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,
though its waters roar and foam   
and the mountains quake with their surging.

There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,   
the holy place where the Most High dwells.
God is within her, she will not fall;   
God will help her at break of day. ⁶Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall;   
he lifts his voice, the earth melts.

The LORD Almighty is with us;   
the God of Jacob is our fortress.

Come and see what the LORD has done,   
the desolations he has brought on the earth. 
He makes wars cease   
to the ends of the earth. He breaks the bow and shatters the spear;   
he burns the shields with fire.
He says, “Be still, and know that I am God;   
I will be exalted among the nations,   
I will be exalted in the earth.”

The LORD Almighty is with us;   
the God of Jacob is our fortress.

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“He is the Lifter of Our Heads” (by Jerrod Clark)

“But you, O LORD, are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head.” – Psalm 3:3

There is no situation that our God can’t turn around for the greater good. There is no pit too deep that the LORD can’t raise you out of.

We all face our dark days. We all experience doom and gloom. But know today that we serve a God who is the lifter of our heads.

God has the ability to bring joy in the times of sorrow. When you have a hung down head, our God goes to work behind the scenes to comfort you and meet you at the point of your need.

Remember, when you’re at your weakest that’s when God is at His strongest in you. When you don’t see a way, God has a way.

I love how the Psalmist says it. He says, “The LORD is near to to the brokenhearted and He saves the crushed in spirit.” If you have a broken heart, our God is a faithful God. He’s the mender of broken hearts!

God’s Word has the awesome ability to speak life, victory and encouragement into your circumstance. Our almighty God is sufficient and He can provide the oil of joy for mourning. He provides beauty for ashes. He’s your hope when you’re hopeless.

I always say, whatever you need our God to be, that’s what He’ll be. If you have a hung down head, our God is the lifter of your head. If you have a broken heart, He’s a mender. If you’re discouraged, He’s the great encourager. If you’re friendless, He’s a friend that sticks closer than a brother.

When the sorrows of life come knocking at your door, make a choice to lift up your head and let the King of Glory come into your situation. God sees that as an act of faith. And in return, He’ll not only lift your head, but He’ll put a smile on your face and comfort you as you charge forth on your journey of life!

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And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. – Philippians 4:7

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But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” – Matthew 14:30

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Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. – Hebrews 12:2

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from “Jesus Calling” (by Sarah Young)

Seek My Face, and you will find more than you ever dreamed possible.  Let Me displace worry at the center of your being.  I am like a supersaturated cloud, showering Peace into the pool of your mind.  My Nature is to bless.  Your nature is to receive with thanksgiving.  This is a true fit, designed before the foundation of the world.  Glorify Me by receiving My blessings gratefully.

I am the goal of all your searching.  When you seek Me, you find Me and are satisfied.  When lesser goals capture attention, I fade into the background of your life.  I am still there, watching and waiting; but you function as if you were alone.  Actually, My Light shines on every situation you will ever face.  Live radiantly by expanding your focus to include Me in all your moments.  Let nothing dampen your search for Me.

When You said, “Seek My face,”  My heart said to You, “Your face, LORD, I will seek.” – Psalm 27:8

Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It’s wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life.  – Philippians 4:7

You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. – Jeremiah 29:13

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Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.  For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows. If we are distressed, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which produces in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we suffer. And our hope for you is firm, because we know that just as you share in our sufferings, so also you share in our comfort. - 2 Corinthians 1:3-7

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from “Jesus Calling” (by Sarah Young)

Strive to trust Me in more and more areas of your life.  Anything that tends to make you anxious is a growth opportunity.  Instead of running away from these challenges, embrace them, eager to gain all the blessings I have hidden in the difficulties.  If you believe that I am sovereign over every aspect of your life, it is possible to trust Me in all situations.  Don’t waste energy regretting the way things are or thinking about what might have been.  Start at the present moment – accepting things exactly as they are – and search for My way in the midst of those circumstances.

Trust is like a staff you can lean on, as you journey uphill with Me.  If you are trusting in Me consistently, the staff will bear as much of your weight as needed.  Lean on, trust, and be confident in Me with all your heart and mind.

But I am like an olive tree flourishing in the house of God; I trust in God’s unfailing love for ever and ever. – Psalm 52:8

Lean on, trust in, and be confident in the Lord with all your heart and mind and do not rely on your own insight or understanding.   In all your ways know, recognize, and acknowledge Him, and He will direct and make straight and plain your paths. – Proverbs 3:5-6

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from “Jesus Calling” (by Sarah Young)

IT’S ALL RIGHT TO BE HUMAN.  When your mind wanders while you are praying, don’t be surprised or upset.  Simply return your attention to Me.  Share a secret smile with Me, knowing that I understand.  Rejoice in My Love for you, which has no limits or conditions.  Whisper My Name in loving contentment, assured that I will never leave you or forsake you.  Intersperse these peaceful interludes abundantly throughout your day.  This practice will enable you to attain a quiet and gentle spirit, which is pleasing to Me.

As you live in close contact with Me, the Light of My Presence filters through you to bless others.  Your weakness and woundedness are the openings through which the Light of the knowledge of My Glory shines forth.  My strength and power show themselves most effective in your weakness.

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” – Deuteronomy 31:6

Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight. – 1 Peter 3:4 

For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ.  But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. – 2 Corinthians 4:6-7

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. – 2 Corinthians 12:9

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