A personal devotional journey

Loved, Seen & Becoming Alive Again

Thirty days of encouragement, reflection, faith, and rediscovery. Especially for Leota Palmer.

Before You Begin

Dear Leota,

Leota,

There are seasons in life when we spend so much time responding to what is happening around us that we gradually lose touch with what is happening within us. We carry responsibilities, navigate disappointments, adjust to unexpected changes, and keep finding ways to move forward. Somewhere along the way, it becomes possible to forget that we need care, encouragement, attention, and room to grow too.

I wanted to create something that would give you that room.

Over these next thirty days, my hope is that you will encounter God in ways that are personal, meaningful, and refreshing. Not simply as the God you have heard about, prayed to, or believed in, but as the God who knows Leota. The God who sees beyond what other people see, understands what you have carried, and knows the parts of your heart that may have become quiet over time.

This journey is not about becoming someone else. It is about discovering more deeply who you already are in God's eyes and allowing Him to awaken parts of you that may have been overshadowed by life's demands.

Some days will invite you to reflect. Others will encourage you to release something, reconsider something, or begin something. You do not need to rush through any of it. Give yourself permission to be honest, to ask questions, and to let the Scriptures speak to where you are today.

I believe there is still much for you to experience, enjoy, discover, and contribute. Your story is not finished, and your identity is not limited to the chapters you have already lived.

Take these thirty days for yourself, Leota. You are worth the investment.

With love, Colin

See Your Journey →

Your Journey

Welcome, Leota.

5 Movements. 30 Days. A journey especially for you.

5 MOVEMENTSEach movement contains a group of days from the 30-day journey.

Day 1 of 30 · God Sees Me

MOVEMENT 1

God Sees Me

Days 1–6

Open Movement 1 →

MOVEMENT 2

I Don’t Have to Carry Everything

Days 7–12

Open Movement 2 →

MOVEMENT 3

Finding Leota Again

Days 13–18

Open Movement 3 →

MOVEMENT 4

Closer

Days 19–24

Open Movement 4 →

MOVEMENT 5

There Is More Ahead

Days 25–30

Open Movement 5 →

Continue Your Journey →

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Movement 1

God Sees Me

Days 1–6

In this first movement, we begin by resting in a powerful truth: God sees you. You are not overlooked, forgotten, or too much. These devotions help you recognize His constant presence and remember that you are deeply loved, fully seen, and intentionally known.

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Movement 2

I Don’t Have to Carry Everything

Days 7–12

This movement invites you to be honest about what feels heavy, receive God’s rest, and discover that you do not have to carry every responsibility alone.

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Movement 3

Finding Leota Again

Days 13–18

These days invite you to rediscover the woman God created you to be, beyond roles, expectations, and responsibilities.

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Movement 4

Closer

Days 19–24

An invitation to grow closer to God through His presence, prayer, and His Word.

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Movement 5

There Is More Ahead

Days 25–30

There is still more ahead. These days invite you to trust God with what comes next and embrace the life He is continuing to unfold.

Movement 1 · Day 1

The God Who Sees Me

Read in NIV

Genesis 16:7–14 ↗

Key Scripture

Genesis 16:13 ↗

Today’s Devotional

There is a difference between people looking at you and people truly seeing you. Someone can know your name, recognize your face, understand your responsibilities, and still have very little awareness of what is happening inside your heart. They may see what you do without understanding what it costs you. They may notice when you are present without recognizing how much you have been carrying.

Hagar knew something about that kind of invisibility. Her circumstances were complicated, and the people around her were largely concerned with what she represented or what she could provide. By the time we encounter her in Genesis 16, she is alone in the wilderness, away from the place where she had been living, facing an uncertain future.

But the wilderness becomes the place where God meets her.

What makes this encounter remarkable is that God does not wait for Hagar to find her way back before speaking to her. He meets her where she is. He addresses her personally, asks questions, and gives her a reason to believe that her circumstances have not escaped His attention. Hagar responds by giving God a name that captures what this encounter means to her: the God who sees me.

Leota, I want you to consider what it means that God sees you personally. He sees more than your relationships, your work history, your responsibilities, or the expectations other people may have of you. He sees the woman behind all those things. He knows the disappointments you may not discuss, the questions you are still trying to answer, and the hopes you may have become hesitant to express.

Being seen by God does not mean every difficulty immediately disappears. Hagar still had decisions to make and circumstances to navigate. But she was no longer facing them without the assurance that God knew where she was.

Perhaps the most important thing you can do today is resist the temptation to measure your significance by how much attention, appreciation, or recognition you receive from others. Those things can be meaningful, but they are not the foundation of your worth.

God's attention is not something you have to compete for. You already have it.

Journal With Jesus

In what areas of my life have I felt overlooked, misunderstood, or insufficiently appreciated?
What would change in my thinking if I truly believed God sees the whole of me?
What is one part of my heart I want to bring honestly before God today?

Prayer

Father, thank You for seeing me completely. You know what I have experienced, what I am carrying, and what I need. Help me become more aware of Your presence in my everyday life. Teach me to see myself through Your eyes rather than through the limitations of other people's attention or approval. Amen.

Carry This Today

“I am not invisible to God. He sees me, knows me, and cares about my life.”

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Movement 1 · Day 2

Loved Without Having To Earn It

Read in NIV

Romans 8:31–39 ↗

Key Scripture

Romans 8:35 ↗

Today’s Devotional

Many of us become accustomed to relationships in which appreciation is connected to performance. We are praised when we accomplish something, needed when we can provide something, and noticed when we are useful. Over time, it can become easy to confuse being valued with being productive.

That way of thinking can quietly influence our relationship with God. We may begin to imagine that His affection rises and falls according to how consistently we pray, how much Scripture we read, or how successfully we manage our lives. When we feel strong, we assume He is pleased. When we feel tired or discouraged, we wonder whether we have somehow disappointed Him.

Romans 8 offers a different foundation.

Paul describes the love of God in Christ as something that cannot be broken by hardship, distress, persecution, danger, or the uncertainties of life. His confidence is not built on the believer's ability to maintain perfect circumstances or flawless spiritual performance. It is grounded in what God has done through Jesus Christ.

Leota, you do not have to arrive at these thirty days feeling spiritually impressive. You do not have to pretend that every prayer has been consistent or that every question has been answered. God's invitation to draw closer is not a reward for having everything together.

You are loved before you accomplish another thing.

This matters particularly during seasons when familiar roles begin to change. A position may end. A responsibility may shift. Someone who once depended on you may no longer need the same things. Those transitions can unsettle your sense of value if you have built too much of your identity around what you contribute.

But God's love is not attached to your job title, income, usefulness, or ability to keep everybody satisfied. Your relationship with Him rests on something deeper than those changing circumstances.

Today, allow yourself to receive love without immediately thinking about what you must do to deserve it. Let the truth of Romans 8 challenge any inner voice that insists you must earn your place in God's heart.

Journal With Jesus

When do I feel most valuable, and what does that reveal about how I measure my worth?
Have I been relating to God as though I must earn His affection?
What would receiving His love more freely look like in my everyday life?

Prayer

Father, help me receive the love You have already extended to me through Jesus Christ. Free me from measuring my worth only by what I accomplish or provide. Teach me to rest in Your faithfulness and to approach You with confidence, even when I feel uncertain about myself. Amen.

Carry This Today

“God's love for me is not a payment for my performance.”

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Movement 1 · Day 3

Before You Did Anything

Read in NIV

Psalm 139:1–18 ↗

Key Scripture

Psalm 139:14 ↗

Today’s Devotional

Imagine being valued before you had ever accomplished anything, helped anyone, earned a salary, solved a problem, or demonstrated a particular ability. Before anyone could describe you as successful, dependable, hardworking, or generous, your life already possessed significance.

Psalm 139 invites us to think about ourselves from that perspective.

David describes a God who knows him intimately. God understands his thoughts, observes his movements, and is acquainted with his ways. The psalm then moves beyond David's present life to the mystery of his formation before birth. His existence is not portrayed as an accident or an afterthought. He is wonderfully made and fully known.

Leota, your worth did not begin when you became useful to someone. It did not begin with your first achievement, your first job, or the moment another person recognized something special in you.

And because your worth did not begin with those things, it cannot be taken away when they change.

There is something deeply freeing about separating who you are from what you have done. Your experiences matter. Your abilities matter. Your contributions matter. But none of them is the complete definition of Leota.

You are a person with thoughts, emotions, desires, preferences, abilities, limitations, memories, and possibilities. God is interested in all of that, not merely in the portions of your life that produce visible results.

Sometimes, when we have spent years meeting expectations, we need to become reacquainted with ourselves. What do I enjoy? What gives me peace? What am I curious about? What strengths have I overlooked? What parts of my personality have I suppressed because other responsibilities seemed more urgent?

Those questions are not selfish. They can be part of learning to appreciate the person God created.

Today, resist the pressure to prove that your life matters. Instead, begin with the truth that it already does.

Journal With Jesus

What qualities do I appreciate about myself that have nothing to do with my achievements?
Have I allowed any role or responsibility to become my primary identity?
What part of myself would I like to rediscover?

Prayer

Father, thank You for the care with which You created me. Help me appreciate my life beyond my accomplishments and responsibilities. Give me a healthier understanding of my identity and the freedom to discover more of the person You made me to be. Amen.

Carry This Today

“My value began long before my achievements.”

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Movement 1 · Day 4

Rejection Doesn'T Get The Final Word

Read in NIV

Isaiah 53:1–5 ↗ · Ephesians 1:3–6 ↗

Key Scripture

Ephesians 1:6 ↗

Today’s Devotional

Rejection has a way of becoming more than an experience. If we are not careful, it can become an explanation for who we believe ourselves to be.

Someone does not choose us, and we begin questioning whether we are desirable. An opportunity closes, and we wonder whether we are capable. A relationship changes, and we quietly ask what must be wrong with us. Even when we understand intellectually that other people's decisions have many possible explanations, rejection can still feel deeply personal.

Isaiah describes the suffering servant as despised and rejected, acquainted with grief. Christians understand this passage in light of Jesus, whose life demonstrates that rejection is not proof of a person's lack of worth. Jesus experienced rejection without that rejection defining His identity or diminishing His significance.

Ephesians then presents a powerful contrast. In Christ, believers are welcomed into God's grace. Our standing before God is rooted in His gracious action, not in a lifetime of successfully avoiding rejection.

Leota, there may be experiences you can remember in which you were not chosen, appreciated, understood, or treated as you hoped. Those experiences deserve honesty. You do not have to pretend they were insignificant simply because you want to move forward.

But you also do not have to allow them to become the final authority on your life.

A person's refusal to recognize your value does not establish that you have none. An employer's decision does not provide a complete assessment of your abilities. A disappointing relationship does not mean you are unworthy of meaningful connection.

Healing often begins when we learn to distinguish what happened to us from what we concluded about ourselves because of it.

Today, consider whether you have been carrying a verdict that God never pronounced over you. You may need to grieve what happened, reconsider what it meant, and gradually release the power it has held over your self-image.

Rejection may be part of your story. It does not have to become your identity.

Journal With Jesus

What experience of rejection still affects how I see myself?
What have I concluded about myself because of that experience?
How does being accepted in Christ challenge that conclusion?

Prayer

Father, You know the experiences that have wounded my confidence and affected my sense of belonging. Help me process them truthfully without allowing them to define me. Teach me to receive the acceptance You offer in Christ and to move forward without carrying unnecessary shame. Amen.

Carry This Today

“What rejected me does not get to define me.”

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Movement 1 · Day 5

God Is Close To My Broken Heart

Read in NIV

Psalm 34:15–22 ↗

Key Scripture

Psalm 34:18 ↗

Today’s Devotional

There are hurts that are easy to explain and others that are difficult even to put into words. Sometimes the pain comes from a particular event. At other times, it develops gradually through accumulated disappointment, prolonged uncertainty, or the exhaustion of having to remain strong for too long.

When we experience that kind of pain, we may feel pressure to recover quickly. We tell ourselves that other people have endured worse, that we should be grateful for what we have, or that enough time has passed for us to be feeling better.

But Psalm 34 does not treat a broken heart as something God finds embarrassing or inconvenient.

David describes the Lord as near to those who are brokenhearted. This is especially meaningful because the psalm does not promise a life free from trouble. In fact, it acknowledges that the righteous may experience many afflictions. God's nearness is presented within the reality of difficulty, not as evidence that difficulty should never occur.

Leota, you do not need to disguise your emotions in order to approach God. You can be thankful and disappointed at the same time. You can believe in His goodness while struggling to understand what is happening. You can have faith and still need comfort.

There is no spiritual benefit in pretending that something did not hurt when it did.

God's nearness does not always arrive as an immediate change in circumstances. Sometimes it becomes evident through the strength to face another day, a conversation that brings comfort, the courage to ask for help, or a quiet sense that you do not have to carry your emotions alone.

Part of healing is allowing yourself to be cared for. That may involve prayer, honest reflection, supportive relationships, or taking practical steps toward emotional well-being. None of those things diminishes your faith.

Today, instead of asking yourself whether you should be feeling differently, consider bringing your heart to God exactly as it is.

Journal With Jesus

What disappointment or sadness have I been minimizing?
What would it look like to acknowledge that hurt without judging myself for feeling it?
Where might I need comfort or support in this season?

Prayer

Father, You know the condition of my heart. Thank You that I do not have to hide my sadness or manufacture strength in Your presence. Meet me in the places that still hurt, and help me receive the comfort, wisdom, and support I need. Amen.

Carry This Today

“I can bring my real heart to a God who comes near.”

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Movement 1 · Day 6

You Are Worth Celebrating

Read in NIV

Zephaniah 3:14–17 ↗

Key Scripture

Zephaniah 3:17 ↗

Today’s Devotional

Some people find it much easier to celebrate others than to receive celebration themselves. They remember birthdays, recognize accomplishments, offer encouragement, and make sure the people around them feel appreciated. Yet when attention turns toward them, they become uncomfortable or quickly minimize what is being said.

Perhaps this happens because they have learned to associate humility with making themselves small. Perhaps life has given them more practice in meeting expectations than in receiving affection. Or perhaps they simply have not spent much time considering what is worth celebrating about their own lives.

Zephaniah 3 presents a beautiful picture of restoration. The prophet speaks to God's people about a future in which fear and shame no longer dominate their relationship with Him. Among the promises is the remarkable image of God rejoicing over His people with gladness.

The passage concerns God's restoration of His people, and it reveals something important about His character: He is not indifferent to those He loves.

Leota, I want you to consider whether you have become so accustomed to identifying what needs improvement that you rarely acknowledge what is already beautiful, meaningful, and good about your life.

You have lived through experiences that have shaped you. You have learned things that younger versions of yourself did not know. You possess qualities that contribute to the lives of others, and there are still dimensions of your personality, creativity, wisdom, and joy waiting to be expressed.

Celebrating yourself does not require pretending that you are perfect. It means learning to recognize goodness without immediately dismissing it.

There is a difference between arrogance and gratitude. Arrogance insists that everything revolves around us. Gratitude recognizes that our lives are gifts worth appreciating.

As you complete this first movement, I hope you begin to see yourself with greater tenderness. You are not merely someone who has responsibilities to fulfill or problems to solve. You are a woman whose life deserves care, attention, and moments of genuine delight.

Journal With Jesus

What are three qualities or experiences in my life that I can genuinely celebrate?
Why might I find it difficult to receive appreciation or encouragement?
How can I practice gratitude for the person I am becoming?

Prayer

Father, thank You for the gift of my life. Help me appreciate the good You have placed within me without pride or embarrassment. Teach me to receive encouragement, recognize growth, and experience the joy of being loved by You. Amen.

Carry This Today

“I can celebrate the life God has given me.”

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Movement 2 · Day 7

Come To Me Tired

Read in NIV

Matthew 11:25–30 ↗

Key Scripture

Matthew 11:28 ↗

Today’s Devotional

There is a kind of tiredness that sleep alone cannot resolve. It develops when your mind is constantly occupied, your emotions are stretched, and your responsibilities seem to follow you everywhere. Even when you sit down, something inside you continues working. You are thinking about what needs to be done, what might happen next, and what you should have handled differently.

Jesus speaks directly to people who are weary and burdened. His invitation is remarkable because He does not begin by asking them to explain why they are tired or prove that they have worked hard enough to deserve rest. He simply says, “Come unto me.”

Notice that Jesus offers more than temporary relief. He invites His listeners to learn from Him and describes His own heart as meek and lowly. The rest He offers is connected to a different way of living under His guidance. It is not merely the absence of activity but the experience of relating to Him without the crushing weight of trying to carry life alone.

Leota, perhaps you have become accustomed to functioning while exhausted. You may have learned how to keep moving, remain pleasant, and handle responsibilities even when you need a moment for yourself. That ability can be admirable, but it can also make your exhaustion less visible to the people around you.

Being capable does not mean you are without limits. Being dependable does not mean you must always be available. And having faith does not mean you should never acknowledge that you are tired.

Jesus does not treat weariness as a character flaw. He responds with an invitation to draw near.

Today, consider what rest might look like beyond taking a nap or spending an evening at home. Perhaps it involves giving yourself permission to leave something unfinished, asking someone for help, releasing an unnecessary expectation, or making time to sit quietly with God without feeling obligated to produce anything.

Rest is not something you must earn by reaching the point of exhaustion. It is something you can learn to receive as part of a healthier life.

Journal With Jesus

What has been making me most tired emotionally, mentally, or physically?
What expectations make it difficult for me to rest?
What is one practical change I can make to create more room for rest?

Prayer

Jesus, thank You for inviting me to come to You when I am weary. Help me recognize my limits without feeling guilty about them. Teach me a healthier rhythm of living, serving, working, and resting. Give me the wisdom to release burdens I was never meant to carry alone. Amen.

Carry This Today

“I do not have to reach my breaking point before I give myself permission to rest.”

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Movement 2 · Day 8

Say What Hurts

Read in NIV

Psalm 13 ↗

Key Scripture

Psalm 13:1 ↗

Today’s Devotional

Sometimes we become so focused on maintaining a positive attitude that we stop giving ourselves permission to speak honestly about what hurts. We tell ourselves to be grateful, to remain strong, and to avoid complaining. Those intentions may come from a sincere desire to live faithfully, but they can also cause us to silence emotions that need attention.

Psalm 13 offers a different picture of prayer. David begins with a question that many believers have thought but felt uncomfortable expressing: “How long?” He does not pretend that his circumstances are easy or that God's apparent silence has been painless. He speaks openly about his sorrow and his struggle to understand what is happening.

What makes this psalm particularly valuable is that David's honesty does not represent the abandonment of faith. His questions are directed toward God. He brings his confusion into the relationship rather than allowing it to drive him away.

Leota, there may be things you have experienced that still deserve a name. Perhaps you were disappointed by an outcome you had hoped would be different. Perhaps uncertainty has lasted longer than you anticipated. Perhaps you have been carrying emotions that are difficult to explain because you feel you should already have moved beyond them.

You do not have to edit your feelings before bringing them to God.

There is an important difference between allowing pain to dominate your identity and acknowledging that pain exists. Healing does not require denial. In many cases, it begins when we become honest enough to recognize what needs care.

David ends his psalm by remembering God's mercy and expressing trust. Notice that the text does not describe every circumstance changing before his final words. His movement toward trust occurs within the same prayer that began with distress.

You can do the same. You can say what hurts and still choose to trust God. You can admit that you do not understand and still remain open to His guidance.

Today, allow your prayer to be a real conversation rather than a performance.

Journal With Jesus

What have I been hesitant to admit is hurting me?
Have I confused emotional honesty with a lack of faith?
If I could speak to God without filtering my words, what would I say?

Prayer

Father, thank You for welcoming my honesty. Help me bring my disappointments, questions, and emotions into Your presence rather than burying them. Give me the courage to acknowledge what hurts and the grace to continue trusting You as I work through it. Amen.

Carry This Today

“Honest prayer is still faithful prayer.”

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Movement 2 · Day 9

When Prayers Seem Unanswered

Read in NIV

Habakkuk 1:1–5 ↗ · 3:17–19 ↗

Key Scripture

Habakkuk 3:18 ↗

Today’s Devotional

One of the most difficult experiences in the life of faith is praying sincerely and not seeing the answer you hoped for. You ask God for direction, provision, healing, reconciliation, or an opportunity, and time continues passing without the change you expected. Eventually, the question becomes more personal: Does God hear me? Am I missing something? Why has this taken so long?

Habakkuk was familiar with unanswered questions. His book begins with a complaint about the circumstances surrounding him. He sees injustice and trouble, and he struggles to understand why God has not intervened in the way he expects.

God responds, but His response does not give Habakkuk the simple resolution he might have preferred. The prophet must learn to trust God while confronting realities that remain troubling.

By the end of the book, Habakkuk describes the possibility of agricultural failure and economic loss. The fig tree may not blossom. The fields may produce no food. The flocks and herds may disappear. Yet he declares that he will rejoice in the Lord.

This is not an instruction to pretend that loss is pleasant. It is an expression of faith that refuses to make favorable circumstances the only basis for trusting God.

Leota, uncertainty about employment, finances, or the future can make unanswered prayer feel particularly difficult. These concerns are practical. They affect everyday decisions, peace of mind, and the ability to plan. It is understandable to desire clear answers.

But a delayed answer does not necessarily mean that God is indifferent, and it is important not to interpret every disappointment as a verdict on your faith.

Sometimes the next faithful step is to continue praying while also gathering information, seeking counsel, pursuing opportunities, and making the wisest decisions available to you.

Faith does not require knowing the entire outcome. It invites you to remain connected to God while navigating what you cannot yet see.

Journal With Jesus

What prayer or situation has been difficult for me to understand?
How has waiting affected my relationship with God?
What practical step can I take while continuing to trust Him?

Prayer

Father, You know the answers I have been waiting for and the questions I still carry. Help me remain honest without becoming hopeless. Give me patience, wisdom, and courage to take the steps available to me while trusting You with what I cannot control. Amen.

Carry This Today

“I can keep trusting God while I am still waiting for answers.”

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Movement 2 · Day 10

Peace For My Mind And Body

Read in NIV

Philippians 4:4–9 ↗

Key Scripture

Philippians 4:7 ↗

Today’s Devotional

Our minds and bodies are closely connected. When we are worried about something, the concern does not always remain a thought. It may affect our sleep, our concentration, our appetite, our energy, or the way we respond to people around us. We may discover that we have been carrying tension for hours without even noticing it.

Paul's words in Philippians 4 invite believers to bring their concerns to God through prayer, supplication, and thanksgiving. He then speaks about the peace of God guarding hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

It is important to understand what Paul is offering. He is not saying that Christians will never experience anxiety or that every troubling thought disappears when someone prays. Rather, he points toward a relationship with God in which concerns can be expressed and the mind can be intentionally directed toward what is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, and worthy of praise.

Leota, peace is not the same as having everything under control. In fact, one of the reasons we need peace is that so much of life lies beyond our control.

You may not be able to determine when an opportunity will appear, how another person will respond, or how quickly a difficult situation will improve. But you can become more intentional about what you allow to occupy your attention.

Consider how often your mind rehearses situations that have not happened. You may imagine conversations, anticipate disappointment, or mentally revisit problems without reaching a solution. That habit can leave you exhausted even when nothing new has occurred.

Paul encourages a different practice: bring the concern to God, then deliberately give attention to what is constructive and true.

Sometimes peace also requires practical care. Adequate rest, supportive conversations, movement, medical attention when needed, and healthy routines can all contribute to well-being. Prayer and practical care need not compete with each other.

Today, consider peace something worth cultivating rather than something you must wait to experience when life finally becomes easy.

Journal With Jesus

What concern has been occupying the most space in my mind?
How does worry affect my daily routines or physical well-being?
What truthful, constructive thought can I intentionally return to today?

Prayer

Father, I bring You the concerns that have been occupying my mind. Help me recognize when worry is becoming overwhelming and give me wisdom to respond in healthy ways. Teach me to focus on what is true and constructive, and help me experience Your peace as I navigate life's uncertainties. Amen.

Carry This Today

“I can care for my mind while entrusting my concerns to God.”

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Movement 2 · Day 11

Boundaries Are Not Rejection

Read in NIV

Mark 1:32–39 ↗

Key Scripture

Mark 1:38 ↗

Today’s Devotional

It can be difficult to say no when you are someone who genuinely cares about people. You understand their needs, recognize their struggles, and want to be helpful. Even when your schedule is full or your energy is low, you may find yourself agreeing to one more request because you do not want anyone to feel disappointed.

But caring for others and being endlessly available are not the same thing.

In Mark 1, Jesus spends the evening ministering to people who come to Him for healing. Early the following morning, He withdraws to a solitary place to pray. When His disciples find Him, they tell Him that everyone is looking for Him.

Jesus does not respond by returning immediately to satisfy every expectation. Instead, He explains that He must continue into other towns to fulfill the purpose of His ministry.

His response reveals an important distinction between compassion and unlimited availability. Jesus cares deeply about people, yet He does not allow every demand to determine His direction.

Leota, boundaries can feel uncomfortable when you are accustomed to being responsive to the needs of others. You may worry that saying no will make you appear selfish, unkind, or uncaring. You may even feel responsible for another person's disappointment.

But a boundary is not necessarily a rejection of the person making the request. Often, it is simply an honest acknowledgment of what you can reasonably offer.

Healthy boundaries protect your ability to be present, generous, and emotionally available over time. Without them, even good relationships can become sources of resentment or exhaustion.

The goal is not to become distant or unwilling to help. It is to become more thoughtful about your commitments. You can love someone without agreeing to everything they ask. You can care about a problem without accepting responsibility for solving it. You can be kind and still communicate a limit.

Today, consider whether your desire to avoid disappointing others has sometimes caused you to disappoint yourself.

Journal With Jesus

Where do I regularly agree to things that leave me overwhelmed?
What fears make it difficult for me to communicate a boundary?
What is one respectful boundary I need to establish or strengthen?

Prayer

Father, give me wisdom to love others without neglecting the responsibilities I have toward my own well-being. Help me communicate boundaries with kindness and clarity. Free me from unnecessary guilt when I cannot meet every expectation, and teach me to steward my time and energy wisely. Amen.

Carry This Today

“I can care deeply without being available endlessly.”

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Movement 2 · Day 12

Put It Down

Read in NIV

1 Peter 5:6–11 ↗

Key Scripture

1 Peter 5:7 ↗

Today’s Devotional

Sometimes we carry a burden for so long that we stop recognizing its weight. The concern becomes part of our routine. We think about it when we wake up, revisit it throughout the day, and carry it into the evening. Eventually, we may begin to believe that constant worry is simply what responsibility feels like.

Peter offers a different invitation. He tells believers to cast their cares upon God because He cares for them.

The word casting suggests an intentional transfer. It is not merely acknowledging that a burden exists but actively bringing it to someone capable of receiving it.

Yet releasing a burden to God does not mean abandoning our responsibilities. We may still need to make a phone call, submit an application, have a difficult conversation, adjust a budget, or make a decision. The difference is that we no longer treat constant anxiety as the price of being responsible.

Leota, consider whether you have been carrying things that are not entirely yours to control. Perhaps you feel responsible for how other people behave, whether everyone is satisfied, or how quickly your circumstances improve. Those concerns can become especially heavy when you care deeply about the people involved.

You can do your part without assuming responsibility for every outcome.

It may help to distinguish three things: what you can do, what you can influence, and what you must release. Your actions belong in the first category. Some relationships and circumstances fall into the second. Many outcomes remain in the third.

Prayer gives you a place to acknowledge all three.

As this movement comes to a close, I want you to recognize that laying down a burden is not an act of weakness. Sometimes it is an expression of wisdom and trust.

You are allowed to live without holding every concern tightly in your hands.

Journal With Jesus

What burden has become so familiar that I barely recognize its weight?
Which parts of this situation are actually within my control?
What would it look like to release the outcome while remaining responsible for my part?

Prayer

Father, I bring You the concerns I have been carrying. Help me distinguish between what is mine to do and what I must entrust to You. Give me wisdom for my responsibilities and peace concerning the outcomes I cannot control. Teach me to release what has been weighing on my heart. Amen.

Carry This Today

“I can be responsible without carrying everything.”

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Movement 3 · Day 13

Who Am I Without The Job?

Read in NIV

Ephesians 2:8–10 ↗

Key Scripture

Ephesians 2:10 ↗

Today’s Devotional

Work can become deeply connected to our identity. It provides structure, relationships, purpose, financial stability, and opportunities to use our abilities. When someone asks us to introduce ourselves, one of the first things we often mention is what we do.

Because of that, a change in employment can affect much more than our schedule or income. It can unsettle our sense of direction and cause us to question how we fit into the world.

Ephesians 2 reminds believers that their relationship with God begins with grace, not achievement. Paul then describes them as God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works.

The order matters. We are not made valuable by our accomplishments. Rather, our lives already have significance, and meaningful contributions can flow from that foundation.

Leota, a job can provide an opportunity to express your abilities, but it does not contain the whole of who you are. Your intelligence, personality, experience, compassion, judgment, creativity, and capacity to learn do not disappear when a position changes.

Neither does your ability to contribute meaningfully to the world.

Perhaps this season offers an opportunity to ask questions that a busy working life did not leave much room to consider. What kind of environment allows me to thrive? Which abilities do I most enjoy using? What have my experiences taught me about the work I want to pursue? What matters to me beyond professional success?

Those questions can be useful whether you are seeking employment, reconsidering your direction, or simply trying to understand yourself more fully.

It is also important to acknowledge that financial concerns are real. Remembering your identity in God does not eliminate the need for income or practical planning. But it can protect your sense of worth while you take the necessary steps toward stability.

You are not starting from nothing. You are moving forward with the knowledge, experience, and character you have developed along the way.

Journal With Jesus

How much of my identity have I connected to my employment or professional role?
What strengths and qualities remain part of me regardless of my job status?
What would I like my next season of work or contribution to look like?

Prayer

Father, help me remember that my worth is not determined by my employment status. Thank You for the abilities, experiences, and qualities You have allowed me to develop. Give me wisdom as I consider new opportunities, and help me move forward with confidence grounded in who I am in You. Amen.

Carry This Today

“My job is something I do. It is not the whole of who I am.”

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Movement 3 · Day 14

Quiet Confidence

Read in NIV

Psalm 27 ↗

Key Scripture

Psalm 27:1 ↗

Today’s Devotional

Confidence is often associated with people who speak loudly, move boldly, or seem unaffected by criticism. But some of the strongest forms of confidence are much quieter. They appear in the ability to make a decision without seeking everyone's approval, to enter an unfamiliar situation without pretending to know everything, or to remain steady when circumstances are uncertain.

Psalm 27 presents David expressing confidence in God while also acknowledging the possibility of danger, opposition, and fear. His courage is not based on the belief that nothing difficult can happen. It is rooted in his conviction that God remains his light and salvation.

Leota, quiet confidence begins when you become less dependent on external reassurance to determine how you feel about yourself.

That does not mean you will never need encouragement. Everyone benefits from supportive relationships. But there is a difference between appreciating affirmation and being unable to move forward without it.

Perhaps you have experienced moments when another person's response affected your confidence more than it should have. A comment may have caused you to question your ability. A disappointing outcome may have made you hesitant to try again. Over time, those experiences can influence how you approach opportunities.

Rebuilding confidence does not require pretending that you have no fears. It involves learning to act thoughtfully even when you feel uncertain.

You can acknowledge that something is unfamiliar while remembering that you have learned unfamiliar things before. You can admit that you do not have every answer without concluding that you are incapable. You can accept constructive feedback without turning it into a judgment on your entire identity.

David's confidence in Psalm 27 is accompanied by a desire to seek God's presence. That is a useful reminder that spiritual confidence grows through relationship, not merely positive thinking.

Today, consider what it would look like to carry yourself with a little more assurance, not because you can predict every outcome, but because your worth does not depend on controlling them.

Journal With Jesus

What situations tend to weaken my confidence?
Whose approval do I rely on more than I would like?
What is one step I can take this week that reflects healthy confidence?

Prayer

Father, strengthen my confidence in You and help me develop a healthier confidence in myself. Teach me to approach unfamiliar situations with humility and courage. Free me from the need to measure my worth by every response I receive from others. Amen.

Carry This Today

“I can be confident without having to prove myself to everyone.”

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Movement 3 · Day 15

Comfortable In My Own Skin

Read in NIV

Psalm 139:13–18 ↗

Key Scripture

Psalm 139:14 ↗

Today’s Devotional

There is a special kind of freedom that comes when you become comfortable being yourself. You no longer feel the need to adjust every opinion, preference, or expression to make other people comfortable. You can appreciate the qualities that make you distinctive without constantly comparing them with someone else's.

For many people, that freedom develops gradually. Life teaches us what others expect, what receives approval, and what attracts criticism. Sometimes we become so practiced at adapting that we lose touch with our own preferences and personality.

Psalm 139 reminds us that our lives are known to God in their individuality. David celebrates the care involved in his creation, recognizing that his existence is neither insignificant nor accidental.

Leota, being comfortable in your own skin does not mean believing that everything about you is perfect or that you never need to grow. It means accepting that growth can happen without self-rejection.

You can recognize a weakness without despising yourself. You can admire another woman's qualities without wishing you were her. You can learn a new skill without feeling embarrassed about what you do not yet know.

Self-acceptance also includes allowing yourself to have preferences. What do you enjoy wearing? What environments make you feel most at ease? What kinds of conversations energize you? What activities bring out your personality? These questions may seem simple, but they help you reconnect with your individuality.

Sometimes we are so concerned about whether other people approve of us that we forget to ask whether we are living in ways that reflect our own values.

The goal is not to become indifferent to others. It is to relate to them from a place of greater personal security.

Today, appreciate the woman God created without making comparison the standard by which you evaluate her.

Journal With Jesus

In what situations do I feel most comfortable being myself?
Where do I tend to compare myself with other people?
What part of my personality or individuality would I like to express more freely?

Prayer

Father, thank You for creating me with individuality and purpose. Help me appreciate who I am while remaining open to growth. Free me from unhealthy comparison, and teach me to live with greater authenticity, confidence, and gratitude. Amen.

Carry This Today

“I can grow without rejecting who I am.”

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Movement 3 · Day 16

I Don'T Have To Prove My Worth

Read in NIV

Luke 10:38–42 ↗

Key Scripture

Luke 10:42 ↗

Today’s Devotional

There is a subtle pressure that can develop when we become known as responsible, helpful, or dependable. People begin to expect certain things from us, and eventually we may begin expecting even more from ourselves. We feel that we should always be accomplishing something, anticipating a need, or making life easier for someone else.

In Luke 10, Martha welcomes Jesus into her home and becomes occupied with the work of hospitality. Mary sits at Jesus' feet and listens to His teaching. When Martha expresses frustration, Jesus responds by drawing attention to her anxiety and distraction.

Jesus is not condemning hospitality or suggesting that practical responsibilities are unimportant. He is challenging the idea that activity should take precedence over everything else, including the opportunity to be present with Him.

Leota, it is possible to become so focused on being useful that you struggle to enjoy simply being present.

You may feel uncomfortable sitting quietly when something could be done. You may find yourself explaining why you deserve a break or justifying time spent on something you enjoy. You may even evaluate your day primarily by how much you accomplished.

But your worth does not increase with every completed task or decrease when you choose to rest.

There is room in a meaningful life for responsibility and enjoyment, contribution and reflection, service and personal renewal. These things are not enemies of one another.

Mary's choice reminds us that sometimes the most valuable thing we can do is resist the pressure to remain constantly occupied.

Today, consider whether you have been trying to demonstrate your worth through activity. What would change if you approached your responsibilities from a place of security rather than from a need to prove that you matter?

You can be valuable while sitting still. You can be loved when you have nothing to offer. You can enjoy a moment without needing to explain how it contributes to something productive.

Journal With Jesus

When do I feel guilty about resting or doing something simply because I enjoy it?
Have I connected my worth too closely to being needed?
What would a healthier balance between responsibility and personal renewal look like?

Prayer

Jesus, help me recognize when my activity is being driven by pressure rather than purpose. Teach me to value time in Your presence and to enjoy moments of rest without guilt. Remind me that my worth is secure even when I am not accomplishing anything. Amen.

Carry This Today

“I do not have to stay busy to remain valuable.”

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Movement 3 · Day 17

Finding Joy In Simple Things

Read in NIV

Ecclesiastes 3:9–13 ↗

Key Scripture

Ecclesiastes 3:13 ↗

Today’s Devotional

When life becomes uncertain, enjoyment can quietly move to the bottom of our priorities. We tell ourselves that we will relax when things settle down, celebrate when the problem is solved, or make time for something pleasant once we feel more secure.

The difficulty is that life rarely reaches a point where every concern disappears. If we postpone joy until all our circumstances are favorable, we may spend long periods overlooking the goodness available in ordinary moments.

Ecclesiastes recognizes both the complexity of life and the gift of enjoying it. The writer acknowledges that human beings cannot fully comprehend everything God is doing, yet he also encourages them to receive the good that is available in their daily lives.

Leota, joy does not always arrive through a major achievement or dramatic change. Sometimes it comes through a conversation that makes you laugh, a meal you enjoy, music that lifts your spirit, a beautiful afternoon, or the satisfaction of learning something new.

These moments do not erase serious concerns. They simply remind us that difficulty does not have to occupy every available space in our lives.

You are allowed to enjoy yourself while you are still figuring things out.

That permission matters because some people begin to feel guilty when they experience happiness during a challenging season. They wonder whether they are taking their responsibilities seriously enough or whether enjoying themselves means they have forgotten the problem.

But moments of joy can strengthen our ability to navigate difficult circumstances. They give us opportunities to reconnect with the parts of life that remain meaningful.

Perhaps this is a good time to become curious about what brings you delight. Not what impresses other people or what you think you should enjoy, but what genuinely refreshes you.

God's gifts are not limited to extraordinary moments. Some are woven into the everyday experiences we can easily overlook.

Journal With Jesus

What simple experiences consistently bring me joy?
Have I been postponing enjoyment until my circumstances improve?
What is one enjoyable activity I can intentionally make room for this week?

Prayer

Father, thank You for the ordinary gifts that enrich my life. Help me notice moments of beauty, laughter, connection, and enjoyment even during uncertain seasons. Teach me to receive these gifts with gratitude and to make room for healthy joy. Amen.

Carry This Today

“I do not have to wait for a perfect season to enjoy a good moment.”

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Movement 3 · Day 18

There Is Still Purpose In Me

Read in NIV

Joshua 14:6–14 ↗

Key Scripture

Joshua 14:12 ↗

Today’s Devotional

One of the most encouraging things about Caleb's story is that he does not approach the later years of his life as though everything meaningful belongs to the past. In Joshua 14, he remembers the promise God made decades earlier and expresses his readiness to receive the inheritance assigned to him.

Caleb is eighty-five years old when he speaks these words. He acknowledges the passing years but does not interpret his age as evidence that his contribution is finished.

His confidence is connected to a specific promise within Israel's history, so we should not assume that every desire we have carries the same guarantee. Nevertheless, Caleb's example challenges the assumption that purpose has an expiration date.

Leota, life unfolds through different seasons. Some provide opportunities for building careers, raising families, developing relationships, or serving others. Other seasons involve transition, reconsideration, or the discovery of interests we previously had little time to explore.

A change in circumstances does not mean that everything meaningful is behind you.

You have accumulated experience that cannot be reproduced simply by reading a book. You have learned through successes, disappointments, relationships, responsibilities, and decisions. Those experiences can become valuable resources for whatever comes next.

Purpose also does not have to appear in one grand assignment. It can be expressed through work, mentoring, learning, hospitality, creativity, relationships, community involvement, and the way you use your influence in everyday life.

Perhaps this season is an opportunity to ask not only what you have lost or what has changed, but also what remains possible.

What interests have you postponed? What strengths could be used differently? What contribution would feel meaningful to you now? What new experience might you be willing to explore?

You do not need to have every answer today. You simply need to remain open to the possibility that your life still contains meaningful opportunities for growth and contribution.

Journal With Jesus

What experiences have equipped me with wisdom or abilities I can still use?
Is there something meaningful I have been hesitant to pursue?
What might purpose look like in this season of my life?

Prayer

Father, thank You that my life continues to have meaning. Help me appreciate the wisdom and experience I have gained while remaining open to new opportunities. Give me clarity about where I can contribute, courage to explore what is possible, and contentment as I take the next steps. Amen.

Carry This Today

“My past has shaped me, but it has not exhausted my possibilities.”

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Movement 4 · Day 19

Come Closer

Read in NIV

James 4:7–10 ↗ · Psalm 73:23–28 ↗

Key Scripture

James 4:8 ↗

Today’s Devotional

Relationships develop through attention. We can care deeply about someone and still discover that the demands of everyday life have reduced the time we spend together. The affection may remain, but the conversations become less frequent, the connection less intentional, and the relationship less central to our daily experience.

Something similar can happen in our relationship with God.

We may continue believing in Him, acknowledging His goodness, and turning to Him when difficulties arise, yet gradually lose the habit of spending meaningful time in His presence. Prayer becomes occasional. Scripture becomes something we intend to read when life slows down. Before long, spiritual connection may feel more distant than we would like.

James offers a direct invitation: draw near to God.

In its context, this invitation includes humility, repentance, and a renewed commitment to God. It is not merely about generating a pleasant spiritual feeling. It is about turning our hearts toward Him and allowing our priorities to be shaped by that relationship.

Leota, drawing closer to God does not require creating an elaborate routine overnight. You do not need to begin with an hour of prayer or a complicated reading schedule. You can start with a sincere decision to give Him more intentional attention.

Perhaps that means sitting quietly for a few minutes before beginning your day. Perhaps it means reading a short passage slowly rather than rushing through several chapters. Perhaps it means speaking honestly to God about something you have been avoiding.

The psalmist in Psalm 73 discovers that nearness to God is his good. That realization emerges after a period of confusion and struggle. His renewed perspective develops through returning to God's presence.

You may discover something similar. The more intentionally you create space for God, the more opportunities you have to reflect, listen, pray, and recognize His work in your life.

This is not about becoming religiously impressive. It is about nurturing a relationship that matters.

Journal With Jesus

How would I describe the current state of my relationship with God?
What has made it difficult to spend intentional time with Him?
What simple practice could help me draw closer to Him?

Prayer

Father, I want to know You more deeply. Help me move beyond occasional attention and develop a more consistent relationship with You. Give me a genuine desire for Your presence, and teach me to approach You with honesty, humility, and expectation. Amen.

Carry This Today

“Closeness with God grows as I make room for the relationship.”

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Movement 4 · Day 20

Give God The First Few Minutes

Read in NIV

Psalm 5:1–3 ↗

Key Scripture

Psalm 5:3 ↗

Today’s Devotional

The first moments of the day can have a surprising influence on everything that follows. Before we have fully awakened, our minds may already be occupied with responsibilities, appointments, unanswered messages, financial concerns, or unfinished tasks.

It is easy to begin responding to life before taking a moment to consider how we want to approach it.

In Psalm 5, David speaks about bringing his voice before the Lord in the morning. He presents his prayer and looks toward God with expectation.

The passage offers a simple but meaningful picture of intentional spiritual attention. Before the day's demands take over, David makes room to address God.

Leota, imagine what could happen if the first few minutes of your day became a small but consistent opportunity to reconnect with Him.

You do not need to create a perfect morning routine. Some mornings may be busy. Others may begin later than expected. There may be days when your thoughts feel scattered or you struggle to find the words to pray.

Consistency does not require perfection.

You might begin by thanking God for another day, asking for wisdom concerning something ahead of you, and reading a few verses of Scripture. You might sit quietly and consider what you need emotionally or spiritually before entering the day's activities.

The value of this practice is not measured by its length. It lies in the intentional choice to give God attention before allowing every other demand to determine your focus.

Over time, small practices can become meaningful rhythms. A few minutes of prayer can encourage greater awareness of God's presence throughout the day. A short Scripture reading can provide a thought worth carrying into conversations and decisions.

You are not trying to impress God with the number of minutes you spend. You are making room for a relationship.

Start simply. Let consistency develop naturally, and allow the experience to become something you look forward to rather than another task you feel pressured to complete.

Journal With Jesus

What usually occupies my attention first when I wake up?
What would make a brief morning devotional practice realistic for me?
What would I like to bring before God at the beginning of each day?

Prayer

Father, help me make room for You in the ordinary rhythm of my life. Teach me to begin my days with greater awareness of Your presence. Give me consistency without unnecessary pressure and help my time with You become a source of wisdom, peace, and connection. Amen.

Carry This Today

“A few intentional minutes with God can become a meaningful daily rhythm.”

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Movement 4 · Day 21

Learning To Love His Word

Read in NIV

Psalm 119:97–105 ↗

Key Scripture

Psalm 119:105 ↗

Today’s Devotional

There is a difference between reading Scripture because we feel obligated and reading it because we genuinely want to understand what God is saying. Both experiences may begin with opening the same Bible, but the posture of our hearts can be very different.

For some people, Scripture reading has become associated with expectations. They know they should read more, understand more, or remember more. When they struggle to maintain consistency, they feel guilty, and that guilt can make returning to the Bible even more difficult.

Psalm 119 offers another perspective. The writer expresses affection for God's instruction and describes it as a source of wisdom and guidance. God's Word is compared to a lamp that illuminates the path ahead.

A lamp does not necessarily reveal every detail of the journey. It provides enough light to help someone recognize where to place the next step.

Leota, that image is particularly meaningful during uncertain seasons. You may want clear answers about the future, but Scripture often begins by shaping how we think, respond, and make decisions in the present.

Learning to love God's Word is not primarily about increasing the number of chapters you read. It is about developing curiosity, understanding, and a willingness to let what you read influence your life.

You can begin with a short passage and ask simple questions. What is happening in this text? What does it reveal about God? What did it mean in its original setting? What principle might help me live wisely today?

Sometimes a passage will encourage you. At other times, it may challenge an attitude or invite you to reconsider a decision. There may also be portions you do not immediately understand. That is an opportunity to learn, not a reason to feel inadequate.

The goal is not to become an expert overnight. It is to develop a growing familiarity with Scripture and a deeper appreciation for its place in your relationship with God.

Journal With Jesus

How do I currently feel about reading the Bible?
What has made Scripture reading difficult or inconsistent for me?
What small change could help me approach God's Word with greater curiosity and enjoyment?

Prayer

Father, develop in me a genuine love for Your Word. Help me understand what I read and recognize how its truths apply to my life. Give me patience with passages I find difficult and a growing desire to learn more about You through Scripture. Amen.

Carry This Today

“I do not need to understand everything at once to begin enjoying God's Word.”

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Movement 4 · Day 22

Talk To God About Everything

Read in NIV

Philippians 4:4–7 ↗ · 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18 ↗

Key Scripture

1 Thessalonians 5:17 ↗

Today’s Devotional

Sometimes we imagine prayer as something that belongs primarily to particular moments: before meals, during church services, at the beginning of the day, or when we face a serious problem. Those moments are valuable, but prayer can become much more personal when we begin to see it as an ongoing conversation with God.

Paul encourages believers to pray continually and to bring their requests before God. His instruction does not mean that we must speak aloud every moment of the day or abandon our responsibilities to remain in formal prayer.

It points toward a life characterized by ongoing dependence, gratitude, and awareness of God.

Leota, you can talk to God about the ordinary details of your life. You can bring Him your concerns about work, your thoughts about relationships, your plans for the week, or your uncertainty about a decision. You can thank Him for a pleasant conversation, acknowledge an unexpected frustration, or ask for patience before responding to someone.

Prayer does not have to sound impressive to be sincere.

Sometimes the most meaningful prayers are simple expressions of what is happening within us. “Lord, I need wisdom.” “Thank You for this moment.” “Help me respond well.” “I am worried about this.” “I do not know what to do next.”

Those conversations can help us develop greater awareness of God's presence throughout the day.

It is also important to remember that prayer is not a substitute for action. We can ask God for guidance while gathering information. We can pray for provision while pursuing employment opportunities. We can pray for healthier relationships while practicing better communication.

Prayer allows us to bring our everyday lives into our relationship with God rather than separating spiritual matters from practical concerns.

Today, experiment with speaking to God naturally as your day unfolds. You may discover that the relationship becomes more familiar when you stop limiting prayer to formal occasions.

Journal With Jesus

What kinds of concerns do I usually bring to God?
Are there ordinary parts of my life I rarely include in prayer?
How could I make prayer a more natural part of my day?

Prayer

Father, teach me to speak with You throughout my day. Help me bring both important concerns and ordinary experiences into our relationship. Give me confidence to pray sincerely without worrying about finding perfect words. Amen.

Carry This Today

“Every part of my life can become part of my conversation with God.”

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Movement 4 · Day 23

When God Feels Far Away

Read in NIV

Psalm 42 ↗

Key Scripture

Psalm 42:11 ↗

Today’s Devotional

There are seasons when our relationship with God feels vibrant and reassuring. Prayer comes naturally, Scripture seems meaningful, and we are conscious of His presence. There are other seasons when those experiences feel distant. We may continue believing, but the emotional sense of closeness seems less familiar.

That change can be unsettling, particularly when we begin to interpret it as evidence that something is wrong with us spiritually.

Psalm 42 gives voice to a person who longs deeply for God while experiencing emotional distress. The writer remembers former experiences of worship and asks why his soul is cast down. His longing is real, but so is his struggle.

What makes the psalm meaningful is that the writer does not hide his emotional condition. He speaks about his discouragement and repeatedly calls himself to hope in God.

Leota, feeling distant from God is not necessarily the same as being abandoned by Him.

Our emotional experiences can be influenced by many things, including exhaustion, disappointment, grief, stress, and changes in routine. Sometimes the absence of a strong spiritual feeling says more about what we are experiencing than about the reality of God's care.

That does not mean we should ignore spiritual distance. It may be an invitation to reflect on our habits, priorities, and relationship with Him. But we can respond with curiosity and honesty rather than immediate self-condemnation.

Consider what the psalmist does. He remembers, reflects, expresses his longing, and continues directing his hope toward God. He does not manufacture an emotional experience or pretend that everything feels wonderful.

You can approach God in the same way.

Perhaps today your prayer is simply, “Lord, I want to feel close to You again.” That is a meaningful place to begin.

Spiritual growth includes learning to remain faithful during seasons when our feelings are less reassuring. Relationship is deeper than emotion, even though emotion is an important part of our experience.

Journal With Jesus

Have I experienced a season when God felt distant?
What circumstances or habits may have contributed to that experience?
What would it look like to pursue God without demanding a particular feeling?

Prayer

Father, there are times when I do not feel as close to You as I would like. Help me remain honest about that experience without becoming discouraged. Renew my desire for Your presence and teach me to trust Your faithfulness even when my emotions fluctuate. Amen.

Carry This Today

“My feelings may change, but I can continue drawing near to God.”

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Movement 4 · Day 24

Develop An Appetite

Read in NIV

Psalm 63:1–8 ↗

Key Scripture

Psalm 63:1 ↗

Today’s Devotional

Appetites develop through attention and experience. The more familiar we become with something meaningful, the more naturally we may begin to desire it. A person who discovers a love for reading often starts with one interesting book. Someone who enjoys walking may begin with a few minutes outdoors before gradually looking forward to that time each day.

Our spiritual appetites can develop in similar ways.

In Psalm 63, David expresses an intense desire for God. He describes his soul as thirsty and speaks about remembering God, meditating on Him, and finding satisfaction in His presence.

The psalm presents spiritual longing as something deeply personal. David is not merely fulfilling a religious requirement. He wants God.

Leota, perhaps one of the most meaningful things that could emerge from these thirty days is a renewed desire to spend time with Him. Not because you feel pressured to maintain a devotional schedule, but because you begin to appreciate what that time contributes to your life.

Spiritual appetite can be nurtured. As you read Scripture, ask questions about what you encounter. As you pray, become more attentive to the honesty and connection of the conversation. As you reflect on your day, notice the ways your faith influences your thoughts and decisions.

There may be days when the desire feels strong and others when it does not. That is part of developing a consistent practice. We do not have to wait for intense motivation before taking a meaningful step.

It may also help to remove unnecessary pressure. Instead of comparing your spiritual life with someone else's, consider what a sustainable rhythm looks like for you.

The purpose of these practices is not simply to complete thirty days. It is to cultivate a relationship that continues beyond the devotional.

As you finish this movement, ask God to develop within you a desire for His presence that becomes part of the ordinary rhythm of your life.

Journal With Jesus

What experiences have helped me feel more connected to God?
Which spiritual practices would I like to continue after these thirty days?
What might help me develop a lasting appetite for Scripture and prayer?

Prayer

Father, deepen my desire to know You. Help me develop spiritual habits that are sincere, meaningful, and sustainable. Teach me to find satisfaction in Your presence and to continue growing in our relationship long after this devotional ends. Amen.

Carry This Today

“My relationship with God can become something I genuinely look forward to nurturing.”

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Movement 5 · Day 25

God Knows What I Need

Read in NIV

Matthew 6:25–34 ↗

Key Scripture

Matthew 6:32 ↗

Today’s Devotional

Financial uncertainty can affect nearly every part of life. When income becomes unpredictable or employment changes, even ordinary decisions can feel more complicated. We begin calculating what is available, anticipating future expenses, and wondering how long our resources will last.

These concerns are real, and they deserve thoughtful attention.

In Matthew 6, Jesus speaks to people about their everyday needs, including food and clothing. He directs their attention toward God's care for creation and reminds them that their heavenly Father knows what they need.

Jesus is not suggesting that material needs are imaginary or that responsible planning is unnecessary. He is challenging the kind of worry that consumes our attention and causes us to live as though our security depends entirely on our ability to control the future.

Leota, it can be difficult to experience peace when practical questions remain unanswered. You may want to know what opportunity will come next, how circumstances will develop, or whether the decisions you are making will produce the stability you desire.

Jesus' teaching invites you to approach those concerns with a different perspective. God is not unaware of your needs.

That truth does not mean every financial difficulty will resolve immediately or that every desired opportunity will become available. It does mean that you can bring your practical concerns into your relationship with God while taking responsible steps to address them.

You can create a budget, pursue employment, seek advice, reconsider expenses, and make plans without allowing fear to become the controlling influence in every decision.

Jesus concludes this portion of His teaching by directing attention to the present day. Tomorrow will bring its own concerns, but today deserves your attention.

Sometimes the most helpful question is not, “How will everything work out?” but, “What is the wisest thing I can do with what I know today?”

That question creates room for responsible action without requiring you to solve the entire future at once.

Journal With Jesus

What practical need has been causing me the greatest concern?
How has uncertainty affected my peace or decision-making?
What responsible step can I take today while entrusting the larger outcome to God?

Prayer

Father, thank You for knowing my needs. Give me wisdom as I manage my responsibilities and make decisions about the future. Help me resist unnecessary fear, pursue appropriate opportunities, and trust Your care without neglecting the practical steps I need to take. Amen.

Carry This Today

“God knows my needs, and I can approach today's responsibilities with wisdom.”

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Movement 5 · Day 26

When I Don'T Know What To Do

Read in NIV

2 Chronicles 20:1–12 ↗

Key Scripture

2 Chronicles 20:12 ↗

Today’s Devotional

There are situations in which we simply do not know what to do next. We may have considered the available options, spoken with people we trust, and tried to understand the circumstances, yet still feel uncertain about the right decision.

For someone accustomed to being capable and responsible, admitting uncertainty can feel uncomfortable. We may believe we should have the answer or that needing guidance somehow reflects poorly on our ability to manage life.

King Jehoshaphat faced a situation far beyond his own capacity. A large opposing force was approaching Judah, and the king recognized the seriousness of the threat. Rather than pretending to possess a solution, he gathered the people to seek God.

His prayer includes an unusually honest admission: “Neither know we what to do: but our eyes are upon thee.”

That statement reveals both humility and dependence. Jehoshaphat acknowledges the limits of his understanding while directing his attention toward God.

Leota, there is nothing shameful about reaching a point where you need wisdom.

You may be considering employment options, financial decisions, personal priorities, or changes in your everyday life. Some choices may appear promising but carry uncertainties. Others may feel familiar but no longer seem appropriate for the season ahead.

You do not have to pretend that these decisions are simple.

Seeking God's guidance can involve prayer, reflection, Scripture, and wise counsel. It can also involve researching opportunities, asking thoughtful questions, comparing options, and recognizing when more information is needed.

Sometimes wisdom comes through a clear conviction. At other times, it develops gradually as we learn, consider, and take responsible steps.

The important thing is not to confuse uncertainty with helplessness. You may not know the entire answer, but you can still take meaningful action.

Jehoshaphat's prayer reminds us that acknowledging our limitations can become an opportunity to deepen our dependence on God.

Journal With Jesus

What decision or situation currently leaves me feeling uncertain?
Have I been pressuring myself to have answers before I have enough information?
What guidance, information, or counsel might help me make a wiser decision?

Prayer

Father, You know the decisions before me and the questions I have not been able to answer. Give me humility to acknowledge what I do not know and wisdom to pursue what I need to understand. Guide my thinking, help me recognize sound counsel, and give me courage to act responsibly. Amen.

Carry This Today

“Not knowing what to do is an invitation to seek wisdom, not a reason to lose confidence.”

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Movement 5 · Day 27

The Unknown Can Be An Open Door

Read in NIV

Isaiah 43:18–21 ↗

Key Scripture

Isaiah 43:19 ↗

Today’s Devotional

Most people appreciate new opportunities when they arrive with clear instructions, predictable outcomes, and a reasonable sense of security. What makes change difficult is often not the possibility of something new but the uncertainty that comes with it.

We may find ourselves missing the familiarity of what was, even when we recognize that a previous season had limitations. Familiar routines provide comfort because we understand how they work. New situations require adjustment, learning, and sometimes a willingness to begin again.

In Isaiah 43, God speaks to His people about restoration and the possibility of a new future. The imagery of a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert communicates hope in circumstances where a path forward may not appear obvious.

The passage originally addresses God's people within their particular historical circumstances. It should not be treated as a guarantee that every personal ambition will succeed. But it does reveal a God whose work is not limited to what His people have already experienced.

Leota, perhaps there are areas of your life where change has felt more threatening than exciting. An unexpected transition can leave you wondering whether something important has ended without knowing what might replace it.

It is understandable to feel that uncertainty.

But the unknown does not have to be interpreted only as a place of loss. It can also become a place of discovery.

You may encounter an opportunity you had never considered, develop a skill you did not previously need, or discover that your interests have changed. You may learn something about your resilience, preferences, or abilities that would have remained hidden in a more familiar environment.

None of that requires you to pretend that transition is easy. You can acknowledge what you miss while remaining curious about what is possible.

Today, consider approaching the future with a little more openness. Instead of assuming that unfamiliar means unfavorable, allow yourself to explore the possibilities carefully and prayerfully.

Journal With Jesus

What change in my life has been most difficult to accept?
What opportunities or possibilities might I have overlooked because they feel unfamiliar?
What is one new experience or direction I would be willing to explore?

Prayer

Father, help me approach change with wisdom and openness. Give me grace to acknowledge what has ended without becoming trapped in the past. Help me recognize meaningful opportunities, develop new abilities, and trust You as I navigate unfamiliar circumstances. Amen.

Carry This Today

“The unfamiliar does not have to be my enemy.”

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Movement 5 · Day 28

Ask God For Direction

Read in NIV

Proverbs 3:5–6 ↗ · Psalm 32:8 ↗

Key Scripture

Proverbs 3:6 ↗

Today’s Devotional

Direction is something we often appreciate most when we feel uncertain about where we are going. When life is familiar, decisions can seem relatively straightforward. But when circumstances change, we may find ourselves reconsidering priorities, relationships, opportunities, and plans.

Proverbs encourages us to trust in the Lord rather than relying exclusively on our own understanding. It invites us to acknowledge Him in all our ways and promises His guidance.

This does not mean we should stop thinking carefully or abandon the responsibility to make decisions. Scripture consistently values wisdom, understanding, and sound judgment. Trusting God involves recognizing that our perspective is limited and inviting His instruction to shape how we live.

Leota, seeking direction can become more meaningful when we move beyond simply asking God to approve the plans we have already made.

We can ask Him to examine our motives, clarify our priorities, and help us recognize whether a particular opportunity aligns with our values and responsibilities.

Sometimes the direction we need concerns a major decision. At other times, it involves smaller choices that gradually shape our lives. How should I use my time? What kind of work would allow me to contribute meaningfully? Which relationships deserve greater attention? What habits would support the person I want to become?

Those questions can become part of an ongoing conversation with God.

Psalm 32 speaks of instruction and guidance, presenting God as one who cares about the direction of His people.

It is worth remembering that guidance does not always arrive as a dramatic experience. Sometimes it emerges through growing understanding, wise counsel, circumstances that clarify our options, or the steady development of conviction.

The goal is not to eliminate every possibility of making a mistake. It is to become someone who approaches decisions with humility, prayerfulness, and a willingness to learn.

As you consider your next steps, give yourself permission to move thoughtfully rather than hurriedly.

Journal With Jesus

In what area of my life do I most need direction?
What values and priorities should guide my next decision?
What practical steps could help me discern a wise path forward?

Prayer

Father, I invite Your wisdom into the decisions before me. Help me recognize when my own assumptions are limiting my perspective. Give me discernment, patience, and the willingness to receive guidance. Teach me to make decisions that reflect my faith, values, and responsibilities. Amen.

Carry This Today

“I can seek God's direction while making thoughtful, responsible decisions.”

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Movement 5 · Day 29

Expect Good Again

Read in NIV

Psalm 27:13–14 ↗

Key Scripture

Psalm 27:13 ↗

Today’s Devotional

Disappointment can quietly change our expectations. After enough experiences that do not unfold as we hoped, we may begin protecting ourselves by expecting less. We tell ourselves not to get too excited, not to anticipate too much, and not to become emotionally invested in possibilities that may not materialize.

That response is understandable. Sometimes lowering our expectations feels safer than risking another disappointment.

But there is a difference between being realistic and gradually losing the capacity to hope.

In Psalm 27, David speaks about believing that he will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. His words are surrounded by expressions of trust, prayer, and perseverance. He concludes by encouraging himself to wait on the Lord and be courageous.

Leota, I want you to consider whether disappointment has affected your willingness to look forward to good things.

Perhaps there are opportunities you no longer think about because you are afraid of being disappointed. Perhaps you have stopped imagining what an enjoyable or fulfilling season might look like. Perhaps you have become so focused on avoiding another setback that hope feels uncomfortable.

You do not need to ignore reality in order to recover hope.

Healthy hope acknowledges uncertainty while remaining open to possibility. It allows you to pursue meaningful goals without demanding guarantees. It recognizes that some plans may not work out, but it refuses to conclude that disappointment is the only thing the future can hold.

You can hope for meaningful work, enjoyable experiences, stronger relationships, personal growth, and a deeper relationship with God. You can look forward to ordinary pleasures as well as larger opportunities.

And you can do all of that without pretending to know exactly how the future will unfold.

Sometimes hope begins with giving yourself permission to want something good again.

As this journey approaches its conclusion, I hope you are becoming more comfortable with that possibility. Your past disappointments deserve acknowledgment, but they do not need to become the boundaries of your imagination.

Journal With Jesus

Has disappointment caused me to lower my expectations for the future?
What good things would I like to experience or pursue in the next season of my life?
What would it look like to practice hope without demanding certainty?

Prayer

Father, restore my capacity to hope. Help me acknowledge past disappointments without allowing them to control my expectations. Give me courage to pursue meaningful opportunities, gratitude for the good already present, and patience as I continue moving forward. Amen.

Carry This Today

“I can be realistic about life and still remain hopeful about what lies ahead.”

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Movement 5 · Day 30

Leota, Live!

Read in NIV

John 10:7–10 ↗ · Psalm 16:5–11 ↗

Key Scripture

John 10:10 ↗

Today’s Devotional

Leota, we have arrived at the final day of this journey, and I want to begin with a question: What does it mean for you to truly live?

Not simply to exist, fulfill responsibilities, pay bills, maintain relationships, or move from one day to the next. Those activities are important parts of life, but they are not the whole of it.

What would it look like for you to become more fully engaged in the life God has given you?

In John 10, Jesus describes Himself as the good shepherd who cares for His sheep. Within that teaching, He declares that He came so they might have life and have it abundantly.

The abundant life Jesus describes should not be reduced to financial prosperity, constant happiness, or freedom from difficulty. His words point toward the fullness of life found through relationship with Him, under His care and leadership.

Psalm 16 also speaks of joy in God's presence and the confidence that comes from finding security in Him.

Leota, these thirty days have invited you to explore several important truths. You are seen by God. Your worth does not depend on your performance. You can acknowledge what hurts without allowing pain to define you. You can establish boundaries, cultivate peace, rediscover your individuality, and remain open to meaningful purpose.

You have also been invited to develop a closer relationship with God through prayer, Scripture, and intentional time in His presence.

But this journey was never intended to end with a completed devotional.

Its purpose is to encourage you to live differently.

Perhaps that means becoming more intentional about your own well-being. Perhaps it means pursuing an opportunity that has been on your mind, making time for activities you enjoy, or giving greater attention to relationships that bring encouragement and connection.

Perhaps it means learning to speak about yourself with more kindness or becoming less hesitant to express what you want and need.

You do not have to change everything at once.

Meaningful growth often begins with small decisions repeated over time. A healthier boundary. A more honest prayer. A courageous conversation. A new application. A morning walk. An afternoon spent doing something you genuinely enjoy.

Leota, your life is not merely a collection of responsibilities waiting to be completed. It is an opportunity to know God, love and be loved, grow in wisdom, contribute meaningfully, and experience the goodness available in the days you have been given.

There will still be difficult moments. There will still be questions, decisions, and disappointments. But you can face them with a growing understanding of who you are and a renewed commitment to living intentionally.

Do not allow what has happened to convince you that nothing meaningful remains.

There is still room to learn. Room to laugh. Room to discover. Room to contribute. Room to enjoy. Room to grow closer to God.

And there is room to become more fully yourself.

Leota, live.

Journal With Jesus

What have I discovered or rediscovered about myself during these thirty days?
What three changes would I like to carry into the next season of my life?
What does living more fully look like for me, spiritually, emotionally, relationally, and practically?

Prayer

Father, thank You for the gift of my life and for walking with me through these thirty days. Help me carry forward the truths I have encountered. Give me courage to live with greater confidence, wisdom to make healthy decisions, and a growing desire for Your presence. Teach me to appreciate each season without becoming trapped by the past or overwhelmed by the future. Help me live with purpose, gratitude, love, and joy. Amen.

Carry This Today

“My story is still unfolding, and I want to participate fully in the life God has given me.”

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← Journey HomeClosing Letter →

After Thirty Days

Leota, Keep Living.

Leota,

As you reach the end of these thirty days, I hope you recognize that this journey was never simply about reading a devotional. It was about making room for yourself, your relationship with God, and the possibilities that still exist in your life.

I hope you have been reminded that you are seen, loved, and valued for far more than what you accomplish or provide. I hope you have found permission to acknowledge what has been difficult without allowing those experiences to determine how you see yourself.

More than anything, I hope you are beginning to appreciate the woman you are today while remaining excited about the woman you are becoming.

You do not have to have every answer. You do not have to resolve every uncertainty before enjoying your life. And you certainly do not have to spend the next season proving that you deserve love, respect, peace, or meaningful opportunities.

You have already lived enough life to know that circumstances can change unexpectedly. But those changes do not erase your experiences, your abilities, your personality, or the contributions you still have to make.

My encouragement is simple: keep growing.

Keep nurturing your relationship with God. Keep learning about yourself. Keep making room for joy. Keep pursuing meaningful opportunities. Keep developing healthy relationships and boundaries. And keep reminding yourself that your life deserves your own attention, not just the attention you give to everyone else.

I believe there are still beautiful things for you to discover, and I hope you will approach the future with curiosity, wisdom, and renewed confidence.

This devotional may be complete, but the journey it represents continues.

With love, Colin

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