In January 2026, the Holy Spirit led me to read the Book of Psalms in the Bible during my personal devotion time. At the time, I did not know why God directed me to read this book. The psalms were not unfamiliar to me; I had studied the book before. As the days progressed, I realized God ordered my steps to meditate on the psalms again to strengthen my spirit for the spiritual warfare ahead. As I meditated daily on the words of each chapter, the Holy Spirit directed me to share my devotion “God Shots” on social media. The response was astonishing. So many people related to the scriptures and encouragement I shared.
Seeing the impact of my sharing on social media, I created this powerful devotional as an encouraging study of honest and raw emotions expressed by King David and other prominent biblical leaders. The psalms depict testimony of those who loves God, but are learning how to trust Him through real pain, fear, and uncertainty.
If you can relate, you are not alone.
God often used hardships to anoint people privately before He elevated them publicly. David’s life is one of the best examples of this. David was anointed to become king long before he received the crown. But before he received promotion from God, he had to go through spiritual refining. David had to first be the forgotten son left in the field to care for his father’s sheep while his brothers were considered worthy to fight in King Saul’s army. He had to be betrayed by those closest to him and hunted by people threatened by his calling. He had to be misunderstood in his suffering, and forced to fight many internal battles alone. Before he walked through the palace halls, David had to wander through the wilderness. Before he experienced his purpose, he had to experience pressure. Before he received clarity of God’s plan, he had to go through a season of confusion. And before his anointing could influence the masses he had to go through seasons of isolation. This refining process was tough, but it prepared David for a level of elevation he had never experienced as a shepherd boy. If God hadn’t prepared David to walk into his abundance, David would have fumbled his blessing like many of us do when we’re not prepared for the responsibilities that come with promotion.
If you are in a season that does not make sense, and you are tired of fighting battles no one understands, this devotional was created for you. It is not meant to replace God’s Word, but to be read alongside the Book of Psalms to help provide deeper spiritual insight, reflection, and personal application for your own life so you too can see what God is doing for and through you in your season of refining.
My prayer is that as you read, you are encouraged and reminded that God still sees you in the wilderness. He still hears you in the cave. He still strengthens you in hidden places. In seasons of rejection, betrayal, and waiting, He has not forgotten you. Your current season is not the end of your story; it’s your refining period. The same God who kept David through his dark season is still able to keep you through yours. May these devotions help you heal, reflect, endure, and grow deeper in your relationship with your heavenly Father. And may it remind you that the oil comes before the crown.
With the love of Jesus,
Christ Led Diva
Christ Led Diva 