Rise and Pray United | Blog

When Belief Feels Distant Yet God Is Near

Wed, 05 Nov 2025 02:22:37 GMT

Have you ever felt weighed down? Like you’ve just had enough after one more bit of not-so-good news? Maybe you still believe in God, but the light that once filled your heart feels dim.

Have you ever felt weighed down? Like you’ve just had enough after one more bit of not-so-good news? Maybe you still believe in God, but the light that once filled your heart feels dim. Life can sometimes be a bit much—responsibilities, disappointments, seemingly unanswered prayers — and hope starts to fade beneath the weight of it all.

You tell yourself, “I still believe,” but inside, something feels tired.

I’ve been there. And maybe you have too.

“The Lord is near to those who are discouraged; he saves those who have lost all hope.”

‭‭Psalm‬ ‭34‬:‭18‬ ‭GNT‬‬

Here’s the truth: God hears. When you draw near to Him, He draws near to you — and even the smallest reach matters. Peace really can be found in His Word.

According to research from the Center for Bible Engagement (CBE) in its “Power of 4 Effect” study (first published in 2009 and reaffirmed in later analyses), individuals who engage with the Bible four or more days per week show measurable differences in their lives compared to those who do not. The study found that such individuals experience 57% lower odds of feeling discouraged , 68% lower odds of engaging in destructive thoughts or behaviors , and a greater ability to forgive others and manage emotional challenges.
(Source: Center for Bible Engagement, “Power of 4 Effect,” 2009.)

“Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” — Matthew 11:28 (NIV)

But how? Maybe you don’t even know where to start. According to Focus on Family, they recommend [you and] your child start with the Gospels. The story of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection is the foundation of life in Christ.

Today, if you find yourself struggling to believe again, take one deep breath and remember this: the very act of turning your heart toward Him is an act of faith. You don’t have to have it all figured out. Just return. Return to His Word.

God Loves You — Especially YOU

Wed, 05 Nov 2025 02:16:45 GMT

Based on Hebrews 4:16 and 1 John 4:16

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Your Children Can Hear His Voice Too

Wed, 05 Nov 2025 02:14:29 GMT

Whether you’re new to faith or grew up with it, the truth remains — children flourish when they know they are deeply loved and never alone. That love begins with understanding the heart of God.

In the Bible, Samuel was just a child when he heard God’s voice in the night and answered:

“Speak, Lord, your servant is listening.” 1 Samuel 3:10 ‭https://bible.com/bible/1/1sa.3.10.KJV

Children can too hear the voice of God at a young age.

They pick it up from how we ourselves talk about our faith, how we pray with them at bedtime, the programs we watch with them (check out Superbook on YouTube), and how we just plain interact with them.

To help them “hear” Him:

Keep verses short and real.
Ask them simple questions about the verses and listen.
Let silence be part of reading and prayer. (Kids can draw or play while they listen.).

Faith practice: Many ministries like Moms in Prayer encourage Moms (and Dads!) to take at least one verse a week to pray over their child’s life.

Try Psalm 23:3 — “He restores my soul.”

Share it with your child before school this week or before bedtime.

Download this beneficial list for your family— 25 Bible Verses for Kids to memorize. Add them to your own list and start planting the Word in your children’s hearts. (As featured on the Focus on the Family website.)