When you feel your joy being depleted, no matter the cause, remember your joy comes from the Lord. Happy is an emotion and changes just as quickly as a traffic pattern, but joy, true joy, is from the Lord.
Read MoreThe Bible tells us that we can be set free of everything because of Jesus on the cross. When we feel anxious, we know we can go to him and tell him why we are anxious and ask for peace and whatever we need.
Read MoreGod is ultimately in charge of our futures, even when it doesn’t seem like it. He knows our thoughts and our desires. Instead of worrying, we should pray about our futures and ask God to guide us. We don’t need to figure things out on our own.
Read MoreIt was the fifth consecutive day I woke up with a headache. After trying my own remedies and finding them all useless, I asked my father, a general practitioner with over 50 years of experience. Dad said that early morning headaches were often caused by worry.
Read MoreNo matter what has happened in history, during some of our darkest hours, there is one truth that the bible shines a light on, God was aware and at work. Paul confirms this in Romans 8:28 when he states those beloved words “we know that all things work towards the good of those that love God and are called according to his purpose.”
Read MoreIn times of isolation, quietness, and solitude, the noise of this world becomes amplified and the lies of the enemy can become overpowering leading to anxious thoughts, thoughts doubting God’s goodness, and hesitation to fully embrace the identity of who God says we are.
Read MoreFog. God has been using this natural phenomenon to give me perspective for many years now. This past week has been different. With the many historical changes occurring in our nation in the face of the coronavirus pandemic, and working in healthcare myself, I could not help but feel overwhelmed.
Read MoreIn Philippians 4, the apostle Paul gives exhortations to the church. He encourages them to stand fast and to have peace and joy in all circumstances, an exhortation that remains relevant for us as believers today. But what about when we are faced with very real and, sometimes, debilitating anxiety? How do we stand fast to God’s peace and continue to rejoice when an anxiety attack urges us to take flight? These are two questions I’ve asked myself and am still pursuing day-to-day.
Read MoreWorry and stress are seemingly inescapable. Even if you have a relaxed personality—which I for the record do not—you will still face numerous changes that are just part of life and will create stress. If you are already more prone to worry, then any event can cause you to become more and more anxious.
Read MoreI was mid-way through a prayer – I’m not sure I could even call it a prayer – as I was processing my fears and overwhelmed thoughts out loud. As I sat in my car, I couldn’t get my head to feel any clear or relieved no matter how hard I concentrated on giving my burdens to God.
Read MoreGod is good. I do not doubt God’s goodness for a second, but what happens when your faith in His goodness is tested? There are numerous examples in the Bible with this certain scenario, but one in particular shows the power of the words: but if not, the Lord is still good.
Read MoreLuke 10:38-42 is about two sisters, Mary and Martha, who are welcoming Jesus and his disciples into their home. One sister, Mary, was sitting at Jesus’ feet taking in all He said. The other sister is Martha (I imagine her similar to a Southern woman who has invited guests over for a nice brunch). She is preparing fluffy pancakes, fruit, and biscuits and gravy, pouring the sweet tea and being the social butterfly in the room, accommodating all the visitors in her home.
Read MoreI sat in the room, with only one other person. He told me about an opportunity I had never heard of. I never imagined this opportunity would ever be offered to me. I did not even know the thought existed, before taking those few steps into his quaint, quiet office. As my hands became sweaty and my mind became numb, he explained this choice to me and encouraged me. I was faced with a difficult decision. Do I take the opportunity? Or do I stay where I am, and on the plan I had set for myself?
Read MoreHave you ever thought about where your worry stems from? I think when we are made aware of the root of our worry, it can help us understand it. Most times, worry feels uncontrollable. Maybe that's why us worriers dislike it so much.
Read MoreEvery decision is an opportunity to draw nearer to God. I choose God every time, no matter what. Has it been hard? Absolutely. Will it continue to be challenging at times? Yes. God evens says so himself but the joy, strength, contentment and peace are so worth it. I can either break down walls with God’s grace and get closer to the Father or build walls up that draw me away from Him, His presence, voice and will. The choice is up to me.
Read MoreDo you ever have anxious thoughts about your life? How about a restless heart? Or maybe your mind is just tired? Friend, sometimes it can be hard to admit to having these struggles, especially when, as a Christian, we’re supposed to “have it all together.” But being a Christian doesn’t mean we have it all together or that we have all of the answers.
Read MoreWe allow our feelings of vulnerability (real or imagined) to take over. We begin to act out of that fear, rather than our faith. How many times have you said “no” because you were afraid that you would make a mistake? And from that mistake, everyone else would be able to spot your weaknesses?
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