Encouragement for Today

March 21, 2025 When "Delete" Leads to Peace LYNN COWELL Lee en español

“On my bed I remember you; I think of you through the watches of the night. Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings. I cling to you; your right hand upholds me.” Psalm 63:6-8 (NIV)

It felt like I couldn’t help myself. In my bed in the dark, I kept reading the text repeatedly — then laying my phone down, only to pick it up again minutes later. And each time, waves of pain flooded my heart. Did they really say that? How could they? Though I knew fresh hurt would surface every time, like a tongue rolling over a sore tooth, my eyes kept returning to the message.

Then I finally did it.

I deleted the text.

If I couldn’t stop reading it, I needed to get rid of it. I wanted to believe my interpretation of the text was not true. I wanted to believe this person knew my heart and intentions and therefore knew me. But looking to be understood by the wrong person was heart-wrenching. I needed to turn to the One who knows me fully: my heavenly Father.

In Psalm 63, it appears David wrote from a similar place of deep ache. This psalm was written in the desert of Judah, when those who should have supported David were chasing him to kill him. In desperation, David turned to the Lord:

“On my bed I remember you; I think of you through the watches of the night. Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings. I cling to you; your right hand upholds me” (Psalm 63:6-8).

For me, ruminating on the text message was creating anxiety in my heart. Like David, I needed to hang on to the hand holding me. So with intention, I moved into God’s peace, stepping away from the source of my turmoil and toward His help. God’s Word soothed the stinging of someone else’s words and began to remove the pain barricading peace from my heart.

Agonizing about a hurtful situation can block us from experiencing God’s help and peace. But clinging to our Father through His Word helps us remember: He is for us (Isaiah 41:10).

You, too, may find your mind wanting to recount hurts over and over, which stirs up anxiety in your soul. Maybe it’s time for a “delete.” Sometimes this is what we need to gain God’s peace and awareness of His presence.

You may need to remove yourself from a room so you can talk to your heavenly Father about hurtful words spoken to you and instead meditate on His Word. Or perhaps the Father will lead you to “delete” unnecessary anxiety by putting some healthy boundaries in place in a relationship or looking for a different job.

Whatever your “delete” may be, hold tightly to the One holding you along the way.

Heavenly Father, whether it’s the deepest part of the night or the brightest time of the day, empower me to cling to You to experience Your peace, strength and security. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

OUR FAVORITE THINGS

Just as there are things we may need to “delete” to experience God's peace, there are tools we can incorporate to help us. Empower a young woman in your life to know her heavenly Father’s presence, protection, provision, peace and healing in Lynn Cowell and Michelle Nietert’s newest book: Strong and Secure: 100 Devotions for Young Women. Help her grow strong in faith and secure in the love of the Father even in her uncertain world. Preorder today! Then fill out a brief form here and instantly receive your preorder bonuses: the first 15 devotions and 10 guided audio prayers for hope in your heavenly Father’s love.

ENGAGE

Many of us are navigating life’s ups and downs, and it can be easy to believe that God’s love depends on how well we’re doing or whether we’ve got it all together. But the truth is: God’s love for you is never based on your performance or circumstances. That’s why Lynn put together a new, free resource for you … Never Too Far: 5 Days of Trusting God’s Love for You, No Matter What. Through these devotions, you’ll learn how to trust in His love more fully and realize that you are never too far for His grace to reach you. It’s also a great resource for the young women in your life. Click here to download today!

FOR DEEPER STUDY

Isaiah 41:10, “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” (NIV).

What areas of your life are causing anxiety, sadness or fear? Ask your heavenly Father to reveal to you if there is something you need to “delete” (or add) to help you move toward His peace.

If you know a young woman who is struggling to experience the strength and security that comes from knowing God as a good and perfect heavenly Father, send her this devotion today. And share your thoughts with us in the comments!

© 2025 by Lynn Cowell. All rights reserved.