Sukkot 2026 · Encounter

Encountering God During the Feast

And the Lord said to Moses, “Give the following instructions to the people of Israel. Begin celebrating the Festival of Shelters on the fifteenth day of the appointed month—five days after the Day of Atonement. This festival to the Lord will last for seven days. On the first day of the festival you must proclaim an official day for holy assembly, when you do no ordinary work. For seven days you must present special gifts to the Lord. The eighth day is another holy day on which you present your special gifts to the Lord. This will be a solemn occasion, and no ordinary work may be done that day.

(“These are the Lord’s appointed festivals. Celebrate them each year as official days for holy assembly by presenting special gifts to the Lord—burnt offerings, grain offerings, sacrifices, and liquid offerings—each on its proper day. These festivals must be observed in addition to the Lord’s regular Sabbath days, and the offerings are in addition to your personal gifts, the offerings you give to fulfill your vows, and the voluntary offerings you present to the Lord.)

“Remember that this seven-day festival to the Lord—the Festival of Shelters—begins on the fifteenth day of the appointed month, after you have harvested all the produce of the land. The first day and the eighth day of the festival will be days of complete rest. On the first day gather branches from magnificent trees—palm fronds, boughs from leafy trees, and willows that grow by the streams. Then celebrate with joy before the Lord your God for seven days. You must observe this festival to the Lord for seven days every year. This is a permanent law for you, and it must be observed in the appointed month from generation to generation. For seven days you must live outside in little shelters. All native-born Israelites must live in shelters. This will remind each new generation of Israelites that I made their ancestors live in shelters when I rescued them from the land of Egypt. I am the Lord your God.

So Moses announced to the Israelites the appointed festivals of the Lord.”

Leviticus 23:33-44

What is the Feast of Tabernacles?

The Feast of Tabernacles is the seventh and final biblical feast of the year where God’s people are called to come together for the fall harvest. It is celebrated during the fifteenth day of the Hebrew month of Tishri, which usually falls somewhere between September and October.

Important Information on the Feast of Tabernacles

• Another name for the Feast of Tabernacles is Sukkot.
• Sukkot lasts for seven days, during which we are to temporarily dwell in shelters or sukkahs. These temporary shelters are a reminder that God brought the Israelites out of Egypt.
• Scripture calls this a “permanent statute for you throughout your generations,” which means it should be celebrated forever!
• Throughout the festival, people gather to celebrate. Oftentimes, they share meals and focus on God’s provision for His people.

The First Day of the Feast

The First Day is considered a holy day when we do no ordinary work. This holy day starts at sundown and goes until sundown of the next day.

We are to gather as a community to celebrate the beginning of Sukkot. The gathering is considered a “sacred assembly,” holy and dedicated to God.

In Jewish tradition, a lulav and etrog are waved in all directions (front, back, right, left, up, and down) before the Lord. This is to represent that God is everywhere.

The lulav is a tall bundle made from three kinds of plants:

• Palm branch (that’s the tall, straight part)
• Willow branches (they have long, thin leaves)
• Myrtle branches (with small, bumpy leaves) The etrog is a yellow citrus fruit that looks like a bumpy lemon.

The Eighth Day

The eighth day is called Shemini Atzeret (“Eighth Day of Assembly”). In Jewish tradition, Simchat Torah (“Rejoicing in the Torah”) is also celebrated at this time—on the same day in Israel, and on the following day outside Israel. This holy day is a Sabbath that immediately follows the Feast of Tabernacles. It is a time for rest and reflection.

On the eighth day, the community gathers for a sacred ceremony. During this ceremony, the Torah Scroll will be rolled back to the beginning, as it marks the end of the Torah reading cycle.

Why Do We Celebrate Sukkot?

God’s commandment to celebrate Sukkot each year has several purposes. The first purpose is to remember. God wanted each new generation to remember how He brought the Israelites out of Egypt and cared for them as they lived in temporary shelters.

For forty years, the Israelites encountered God as He provided for their every need. God did not abandon them as they traveled to their future home. He was present with His people as they lived in temporary shelters, learned to trust Him and follow the path He set before them.

We are to dwell in temporary sukkahs, just like the Israelites did. As we step away from our busy lives and spend time in our sukkahs, we have an opportunity to remember God’s faithfulness. Just as God was present with the Israelites and provided for them throughout their journey, we can trust Him to be present with us and provide for us throughout our journey too.

The second purpose for keeping the Feast of Tabernacles can be found in the Scripture below:

This festival will be a happy time of celebrating with your sons and daughters, your male and female servants, and the Levites, foreigners, orphans, and widows from your towns. For seven days you must celebrate this festival to honor the Lord your God at the place he chooses, for it is he who blesses you with bountiful harvests and gives you success in all your work. This festival will be a time of great joy for all.

Deuteronomy 16:14-15

We celebrate Sukkot to experience joy! Sukkot is oftentimes called a festival of joy. When we celebrate Sukkot, we are rejoicing in God’s provision, His care for us, and honoring God for all the world to see.

What is a Sukkah?

A sukkah is a temporary shelter built during the Feast of Tabernacles. The sukkah is like a tent or fort that people will spend time in during the Feast. Traditionally, a sukkah has at least three walls and a covered roof that consists of branches and leaves. A sukkah can be built in many different ways. Some people build a more traditional sukkah on the side of their house, while others use tents and easy-ups. Oftentimes, people gather at a shared location to celebrate the festival as a community.

Even though sukkahs vary in construction, people recognize the importance of dwelling, or spending time, in the sukkah throughout the celebration. Dwelling in the sukkah can mean spending quiet time, reading Scripture, eating, or even sleeping in it at night. We set aside this time so that we can fellowship with God and remember how He provides for us.

How to Celebrate

• Build a sukkah in your backyard, campground, or wherever you are celebrating.
• Decorate your sukkah with fruit, lights, and other festive decorations.
• Spend time in your sukkah throughout the celebration by eating, reading the Word, worshiping God, and even sleeping in your sukkah.
• Reflect on the ways God has provided for you and your family.
• Rejoice in the Lord and be thankful.

Encountering God During the Feast

Celebrating the Feast of Tabernacles gives us an opportunity to reconnect with God. It is a time when we can intentionally seek Him and spend time with Him. By rejoicing in this feast and setting aside time to dwell in our temporary shelters, we make room to encounter God. By changing our routines and purposely focusing on Him, we can walk away refreshed, filled with joy, and forever changed.

Sukkot will be what you make it. It is very easy to celebrate this feast without thinking about why we are actually celebrating, or to become distracted with the daily needs pulling on us. I want to challenge you and your family to be purposeful in your celebration. Be intentional about making room for God and being present with Him during this feast.

Parents, teach your children ways to encounter God. You are giving them tools they can use throughout their lives. As a family, read the devotional together, answer the Family Discussion questions, and complete the Encounter Together activities. You may choose to do only one or two from each section, and that’s okay. The point isn’t to complete everything. The point is to intentionally come together as a family and encounter God.

Family Discussions

1. How is your family celebrating Sukkot? 2. What does your temporary dwelling look like? 3. How is celebrating the Feast of Tabernacles different

from your everyday life? 4. Why did God tell the Israelites to live in temporary

shelters during Sukkot? What did God want them to remember? 5. What is one way your family can intentionally make

room to encounter God during this feast?

Encounter Together

1. Decorate your sukkah! 2. Visit other people in their temporary dwellings. See how

many different ways people are preparing to celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles. (Take a picture of your favorite sukkah!) 3. Share a snack or meal with a friend or another family.

(Take a picture or record a video!) 4. Eat meals outside and notice God’s beauty all around

you. 5. While eating your meal, take time to have a family dis-

cussion and get excited about the week ahead.

• What is something you are excited or nervous about for this week?
• What are your favorite Sukkot memories? If you haven’t celebrated Sukkot before, what made you decide to celebrate it this year?

Worship Songs

• The Blessing — Elevation Worship feat. Kari Jobe & Cody Carnes
• Joy of the Lord — Planetshakers
• Teach Them (Deuteronomy 6:4–7) — Seeds Family Worship
• Joy of the Lord — Maverick City Music

From Encounter: Family Devotional for the Feast of Tabernacles © 2026 Katie Price. Scripture quotations are from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers.

Today We Encounter God as Creator

Before the world was created, God existed. God has always been and will always be. Scripture says this about God’s existence:

Before the mountains were born, before you gave birth to the earth and the world, from beginning to end, you are God.

Psalm 90:2

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was formless and empty, and darkness covered the deep waters. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the surface of the waters.

Genesis 1:1–2

Christ is the visible image of the invisible God. He existed before anything was created and is supreme over all creation, for through him God created everything in the heavenly realms and on earth. He made the things we can see and the things we can’t see—such as thrones, kingdoms, rulers, and authorities in the unseen world. Everything was created through him and for him. He existed before anything else, and he holds all creation together.

Colossians 1:15–17

God Created Everything

Because God has always existed, He alone has the power to bring something out of nothing. Creation exists because God made it, and everything was created for the purpose of His glory.

God used His supernatural power to create our world. Everything, seen and unseen, came into existence through His spoken word. During the six days of creation, God spoke, and everything came into existence by His command. On the seventh day, God rested, setting apart Sabbath as holy.

• Day 1: Light
• Day 2: Sky
• Day 3: Dry land, seas, and plants
• Day 4: Sun, moon, and stars
• Day 5: Sea creatures and birds
• Day 6: Land animals and mankind
• Day 7: Rest

Creation Reveals the Creator

From the beginning of time, people have known God as Creator. When we look at creation, we see examples of our holy God’s character.

The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display his craftsmanship. Day after day they continue to speak; night after night they make him known. They speak without a sound or word; their voice is never heard. Yet their message has gone throughout the earth, and their words to all the world.

Psalm 19:1–4 For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God. Romans 1:20

Have you never heard? Have you never understood? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of all the earth. He never grows weak or weary. No one can measure the depths of his understanding.

Isaiah 40:28

As we observe creation, we begin to understand more about the One who made it. Although creation cannot tell us everything about God, it clearly reveals many of His invisible qualities or attributes.

• Eternal: He has no beginning and no end. God exists outside of time.
• Omnipotent: God is all-powerful and can do anything.
• Omniscient: God knows the past, present, and future.
• Holy: God is completely set apart from everything. Nothing is like Him, no one compares to Him, and nothing compares to His power.
• Majestic: God is glorious, magnificent, and worthy of awe and worship.
• Supreme: God is the highest authority. He reigns over everything. When I take time to notice God’s creation—a sunset, the sky, the ocean, a waterfall, or birds singing—I am often overcome with indescribable peace. I am reminded that I have a Creator who is eternal, powerful, wise, holy, and worthy of my trust. While you are celebrating Sukkot this week, take time to connect with nature. Pause and notice how creation declares the glory of our mighty God! The God who spoke the universe into existence is the same God who walks with us today. When we pause to admire His creation, we are reminded that the Creator still cares for everything He has made, including us.

Family Discussion

1. Where in nature do you see evidence of God? 2. How does it make you feel to spend time in nature? 3. What characteristics of God do you see when you look

at His creation?

Encounter Together

• Read the story of creation found in Genesis chapters 1–2.
• As a family, take time to slow down and notice the fingerprints of the Creator. Ask God to help you encounter Him through His creation today. Children often notice things adults miss, so share your observations and discuss what you observed.
• Set aside quiet time to spend time with the Lord. Before you start your quiet time, ask the Father to help you encounter His presence, be sensitive to the Holy Spirit, and hear His voice.
• Spend some quiet time out in nature.
• Listen to worship music.
• Journal, writing down your thoughts as they come to you during your quiet time.
• Read your Bible.
• Share and discuss anything God revealed to you during quiet time. Parents, use this time to help guide your children in their experience.

Worship Songs About Creation

• Creator — Phil Wickham
• Indescribable — Chris Tomlin
• God Is Creator (Genesis 1:1–3) — Seeds Family Worship
• So Will I (100 Billion X) — Anthem Lights
• A Thousand Hallelujahs — Brooke Ligertwood

From Encounter: Family Devotional for the Feast of Tabernacles © 2026 Katie Price. Scripture quotations are from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers.

Today We Encounter God as Our Father

God is Our Heavenly Father

Yesterday we learned that God has always existed and He is our Creator. Today, we are going to explore how we encounter God as our Father. Let’s begin by looking at Scriptures that describe God as our Heavenly Father.

For since the world began, no ear has heard and no eye has seen a God like you...And yet, O Lord, you are our Father. We are the clay, and you are the potter. We all are formed by your hand.

Isaiah 64:4, 8

When I think of all this, I fall to my knees and pray to the Father, the Creator of everything in heaven and on earth.

Ephesians 3:14–15

You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother’s womb. Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it.

Psalm 139:13–14

As the Creator of all things, He is our heavenly Father! But what exactly is a father?

A father is someone who loves, provides for, protects, and teaches his children, helping them grow into independent, responsible adults.

God is the Perfect Father

Let’s look at some Scripture that shows us what God is like as our Father.

The Lord is like a father to his children, tender and compassionate to those who fear him... But the love of the Lord remains forever with those who fear him. His salvation extends to the children’s children of those who are faithful to his covenant, of those who obey his commandments!

Psalm 103:13; 17–18

“You parents—if your children ask for a loaf of bread, do you give them a stone instead? Or if they ask for a fish, do you give them a snake? Of course not! So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask him

Matthew 7:9–11

Sing praises to God and to his name! Sing loud praises to him who rides the clouds. His name is the Lord— rejoice in his presence! Father to the fatherless, defender of widows— this is God, whose dwelling is holy.

Psalm 68:4–5

I will be his father, and he will be my son. If he sins, I will correct and discipline him with the rod, like any father would do. But my favor will not be taken from him as I took it from Saul, whom I removed from your sight. Your house and your kingdom will continue before me for all time, and your throne will be secure forever.’”

2 Samuel 7:14–16

Scripture shows us that God has revealed Himself as the perfect Father. He is the One who loves, cares for, teaches, and remains faithful to His children. Who He is will never change. We can trust Him to take care of us.

A Father to the Fatherless

Read Genesis 21:8–21

In this biblical story, we see that Hagar and Ishmael are sent away from their family. Hagar and Ishmael were all alone, abandoned by their family. Ishmael’s earthly father was no longer there to protect or provide for him. Eventually, they ran out of food and water. Hagar believed her son was going to die! She placed him under a bush, walked away, and wept. God not only heard her cry, but called out to Hagar from heaven, rescuing them and faithfully providing for their needs.

Children have earthly fathers; however, not every child grows up with a father, and some children have fathers who are not loving or kind. From our own experiences, we can determine what makes a father a good one.

As a child, I grew up with a father who was in my life for a short period of time. My father would get angry and yell at my sisters and me. He would even call us names, and in general, he was not very kind. Eventually, my parents split up, and I grew up without a father in my home. From those experiences, I learned what a bad father looked like, and I knew that a good father would be the opposite of what I experienced.

Oftentimes when children are missing a father figure in their lives, other people will fill that role. For me, I had several uncles who have always shown up for me when life was hard. Other children may have a step-parent or adoptive parent to fill that role in their life. Other times, God allows other adults to be a father to the fatherless.

Even though my earthly father was not a good father, God never abandoned me. He sent help through other people, and by doing that, He showed me what a loving father looked like.

Regardless of whether your earthly father was wonderful, absent, or hurtful, every earthly father is imperfect. God is a good Father to His children. He is a Father you can trust. His love is perfect and never fails.

Over the next few days, we will see how He teaches, provides for, protects, comforts, and walks with us through life.

Our Father in Heaven

After spending the day teaching His disciples, Jesus taught them how to pray. Instead of beginning the prayer with “Our King” or “Our Creator,” Jesus simply said, “Our Father.” By doing this, Jesus was teaching His disciples that this prayer is personal and God is approachable as our Father.

“‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.

Matthew 6:9-13 (NIV)

This prayer sums up everything we have talked about today. We have a perfect heavenly Father who is present in our lives.

• Our heavenly Father is approachable. He is our Father. (verse 9)
• God is holy, indescribable, and unlike any other. He deserves all our praise. (verse 9)
• He provides for us. (verse 11)
• He forgives us. (verse 12)
• He teaches and guides us. (verse 13)
• He protects us! (verse 13)

Family Discussion

1. Describe what makes a good father. 2. Parents, share about your experiences with your father

when you were a child and how those experiences shaped your opinion of what makes a good father. 3. How is God different even from the best earthly father?

Encounter Together

• Memorize the Lord’s Prayer and say it each day as a family.
• Before you start your quiet time, ask the Father to help you encounter His presence, be sensitive to the Holy Spirit, and hear His voice.
• Allow your quiet time to focus on the Lord’s Prayer.
• Think about how God is your perfect Father.
• Pray about any needs you or others have.
• Think about ways in which He has provided for you.
• Is there anything you need to ask forgiveness for?
• Thank Him for the forgiveness you have received.
• Pray and ask Him to guide you in your life. Commit your plans to the Lord.
• Pray for His protection over your family and friends.
• Thank Him for His protection.
• Share and discuss any revelations you had during quiet time. Parents, use this time to help guide your children in their experience.

Worship Songs

• Good Good Father — Chris Tomlin
• Lean Back — Capital City Music
• Our Father — Hillsong Worship
• Our Father, Who Art in Heaven — Mountain Top Worship
• Run to the Father — Cody Carnes
• Fearfully and Wonderfully Made (Psalm 139:13–14) — Seeds Family Worship

From Encounter: Family Devotional for the Feast of Tabernacles © 2026 Katie Price. Scripture quotations are from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers.

Today We Encounter God as Our Teacher

God Teaches His Children

A loving father does not leave his children alone to figure out life. With love, he teaches right from wrong and looks out for what is best for his children. Our Heavenly Father has been doing the same since creation, faithfully teaching His children how to live.

So let’s begin by looking at an instruction God gave His people several times: “Be holy, for I am holy.” We find this instruction in Leviticus 11:44–45, 19:2, 20:7, 20:26, and 1 Peter 1:15–16.

In order to understand this Scripture, we must know what the word holy means. Holy, or Kodesh, in Hebrew, means to be set apart or consecrated for a specific purpose. God wants His people to be set apart, to look and act different from the rest of the world. So how do we do that?

We do that by reading, studying, and obeying His instructions. God teaches us through Scripture how we are to be different. The Bible is full of God’s instructions showing His children how to live, worship, act, and be holy.

To see how God has taught His children from the very beginning, let’s go back to the story of creation.

God Teaches From the Beginning

After God created mankind, He gave Adam instructions about what he could eat and what he should not eat. God knew that eating from the tree of knowledge of good and evil would bring harm to them. He gave these instructions because He loved His children and only wanted what was best for them.

The Lord God placed the man in the Garden of Eden to tend and watch over it. But the Lord God warned him, “You may freely eat the fruit of every tree in the garden—except the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. If you eat its fruit, you are sure to die.”

Genesis 2:15–17

Unfortunately, Adam and Eve did not listen. Instead, they were tricked into doubting God and ate the forbidden fruit, which brought sin and death into the world. This was truly a sad day for all of creation.

God’s instructions on how to live did not stop in the garden. Look at some of the ways God instructed His children in the Old Testament.

• God taught Noah how to build an ark to protect his family from the flood.
• God gave the Then Commandments to the children of Israel.
• God taught the Israelites how to build the Tabernacle.
• God taught the Israelites what acceptable offerings were and how to keep the Feast Days. Can you add anything to this list? Through the Law, the feasts, worship, and everyday life, God continued to faithfully teach His children how to live holy lives. We obey Him because we love and trust our Heavenly Father’s wisdom and guidance for our lives.

“And now, Israel, what does the Lord your God require of you? He requires only that you fear the Lord your God, and live in a way that pleases him, and love him and serve him with all your heart and soul. And you must always obey the Lord’s commands and decrees that I am giving you today for your own good.”

Deuteronomy 10:12–13

The Lord says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.”

Psalm 32:8

All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.

2 Timothy 3:16–17

God faithfully continued to guide His children in how to live a holy life. Even when they sinned and broke His commandments, He patiently continued to teach and guide them.

He used the Law, His prophets, His leaders, animals, ordinary people, and even angels to teach His children.

Unexpected Teacher

Unfortunately, some religious leaders misused their positions and made following God’s instructions burdensome. Instead of helping people understand God’s heart, some focused on rules and traditions in ways that made it harder for people to see the truth. Their teachings could lead people away from God’s instructions rather than closer to Him.

With false teachers in power and people continuing to sin, the world became very dark, and people began to feel hopeless. So God did something unexpected and remarkable! He sent a new Teacher, someone who would bring light into the darkness, speak only truth, and set sinners free.

Do you know who that Teacher was? God sent His one and only Son, Jesus, into the world to reveal His Father’s heart, teach His children the truth, and set sinners free from sin and death.

Read John 1

Notice these verses:

In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God. He existed in the beginning with God. God created everything through him, and nothing was created except through him. The Word gave life to everything that was created, and his life brought light to everyone. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it.

John 1:1-5

So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, and the glory of the Father’s one and only Son.

John 1:14

From his abundance we have all received one gracious blessing after another. For the law was given through Moses, but God’s unfailing love and faithfulness came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God. But the unique One, who is himself God, is near to the Father’s heart. He has revealed God to us.

John 1:16-18

Jesus chose to come down from heaven, become human flesh, and teach people about God’s heart. He taught with compassion through parables, miracles, and His teachings. Jesus confronted the false teachers who made following God’s Laws impossible. He explained difficult teachings and helped people understand God’s truth. He continually taught that following God isn’t about a bunch of checklists, but about our hearts. We follow God because we love Him, and we show that love by loving others.

“Teacher, which is the most important commandment in the law of Moses?” Jesus replied, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments.”

Matthew 22:36–40

Jesus’ teachings were so powerful that wherever He went, crowds surrounded Him. So let’s read one of Jesus’ most famous teachings, the Sermon on the Mount.

Read Matthew 5–7

Sermon on Mount Highlights

• Jesus taught about those who are blessed:
• Those who suffer
• The poor
• People who mourn
• Those who hunger and thirst for righteousness
• The merciful
• The pure in heart
• The peacemakers
• Those who are persecuted
• Those who are hated for God’s sake
• We are to be ambassadors for God by being the salt of the earth and a light to the world.
• Jesus did not come to abolish the Law.
• Jesus came to fulfill it!
• He taught that obedience involves our hearts and attitudes, not just our actions.
• We live righteous lives for the glory of God, not the glory of man.
• We are to put our trust in God and know that He will take care of our needs.
• We can recognize people by the fruit they produce.
• Following God’s teachings is like building a house on a solid foundation. Everything Jesus taught was powerful. By the time He finished speaking, the crowd was amazed. In fact, people are still affected by Jesus’ teachings today.

When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, for he taught with real authority— quite unlike their teachers of religious law.

Matthew 7:28–29

Continued Guidance Through the Holy Spirit

Unfortunately, not everyone liked what Jesus did. Jesus knew that as He confronted the false teachers among the religious leaders their anger toward Him would grow and eventually lead to His crucifixion. Jesus prepared His followers for His death by urging them to continue to follow His teachings and by promising to send a helper, the Holy Spirit—Ruach HaKodesh.

“If you love me, obey my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you. He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth. The world cannot receive him, because it isn’t looking for him and doesn’t recognize him. But you know him, because he lives with you now and later will be in you. No, I will not abandon you as orphans—I will come to you. Soon the world will no longer see me, but you will see me. Since I live, you also will live. When I am raised to life again, you will know that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you. Those who accept my commandments and obey them are the ones who love me. And because they love me, my Father will love them. And I will love them and reveal myself to each of them.”

John 14:15–21

Jesus wasn’t abandoning His disciples. He was giving them the Holy Spirit, who will remind them of Jesus’ teachings and will continue to guide them towards holy living.

Jesus replied, “All who love me will do what I say. My Father will love them, and we will come and make our home with each of them. Anyone who doesn’t love me will not obey me. And remember, my words are not my own. What I am telling you is from the Father who sent me. I am telling you these things now while I am still with you. But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative—that is, the Holy Spirit—he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you.

John 14:23–26

God’s teachings did not stop with Jesus! The Holy Spirit is still teaching Jesus’ followers. He is still teaching us today. I am so glad that God knew we would need a Helper to teach and guide us! So whenever you open your Bible, pray and ask the Holy Spirit to teach you as you read.

Family Discussion

1. Discuss God’s laws and why we follow them. 2. Share about a time when you were reading God’s Word

and felt that God was speaking to you. 3. What are some ways the Holy Spirit teaches and guides

us?

Encounter Together

• Spend a few minutes in prayer as a family asking God to be your Teacher. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you to hear His voice, understand His Word, and obey what He teaches you.
• Take some time today to dig into the Scriptures and meditate on God’s Word. When you read, pray and ask the Holy Spirit to teach you.
• Deuteronomy 6:1–9
• Psalm 119:9–16
• Proverbs 22:6
• Matthew 5–7
• Hebrews 4:12
• 2 Timothy 3

Worship Songs

• Word of God Speak — MercyMe
• The Word of God (Hebrews 4:12) — Seeds Family Worship
• Teach Them (Deuteronomy 6:4–7) — Seeds Family Worship
• Spirit Move — Kalley Heiligenthal (Bethel Music)

From Encounter: Family Devotional for the Feast of Tabernacles © 2026 Katie Price. Scripture quotations are from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers.

Today We Encounter God as Our Provider

Yesterday we learned that God is our Teacher. He teaches us how to live, how to follow His instructions, and how to trust Him. As we grow in our relationships with God, we also learn that we can depend on Him to provide for our needs.

As we go through life, situations creep up where we have desperate needs. We get into situations where we have no way of solving our problems. That is when we cry out for help. It is in those desperate times that we see God’s provision. The need for help is not just limited to us. We find this pattern happening all throughout Scripture.

Can you think of any Bible stories where people have cried out

for help and God answered? Discuss these stories and what

kind of help God provided when His people cried out.

There are so many times when God provided for His children. Abraham, Hannah, Elijah, Joshua, the disciples—the list goes on and on. The point is, God is faithful to meet His children’s needs regardless of the type of need they had. He provided physical, emotional, and spiritual care for His children because of who God is: faithful, true, loving, and caring. As God provided for His children, their faith and trust in Him increased.

Take some time to look over the chart below. Discuss God’s provision in each of these areas. Feel free to add other examples to this chart.

How Does God Provide?

Our Heavenly Father is able to provide for His children in all kinds of ways! He may choose to meet our needs however He wants to. God can provide through miracles, other people or even animals, wisdom or revelations, speaking Scripture, and even through difficult times. Sometimes His answer may also be no. As we continue to learn and grow in our relationship with God, we need to see how He faithfully provides for us, so our trust in Him gets bigger and bigger. You see, God says His ways are not our ways, and His thoughts are not our thoughts. Because He is all-knowing and all-powerful, God will meet our needs according to what is best for us and sometimes even what is best for the whole world.

“My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the Lord. “And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine

Isaiah 55:8

When we begin to understand and trust that God will meet all of our needs, we will learn to worry less and trust Him more. Unfortunately, this can be a hard lesson and it is often uncomfortable. That’s why when we are worried, stressed, or are in need we are to go to God in prayer. We are to pray about everything, thank Him for taking care of us, and then trust God to provide for our needs.

Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:6–7

Physical Provision

God provides for our immediate physical needs. Physical needs include things like healing, food, water, clothes, and shelter. When we are hungry, thirsty, tired, or need somewhere to stay, it can be overwhelming. Look at what Scripture says about what God does for us when we have physical needs.

“That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life— whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing?

Matthew 6:25

“So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.”

Matthew 6:31–34

Look at the ravens. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for God feeds them. And you are far more valuable to him than any birds!

Luke 12:24

I am sure that if you talk to other believers, they can tell you how God provided for their families. I want to share with you the first time God helped my family. When I was around the age of twelve, my family found out we had to move out of our home and we did not know where we were going to live. One night before I went to bed, I was overcome with worry and fear. So, I sat by my window and looked up at the stars in the night sky. I offered up a little prayer, asking God to help my family. A few days later, my mom found a new house for my family. To this day, I remember feeling that God saw me. Not only did He see me and my worries, but He also answered my prayers. Since that day, God has provided for my physical needs countless times.

More recently, my daughter, Kallie, needed to have her wisdom teeth looked at, as she was starting to have some pain in her mouth. So while I was working on this devotional, Kallie asked me to call the oral surgeon to make her appointment, but the first available appointment was three months away! Disappointed at the three-month wait, Kallie asked if there was anything I could do to make the appointment sooner. So I told her, “Just pray about it. God will take care of you. He can get us in sooner.” She said, “I know,” and then walked away.

About five minutes later, I received a phone call from a friend who works in the office asking if I wanted an earlier appointment! Not only did God take care of Kallie’s need, but He used my friend to help answer our prayers. It makes me excited to share that on the very day I am writing about God’s provision, He provided for my family. I love that I can trust Him!

Emotional Provision

Sometimes our needs are not physical but emotional. We can be overcome with worry, fear, self-doubt, deep longing, or even loneliness. When our emotions are causing us problems, it is hard to have peace or maintain strong faith. God knows that we need encouragement. Look at what Scripture says about how God cares for us emotionally.

Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.

Isaiah 41:10

The Lord hears his people when they call to him for help. He rescues them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed. The righteous person faces many troubles, but the Lord comes to the rescue each time. For the Lord protects the bones of the righteous; not one of them is broken!

Psalm 34:17–20

Sometimes life is just not easy. We can be sad or even struggle with self-doubt. As I am writing this devotional, I have been battling thoughts about being inadequate and not smart enough or even qualified to write this devotional. I reached out to a friend and told her how I was feeling. All she told me was to look up the word inadequate in English, Greek, and Hebrew. So I am going to share with you what I found.

English: Inadequate = insufficient, not enough.

Greek: hystereō = to fall short, lack; leipō = to lack; asthenēs

= weak.

Hebrew: chaser = to lack, be deficient.

When I looked at those definitions, I definitely agreed. That is how I am feeling. But then I looked at what Scripture says about these feelings:

We are confident of all this because of our great trust in God through Christ. It is not that we think we are qualified to do anything on our own. Our qualification comes from God.

2 Corinthians 3:4–5

And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:19

Even though I feel like I am not qualified, I know that my qualification comes from God. The Holy Spirit will guide me to teach, write, and be used however God wants to use me. I only need to trust. When I am filled with doubt or insecurities, I am supposed to pray and ask God to help me, and guess what? He always answers.

Sometimes we experience unimaginable grief or sadness. Throughout my life, I have had sad things happen. I have had a couple of miscarriages, and more recently, my most precious 18-year-old nephew died in a motorcycle accident. These losses have been the most difficult things my family has had to walk through. My family has been overcome with sorrow as we miss my goofy, beautiful nephew. Brayden was so special to my family and our church community. He and my daughters were more like brothers and sisters than cousins. Brayden’s parents and his siblings are all devastated. Truly, there are no words to describe the grief we have experienced from this loss.

In all of the sadness and heartache, God has never left my family alone. He has sent comfort to us through our friends, church family, and even strangers. Many people gave donations to cover Brayden’s funeral costs and, through their generosity, helped sustain his family when they were too sad to work. Friends showed up to cook, clean, do yard work, and anything else that was needed. Even on days when I am sad, God comforts me. He may use a song, friendships, or even a stranger, but He has sat with us in our grief. I know that through good days or bad, God will help me. He will comfort me, and He will not allow us to be swallowed up by sadness.

God blesses those who mourn, for they will be comforted.

Matthew 5:4

He heals the brokenhearted and bandages their wounds.

Psalm 147:3

Spiritual Provision

If God only took care of our physical needs and emotions, we would say that would be enough. But God didn’t stop there. He provides care for our spiritual life. What do you think that means?

I would say that God cares about our spirit, or the essence of who we are. God loves us so much that He wants to spend eternity with us. Because God is holy, He cannot tolerate sin, and our sin separates us from Him. We are sinful and unable to make ourselves right with God. God desired to have a relationship with us so much that He found a way for us to live with Him forever through Jesus. Jesus paid the price for the sins of the whole world and made a way for us to be saved.

For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 6:23

For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.

John 3:16

Not only does God provide eternal life for us, but He also has granted us forgiveness. He only asks that we repent, or turn away from sin and follow His ways.

He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west.

Psalm 103:12

But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.

1 John 1:9

God continues to provide for His children as He grants us peace in all situations. His peace is something only He can give.

“I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.”

John 14:27

His peace is such a gift for all believers. God didn’t stop with that, though. He also gave us the gift of the Holy Spirit. We already learned that the Holy Spirit guides us, reminds us of Scripture, and gives us wisdom. It’s through this gift that we are really able to turn away from our sinful ways and live a life of freedom.

Peter replied, “Each of you must repent of your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”

Acts 2:38

Personally, when I think about how God has provided for me spiritually, I think of how He has changed my life. Through my relationship with Him, reading the Scriptures, spending time in prayer, and allowing myself to be mentored by other believers, I have become new. Before I really knew God, I was quick to become angry, struggled to apologize for my wrongdoings, and wanted those who wronged me to be punished. Now, I try to respond to things that upset me with God’s guidance and the fruit of His Spirit. Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control are things I want others to see in my life.

If it wasn’t for my relationship with God, I would want the person that hit Brayden to spend his life in prison. But instead, I am overcome with grace for this man. I find myself praying that God will help him as he comes to terms with the accident. I hope and pray that God will not only grant my family and friends peace over Brayden’s death, but also grant the person responsible His peace.

Final Thoughts

So, to end today’s lesson, I want to say I understand trusting God can be hard. I don’t understand why Brayden died or why we have to struggle. But what I do know is that through it all, God is with us. He will never leave us or forsake us. He wants us to keep our eyes on Him and trust that even when things are hard, God has us.

And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you.

Philippians 4:8-9

We are to keep our eyes on Him. I am keeping my eyes on Jesus, thanking Him for His provision of salvation and eternal life. I keep my heart on the hope that one day, I will see Brayden again. We will all see our loved ones who believe in Jesus again. God has invited us to live with Him in eternity. We just need to trust in Jesus. Truly, there is no greater God that we can serve.

Jesus conquered death. Our hope is in Him as our Provider.

Family Discussion

1. As a family, discuss one of the Biblical stories about

God’s provision from the chart on page 36. Focus on how His provision helps us build our faith and trust in God. 2. Share a time in your own life when God provided for

each of these needs: physical, emotional, and spiritual. How have His provisions changed the way you trust Him? 3. Do you have a hard time believing that God cares about

all of your needs? If so, why or why not?

Encounter Together

• Think about the needs you have as a family and individually. Make a list that includes physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.
• Pray about the needs on your list. Make sure to thank God in advance for answering your prayers.
• Pay attention this week as you celebrate Sukkot and see how God provides for you throughout your day. Share your revelations with each other and make sure you take time to thank God for His help as soon as you recognize His provision.
• Be on the lookout for others who may have needs and, as a family, help them.
• Spend time with someone who is lonely.
• Pray with someone who is struggling.
• Invite someone to eat with your family.
• Share food or something else you have with someone who needs it.
• Encourage someone who is having a difficult time.
• Help someone with a task or job.
• Give generously when you see a physical need.

Worship Songs

• The Lord Will Provide — Passion feat. Landon Wolfe
• Provider — Urban Rescue
• Trust In God — Elevation Worship feat. Chris Brown
• Jehovah — Elevation Worship feat. Chris Brown

From Encounter: Family Devotional for the Feast of Tabernacles © 2026 Katie Price. Scripture quotations are from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers.

Today We Encounter God as Our Comforter

Yesterday, we focused on God providing for our physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. Today, we are going to dig a little bit deeper into how we encounter God through His comfort.

There are days when it is just really hard to be positive, hard to see any good in the world, and we are just overwhelmed with hurt. It’s in those darkest times that we can find God if we look for Him.

Finding God In Hard Times

So, what do you do when you have prayed and asked God to help you or give you something, and He says “no” or allows you to walk through hard times? How can we see Him in those situations? Take a minute and discuss this question with your family.

When we don’t know how to find God in hard situations, it’s always a good practice to read your Bible, pray, and seek wise counsel. So, let’s look at a few people who felt alone or abandoned by God: David, Job, and Elijah.

David Job Elijah

Scripture: Psalm 55

Problem: David was alone, betrayed by his friends, and terrified to face his enemies.

David’s Response:

Cried out in an honest prayer wishing he could run away from all of his problems. Recognized that God would rescue him Understood that God would hear his cries morning, noon, and night Trusted in God’s provision and comfort despite his circumstances. Scripture: Book of Job

Problem: Job was a blameless and upright man who experienced suffering, losing his children, wealth, livestock, servants, and health.

Job’s Response:

Cried out to God. Struggled to trust God’s justice. God responded to Job. Recognized that he has a very limited understanding of God’s justice. Repented and recognized that God was worth trusting. Received restored health and wealth and was blessed with more children. Scripture: 1 Kings 19

Problem: Elijah felt alone and struggled to keep going.

Elijah’s Response:

Ran away, cried out to God, and told Him he could not keep going. God allowed him to rest, sent him food, and then met him on the mountain. Learned that he wasn’t alone since 7,000 others in Israel remained faithful to God. Realized that God still had a purpose for him

What all of these people have in common is that they were not afraid to share their burdens with God. They realized that they could not carry their burdens alone. Read what David said in Psalm 55:

But I will call on God, and the Lord will rescue me. Morning, noon, and night I cry out in my distress, and the Lord hears my voice.

Psalm 55:16–17

Give your burdens to the Lord, and he will take care of you.

Psalm 55:22

God was not angry with any of these men when they questioned or cried out to Him. Instead, He heard and responded to their honesty. You see, God wants us to bring our burdens to Him. He wants to help comfort and guide us in our distress.

Look at these Scriptures below:

I will comfort you there in Jerusalem as a mother comforts her child.

Isaiah 66:13

When doubts filled my mind, your comfort gave me renewed hope and cheer.

Psalm 94:19

The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need. He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name. Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.

Psalm 23:1–4

Finding Comfort in God’s Presence

While working on this devotional, I found myself overwhelmed with my responsibilities. At that time, I had a lot going on in my life: birthday celebrations, back-to-back travel plans, getting sick, keeping up with my gym schedule, church responsibilities, and the pressure of finishing this devotional. I was struggling to keep up with everything, not only with daily life but also with the high expectations I placed on myself. With everything going on, I did not have the time or the ability to write. Every time I tried to write, I just could not concentrate, or I was at a loss. Finally, I decided that I needed to go to a coffee shop to work. On my way there, I was talking to my friend. She reminded me that I needed to stop striving. God just wanted to have a coffee date with me. I should go to that coffee shop and just meet with God. I didn’t need to work but instead needed to spend time with Him. Reluctantly, I agreed to do that.

So, I ordered my coffee and food, put my headphones in, and decided to just listen to some worship music. Eventually, I found myself journaling. Below is the beginning part of my journal entry:

The pressure of carrying everything has become a lot: the responsibilitiestt friendshipstt childrentt relationshipstt familytt churchtt gym membershipstt adjusting to life.

•

Overwhelmed •

Tired •

Burdened •

Worry •

Fear •

Control ooso I can help othersll •

Sadness These are the things that have surrounded my life. But the word You want to give me is FREEDOMri Freedom is what you want for me. So much so that I was forced to slow down. I overdid it at the gym and my calf muscles hurt so bad I couldn’t walk for two daysri You wanted me to sit down and stop striving. I have been running from my feelings and striving to keep going.

In my quiet time, God reminded me that it is ok to be tired. He doesn’t want me to keep going without His help. He wants me to find strength and peace in His presence. I felt God speak this to me:

“Katiett I am here. Cast your burdens on Me. Meet Me in the quiet place and lay your burdens down. Stop striving so hardtt and give Me space to work. Welcome Me into your lifett into your fearstt desirestt hopestt and dreams. But don’t stop there. Welcome Me into the pain of your lostt into the worry of your failurestt into your ministrytt into the hurt of relationshipstt into the cross I have given you. The cross that you have is too hard to carry alone. Even Jesus had someone help carry His crosri So whatever you dott wherever you gott let Me help you carry the weight of your burdens. Some days you may runtt other days you will walktt and there are times when you may crawltt but allow me to carry you. Let Me meet you where you are. Don’t hide from Meri”

So, just as I felt God speak to me, I want to encourage you to bring all of your feelings to God. He can handle it, and He comforts us when we trust Him with all of our feelings. He isn’t angry with us when we are honest with Him.

Do you know the best part of being honest with God? It’s this: even though our troubles may not go away, they become easier to carry. We feel lighter, and suddenly, the things we once felt we couldn’t do become easier. Not only do they become easier, but we are able to help others out when trouble, hard times, or sorrow come their way.

Comforting Others

Read this Scripture and really think about what it says:

All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. For the more we suffer for Christ, the more God will shower us with his comfort through Christ. Even when we are weighed down with troubles, it is for your comfort and salvation! For when we ourselves are comforted, we will certainly comfort you. Then you can patiently endure the same things we suffer. We are confident that as you share in our sufferings, you will also share in the comfort God gives us.

2 Corinthians 1:3–7

We are called to be the hands and feet of Jesus. We do that by helping others out in their hardest times. You see, when we have walked through “the darkest valley” (hard times) and recognized God was with us, then we are supposed to spread that message to others. How can we do that?

• Show up at their house
• Call them
• Write them letters
• Send care packages
• Pray for them
• Listen to them
• Be a friend to them
• Help them with their needs (sometimes that means being around them without saying anything)
• Cry, laugh, and spend time with them Can you add to this list? What other things can you do to help a friend who is having a hard time? When we understand other people’s struggles, our testimony gives them hope and encouragement. When Brayden died, we had no way of paying for Brayden’s funeral. But my friend set up a GoFundMe page. It was through this GoFundMe that Brayden’s family was able to pay for his funeral and all the expenses that went with it. Because of all the help we received from others, I have been more willing to donate to other people’s fundraisers. It was because of the comfort my family was given that I now want to extend that same comfort to others. Creating comfort baskets for friends who are sick or sad is another way I have personally reached out to others who are hurting. I have even mailed personal letters or cards to others who need encouragement. By doing these things for others, we spread God’s comfort. We help those who are hurting see that they are seen.

Final Thoughts

So, as I end this day’s devotion, I want to share the last part of my journal entry with you.

Sometimes we have to go to the dark places -the lostt the unknownin order to take a step outside of ourselves and walk in faith and trust. Just like Petertt who stepped out of the boat and walked on watertt we are to take a step in faith and trust God in hard times. As long as we keep our eyes on Jesustt we can walk But the minute we take our eyes off of Him and let fear intt we begin to sink. When that hapenstt all we have to do is call out to Jesusri He will rescue us and bring us peace in the storm.

Two things can be true: hard times may comett but God is still with us and worthy of our trust. It is in His strength that we can make it through the pain. God may allow us to walk in a season of sadnestt worytt or feartt but He is always there. God promises never to leave us or forsake us. His presence gives us strength to do the hard things and then to help others walk through their hard season. God helps us to be His hands and feet and show others His love. No matter what life brings ustt God wants us to saytt

“I still love you.” “I still trust you.” “I still serve you.”

Family Discussion

1. When you’re hurting or overwhelmed, what do you

usually do? Do you talk to God about it or try to handle it yourself? 2. What did David, Job, and Elijah teach you about being

honest with God? 3. Can you remember a difficult time when God comforted

you? How did He comfort you: through His presence, Scripture, another person, worship, prayer? 4. Why do you think God wants us to use the comfort

we’ve received to comfort other people?

Encounter Together

• Pick one of these scriptures and spend time meditating, journaling about it, and memorizing it.
• Isaiah 40:28–31
• Psalm 55
• Psalm 91:4
• Psalm 139:7-12
• Revelation 21:4
• Choose one of the worship songs to listen to and journal as you listen to it.
• Lay down your burdens.
• Individually, find a quiet place and write down what you’re carrying now: fears, worries, disappointment, anger, or any concerns you have. Be completely honest about whatever is bothering you.
• Pray and ask God to meet you in this area and help you to release this to Him.
• Put Scripture into action by living out 2 Corinthians 1:3–7. Pay attention to others around you. As a family, offer comfort to someone in need.

Worship Songs

• God of My Comfort — Destiny Worship
• Another In the Fire — Hillsong UNITED
• Meet Me In the Valley — Tasha Layton
• I’ll Carry You — Tommee Profitt & Stephen Stanley
• Peace — Bethel Music & We the Kingdom
• Oceans (Where Feet May Fail) — Hillsong UNITED
• Don’t Give Up On Me — Brandon Lake
• God is Always There — Bryce Richerson

From Encounter: Family Devotional for the Feast of Tabernacles © 2026 Katie Price. Scripture quotations are from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers.

Today We Encounter God as Our Protector

Yesterday we learned that God is our source of comfort. When we are hurting, afraid, overwhelmed, or walking through hard times, we can run to Him and trust that He will be with us. But that is not all that God does for His children in difficult times. He protects, defends, and fights for them.

Throughout Scripture, God’s people faced enemies, danger, fear, and situations that they could not escape on their own. Again and again, God showed His people they didn’t have to face battles on their own. He was their protector, defender, and place of safety.

What Is a Protector?

Think about the word “protector.” Take a few minutes as a family to discuss what that word means and what a protector does.

A protector is a person or thing that keeps someone or something safe from harm. A protector may guard, defend, rescue, or provide a place of safety, also called a refuge. They fight for us in times of trouble and keep us safe. Firefighters, members of our military, and police officers are examples of people who help protect our community.

God Protects His People

Look at this chart below. As a family, discuss these biblical examples of God’s protection. Add at least two more examples to this chart.

Bible Danger How God Protected What We Learn

Israelites leaving Egypt

Daniel

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego

Peter imprisoned (Acts 12) Pharaoh and his army

Lions’ den

Fiery furnace

Imprisonment and Herod’s plans against him God parted the Red Sea

God shut the mouths of the lions

God was with them in the fire

An angel freed Peter God made a way of escape!

God stopped the danger!

God stayed with them through the danger!

God sent help!

God’s protection does not always look the same. Sometimes God removes the danger; sometimes He provides a way of escape; other times He stays with you through the trial; or sometimes He sends someone to help. Can you think of other ways God has protected His children?

Regardless of how God chooses to protect us, it is important to remember that God is with you in all situations. So, no matter what comes your way, you can trust that He will always be with you.

God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. So we will not fear when earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea.

Psalm 46:1–2

Cities of Refuge

God knew people would face situations where they would need protection and a safe place to go. Because of this, He instructed the Israelites to establish special places called cities of refuge. These cities provided safety and protection while also allowing time for the truth about what happened to be discovered.

As a family, read the overview of the Cities of Refuge below and discuss how they provided protection for God’s people.

Read Numbers 35:9–34, Deuteronomy 19:1–13, & Joshua 20

Overview of Cities of Refuge:

• God commands the Israelites to set up six cities of refuge.
• These cities were spread out throughout the land so that a person could flee to one for safety.
• They were for someone who accidentally caused another person’s death.
• This person could run there for protection from the avenger of blood until the case could be heard.
• The leaders would investigate what happened to determine whether the death was accidental or intentional.
• If the person was found to have caused the death accidentally, they could remain safely in the city of refuge.
• They were required to remain there until the death of the high priest. Afterwards, they could safely return home.

Where Do I Run?

The name of the Lord is a strong fortress; the godly run to him and are safe.

Proverbs 18:10

Just like God provided a safe haven for the Israelites, we have a safe place to run to when we are facing danger or feeling afraid or worried. That doesn’t mean our problems instantly disappear. But when we are scared, God offers peace and a hiding place. When we are weak, we find strength to face our battles.

God is our refuge, a safe place where we can always run to. We don’t have to face our fears or battles alone. When we are afraid or in trouble, we can call out to Him, pray, worship, and trust Him. Prayer, worship, surrender, and trust are ways we can run to God. Sometimes God delivers us from our situations, and sometimes He is with us through them. Regardless of what His protection looks like, we can know He is our great Defender.

The Lord is good, a strong refuge when trouble comes. He is close to those who trust in him.

Nahum 1:7

Our Greatest Rescue

We have seen that God is our protector, a place of refuge, and someone we can run to when trouble comes. God knew that no matter how hard we tried, we could never escape sin and death. But God had a rescue plan. He sent Jesus to save us from sin and give us eternal life.

Read Ephesians 2:1–10 below:

Once you were dead because of your disobedience and your many sins. You used to live in sin, just like the rest of the world, obeying the devil—the commander of the powers in the unseen world. He is the spirit at work in the hearts of those who refuse to obey God. All of us used to live that way, following the passionate desires and inclinations of our sinful nature. By our very nature we were subject to God’s anger, just like everyone else.

But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!) For he raised us from the dead along with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ Jesus. So God can point to us in all future ages as examples of the incredible wealth of his grace and kindness toward us, as shown in all he has done for us who are united with Christ Jesus. God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.

Ephesians 2:1–10

Unlike cities of refuge, which offered protection from a specific danger, Jesus offers us rescue from our greatest problem: sin and death. We are guilty of sinning and cannot save ourselves. Yet, because of God’s grace, we can run to Jesus and receive the gift of eternal life through faith in Him!

For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 6:23

Family Discussion

1. As a family, discuss one of your favorite Bible stories.

How did God protect, rescue, or offer peace during a difficult time? 2. Why do you think God does not always rescue us from

trouble but sometimes chooses to be with us through those hard times? 3. Share with your family about a time when you experi-

enced God’s protection. What did His protection look like?

Encounter Together

• Jesus is our greatest rescue. As a family, talk about what it means to put your faith in Jesus. Parents, this is a great opportunity to ask your children if they have made a decision to follow Jesus.
• If they haven’t, and are ready, take time to pray with them and begin their relationship with Him.
• If your children have already made the decision to follow Jesus, spend time thanking Him for rescuing them from sin and giving them eternal life. Encourage them to pray and ask God to help them continue growing in their relationship with Him.
• What problems or challenges are you currently facing? Remember, God is our refuge and we can run to Him when trouble comes.
• Spend some time in prayer giving those situations to God and asking Him for help.
• Ask Him to give you peace, strength, wisdom, or protection as you trust Him with the outcome.

Worship Songs

• Refuge — The Worship Initiative feat. Shane & Shane
• Defender — Francesca Battistelli & Steffany Gretzinger
• Way Maker — Leeland
• HELP! — Brandon Lake
• Meet Me in the Valley — Tasha Layton

From Encounter: Family Devotional for the Feast of Tabernacles © 2026 Katie Price. Scripture quotations are from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers.

Today We Encounter God as Our Living Water

It’s hard to believe, but we have entered into the Last Great Day of our Feast! Today is a time for reflection and rejoicing! So that’s what I would like us to do.

During the Feast of Tabernacles, we have focused on the many ways we can encounter God. We can experience God as our Creator, Father, Teacher, Provider, Comforter, and Protector. Today I want to finish our time together discussing how we experience God as our Living Water.

Living Water

Something I find fascinating about celebrating Sukkot is that Scripture tells us that on the last day, the climax of the festival, Jesus encouraged the crowds to come and drink from living water that only He can offer:

On the last day, the climax of the festival, Jesus stood and shouted to the crowds, “Anyone who is thirsty may come to me! Anyone who believes in me may come and drink! For the Scriptures declare, ‘Rivers of living water will flow from his heart.’” (When he said “living water,” he was speaking of the Spirit, who would be given to everyone believing in him. But the Spirit had not yet been given because Jesus had not yet entered into his glory.)

John 7:37–39

In this passage, we learn that the Living Water is the Holy Spirit, who is given to anyone who believes in Jesus. That means every believer. So if you are a follower of Christ, you have been given Living Water, the Holy Spirit.

Scripture also explains that the Living Water Jesus gives truly satisfies in a way that nothing in this world can.

Jesus replied, “If you only knew the gift God has for you and who you are speaking to, you would ask me, and I would give you living water.” ... Jesus replied, “Anyone who drinks this water will soon become thirsty again. But those who drink the water I give will never be thirsty again. It becomes a fresh, bubbling spring within them, giving them eternal life.”

John 4:10, 13–14

Do you understand this Scripture? Think about it this way: every day we have a choice about what we allow to fill us. We can look to the things of the world to satisfy us, or we can continually look to Jesus, who gives us Living Water.

What does it look like when we allow the world to influence the way we live? Here are a few examples I thought of. Can you add to this list?

• Repaying evil for evil (getting back at someone who hurts us)
• Refusing to forgive people
• Lying to get what you want
• Stealing
• Worshiping false idols
• Gossiping or talking badly about someone
• Being jealous of what someone else has
• Putting yourself first instead of caring about others
• Giving in to peer pressure just to fit in
• Allowing anger to control your words and actions
• Letting popularity, possessions, entertainment, or social media become more important than God When we drink from the Living Water Jesus gives us, the Holy Spirit begins to change us. Instead of repaying evil for evil, we can pray for those who hurt us. Instead of holding on to anger and refusing to forgive, we can choose forgiveness. The Holy Spirit helps us tell the truth, do what is right, and worship God alone. When we allow the Holy Spirit to change our hearts, worldly influences begin to lose their power over us, and others begin to see how God has changed us. We become full of the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. That change becomes evident to our family and friends. As we allow the Living Water to fill us, our lives testify to God’s goodness.

“You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.”

Matthew 5:14–16

Don’t Stop Here

Even though we are at the conclusion of our celebration and this devotional, I want to leave you with a final challenge: don’t stop here! Encountering God should be something we do every day, not just something we do during the feast or our weekly worship service. Continue to seek God every day and allow His Living Water to flow through every part of your life.

Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.

Matthew 6:33

If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me.

Jeremiah 29:13

I love all who love me. Those who search will surely find me.

Proverbs 8:17

Parents, I hope you have enjoyed this set-apart time guiding your children through God’s Word and celebrating His Feast.

Wherever you go after your celebration this week, I challenge you to take the things you have learned with you into your daily life. Prioritize encountering God. Spend time reading Scripture, worshiping Him, praying, and sharing the gospel with others.

Family Discussion

1. What is one thing you learned about God during this

feast that you want to remember? 2. Which way of encountering God was most meaningful

to you: Creator, Father, Teacher, Provider, Comforter, Protector, or Living Water? Why? 3. What can you do to continue encountering God every

day after the feast ends?

Encounter Together

• Spend time in quiet worship together as a family. Listen to one of the songs from this devotional and allow the song to speak to you. Once you are finished listening to the song, think about this week. Spend a few minutes journaling or illustrating what God is speaking to you. Share with each other what you heard, drew, or wrote.
• Gather as a family to pray over each other. Children, pray a blessing over your parents, and parents, pray over your children.
• Parents, you can also speak the Aaronic Blessing from Numbers 6:24–26 over your children:

“May the LORD bless you and protect you. May the LORD smile on you and be gracious to you. May the LORD show you his favor and give you his peace.”

Numbers 6:24–26

Worship Songs

• Holy Water — We the Kingdom
• Living Water — CAIN
• The River — Jordan Feliz
• In the River — Jesus Culture (feat. Kim Walker-Smith)
• Holy Spirit — Kari Jobe Carnes (feat. Cody Carnes)

Closing Prayer

To end, I would like to offer a prayer for your family.

Father, I pray in the name of Jesus that You will be with every person who has used this devotional to celebrate Your Feast. Thank You for this set-apart time together and for every opportunity we have had to encounter You. I pray that as each family leaves this Feast, they will continue to seek You and encounter You every day. May they know You as their Creator, Father, Teacher, Provider, Comforter, Protector, and Living Water. Be with them in every season of life. Guide them through Your Word and help them listen to the Holy Spirit. May Your Living Water continue to flow through their lives so that others can see Your love, Your goodness, and Your light through them. Help each family to grow together, live by Your Word, and never stop seeking You.

In Jesus’ name, Amen

From Encounter: Family Devotional for the Feast of Tabernacles © 2026 Katie Price. Scripture quotations are from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers.