If the pandemic has proved anything to be true, it's this: No matter what season of life you're in, you've faced loneliness. This is true whether you're single or married, a parent or an empty-nester, a loner or someone who's the life of the party.
 
 So, when those feelings of loneliness come knocking on our door, how do we wrestle with them in a healthy way?
 
 On this episode of the podcast, you'll hear a teaching from our friend Annie F. Downs and discover what she's learned from dealing with her own loneliness. She'll share five practical things to do when we are lonely, and — of course — she'll show us the fun we can find in the midst of it. 

Related Resources:

 -Annie's book, That Sounds Fun: The Joys of Being an Amateur, the Power of Falling in Love, and Why You Need a Hobby, is now available! Order your copy today.

- Want access to a bonus interview with Annie F. Downs? Become a Podcast Insider! It's free, and each month, you'll get exclusive journal prompts, insider updates, and more! Sign up here.

-Sign up for our Encouragement for Today devotions for daily, biblical encouragement to help your filter your everyday life through the Truth of God’s Word.

Click here to download the transcript for today's episode.

What does the book of Philippians have to do with our relationship issues today?
 
 This week on the podcast, we'll hear from Joel Muddamalle, our director of theology and research at Proverbs 31 Ministries. He'll pull back the curtain on who the Philippians were, the four major relational issues the church faced back then, and how our citizenship in heaven should define the way we relate to others. 

Related Resources:

- Download our free First 5 mobile app and spend the first moments of your day with God before the hustle of your to-do list begins. We also have study guides to help you dig a little deeper into God's Word.

- Did you know we have free downloadable resources you can find on our website? Check out our guide called “Now What?” A Guide to Process & Apply Biblical Messages to use as you unpack what you're learning on your own, or download "15 Prayers For Your Son or Daughter" from Lysa TerKeurst.

Click here to download the transcript for today's episode.

When life is uncertain and doubts are swirling around, we long for an answer or solution that brings peace and reassurance. As believers, we know we should look to God first, but our minds and hearts are easily swayed by looking to Google for answers instead.
 
 Today, First 5 writer and Bible teacher Katy McCown joins us on the podcast to share what she's learned: Where she looks will either lead her to peace or to greater uncertainty. With practical suggestions, this episode will help you look for the answers by fixing your eyes on Jesus.

Related Resources:

 -Discover how to find security in God’s plans and confidence in His control in Katy's Bible study, She Smiles Without Fear: Proverbs 31 for Every Woman. Order your copy today!

-In a world where noise is loud, we need a place to quietly learn God’s Word so we can apply and share the Truth. Download our free First 5 app and start the first five minutes of your day with biblically based teachings that help you understand Scripture on your own!

- Want to become a Podcast Insider? It's free, and each month you'll get insider updates on the podcast you can't get anywhere else. Sign up here for exclusive additional interviews, journal prompts, resources and more!

Click here to download the transcript for today's episode.

Entering a fresh, new year after the one we just finished has left us feeling isolated, restless and bored. We're carrying over routines and patterns we adjusted to in 2020 that we thought were only temporary. And in the midst of all that changed, we might've lost a bit of who we are. 
 
 Friend, if this describes how you're feeling, you're not alone! Can we share something hopeful with you? God can restore and revive your heart, even when your circumstances don't change.
 
 In this practical and helpful episode, Rebekah Lyons walks us through four rhythms to renew our minds: rest, restore, connect and create. These rhythms are meant to help us sustain emotional, relational and spiritual health and live in the abundance of life God has for us.

Related Resources:
- Connect with Rebekah at https://rebekahlyons.com.
- Make sure you grab a copy of Rebekah's book, Rhythms of Renewal: Trading Stress and Anxiety for a Life of Peace and Purpose, and the Rhythms for Life Planner and Journal: 90 Days to Peace and Purpose.
- Are you looking for a new study at the start of the new year? Check out what we're studying now in our free First 5 App or sign up for our next free Online Bible Study!

Click here to download the transcript for today's episode.

"Forgiveness is possible, but it won't always feel possible. It's a double-edged word, isn't it? It's hard to give. It's amazing to get. But when we receive freely from the Lord and refuse to give it, something heavy starts to form in our souls." - Lysa TerKeurst, Forgiving What You Can't Forget

This month on the Proverbs 31 Ministries Podcast, listen to Chapter One of Lysa TerKeurst's new book, Forgiving What You Can't Forget. 

Related Resources:   
 - Sign up to be a Podcast Insider! Our free, monthly Insider email includes a bonus video from our hosts, journal prompts to dig deeper, a sneak peek at what's coming up, and more!

- Your life is crazy, but your Bible study doesn't have to be. Online Bible Studies is a place where you can dive deep into books by your favorite Christian authors alongside a community of women from right where you are. Check out our latest Online Bible Study now!

- At Proverbs 31 Ministries, we offer professional and biblical training by industry experts for women who are called to write, speak and lead, through our She Speaks Conference and COMPEL Writers Training membership site. Click the links to learn more!

Click here to download the transcript for today's episode.

What's your role when your friend is going through a hard season? When she gets the cancer diagnosis, suffers a miscarriage or loses a family member? 
 
 On this episode of the podcast, Marissa Henley shares how her friends loved her well while she was battling cancer. She breaks down the different levels of friendship, helps you identify your role based on your level of friendship, and gives practical tips on how to practically — and appropriately — love your friend through suffering.

 Related Resources:

 - Get access to an exclusive conversation with Marissa and the Proverbs 31 Ministries Podcast co-hosts by becoming a Podcast Insider! It's free, and each month you'll get insider updates on the podcast you can't get anywhere else. Sign up here.
- If you have a friend or loved one walking through a cancer diagnosis, grab a copy of Marissa's book, Loving Your Friend Through Cancer.
- Maybe you're the one walking through a season of your world being turned upside down. In Lysa TerKeurst's book, It's Not Supposed to Be This Way, you'll find a safe space to wrestle through what you can't make sense of. 

Click here to download the transcript for today's episode.

Do you struggle to find a reason to worship these days? We get it ... this year has been tough. So how do we worship when there's so much to be worried about?
 
 Today on the show, our friend Lara Casey from Cultivate What Matters shows us how writing out Scripture is a pathway to praise. When we write the Word, we retain the Word. And being able to recall the Truths in God's Word and rejoice in who He is in the middle of any circumstance is what worship is all about. We hope this episode leaves you equipped and encouraged to cultivate a life of worship, starting with a simple habit.

Related Resources:

- Your life is crazy, but your Bible study doesn't have to be. Online Bible Studies is a place where you can dive deep into books by your favorite Christian authors alongside a community of women from right where you are. Check out our latest Online Bible Study now!
- We want to connect with our podcast listeners each month! Sign up to be a Podcast Insider, and each month you'll receive bonus content, journal prompts and more.
- Connect with Lara on her website at laracasey.com.

Click here to download the transcript for today's episode.

Complaining and contentment are both contagious. 
 
 And these days, it's easy to get caught up in complaining. But how do we choose contentment over complaining? On this episode of the podcast, Melissa Spoelstra walks us through the book of Numbers, where we see the Israelites wrestle with this same problem. She'll show us the secret to contentment in the Word of God, and how it renews our mind and transforms us from the inside out. 

Related Resources:

 More than ever, we need a place to quietly learn God’s Word so we can apply and share the Truth. Download our FREE First 5 app and start the first five minutes of your day with biblically based teachings that help you understand Scripture on your own!

Join Melissa Spoelstra for a week of intentional contentment with her FREE 7-Day Contentment Project.

If our podcast has made a difference in your life, would you consider leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts.

Click here to download the transcript for today's episode.

A note from Proverbs 31 Ministries: Some content in this episode is not appropriate for children, and may serve as a trigger due to circumstances in your past. Please use discretion before listening.
 
When the unimaginable happens ... the deep heartache, the parenting hardship, the bills that keep coming and your finances aren't enough ... where is Jesus?
 
On this episode of the podcast, Max Lucado gives us proof that Jesus never leaves us and is more present than ever in the stormiest seasons of our lives. As we look at the miracles of Christ as recorded in the Gospel of John, Max reminds us God is nearer than we know.

Related Resources:

At Proverbs 31 Ministries, we offer professional and biblical training by industry experts for women who are called to write, speak and lead, through our She Speaks Conference and COMPEL Writers Training membership site. Click the links to learn more!

Max Lucado's book, You Are Never Alone: Trust in the Miracle of God's Presence and Power, is available! Order your copy today and recognize that you are never without hope or strength because you are never, ever alone.

Click here to download the transcript for today's episode.