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(Note: This first posted on Nov 12, 2020.)

If our prayers reveal our hearts and desires, than mine demonstrate that I’ve become overly entangled in today. Or perhaps more accurately, that I frequently lose sight of eternity. I ask God to alleviate my friends’ and loved ones’ pain, to protect them from harm, and to pour His blessings upon them. And while there’s nothing wrong with those requests––God wants us to bring all our needs before Him––He invites all of us to go deeper.

Lately, I’ve been reflecting on the prayers of Paul, recorded in his letters to ancient believers. He was perhaps the most effective missionary and church planter in the history of christendom. He was a man of action, but he was also a man of prayer. Of powerful, soul-stirring, life-changing prayer.

Here’s what I find significant. The people Paul prayed for were experiencing intense persecution. Deep pain. Most likely fierce fear. They were losing jobs, their homes, and for some, their lives.

So, how did Paul pray for them? Did he ask God to keep them safe? To alleviate their suffering?

Perhaps, but those aren’t the requests recorded and preserved for all time. Instead, we see a man completely focused on Christ and His mission–His mission for the world, and for every person Paul encountered.

To the Colossians, he wrote, “We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, because … of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all God’s people …” (Col. 1:3-6, NIV).

He thanked God for their faith and the fruit it bore.

To the Thessalonians he wrote, “We always thank God for all of you and continually mention you in our prayers. We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Thes. 1:2-3).

Again, he thanked God for their faith and the fruit it bore, and the endurance Christ had given them.

To the Philippians he wrote, “… In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 1:3-6, NIV).

Do you see the pattern?

I’m sure Paul felt the same concern for his brothers and sister in Christ that you and I share for our loved ones. While I imagine he prayed for their welfare and provision, he remained focused on their growth in Christ.

He understood, in a way my heart easily forgets, that God had called each of those ancient believers to something glorious, something eternal. To become like Christ and live for Him.

I want to do the same.

This doesn’t mean I’ll stop asking God to protect, bless, and provide for my friends and family. But it does inspire me to expand my view to see them and their situation through His eyes, through the lens of eternity.

Yes, I want God to care for my loved ones today. But even more, I want Him to grow their faith, change and strengthen their hearts, and empower them to change their world.

Let’s talk about this! How often do you pray for your loved one’s spiritual growth? Who might God be calling you to pray for today?

Unshakable Hope to Steady Your Anxious and Hurting Soul – Faith Over Fear

In seasons of deep pain, unanswered questions, and emotional exhaustion, hope can feel distant—or risky to embrace. In this powerful conversation, Jennifer Slattery sits down with author and speaker Kirby Kelly to explore what it looks like to hold onto hope when life feels overwhelming. Drawing from her personal story of loss, addiction in her family, and long-term suffering, Kirby shares how God met her in her darkest moments and gradually transformed her understanding of hope—not as a feeling or personality trait, but as a posture and daily practice rooted in Christ. Together, they discuss how to trust God when circumstances don’t change, how Scripture renews our thinking, and how God uses every season—painful or joyful—to bring redemption. If you’ve been struggling to believe God is good, or wondering how to keep going when you feel worn down, this episode will gently guide you back to the unchanging character of the God of hope. Resource referenced: The Fabric of Hope: How God Weaves Redemption into Every Season by Kirby Kelly 📖 Scripture Discussed Romans 15:13 – God as the source of hope, joy, and peace Psalm 139:5 – God’s nearness and protection (“You hem me in…”) Genesis 37–50 – Joseph’s story of suffering and redemption Job (selected passages) – Trusting God without having answers 2 Corinthians 12:7–10 – Paul’s “thorn” and God’s sustaining grace Galatians 5:22–23 – Fruit of the Spirit (joy and peace) Matthew 11:28–30 – Jesus invites the weary to find rest Reflection Questions: Where in your life does hope feel difficult—or risky—to embrace right now? Have you been placing your hope in a circumstance instead of in God’s character? What past situation can you look back on and clearly see God’s faithfulness? How might regularly reading Scripture begin to renew your thinking in this season? When you feel overwhelmed, what would it look like to pause and intentionally turn toward God’s presence? Which aspect of God—His promises, presence, patterns, or person—do you most need to anchor yourself in today? What is one action step God is inviting you to take having listened to this episode? Connect with Kirby Kelly: On her website On Instagram On Facebook On YouTube Follow her work on Amazon Find Jennifer Slattery: On her website Instagram Facebook Amazon Subscribe to her free newsletter Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
  1. Unshakable Hope to Steady Your Anxious and Hurting Soul
  2. How to Trust God When Prayers Go Unanswered
  3. Calming Anxiety and Fear with Biblical Truth
  4. When Shattered Dreams Leave You Humiliated
  5. When Life Feels Unfair: How to Trust God When Hardship Hits

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Before I share my story, I want to acknowledge God responds to each of us differently, for reasons we may never understand this side of heaven. If God presently seems silent, or you can’t “hear” Him above your pain, I hope this video I shared on social media last week encourages you.

Now to my story. 🙂

There I stood, surrounded by a room full of women who were obviously connecting deeply with the Lord, and I felt nothing. I realize we won’t always tangibly sense God’s presence. I also know not to gauge my faith based on emotion and experience, both of which tend to become swayed by my circumstances. But I came to the event, traveling 1,350 miles, for two reasons: to see precious friends I typically only engage with online, and to encounter Christ.

Worse, as I sought Him in prayer, asking Him to search my heart and remove everything that stood between us, I realized it had been a while since I’d felt the fullness of His Spirit. Numerous weeks, in fact.

I don’t talk about this often, but it’s been a challenging season. I’ve battled chronic pain for nearly ten years, but normally keep it well managed. While it has, on occasion, increased to nearly unbearable levels, the intensity has always eventually decreased. Therefore, I’ve consoled myself with the reminder that the severity won’t last indefinitely.

A couple months ago, however, the pain spiked and remained. It was also part of the reason I felt so spiritually empty the opening session of the Communicators Collective, an event designed specifically to refuel and encourage Christian women called to write and speak. The longer I stood, the deeper the ache in my legs and the sharper the stabs of pain shooting up my back and through my arms.

That evening, knowing the physical consequences, should I stay much longer, I left by eight, just as the event leader Angelia Donadio took the mic to deliver the opening message. This also meant standing and walking out in front of her and a roomful of people who, I feared, found my behavior rude.

That night was one of my worst yet, made all the more painful by the anguish gripping my soul. I was angry at God for allowing my suffering to continue for so long, and frankly, rarely prayed for healing anymore. I’d spent years begging for a miracle that never came. I also began to question my future. What if the severity of my pain lasted indefinitely? Would this be the rest of my life?

Nerve endings on fire, muscles cramping, with gritted teeth, my soul cried out, Lord, where are you?    

The next morning, sleep deprived, still hurting, and more discouraged than I’ve been in some time, I contemplated not attending the rest of the event. I might not have, if my husband hadn’t said, firmly, “You need to go. You need to finish what you started.”

He’s rarely spoken into my life with such authority, and both instances have led to powerful encounters with God. I soon discovered, this time was no different. It just so happened that a recent Faith Over Fear guest, Pam Farrel, spoke on a leadership panel that day. In fact, her episode, recorded with my co-host Carol McCracken, had dropped that very morning. It also “just so happened” that the panel host, Becky Harling, guided the discussion on honoring one’s limits. I leaned in as Pam talked about some of the numerous things her fight against ovarian cancer have cost her. While my journey hasn’t been anywhere near as difficult, it has cost me a lot, including my ability to travel for speaking engagements. The long car rides, hours on my feet, and late nights have simply become too much, and I grieve that.

Then she shared something that filled me with praise but didn’t resonate personally until the next day. She talked about how intense pain brought her to the doctor, where they found a cyst that had become twisted around her ovaries.  They also discovered her disease. “They call ovarian cancer a silent killer,” she said, “because it doesn’t usually produce symptoms.”

In other words, her pain saved her life.  

The following morning, I felt God captivating me with John 8:12, which reads, “When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.’” In my Bible’s margin, I wrote, “To follow, one must keep their eyes on their leader, remain close, and trust that He is indeed leading.” I immediately thought of the pillar of fire God used to guide the Israelites through the wilderness toward the Promised land. While I didn’t yet fully understand the robust message God was (and still is) communicating to me through that verse, and the Old Testament connection, I knew I needed to keep my eyes on Him, not my pain.  

That day, I sought Pam out and asked if we could speak. As we did, I shared how much I resonated with her story along with the sorrow I felt for relinquishing something I’ve long enjoyed. I recognized God was using me in other ways, like through podcasting and video devotions. I also realized those mediums allowed me to reach hundreds of thousands more people than I ever had through a speaking engagement.

“I don’t know why this is so hard,” I said. “Except that it feels like I didn’t choose it. Like pain stole this from me.”

“You need to think about it differently,” she said. “Our world is changing, and God is setting you up for what’s ahead.”

I understood what she meant. With a plethora of powerful content easily accessed online, fewer women attend in-person events. While I don’t know how long my season will last, I do know God is increasingly shifting me to new territory. As He was doing with the Israelites who trekked through the wilderness so long ago. They thought Moses was leading them, and whenever they didn’t understand or like the direction they were heading, they wanted to find a new leader. Similarly, I had thought my pain was leading me. But God was, and always is, our ultimate leader. That doesn’t mean He caused my pain. Scripture makes clear, He is not the author of evil. But He did use it to grab my attention.

Circling back to that discouraging evening at the Communicator’s Collective when it felt like my throbbing legs kept me from experiencing God. I thought my pain kept me from hearing Him, and for a time, it did. But in the end, He spoke through it.

I found God not in the absence of pain, or in spite of it, but in it.        

Unshakable Hope to Steady Your Anxious and Hurting Soul – Faith Over Fear

In seasons of deep pain, unanswered questions, and emotional exhaustion, hope can feel distant—or risky to embrace. In this powerful conversation, Jennifer Slattery sits down with author and speaker Kirby Kelly to explore what it looks like to hold onto hope when life feels overwhelming. Drawing from her personal story of loss, addiction in her family, and long-term suffering, Kirby shares how God met her in her darkest moments and gradually transformed her understanding of hope—not as a feeling or personality trait, but as a posture and daily practice rooted in Christ. Together, they discuss how to trust God when circumstances don’t change, how Scripture renews our thinking, and how God uses every season—painful or joyful—to bring redemption. If you’ve been struggling to believe God is good, or wondering how to keep going when you feel worn down, this episode will gently guide you back to the unchanging character of the God of hope. Resource referenced: The Fabric of Hope: How God Weaves Redemption into Every Season by Kirby Kelly 📖 Scripture Discussed Romans 15:13 – God as the source of hope, joy, and peace Psalm 139:5 – God’s nearness and protection (“You hem me in…”) Genesis 37–50 – Joseph’s story of suffering and redemption Job (selected passages) – Trusting God without having answers 2 Corinthians 12:7–10 – Paul’s “thorn” and God’s sustaining grace Galatians 5:22–23 – Fruit of the Spirit (joy and peace) Matthew 11:28–30 – Jesus invites the weary to find rest Reflection Questions: Where in your life does hope feel difficult—or risky—to embrace right now? Have you been placing your hope in a circumstance instead of in God’s character? What past situation can you look back on and clearly see God’s faithfulness? How might regularly reading Scripture begin to renew your thinking in this season? When you feel overwhelmed, what would it look like to pause and intentionally turn toward God’s presence? Which aspect of God—His promises, presence, patterns, or person—do you most need to anchor yourself in today? What is one action step God is inviting you to take having listened to this episode? Connect with Kirby Kelly: On her website On Instagram On Facebook On YouTube Follow her work on Amazon Find Jennifer Slattery: On her website Instagram Facebook Amazon Subscribe to her free newsletter Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
  1. Unshakable Hope to Steady Your Anxious and Hurting Soul
  2. How to Trust God When Prayers Go Unanswered
  3. Calming Anxiety and Fear with Biblical Truth
  4. When Shattered Dreams Leave You Humiliated
  5. When Life Feels Unfair: How to Trust God When Hardship Hits

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My soul aches from wounds left from my bio-mother’s rejection and abandonment and celebrates the love God gives me through my mom-in-law who embraces me with open arms.

I lament the chronic pain that steals my sleep and praise God for the soft pillow upon which I can rest my weary head.

I’m saddened by ways and times my unhealed self hurt family and friends and express deep gratitude for the wholeness to which my Lord draws me.

I grieve the people I won’t see this holiday season and am thankful for the smiling faces I will.

I recoil at the increased evil advancing in our world and shout hallelujah for God’s light that always breaks through the darkness.

And even as I feel the weight of all that’s hard and uncertain this season, I lift my chin, fix my eyes upon my Savior, and realize, I have much cause for thanks.

If you can relate, I wrote this post for you.

* ~ * ~ *

On another note, my latest release, Christmas on the Ranch, has hit the Walmart shelves! Snatch a copy at your local Walmart, Barnes and Noble, or online!

From the back cover:

A Christmas in the Hill Country

Could lead to a new beginning country living is the last thing caregiver Evie Bell wants—but she goes where the work takes her. And this time, that’s a Texas ranch full of terrifying bulls and a handsome cowboy and single dad. Thankfully, the position is temporary. But spending time with Monte Bowman and his twin daughters while caring for his great-aunt will only make it harder to leave. Evie’s here to help this family—not join it. And there’s no place for her at Monte’s side…especially once he learns the secret she’s been hiding.

Buy it HERE.

Unshakable Hope to Steady Your Anxious and Hurting Soul – Faith Over Fear

In seasons of deep pain, unanswered questions, and emotional exhaustion, hope can feel distant—or risky to embrace. In this powerful conversation, Jennifer Slattery sits down with author and speaker Kirby Kelly to explore what it looks like to hold onto hope when life feels overwhelming. Drawing from her personal story of loss, addiction in her family, and long-term suffering, Kirby shares how God met her in her darkest moments and gradually transformed her understanding of hope—not as a feeling or personality trait, but as a posture and daily practice rooted in Christ. Together, they discuss how to trust God when circumstances don’t change, how Scripture renews our thinking, and how God uses every season—painful or joyful—to bring redemption. If you’ve been struggling to believe God is good, or wondering how to keep going when you feel worn down, this episode will gently guide you back to the unchanging character of the God of hope. Resource referenced: The Fabric of Hope: How God Weaves Redemption into Every Season by Kirby Kelly 📖 Scripture Discussed Romans 15:13 – God as the source of hope, joy, and peace Psalm 139:5 – God’s nearness and protection (“You hem me in…”) Genesis 37–50 – Joseph’s story of suffering and redemption Job (selected passages) – Trusting God without having answers 2 Corinthians 12:7–10 – Paul’s “thorn” and God’s sustaining grace Galatians 5:22–23 – Fruit of the Spirit (joy and peace) Matthew 11:28–30 – Jesus invites the weary to find rest Reflection Questions: Where in your life does hope feel difficult—or risky—to embrace right now? Have you been placing your hope in a circumstance instead of in God’s character? What past situation can you look back on and clearly see God’s faithfulness? How might regularly reading Scripture begin to renew your thinking in this season? When you feel overwhelmed, what would it look like to pause and intentionally turn toward God’s presence? Which aspect of God—His promises, presence, patterns, or person—do you most need to anchor yourself in today? What is one action step God is inviting you to take having listened to this episode? Connect with Kirby Kelly: On her website On Instagram On Facebook On YouTube Follow her work on Amazon Find Jennifer Slattery: On her website Instagram Facebook Amazon Subscribe to her free newsletter Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
  1. Unshakable Hope to Steady Your Anxious and Hurting Soul
  2. How to Trust God When Prayers Go Unanswered
  3. Calming Anxiety and Fear with Biblical Truth
  4. When Shattered Dreams Leave You Humiliated
  5. When Life Feels Unfair: How to Trust God When Hardship Hits

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quote from post with the backdrop of a blue door framed by ivy.

(This first published on October 3, 2019)

What if your greatest need, your greatest challenge, strategically leads to your greatest blessing? What if, in your place of struggle, of uncertainty, God is chiseling away all that is shaky and false to lay beneath you a sure and steady foundation? What if, when it feels as if everything around you is shattering, God is actually using those broken pieces to create something eternally beautiful and precious?

My mind likes to shoot straight to fear. When our car breaks down, or our daughter struggles, or maybe someone I love experiences a health challenge, I’m tempted to forget. To forget that God is with me, with us. To forget He’s ever present, certain and true. That His love is big enough to cover every need and hurt. But most of all, I’m tempted to forget that He is in my difficulty, using the situation to reveal hidden lies lurking in my heart. Shining His light on what is diseased in order to bring life and light to what’s gone dead.

For years, I felt food insecure. Even with a full pantry and well-funded savings account, financially, everything felt uncertain. I remembered my time wandering the street of Tacoma, of eating potatoes, and lets be honest, large quantities of malt liquor.

My vision from that time was selective, distorted. I remembered the hard more than God’s hand. And so, I lived in fear. Fear that, at any moment, the life I’d created—that I thought I’d created—would unravel.

In essence, I made much of myself and little of God. I placed my husband’s paycheck, or working car, or our checking account in place of my faithful Provider. Yet, in the deepest recesses of my fearful heart, I intuitively knew that none of those things had the power to carry me. But in focusing on all those lesser, powerless, ever-shifting provisions, I forgot who was and always has been holding me.

My focus on the “bread” hindered my view of the “Baker” and this kept me from resting firmly in His embrace.

This was precisely what happened some two thousand years ago, when Jesus and His disciples encountered a large crowd of hungry people. We likely miss the magnitude of this situation as most of us have never truly been food insecure. When we want something to eat, we run to the store or hit the nearest restaurant. But for ancient man, hunger was a real and pressing concern.

And so, seeing their hunger, Jesus said to Philip, one of His disciples, “You feed them.”

To which Philip replied, in essence, “Um, what?”

“Philip answered Him, ‘It would take more than half a year’s wages to buy enough bread for each one to have a bite!’” (John 6:7, NIV). Peter responded much the same, saying “Here is a boy with five small barley loaves and two small fish, but how far will they go among so many?” (John 6:8, NIV).

Like I so often do, Philip and Peter allowed their need to blind them from their Provider. In that moment, the need felt huge and their God felt small.

Have you ever been there? I have. And when I land in that place, God doesn’t chastise me or turn away. Instead, He draws me close and says, “What you have is enough, because I, who always am enough, will make it enough.”

That’s precisely how He responded to His disciples. “Jesus said, ‘Have the people sit down.’ There was plenty of grass in that place, and they sat down (about five thousand men were there). Jesus then took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed to those who were seated as much as they wanted. He did the same with the fish’” (John 6:10-11, NIV).

Did you catch that? Jesus didn’t just give the people a little. He didn’t feed them enough to hold them over until they could find another meal. He gave them each as much as they wanted. He gave them an abundance, because He is the God of abundance, and He wants us to know that He alone, not our jobs or our paychecks, will meet our needs.

Text pulled from post with a flower background.

God calls us to utilize what we have, not obsess over what we lack. When needs arise, it’s easy to become paralyzed by our lack. But even in our lack, we have hope, because we have Christ. And the same God who used a simple lunch of five loaves and two fish can use our meager resources and feeble strength to perfect all that concerns us.

In fact, sometimes, oftentimes, He will allow us to land in situations that feel hopeless so that we can truly and securely grab hold of the only One who is hope. That is a precious blessing that will never fade or disappoint.

What are you facing today? What might God be showing you through it? In the middle of your struggle, what lies are rising to the surface? That God doesn’t care? That He won’t provide for or protect you? That He’s distant or not listening?

What does truth say?

Share your thoughts, stories, and encouragement with us in the comments below, because we can all learn from and encourage one another!

Unshakable Hope to Steady Your Anxious and Hurting Soul – Faith Over Fear

In seasons of deep pain, unanswered questions, and emotional exhaustion, hope can feel distant—or risky to embrace. In this powerful conversation, Jennifer Slattery sits down with author and speaker Kirby Kelly to explore what it looks like to hold onto hope when life feels overwhelming. Drawing from her personal story of loss, addiction in her family, and long-term suffering, Kirby shares how God met her in her darkest moments and gradually transformed her understanding of hope—not as a feeling or personality trait, but as a posture and daily practice rooted in Christ. Together, they discuss how to trust God when circumstances don’t change, how Scripture renews our thinking, and how God uses every season—painful or joyful—to bring redemption. If you’ve been struggling to believe God is good, or wondering how to keep going when you feel worn down, this episode will gently guide you back to the unchanging character of the God of hope. Resource referenced: The Fabric of Hope: How God Weaves Redemption into Every Season by Kirby Kelly 📖 Scripture Discussed Romans 15:13 – God as the source of hope, joy, and peace Psalm 139:5 – God’s nearness and protection (“You hem me in…”) Genesis 37–50 – Joseph’s story of suffering and redemption Job (selected passages) – Trusting God without having answers 2 Corinthians 12:7–10 – Paul’s “thorn” and God’s sustaining grace Galatians 5:22–23 – Fruit of the Spirit (joy and peace) Matthew 11:28–30 – Jesus invites the weary to find rest Reflection Questions: Where in your life does hope feel difficult—or risky—to embrace right now? Have you been placing your hope in a circumstance instead of in God’s character? What past situation can you look back on and clearly see God’s faithfulness? How might regularly reading Scripture begin to renew your thinking in this season? When you feel overwhelmed, what would it look like to pause and intentionally turn toward God’s presence? Which aspect of God—His promises, presence, patterns, or person—do you most need to anchor yourself in today? What is one action step God is inviting you to take having listened to this episode? Connect with Kirby Kelly: On her website On Instagram On Facebook On YouTube Follow her work on Amazon Find Jennifer Slattery: On her website Instagram Facebook Amazon Subscribe to her free newsletter Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
  1. Unshakable Hope to Steady Your Anxious and Hurting Soul
  2. How to Trust God When Prayers Go Unanswered
  3. Calming Anxiety and Fear with Biblical Truth
  4. When Shattered Dreams Leave You Humiliated
  5. When Life Feels Unfair: How to Trust God When Hardship Hits

 

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(Please note, the below post is not intended to minimize anyone’s pain or hardship. I share it because I found the reminder to see good, even if but a single ray of light piercing through an otherwise cloudy sky, in the present encouraging and a practice to which I aspire. I know there is good in each moment because God is with me in each moment)

I woke up one Friday to no electricity, no cell phone signal, and a neighborhood that looked like it had been through a war. Strong winds and tornadoes from the hurricane left behind a nightmare of destruction. Signs of disaster surrounded me—neighbors with downed trees, some on their homes. Roads blocked.

And the rain was still coming down.

Two days prior, I’d been weeping over feelings of stress and overwhelm, trappings of my busy everyday “normal” life. Now, those feelings seemed so petty in comparison to what we faced today. Perspective slid into alignment with the perfect click of hindsight, replaced with understanding about what really matters.

God, life, family, food and shelter, basic human kindness … that’s what really matters—not work deadlines or to-do lists. Not all those silly surface worries that had consumed me days prior.

After the wind and the rain had subsided, my husband and I walked our acre of land and surveyed the house. Gratitude welled up in my heart. Unlike so many others, we’d somehow escaped with not a downed tree on our property. We were without power, and would be for several days, but our house was unscathed, and none of us was hurt. We had a generator that would keep our food from spoiling and camping gear that made the ordeal somewhat like an adventure.

Yet not too far from me, people were mourning lives lost from that same storm, houses demolished, roads washed away, and whole towns underwater.

Just like that, lives changed. For some, everything changed.

This week, I’m keeping that gratitude close to my heart, and I pray you’ll do the same.

We all go through suffering and hardship in our lives, some far more than others. We never know when we’ll say “I love you” to someone for the last time, or whether the things we take for granted will suddenly be gone.

What we do have is right now—today. We have this moment to be alive, to allow gratitude to swell in our hearts and minds, to share love, mercy, and compassion with fellow humans, to care for each other in the way Jesus commanded us. We have this moment to bask in the sunshine and breathe in the cool morning air, to laugh with a loved one and glorify our Savior.

God commands us not to worry over and over again in the Bible. Jesus told us Matthew 6:34, “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own” (NIV).

The past is gone, and the future could be taken in an instant. What we have is right now, this beautiful moment.

Let’s savor it knowing that we are beloved today.

If you know someone who would benefit from reading this blog, please share this with them.

Get to Know Jessica Brodie

Jessica is an award-winning Christian journalist, author, blogger, and editor. She is the editor of the South Carolina United Methodist Advocate, the oldest newspaper in Methodism, which has won more than 118 journalism awards during her tenure. She is the author of two devotionals, Feed My Sheep (2019) and More Like Jesus (2018), and editor of Stories of Racial Awakening (2018) and Called by God (2020), all from her newspaper’s Advocate Press. She also writes fiction, represented by Bob Hostetler of The Steve Laube Agency, and her novel The Memory Garden won the 2018 Genesis contest for unpublished contemporary fiction from the American Christian Fiction Writers. A speaker and contributor to Crosswalk, Christianity.com, and the United Methodist News Service, she has a faith blog at JessicaBrodie.com. Subscribe to Jessica’s YouTube Channel HERE.

Unshakable Hope to Steady Your Anxious and Hurting Soul – Faith Over Fear

In seasons of deep pain, unanswered questions, and emotional exhaustion, hope can feel distant—or risky to embrace. In this powerful conversation, Jennifer Slattery sits down with author and speaker Kirby Kelly to explore what it looks like to hold onto hope when life feels overwhelming. Drawing from her personal story of loss, addiction in her family, and long-term suffering, Kirby shares how God met her in her darkest moments and gradually transformed her understanding of hope—not as a feeling or personality trait, but as a posture and daily practice rooted in Christ. Together, they discuss how to trust God when circumstances don’t change, how Scripture renews our thinking, and how God uses every season—painful or joyful—to bring redemption. If you’ve been struggling to believe God is good, or wondering how to keep going when you feel worn down, this episode will gently guide you back to the unchanging character of the God of hope. Resource referenced: The Fabric of Hope: How God Weaves Redemption into Every Season by Kirby Kelly 📖 Scripture Discussed Romans 15:13 – God as the source of hope, joy, and peace Psalm 139:5 – God’s nearness and protection (“You hem me in…”) Genesis 37–50 – Joseph’s story of suffering and redemption Job (selected passages) – Trusting God without having answers 2 Corinthians 12:7–10 – Paul’s “thorn” and God’s sustaining grace Galatians 5:22–23 – Fruit of the Spirit (joy and peace) Matthew 11:28–30 – Jesus invites the weary to find rest Reflection Questions: Where in your life does hope feel difficult—or risky—to embrace right now? Have you been placing your hope in a circumstance instead of in God’s character? What past situation can you look back on and clearly see God’s faithfulness? How might regularly reading Scripture begin to renew your thinking in this season? When you feel overwhelmed, what would it look like to pause and intentionally turn toward God’s presence? Which aspect of God—His promises, presence, patterns, or person—do you most need to anchor yourself in today? What is one action step God is inviting you to take having listened to this episode? Connect with Kirby Kelly: On her website On Instagram On Facebook On YouTube Follow her work on Amazon Find Jennifer Slattery: On her website Instagram Facebook Amazon Subscribe to her free newsletter Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
  1. Unshakable Hope to Steady Your Anxious and Hurting Soul
  2. How to Trust God When Prayers Go Unanswered
  3. Calming Anxiety and Fear with Biblical Truth
  4. When Shattered Dreams Leave You Humiliated
  5. When Life Feels Unfair: How to Trust God When Hardship Hits

by on

Our already busy and fast-paced world seems to be continually speeding up. As soon as I create margin in my life, I find myself bombarded with numerous opportunities to fill it. And there are days when I simply feel weary.

If you can relate, I hope you’l gain encouragement and some helpful insights from my sweet friend Becky Harling’s post. (This first posted on her blog.)

Do you ever feel completely spent—like you’re running on empty? Maybe you’ve been battling a relentless illness, or perhaps you’ve been pouring out your heart in prayer for a loved one without seeing change. Or, maybe you’re simply tired from the daily grind, struggling to keep up with life’s demands. Whatever the cause, we all experience seasons of exhaustion. In those times, we desperately need to find renewed strength. But how do we access it?

David reminds us in Psalm 18:1, “The Lord is my strength.” And Isaiah offers hope when he writes, “He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint” (Isaiah 40:29-31).

The key to finding strength lies in hoping in the Lord. But what does that look like practically?

Praise: An Anchor for Your Soul

One of the most powerful tools God has given us is praise. When we lift our hearts in worship, we shift our focus off our circumstances and onto the greatness of God. Worship isn’t about feeding God’s ego; rather, it’s a channel through which the Holy Spirit fills us with Christ’s strength, right in the middle of our human frailty. As we praise Him, we become more like Him, strong and steadfast.

When I feel weary, I know God is inviting me to pause and praise. Recently, I learned that an oncologist has been giving his patients my book, The 30 Day Praise Challenge, to help them face the challenges of chemotherapy. Why? Because as they praise God, they find the strength to face each day. Friend, you cannot praise God without being strengthened—praise connects you to God’s power.

Scripture: Power for the Weary

The Word of God is more than just text to read; it’s a weapon against weariness. When we pray the words of Scripture, we stand on God’s promises, and the enemy of our souls, who wants to drag us into discouragement, is forced to retreat. Having a few key verses ready to pray over yourself can be transformative. Try verses like Psalm 27:1, Ephesians 2:6, and Isaiah 40:29-31 when you’re feeling depleted. When God’s Word becomes your prayer, His strength infuses your heart.

Community: Strength in Connection

When weariness hits, our tendency can be to withdraw, but isolation only increases the burden. Instead, we need to lean into our community and let others carry our burdens with us. God designed us for connection, knowing that our hope is strengthened when we journey together. Be vulnerable, let others in, and allow their prayers and encouragement to lift you. Often, God uses the hope of those around us to renew our own.

Weariness is a reality we all face at times, but the good news is, we don’t have to face it alone or in our own strength. The next time you feel tired and depleted, pause to praise, pray Scripture over yourself, and reach out to trusted friends. I believe you’ll experience hope and strength rising in your heart as you do. Remember, God is always ready to meet you in your weariness and infuse you with His boundless strength.

Get to know Becky Harling:

Becky Harling is an author and speaker, host of the Connected Mom podcast, and certified coach with The John Maxwell Team. She helps those looking to move beyond their personal obstacles to live life intentionally with purpose and passion. She offers mastermind classes and seminars on leadership, communication and personal growth. In addition she offers personal coaching for those looking to grow emotionally, professionally or spiritually. Connect with her on her website, Instagram, Facebook, and follow her work on Amazon.

Learn more about her latest release, Cultivating Deeper Connections in a Lonely World:

Loneliness is an epidemic, but you can live life with a deep sense of belonging.

If you’ve ever felt that ache to connect and belong, you’re not alone: three out of every five people are suffering from loneliness. No group is excluded—married, unmarried, parents, pastors, leaders, elderly, and teenagers. We all experience moments . . . or long seasons of heart-aching loneliness. And it hurts. It can hurt right to the core.

In Cultivating Deeper Connections in a Lonely World, relationship expert, mother, grandmother, and John Maxwell Certified Coach Becky Harling taps into the deep ache of loneliness and shares with readers a rich theology of belonging. Does God ache for us? What does it mean that we belong to Him? How do we establish a deeply bonded relationship with others? What steps can we take to improve our relationships?

Because we were made for God and for community, relational isolation or brokenness is incredibly painful. But we don’t have to live isolated and unconnected. In fact, we must not. Our souls were designed for more. Deeply rooted in Scripture and joined with reflection questions, this book shows us how we can strengthen our relationships and experience deep connection.

And make sure to listen to her conversation with my cohost Carol McCracken on the Faith Over Fear podcast.

Unshakable Hope to Steady Your Anxious and Hurting Soul – Faith Over Fear

In seasons of deep pain, unanswered questions, and emotional exhaustion, hope can feel distant—or risky to embrace. In this powerful conversation, Jennifer Slattery sits down with author and speaker Kirby Kelly to explore what it looks like to hold onto hope when life feels overwhelming. Drawing from her personal story of loss, addiction in her family, and long-term suffering, Kirby shares how God met her in her darkest moments and gradually transformed her understanding of hope—not as a feeling or personality trait, but as a posture and daily practice rooted in Christ. Together, they discuss how to trust God when circumstances don’t change, how Scripture renews our thinking, and how God uses every season—painful or joyful—to bring redemption. If you’ve been struggling to believe God is good, or wondering how to keep going when you feel worn down, this episode will gently guide you back to the unchanging character of the God of hope. Resource referenced: The Fabric of Hope: How God Weaves Redemption into Every Season by Kirby Kelly 📖 Scripture Discussed Romans 15:13 – God as the source of hope, joy, and peace Psalm 139:5 – God’s nearness and protection (“You hem me in…”) Genesis 37–50 – Joseph’s story of suffering and redemption Job (selected passages) – Trusting God without having answers 2 Corinthians 12:7–10 – Paul’s “thorn” and God’s sustaining grace Galatians 5:22–23 – Fruit of the Spirit (joy and peace) Matthew 11:28–30 – Jesus invites the weary to find rest Reflection Questions: Where in your life does hope feel difficult—or risky—to embrace right now? Have you been placing your hope in a circumstance instead of in God’s character? What past situation can you look back on and clearly see God’s faithfulness? How might regularly reading Scripture begin to renew your thinking in this season? When you feel overwhelmed, what would it look like to pause and intentionally turn toward God’s presence? Which aspect of God—His promises, presence, patterns, or person—do you most need to anchor yourself in today? What is one action step God is inviting you to take having listened to this episode? Connect with Kirby Kelly: On her website On Instagram On Facebook On YouTube Follow her work on Amazon Find Jennifer Slattery: On her website Instagram Facebook Amazon Subscribe to her free newsletter Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
  1. Unshakable Hope to Steady Your Anxious and Hurting Soul
  2. How to Trust God When Prayers Go Unanswered
  3. Calming Anxiety and Fear with Biblical Truth
  4. When Shattered Dreams Leave You Humiliated
  5. When Life Feels Unfair: How to Trust God When Hardship Hits

by on

I’ve read numerous posts and articles of late urging Christ-followers to vote according to their convictions. And in the comments, I often see individuals who, perhaps fueled by one too many cups of coffee, use the encouragement as an opportunity to instigate an argument. Each time I see this, I’m both discouraged and convicted, as there’s a part of me tempted to join in.

I’ve been known to have quite heated mental debates I’m sure would wow you all with my brilliance. Actually, I’m certain the opposite would occur—that my adding to the noise would only cause those who disagree to become more committed to their stance and determined to convince me of it. I know this from experience. Early in my faith journey, I wasted hours, forfeiting my peace in the process, trying to argue someone to my position.

Do you want to know how many times I was successful?

Zero.

Do you want to know how many times this furthered the gospel?

Zero.

Do you want to know how many times I walked away with the sense that I’d grieved God’s heart and played into the devil’s schemes?

Yeah …

 That grieved me more than any ideology, behavior, or political movement with which I disagreed. This is why, while I will certainly do my best to vote by my convictions this season, I hope and pray I will speak, act and think according to my convictions as well—according to the heart of Christ.

Here are my personal guard rails, not that I always remain within them. They do, however, reveal my goals and the maturity I wish to reach.

If my words convey more anger and hostility than gentleness, love and grace, I’ve stepped away from the heart of Christ.

I know this because Scripture states, “But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere” (James 3:17, NIV).

If I spend more time arguing on social media than reaching out to the hurting, the marginalized, and oppressed, than I’ve stepped away from Christ’s heart.

I know this because Scripture says, “Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world” (James 1:27, NIV).

If I’ve come to see people as issues and as one demographic rather than individuals, I’ve stepped further from Christ’s heart.

I know this because of Psalm 139:13, which, speaking of God, applies to everyone I encounter or read about. This verse states, “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.”

If I’m more concerned with who occupies the oval office and spend more time talking and fretting about our nation’s politics, than I do investing in the soul-health of my neighbors, I’ve stepped away from Christ’s heart.

I know this because Scripture tells me “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16, NIV, emphasis mine).

If I’m more grieved over someone else’s sin than I am my own, I’ve stepped away from the heart of Christ.

I know this because Jesus continually asks me, “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?” (Mark 7:3, NIV). May I not act like the Pharisee who thanked the Lord that he wasn’t like the obvious “sinner” he saw in the temple.

When pride causes me to think I’m more godly than I am, may I remember Christ’s words regarding these two men: “I tell you, this sinner, not the Pharisee, returned home justified before God. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted” (Luke 18:14, NLT).

If I can express all the reasons I disagree with certain political stances but don’t know my neighbors, I’ve stepped away from the heart of Christ.

I know this because Jesus commanded me to “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations …” (Matthew 28:19, NIV). And His model of discipleship was life-on-life relationship.

If I’m more prone to speak words of condemnation than invitations to grace, I’ve stepped away from Christ’s heart.

I know this because Jesus declared, “For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him” (John 3:17, NIV).

If I’m more focused on what I want to say than on hearing and understanding the heart of others, I’ve stepped further from Christ’s heart.

I know this because Scripture states, “My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry” (James 1:19, NIV).

If I name call and use my words to attack others, I’ve stepped outside the heart of Christ.

I know this because Scripture states, “With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness” (James 3:9, NIV).

If I place more security in who leads our nation, my state, or my city than I do in the power and authority of Christ, I’ve stepped away from His heart.

I know this because Jesus said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me” (Matthew 28:18, NIV), assuring me that He retains full control, always.

And most convicting, if I’m not willing to lay down my life for those who think, speak, and act differently than I do, then I’ve stepped away from the heart of Christ.

I know this because, while hanging from the cross, above the Roman authorities who worshiped idols, oppressed the people, and practiced infanticide, and hanging above the Pharisees who used religion for personal gain, Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34, NIV).

If this post resonated with you at all, I encourage you to listen to next Friday’s Your Daily Bible Verse podcast episode, and to catch my upcoming conversation with YDBV team member Reverend Kyle Norman on the Your Daily Bible Verse GodTube channel. (I expect that video to publish on the channel next Saturday.)

You might also enjoy my conversation with James Spencer, President of the D.L. Moody Center. You can listen HERE.

Unshakable Hope to Steady Your Anxious and Hurting Soul – Faith Over Fear

In seasons of deep pain, unanswered questions, and emotional exhaustion, hope can feel distant—or risky to embrace. In this powerful conversation, Jennifer Slattery sits down with author and speaker Kirby Kelly to explore what it looks like to hold onto hope when life feels overwhelming. Drawing from her personal story of loss, addiction in her family, and long-term suffering, Kirby shares how God met her in her darkest moments and gradually transformed her understanding of hope—not as a feeling or personality trait, but as a posture and daily practice rooted in Christ. Together, they discuss how to trust God when circumstances don’t change, how Scripture renews our thinking, and how God uses every season—painful or joyful—to bring redemption. If you’ve been struggling to believe God is good, or wondering how to keep going when you feel worn down, this episode will gently guide you back to the unchanging character of the God of hope. Resource referenced: The Fabric of Hope: How God Weaves Redemption into Every Season by Kirby Kelly 📖 Scripture Discussed Romans 15:13 – God as the source of hope, joy, and peace Psalm 139:5 – God’s nearness and protection (“You hem me in…”) Genesis 37–50 – Joseph’s story of suffering and redemption Job (selected passages) – Trusting God without having answers 2 Corinthians 12:7–10 – Paul’s “thorn” and God’s sustaining grace Galatians 5:22–23 – Fruit of the Spirit (joy and peace) Matthew 11:28–30 – Jesus invites the weary to find rest Reflection Questions: Where in your life does hope feel difficult—or risky—to embrace right now? Have you been placing your hope in a circumstance instead of in God’s character? What past situation can you look back on and clearly see God’s faithfulness? How might regularly reading Scripture begin to renew your thinking in this season? When you feel overwhelmed, what would it look like to pause and intentionally turn toward God’s presence? Which aspect of God—His promises, presence, patterns, or person—do you most need to anchor yourself in today? What is one action step God is inviting you to take having listened to this episode? Connect with Kirby Kelly: On her website On Instagram On Facebook On YouTube Follow her work on Amazon Find Jennifer Slattery: On her website Instagram Facebook Amazon Subscribe to her free newsletter Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
  1. Unshakable Hope to Steady Your Anxious and Hurting Soul
  2. How to Trust God When Prayers Go Unanswered
  3. Calming Anxiety and Fear with Biblical Truth
  4. When Shattered Dreams Leave You Humiliated
  5. When Life Feels Unfair: How to Trust God When Hardship Hits

by on

I’ve been hurt by people who’ve formed assumptions regarding my pain. I’ve also wounded others by reacting the same way. Sometimes, this comes from a desire to “fix” a loved one’s problem. Other times, I’ve interpreted their words and behavior through my insecurities and the unhealed places in my soul. Regardless the reason, these tendencies inevitably create distance, rather than connection, and often, increased hurt for everyone involved.   

I reflected upon some of my most glaring regrets recently while reading about all Kristina Kuzmic and her family endured when her teenage son developed significant depression. I was awed and convicted by the way she remained gently present, sought help to learn how best to love him, and intentionally maintained an attitude of curiosity rather than assumption.

While she deeply grieved her son’s pain, she didn’t assign motive to his behavior (such as, he’s just lazy or rebellious). She also didn’t make it about herself.

Although I’m much better than I used to be, I struggle in both these areas. I tend to view “biting” behavior (like that which a frightened puppy exhibits) or withdrawal as rejection. This, in turn, results in my defensiveness and self-protection rather than gentleness and love.

I’m reminded of Jesus’ words in Matthew 7:3-5, when He said, 3 “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? 4 How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? 5 You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.”

This passage tells me that, in all situations and at all times, my sight is distorted. Sin, past wounding, and spiritual deception taint my perspective, which, inevitably, causes me to inflict pain. (Imagine an ophthalmologist attempting cataract surgery with blurred vision!) When, however, I invite God to reveal, then heal and remove, the plank lodged in my figurative eye (symbolic of my soul), I see more clearly how to help my brother, or husband, or child, or friend, with their speck.

When I do that, I find, more often than not, that God’s responsible for removing my loved one’s speck, and He knows precisely the best way to do so. My role is to simply remain present, and to listen with curiosity, not assumption.

https://videopress.com/v/Q8oIrP8P?resizeToParent=true&cover=true&preloadContent=metadata&useAverageColor=true

If you someone you love is suffering, I encourage you to catch that episode for important insights regarding how best to help, not harm. And may we all, daily, invite God to remove our planks so that we don’t hurt others in our blinded state. May He give us the clear vision that enables us to love with equal parts grace and truth, with hearts purified, filled, and led by our Lord.  

If this post resonated with you, I encourage you to listen to the latest Faith Over Fear podcast episode in which I interview comedian Kristina Kuzmic about one of the most painful seasons of her life. Find it below.

Unshakable Hope to Steady Your Anxious and Hurting Soul – Faith Over Fear

In seasons of deep pain, unanswered questions, and emotional exhaustion, hope can feel distant—or risky to embrace. In this powerful conversation, Jennifer Slattery sits down with author and speaker Kirby Kelly to explore what it looks like to hold onto hope when life feels overwhelming. Drawing from her personal story of loss, addiction in her family, and long-term suffering, Kirby shares how God met her in her darkest moments and gradually transformed her understanding of hope—not as a feeling or personality trait, but as a posture and daily practice rooted in Christ. Together, they discuss how to trust God when circumstances don’t change, how Scripture renews our thinking, and how God uses every season—painful or joyful—to bring redemption. If you’ve been struggling to believe God is good, or wondering how to keep going when you feel worn down, this episode will gently guide you back to the unchanging character of the God of hope. Resource referenced: The Fabric of Hope: How God Weaves Redemption into Every Season by Kirby Kelly 📖 Scripture Discussed Romans 15:13 – God as the source of hope, joy, and peace Psalm 139:5 – God’s nearness and protection (“You hem me in…”) Genesis 37–50 – Joseph’s story of suffering and redemption Job (selected passages) – Trusting God without having answers 2 Corinthians 12:7–10 – Paul’s “thorn” and God’s sustaining grace Galatians 5:22–23 – Fruit of the Spirit (joy and peace) Matthew 11:28–30 – Jesus invites the weary to find rest Reflection Questions: Where in your life does hope feel difficult—or risky—to embrace right now? Have you been placing your hope in a circumstance instead of in God’s character? What past situation can you look back on and clearly see God’s faithfulness? How might regularly reading Scripture begin to renew your thinking in this season? When you feel overwhelmed, what would it look like to pause and intentionally turn toward God’s presence? Which aspect of God—His promises, presence, patterns, or person—do you most need to anchor yourself in today? What is one action step God is inviting you to take having listened to this episode? Connect with Kirby Kelly: On her website On Instagram On Facebook On YouTube Follow her work on Amazon Find Jennifer Slattery: On her website Instagram Facebook Amazon Subscribe to her free newsletter Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
  1. Unshakable Hope to Steady Your Anxious and Hurting Soul
  2. How to Trust God When Prayers Go Unanswered
  3. Calming Anxiety and Fear with Biblical Truth
  4. When Shattered Dreams Leave You Humiliated
  5. When Life Feels Unfair: How to Trust God When Hardship Hits

by on

My husband Bill lay dying in the dim light with his eyes closed. A tube in his mouth, taped securely to his face, snaked down to his windpipe.

I sat beside his bed, feeling the weight of forty years of memories. Joy at the births of our children. Sadness when we lost our baby girl. Memories of early battles in our marriage, and of the present chronic disease assaulting Bill’s body. I also remembered one of my greatest fears: when I rappelled down Rooster Rock, a basalt monolith in the Columbia River Gorge.

We had sat there on top of that rock, enjoying the view. A soft breeze that smelled like honey ruffled my hair. The bright blue sky contrasted with the newly sprouted lime-green leaves and dark green firs. All too soon it was time to go back down, but it was a long way to the bottom.

I looked nervously at Bill. Going down meant rappelling down. I dreaded this, though I had forced myself to do it many times before.

This was the tallest rock I had ever tried to rappel off, the double rope heavy in my hands. But I was ready to go. “Just lean back, sweetheart,” Bill said. “You’ll be okay. Trust me. Trust the rope and protection.”

So scared, I cried out, “I can’t do this!”

“Put your right hand behind your back and keep the brake on. You know how to do it.”

I held my breath and tilted backward. The chain adjusted itself to the rappel rope and jolted me with a clunk. I began to ease myself down, just inches from the rock-face. “Okay, okay. I’m doing it. Here I go.” And down I went, talking out loud, and asking Jesus to help me until I finally landed safely at the foot of the rock.

Now I was facing the time for our final goodbye. I knew it would be the last time I would talk to Bill here on earth. Moments later, the nurse said, “He’s gone.”

Going on without my husband of forty years was like looking down a steep rock with no one to set up protection for my descent. A life without my hero, the father of my children. I prayed God would get me through this loss, greater than any calamity I’d ever experienced.

During the sleepless nights that followed, I remembered Bible verses I’d memorized as a young child. They reminded me I was in the valley of the shadow of death, yet I knew Bill was dwelling “in the house of the Lord” (Psalm 23:6 NIV).

Just as I had trusted Bill to protect me while I climbed, I also trust God to provide, protect, and comfort me, whatever the situation. When I battle those fears of loneliness, sickness, and death, it is trust in the Maker of mountains that allays my fears.

Psalm 124:8 says, “Our help is in the name of the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth” (NIV). It is God who will help us face every challenge. For he is with us (Matthew 1:23). And we can trust in him.

Get to Know Shirley Quiring Mozena:

About the author: Shirley Quiring Mozena is a retreat speaker and national speaker for Stonecroft Ministries. She has three-hundred-plus followers who read her weekly blog on encouragement and hope, and she has published articles in the newspaper and in Christian publications. Shirley has a presence on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Pinterest. Her website includes her blogs and speaking schedule: http://www.shirleymozena.com.

Check Out Her Release, A Trustworthy Anchor: God’s Hope and Encouragement in the Storms of Life:

Shirley’s books include: Second Chances (at Life and Love, with Hope), Beyond Second Chances: Heartbreak to Joy, (finalists for 2023 Cascade Christian Writer Awards). With her husband Jim, she co-authored Second Chance at Love: A Practical Guide to Remarriage after Loss (a finalist for both 2023 Cascade Christian Writers and 2024 Golden Scroll). Look for her new 40-day devotional book, A Trustworthy Anchor: God’s Hope & Encouragement in the Storms of Life, in September 2024. Visit her website at: shirleymozena.com/books.

Unshakable Hope to Steady Your Anxious and Hurting Soul – Faith Over Fear

In seasons of deep pain, unanswered questions, and emotional exhaustion, hope can feel distant—or risky to embrace. In this powerful conversation, Jennifer Slattery sits down with author and speaker Kirby Kelly to explore what it looks like to hold onto hope when life feels overwhelming. Drawing from her personal story of loss, addiction in her family, and long-term suffering, Kirby shares how God met her in her darkest moments and gradually transformed her understanding of hope—not as a feeling or personality trait, but as a posture and daily practice rooted in Christ. Together, they discuss how to trust God when circumstances don’t change, how Scripture renews our thinking, and how God uses every season—painful or joyful—to bring redemption. If you’ve been struggling to believe God is good, or wondering how to keep going when you feel worn down, this episode will gently guide you back to the unchanging character of the God of hope. Resource referenced: The Fabric of Hope: How God Weaves Redemption into Every Season by Kirby Kelly 📖 Scripture Discussed Romans 15:13 – God as the source of hope, joy, and peace Psalm 139:5 – God’s nearness and protection (“You hem me in…”) Genesis 37–50 – Joseph’s story of suffering and redemption Job (selected passages) – Trusting God without having answers 2 Corinthians 12:7–10 – Paul’s “thorn” and God’s sustaining grace Galatians 5:22–23 – Fruit of the Spirit (joy and peace) Matthew 11:28–30 – Jesus invites the weary to find rest Reflection Questions: Where in your life does hope feel difficult—or risky—to embrace right now? Have you been placing your hope in a circumstance instead of in God’s character? What past situation can you look back on and clearly see God’s faithfulness? How might regularly reading Scripture begin to renew your thinking in this season? When you feel overwhelmed, what would it look like to pause and intentionally turn toward God’s presence? Which aspect of God—His promises, presence, patterns, or person—do you most need to anchor yourself in today? What is one action step God is inviting you to take having listened to this episode? Connect with Kirby Kelly: On her website On Instagram On Facebook On YouTube Follow her work on Amazon Find Jennifer Slattery: On her website Instagram Facebook Amazon Subscribe to her free newsletter Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
  1. Unshakable Hope to Steady Your Anxious and Hurting Soul
  2. How to Trust God When Prayers Go Unanswered
  3. Calming Anxiety and Fear with Biblical Truth
  4. When Shattered Dreams Leave You Humiliated
  5. When Life Feels Unfair: How to Trust God When Hardship Hits