Nancy Leigh DeMoss: When I turned 12, I think I cried every day for a year—for no obvious reason. I can look back on it and understand that a lot of changes were taking place in my body. But I also realize that those changes were no excuse for moodiness, mouthiness, and disrespect.

I’m still tempted to justify my sin. Maybe you can relate. As women, it’s easy to make excuses for negative moods because of where they are in their monthly cycle or other challenges such as pregnancy or menopause.

Women do go through seasons that are emotionally and physically difficult. But this verse from 1 Thessalonians applies during every season of life and every time of the month:

“May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless. . . . The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it.”