The following is a devotional I wrote (and just came across again) about 15 years ago. As much as I hate to admit it – I still have to wrestle through this issue. Maybe you do to. Perhaps you don’t get tripped up with the same lie, maybe the lie you hear, and fall for, is completely different. Whatever the case – listen closely … whose voice are YOU hearing?

“My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.”

Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God.  

God is not a God of confusion but of peace.

John 10:27   NASB ~ 1 john 4:1 NASB ~ 1 Corinthians 14:33 NASB

Sometimes, as I pray for my family, I inwardly hear, “You should spend time praying for the nations or the president or your friend who’s sick”, so I shift my prayer focus and then I hear, “You haven’t spent any time in the Word today, what makes you think you can pray effectively if you haven’t listened for God’s voice?” Later in the day, I’ll grab a cup of coffee, dig into some office work and then hear, “You really should be helping the kids with their homeschooling, that’s much more important.” Pushing myself away from the computer, I go help with math or review a spelling assignment and then I hear, “Some Mom you are, your teenage kids can’t even get their school work done without you sitting right beside them.” By this time I am completely worn out and feel like a complete failure.

Alright, no laughing! Sure, it’s easy to see the cycle of craziness now, but not so simple when you’re in the midst of it!

While you may not fall for this particular ploy of the enemy, I would bet there are others that trip you up. Does he whisper to you, “A real Christian wouldn’t do that”? Perhaps he tells you, “You haven’t prayed long enough, read the Bible enough or ____________ enough to be of use to God”? Maybe you hear the flip side of that lie, “God doesn’t really expect me to__________, that’s for “super spiritual” people.

See what I mean? It’s not that easy to spot when you’re in the midst of it.

Why do we fall for such lies? Speaking for myself, it happens when I don’t take the time to discern the voice I’m listening to. if I did, I would recall that the Holy Spirit gently leads, corrects and instructs, He doesn’t coerce or criticize, or cause me to feel driven. Ever. Criticism and coercion is the M.O. of our enemy, not our Shepherd.

Eventually I realized that the “voice” I was allowing to guide me wasn’t the Holy Spirit or even my conscience – it was the enemy. I had permitted myself to be pulled in every direction and not only lost my peace in the process, but didn’t accomplish what God really wanted to accomplish through me that day.

Okay, I guess you can laugh now!

“Readers are advised to remember the devil is a liar.”

C.S. Lewis

Father, Please give me the ability to distinguish Your Holy Spirit’s voice from the clamor of the enemy. Enable me to quickly spot the ploys of Satan that get me off course and into confusion.  I appreciate so much that I can be real with my needs and frailties, knowing You will accept my heartfelt cry of brokenness. Thank You, Jesus.

Written by Becky White for the Lord Jesus

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Your eyes have seen what the LORD did. Deuteronomy 4:3 “Only take care, and keep your soul diligently, lest you forget the things that your eyes have seen, and lest they depart from your heart all the days of your life. Make them known to your children and your children’s children. Deuteronomy 4:9 Remember that […]

Remember?

The Lord will send His goodness in the daytime; And His song will be with me in the night, a prayer to the God of my life.  Psalm 42:8 NASB

…My God, Who gives songs in the night.  Job 35:10b

About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God (while in prison), and the other prisoners were listening to them. Acts 16:25 NIV

Lean hard into him bless the Lord O my soul and all that is within me bless his holy name. Why are you in despair on my soul put your hope in him I will yet praise him the help of my countenance and my God. Psalm 103

The thick night darkness hid the emotional ache that permeated me as I mentally surveyed my life’s circumstance.  My throat sore from stifled tears, in a near whisper, I sang as my declaration … “Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless His holy name… (Psalm 103:1) The whispered Scripture turned prayer, fell from my lips as I sang to the Lord, and to my own spirit.

That painful, yet powerful, decades-old memory surfaces as my eyes land on the scripture that speaks of “songs in the night.”

The apostles sang songs in the night as they lay shackled in a Roman prison cell … singing God’s praises in the midst of their painful circumstance. Right there in the ongoing unfairness and cruelty, simply for doing the right thing. And Scripture tells us that “the other prisoners heard” the praise songs, and most importantly, they listened.

There’s something about a person walking through pain and trial,  who still turns to God … in trusting praise. Maybe through tears and a cracking voice, perhaps, but turning to Him anyway. Others take notice and stop to “listen” as we sing our song in the night. Not a life that never encounters a night, but those who choose to “sing” in the midst of it all.

From a bad hair day to the death of a loved one to an all-encompassing loneliness and everything in between, whatever our night season looks like, if we turn to Him, He will provide a song in our night. An authentic song that others will stop to listen to, and perhaps turn to The song Giver.

If God would make manifest the fact that “He giveth songs in the night,” He must first make it night.

—William Taylor

My Father, as “night” swirls around us, enable us to turn to You rather than away, to Your Word and Your soul-deep Comfort and Peace. We love You. In Jesus’ name, Amen

Written by Becky White for the Lord Jesus

When I am afraid, I will trust in You.    Psalm 56:3 Legacy Standard Bible

The LORD sat as King at the flood; Yes, the LORD sits as King forever.    Psalm 29:10 NASB 1995

Whatever the reason, pain confronts us all in one form or another. Like a gut punch that leaves us gasping for air, there are some life trials that nearly take our breath away.  Some from the instant shock and awe of searing pain, others steal our breath away from their sheer duration and scope.

Recently, while walking through a trial (Not sitting still, but walking through, an important point for another devo) I noticed that though my trust in the Lord hadn’t waivered, the ache in my heart remained. After talking to the Lord about the emotional heaviness and ache, I turned to my go-to place in His Word – The book of Psalms. There I read Psalm after Psalm of King David describing the ache of the human heart. Words that echoed the pain of my own heart. But this time I noticed (or re-noticed?) that he spoke of fear and emotional pain mingled with the fact that he trusted in God. I had accidently assumed that if I “really” trusted God with my heartache or trial, that my feelings would follow. Silly me.

In a world that is more comfortable with plastic smiles and “I’m fine” salutations, this fact is so freeing. Especially to those walking through a season of pain. It’s okay to “feel” the pain of real- life trials and share the honest, “I’m not fine” answer to the question of, “How are you today?”  Maybe you’ve felt the pressure to suck it up and put on a plastic smile, rather than admit that right now life is painful or maybe a season of trial has caught you off guard. I pray God’s Word frees you as it freed me.

And if we’re the one asking the question of how are you… Let’s give room for honest answers coupled with a listening ear.

When I am afraid, I will trust in Him.

One last point, He sits as King over the flood of our life’s circumstances. Not me. Not you. God Himself sits as King over whatever has flooded into our lives. Even as we ache and acknowledge the pain, we will trust that He’s got this. Whatever the outcome.

The Psalms wrap nouns and verbs around our pain better than any other book. ― Joni Eareckson Tada

Father God, I am so grateful for Your grace to walk through our life’s trials. As the ache of our hearts reacts to the raw reality of pain, enable Your people to rest in Your sovereign care. We love You. In Jesus’ name Amen

Written by Becky White for the Lord Jesus

 I took them by the hand and led them out of Egypt…

 I will bring you up out of the suffering and oppression of Egypt … to a land flowing with milk and honey…

Hebrews 8:9b AMPC    Exodus 3:17 AMP

I love to walk hand in hand with my husband, whether we’re power-walking trails at a nearby park or strolling through grocery store aisles. There’s something tender, personal and even “safe” about such a simple gesture. It also necessarily means that we are going away from, and then to, the same location, together.

In today’s Scripture reading we hear our Lord say this about His people, “I led them by the hand.” God, the Creator, Sustainer and Lord of all…”led them by the hand!” If that isn’t enough to blow our minds into face-to-the-floor worship, He goes on to say where He led them from, “Out of Egypt.” Let’s keep this simple. Egypt is B-A-D, full of emotional, physical and relational pain.

Though the ancient Israelites were in, and then led out of, a literal land of Egypt, you and I encounter our own versions of “Egypt” don’t we? The emotional ripping and tearing of abuse or addiction. The relational pain of pornography or divorce or loneliness. The physical challenges of our own illnesses or the searing pain of helplessly watching those we love suffer.

Beloved, He promises the same, for you and I.

Lord, enable me to find my security in You alone. Not in my spouse or children or career or bank account or service or ________, but in You alone. The utterly faithful One.

I will lead them.

By the hand.

Out of Egypt.

Our Sovereign God has not promised to whisk us away in a fairy-tale-esque escape plan. No. But He has promised to lead us out. To lead us through… step by challenging step. And miracle by miracle, if needed. Providing the manna of His Presence along the journey as He leads into our own land flowing with the milk and honey of joy in the midst of, peace in spite of. And blessing us with, “I’ve been where you are” compassion and empathy.  Handing us a testimony that shouts His great faithfulness that led us by the hand through the wilderness and out of our own Egypts, right into the promise land of fulfilling His purposes in us, and for us.

God is God. Because He is God, He is worthy of my trust and obedience. I will find rest nowhere but in His holy will, a will that is unspeakably beyond my largest notions of what He is up to.

Elisabeth Elliot

My Lord, Such tenderness and compassion You show through the promise to lead Your people (which includes me!!) by hand… out of my Egypt and into the promise land where I will testify of Your great faithfulness to restore and deliver. I love You beyond words. In Jesus’ name, Amen

 Written by Becky White for Jesus

In quietness and trust shall be your confidence and strength. 

Isaiah 26:3-4

Father, the enemy temps me to doubt You, to question Your timing, Your goodness and even Your awareness of my circumstance. Words and phrases like, Frantic, Anxious, Striving, Worrying, Fearful, or “What if…?” and “Why?” attempt to pierce my soul like a poison dart. Forgive me for the times I’ve allowed them to penetrate, wreaking havoc within me. Cause me to be aware  and able to quickly discern the enemy’s lies, holding up my shield of faith as I wield the mighty sword of the Spirit of Your Word.

By the power of Your Holy Spirit I will be still before You and before the sea of my circumstances, in quietness and trust I shall be confident in You and Your faithfulness.  Exhaling the enemy’s fear inducing lies – I breath in deeply the truth that if You are for me who or what can be against me?  You hold my life in the palm of Your hand…is that not enough?

 I love You, Father. In the matchless name of my Lord Jesus Christ I pray. Amen.

Written by Becky White for my Lord Jesus

[Urged on] by faith the people crossed the Red Sea as [though] on dry land…

Because of faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they had been encompassed for seven days [by the Israelites].

Others had to suffer the trial of mocking and scourging and even chains and imprisonment. They were stoned to death; they were lured with tempting offers [to renounce their faith].

And all of these…won divine approval by [means of] their faith…

Hebrews 11:29a-30, 36-37,39a AMPC

Sometimes, our faith in the Lord and His Word parts the Red Sea of impossible situations. Sometimes our faith in Him causes the Stone Wall of adversity to crumble at our feet. Talk about mountain-top, arms lifted in praise and worship outcomes! I like that kind of faith outcome, don’t you? And if I’m honest, that’s what I expect as an outcome of faith. Isn’t that the point of faith? To change our circumstances? Maybe.

Recently, while reading the New Testament book of Hebrews, I stopped in my mental tracks as I read and reread chapter eleven.  My eyes lingered on the almost too-familiar verses in this “hall of fame” chapter on Biblical faith giants. I could almost hear the STOP, and REWIND sound effects in my mind as my fingers traced the words. Tucked into this list of faith-walkers were others, whose faith outcome included words like “suffer” and “trials” and “imprisonment.” Holding those verses up to the light and talking to the Author of those words, I asked how this could be. Is it possible that authentic, Biblical faith can produce such an outcome?

Yes. It seems that sometimes, faith in God and His Word don’t necessarily lead to miraculous intervention. But instead to an ever-deepening trust (faith) in Him, regardless of the outcome. A level of trust that looks the vilest circumstance directly in the eye and still says, “Lord, I trust You. I have no idea how this will end, but I know You are faithful and worthy of my trust. You have promised to cause all things to work together for good for those who love You and are called according to Your purpose.”  

Over the years, I have faced seas that did not part, and walls that did not miraculously come down. I bet you have too. Yet, it was during those bitter-sweet times that I experienced the presence of God unlike any other. Rather than my circumstances changing, He chose to change me, and draw me into a closer relationship with Him out of sheer necessity. Have you found that true in your life?

It’s in those dark moments that we have a choice to make – will we hold Him tight, even as the tears fall, and choose to trust Him? The famed preacher, C.H. Spurgeon once said, “To trust God in the light is nothing – to trust Him in the dark, that is faith.” Is there is a circumstance casting a shadow of darkness over you, or someone you love? Even if through tears, will you choose to trust Him? Whatever the outcome? No matter what it looks like, He has a plan and purpose for all He allows to graze your life.

To trust God in the light is nothing – to trust Him in the dark, that is faith.

C.H. Spurgeon

Father, though my heart longs for a miracle, I love You more than any desired outcome. Help me rest in Your faithful goodness, even as I continue to pray in simple faith. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Written by Becky White for the Lord Jesus

Click here to purchase a hard copy or download a FREE pdf of the devotional, Stony Paths learning to trust Him as we walk the Stony Paths of real life.

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For You have been a Stronghold…and a Shelter from the storm.

When you pass through the waters (of difficulty) I will be with you.

“Those who trust in the LORD will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.”

ISAIAH 25:4A ISAIAH 43:2A AMPC Isaiah 40:31

I wish it wasn’t so. But it’s true. Storms of life are inevitable. While the depth and breadth and severity may differ from one person to another, we can all count on them showing up at our door. That’s just real life, isn’t it? Beloved, I promise not to slap a plastic “Praise the Lord” bumper sticker phrase across the pain of your heart, even as I gently prod you to step back, exhale a moment and seek to discover His hand, His very presence with you in your storm.

I have found that though God has seldom prevented storms from whipping up all around me, sometimes with waves crashing so hard that I literally gasp for breath, He has never failed to shelter me with the umbrella of His Presence. With the umbrella of His Peace. With the umbrella of His Comfort. And with the strong umbrella of His sovereign control over all that grazes my life, while promising my good and His glory as the ultimate outcome. He promises the same shelter for you.

Whatever our storm – Divorce or Death. Addiction or Abuse. Discouragement or Disease. Hopelessness or Hostility. Our God is mighty and able to shelter us while these storms pass by. [Psalm 57:1 AMP]. Oh, dear one, will you take His hand as He not only shelters from the storm, but walks you through it?

Father,
Sometimes the wind and waves of this storm cause me to feel overwhelmed, and I hate to admit it, angry at You. Forgive me. I release myself and my difficulties into Your hands. Please envelop me in Your peace and renewed hope. Grant me Your perspective in this storm. I choose to trust You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Lean hard on Me my child and I will be your peace. Storms shall not disquiet the trusting heart.

FRANCIS J. ROBERTS

Written by Becky White for the Lord Jesus

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Shelter from the Storm is a devo pulled from my 2016 book of the same title. Being birthed through my own season of brokenness and difficulties as I cried out to God for relief, “I can’t take this anymore!” It was a time of desperation as I endured the death of two of my children, faced personal betrayal, coped with rebellious teenagers, acknowledged my own addictions as well as those of others, dealt with childhood trauma, and endured domestic violence, financial reversal, and the often daunting challenges everyday life.

Oh how I wish we could sit together at my kitchen table and talk. I’d offer you a cup of coffee, listen to your story and tell you how sorry I am for your pain. Offering you a tissue as I assure you it’s okay to cry. Though careful not to offer plastic truth, I would surely read you a Psalm or two – the very place where I have found such authentic comfort myself.

Opening my journal and putting pen to paper, I wrote what can be best described as modern-day psalms of lament, but always coming back to the great faithfulness of our God, acknowledging the reality of the pain of the moment and the greater reality of His presence and ability to sustain and strengthen. Through it all, I found, by experience that He is indeed a shelter from the storm. Though He didn’t always stop the rain from falling He was utterly faithful to be my shelter in the midst of my storms.

Be assured, the devotions were not written while reclining on a sundrenched beach or sitting on a country hillside but in the crisis of the moment. Often they were written through tears. Since these devotions are a result of struggling through storms, I hope you will feel that they were written by someone who understands your pain. But even more importantly, I hope they help you know that God understands.

Come, take my hand, and join me under the shelter of the Most High. As we do, I encourage you to jot down any thoughts on your heart, even if those thoughts are your own version of “I can’t take this anymore!” May He encourage you through its pages.

Allow me the honor of taking your hand and talking to the Father with you…

My Lord, Please encourage my friend today. Your Word declares that You are the God of all comfort… please comfort them, Lord! Envelop them in Your Peace that passes all understanding. Grant them strength for the journey. Show them Your great faithfulness and enlarge their capacity to trust You in the midst of all they face. Show Yourself strong on their behalf, Father. Replace fear and hopelessness with Your peace and the assurance that no matter what things look like…You are mighty and able to bring good from this situation. Thank You, Father. In the mighty name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

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