Dancing In The Rain: Devotions For When Life Gets Messy

By Paula Short

Life isn't always sunshine and rainbows. Sometimes, the storms roll in, leaving you drenched and wondering where the light went. But what if you learned to dance in the Rain instead of hiding from the downpour?

Dancing in the Rain: Devotions for When Life Gets Messy is your guide to finding joy and resilience during life's challenges. Through devotions, scripture, and uplifting reflections, this book will help you:

Embrace the messy moments and find strength in your faith.
Discover the beauty and growth that comes with hardship.
Develop a deeper connection with God through honest prayer and reflection.
Learn to trust God's plan, even when you can't see it.

Whether you're facing a personal crisis, a broken heart, or simply the everyday struggles of life, Dancing in the Rain will offer you hope, encouragement, and a renewed sense of peace. So grab your umbrella, put on your dancing shoes, and get ready to find the sunshine hidden within the storm.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: Sep 30, 2024
• ISBN: 9781300973478

Book preview

Paula Short

Dancing In The Rain

Devotions For When Life Gets Messy

Copyright © 2024 by Paula Short

Paula Short asserts the moral right to be identified as the author of this work.

Second edition

ISBN: 978-1-300-97347-8

This book was professionally typeset on Reedsy

Find out more at reedsy.com

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Contents

Foreword

1. Finding Peace in the Midst of It All

2. When Faith Feels Foggy

3. The Whispered Invitation

4. Unclench Your Fist

5. More Than Just You

6. The Envy Trap

7. Worthy in His Eyes

8. The Fruitful Life

9. More Than Pearls

10. Digging for Diamonds

11. The Daily Cup

12. The Broken Branch

13. When God’s Plan Feels Blurry

14. The Extravagance of God’s Love

15. Sharing Like Sunshine

16. Unveiling the Tapestry

17. Beyond the Horizon

18. The Ripple Effect of Grace

19. The Overflowing Chest

20. Walking the Walk

21. Weary Warriors

22. Rooted in Humility

23. Fear Released, Faith Embraced

24. Words That Build Up, Not Break Down

25. Woven Together

About the Author

Foreword

Life, as they say, can be a bit of a rollercoaster. One minute, you’re cruising along, enjoying the view, and the next, you’re thrown upside down, heart pounding as the world spins. We’ve all been there – facing situations that feel like crashing waves, threatening to pull us under. The hardships, the uncertainties, the unexpected detours – they have a way of leaving us feeling utterly lost in the wilderness.

But here’s the good news, dear friend: even in the mess, there is peace. A peace that transcends circumstances and whispers hope even when the world feels chaotic. This peace has a name, and it’s Jesus.

This devotional is not just a journey through the wilderness of everyday life; it’s a journey we’re taking together. Like you, I’m navigating the twists and turns with a heart that craves peace and a spirit that longs for calm. But through it all, I’ve found solace, comfort, and unwavering encouragement in Jesus, and I believe you can, too.

These daily devotions are penned from my heart to yours, a record of the lessons I’ve learned and the truths that have anchored me during my wilderness wanderings. I hope that as you walk alongside me through these pages, you will find a wellspring of peace and a renewed sense of purpose.

Consider this your guidebook, a compass pointing towards the unwavering love and presence of Jesus. So, please take a deep breath, dear reader, and let’s embark on this journey together. Remember, even in the wilderness, there is hope, and we don’t have to walk this path alone.

How this book is set up: In each devotion, you will find:

A devotion with Scriptures

Encouragement

Questions for reflection or journaling

Takeaway (and an occasional prayer)

All Scripture references from the New International Version (NIV) Retrieved from: https://biblegateway.com

1

Finding Peace in the Midst of It All

The world can feel pretty topsy-turvy these days, can’t it? News headlines scream, social media feeds overflow with negativity, and even our personal lives sometimes resemble a whirlwind. In this external storm, how do we find inner peace? The Bible offers a powerful message: true peace is possible and available to us all.

In times of uncertainty and confusion, it’s important to cultivate a sense of inner peace. This can be achieved through various practices such as mindfulness, meditation, prayer, or simply taking a moment to breathe and reflect. By quieting our minds and focusing inward on Jesus, we can find a sense of calm and serenity even during external chaos.

It’s also important to be mindful of the information we consume. While staying informed is important, the constant barrage of negative news can take a toll on our mental well-being. Finding a balance and taking breaks from the relentless stream of information can help us maintain a sense of inner peace. This includes social media, too.

Connecting with supportive communities and engaging in acts of kindness can also contribute to our inner peace. Sharing our burdens with others, offering support to those in need, and fostering genuine human connections can bring a sense of fulfillment and peace to our lives.

Pursuing inner peace is a personal journey, and what works for one person may not work for another. However, by acknowledging the chaos around us and consciously nurturing our inner peace with Jesus, we can navigate through life with a greater sense of clarity, resilience, and tranquility.

Scripture

Philippians 4:6-7 says, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God,