Devotions By Jan

Category Archives: Comfort


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Christmas Nutcracker

Scripture for Today: II Corinthians 4:8 “We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed, perplexed but not in despair.”

For years I have enjoyed seeing the nutcracker in Europe, but now I am seeing more and more making their appearance in America for Christmas. They have long been a symbol of good luck in Germany where they originated. The early ones were in the shape of animals, birds and people in the 15th century. By the 1800’s they were fashioned to represent and vilify unpopular leaders of the day. Now, the most popular ones are the soldiers who benignly stand guard.  Their function as nutcrackers is almost forgotten!  But their purpose is to press that hard nut until it is crushed.

There is hard pressing in today’s verse but not crushing. Paul goes on to say that there is persecution but not abandonment. He is struck down but never destroyed. Paul experienced tremendous pressure but his spirit was not crushed. He did not crack. He did not lose heart as he was convinced that the One who raised Jesus from the dead would also raise him (verse 14). Despair does not have a chance as Paul is filled with hope, fixing his eyes on the unseen and eternal (verse 18).

Sadness does seem to press down on me and can feel overwhelming in the face of loss, especially at Christmas time when the absence of loved ones is so keenly felt. It can be perplexing as I struggle with the questions of “why.” But for me as a believer there is hope instead of despair. There is God’s comfort and presence instead of abandonment. He is especially close to those who are brokenhearted (Psalm 34:18). He has come. He is here. And He will never leave or forsake me.

Thank you Lord, that Your birth is also the birth of hope!

(Look familiar? This post is based on one from 2017.)


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Smiling Horse?

I Samuel 2:1 “My heart rejoices in the Lord; My horn is exalted in the Lord. I smile at my enemies, Because I rejoice in Your salvation.” (NKJV)

This horse completely ignored me as I passed by him. It’s not as if I wasn’t friendly. I made my voice gentle and clicked my tongue at him. But he would have none of it. How did he know that I did not have a carrot after all? (I didn’t!) But as I passed by the same path on my return, he became interested and flashed what looked to be a smile! Don’t tell me it did not mean anything! It made me feel better about my morning!

Today’s verse has Hannah smiling. For years she had suffered under the constant goading of Peninnah, her husband’s other wife. She was constantly reminded of her barrenness while Peninnah bore many children. The Lord listened to her cries and gave her Samuel. In gratitude and to fulfill her vow, she gave Samuel back to the Lord, to live in the temple and serve Him. Hannah could rejoice and be delighted, even at the moment of separation. She could smile at her enemies as she was vindicated. And God’s blessing continued with the birth of many other children.

One day I know I can smile at my enemies! One day I will be completely vindicated for anything I have suffered at their hands. God has the last word and His justice will prevail. He will even prepare a table for me in the presence of my enemies! (Ps. 23:5) I don’t fret about the wicked as God promises to vindicate the righteous (Ps. 37:6). I don’t want to waste mental energy or indignant emotions on the wicked. The Lord will take care of it.

Thank you Lord, for the peace I have with You.


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The Lily of the Valley

Scripture for Today:  Psalms 56:8  “You have taken account of my wanderings; Put my tears in Your bottle.  Are they not in Your book?”

In France, bouquets of lily of the valley are offered to friends on May 1st to wish them luck and happiness. This day (their Labor Day) is called “Fête du Travail” or “Fête du Muguet” meaning lily of the valley. I love their delicacy and sweet smell. Legend has it that these are the tears of Eve as she was banished from the Garden of Eden.

Today’s verse tells us there is a bottle belonging to the Lord that holds our tears. With this beautiful imagery we understand that God knows about every disappointment and every sorrow. The Lord is aware of every misery and every tear drop. King David had plenty of occasions to shed tears. When he wrote this Psalm he was on the run for his life. His enemies were constantly after him.  But he was confident the Lord knew of his circumstances and his feelings. When David cried out, he was reassured that God was with him and for him.

He sees my tears too. Although this is poetic imagery, I like to think of Him saving every drop. It shows me that I am precious to Him. He even sees the unshed tears that stick in my throat. God’s awareness of my circumstances and emotions would be meaningless if He did not also care. But He not only cares, He has the power to do something about it! He consoles like no other.  He comforts. He sees and understands. He reassures me that He is on my side. No other one can dry my tears like He can.

Lord, thank you that one day there will be no more tears.

(Look familiar? This is a re-post from 2019)


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Rescue Dog

Scripture for Today: John 14:2 “My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you?”

Five minutes more and our cousin would have succumbed to the smoke! As she slept, her house was going up in flames. Fortunately her faithful small companion, Tess, pulled her out of her deep sleep just in time. Tess was especially attentive to our cousin’s moods and emotional state in the difficult two years that followed. The day finally came when the rebuilt house was completed. Tess, so advanced in age, was carried into the house and shown her new digs. Now, she saw that everything was alright. Her vigil was finished. In her arms, Tess looked up into the eyes of her owner and breathed her last.

Today’s verse is part of a message of comfort. Jesus was soon to leave His disciples and they were troubled at the thought. He promises that He will be preparing them a place, called a room, a dwelling place or a mansion. This place will be home, forever in His presence. It is prepared as we walk this earth and completely ready the moment we breathe our last. The weighty cares of life will disappear with even a glimpse of His face. He has rescued those that love and trust Him.

I am grateful that the Lord has pulled me out of my spiritual stupor. He has rescued me from the just punishment I deserved. Because of His sacrifice, I not only have life here, but I look forward to that forever house. It will be “home” like nothing I’ve ever enjoyed on earth. But what will make it “home” will be His presence! How incredible that He wants me to be with Him!

Thank you Lord, for Your loving preparations.


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A New Season

Scripture for Today: Ecclesiastes 3:1 “There is a time for everything and a season for every activity under the heavens.”

The vineyards of Alsace, France are breathtaking in the autumn! Rich golden color covers the hillsides and when the sun shines just right, the leaves look to be on fire! But before long these leaves turn brown, shrivel and fall to the ground, exposing gnarled bare branches. I miss being surrounded by these vineyards as they mark the passing of time. There was a sense of order and comfort knowing that each season will make its appearance in due time.

Today’s verse reminds us of the passing of time and seasons. The earth is locked into a cycle of time that has no equivalent above the heavens. The seasons are unique to us. Heaven and eternity are not bound or limited by time. And each season that God ordains in our lives has a God-given purpose for His glory. There is a time for birth or death, mourning or dancing, speaking or remaining silent, among many other activities “under heaven.” (verse 2-8)

In the blink of an eye, a new season has arrived in my life. I did not ask for the change. I was happy with the old season. But it is my Heavenly Father who ushers in a different life without a loved one. And because He has been faithful in the past, I know I can trust Jesus for this unfamiliar territory. I am confident that He will move me through this season of sadness and loss in His way and in His time. How thankful I am that there is coming a “season” that will be eternal and unchanging in Heaven! What an incredible time of reunion it will be!

Lord, keep me focused on that time without end!