Daily Wisdom for Women 2022 Devotional Collection

By Compiled by Barbour Staff

You Are a Woman of God. Live Each Day Rooted in His Steadfast Strength!
Women will find comfort, challenge, and their spirits encouraged as they experience the encouraging wisdom of God's Word every day of 2022.

Every day for an entire year, you will be inspired by scriptures, devotional readings, and prayers that that no matter what challenges or difficult times come, God is firmly in control and His ways are good. Daily scripture readings follow a Read through the Bible in a Year plan that you may choose to complete alongside the devotional.

In these pages you'll find comfort, inspiration, and spiritual blessing as you grow in your faith all 365 days of the year.

Those who trust in God are like Zion Mountain:
Nothing can move it, a rock-solid mountain you can always depend on.
Psalm 125:1 MSG 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Barbour Publishing
• Release date: Oct 1, 2021
• ISBN: 9781636092232

Compiled by Barbour Staff

Barbour Publishing is a leading Christian book publisher offering bestselling books featuring exceptional value, biblical encouragement, and the highest quality. Barbour is the home of New York Times Bestselling author Wanda E. Brunstetter along with well-known fiction authors Gilbert Morris, Olivia Newport, Michelle Griep and many others. If your interest is Christian Living or Bible Reference, you’ll find excellent titles by bestselling authors Josh McDowell, Jonathan McKee, Debora Coty, and Stephen M. Miller’s The Complete Guide to the Bible.   Barbour also publishes the top classic devotionals God Calling by A.J. Russell, and Come Away My Beloved by Frances J. Roberts. With inspirational Christian books available in all genres--fiction for adults and children, Bible Promise books, devotionals, Bibles, Bible reference, puzzle books, and gift books there's something for everyone to enjoy.  

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ALL THINGS NEW

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was formless and empty, and darkness covered the deep waters. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the surface of the waters.

GENESIS 1:1-2 NLT*

Don’t you wish you could have peeked over the veil during creation week? God took nothing … and created everything. Wow! The earth, in its initial stage, was formless and empty—totally dark. Deep waters covered it all. But here’s the really cool part: the Spirit of God hovered over the surface of the waters.

Pause to think about that for a moment. When the Creator created, the Spirit hovered over what He was spinning into creation. The same thing is true today. When He re-created you (when you were born again), the Spirit of God played a key role. And when you create (whether a work of art, a plan, or a cake) the Spirit of God hovers over that too.

When you realize the Holy Spirit is ever-present in your life, everything changes! There’s no need to be shaken when God Himself shows up. And though you may feel formless and empty at times, just as the earth was in its initial stages, the incoming Spirit brings life where there was no life and hope where there was no hope.

What are you creating today? Expect the Holy Spirit to show up and show off.

Lord, I’m so grateful for Your Spirit. Thank You for hovering over the things You’re creating through me. Amen.

*A Read through the Bible in a Year plan that follows each devotion can be found at the back of this book.

BRING HIM YOUR GIFTS

They entered the house and saw the child with his mother, Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasure chests and gave him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

MATTHEW 2:11 NLT

Imagine for a moment that you were there alongside the wise men as they carried in their gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. If given the opportunity, what gifts would you bring the baby Jesus? You might think, I have nothing of value to offer Him, but that’s simply not in line with what the Word of God says about you. You are created in the image of an awesome, holy, creative God, and He has placed countless gifts inside of you. Your very life is a gift, in service to Him.

Romans 11:29 (NLT) puts it this way: For God’s gift and his call can never be withdrawn. Maybe you read that and think, I have yet to discover the gifts He’s placed inside of me. That’s okay. There’s plenty of time to discover and develop them. Just know that when you do, He means them to be offered back to Him as a praise offering. Perhaps today will give you opportunity to do that.

Lord, thank You for the gifts You’ve placed inside of me. Help me to discover them, hone them, and use them for Your good and glory, I pray. Amen.

A SHIELD AROUND ME

But you, O LORD, are a shield around me; you are my glory, the one who holds my head high. I cried out to the LORD, and he answered me from his holy mountain.

PSALM 3:3-4 NLT

Imagine an enemy was headed right toward you with the obvious intent to bring harm. Then, all of a sudden, your loved ones—friends, family members, fellow believers—swept in around you in a giant circle, pressing you to the center and completely guarding and shielding you from the oncoming attacker. Whew. How comforting it would be to realize they cared enough to provide a barrier so that you weren’t vulnerable to the intended attack.

God cares about you too. In fact, if you took all the compassion in the hearts of your loved ones and multiplied it by infinity, it still wouldn’t come close to how much the Lord adores you. And because of this deep, abiding adoration, He is determined to guard and protect you, to shield you from harm. Because of His great love, you can lift your head high, even when the enemy taunts you.

Today’s verse should bring as much comfort as having a physical barrier between yourself and your enemies. The Author of all is your protector. You have nothing to fear.

Lord, I’m so grateful for Your protection. You’re surrounding me, even now, forming a shield from those who would seek to harm me. Thank You, Jesus! Amen.

HOLY ANTICIPATION

He waited seven more days and again sent out the dove from the ark. When the dove returned to him in the evening, there in its beak was a freshly plucked olive leaf! Then Noah knew that the water had receded from the earth.

GENESIS 8:10-11 NIV

As a child, you probably had a sense of expectation in the days leading up to Christmas. You couldn’t wait to find a particular gift under the tree. On Christmas morning you raced to the tree … and were not disappointed. There it was, that shiny new bike you’d been hoping for.

Years later you may have found yourself awaiting the birth of a child. The anticipation was almost more than you could stand as the days ticked by. Then, on the day of your child’s birth, all your hopes and dreams came true.

Not many of us are good at waiting. But when you wait with a sense of eager anticipation for what’s coming, there can be joy in the journey because you know that what’s waiting for you is good, not bad.

God has amazing things in store for you. Sure, there might be some shaking in the waiting. And yes, you might not always get what you want when you want it. But you serve a loving heavenly Father who gives good gifts to His kids. So, hang in there. God’s got great things ahead for you.

Lord, thank You for the sense of expectation I have as I wait in and on You. Amen.

LET IT SHINE

You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.

MATTHEW 5:14 NIV

Biblical towns were often built on a hill so that they were visible from a distance (and so that their occupants could keep a lookout on the goings-on below). Of course, those cities were well-protected by the walls that surrounded them.

Isn’t it interesting, then, that Jesus tells His disciples they’re like a city set on a hill. They’re in full view—of the world and even the enemy. But He’s placed them (and us) in a prominent position with the promise that He would be our guard. Although there are no physical walls to defend us when we let His light shine, we have Jesus’ spiritual protection.

It’s not always easy being a city on a hill. There are days when you may wish you could hide behind fortress walls and dim that light. The burden of being a good witness can be a lot to bear at times. But Jesus has set you on a hill, high and lifted up, so that your light can impact all who see you. You don’t have to be shaken because of this vulnerability since He’s right there, shining through you. He simply asks that you not hide your light.

What are you doing to shine His light today?

Lord, I won’t be shaken, no matter how visible my witness is to others. I’ll keep shining for You. Amen.

SEPARATING LIGHT FROM DARKNESS

Away from me, all you who do evil, for the LORD has heard my weeping.

PSALM 6:8 NIV

Old Testament stories make one thing very clear—God intended for His people to separate themselves from the other tribes and to remain set apart. This was for their protection but also to guard their hearts against the infiltration of evil and/or ungodly customs.

This world is in a mess. As some would say a hot mess. What used to be called evil is now good and what used to be held as irrefutable and good is now despised and rejected. It’s almost as if the world has flipped upside-down.

Though thousands of years have passed, God hasn’t changed His mind. When it comes to His kids, He still wants them to remain unchanged by the world. Untainted. He wants very clear lines to be drawn between dark and light, good and evil. No, He’s not asking you to live in a bunker or to give up your friends, (though there might be a few you could let go of, if they’re pulling you away from Him). He simply wants you to remain true to what you know to be true—His Word.

Be in the world but not of the world. It wasn’t easy for the Israelites, and it’s not easy for you, but with His help it is possible.

Lord, I refuse to compromise. I will live in the light all of my days. Amen.

A GENERATIONAL COVENANT

And I will establish My covenant between Me and you and your descendants after you throughout their generations for an everlasting, solemn pledge, to be a God to you and to your posterity after you.

GENESIS 17:7 AMPC

In today’s scripture, God promises that He will establish a covenant with Abraham, one that will include future generations. How wonderful would that be?

Sure, you hope and pray your children will carry on your legacy of faith. And when those grandchildren come along, you also pray they will continue what you’ve started. But your desire to see that come to pass starts with you. It’s critical that you covenant with God—right here, right now—and don’t ever step away from your faith. Your children are watching.

You certainly don’t carry all of the weight, of course. God is the One making an oath with you, and He’s trustworthy. He promises to be a God to you and to your posterity after you. What He’s started in you, He can continue through those future generations.

Long after you are gone from this earth, there will be those (relatives or loved ones) you’ve influenced for the better. What a precious legacy!

Lord, start with me. I want my faith to be strong, and I want to stand in agreement with You so that my future generations (or those I love) will continue to blossom and grow in You years and years from now. Amen.

AIM FOR THE BLACK DOT

But seek (aim at and strive after) first of all His kingdom and His righteousness (His way of doing and being right), and then all these things taken together will be given you besides.

MATTHEW 6:33 AMPC

Have you ever played darts? Aiming that tiny dart at the black dot in the middle of the board is the easy part. Getting it to land where you’ve aimed it is something else altogether.

Here’s the truth: you won’t hit anything you don’t aim at. If you’re hoping to lose weight, you need to give yourself goals (little black dots). If your goal is to pay off credit cards, make a plan and aim for it.

The Bible says we’re to seek (aim at and strive after) God’s kingdom and His way of doing and being right. Maybe you read that and think, Well, that goal seems a little lofty! Again, it’s like aiming a dart at the black dot on the board. If you strive after the kingdom of Christ, you’re aiming yourself at something wonderful.

The point is, you have to make a decision to seek His kingdom. It’s not something that just happens. You have to strive after it. Make it a goal. Keep after it. When you do, everything else in life will come into alignment, and you can truly be unshakable.

Lord, today I’ll aim for the black dot. Amen.

PRAISE HIM AT THE ONSET

I will praise You, O Lord, with my whole heart; I will show forth (recount and tell aloud) all Your marvelous works and wonderful deeds!

PSALM 9:1 AMPC

You’re facing a challenge. It’s a big one. You’re feeling a little overwhelmed, not knowing how things will go. Will God answer your prayers the way you hope or will you end up disappointed?

Then you’re reminded of this scripture from Psalm 9:1—that you should praise the Lord with your whole heart and recount His wonderful deeds. So, you go there. You lift your voice and begin to proclaim all the many ways He’s come through for you in the past. Doing so bolsters your courage for what you’re facing and also serves as a testimony to others around you. And suddenly, in the middle of your praise, you begin to trust again. No matter how your situation evolves, you decide, you won’t give up.

Praise is a wonderful tool, and it’s just as powerful when you’re setting off on your journey as it is after God has answered your prayer. Don’t wait until you’ve got your miracle in hand to begin to praise Him. There’s no time like the present to start!

Lord, I won’t wait. Today, even as I’m feeling a little unsettled and confused about where my journey is taking me, I choose to praise You! I lift Your name and praise You for all You’ve already done in my life. Amen.

EXCITING OPPORTUNITIES AHEAD

The thing has come from the LORD; we cannot speak to you bad or good. Behold, Rebekah is before you; take her and go, and let her be the wife of your master’s son, as the LORD has spoken.

GENESIS 24:50-51 ESV

It was a day like any other for Rebekah, daughter of Bethuel. She headed to the spring, jar perched on her shoulder. After filling the jar with water, a stranger approached her and said, Please give me a sip from your jug. She responded with the words, Drink, sir, and then gave him the jug. She then offered to water his camels, who were kneeling by the wall. Little did she know her words would serve as a sign to this man that she was the chosen one, meant to marry his master’s son, Isaac.

The servant presented Rebekah’s family with all the treasures Abraham had sent with him, and Rebekah (without hesitation) agreed to return with this stranger to his home country to marry Isaac.

That’s a lot for a young woman to agree to—marrying a stranger from a foreign land! But when God’s hand is on a situation, sometimes it’s so obvious you just can’t say no. You step out in faith, knowing there are exciting opportunities ahead.

What opportunities is the Lord giving you today? Are you ready to take a bold step of faith like Rebekah did?

Lord, I’m ready! I’ll take that first step toward the opportunities You’re giving me. Amen.

FROM SICKBED TO SERVANT’S HEART

And when Jesus entered Peter’s house, he saw his mother-in-law lying sick with a fever. He touched her hand, and the fever left her, and she rose and began to serve him.

MATTHEW 8:14-15 ESV

Peter’s mother-in-law was terribly ill on the day that Jesus came by for a visit. If you’ve ever been down for the count with the flu or other feverish bug, you can imagine how she was feeling—definitely not up to a houseguest.

Oh, but this guest was different from all the others. He walked in, reached to touch her hand, and the fever immediately left her. (Can you imagine?) She jumped up out of bed and did what any hostess would do—began to serve Him.

Maybe you’ve been through a season of illness or pain and have wished Jesus would sweep in and touch you like that. You’ve prayed for instantaneous healing, but it didn’t come in such a sweeping, awe-inspiring way.

Don’t give up. Don’t let the wait shake your faith. Just remember that one gentle touch from the Savior was enough to change absolutely everything. Keep your focus on Him until that moment comes.

I won’t give up, Lord. I’m ready to rise from this sickbed and do great things for You. Touch me, I pray. Amen.

NEVER FORGOTTEN

Arise, O LORD; O God, lift up your hand; forget not the afflicted.

PSALM 10:12 ESV

Have you ever wondered why some people are healed and others aren’t? It’s not unusual for believers to ask gut-honest questions of the Lord like Why is my child struggling with a disability when other children seem to have no cares in the world? or Why was my friend’s mother healed from cancer when mine wasn’t? These questions often come from a place of deep pain, but the Lord is tough enough to handle them.

When we’re at a loss to understand the whys and wherefores of God, we can only choose to trust. But today’s verse clues us in on another important truth: we can (and should) keep on asking, even when things don’t seem to be happening the way we expected. Asking is an act of faith. It’s your way of saying, Lord, I don’t get it, but I know You do. And you never know when He will choose to move on your behalf. Or perhaps He will whisper, It’s okay. I’ve got a bigger plan.

What tough questions would you like to ask the Lord today? It’s okay. Go ahead. Ask. He can take it.

Lord, I don’t always understand, but I will never stop asking. I’ll never stop praying. I’ll never stop believing. And I’ll never stop trusting that You love me (and mine), no matter what. Amen.

GOD IS IN THIS PLACE

When Jacob awoke from his sleep, he thought, Surely the LORD is in this place, and I was not aware of it. He was afraid and said, How awesome is this place! This is none other than the house of God; this is the gate of heaven.

GENESIS 28:16-17 NIV

While journeying back to his grandfather’s homeland, Jacob grew weary and laid down under the stars to sleep. An amazing dream followed. He saw a great stairway reaching up to the heavens. God’s angels were going up and down the stairway. In the dream, the Lord stood right beside Jacob. He said, Your descendants will be like the dust of the earth, and you will spread out to the west and to the east, to the north and to the south. All peoples on earth will be blessed through you and your offspring (Genesis 28:14 NIV ).

Jacob awoke from the dream, overcome by the promise he’d received in his sleep. Instead of simply moving on, he paused to acknowledge the place where the dream had taken place. He called the place Bethel.

Do you stop to acknowledge God when He speaks into your life? Can you think back to your Bethel moments? When and where did God speak to your heart and give you the courage to go on? Today, thank Him for His many Bethel encounters.

Thank You, Lord, for my Bethel encounters! May I never forget those times when You’ve spoken to my heart. Amen.

BE ON YOUR WAY

"When you knock on a door, be courteous in your greeting.

If they welcome you, be gentle in your conversation. If they don’t welcome you, quietly withdraw. Don’t make a scene. Shrug your shoulders and be on your way. You can be sure that on Judgment Day they’ll be mighty sorry—but it’s no concern of yours now."

MATTHEW 10:12-15 MSG

Have you ever approached someone with kindness and compassion in your tone, and her response was anything but? It’s hard, isn’t it? If you’re a softie, you probably replay the conversation in your mind, over and over, wondering what you could’ve said or done differently. You agonize over the misunderstanding. You pour out your heart to God. Why doesn’t she get me? What am I doing wrong?

It’s even tougher when people completely dismiss you or push you aside. Their dismissal can leave you shaken. They don’t care to connect with you … at all. Ouch!

Jesus knew His followers weren’t intended to be BFFs with everyone. No doubt that’s why He added the line, Shrug your shoulders and be on your way.

Jesus wants you to do your best to live at peace with everyone, but when you’re not swept into the clique, don’t fret. Brush the dust from your feet (and the cares from your heart) and move on. Without guilt. Without remorse. Without a second thought about what you could’ve done differently.

Lord, show me how and when I need to brush the dust from my feet and move on. Heal my heart from any broken places, I pray. Amen.

PRAISE FOR ANSWERED PRAYERS

I’ve thrown myself headlong into your arms—I’m celebrating your rescue. I’m singing at the top of my lungs, I’m so full of answered prayers.

PSALM 13:5-6 MSG

You know that wonderful feeling you get after eating a good meal? If you’re from the south, you might push your chair back from the table and say, I’m full as a tick! There’s a contentment you can’t really put into words when you’re full and satisfied.

The same is true of your walk with the Lord. When He rushes in to save you, when He fills you up with answered prayers, you can’t help but push your chair back from the proverbial table and say, Thank You, Lord!

So, here’s a question to ponder: How much time do you spend praising God after the fact? Are you like the leper in the story found in the Gospel of Luke 17:11-19? Are you one of the few who actually returns to thank Him for the prayers He answers? When your child is healed or a financial miracle takes place, do you gravitate back to the Savior to offer praise and thanksgiving? Or do you just let the craziness of life press you into that next important thing?

Today, make a mental list of the prayers God has recently answered for you. Begin to praise Him. For that praise will keep your knees from knocking when times are tough.

Lord, You’ve done so many wonderful things and have answered prayer after prayer. How can I help but praise You? Amen.

A NAME CHANGE

Your name will no longer be Jacob, the man told him. From now on you will be called Israel, because you have fought with God and with men and have won.

GENESIS 32:28 NLT

Have you ever wished for a do-over? Maybe you messed up in a major way and just wanted to go into hiding. Or perhaps the family you grew up in wasn’t the best and you wanted to change your name and claim a completely different family.

God is in the name-changing business! There are multiple instances of name changes in both Old and New Testament stories. Perhaps God uses this tactic because we humans need convincing that we’re not the same person we used to be. We need a tangible reminder of what He has saved us from and what He’s saved us to.

Think about your life. Perhaps you have spoken words over your past, words like shame, bitterness, unforgiveness, guilt. Today, God longs to eradicate those names and give you a brand new one: forgiven! That’s what happens when you have an encounter with the true and living God—everything changes!

Lord, thank You for encountering my life with Your Spirit. I’m not who I used to be, and I’m so grateful for that. I praise You for giving me a new name, one that is written down in glory! Amen.

LOVE FOR THE LEAST OF THESE

I tell you the truth, of all who have ever lived, none is greater than John the Baptist. Yet even the least person in the Kingdom of Heaven is greater than he is!

MATTHEW 11:11 NLT

Today is Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the perfect time to examine this special verse from the eleventh chapter of the Gospel of Matthew. Jesus told His followers that John the Baptist (a true prophet) was the greatest of all the prophets who had ever lived. But then Jesus went on to say that, in spite of his earthly greatness, John was far less than the least person in heaven.

What did He mean?

When we get to heaven, we’ll see people of every race, creed, and color. We won’t look at them as greater or lesser in any way. We’ll be one blood-bought tribe, singing the praises of our Savior forever. And, while John was great on earth, he’ll be just one of the gang in heaven. We won’t view him (or others like him) as any greater than the woman who begged for food on the side of the road.

Perhaps Jesus wanted His disciples to catch a glimpse of this truth: it’s time to stop judging people by earthly standards. We’re all one in Him—forgiven children of God.

Lord, I get it! I’m not to elevate some and demean others. We’re one body, unified in You. Amen.

NIGHTTIME INSTRUCTION

I will bless the LORD who guides me; even at night my heart instructs me. I know the LORD is always with me. I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me.

PSALM 16:7-8 NLT

Ah, finally! You’re all tucked in, the lights are off, and you’re free to just relax. There, in that peaceful, quiet place, the Lord begins to whisper to your heart. He tickles your ear with His still, small voice and gives insight about the problems you’re facing. Or perhaps He speaks to you through a dream, giving you ideas about how to handle a situation you’re walking through.

Why do you suppose God often speaks in the night like this? You didn’t deliberately set out to encounter Him in this way, after all! But, when your mind is finally free from the cares of the day, you’re able to hear His voice. You aren’t distracted by money worries or relationship squabbles or the roar of the television. You’re finally free to just be. And the Lord sees this as the perfect time to give you instructions for the tasks ahead.

I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me. This is true, you know … even when you sleep. So, whatever you’re wrestling with during the daylight hours, sleep in peace, knowing God is still on the job, even when your eyes are closed.

Lord, thank You for speaking to me in the night. Even then, my heart instructs me as I hear Your still, small voice. Amen.

THE ENEMY’S TACTICS

One day he went into the house to attend to his duties … . She caught him by his cloak and said, Come to bed with me! But he left his cloak in her hand and ran.

GENESIS 39:11-12 NIV

The enemy is sly! He comes after you in such tricky ways that you don’t always recognize his tactics. That’s why it’s so important to keep your guard up!

Maybe you’ve been there. You were trekking along just fine. Then, from out of the blue, you were hit with a false accusation or relationship struggle. You spent the first few minutes reeling, because it didn’t make sense. Then, as the dust cleared, you began to see it for what it truly was … an attack.

When the enemy comes after you, you can (a) turn and run or (b) look him in the face and call him on his game. But remember, No weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you (Isaiah 54:17 NIV).

The enemy can try all he likes, but you’re God’s anointed and covered by Him. Best of all, He’ll fight your battles for you. So, don’t panic when false accusations come. Don’t let the attacks shake you or bring you down. God’s going to rush to your defense. All you need to do is quiet your heart and trust Him.

I trust You, Lord, even when everything inside of me is shaking in anger. I’ll look to You, my Defender! Amen.

GATHER, DON’T SCATTER

Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters.

MATTHEW 12:30 NIV

Remember playing Red Rover