An Encouraging Anchor for Your Inbox

When God Speaks Life Into Familiar Words

Hi Reader,

If you were to open my Bible and turn to Psalm 91, you would see “Papa” scribbled at the very beginning, right next to the bold numbers introducing this incredible Psalm.

After my father's second unexpected surgery, in each precious moment we spoke before his passing, he would ask me to read it to him. The thing is, each time I read it aloud like a prayer, I never realized that I wasn’t really meditating on the words myself. I was just…preaching them to my father.

And since his passing, every time I’ve scrolled through the Psalms and saw his name above Psalm 91, I’ve just kept moving. Like that was his Psalm.

Until recently.

…Until I was faced with my own health battle and asked the Lord to offer me guidance and reassurance. And, strangely, I kind of felt like I had no right to ask. Like my only “job” was to worship our gracious God and just rock back and forth with hope.

Here’s the thing: for the past month or so, I’ve seemingly been in denial. My prayers felt scattered, and I moved toward a more altruistic approach, believing that if I threw myself into solely focusing on others, I’d find joy and all would be well.

And yeah, I did find joy in that. But the weight I was carrying only seemed to grow heavier. I was worried. Fearful. I had doubts. I blamed myself. And I didn’t say a word. Not to God. Not to anyone. I just kept chugging along as though my anxious thoughts would eventually disappear.

Yeah, no.

Eventually, I finally lifted it up to God. I stopped trying to “hide” what He already knew. Stopped trying to strive in my own strength. (Again.) Stopped trying to pretend the battle was simply in my mind when it is a very real battle that I could truly trust Him with.

And that’s when He brought me to Psalm 91.

…But for ME this time.

Rather than looking at those verses as words I needed to speak over my father, I read them and allowed the Lord to speak life into me.

“Because he loves me,” says the LORD,

“I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.

He will call on me, and I will answer him;

I will be with him in trouble,

I will deliver him and honor him.

With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation.”

—Psalm 91:14–16 (NIV)

I just love those kinds of encounters. It’s that kind of yummy Jesus + Me moment that nothing... and I mean nothing can compete with. It’s soul-warming, heart-lifting, and truly the ultimate kind of refreshment that makes me fall in love with Him and who He is all over again.

And maybe that’s the encouragement for us this week. Sometimes we don’t need a new Scripture. Sometimes we need the Holy Spirit to breathe fresh life into one we’ve read a hundred times.

The Word hasn’t changed. But perhaps we have. Our circumstances have changed. Our questions have changed. The thing we’re carrying has changed. And suddenly, a passage we thought we knew meets us differently because God knows exactly what we need from Him in this moment.

So, if you haven’t done this lately, I encourage you to return to a verse you’ve read countless times. Slow down. Read it again. And ask the Holy Spirit to speak life into you and your circumstances.

You might be surprised by what you’ve been reading all along.

Scripture of the Week

Psalm 91:14–16 (NIV)

This week, instead of simply reading these verses, linger over them. Notice the promises: I will rescue. I will protect. I will answer. I will be with him.

Sometimes reassurance isn’t found in knowing exactly what happens next. It’s found in remembering WHO will be with us there. 💞🙏

Tip of the Week: Read It Like It’s for You

Choose one familiar passage this week - the one you usually skim because you already “know” it and read it slowly three times.

The first time, simply read. The second time, underline or write down the word or phrase that catches your attention. The third time, pray: “Holy Spirit, what do You want me to receive from Your Word today?”

Then give yourself a few quiet minutes before rushing to the next thing. No checklist. No striving. Just Jesus + you.

A Prayer for This Week

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for being a God who meets us personally. Thank You that Your Word is living and active, and that a Scripture we have read a hundred times can suddenly speak directly into the place where we need You most.

Lord, forgive us for the times we try to carry our fears quietly, hide what You already know, or convince ourselves that trusting You means we aren’t allowed to admit when we’re scared. Help us bring the whole thing to You—the questions, the worry, the uncertainty, the hope, and even the parts we don’t know how to put into words.

Holy Spirit, breathe fresh life into Your Word as we read it. Remind us that we do not have to manufacture peace or strive our way into faith. You are with us. You hear us. You love us. And whatever we are facing, we can trust You with it.

Thank You for meeting us right where we are and reminding us, again and again, of who You are.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

A Little Encouragement for Your Everyday 🤍

Sometimes we need reminders of God’s truth where we’ll see them: in our planners, our homes, our morning routines, or in a thoughtful gift shared with someone who needs encouragement too.

That’s the heart behind Pearls of Praise Prints by Pearls and Pumas: creating little reminders that point us back to Jesus in the middle of ordinary life. Take a peek at the shop this week and find something that speaks life into your current season—or into the life of someone you love.

In Love and Christ,

Dorene Elizabeth