There are at least two camps, two opposing opinions, among women’s ministry leaders about the nature and content of what has come to be called the believer’s “devotional life.” The view from my youth was heavy on the “quiet time” model. Settle down somewhere cozy with your Bible and a devotional book. Read the suggested passage for the day, and then read the author’s thoughts about that passage. There was usually a story from the author’s life or a brief anecdote designed to illustrate the point of the day’s scripture reading.
A view I have encountered more recently urges women to come to God’s Word straight up, with no mediating voices. Read it, and then read it again. Journal about it. Chase down cross-references and wait patiently for the Holy Spirit to guide you into truth. Then, once you’ve settled on the meaning and the message of that passage, you can double-check your conclusions with a commentary, sermon, or podcast from a trusted resource.
Whenever we describe something in black and white terms, we risk a loss, and this seems to be true with these two devotional camps. The first might run the risk of being light on scripture and heavy on opinion. The second could become strictly academic.
Two cautionary guidelines emerge:
- Whatever resources you choose to accompany your Bible, be sure the Bible gets the most playtime. If you only have five minutes to spend in quiet reading, read the Bible and catch up on the devotional later.
- Humbly admit your need for guidance and then choose your guides with care. It’s tempting to embrace a “Girlfriend, you are God’s sweet princess” theme because no one wants to be confronted with sin tendencies and character flaws first thing in the morning (or any time!). When in doubt, stick with classic writers who have stood the test of time—or contemporary authors whose lives have given them ample opportunities to test-drive the truth they’re writing about.
Today, I’m recommending two new devotional resources by trusted writers—and spilling a few words about the practice of devotional reading.
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Two contemporary authors who keep producing quality devotional literature have each released a new resource this year.
Be Still and Trust
Stacey Pardoe writes from the trenches of a busy mothering life. Her writing is infused with love for her family, commitment to the rhythms of a poured-out life, and the truth that her only hope for true peace and productivity is found in Christ.
The question that thrums beneath the surface of Be Still and Trust is “How do you want to live?” Struggle is inevitable, but a quiet heart is possible because of the invitation in John 14:27—”Do not let your hearts be troubled nor fearful.”
Whether you’re dealing with chronic anxiety or simply concerned about a loss of connection to spiritual things, Pardoe’s fifty reflections on scriptural truth will recalibrate your thinking and create a space for honest dialogue with the God who knows your heart and wants to walk with you through every season of life.
Stacey and I have had boy-mum conversations over the years, so I was happy to read and review her devotional for boys who want to grow in courage and strength. Stacey also has a daughter, and together they have written a devotional resource for mums to use with their girls.
Brave Faith for Hard Things
Michele Howe steps courageously into the truth that believers are not exempt from the trials of life. Equipped with the wisdom of her own experience with hard things, she speaks with compassion and biblical clarity in this collection of thirty devotional readings.
Howe’s message is clear: By faith we look to God’s past provision, commit each new day to Him, and then trust Him for grace to face the future with courage. Each chapter reinforces the reader’s hope in Jesus’s two-part promise found in John 16:33. Yes, ‘in this world you will have tribulation,’ but never forget Part 2: Jesus said, I have overcome the world.’ ”
With scriptural realism, Brave Faith for Hard Things acknowledges we will sometimes feel uncomfortable, that our weaknesses are real and can be daunting, and that sanctification is a slow walk. In Christ, we learn that we can, indeed, do hard things.
I have appreciated Michele’s work over the years, and as a fellow grandmother, she helped to ease my transition into the role with biblical encouragement in There’s a Reason They Call It GRANDparenting. Michele recognizes and writes about the goodness of a life of service from personal experience. Too, I appreciated her writing about the life-changing power of everyday gratitude and the grace that rushes in to prompt the “thank you” in all circumstances. Then, she chronicled her own Fight for Joy in 2025 when a long season of multiple losses and health challenges left her soul exhausted.
Now It’s Up to You!
It’s a pleasure and a privilege to do some preliminary research for you! You can see that I’ve thoroughly vetted both authors I’ve featured today. It’s always my goal to encourage you in becoming a more confident Christ-follower and student of God’s Word.
Now, the ball is in your court.
Whatever approach to devotional reading you decide to embrace, get on with it!
Holding You in the Light,
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Now on the Bible App!
Grief comes to everyone sooner or later, and whether it’s the death of a loved one or the loss of some cherished aspect of our life or identity, God’s Word is crucial for grieving well. Past hurts have a habit of snagging our hearts in unexpected moments, but God provides abundant grace to help the believer move through grief without getting stuck and without wasting the opportunity to walk more closely with the Lord who lightens our darkness.
As you know, I’m committed to the truth that women can become confident followers of God and students of his Word, and it’s my goal to help you along that path. At Living Our Days, I provide biblical content and resources to encourage biblical literacy and faithful living, and now I’m sharing devotional content on the YouVersion app. Visit my profile page to get free access to all the reading plans!
Disclosure: I am an Amazon Associate, which means that whenever you purchase a book I’ve shared here through the link I provide, I’ll receive a very small commission. It doesn’t cost you more, and I only share books here that I can wholeheartedly recommend.
Many thanks to CLC Publications and Yellow Poplar Press for providing copies of these books to facilitate my review, which is, of course, offered freely and with honesty.
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