When You’re Clinging to the Dust - Encouragement for Today - April 6, 2026

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April 6, 2026

When You’re Clinging to the Dust
VANEETHA RENDALL RISNER

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“My soul clings to the dust; Revive me according to Your word.” Psalm 119:25 (NASB)

I was overwhelmed — thrown into the most difficult and desperate time of my life. I had trouble concentrating without tears welling up, my mind drifting, every thought leaving me more unsettled. I couldn’t picture the future, and I kept fixating on the worst possible outcomes.

Maybe you can relate to those feelings. Your painful season may look different from mine, but the heartbreak is often the same.

Everything unraveled right after my husband unexpectedly left our family, leaving me bewildered. I thought he loved me. I thought his distance was because of work. But now, as I sat sobbing in my closet, everything was uncertain. I couldn’t string a coherent thought together. My kids were confused and angry. God felt distant, and I didn’t know how to connect with Him.

Talking to friends was helpful, but I felt defensive when questions came up. And most of the time, there was no one to talk to. Everyone’s lives were busy, especially when I felt discouraged.

When no one was available to process things with me, I’d reluctantly settle for talking to God. I’d wander over to the table where my Bible and journal waited for me. I rarely wanted to open it, but I knew that, like medicine, this would be good for me. Honestly, it felt more like flossing than feasting — it was something I needed to do even if I didn’t feel like it.

Sometimes I would read and reread the same passage, my mind drifting to my problems instead of the words in front of me. I’d been in Psalm 119 for days, and the words were all blurring together. I couldn’t relate to the psalmist’s continual praise of Scripture.

Then I read, “My soul clings to the dust; Revive me according to Your word” (Psalm 119:25).

This I could relate to. That’s how I felt. My soul was beaten down, and I needed revival. So I prayed that verse — really prayed it. God needed to renew me because I couldn’t muster up anything myself.

As I kept reading, I sensed a surprising lightness as the words of Scripture came to life. God was reviving me as I watched my outlook, my hope, and my peace begin to change. The words that days earlier felt flat suddenly became vibrant.

That transformation was over 15 years ago, and Scripture has continued to meet me. It began with my desperate need — leaning on God’s Word to change me and waiting expectantly for Him.

If you’re walking through something difficult right now, the last thing you might feel like doing is spending time with God in His Word. But, friend, that is the very thing that will renew your soul, transform your perspective, and give you lasting hope. God is waiting to meet you in His Word — will you join Him there today?

Lord, I know Scripture has power, but sometimes reading it feels like a chore. Give me a desire to read Your Word, and transform me through it. Revive me according to Your Word. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

OUR FAVORITE THINGS

If you are facing separation or divorce, or walking alongside a friend who is, This Was Never the Plan: Walking with God Through the Heartache of Divorce offers practical help as it points to Christ’s faithful presence every step of the way.

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For more resources from Vaneetha, you can visit her website.

Enter to WIN your very own copy of This Was Never the Plan by Vaneetha Rendall Risner. To celebrate this book, Vaneetha’s publisher will give away 5 copies! Enter to win by filling out the form here. {We’ll randomly select 5 winners and notify them via email by Monday, April 13, 2026.}

FOR DEEPER STUDY

Psalm 19:7-8, “The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple; the precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes …” (ESV).

When has Scripture revived you, lit up your eyes, or given you wisdom or joy? Share with us in the comments. If you can’t remember a time, ask God to do one or all those things today.

© 2026 by Vaneetha Rendall Risner. All rights reserved.

Proverbs 31 Ministries
P.O. Box 3189
Matthews, NC 28106
www.Proverbs31.org