“Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!”

Psalm 27:14

The words were still fresh in her mind, sharp and uninvited. The criticisms from others had cut deep, leaving Maddie feeling vulnerable and second-guessing her decisions.

Instead of letting herself spiral, she reached for her Bible. Without much thought, she flipped it open and landed on Psalm 27.

As she read, the verses seemed to leap off the page: wait for the Lord, be strong, and let your heart take courage. It felt as though God was wrapping her in a warm, steady embrace.

When she closed the Bible, something within her had shifted. The earlier comments were still present, but they had lost their sting. Maddie walked away from that time with God holding her head a little higher, confident that His truth mattered far more than anyone else’s opinion.

That encounter stayed with her because it was not just about feeling better—it was about being anchored in what is true. Life will bring its fair share of noise and hurt, but the peace of God remains unshakable and always near.

Her story makes me wonder how often we allow the voices of others to define us when God is offering something infinitely better. Perhaps this is your chance to pause, seek Him, and let His truth settle deeply in your heart.