Latest Devotion
Encouraging Words
By: Trish Monley
Monday, August 3, 2026
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. Ephesians 4:29
This verse instructs us to control our speech. But there's more... God's Word says Christ followers shouldn't think, speak, or act like the world.
Their minds are full of darkness; they wander far from the life God gives because they have closed their minds and hardened their hearts against him. They have no sense of shame. They live for lustful pleasure and eagerly practice every kind of impurity. Ephesians 4:18-19 (NLT)
Those verses describe worldly behavior, but they can also be encouraging to a Christ follower. They remind us who we used to be, but now that we're different, they encourage us to embrace our faith and run with it. Now, we know we're in a slow, steady race to our spiritual finish line. It's comforting to know we're just passing through this world, because our real home is in Heaven!
Today, I want to share a verse with you. It's a verse that encouraged me in the past, and it's one that still encourages me today. Back in 2019 I was diagnosed with breast cancer. Right before I underwent a bilateral mastectomy, the following verse comforted me and gave me peace.
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
As I was being prepped for surgery, a young woman entered my room to ask me if I wanted something for my nerves. In a matter-of-fact voice, I replied: “Do I look anxious to you?” I think my answer shocked her, because she looked at me for a moment, then she turned around and quietly left.
That moment, I truly and honestly believed God was with me. He was also comforting me in multiple ways, because my mom passed away the day before my surgery. Deep down in my heart, I knew that the Lord was taking care of me and giving me His peace. God gave me the peace we read about in scripture, the peace that transcends all understanding. How else could I have managed those events without stress or depression?
If you're going through something difficult, I hope this final verse will encourage you: May the God of hope fill you will all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13
Amen!