READ: PSALM 145:18-19; EPHESIANS 5:18; 1 JOHN 5:14

5/30/25

God, please help my family. I don’t like it when my stepmom, Anna, drinks. I want to love her, but it’s hard when she’s drinking. She turns into a completely different person. I’ve avoided coming to my dad’s house because her drinking is pulling our family apart. Please help.

6/15/25

Today was Father’s Day. While I’m grateful for my dad and Anna, it was uncomfortable for me to come and visit. I get nervous when she drinks around me. I know that, at a certain point into her drinking, I can’t talk to her at all. At least I can talk to You, Jesus. Can You help my family find a solution?

7/1/25

Today we had an intervention for my stepmom’s drinking. I organized it. My dad, sisters, and I all shared how her drinking has affected us. While it was a painful experience to go through, I’m glad we did it. I think it has brought us closer together. We even learned that Anna wants to go back to school to get her MBA! That is so awesome! I’m proud of the progress our family is making.

7/10/25

Anna and my dad began attending an alcholism recovery group together. They both stopped drinking. Thank You, Lord, for helping Anna overcome her addiction.

8/25/25

So I found out the news when I came home from school today. In fact, no one had to tell me. I spotted a red wine stain on the floor, and then went upstairs to find Anna—drinking. I thought You were going to help our family out, Lord. Now she’s spiraling into this addiction again—I can’t take it! Why are You putting my family through this? What are we supposed to do? Please help us, Jesus, please. • Amber Metz

• Today’s devotion is based on a true story. Have you ever tried to help a loved one with an addiction? Are you struggling with an addiction yourself? Who can you talk with about these tough issues—such as a pastor, parent, teacher, counselor or someone else you trust? *

• It can be difficult to know how to show the love of Christ to a loved one who is struggling with an addiction. God calls us to show tenderhearted compassion to those who are hurting, which may include setting up healthy boundaries in some situations. And even when we aren’t sure what it looks like to love someone well, God provides an abundance of wisdom and guidance through His Word (the Bible), His Holy Spirit, and His people (the church), and He empowers us to do whatever He calls us to do. What questions do you have about loving someone who has an addiction?

• Jesus is always there. He knows your hurts, so you can talk with Him about anything (Psalm 56:8; Romans 8:26-27; Hebrews 4:14-16). What things from your life can you cry out to God about today?

• There is hope for every broken situation because Jesus has already defeated sin, death, and the devil through His own death and resurrection. Yet oftentimes the road to recovery is not straightforward. Thankfully, Jesus has promised to walk with us every step of the way. His love and forgiveness do not waver. And if we’ve put our trust in Him, we can look forward to the day He will return and make all things new—then terrible things like addiction will be gone forever. If you want to know more about this good news, check out our "Know Jesus" page.

* If you need someone to talk to, you can request a free conversation with Focus on the Family’s Counseling Department by calling 1-855-771-HELP (4357) weekdays from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. (Mountain Time). Please be prepared to leave your contact information for a counselor to return a call to you as soon as possible. In Canada, book your appoin...

READ: ROMANS 2:11; 5:8; JAMES 3:13-18

At age eight, I collected bottle caps with no idea of what I’d do with them. I kept those colorful items in our backyard where my brother, who I’ll call “Randall,” and I played. After a while, I forgot about them. Then one day, I joined Randall and our mom in the kitchen and spotted something on the table. It was a small wooden board with lots of colorful bottle caps nailed onto it in a clever arrangement. “Randall made that for me,” Mama explained. I questioned Randall about the caps and realized he’d used the ones I’d saved. I indignantly announced that Randall had taken what was mine. I acted injured and innocent even after Randall apologized and promised he didn’t know I was holding onto them.

But the truth was, I wasn’t so disappointed that Randall had used the bottle caps. I was, however, so jealous of his interesting idea and the way he’d made a present for Mama. I didn’t want the bottle caps back—I wanted to be the kid who produced something that, to me, looked like artwork. Because of my jealousy, I didn’t want to accept Randall’s apology or play with him. I didn’t want to think of another present I could create for Mama. I just wanted to stay mad.

Jesus understands human emotions and temptations, including jealousy. While there is such a thing as godly jealousy (2 Corinthians 11:1-4), God’s Word cautions us about sinful jealousy, which steals our peace and brings disorder. It keeps us from experiencing God’s best—in our own hearts, in relationship with others, and in our fellowship with Him. My envy of Randall caused me to overlook the truth that Mama loved me just as much as my brother, even though I hadn’t presented her with a gift. It’s the same with God—He does not show favoritism, and He does not love us any more, or any less, based on what we do. Even when we fall into jealousy, He still loves us. And, once we’ve put our trust in Jesus for forgiveness and new life, He helps us turn away from jealousy and rest in His love. • Allison Wilson Lee

• What is an area of your life where you feel insecure? Do you find yourself getting jealous of people who seem to succeed in something you struggle with? Consider taking some time to be honest with God about your feelings. You can bring Him your hurts and fears, confess any sins that come to mind, and rest in His sure forgiveness and infinite love.

• If you want to dig deeper, read Exodus 34:14; Romans 13:12-14; 1 Corinthians 3:3; 12:12-27; 2 Corinthians 12:20; Galatians 5:19-26.

A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones. Proverbs 14:30 (NIV)

READ: PSALMS 84:3; 139:1-18; MATTHEW 10:29-31; LUKE 12:6-7

I love bird watching. Birds are amazing creatures, and their design showcases God’s ingenuity and creative power. In my yard I see mostly sparrows, not the most exotic of the bird kind, yet as I watch them many truths reverberate in me.

The sparrow is a common bird, found on nearly every continent, yet it is mentioned in the Bible on more than one occasion.

In the Gospels of Matthew and Luke, for example, we read that Jesus mentioned sparrows. They were a small, common, and cheap bird. One copper coin (which would be less than a dollar in today’s economy) could get you two, but Jesus said that, even though they seem to have little value in the world’s eyes, God the Father knows when each one falls, and He cares. Then Jesus said, the very hairs of our head are numbered by God, so we don’t need to fear, because we are “worth more than many sparrows” (Matthew 10:31).

Our God knows when an everyday common bird falls to the ground, yet our hairs are numbered! To me, this is both humbling and encouraging. God, who created the entire universe, is intimately involved in all of His creation—from the littlest bird to His beloved image bearers (Genesis 1:26-27).

It’s easy to feel distracted, lost, and even worthless as we go through life in this broken world, but when we turn to Scripture, it reminds us that God deeply loves, cares for, and is involved in all of His wonderful creation.

Not only does our loving God remember each sparrow, He tells us we are fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14; Luke 12:6). We are a part of God’s creation, and if we’ve put our trust in Jesus, we are a part of His family, and that is a wonderful thing! • Stephanie Mathews

• Why do you think the world seems to value things that are rare and exotic more than things that are common and ordinary? Do you think that’s how God sees His creation?

• How could you take some time to be outside and behold God’s creation this week, whether through bird watching or some other way?

[Jesus said,] “Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God.” Luke 12:6 (NIV)

READ: 1 KINGS 19:1-18; MATTHEW 17:1-8; JOHN 10:27-28

Listen. It calls in the treetops. Be still. It roars on the waves. Shh. It croons in the meadow. Listen. It whispers in the wind.

For as long as Aylen could remember, she had heard it. The Voice. It was one of her earliest memories. The Voice crooning to her—just as the nursery rhyme said—as she lay in a meadow of flowers. Whenever she thought about that day, a confusion of emotions flooded her.

It should have been a day of sorrow and fear—the day she had lost her parents. Instead, all she could remember was being surrounded by The Voice. It sang to her until one of the village shepherds found her sitting on a blanket in the middle of the field. Alone.

She loved The Voice. It filled her with joy and peace, comforting her in the absence of her parents. But as she grew up, The Void seemed to grow stronger, and The Voice seemed harder to hear.

Now, Aylen watched from her vantage point on the valley’s tallest surrounding hill, as her village was swallowed by the sticky darkness of The Void.

Early on, Aylen had tried to reason with the villagers. “Listen. The Voice will rescue you. The Voice is stronger than The Void.”

Her friends had mocked her. “The Voice isn’t even real, Aylen. It’s just a story.”

“It can defeat The Void,” she insisted.

But no one wanted to hear it. And so, The Void crept steadily on. By the time the people were ready to listen, it was too late. Following The Voice’s instructions, Aylen had led the survivors to this hill.

Turning from the devastation, Aylen raised her hands to catch the others’ attention. “Listen.”

The people stilled. A powerful gust of wind blew in from the east, whipping at their clothes before settling into a gentle breeze. One by one the survivors fell to their knees, eyes wide with wonder.

Aylen smiled. The Voice, speaking words of hope to those who would hear.

And just like that, The Void was pushed back by a whisper in the wind. • Jessica McFarland

• Today’s allegorical story is inspired by many Old Testament prophets who listened to the voice of God. They spoke about God’s great power and love, and they urged the people to turn back to Him and follow His good ways. In particular, this story is based on 1 Kings 19:1-18, when the prophet Elijah heard the voice of God as “a gentle whisper” (verse 12). Elsewhere in the Bible, it says that God sings over us with joy and surrounds us with songs of deliverance (Psalm 32:7; Zephaniah 3:17). When you think of God’s voice, what do you think of?

• All the Old Testament prophets pointed ahead to the greatest prophet: Jesus Christ (Luke 13:33; John 6:14; Acts 3:22-23). He is fully human, yet He is also fully God. He came to save us from darkness—but the way He defeated sin, death, and the devil was unexpectedly peaceful. Jesus let people put Him to death on a cross, though He had done nothing wrong. They didn’t realize He was taking all our sin upon Himself, and they didn’t know He would rise from the grave three days later. But now, He invites all of us to put our trust in Him—to listen to His voice and follow (John 10:27-28). For more about this good news, see our "Know Jesus" page.

• Sometimes the darkness of our broken world can be overwhelming, but God is infinitely more powerful than the darkness. As we look forward to the day Jesus will return and make all things new, we can rest in His joy and peace because He is with us. He offers us His comfort through His Holy Spirit (who lives inside Christians), His Word (the Bible), and His people (the church). Can you think of any ways God has given you comfort in hard times? Consider taking a...

READ: GENESIS 50:15-21; ROMANS 8:18-39

My teenage desire was to belong to an encouraging community where I could bless others with my gifts. But I struggled to cling to that dream when my high school experience was a time of loneliness, anxiety, and uprooted plans. After being rejected by cliques, feeling alone at church, and living through the pandemic, I was eager to move out for college. People assured me that this would be where I’d find community and pursue my dreams.

But after experiencing even more anxiety and isolation due to campus tensions and a manipulative roommate, the healthiest choice for me was to move back home and transfer to an online university. Through many tearful nights, I wondered what God could possibly do with my fizzled dreams and frazzled hope. Did my painful past deprive me of a future purpose?

In the book of Genesis, we meet a man named Joseph. He had a boatload of dreams—and challenges. He received visions of becoming a ruler someday, which he shared with his jealous brothers. They sold him into slavery, which caused Joseph to lose his reputation, autonomy, and community. Eventually, he wound up in prison for a crime he didn’t commit. Yet God was still with Joseph no matter his circumstances.

As a result of God’s work in and around Joseph, he became an important ruler in Egypt and even forgave his brothers. God used the hardships Joseph overcame to make him a strong leader, reliant on God, and humble enough to forgive. Joseph’s life was purposeful because even when the future looked bleak, his needs were satisfied in God alone.

As Christians, “we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them” (Romans 8:28). Our call is not to let go of our dreams and give into despair. Our call is to surrender our dreams to God, trusting He has an even better purpose in store for us. No matter how challenging our past may be, nothing can thwart the wonderful plans God has for His beloved children. • Hannah Chung

• What dreams do you have? It’s great to dream and plan for the future! But God calls us to hold those dreams with open hands, knowing that He is the One in control, and He loves us.

• Can you think of a time you saw something good come out of a difficult time, whether in your life or in the life of someone else? Consider taking some time to thank God for that!

[Joseph said,] “You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people.” Genesis 50:20 (NLT)

READ: GENESIS 1:27; PSALM 139:13-18; ROMANS 5:8; 8:38-39

Self-worth is something we all struggle with. Photoshopped and filtered images are plastered on every magazine, in every store, and all over social media. All the while, our own accomplishments are advertised, and our shortcomings are hidden. The world tells us that looking good and being successful are the two most important things to strive for—and that if we aren’t achieving greatness by our looks or performance, our value as a human significantly decreases. Or does it?

While the world uses these things to define value, God says that success and appearances have nothing to do with the measure of our worth. Humans have value because we have each been created in the image of God. Even though the first humans rejected God, and we have all rejected Him since then, He still loves us. He loves us so much that, when we were separated from Him and broken because of our sins, He reached out to us. Jesus made the ultimate sacrifice before you and I were even born. He died on the cross for our sins, and He rose from the grave to give us new life. Now, God invites us to join His family through faith in Jesus. There is nothing we need to earn.

Each child of God has a unique purpose in God’s kingdom, and this is not based on whether their accomplishments or beauty outweigh their weaknesses. God’s power is made perfect in weakness anyway—weakness doesn’t lessen our worth as image-bearers of God or as children of God in Christ (2 Corinthians 12:9-10).

We are each of magnificent value simply for being created in the image of God. And, as Christians, our identity is anchored in being known and loved by God. Once we’ve put our trust in Jesus, we can rest in the truth that there is nothing we can do that would seperate us from the love of God and nothing we can do to lose or lessen our worth. We are forever—eternally—valued by God. Therefore, we also ought to value ourselves. You are called to treat yourself as the daughter or son of the great King that you are, and treat others the same way. • Lauren N. Trittin

• When was the last time you felt truly valued by others? What did they do to make you feel your worth?

• How does what Jesus did—when He died on the cross and rose from the grave—make it so that we don’t have to perform to be loved by God? (For more about this good news, see our "Know Jesus" page.)

“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.” Isaiah 43:1 (NIV)

READ: PSALM 139:1-12; HEBREWS 4:14-16; 1 PETER 5:7

Have you ever thought about God going to school? He has attended school for as long as it’s been going on—He watches all that happens in the world, and He is with you everywhere. So when you’re struggling to make a basket in P.E.—God is there. When you can’t make sense of algebra—God is there. And when your crush doesn’t even know you’re alive—God is there.

I remember the day I fell out of the school bus. I was in seventh grade, not a particularly easy time of my life, and I was riding the bus home. As I stepped off the last step, my foot caught. I tumbled to the ground, books flying in all directions. My house was at the bottom of a grassy hill, so instead of walking that day, I rolled on home. I could hear everyone’s laughter as the doors shut and the bus drove away.

I’d like to say I just got up, gathered my books, and laughed about the whole thing. I didn’t. I cried, and cried, and cried. It wasn’t life-shattering. I didn’t die, but I still remember that day, and it’s been many years since I was in seventh grade. Thankfully, I’m not the only one who’s felt this way. In Psalm 56:8, David says that God collects his tears in a bottle. Our sorrows and embarrassments are so important to God that David envisions God storing them in a bottle. He must have quite a collection of my tears, much of them from my school days.

There will be hard days at school, work, church, home, and everywhere else you find yourself, but don’t worry—you’ll survive. School doesn’t last forever, but God’s love does. Jesus has promised to always be with us, and He can empathize with what we’re going through because He “became human and made his home among us” (John 1:14). He experienced all our suffering here on earth, ultimately enduring an excruciating death on a cross. And then, He rose from the grave in order to end suffering forever. If we know Jesus, we have hope in His promise to return one day to make all things new and wipe every tear from our eyes (Revelation 21:3-5).

Consider taking a moment right now to thank God that He cares about every tear you cry—and every tear you stifle. You can ask Him to remind you that He goes with you tomorrow, whether you’ll be in school or somewhere else. Tomorrow won’t be perfect, but it will be better knowing God is walking down those halls beside you. • Sharon Rene

• How does it make you feel to imagine God right next to you? Why?

You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book. Psalm 56:8 (NLT)

READ: PSALM 143:7-8; MATTHEW 14:22-33

When worry invades each hope and dream,

When fretful nights keep you awake,

Keep your eyes on God.

When panic drowns your heart and mind,

Give God each problem, each anxious thought.

Trust in Him.

He is Master of the waves, Author of lives.

Jesus, Messiah who hears each cry.

Focus on Him.

Holy Trinity, Three in One, loving,

Ready to respond, patiently waiting.

Trust in Him. • Cindy Lee

• In Matthew 14:22-33, Jesus walked on water. Then Peter walked on water too—when he kept his eyes on Jesus. But when Peter looked away, he began to sink. And yet, Jesus reached down and saved Peter. When we keep our eyes on Jesus, amazing things happen. But even when we get distracted, Jesus reaches down and pulls us back up. When do you struggle to trust and remain focused on Jesus—the one who loves you deeply and gave His life for you so you could have a relationship with Him? Consider spending some time talking to Him about it. He loves to hear from you. Nothing you could say could surprise Him or make Him love you any less. In fact, He invites you to be totally honest with Him so He can reveal His love to you in deeper and deeper ways.

• If you want to dig deeper, read Psalms 6:6; 34:5; 116:1-7; Matthew 8:23-27; 11:28-30; Acts 3:15; 2 Corinthians 13:14; Hebrews 12:1-3; 1 Peter 5:7; 2 Peter 3:9.

Cause me to hear your loving kindness in the morning, for I trust in you. Cause me to know the way in which I should walk, for I lift up my soul to you. Psalm 143:8 (WEB)