Archive of Christian Articles and Scripture-centered Reflections
Explore Christian articles and Scripture-centered reflections. Every article begins with something God has been teaching me and ends with an invitation to trust Him more deeply. Browse by topic or scroll through the archive to continue the journey.
Looking for something specific? Browse by topic
Rest | Trust | Hope | Peace | Prayer | Surrender | Waiting | Grace | Identity in Christ | God’s Faithfulness | God’s Presence
When Waiting on God is Really Fear
Sometimes what we call waiting on God is wisdom—but sometimes it’s fear. Learn how to discern the difference and take your next faithful step with courage.
Raising an Ebenezer: Remembering God’s Help
What does it mean to “raise an Ebenezer”? Looking at Samuel’s stone of remembrance reminds us that before we rush toward what’s next, it’s good to pause and remember the God who has faithfully brought us this far.
Hope and New Mercies: A Reflection on Lamentations 3
As a new year begins, this Mini Moment reflects on Lamentations 3 and the practice of calling truth to mind. Rooted in God’s unfailing faithfulness and mercies that are new every morning, it invites us to choose hope, wait quietly, and move forward resting, not striving.
The Only Hope That Matters
When life feels stormy and out of control, hope can seem far away. In this reflection on Matthew 14, Dawn Tolbert shares how Peter’s cry—“Lord, save me”—points us to the only lasting source of peace and rest: keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus.
Hope vs. Hustle: Where Rest Really Begins
Feeling overwhelmed by your to-do list? You’re not alone. In this post, Dawn Tolbert shares how a mid-year reset turned into a deeper invitation — not to do more, but to discover true hope beyond striving. Join the Rest, Not Striving journey and learn how to find peace that doesn’t depend on your performance.
The Power of Going Gray
One of the podcasts I frequent mentioned breaking the power that our digital devices hold over us by causing a visual interruption. The trick? Going gray … referring to turning off the color on my smart phone. Read on to learn why this works.
Trusting in the Trustworthy One
When carefully made plans give way to an unexpected cancer diagnosis, trust becomes more than a comforting idea. Dawn reflects on releasing control, relying on God’s character and finding lasting hope in Jesus, the Trustworthy One who remains faithful when life unfolds differently than we imagined.
Rest means trusting our Shield
When life feels like one obstacle after another, rest begins with remembering who protects us. Through a vivid dream and the promises of Scripture, Dawn reflects on prayer, refuge, and trusting God to be our help and shield even when the hard things do not disappear.
Meeting El Roi in the coffee shop
On the morning of her book launch, fear and second-guessing threatened to take over. Then an unexpected coffee-shop encounter reminded Dawn that God is El Roi, the God Who Sees—and that His faithfulness can be trusted with every uncertain outcome.
Out with the old, in with the new
The close of a year is the perfect time to remember God’s faithfulness. Through personal reflections, Scripture, and gratitude for the journey, Dawn invites readers to raise an Ebenezer, seek the Lord with all their hearts, and step into a new year with hope.
Offering My Loaves & Fishes
When we place our gifts in God’s hands, we don’t have to control the outcome. Reflecting on the miracle of the loaves and fishes, Dawn explores what it means to stop striving, surrender the results, and trust Jesus to accomplish what only He can do.
In Memoriam & Appreciation
Some teachers shape our careers, but the very best shape who we become. Reflecting on the life and influence of a beloved professor and mentor, Dawn celebrates the gift of learning, the pursuit of excellence, and the lasting legacy of investing in others.
Surrendering My Splashy Mess
What if one of the most ordinary parts of your day held a lesson about God’s invitation to rest? Using the simple routine of emptying a dehumidifier, Dawn reflects on pouring out our hearts to God, surrendering our striving, and finding refuge in the One who can carry every burden.
Resolving to Make This Our Best Year Yet
What if the answer to a better year isn’t better planning or stronger willpower? Through Scripture and honest reflection, Dawn encourages readers to exchange striving for rejoicing and find deep, abiding rest by fixing their hearts on what is eternal.
When you feel more harried & hurried than holly & jolly
When Christmas becomes more hurried than holy, it’s easy to lose sight of the greatest gift. Through Scripture and honest reflection, Dawn reminds us that lasting rest isn’t found in a perfect holiday but in the relationship Jesus came to restore.
Traditional Thanksgiving with a side of rest
Sometimes the biggest threat to our peace isn’t a crisis—it’s our own racing thoughts. Using a last-minute Thanksgiving grocery run, Dawn explores the first step in the journey to rest: realizing when fear takes over and resisting the enemy’s attempts to steal our peace.
What rhythm am I following?
Sometimes the most productive thing we can do is rest. Reflecting on a writers conference and an exhausted evening in a hotel room, Dawn explores the freedom of trusting God to weave together our efforts in His perfect timing rather than our own.
Reflecting on Rhythm
What if your creativity isn’t a luxury, but part of your calling? Reflecting on her own journey toward healthier rhythms, Dawn encourages readers to celebrate the unique gifts God has given them and offer those talents back to Him with joy.
Words on worry and wisdom
“It’s okay to worry—it means you care.” One tiny message on an Apple Watch became a reminder that even encouraging words should be measured against Scripture. Dawn reflects on choosing God’s truth over the world’s wisdom and finding peace instead of anxiety.
A funny thing happened on the way to my mammogram…
It’s easy to be patient when everything goes smoothly. But when delays disrupt our carefully planned schedules, our hearts are revealed. Dawn shares how a frustrating morning, a timely text, and Colossians 3 became a reminder to clothe herself with Christlike compassion.
Wearing red for a funeral?
Sometimes the simplest things—a favorite color, a family gathering, a shared memory—become lasting reminders of God’s gifts. Dawn honors the life of her beloved Aunt Libby and reflects on the quiet legacy of love that continues long after goodbye.
What is your life?
When heartbreaking news from Ukraine fills the headlines, Dawn looks beyond the conflict to the unwavering faith of believers who continue to trust God amid fear and uncertainty. Their testimony challenges us to pray, to hope, and to remember that Christ has already won the ultimate victory.
Can I Be Hur?
Not every calling places us in the spotlight. Through the often-overlooked story of Hur, Dawn reminds us that one of the greatest acts of faithfulness is simply holding up someone else as they follow God’s call.
I got “rhythm”
What if the life God desires for us isn’t marked by hurry, but by holy rhythm? Inspired by Jesus’ invitation to discover the “unforced rhythms of grace,” Dawn encourages readers to trade the world’s relentless pace for the rest found in walking closely with Christ.
A prayer for this new year
New planners and fresh goals promise a better year, but true peace isn’t found in perfect productivity. Dawn reflects on the Good Shepherd’s invitation to draw near, rest in His presence, and let His light shine through us in the year ahead.
A light has dawned
The Christmas story isn’t just about a baby in a manger—it’s the dawning of hope in a dark world. Through Isaiah’s powerful prophecy, Dawn invites readers to fix their eyes on Jesus, the Light who overcomes darkness forever.
Are you distracted?
Sometimes the enemy doesn’t need to defeat us—he only needs to distract us. Through Scripture and honest reflection, Dawn reminds readers to recognize the smoke and mirrors of spiritual distraction and keep their hearts fixed on Christ and His calling.
A Flip Flop Fail
A beach vacation, a muddy shortcut, and a patient husband become an unforgettable lesson about trusting God’s direction. With humor and honesty, Dawn reminds readers that God’s path is always better than the one that merely seems right to us.
World-class worrying doesn’t win
Even a getaway meant for rest can become exhausting when our minds race with “what ifs.” Through a humorous morning in a mountain cabin, Dawn reflects on the difference between relying on ourselves and finding the true peace that comes from trusting Jesus.
Go Ahead. Ask for the Shark.
An inflatable shark becomes an unexpected reminder that God often uses ordinary, even unusual, acts of obedience to encourage His people. Through a humorous story and a timely lesson, Dawn invites readers to trust God’s prompting and faithfully speak the words He places on their hearts.
Are you seeking permission?
That quiet voice of self-doubt tells us we’re not qualified, not gifted enough, or not ready. Drawing from her own struggle as a writer, Dawn reminds readers that God doesn’t simply give us permission to use our gifts—He invites us to faithfully steward them for His glory and the good of others.
How about that weather?
When storms dominate the headlines, it’s easy to forget the greatest storm in history. Drawing parallels between a devastating spring storm and Holy Week, Dawn invites readers to marvel at Christ’s sacrificial love and the hope secured through His death and resurrection.
I am crooked on the inside.
A chiropractor’s X-ray reveals more than a curved spine—it becomes a reminder of our deeper spiritual need. With honesty and hope, Dawn reflects on humanity’s crooked hearts and the transforming grace of Jesus, who alone can make us new.
Such a powerful little word!
One tiny word in Matthew 5:16 opens the door to a powerful truth. Dawn reflects on what it means to let Christ’s light shine through us and how fear, comparison, and discouragement can keep us from reflecting His light to the world.
Let’s Shine, Friends!
A website crash that seemed like a disaster became an unexpected reminder of God’s grace. Dawn reflects on how a “fatal error” became the perfect picture of the fresh start Jesus offers through His mercy, inviting readers to leave yesterday behind and begin again.
Calling Christmas Community Courage Creativity Discernment Ebenezer Encouragement Faith Fear Gifts God's Faithfulness God's Presence God's Protection Grace Grateful Hope Identity in Christ Legacy Light Mercy New Year Obedience Peace Perseverance Prayer Productivity Purpose R.E.S.T. Framework Remembering Rest Rhythm Seeking God Shine Spiritual Growth Spiritual Warfare Start Here Stillness Striving Surrender Trust Unexpected Circumstances Waiting Worry Writing Journey