Tag Archives: bible

Jun17

Comforting Grace: A Word for the Grieving Heart

Posted on by
Standard

To the one who is grieving, I see you.

I may not know your whole story, but I know the ache of an empty chair, the silence that fills the rooms of a home, the whisper of memories that come unbidden in the stillness of night, and the unexpected tears that fall when the world keeps turning. I know how your heart may feel like it’s walking through a landscape that has changed forever.

But I also know this: God sees you.

The same God who set the stars in the sky, who parted the sea, and who holds the universe together —He bends down to listen to the cries of the brokenhearted.

“Because he bends down to listen, I will pray as long as I have breath!” (Psalm 116:2)

You may feel forgotten or overlooked by the world, but in God’s eyes, you are deeply cherished.

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” (Psalm 34:18)

He does not rush your grief, nor does He ignore your tears. In fact, He gathers them in His bottle and draws near with a tenderness only heaven can give.

“You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book.” (Psalm 56:8)

There will be days when the sorrow threatens to swallow your joy whole. On those days, cling to this truth: You are not alone. Christ Himself knows what it is to grieve, and He walks this road beside you, step by step. And in time, He will speak life into the places that feel so empty.

Your tears are sacred. Your story still matters. And your God is still creating beauty from ashes.

Even in this dark valley, you are not forgotten. Even in your loss, you are deeply loved. And even as you grieve, God is preparing joy that will one day return. He promises:

“Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.” (Psalm 30:5).

Until that morning dawns, rest in this: You are seen. You are loved. And you are not walking alone.

With love and faith,

From the heart of one who knows

A Prayer for the Grieving Heart

Dear Heavenly Father, You are the God who sees. In the quiet spaces where sorrow lingers, draw near to every grieving heart. Wrap each hurting soul in Your peace that surpasses understanding. Speak hope into the silence, strength into the weariness, and comfort into the loneliness. Thank you for being near to the brokenhearted and binding up their wounds. In Jesus’ name, Amen

Related Verses:

  • “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” Revelation 21:4
  • “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” Matthew 5:5
  • “He will give a crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair” Isaiah 61:3
  • “Those who sow in tears will reap with a song of joy.” Psalm 126:5



Jun2

Unfailing Peace When You’re Falling to Pieces

Posted on by
Standard
"You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, 
because they trust in You." – Isaiah 26:3 (NIV)

Life has a way of unraveling right before our eyes. One moment, everything seems under control, and the next, the weight of the world crashes down. Unexpected loss, financial struggles, broken relationships, or health challenges can leave us feeling like we’re falling apart.

Yet, in the midst of chaos, God offers us something the world cannot: unfailing peace. A peace that steadies us when life shakes us. A peace that holds us together when everything else is falling apart.

The key to this peace isn’t found in changing our circumstances but in shifting our focus from the problem to the Problem-Solver. Isaiah 26:3 tells us that perfect peace comes when our minds are firmly fixed on God, rather than our troubles. When we trust in Him, we can rest in His unshakable presence, knowing He is in control even when we are not.

Lean into Scripture. Meditate on His promises, and let His truth calm your anxious heart. Philippians 4:6-7 reminds us to bring everything to God in prayer, and His peace will guard our hearts and minds. 

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4: 6 - 7

Instead of carrying the burden alone, release it to God. Tell Him your fears, your worries, and your doubts. He invites us to cast our cares on Him because He cares for us (1 Peter 5:7).

When fear tries to take over, remind yourself of how God has come through for you before. If He was faithful then, He will be faithful now. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8).

No matter what you’re facing today, take heart. You are not alone. God’s peace is not dependent on perfect circumstances—it is anchored in His perfect presence. Let Him hold you together, even when you feel like you’re falling to pieces.

A Prayer for Unfailing Peace

Dear Heavenly Father, When I feel overwhelmed, remind me of Your unfailing peace. Help me to fix my eyes on You instead of my circumstances. Strengthen my heart, calm my mind, and fill me with the assurance that You are in control. Thank You for being my refuge and my ever-present help in times of trouble. I choose to trust in You today and rest in the peace that only You can give. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Scriptures for Peace

  • John 14:27 – “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
  • Psalm 46:1 – “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.”
  • 2 Thessalonians 3:16 – “Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.”

Even when life feels like it’s crumbling, God’s peace can anchor your soul. He will never fail you.

Jun1

Trusting Jesus in the Storm: Peace Beyond Understanding

Posted on by
Standard

In Mark 4:35-41, we find Jesus and His disciples crossing the Sea of Galilee when a sudden, furious storm arose. The waves were crashing over the boat, threatening to swamp it, while Jesus slept peacefully on a cushion in the rear of the boat. The disciples were terrified and woke Him up, exclaiming, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?” Jesus stood up, rebuked the wind, and commanded the sea, “Peace! Be still!” Immediately, the wind subsided, and the sea was completely calm. He turned to His disciples and asked, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?”

This passage not only illustrates Jesus’ divine authority over nature but also His complete and wholehearted trust in His Father’s plan. Despite the terrifying chaos around Him, Jesus slept peacefully – a visual example of perfect peace in the midst of the storm and a faith that transcends the circumstances surrounding Him. 

As I read this story, I imagined the terror the disciples must have felt during the storm. (If you have ever been in a boat out at sea-or even on a lake-during a sudden storm, you know exactly how they must have felt!) But Jesus modeled the example for the disciples (and us) of how we should react to storms in our own lives.

Over the past 15 years, my husband and I navigated the turbulent waters of illness, caregiving, and, most recently, his passing. The storm hasn’t fully subsided; grief comes in waves, and some days feel more stormy than others. Yet, I continue to cling to my anchor of faith, trusting that it will hold me steady until the waters calm.

Just as Jesus slept through the storm, fully trusting in God’s sovereign plan, I strive to find rest in that same assurance. Even when the tempest rages, and the boat feels like it’s sinking, I remind myself that Jesus is in the boat with me, offering peace that surpasses understanding.

Perhaps you find yourself in a similar situation? God’s promises are true for you, too.

Hebrews 6:19 tells us, “We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.” This hope is not just wishful thinking but a confident expectation rooted in God’s unchanging promises. It’s the anchor that holds us steady when the storms of life threaten to overwhelm.

In the midst of grief and uncertainty, I find comfort in knowing that my anchor is not in my own strength but in God’s love and faithfulness. He is the one who calms the storms, who brings peace to the chaos, and who holds us securely in His embrace.

If you’re facing your own storm today, know this: You’re not alone in the boat. Jesus is with you, offering His peace and His presence. I pray that you, too, will find comfort in His unwavering love, His unfailing promises, and the hope that anchors your soul.

If you would like me to pray for you, please leave a comment here.

A Prayer for Peace as We Face Life’s Storms

Dear Heavenly Father,

As we endure the storms of life, we seek Your peace that surpasses all understanding. When waves of grief and uncertainty crash around us, please remind us that You are right beside us in our “boat,” and You are our refuge and strength. Just as Jesus calmed the storm on the Sea of Galilee, please calm the storms within our hearts. Help us to trust in Your sovereign plan, even when we cannot see the way forward. Anchor our souls in the hope of Your promises, and let us find rest in Your unwavering love.

In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen

Scriptures for Peace and Strength in Life’s Storms

If you need reminders of God’s unwavering presence and peace in the midst of life’s most turbulent storms, read these verses aloud. Meditate on each promise. God’s word is powerful and true – it’s a healing balm for your broken heart.

  • Isaiah 43:2
    “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you.”
  • John 14:27
    “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”
  • Psalm 107:29–30
    “He made the storm be still, and the waves of the sea were hushed. Then they were glad that the waters were quiet, and he brought them to their desired haven.”
  • Philippians 4:7
    “And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
  • Psalm 46:1–2
    “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way.”
  • 2 Corinthians 4:16–18
    “So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day… For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.”
  • Psalm 61:2
    “When my heart is overwhelmed; lead me to the rock that is higher than I.”
  • Matthew 11:28–30
    “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest… For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
May30

Sacred Seasons: Trusting God Through Life’s Transitions

Posted on by
Standard

“For David said, ‘The Lord, the God of Israel, has given rest to His people, and He dwells in Jerusalem forever.’

And so the Levites no longer need to carry the tabernacle or any of the things for its service.”

—1 Chronicles 23:25–26

In seasons of transition—especially one as life-altering and heart-breaking as losing a loved one —it can feel as though the very ground beneath us has shifted. Roles we once embraced, routines we once carried out with love, and identities that shaped our days are suddenly no longer the same. The world continues moving, but we’re left holding the pieces of a life that no longer looks the way it used to.

As I step into this new chapter after the loss of my husband, I was surprised to find comfort in a passage I’ve rarely lingered on before: 1 Chronicles 23:25–26. At first glance, it may seem like a simple historical note about temple duties. But as I read it with the lens of personal grief, I began to see something deeply meaningful.

David is preparing the people for a new season. The wandering is over. The battles are behind them. God has given His people rest. And because He now dwells in Jerusalem—no longer in a mobile tent—the Levites no longer have to carry the tabernacle or the holy items they once transported from place to place.

That change didn’t diminish the sacredness of their former role. In fact, it honored it. The years of carrying, protecting, and moving with God’s presence were not wasted—they were holy. But now, God was doing something new. Their burden was lifted. A new chapter had begun.

Surprisingly, a glimpse of my own life jumped off the page in those verses—and perhaps it does for you, too, if you’re in a season of transition or loss. (I love how God speaks to us through His word—often in unexpected places like this!)

God gently reminds me through this passage:

  • You no longer have to carry what you once did.
  • That doesn’t mean you’ve lost your purpose –
  • It means I’m leading you into something new.

For so long, I carried the role of a wife and caregiver. It was sacred and weighty, filled with both joy and heartache. And now, I no longer carry those same daily duties. It’s a tender release, not one I asked for, but one that life brought—and one that God sees. Now that season has shifted. That role has changed.

This scripture reminds me that God is not only the God of our past—of our marriages, our memories, our familiar roles—but also the God of our present and our future. He still dwells with us. He is not far off. He sees us and cares about our new role. Even as the landscape of our lives changes, His presence remains steadfast and near.

So if you find yourself in a new chapter—whether through grief, change, or an unexpected shift in your life—I pray this passage brings you peace:

  • You do not carry what you once did.
  • That does not mean you failed or you no longer have a purpose.
  • It means God is doing something new.
  • He’s still right by your side.

The same God who was with us in the carrying is the One who is with us in the releasing. He is still near, and He is still dwelling with us.

A Prayer for Today:

Dear Lord, thank you for being with us through all seasons in life. Help me trust You to be with me and guide me on navigating this change. Give me peace as I lay down what I no longer need to carry, and strengthen me to walk forward with You. In Jesus’ Name I Pray, Amen

Related Verses:

  • “The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” Deuteronomy 31:8 NIV
  • “Behold, I am doing something new; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.” Isaiah 43:19 ESV
  • “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3: 5 – 6 NIV

Mar19

Lord, What’s Next? Learning to Follow in Faith

Posted on by
Standard
"Lord, what will You have me to do?" – Acts 9:6 (KJV)

When Paul encountered Jesus on the road to Damascus, his entire world changed in an instant (including his name!). In awe and humility, he asked the most important question anyone can ask the Lord: “Lord, what will You have me to do?” Notice Jesus’ response—He didn’t give Paul a full blueprint of his life’s mission. Instead, He simply told him, “Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do” (Acts 9:6, NIV). One step. That was it.

If you’re like me, you probably want to see the entire roadmap before you take the first step. We like certainty, clear plans, and guarantees. But often, God operates differently—He only illuminates the very next step, asking us to trust Him for the rest.

Paul, later known as the apostle to the Gentiles, would go on to spread the Gospel across nations, write much of the New Testament, and suffer greatly for Christ. But at that moment, all he knew was to go into the city and wait. He obeyed, and as he took that first step of faith, God revealed the next. Then the next. And the next. Step by step, Paul followed, and looking back, we can see how God’s hand guided every part of his journey.

Perhaps you’re in a season of uncertainty. The path ahead seems dark, and you’re desperately wanting God to show you the full picture before you take another step. But what if, instead, He’s asking you to trust Him for just the next step? What if He is waiting for your obedience in the small things before He reveals more?

Looking back on your own faith journey, you may see a winding, zig-zagging path, but you will also see the unmistakable hand of God leading you. Even when you didn’t understand, He was there. Even when you felt lost, He was guiding. And He is still guiding you now.

So, if you’re wondering what to do next, ask Him as Paul did: “Lord, what will You have me to do?” Then, be still and listen. He will show you the next step, and as you step forward in faith, He will illuminate the path ahead—one step at a time.

A Prayer for Trusting God’s Guidance

Heavenly Father, I come to You with a heart that is seeking direction. Like Paul, I ask, “Lord, what will You have me to do?” I trust that You have a plan for my life, even when I can’t see the full picture. Give me the faith to take the next step, knowing that You will lead me every step of the way. Help me trust in Your perfect timing and rest in the assurance that You are in control. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Reflect on These Verses:

  • “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” – Psalm 119:105 (NIV)
  • “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” – Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV)
  • “We walk by faith, not by sight.” – 2 Corinthians 5:7 (NKJV)

Feb21

Trusting God With an Unknown Future

Posted on by
Standard

Life is full of uncertainties. There are seasons when we stand at the edge of the unknown, staring into the future with fear, anxiety, and doubt. We wonder what will happen next, how things will unfold, and whether we will have the strength to endure. In times like these, trusting God can feel difficult—but it is also the most powerful choice we can make.

God Knows What We Cannot See

One of the greatest comforts we have as believers is knowing that God sees the whole picture when we only see a fragment. Isaiah 46:10 reminds us that God declares “the end from the beginning,” meaning He is not surprised by anything we face. While we may be overwhelmed by uncertainty, God is sovereign over every moment of our lives. His plan is perfect, even when it doesn’t make sense to us.

Proverbs 3:5-6 encourages us:

  • “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”

This verse teaches us that our understanding is limited, but when we surrender our future to God, He will guide our steps.

Fear is often the biggest obstacle to trusting God with the unknown. It whispers, “What if things go wrong? What if you fail? What if God doesn’t come through?” But fear is a liar. God calls us to replace fear with faith, remembering that He is always with us.

In Joshua 1:9, God gives this command:

  • “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

When we hold onto God’s promises instead of our fears, we can walk forward with confidence, even when the path ahead is unclear.

The Bible is filled with stories of people who trusted God despite not knowing what the future held. Abraham obeyed God’s call to leave his homeland without knowing where he was going (Hebrews 11:8). The Israelites followed God’s pillar of cloud by day and fire by night without knowing where it would lead (Exodus 13:21). Even Mary, the mother of Jesus, accepted God’s plan without fully understanding how it would unfold (Luke 1:38).

Each of these individuals faced an uncertain future, but God provided for them every step of the way. And He will do the same for us. Philippians 4:19 assures us:

  • “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.”

We may not know what tomorrow holds, but we know the One who holds tomorrow. His provision is enough.

Trusting God with the unknown requires surrender. It means letting go of control, releasing our worries, and choosing to believe that God is working all things for our good (Romans 8:28). Surrender doesn’t mean we stop planning or making wise decisions; rather, it means we place our confidence in God’s faithfulness instead of our own understanding.

Psalm 56:3 offers a simple yet powerful declaration:

  • “When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.”

Choosing to trust God is a daily decision. It is waking up each morning and saying, “Lord, I don’t know what today holds, but I know You are in control. I trust You.”

A Prayer for Trusting God in Uncertainty

Heavenly Father,

I come before You with a heart full of uncertainties. I don’t know what the future holds, but I know You hold my future. Help me to trust You, even when I can’t see the way ahead. Give me peace when I feel anxious, courage when I feel afraid, and faith to believe that Your plans for me are good. I surrender my worries to You and choose to walk by faith, not by sight. Thank You for always being with me, guiding me, and providing for me.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Encouraging Bible Verses to Hold Onto

  • Jeremiah 29:11 – “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
  • Psalm 37:5 – “Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will do this.”
  • Matthew 6:34 – “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”

If you are facing an uncertain future, know that you are not alone. God is with you, leading you, and working all things together for your good. Trust Him, for He is always faithful.

Feb20

How to Have Unshakable Peace in a Troubled World

Posted on by
Standard

Finding Peace in the Midst of Trouble

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” — John 16:33 (NIV)

Life is full of challenges, hardships, and moments of uncertainty. Jesus never promised that following Him would lead to a trouble-free life. In fact, He assured His disciples that they would face difficulties. Yet, in the very same breath, He also gave them a reason for hope: “Take heart! I have overcome the world.”

This verse reminds us that peace is not found in our circumstances, but in Christ. The world is unpredictable, full of trials that can shake our faith and test our endurance. However, Jesus has already secured the victory. His death and resurrection conquered sin, darkness, and every challenge we will ever face.

When we feel overwhelmed by life’s burdens—whether it’s financial struggles, broken relationships, health concerns, or spiritual battles—Jesus invites us to rest in Him. His peace is not temporary or based on external conditions. It is an everlasting assurance that, no matter what happens, He is in control.

How do we experience this peace? By keeping our focus on Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7 encourages us, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” When we bring our fears and struggles to Him in prayer, He fills us with His supernatural peace.

No matter what you are facing today, remember that Jesus has already overcome the world. Your trials are temporary, but His victory is eternal. Take heart, hold onto His promises, and rest in His peace.

A Prayer for Today:
Heavenly Father, thank You for the peace that comes through Jesus Christ. In the midst of life’s troubles, help me to keep my eyes fixed on You. Remind me that You have already overcome the world, and I can rest in Your victory. Fill my heart with Your peace, and strengthen my faith to trust You in all things. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Additional Encouraging Verses:

  • Isaiah 41:10 — “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
  • Romans 8:37 — “No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.”
  • 2 Corinthians 4:17 — “For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.”

Take heart today—Jesus has already won the victory!

Feb19

Trusting God’s Guidance: Finding Clarity in Chaos

Posted on by
Standard

Life is full of decisions, big and small. At times, we stand at a crossroads, unsure of which path to take. In these moments of uncertainty, God offers us a promise of guidance:

“Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it.’” – Isaiah 30:21 (NIV)

God’s Guidance in Uncertainty

God doesn’t leave us to navigate life on our own. He is our ever-present guide, leading us through His Word, through prayer, and through the prompting of the Holy Spirit. Even when the road ahead seems unclear, we can trust that He is directing our steps. Proverbs 16:9 reminds us:

“In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.”

When we seek God, He makes His way known to us—not always in grand, dramatic revelations, but often in quiet nudges, deep peace, and His still, small voice.

Learning to Listen

Hearing God’s direction requires a heart that is willing to listen. In the busyness of life, we can become so consumed with our own plans that we drown out His voice. To hear Him clearly, we must:

  • Spend time in His Word – The Bible is our ultimate guide and reveals God’s character and wisdom.
  • Seek Him in prayer – When we bring our concerns to God, we invite His direction into our lives.
  • Be still before Him – In moments of silence, we allow room for His voice to speak.

Walking in Obedience

It’s not enough to hear God’s voice—we must also choose to walk in the way He shows us. Sometimes, His path may not be the easiest or the most logical by human standards, but it is always the best. James 1:22 urges us:

“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.”

Walking in obedience requires faith, but we can move forward confidently, knowing that God has our best interests at heart.

A Prayer for Guidance

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for being my guide in every season of life. When I face uncertainty, help me to hear Your voice clearly and to trust the way You are leading me. Give me wisdom to discern Your will and the courage to walk in obedience. Even when the path ahead is unclear, I know You are faithful. I choose to follow You, step by step.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Encouraging Bible Verses to Hold Onto

  • Psalm 32:8 – “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.”
  • Proverbs 3:5-6 – “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
  • John 10:27 – “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.”

No matter what decisions you face today, rest in the assurance that God is leading you. His voice is faithful, His way is sure, and He will never leave you to walk alone. Listen for His guidance and trust Him as you move forward.

Feb13

Seeing Jesus in the Tabernacle: A Deeper Look at God’s Design

Posted on by
Standard
"Then have them make a sanctuary for me, and I will swell among them."  Exodus 25:8

Seeing Jesus in the Tabernacle

While reading Exodus, I almost got lost in all the intricate details about the construction of the Tabernacle and its accessories. The precise measurements, materials, and craftsmanship felt overwhelming. Every detail seemed so specific, and I wondered why God took such care in giving these instructions.

Curious about the significance of those instructions, I decided to do a little research—and what I discovered was amazing! The Tabernacle wasn’t just an elaborate tent. Every detail reflected God’s holiness and His desire to dwell among His people. Even more awe-inspiring, it was a foreshadowing of Jesus Christ! Every element, from the bronze altar to the Holy of Holies, pointed to Jesus’ sacrifice, His role as our High Priest, and His presence among us. Once I saw this connection, it all made sense!

The pattern in the Tabernacle’s design beautifully illustrates a spiritual truth—the closer you get to God’s presence, the more precious and holy everything becomes. From the outer courtyard to the Holy of Holies, the materials used increase in value: bronze in the outer areas, silver as you move inward, and finally, gold in the Most Holy Place. This progression reflects the increasing sacredness of God’s presence and serves as a visual representation of His holiness.

It also points to our spiritual journey. As we draw nearer to God, we are refined, made more valuable, and transformed into His likeness (2 Corinthians 3:18). Jesus, our Great High Priest, made it possible for us to enter God’s presence fully (Hebrews 10:19-22), making us more precious in His sight.

Here’s something else to consider: Can you imagine having to pack up that entire sacred structure—the Tabernacle—every time you moved, then set it back up precisely according to God’s instructions? That was the reality for the Israelites in the wilderness. (Exodus 40: 36 – 38) Every post, curtain, and sacred object had to be handled with reverence and placed exactly as God commanded.

But today, because of Jesus, we don’t have to carry a physical Tabernacle with us—we have His presence with us always! He is our Emmanuel, ‘God with us’ (Matthew 1:23). We don’t need to set up a structure to meet with God because He now dwells within us (1 Corinthians 6:19). What an incredible gift! No matter where we go, we never have to wonder if God is near—He is with us, always.

If you’ve ever struggled to understand those detailed instructions for the Tabernacle that God gave to Moses in Exodus, you’re not alone! Here’s what I discovered that may help you see how beautifully the Tabernacle points to Jesus:

The Tabernacle Items Symbolize Christ

The Tabernacle was God’s dwelling place among the Israelites (Exodus 25:8), but it ultimately pointed to Jesus Christ, who became the true Tabernacle (John 1:14). Each item inside had a deeper meaning, revealing Jesus’ role in our salvation.

The Tabernacle (God’s Dwelling Place) → Jesus, God With Us

  • The Tabernacle was where God’s presence dwelled among the Israelites.
  • Jesus is the ultimate Tabernacle—God dwelling among us in human form.
  • “The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us.” (John 1:14)

The Ark of the Covenant → Jesus, Our Access to God

  • The Ark contained the Ten Commandments, manna, and Aaron’s staff—all symbols of God’s provision and authority.
  • Jesus is our true Mercy Seat—through His blood, we receive forgiveness and direct access to God.
  • “God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of His blood.” (Romans 3:25)

The Table of Showbread → Jesus, the Bread of Life

  • The 12 loaves of bread represented God’s provision for Israel.
  • Jesus declared Himself the true Bread of Life who satisfies our souls.
  • “I am the Bread of Life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry.” (John 6:35)

The Golden Lampstand → Jesus, the Light of the World

  • The Lampstand provided light inside the dark Tabernacle.
  • Jesus is the true Light who leads us out of darkness.
  • “I am the Light of the World. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness.” (John 8:12)

The Altar of Incense → Jesus, Our Intercessor

  • The incense represented prayers rising to God (Psalm 141:2).
  • Jesus, as our High Priest, constantly intercedes for us before the Father.
  • “He always lives to intercede for them.” (Hebrews 7:25)

The Curtain at the Entrance → Jesus, the Only Way to God

  • The Tabernacle had a curtain separating the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place.
  • When Jesus died, this curtain was torn, symbolizing our direct access to God.
  • “We have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus.” (Hebrews 10:19-20)

The Altar of Burnt Offering → Jesus, Our Perfect Sacrifice

  • The Altar was where sacrifices were made for the forgiveness of sins.
  • Jesus is the final and perfect sacrifice for our sins.
  • “Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29)

The Bronze Basin → Jesus, Who Cleanses Us

  • The priests washed in the Bronze Basin before entering God’s presence.
  • Jesus washes and purifies us from sin.
  • “You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you.” (John 15:3)

The Outer Courtyard → Jesus, Our Only Access to God

  • The courtyard was surrounded by a fence, and there was only one entrance.
  • Jesus is the only way to enter God’s presence.
  • “I am the Gate; whoever enters through me will be saved.” (John 10:9)

The Priestly Garments → Jesus, Our High Priest

  • The priests wore holy garments to minister before God.
  • Jesus is our true High Priest, who mediates between us and God.
  • “We have a great high priest… Jesus the Son of God.” (Hebrews 4:14)

Final Reflection

Every part of the Tabernacle foreshadowed Jesus’ role in our salvation. He is:

✔ The dwelling place of God (John 1:14)
✔ The bread that satisfies (John 6:35)
✔ The light that guides (John 8:12)
✔ The sacrifice that saves (John 1:29)
✔ The intercessor who prays for us (Hebrews 7:25)

Through Jesus, we no longer need a physical Tabernacle—we can come directly to God! 🙌

Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank You for being my Light, my Bread, and my Sacrifice. Thank You for opening the way for me to come freely into God’s presence. Help me to rest in You and reflect Your presence in my daily life. In Jesus’ Name I Pray, Amen.

Want to Go Deeper?

Read: Hebrews 9:11-14, Matthew 5:17, John 14:6

Jan29

Who Are You Listening to?

Posted on by
Standard

While He was still speaking, a bright cloud covered them, and a voice from the cloud said, ‘This is my Son, whom I love; with Him I am well pleased. Listen to Him!’”
— Matthew 17:5

Hearing God in a Noisy World

Every day, we’re bombarded with voices—news, social media, podcasts, opinions of friends and family, even our own thoughts pulling us in different directions. It can be overwhelming and confusing, making it hard to know what’s true and what really matters. But in the middle of all the noise, there is one voice that stands above the rest—Jesus.

In the Bible, there’s a moment when God Himself speaks directly to His followers and gives a simple but powerful command: “Listen to Him!” (Matthew 17:5). This happened when Jesus took three of His disciples up on a mountain, and they saw something incredible—Jesus’ appearance changed, glowing with heavenly light, and two great figures from history, Moses and Elijah, appeared with Him. As the disciples stood in awe, a bright cloud covered them, and God’s voice spoke, making it clear that above all the voices in the world, they needed to listen to Jesus. And the same is true for us today.

The disciples were totally overwhelmed at the transfiguration. They were terrified, but Jesus walked right up, touched them, and said, “Get up. Don’t be afraid.” (Matthew 17:7) Isn’t that what He does for us? In our fear and uncertainty, He reassures us with His presence and love.

Let’s be honest—there are so many voices fighting for our attention every day. It’s exhausting, right? But Jesus’ voice is different. His words silence the noise. They bring clarity when we’re confused, hope when we’re struggling, and truth when we don’t know what to believe.

Jesus speaks to us in so many ways—through the Bible, prayer, the Holy Spirit, or even a conversation with someone who loves Him. But how often do we actually stop and listen? Listening takes effort. It means slowing down, tuning out distractions, and being willing to act on what we hear.

When we really listen to Jesus, amazing things happen:

  • We find peace. In a world that’s full of chaos and noise, His voice calms us. Think about when He says, “Don’t be afraid.” It’s like a deep cleansing breath for your soul.
  • We get direction. Feeling lost? His Word lights the way. Psalm 119:105 says it perfectly: “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”
  • We gain strength. You know those days when you just feel drained? His promises remind us that His strength shows up when we’re at our weakest.

So, here’s something to think about: Whose voice are you really listening to right now? Is it Jesus’? Or are other voices crowding Him out?

Let’s make it a goal today to turn down the world’s noise and lean into what Jesus has to say. His words aren’t just helpful—they’re life-changing.

A Prayer for Today:
Jesus, I want to hear You above everything else. Help me quiet the distractions around me and make space to listen. Speak to me through Your Word, guide my choices, and give me the courage to follow You. Thank You for Your peace, direction, and strength. Help me to trust You and obey Your voice. In Jesus’ Name, I pray, Amen.

Related Verses:

  • John 10:27: “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.”
  • Proverbs 4:20-22: “My son, pay attention to what I say; turn your ear to my words. Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart; for they are life to those who find them and health to one’s whole body.”
  • Matthew 7:24: “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.”
  • Revelation 3:20: “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.”