“What we can’t see often carries us the furthest.”
Trusting the Unseen:
A Reflection on Faith and Resilience
A Rise & Inspire Devotional By Johnbritto Kurusumuthu, Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Rise & Inspire
“Just because you can’t see the air, doesn’t mean you stop breathing, and just because you can’t see God, doesn’t mean you stop believing.”
This simple truth hit me like a quiet thunderbolt one restless night. I was wrestling with questions—big ones—about purpose, pain, and the silence that sometimes follows prayer. In that moment, I realized faith isn’t about seeing; it’s about trusting what sustains us, even when it’s invisible.
Think about it: every breath you take is a leap of faith in the air you can’t see. It’s there, steady and life-giving, filling your lungs without fanfare. God’s presence is much the same—unseen, yet essential. Scripture echoes this in Hebrews 11:1: “Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen” (ESV). Like air, God doesn’t need to announce Himself to be real.
In 2025, our world bombards us with the visible—screens, stats, and stress. It’s easy to doubt what we can’t measure or touch. But consider the wind rustling the leaves or the love you feel for someone miles away—unseen, yet undeniable. Faith asks us to lean into that mystery.
Take Corrie ten Boom, who clung to God’s promises in a Nazi prison when hope seemed lost. Or think of a friend who prays through a storm, trusting beyond the clouds. Their stories remind us: that what we can’t see often carries us the furthest.
So, what’s your “unseen” today? A dream deferred? A silent prayer? Don’t stop breathing—or believing. God’s there, as constant as the air, ready to lift you over life’s walls.
Reflect and Share: What keeps your faith alive when you can’t see the way? Drop your thoughts below or tag #RiseAndInspire on social media. Let’s inspire each other to trust the unseen!
“God sees our struggles and intervenes with purpose.”
Divine Protection:
Praise be to Jesus Christ! ഈശോമിശിഹായ്ക്ക് സ്തുതിയായിരിക്കട്ടെ.
The Verse in Context
The book of Zechariah is filled with visions of hope and restoration for God’s people. In Zechariah 9:8, the Lord declares His unwavering commitment to protect His people.
“Then I will encamp at my house as a guard, so that no one shall march to and fro; no oppressor shall again overrun them, for now I have seen with my own eyes.” (Zechariah 9:8, ESV)
In Malayalam:
“ആരും കയറിയിറങ്ങി നടക്കാതിരിക്കാന് ഞാന് എന്റെ ഭവനത്തിനു ചുറ്റും പാളയമടിച്ചു കാവല് നില്ക്കും. ഒരു മര്ദകനും ഇനി അവരെ കീഴടക്കുകയില്ല. എന്റെ കണ്ണ് അവരുടെമേല് ഉണ്ട്.” (സഖറിയാ 9:8)
This powerful promise reassures us of God’s vigilance. He stations Himself as a divine guard, shielding His people from oppression and chaos. The phrase for now I have seen with my own eyes emphasizes His personal involvement. He is not distant but actively watching over us.
Meaning and Relevance Today
God’s Vigilance – The imagery of God encamping around His house reflects His constant presence. Just as a guard stays alert, God never sleeps (Psalm 121:4).
Protection from Oppression – The verse promises an end to exploitation. For Israel, this meant freedom from foreign invaders. For us, it speaks to liberation from spiritual, emotional, or societal burdens.
Divine Sight – My eyes are upon them is a reminder that God sees our struggles and intervenes with purpose.
In a world of uncertainty, Zechariah 9:8 invites us to trust in God’s protective care. Whether facing personal battles or global crises, His promise stands. He is our guard.
Lord, thank You for being our eternal protector. Help us rest in the truth that Your eyes are upon us, and Your camp surrounds us. Where oppression threatens, bring Your deliverance. May we walk today in the peace of Your presence. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
ഈശോമിശിഹായ്ക്ക് സ്തുതിയായിരിക്കട്ടെ. Praise be to Jesus Christ.
Let this be your wake-up call. God sees you, He guards you, and His promises are unshakable. Rise today in His strength.
Guided Meditation and Prayer on Zechariah 9:8
Begin by sitting quietly. Close your eyes. Take three deep breaths. As you exhale, release fear. As you inhale, invite God’s presence.
Focus on the Verse
“I will encamp at my house as a guard. My eyes are upon them.” (Zechariah 9:8)
Visualize – Imagine God as a protective firelight encircling your home, heart, and mind. Feel His vigilance like a warm blanket.
Reflect – Where do you need His guarding presence today? Relationships? Work? Inner peace?
Pray Silently – Lord, station Yourself here. Guard my doubts, fears, and vulnerabilities. Let Your eyes watch over what I entrust to You.
Breath Prayer
Inhale – You are my guard. Exhale – Your eyes are on me.
Repeat for two minutes.
Closing Prayer
Father, I rest in Your promise to encamp around me. No oppression, no chaos, no fear can overrun what You shield. Open my eyes to see Your protection today. Amen.
Incorporate This Practice
➖Use this meditation during morning quiet time or before sleep.
➖Write the verse on a sticky note as a reminder of God’s vigilance.
➖Pair with worship music like In Christ Alone to deepen reflection.
Devotional Entry: God’s Unshakable Guard
Scripture – I will encamp at my house as a guard. My eyes are upon them. (Zechariah 9:8)
Reflection
God’s promise in Zechariah 9:8 isn’t just ancient history. It’s a living truth. He doesn’t delegate His guarding duty. He Himself stations His presence around His people. Oppression may roar, but it cannot penetrate His divine perimeter.
Questions to Ponder
What marching to and fro (anxieties, conflicts, temptations) feels threatening in your life?
How might trusting God’s vigilance change your response to these struggles?
Where have you seen evidence of His protection in the past?
Prayer
Lord, I confess my tendency to rely on my own strength. Forgive me. Today, I choose to rest under Your guard. Station Your peace around my mind, Your truth around my heart, and Your angels around my path. Thank You for seeing me fully and lovingly. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Wake-Up Call from His Excellency, the Rt. Rev. Dr. Selvister Ponnumuthan
Beloved in Christ,
“Awake, O sleeper, rise from death, and Christ will shine on you.” (Ephesians 5:14)
This morning, let Zechariah 9:8 stir your spirit. God Himself encamps around you. The oppressor—whether doubt, sin, or despair—has no authority here. The Lord’s eyes are fixed on you, His beloved.
Today’s Charge
Walk Confidently – You are not unprotected. The Almighty goes before you.
Reject Fear – The marching chaos has no power. Christ is your guard.
Be a Light – As God shelters you, extend His peace to others.
Prayer Blessing
May the Lord’s camp surround your home, His gaze steady your soul, and His Word arm you with courage. Go forth, knowing യേശുവിന്റെ സാന്നിധ്യം നിങ്ങളോടൊപ്പമുണ്ടാകട്ടെ.(May the presence of Jesus be with you).
Why Do the Righteous Suffer? Lessons from Psalms 34:18-19
“The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord rescues him from them all.” (Psalms 34:18-19)
Are you feeling broken, overwhelmed, or crushed by life’s burdens? Take heart—Psalms 34:18-19 offers a message of hope and restoration. It reminds us that God is near to the brokenhearted and rescues those who feel crushed in spirit. While trials and struggles may seem overwhelming, they are not the end of your story. Instead, they are moments where God’s presence becomes most real, offering comfort, strength, and deliverance.
In this blog post, we’ll address some of the most pressing questions about suffering, faith, and God’s deliverance.Through a Q&A format, we’ll uncover the deeper meaning of this scripture and explore how God transforms brokenness into beauty, despair into hope, and trials into triumph.
Let’s reflect, ask, and discover encouragement for your journey.
Q&A on Psalms 34:18-19: Finding Hope in Brokenness
Q1: What does it mean that “the Lord is near to the brokenhearted”?
A: This verse assures us that God’s presence is especially close when we are hurting. Being “brokenhearted” often refers to times when life leaves us feeling shattered—whether due to loss, failure, or disappointment.
God’s nearness means He is not distant or indifferent to our struggles. Instead, He enters our pain with compassion, offering comfort and strength. Just as a loving parent rushes to comfort a crying child, God draws near to heal and uplift us in our brokenness.
Real-Life Reflection: Have you ever felt completely alone during a difficult time, only to sense a sudden peace or clarity after praying? That’s God’s nearness in action—working through His Spirit to bring you comfort.
Q2: What does “saves those who are crushed in spirit” mean?
A: A crushed spirit refers to a deep sense of hopelessness or despair—when emotional burdens feel too heavy to bear. This verse reveals that God not only sees our pain but actively rescues us from it.
God’s salvation isn’t always instant, but it is certain. He restores our hope, renews our strength, and leads us out of dark places step by step.
Example: Imagine a potter reshaping broken clay into something beautiful. Similarly, God takes our shattered lives and mends them, making us whole again.
Q3: If God is near, why do the righteous still face so many afflictions?
A: The verse acknowledges that “the afflictions of the righteous are many.” This highlights an important truth—faith does not exempt us from suffering.
In fact, trials are often part of a believer’s journey. They refine our character, deepen our faith, and prepare us for greater blessings. The Bible reminds us that Jesus Himself faced suffering, yet through it, He fulfilled God’s purpose.
Reflection Question: Could your current trial be preparing you for something greater? What lessons might God be teaching you through this season?
Q4: How does God deliver us from affliction?
A: God’s deliverance can take many forms:
Physical Rescue – Healing, provision, or breakthroughs.
Inner Strength – Peace, courage, and wisdom to endure the storm.
Spiritual Renewal – Drawing closer to God and experiencing His presence more deeply.
Sometimes deliverance comes quickly; other times, God allows the process to strengthen our dependence on Him. Either way, His promise stands—we will never face trials alone.
Personal Application: Think back to a time when God brought you through a difficult season. How did that experience shape your faith?
Q5: How can this verse give us hope in real life?
A: Psalms 34:18-19 offers three powerful reassurances:
God is close to you in your pain—He is always near.
He saves and restores those who feel crushed by life’s burdens.
Trials are temporary, but God’s deliverance is guaranteed.
This promise is a reminder that no matter how deep our pain, God’s love reaches deeper. He specializes in turning brokenness into beauty and despair into hope.
Challenge: Today, take time to pray and surrender your struggles to God. Trust Him to carry you through, step by step.
Guided Meditation: Resting in God’s Presence
➤Prepare Your Heart – Find a quiet space, close your eyes, and take a deep breath. Focus your mind on God’s presence.
➤Meditate on Scripture – Slowly repeat Psalms 34:18-19 aloud: “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
Let the words sink into your soul.
Imagine Jesus’ Comfort – Picture Jesus sitting beside you, gently placing His hand on yours. Hear Him whisper, “I am with you. I will never leave you.”
Breath Prayer:
Inhale: “Lord, You are near.”
Exhale: “I trust in Your deliverance.”
→Rest in His Presence – Sit quietly and allow God’s peace to fill your heart.
Thank You for the promise of Your nearness in times of trouble. I come before You with my brokenness and burdens, trusting that You see my pain and hear my cries.
Lord, save me from despair and renew my spirit. Heal my wounds, strengthen my faith, and remind me of Your unfailing love. May I find comfort in Your presence and courage to face each day, knowing that deliverance is assured in Your time.
I surrender my struggles to You, believing that You will lead me from sorrow to joy, from weakness to strength, and from despair to hope.
In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
Final Thoughts
Have you experienced God’s comfort and deliverance in your life? Share your story in the comments below and let’s encourage one another in faith!
Wake-Up Call: Joel 2:27 “You shall know that I am in the midst of Israel, and that I, the Lord, am your God, and there is no other. And my people shall never again be put to shame.”
This verse is more than words on a page—it is a declaration of love and reassurance from our Creator. Joel 2:27 promises God’s constant presence, protection, and provision. It calls us to step out of fear and into faith, to walk with confidence knowing that we are never alone.
No matter the storms that shake your life, God is there, steady and unshakable.
Today, let’s reflect on what it means to live in the light of His unfailing presence.
Understanding Joel 2:27: A Message of Hope
The prophet Joel wrote to a people who had lost everything—crops, homes, hope. Yet in the middle of their despair, God promised restoration. Joel 2:27 is a reminder that:
God is near: His presence is not distant or fleeting. He resides among us, guiding, protecting, and providing.
God is supreme: He is the one true God. In Him alone, we find hope, strength, and salvation.
God will not let us fall: Trusting in Him means living free of shame, free of fear. He will never abandon those who seek Him.
This verse isn’t for Israel only —it is for you. It’s a reminder that no matter what you’re going through, God walks with you, offering peace in the storm and hope in the darkness.
How to Live in God’s Presence Every Day
Faith is not something we believe—it’s something we live. Here’s how to harmonize your life with Joel 2:27 and experience God’s presence daily:
➤Start with Trust Life is unpredictable, but God is constant. Begin each day by surrendering your worries to Him. Say, “Lord, I trust You are with me in this moment and every moment.”
➤Replace Fear with Faith When fear creeps in, speak God’s truth over your life. Remind yourself: “God is with me; I will not be shaken.” Let faith anchor you.
➤Be a Reflection of His Love As God dwells with us, we are called to reflect His light. Share kindness, encouragement, and grace with others. In doing so, you embody His presence in the world.
A Moment of Reflection: Meditation and Prayer
Meditation Find a quiet space. Close your eyes. Take slow, deep breaths. Visualize God’s presence as a warm, golden light surrounding you, protecting you, and filling your heart with peace. As you breathe, repeat: “The Lord is my God, and there is no other.”
Let this truth sink into your soul.
Prayer Heavenly Father, You are the God who never leaves us, the One who sees us through every trial. Thank You for Your presence in our lives. Help us to trust You when fear rises, to feel Your peace when chaos surrounds us, and to live as witnesses of Your love. May we never feel shame, for we are Your chosen people, secure in Your promises. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
“Joel 2:27 is not just a promise—it is a reality. God’s presence is the anchor of our faith and the light in our darkest moments. Just as He restored Israel, He will restore you. Whatever you are facing today, remember that God’s love for you is steadfast. Arise with confidence, knowing that you are His beloved child. Shine with His glory and bring hope to those around you.”
Take Action: Let God’s Presence Transform You
✔️Journal Reflection: Reflect on a moment when you felt God’s presence in a profound way. How did it impact you? Write about it, and let those memories remind you of His faithfulness.
✔️Share Hope: Send this verse to someone who needs encouragement. A single act of kindness can light up someone’s path.
✔️Practice Gratitude: End your day by thanking God for His presence in your life. Gratitude opens your heart to see His hand in all things.
Final Thoughts: Walking in God’s Promise
Joel 2:27 is a declaration that changes everything. God’s presence is not an abstract idea—it is a daily reality. When we trust Him, fear fades. When we walk with Him, shame disappears.
You are never alone. You are deeply loved. And you are chosen to live a life of faith, hope, and purpose. As you step into today, carry these words with you:
“The Lord is my God, and there is no other.”
Let them guide your steps, strengthen your heart, and inspire your spirit.
Finding Strength in Stillness: How Recognizing God’s Presence Can Transform Your Day
Do you ever feel like your days are a whirlwind of activity, leaving you breathless and disoriented? Between work, errands, and the constant stream of information, it’s easy to lose sight of the bigger picture.
But what if there was a simple yet powerful practice that could bring peace and clarity amidst the chaos?
Psalm 46:10 offers a beautiful invitation: “Be still, and know that I am God! I am exalted among the nations, I am exalted in the earth.” These words are more than just a call to pause. They’re a reminder of the ever-present strength and guidance of God in our lives.
The Power of a Quiet Moment
Imagine starting your day not with a frantic scramble but with a moment of stillness. Taking a deep breath, closing your eyes, and acknowledging the divine presence within you can completely shift your perspective.
It’s a recognition that even during the most stressful times, there’s a higher power watching over you.
Theology for Everyday Life
The beauty of faith lies in its practical application. While theological concepts can seem abstract, they hold immense meaning in our daily experiences.
Consider how simply being still and acknowledging God’s presence can bring clarity during a challenging situation. It’s like taking a moment to refocus your compass amidst a storm.
When we pause and connect with our faith, we find renewed strength and a clearer vision to navigate life’s difficulties.
A Source of Inspiration
Every morning, I’m fortunate to receive an inspiring message from His Excellency, the Rt. Rev. Dr. Selvister Ponnumuthan, the Bishop of Punalur in Kerala, India. His reflections draw from verses like Psalm 46:10, reminding me of the importance of quiet reflection.
These daily moments have become a cornerstone of my day, grounding me and preparing me to face whatever comes my way with renewed faith.
Your Story Matters
Now, I invite you to reflect on your own life. How often do you carve out time for stillness and reflection on God’s presence? Has this practice impacted your daily experiences and challenges? Share your thoughts and stories in the comments below. Your experiences can be a source of inspiration for others seeking peace and clarity in their lives.
A Journey of Exploration
To delve deeper into spiritual insights and reflections, explore Rise&Inspire‘s platform at RiseNinspireHub. There, you’ll find a treasure trove of resources designed to uplift and inspire your faith journey. Don’t forget to explore my other blog postsfor further exploration of faith and personal growth.
Remember, stillness isn’t just about pausing. It’s about connecting with a higher power, finding inner strength, and experiencing peace amidst life’s storms.
Let’s embark on this journey together, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation for the transformative power of faith.
