What to Do When You Don’t Feel Close to God
Feeling distant from God? You’re not alone. Here’s how to take one step back toward Him, even when it’s hard.
Hey ladybird,
There are days when God feels far away, and my prayers feel like they’re hitting the ceiling. I’ve learned that’s okay—faith isn’t about constant warm fuzzies. Psalm 139:7–10 reminds us God is always near
The Power of Gratitude in Your Faith Journey
Gratitude isn’t just for Thanksgiving. It’s a game-changer for your faith. Here’s how to make it a daily habit. Hey ladybird,I used to think gratitude was just saying “thanks” for the big wins—new job, answered prayers, or a perfect sunset. But 1 Thessalonians 5:18 says to “give thanks in all circumstances.” Even the messy ones? Yep. Gratitude shifts our eyes from what’s wrong to what’s true: God is with us. Try keeping a gratitude list. Each night, write down three things you’re thankful for, even if it’s just hot coffee or a kind word. It’s like training your heart to see God’s goodness everywhere. Try This: Read 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18. Write down three things you’re thankful for today in a notebook or your phone. Thank God for them in a quick prayer. What’s one thing you’re grateful for today? Pop it in the comments—I’d love to celebrate with you!
How to Study the Bible When You Only Have 10 Minutes
Short on time? You can still connect with God’s Word. Here’s a simple way to study the Bible in just 10 minutes a day. Hey ladybird,Between work, family, and trying to keep the house from looking like a tornado hit, finding time for Bible study can feel impossible. But you don’t need hours—just 10 minutes and a willing heart. Here’s my go-to method: Pick one verse, read it twice, ask one question, and pray. For example, try Matthew 11:28. Read it slowly. Ask, “What does Jesus mean by ‘rest’ here?” Then pray what comes to mind. It’s like a quick coffee date with Jesus—short, sweet, and soul-filling. Try This: Set a timer for 10 minutes. Read Matthew 11:28–30. Jot down one thought it sparks, then pray it back to God. What’s your biggest hurdle to Bible study? Share below, and let’s tackle it together!
Why Memorizing Scripture Is Worth the Effort
Hiding God’s Word in your heart isn’t just for kids in Sunday school. Here’s why memorizing Scripture can change your day-to-day life. Hey ladybird,I’ll be honest: memorizing anything after my seminary Greek classes felt like a stretch. But Psalm 119:11 says, “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” That’s not just poetic—it’s practical. Having Scripture in your mind is like carrying a flashlight for life’s dark moments. Start small. Pick one verse and repeat it while you’re brushing your teeth or waiting for coffee to brew. It’s not about perfection; it’s about letting God’s truth sink deep. Try This: Choose Colossians 3:16. Write it on a notecard and read it aloud twice a day for a week. Bonus: say it to a friend to make it stick. What’s a verse you’ve memorized that’s helped you? Drop it in the comments—I’d love to hear!
Finding God’s Peace in a Chaotic Day
Life feels like a whirlwind sometimes, but God’s peace is closer than you think. Here’s how to find it in the middle of your busiest days. Hey ladybird,Ever have one of those days where your to-do list is longer than a CVS receipt, and peace feels like a distant dream? I’ve been there—juggling church work, errands, and a sink full of dishes in my Leesburg kitchen. But Philippians 4:6–7 promises a peace that “surpasses understanding,” even in chaos. The secret? Bringing your worries to God with a grateful heart. It’s not about pretending everything’s fine—it’s about pausing to talk to Him. A quick prayer, a deep breath, and a verse can shift your perspective. Next time you’re overwhelmed, try anchoring yourself in Scripture. Try This: Read Philippians 4:6–7. Write down one worry on a sticky note, then write one thing you’re thankful for next to it. Pray both out loud to God. Stick the note somewhere you’ll see it—like your fridge or laptop. How do you find peace on crazy days? Share in the comments or just hold it close. Let’s keep seeking His calm together.
Why Community Makes Bible Study Better
Studying the Bible alone is great, but doing it with others? That’s where the magic happens. Here’s why community changes everything. Hey ladybird,I used to think Bible study was a solo sport—just me, my Bible, and a cup of coffee on a quiet morning. But then I joined a small group at church, and everything changed. Suddenly, I wasn’t just reading words on a page; I was hearing how those words hit differently for my friend who was grieving, or the new mom who was exhausted, or the teenager who was full of questions. Ecclesiastes 4:9–10 says, “Two are better than one… for if they fall, one will lift up his fellow.” Studying the Bible with others doesn’t just deepen your understanding—it lifts you up when you’re down and multiplies your joy when you’re soaring. Try This: Invite one person—a friend, a coworker, or even someone from church—to read a short passage with you this week. Try Ephesians 3:14–21. Ask each other: What stands out to you? No need to be a scholar—just share what you see. Who’s someone you’d love to study the Bible with? Tell me in the comments, or better yet, send them a text and make it happen!
How to Pray When You’re Not Sure What to Say
Prayer doesn’t have to be perfect or poetic. Here’s how to talk to God when words feel hard to find. Hey ladybird,I’ve had days where prayer feels like climbing a mountain—especially when life is messy, or I’m just plain tired. Maybe you’ve been there too, staring at the ceiling, wondering how to even start talking to God. Here’s the good news: He’s not looking for perfect words. He’s looking for you. One of my favorite ways to pray when I’m stuck is to borrow words from Scripture. The Psalms are a goldmine for this. Feeling anxious? Try Psalm 23: “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.” Feeling grateful? Psalm 100: “Enter his gates with thanksgiving.” Just read the words out loud, slowly, and let them become your prayer. Try This: Open to Psalm 16. Read it slowly, and pick one verse to say to God as your prayer today. If you want, add one sentence of your own—maybe something you’re thankful for or something you’re carrying. Prayer is just a conversation with the One who loves you most. What’s one thing you want to tell God today? Drop it in the comments if you’re feeling brave!
When You Don’t Know Where to Start Reading the Bible
Feeling overwhelmed by where to begin with Scripture? Here’s a simple, no-pressure plan to start reading the Bible—and actually enjoy it. Hey ladybird,The Bible is big. Like, 66-books-and-1,189-chapters big. If you’ve ever opened it and felt like you needed a theology degree just to pick a starting point, you’re not alone. I remember staring at my Bible in college, wondering if I should start with Genesis, John, or just flip to a random page and hope for the best. Spoiler: I’ve tried all three, and I’ve got a better idea for you. Here’s a simple plan: Start with the Gospel of John. It’s like sitting down with a friend who tells you exactly who Jesus is—His heart, His words, His love. Read one chapter a day, no rush. As you read, ask yourself: What does this tell me about Jesus? Write down one sentence in a notebook (or the notes app on your phone). That’s it. Try This: Read John 1:1–5 today. Underline one phrase that stands out. Then, tell God what it makes you wonder about. No right or wrong answers—just a conversation. You don’t need to know it all to start. You just need a willing heart. Where are you thinking about starting your Bible reading? Let me know below!
Why Your Bible Doesn’t Need to Stay Pristine
Ever feel like your Bible needs to stay perfect—no marks, no dog-eared pages? Let’s talk about why scribbling, highlighting, and even crying over your Bible is exactly what makes it yours. Hey ladybird,If you’re anything like me, you might’ve started your Bible-reading journey with a pristine, leather-bound copy, terrified to mess it up. I get it—those pages feel sacred. But here’s a little permission slip from your big sister in faith: your Bible is meant to be lived in. Underline that verse in Psalm 23 that steadies your heart. Jot down a prayer in the margins of Philippians when life feels heavy. Spill a little coffee on John 15 (it’s happened to me, no shame). The Bible calls itself “living and active” (Hebrews 4:12), and I think that means it’s okay for our interaction with it to be a little messy too. Those highlights and notes? They’re your conversation with God, a roadmap of where you’ve been and where He’s leading you. Try This: Grab a pen and your Bible. Find a verse that speaks to you today (maybe start with Psalm 139:13–14). Write one word next to it that captures how it makes you feel. That’s it—one word, no pressure. Let’s make our Bibles a home, not a museum. What’s one verse you’ve marked up that feels like yours? Share in the comments or keep it close to your heart.
