thoughts by Christa Hardin Archives - Thoughts about God

Sleep in a Bottle

Devotionals — Wed, 18 Mar 2026 07:03:05 +0000

“It is vain for you to rise up early, to retire late, to eat the bread of painful labors; for He gives to His beloved even in his sleep.” Psalm 127:2 (NASB)

She frowned as she looked more closely at the label on her concealer bottle. The four-ounce container had cost more than her meal last night; it had promised rejuvenation in a bottle. After using it she looked like she had even less than the four hours of sleep she had actually gotten.

She looked at herself squarely in the mirror, tossed the concealer in the trash, and spent a moment with the Lord. After she prayed, she cancelled a non-essential meeting with her friend, and took a long and much-needed nap before picking her daughter up from preschool. Later in the afternoon, she was much better prepared to hand in a carefully reworked project for her boss with pride and confidence, knowing that she had done her best.

Whether you are sick, emotionally exhausted, overloaded, or just plain busy, remember that Jesus is the great Restorer. He has wise plans for your each and every day, plans that include a restful portion of sleep. That is a gift to you, a breather from the “painful labors” of each day. Submit your plans for today to Him, bowing down to things He may need to change around in order for you to accomplish what is needed. In fact, as you can see through today’s verse, if you trust Him with your rest, He gives to you even while you sleep. Won’t you sleep a little easier knowing just how much your Father loves you?

Dear Lord, I want to please others in my life, but most of all I want to please You. Please teach me to follow Your lead and to receive Your call to rest every time You desire it for me. How amazing is it that You would give to me even in my sleep? Thank You, God! In Jesus’ name, amen.

By Christa Hardin
used be permission

FURTHER READING

Tender Words to the Tired Heart

Let Us Not Grow Tired

Refreshment

Follow Us On: Facebook • ‘X’ Twitter • Instagram • Pinterest

The post Sleep in a Bottle can be found at Thoughts about God.

A Heart of Wisdom

Devotionals — Fri, 13 Mar 2026 07:06:04 +0000

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” John 10:10

Everything usually came together smoothly. Maybe it was because she wasn’t as young and spry as she once was. Or maybe she just had added one too many things to her errand list that day. Whatever it was, Denise was beyond embarrassed that she was late for her own dinner party by 15 minutes. Women were dressed up with casseroles at her doorstep, and she was huffing and puffing with drippy old makeup, looking very foolish as she scooted past them to open the door.

If you ever struggle with time management, take heart. You aren’t alone. Many people try to cram in more than they should each day. Scheduling things isn’t bad; there’s something optimistic and very positive about believing that you can do it all.

Jesus wants us to live abundantly. Sometimes, however, that means stopping to smell the roses, enjoying a magnificent sunset, sneaking in extra stories with your children, or just taking a lovely nap. Part of living life to the fullest comes through acknowledging that He is God, and that saying no once in a while isn’t a bad thing.

Dear Lord, Help me to give today — and every day — to You. Help me to live the abundant life to which You call me without making the mistake of believing I am God. Forgive me for running ahead of You at times. I love You and I’m so grateful for Your care over me. Amen.

Are you just too busy lately? Ask God to give you wisdom for your daily scheduling. Remember: He is in charge, and you are following His all-encompassing lead. Place your hand over your daily to-do list or calendar and give it over to God.

By Christa Hardin
Used by Permission

FURTHER READING

Cleaning in the Corners

Grumpy

Evening Prayer for Your Household

Follow Us On: Facebook • ‘X’ Twitter • Instagram • Pinterest

The post A Heart of Wisdom can be found at Thoughts about God.

Speak the Truth in Love

Devotionals — Wed, 24 Sep 2025 07:03:46 +0000

“Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.” Ephesians 4:15-16

She picked up the phone and began speaking as soon as she heard the familiar voice. “I need to talk to you about something. I think you’ve been manipulative lately.”
There, she had said it. The thing she had been dying to say for years. Breathing, she waited for the reply, hoping for a heartfelt apology. Instead she heard only a blaring dial tone.

Most of us can attest to a time when we made a similar call or when someone abruptly confronted us. Most of the time confrontation doesn’t go well. We often forget to share both truth and love when we’re trying to influence someone. Does that mean we should give up altogether? No. It can be messy relating with the difficult people in our lives, but God promises that we will all grow through this very act.

When we share Jesus with someone we care about, we are offering him or her a chance to have eternal life. If she is already His disciple, we are trying to help her in their own influence on a world that needs Christ desperately. Don’t give up on these most important conversations. The next time you need to speak to someone about something important, ask the Holy Spirit to help you speak the truth in love. Luke 12:12 promises that at that very moment, God will give you the words.

Dear Lord, thank You for giving me a circle of influence in which I can grow as well as help others to grow up in their giftedness. Help me to know who You want me to talk to, when to talk to them, and most of all, what to say. I am sorry for the times I have ill-used another person in the name of truth. Please help me to speak from a place of love before I try to help. Thank You for loving me, and for always speaking both love and truth into my life, so I may do my part in this world more perfectly. In Jesus’ name, amen.

By Crista Hardin
used by permission

The post Speak the Truth in Love can be found at Thoughts about God.

Am I Significant?

Devotionals — Wed, 21 May 2025 07:03:16 +0000

“But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So do not fear; you are more valuable than many sparrows.” Matthew 10:30-31 (NASB)

“Mommy, is I big?” asks my almost three-year-old son Jack. This inquiry is typically followed with questions about whether he is strong, whether he is a superhero, and whether he is still a baby. His deeper question, I have come to realize, is, “Am I someone special, someone significant?” I love doting on him and covering him in kisses and hugs and telling him how special he is.

We all want this affirmation, although as we grow older, we are often more reserved and introspective with our wonderings. God doesn’t want us to feel sheepish about asking how valuable we are.

Today, God wants you to remember how very valuable you are to Him. He loves you enough to know how many (or few!) hairs are on your head. Even though the tiny sparrows are fed and nourished and loved enough to be fully provided for, you, His son or daughter made in His image, are even more valuable than many sparrows.

Though it’s proper and best to put God ahead of ourselves, spend some time thinking today about how special you are to God also. We can’t always ask our friends or family for validation, but God is always ready to tell us how much we are loved.

Dear Lord, thank You for making me so special! I love You and I want to honor You with each moment of my day today. Help me to remember that I am special to You, so I will have deep joy in my heart and live my true gifting! Help me to share Your love and joy with others. Thank You Jesus, Amen.

Today, remember you are special just the way you are. Even while you were lost in sin, God made a way to find you. Now, as you walk in Him, pass this reminder on to others. Children, like my son, need those reminders as they grow. Older people who are in nursing homes or lonely at home often need the same thing. Take some time in your busy day to bless others, reminding them of their unique and special position as beloved children of God.

By Christa Hardin
used by permission

The Blame Game

Devotionals — Tue, 18 Feb 2025 08:03:19 +0000

“For I have no pleasure in the death of anyone who dies,” declares the Lord God. “Therefore, repent and live.” Ezekiel 18:32 (NASB)

The metal door slammed shut, echoing its finality in the hallway of the prison. In his loneliness and despair, the man cried. “I didn’t deserve this. I didn’t have a fair chance at life!”

Many people, even if their own imprisonments are less extreme, live in a similar state of mind as this prisoner. Whether they are held captive by prison doors, their addictions, marriages, jobs, or financial situations, it’s difficult for us to play the role of judge. It’s not our job to try to weed out whose fault things are in most situations. Many times the seeds of hopelessness and despair are planted long before adulthood; this makes holding someone accountable for their actions murky at best.

God knows the truth about us all. He reminds us that He holds justice and mercy better than anyone. Therefore, we should leave the ultimate judging to Him. He doesn’t want anyone to feel the pang of death created by sin. Instead, He wants us to choose life. In our verse today, He has given us a task: live! We get to choose to walk away from the darkness and do our best with the choices before us. After we’ve done that, we are able live peaceably and with joy.

Dear Father, today I ask that You would take every dark corner of my mind and heart and purify me. Free me of the sin that so easily entangles me. Help me to remember that You, my maker and my redeemer, have given me permission to live well. I love you Lord, and I place every worry and judgment in Your capable hands. Guide me in the ways that lead to everlasting life with You! Amen.

Thought: Instead of licking our wounds or playing the blame game today, let’s put our situation in God’s capable hands and repent of anything we’ve done to contribute to the mess around us. Then, take a deep breath and live in the purity and freedom of mind to be who God has created you to be.

By Christa Hardin
Used by Permission

FURTHER READING

Ending the Blame Game – by Charles Stanley

Wrongfully Convicted – by Thomas Pujol

The Blame Game’s Source – by Karen Woodard

Follow Us On: Facebook • Twitter • Instagram • Pinterest

The post The Blame Game can be found at Thoughts about God.

A Spiritual Touch Up

Devotionals — Fri, 03 Jan 2025 08:03:38 +0000

“Then I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, ‘Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?’ Then I said, ‘Here am I. Send me!’” Isaiah 6:8 (NASB)

The time for touching up the home has come. Christmas items are all put away, and if you are like most people, a fresh coat of paint and a bit of creative decorating are needed to cover up the nail holes from the stockings and the empty spots where the Christmas cards once dazzled. The bare house that was once full of laughter, fellowship, and squeals has become quiet and predictable.

Although facing another year gone can be more than a little disappointing, the time has come to set a new goal. But what should that be?

God knows what you are supposed to be focusing on, rest assured. Have you stopped to ask Him? Instead of thinking solely of getting yourself back in track this January, take some time to stop and think about God’s plans for you. When you hear the Lord’s voice saying, “Who will go for Me?” let it be you and I. God’s goal for you this new year is far more important than any to-do list or relation you could make. Don’t miss out!

Lord, I am pulled in so many directions. I want to obey Your voice calling me toward exactly what I need to be doing. I place this desire in front of You today and ask that You would direct my steps. Help me to hear You and what You want for me in this new year. And help me to be bold enough to say, “Lord, here I am, send me.” Amen.

By Crista Hardin
used by permission

Walk the Walk

Devotionals — Sat, 14 Sep 2024 08:03:53 +0000

“All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty.” Proverbs 14:23

She slammed the college rejection letter down angrily. “I guess I’ll work in the food industry my whole life. God, what am I supposed to do?”

She immediately regretted bragging to friends and family about her ability to get into any school she wanted. All of them would now know the truth: she is a big fat failure!

Thank goodness this is not the truth. God knows your future, and when a door closes, you are one step closer to your true destination, which is right where God wants you to be. As long as you are hard at work serving God, you will significantly contribute to this world. And when you’re actively on God’s team, we are all better off!

God loves when we work hard, whether we are at college or working behind a fast food counter, at home watching elderly grandparents or children, or even studying with everything we’ve got. Merely talking about how successful we plan to be will only lead to failure and disappointment. But if we cast visions about what we want to do with our lives while taking prayerful and practical steps to get there, we will thrive.

If you are frustrated about a job or school situation today, God is ready to you remind that all hard work brings profit. When you work at something doing your very best, the reward is deep and great.

You may not see what God is doing right away, but when you work to serve and love others in God’s kingdom, you are part of a larger tapestry that is breathtakingly beautiful. Remember Ephesians 2:10:

For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”

Dear Jesus, thank You for reminding me that I am part of the work You are doing. Thank You for laying out my life’s plans and dreams and allowing many of them to come true already. I want to do Your will, and to work hard as well. Please help me, in the discouraging moments, to remember that all of my hard work will bring a profit, Lord. I give You my plans and ask that I would walk in You as I serve this world with my gifts. Amen.

Thought: What are your career goals? Are you hoping to excel as a stay-at-home mom or volunteer as a newly retired veteran? Are you at the cusp of a possible promotion or getting ready to open a new business? Whatever your position, work at it your hardest, committing to memory today’s verse.

By Christa Hardin
used be permission

The post Walk the Walk can be found at Thoughts about God.

The Door of Fulfillment

Devotionals — Fri, 23 Feb 2024 09:01:26 +0000

“I am the door, if anyone enters through me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture.” John 10:9

Many Christians I know are frazzled.

They work hard to serve God in tangible ways, and yet time for prayer and rest is brushed aside for modern day guarantees of fulfillment. Idle time is wasted on empty entertainment or scanning phones, having jostled and interrupted conversations with others doing the same.

Jesus invited us to set that all aside for true fulfillment when He said, “I am the door.” Only in Him do we, as weary travelers, finally arrive at a secure destination where we can be nourished.

In today’s passage, God is calling us to the rest that becomes ours by crossing through Christ, the door. We are like sheep that wander. When we ignore God’s door, we come back starved, misled, dirty, or at the very least worn out.

However, when we pay close attention to today’s verse, we see that only back-and-forth, day-to-day fellowship with God will provide us with pasture or food, not only for our bodies, but also for our souls.

No matter how many wonderful things you accomplish each day, no matter how many people you influence, don’t forget to get your nourishment from God so you can continue to please Him as well as to stay balanced. The Door is open and those who enter will indeed reap a healthy reward.

Dear Lord, I pray that You would help me to set aside every encumbrance so I can focus on having time with You. I pray that You would hear the cries of my heart, would recognize my passions, and would turn me in the right direction so I can find true fulfillment for the journey. Thank You for the sweet pasture I find in Your presence. The gifts in my life are plentiful, and I attribute them all to You; they are all for Your glory. Amen.

Thought: We can be at home with Jesus every single day. All we have to do is knock on the door—Him. Don’t’ just knock once today. Knock throughout your day. Draw strength and nourishment from your Savior.

Try spiritual breathing. It’s a great way to keep you knocking.

By Christa Hardin
Used by Permission

Lost and Found

Devotionals — Sun, 28 Jan 2024 09:03:07 +0000

“For the Son of Man has come to save that which was lost. What do you think? If any man has a hundred sheep and one of them has gone astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine on the mountains and go and search for the one that is straying?” Matthew 18:11-12

“Mom, can you find my Nerf gun bullets?” my nine-year old daughter asked me recently, full of gentleness, joy, and apparently, a new-found love of the hunt. Just two hours before, my seven-year old wanted to recruit my help in finding her beloved doll that had gone missing for the umpteenth time. The girls were frantic in their earnest attempts to find their lost items.

With a love much deeper than what children feel for their lost toys, God loves us with a passionate, proactive love that accepts us and receives us, just as we are. Even when we are like sheep who go to crooked or unsafe areas, God reaches out, delivers us from evil, and restores us back into the fold, right back to where we need to be.

Unlike my girls, who sometimes don’t recover their lost items, God always knows how to find us. In fact, He even knows when we are trying to hide from Him. Adam and Eve couldn’t hide in the Garden of Eden, and you and I can’t either. Even if we are having a difficult season, are angry with God, annoyed at Him, or not feeling His presence, He doesn’t shame us for losing our way. Instead, He rejoices over us when He finds us, and when we find Him. Let’s thank Him for that today, and listen for His call.

Dear God, I am so grateful for You. Apart from You, I can do no good thing. Thank You for looking for me, for calling out to me, and for allowing me to be Your child. I love You more than words can say. Amen.

Meditate on the lyrics of Come Thou Fount, “Prone to wander, Lord I feel it, prone to leave the God I love. Here’s my heart Lord, take and seal it, seal it for Thy courts above.” Is there an area in your life you’re hiding from God? Have you lost your way? Consider answering God’s call with confession and repentance, and return to Him who seeks you out.

By Christa Hardin
Used by Permission

Your Dream Job

Devotionals — Tue, 04 Jul 2023 08:03:53 +0000

“There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in every one it is the same God at work.”
1 Corinthians 12:4-5

As a young girl, I knew I wanted to be a counselor. When I was in high school, one of my friends laid on my bed while I gave her relationship counsel and typed notes into my computer. Fast forward 20 years later, and I’m doing the same thing: only this time the clients I work with are talking to me as their marriage therapist and coach.

I knew this seed was planted long ago. But interestingly, at that time in my life, I didn’t know God and doubted my significance. I felt a lack of hope about life in general, so I wouldn’t have done much good to inspire others, even if I did possess a few helpful tools.

When I came to Christ a few years later, I thought about Christian counseling as my floundering passion to help others skyrocketed. I finally had hope, a significant gift to offer in a world that had very little of it. Plus, I had a skill set from which to work. The combination was a perfect fit.

Have you seen God make your gifts even more exciting? As you begin to experience this adventure, remember to do everything in your power to give God glory. Let others know about Him, whether you are working in construction, at the dentist office, or picking up trash. He loves to both bless us and to keep us mindful that He is to be glorified for the wonderful opportunities we have. Our very significance lies in this truth. I know that firsthand.

Dear God, I am so glad I am Yours. I know the lack of purpose and peace that come from not being in fellowship with You, and I never want to go back there. Please help me to give You glory for every gift I have and remind me of my significance to You when I serve you with those gifts. I ask that You would help me to fine-tune my life so that I am always in completely harmony and fellowship with Your precious plans for me. In Jesus Name, Amen.