Jennifer Deibel turns her years living near the Emerald Isle and her gift for storytelling into daily reflections that pair a blessing with scripture and prayer in her latest book, "May the Road Rise to Meet You: A 31-Day Devotional Inspired by Irish Blessings". Each short entry includes a blessing, a scripture passage, a devotional reflection, and simple suggestions for practical application, making the book a warming gift or a gentle personal reset.
Whether or not one has any personal connection to Ireland via ancestry or travel, it is hard to deny the pull that magical island has on our hearts. The Irish seem to possess a peculiar ability to put just the right words to any situation, as evidenced by the long and cherished tradition of Irish blessings. Perhaps no one is better equipped to draw out the spiritual truths and personal application of those blessings than award-winning novelist Jennifer Deibel.
With her years living and exploring Ireland always on her heart, and after authoring several works of fiction set on the Emerald Isle, Jennifer invites you on a 31-day journey to deepen your faith with "May the Road Rise to Meet You: A 31-Day Devotional Inspired by Irish Blessings".
Author Jennifer Deibel.
Both well-known and more obscure, these inspiring reflections on Irish blessings will strengthen your heart and draw you closer to God's grace. Each day includes a blessing, Scripture verses, a devotional reflection that connects to the theme of the blessing, and suggestions for practical application and prayer.
Brimming with warmth and wisdom, this unique devotional makes the perfect gift for anyone with Irish roots, a love of Irish culture, or a desire for a more robust faith and a lighter spirit.
Below is an extract from "May the Road Rise to Meet You: A 31-Day Devotional Inspired by Irish Blessings":
Day 1
"May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face;
the rains fall soft upon your fields and until we meet again,
may God hold you in the palm of His hand."
- Traditional Irish Blessing
Today's reading: Matthew 11:28–30; John 16:33
“May the road rise up to meet you” is arguably the most well- known Irish blessing/prayer in the world. Often recited during times of change or major life transition— like marriage, a new job, or moving away— this word gift speaks of ease in life, the benefit of creature comforts, and reconnecting with loved ones when time and/or distance separate them.
Some schools of thought propose that this ancient blessing has deeper theological roots, with the wind representing the Holy Spirit, the sun referring to God’s mercy (as spoken of in Zechariah’s prophecy in Luke 1), and the
rain symbolizing God’s provision.*
It warmed my heart to find that theory in my research. So often we think of God’s blessing as relieving strain or stress to make our lives as comfortable as possible. At first glance, that’s what that famous Irish prayer is asking for
on behalf of a loved one.
But if we examine God’s Word closely, as in the Scriptures you read today, we see that God’s true blessing is the indwelling of His Holy Spirit, His presence and guidance in our daily lives, and His provision in His perfect timing.
John 16:33 promises us that we will have troubles in life, and Matthew 11:28–30 guides us to acknowledge that God is with us even when we are tired, weary, and
burdened.
Oddly, one of my favorite Irish endearments is one that’s commonly shared at funerals. When greeting the mourning family, one might offer a phrase of condolence that literally translates to “I don’t like your troubles.” This utterance does not make the trouble of grief disappear but rather promises presence through the troubles. This causes me to ask the question, What do we do when those hard times come? Do we beg God to take them away and bring us a little slice of paradise? Or do we look for where He is in the difficult circumstances so we can join Him, follow Him, and see where He wants to work both in and through us?
Apply it: Are you looking for the easy way out? Is there some aspect of your life in which you’re trying to avoid the challenging road? Pray and ask God to show Himself to you within that circumstance. He will walk through it with you.
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Jennifer Deibel
Jennifer Deibel is the award-winning author of several historical romance novels set in Ireland, including "A Dance in Donegal", "The Lady of Galway Manor", "The Irish Matchmaker", and "The Heart of the Glen".
After nearly a decade of living in Ireland and Austria, she now lives in Arizona with her husband and their three children.
