A Bold Confidence

Are there things about yourself that you maybe wish you could change? All of us probably have things that come to mind, and while self-improvement can be a good thing, focusing only on the things we dislike about ourselves can damage our self-esteem. The Lord tells us that we are His children, the sheep of His pasture. He tells us we are made in His image! He loves us so dearly. While He wants us to strive to be like Him and continue growing, He also wants us to understand that He loves us exactly how we are today. As you go about your week, remember that you can have confidence in who you are in the Lord. You are His beautiful creation!

I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. Psalm 139:14

Journey on!

Take Heart

When the world feels overwhelming, it helps to remember that we have a Father who has all things under control. He loves you, is with you, and has a plan for your life. Even when you can't see what's next, He will be your guide. He will give you strength, wisdom, courage, and peace. All these things that seem so big and hard on earth are only temporary problems. We can take heart knowing that God is working in our lives at all times, and we don't have to be disheartened if we fix our eyes on Him. 

"Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 

Journey on! 

Joy in All Things

Life gives us ups and downs, and sometimes the valleys feel like they will go on forever. When you find yourself in a difficult season, know that there is still opportunity to have joy! It might be harder to see on the surface, but take time to look for the blessings God is providing, and seek to have joy in those things. It doesn't mean the hard circumstances aren't still difficult, but it does give us a better perspective and focus when we can find the beauty in the midst of the hardships. It provides us with comfort and hope! Whatever you are facing today, know that you can find joy in the Lord, because He loves you and is with you every step of the way. 

Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.  Romans 12:12

Journey on! 

John 10:27-30

 My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand. I and the Father are one.”

Psalm 27:13-14

I remain confident of this:
    I will see the goodness of the Lord
    in the land of the living.

Wait for the Lord;
    be strong and take heart
    and wait for the Lord.

Strength in God

“When a man has no strength, if he leans on God, he becomes powerful.” ~ D.L. Moody

I'm not sure why, but multiple people have come up to me recently commenting on how overwhelmed they feel with life right now. It seems so many in my circle of friends and family are battling daily frustrations and struggles that pile up higher and higher until they are left feeling exhausted, defeated, and weak. And in this state of weakness, Satan is whispering lies to them about how they don't measure up, or that others must despise them because of their failures. 

When we are mentally, physically, and spiritually depleted it is easy to give into those negative fears and lies. 

If you feel worn down this week by life, take a break. Stop trying to push the boulder up the mountain and simply open up your hands to God! Let Him take all your burdens from you, because He cares for you (1 Peter 5:7). Let Him be strong where you feel weak. Trust in Him to work things for good. Believe that you are loved and worthy because you are His child. Don't entertain any negative self-talk, only His perfect promises of love. Find your strength in God today!

"Look to the Lord and His strength; seek His face always." 1 Chronicles 16:11

Journey on!

Psalm 13

For the director of music. A psalm of David.

How long, O LORD? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and every day have sorrow in my heart? How long will my enemy triumph over me? Look on me and answer, O LORD my God. Give light to my eyes, or I will sleep in death; my enemy will say, "I have overcome him," and my foes will rejoice when I fall. But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation. I will sing to the LORD, for he has been good to me.

Ask for Help

When you are going through a tough time, even when you feel alone, it's so important to ask for help. The Lord draws near to those who need comforting, healing, and direction! You need only come to His throne. Pray and ask Him to walk you through your valley, and pray that He will give you wisdom and peace when you feel out of control. It can also be important to reach out to a godly friend or family member whom you trust to ask for prayer and help when you need it. We weren't meant to do this life alone! The Lord is ALWAYS with you and He provides help when we need it most. Keep laying your burdens at His feet, and never give up hope. 

"But you, LORD, do not be far from me. You are my strength; come quickly to help me." Psalm 22:19  

Journey on! 

Own Worst Enemy

"I'm a hazard to myself. Don't let me get me. I'm my own worst enemy." Pink

Of all the challenges we face in the world, sometimes it's our own perfectionism and self-esteem issues that can be the hardest to overcome. Why do we tend to be our own worst critics? The enemy likes to whisper in our ears that we are not good enough, not successful enough...that our mistakes can't be undone, or that we are just going to keep failing...so why try? But these lies need to be shut down as soon as we hear them. We need to remember that God not only created us in His own image, but He loves us unconditionally! While He wants us to strive to live good lives and make good choices, He wants that because it's what is best for us! He knows we are going to mess up, and He still loves us dearly. Who are we to tell God that His word isn't true when He tells us we are His beloved children? Try to see yourself the way God sees you...as His beautiful child, washed clean by the blood of Christ. Trust in Him that you are more than enough because HE is more than enough. Seek Him when you have self-doubt. You are so amazing and so loved. The Lord forgives and He raises us up...His love for us never fails. Don't let anything overshadow that truth!

"See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are." 1 John 3:1

Journey on!

Refining Change

As the world continues to feel chaotic, and you are seeking answers to big questions, keep your eyes focused on the Lord. Rest in the knowledge that He is above all things, and that you are in His hands. Many times in history, difficult circumstances and hard questions have led to positive changes that were desperately needed. What is God working on in your heart right now? We are all growing, learning, and maturing day by day, regardless of our ages...the process of becoming more like Christ is never-ending. What are you doing to embrace growth in your life during this time? As you seek God's face and see where He is leading you, remember that He is holding you up and walking through this time with you! You are not alone, and these things that challenge you will refine you as you continue to seek the Lord with all your heart.

"But now, this is what the LORD says— he who created you, Jacob, he who formed you, Israel: “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze."  Isaiah 43:1-2

Journey on!

Where do you Place Your Faith?

Social media has allowed us to connect with people in amazing ways! It can be useful for staying close to loved ones far away, networking for business, or having fun with friends. But it can also be a great source of stress, conflict, and false information. It's so important to fact check things posted online because they aren't always coming from a reliable source. 

In the same way, we need to pay attention to where we place our faith. Faith in our loved ones, possessions, careers, government, even in ourselves can serve a positive purpose, but we have to remember that all of those things are imperfect at times as long as we are in this world. We have to use wisdom and discernment in our faith. We need to always put our complete faith in what God alone tells us is right. Trusting our lives in His hands puts our "faith focus" squarely on the only one who is perfect! We can trust in Him no matter what happens in other areas of our lives. Don't let the things that fail you in this world affect your faith in the God who is above all things. Place your faith in Him in ALL circumstances!

"...your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God." 1 Corinthians 2:5

Journey on!

Light Up the World

"This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine..." Harry Dixon Loes

I've always loved this classic children's song, and sang it to my own kids when they were younger. But as we grow older, we tend to forget about the wondrous, bright, ever-present light that glows within us from the Lord! We get busy and distracted, discouraged or discontented, and we forget that all we truly need is right there shining upon us...we have the gift of God's love, joy, peace, and hope. This week, take time to notice the light in your life. Thank God for the blessings, and pay attention to the beauty around you. Let your light shine out to others by the way you live your life. Sing that children's song this week, and let yourself remember the simplicity and beauty of God's light in you. 

"Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD rises upon you." Isaiah 60:1 

Journey on!

He Never Leaves You

We're not always going to make the right choices, and some days we may have to face up to the consequences of our actions. But that doesn't mean that we need to give up hope! God doesn't abandon us when we make mistakes- He is with us always, loving us and patiently waiting for us to turn back to His perfect ways. If you feel like you've fallen too far, remember that absolutely nothing can separate us from the love of God. You are never too far out of His reach; you need only to turn your heart towards Him again. God loves you so much and wants what is best for you. Trust in His unconditional love and be willing to ask for forgiveness but also to forgive yourself. God is a Healer and makes beautiful things out of our messiest moments.   

"For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, no anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."  Romans 8:37-39  

Journey on! 

Our Hope

"He that can have Patience, can have what he will." -Benjamin Franklin

It's an uncomfortable feeling to be in the waiting place- that unspecified time when you are waiting for answers, longing for a hope to be fulfilled, or wondering how a situation will be resolved. It's difficult to feel peace or have patience when we are desperate to be past the waiting place and in the place of resolution. But the waiting place offers us some unique gifts- a chance to find peace and joy in the Lord as we wait, an opportunity to fully rely on God's wisdom as we wonder, and a growth of character, strength, and patience as we hope. Whatever you are waiting for today, put your trust and hope in the Lord. Ask Him what He wants to teach you in this time, and embrace the calm of waiting with hope in Him. 

"I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits,
and in his word I put my hope." Psalm 130:5

Journey on!