Tag Archives: Encouragement for living

Jun2

Unfailing Peace When You’re Falling to Pieces

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"You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, 
because they trust in You." – Isaiah 26:3 (NIV)

Life has a way of unraveling right before our eyes. One moment, everything seems under control, and the next, the weight of the world crashes down. Unexpected loss, financial struggles, broken relationships, or health challenges can leave us feeling like we’re falling apart.

Yet, in the midst of chaos, God offers us something the world cannot: unfailing peace. A peace that steadies us when life shakes us. A peace that holds us together when everything else is falling apart.

The key to this peace isn’t found in changing our circumstances but in shifting our focus from the problem to the Problem-Solver. Isaiah 26:3 tells us that perfect peace comes when our minds are firmly fixed on God, rather than our troubles. When we trust in Him, we can rest in His unshakable presence, knowing He is in control even when we are not.

Lean into Scripture. Meditate on His promises, and let His truth calm your anxious heart. Philippians 4:6-7 reminds us to bring everything to God in prayer, and His peace will guard our hearts and minds. 

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4: 6 - 7

Instead of carrying the burden alone, release it to God. Tell Him your fears, your worries, and your doubts. He invites us to cast our cares on Him because He cares for us (1 Peter 5:7).

When fear tries to take over, remind yourself of how God has come through for you before. If He was faithful then, He will be faithful now. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8).

No matter what you’re facing today, take heart. You are not alone. God’s peace is not dependent on perfect circumstances—it is anchored in His perfect presence. Let Him hold you together, even when you feel like you’re falling to pieces.

A Prayer for Unfailing Peace

Dear Heavenly Father, When I feel overwhelmed, remind me of Your unfailing peace. Help me to fix my eyes on You instead of my circumstances. Strengthen my heart, calm my mind, and fill me with the assurance that You are in control. Thank You for being my refuge and my ever-present help in times of trouble. I choose to trust in You today and rest in the peace that only You can give. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Scriptures for Peace

  • John 14:27 – “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
  • Psalm 46:1 – “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.”
  • 2 Thessalonians 3:16 – “Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.”

Even when life feels like it’s crumbling, God’s peace can anchor your soul. He will never fail you.

Jun1

Trusting Jesus in the Storm: Peace Beyond Understanding

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In Mark 4:35-41, we find Jesus and His disciples crossing the Sea of Galilee when a sudden, furious storm arose. The waves were crashing over the boat, threatening to swamp it, while Jesus slept peacefully on a cushion in the rear of the boat. The disciples were terrified and woke Him up, exclaiming, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?” Jesus stood up, rebuked the wind, and commanded the sea, “Peace! Be still!” Immediately, the wind subsided, and the sea was completely calm. He turned to His disciples and asked, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?”

This passage not only illustrates Jesus’ divine authority over nature but also His complete and wholehearted trust in His Father’s plan. Despite the terrifying chaos around Him, Jesus slept peacefully – a visual example of perfect peace in the midst of the storm and a faith that transcends the circumstances surrounding Him. 

As I read this story, I imagined the terror the disciples must have felt during the storm. (If you have ever been in a boat out at sea-or even on a lake-during a sudden storm, you know exactly how they must have felt!) But Jesus modeled the example for the disciples (and us) of how we should react to storms in our own lives.

Over the past 15 years, my husband and I navigated the turbulent waters of illness, caregiving, and, most recently, his passing. The storm hasn’t fully subsided; grief comes in waves, and some days feel more stormy than others. Yet, I continue to cling to my anchor of faith, trusting that it will hold me steady until the waters calm.

Just as Jesus slept through the storm, fully trusting in God’s sovereign plan, I strive to find rest in that same assurance. Even when the tempest rages, and the boat feels like it’s sinking, I remind myself that Jesus is in the boat with me, offering peace that surpasses understanding.

Perhaps you find yourself in a similar situation? God’s promises are true for you, too.

Hebrews 6:19 tells us, “We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.” This hope is not just wishful thinking but a confident expectation rooted in God’s unchanging promises. It’s the anchor that holds us steady when the storms of life threaten to overwhelm.

In the midst of grief and uncertainty, I find comfort in knowing that my anchor is not in my own strength but in God’s love and faithfulness. He is the one who calms the storms, who brings peace to the chaos, and who holds us securely in His embrace.

If you’re facing your own storm today, know this: You’re not alone in the boat. Jesus is with you, offering His peace and His presence. I pray that you, too, will find comfort in His unwavering love, His unfailing promises, and the hope that anchors your soul.

If you would like me to pray for you, please leave a comment here.

A Prayer for Peace as We Face Life’s Storms

Dear Heavenly Father,

As we endure the storms of life, we seek Your peace that surpasses all understanding. When waves of grief and uncertainty crash around us, please remind us that You are right beside us in our “boat,” and You are our refuge and strength. Just as Jesus calmed the storm on the Sea of Galilee, please calm the storms within our hearts. Help us to trust in Your sovereign plan, even when we cannot see the way forward. Anchor our souls in the hope of Your promises, and let us find rest in Your unwavering love.

In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen

Scriptures for Peace and Strength in Life’s Storms

If you need reminders of God’s unwavering presence and peace in the midst of life’s most turbulent storms, read these verses aloud. Meditate on each promise. God’s word is powerful and true – it’s a healing balm for your broken heart.

  • Isaiah 43:2
    “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you.”
  • John 14:27
    “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”
  • Psalm 107:29–30
    “He made the storm be still, and the waves of the sea were hushed. Then they were glad that the waters were quiet, and he brought them to their desired haven.”
  • Philippians 4:7
    “And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
  • Psalm 46:1–2
    “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way.”
  • 2 Corinthians 4:16–18
    “So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day… For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.”
  • Psalm 61:2
    “When my heart is overwhelmed; lead me to the rock that is higher than I.”
  • Matthew 11:28–30
    “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest… For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
Feb21

Trusting God With an Unknown Future

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Life is full of uncertainties. There are seasons when we stand at the edge of the unknown, staring into the future with fear, anxiety, and doubt. We wonder what will happen next, how things will unfold, and whether we will have the strength to endure. In times like these, trusting God can feel difficult—but it is also the most powerful choice we can make.

God Knows What We Cannot See

One of the greatest comforts we have as believers is knowing that God sees the whole picture when we only see a fragment. Isaiah 46:10 reminds us that God declares “the end from the beginning,” meaning He is not surprised by anything we face. While we may be overwhelmed by uncertainty, God is sovereign over every moment of our lives. His plan is perfect, even when it doesn’t make sense to us.

Proverbs 3:5-6 encourages us:

  • “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”

This verse teaches us that our understanding is limited, but when we surrender our future to God, He will guide our steps.

Fear is often the biggest obstacle to trusting God with the unknown. It whispers, “What if things go wrong? What if you fail? What if God doesn’t come through?” But fear is a liar. God calls us to replace fear with faith, remembering that He is always with us.

In Joshua 1:9, God gives this command:

  • “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

When we hold onto God’s promises instead of our fears, we can walk forward with confidence, even when the path ahead is unclear.

The Bible is filled with stories of people who trusted God despite not knowing what the future held. Abraham obeyed God’s call to leave his homeland without knowing where he was going (Hebrews 11:8). The Israelites followed God’s pillar of cloud by day and fire by night without knowing where it would lead (Exodus 13:21). Even Mary, the mother of Jesus, accepted God’s plan without fully understanding how it would unfold (Luke 1:38).

Each of these individuals faced an uncertain future, but God provided for them every step of the way. And He will do the same for us. Philippians 4:19 assures us:

  • “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.”

We may not know what tomorrow holds, but we know the One who holds tomorrow. His provision is enough.

Trusting God with the unknown requires surrender. It means letting go of control, releasing our worries, and choosing to believe that God is working all things for our good (Romans 8:28). Surrender doesn’t mean we stop planning or making wise decisions; rather, it means we place our confidence in God’s faithfulness instead of our own understanding.

Psalm 56:3 offers a simple yet powerful declaration:

  • “When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.”

Choosing to trust God is a daily decision. It is waking up each morning and saying, “Lord, I don’t know what today holds, but I know You are in control. I trust You.”

A Prayer for Trusting God in Uncertainty

Heavenly Father,

I come before You with a heart full of uncertainties. I don’t know what the future holds, but I know You hold my future. Help me to trust You, even when I can’t see the way ahead. Give me peace when I feel anxious, courage when I feel afraid, and faith to believe that Your plans for me are good. I surrender my worries to You and choose to walk by faith, not by sight. Thank You for always being with me, guiding me, and providing for me.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Encouraging Bible Verses to Hold Onto

  • Jeremiah 29:11 – “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
  • Psalm 37:5 – “Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will do this.”
  • Matthew 6:34 – “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”

If you are facing an uncertain future, know that you are not alone. God is with you, leading you, and working all things together for your good. Trust Him, for He is always faithful.

Feb20

How to Have Unshakable Peace in a Troubled World

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Finding Peace in the Midst of Trouble

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” — John 16:33 (NIV)

Life is full of challenges, hardships, and moments of uncertainty. Jesus never promised that following Him would lead to a trouble-free life. In fact, He assured His disciples that they would face difficulties. Yet, in the very same breath, He also gave them a reason for hope: “Take heart! I have overcome the world.”

This verse reminds us that peace is not found in our circumstances, but in Christ. The world is unpredictable, full of trials that can shake our faith and test our endurance. However, Jesus has already secured the victory. His death and resurrection conquered sin, darkness, and every challenge we will ever face.

When we feel overwhelmed by life’s burdens—whether it’s financial struggles, broken relationships, health concerns, or spiritual battles—Jesus invites us to rest in Him. His peace is not temporary or based on external conditions. It is an everlasting assurance that, no matter what happens, He is in control.

How do we experience this peace? By keeping our focus on Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7 encourages us, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” When we bring our fears and struggles to Him in prayer, He fills us with His supernatural peace.

No matter what you are facing today, remember that Jesus has already overcome the world. Your trials are temporary, but His victory is eternal. Take heart, hold onto His promises, and rest in His peace.

A Prayer for Today:
Heavenly Father, thank You for the peace that comes through Jesus Christ. In the midst of life’s troubles, help me to keep my eyes fixed on You. Remind me that You have already overcome the world, and I can rest in Your victory. Fill my heart with Your peace, and strengthen my faith to trust You in all things. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Additional Encouraging Verses:

  • Isaiah 41:10 — “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
  • Romans 8:37 — “No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.”
  • 2 Corinthians 4:17 — “For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.”

Take heart today—Jesus has already won the victory!

Feb19

Trusting God’s Guidance: Finding Clarity in Chaos

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Life is full of decisions, big and small. At times, we stand at a crossroads, unsure of which path to take. In these moments of uncertainty, God offers us a promise of guidance:

“Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it.’” – Isaiah 30:21 (NIV)

God’s Guidance in Uncertainty

God doesn’t leave us to navigate life on our own. He is our ever-present guide, leading us through His Word, through prayer, and through the prompting of the Holy Spirit. Even when the road ahead seems unclear, we can trust that He is directing our steps. Proverbs 16:9 reminds us:

“In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.”

When we seek God, He makes His way known to us—not always in grand, dramatic revelations, but often in quiet nudges, deep peace, and His still, small voice.

Learning to Listen

Hearing God’s direction requires a heart that is willing to listen. In the busyness of life, we can become so consumed with our own plans that we drown out His voice. To hear Him clearly, we must:

  • Spend time in His Word – The Bible is our ultimate guide and reveals God’s character and wisdom.
  • Seek Him in prayer – When we bring our concerns to God, we invite His direction into our lives.
  • Be still before Him – In moments of silence, we allow room for His voice to speak.

Walking in Obedience

It’s not enough to hear God’s voice—we must also choose to walk in the way He shows us. Sometimes, His path may not be the easiest or the most logical by human standards, but it is always the best. James 1:22 urges us:

“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.”

Walking in obedience requires faith, but we can move forward confidently, knowing that God has our best interests at heart.

A Prayer for Guidance

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for being my guide in every season of life. When I face uncertainty, help me to hear Your voice clearly and to trust the way You are leading me. Give me wisdom to discern Your will and the courage to walk in obedience. Even when the path ahead is unclear, I know You are faithful. I choose to follow You, step by step.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Encouraging Bible Verses to Hold Onto

  • Psalm 32:8 – “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.”
  • Proverbs 3:5-6 – “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
  • John 10:27 – “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.”

No matter what decisions you face today, rest in the assurance that God is leading you. His voice is faithful, His way is sure, and He will never leave you to walk alone. Listen for His guidance and trust Him as you move forward.

Jan29

Who Are You Listening to?

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While He was still speaking, a bright cloud covered them, and a voice from the cloud said, ‘This is my Son, whom I love; with Him I am well pleased. Listen to Him!’”
— Matthew 17:5

Hearing God in a Noisy World

Every day, we’re bombarded with voices—news, social media, podcasts, opinions of friends and family, even our own thoughts pulling us in different directions. It can be overwhelming and confusing, making it hard to know what’s true and what really matters. But in the middle of all the noise, there is one voice that stands above the rest—Jesus.

In the Bible, there’s a moment when God Himself speaks directly to His followers and gives a simple but powerful command: “Listen to Him!” (Matthew 17:5). This happened when Jesus took three of His disciples up on a mountain, and they saw something incredible—Jesus’ appearance changed, glowing with heavenly light, and two great figures from history, Moses and Elijah, appeared with Him. As the disciples stood in awe, a bright cloud covered them, and God’s voice spoke, making it clear that above all the voices in the world, they needed to listen to Jesus. And the same is true for us today.

The disciples were totally overwhelmed at the transfiguration. They were terrified, but Jesus walked right up, touched them, and said, “Get up. Don’t be afraid.” (Matthew 17:7) Isn’t that what He does for us? In our fear and uncertainty, He reassures us with His presence and love.

Let’s be honest—there are so many voices fighting for our attention every day. It’s exhausting, right? But Jesus’ voice is different. His words silence the noise. They bring clarity when we’re confused, hope when we’re struggling, and truth when we don’t know what to believe.

Jesus speaks to us in so many ways—through the Bible, prayer, the Holy Spirit, or even a conversation with someone who loves Him. But how often do we actually stop and listen? Listening takes effort. It means slowing down, tuning out distractions, and being willing to act on what we hear.

When we really listen to Jesus, amazing things happen:

  • We find peace. In a world that’s full of chaos and noise, His voice calms us. Think about when He says, “Don’t be afraid.” It’s like a deep cleansing breath for your soul.
  • We get direction. Feeling lost? His Word lights the way. Psalm 119:105 says it perfectly: “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”
  • We gain strength. You know those days when you just feel drained? His promises remind us that His strength shows up when we’re at our weakest.

So, here’s something to think about: Whose voice are you really listening to right now? Is it Jesus’? Or are other voices crowding Him out?

Let’s make it a goal today to turn down the world’s noise and lean into what Jesus has to say. His words aren’t just helpful—they’re life-changing.

A Prayer for Today:
Jesus, I want to hear You above everything else. Help me quiet the distractions around me and make space to listen. Speak to me through Your Word, guide my choices, and give me the courage to follow You. Thank You for Your peace, direction, and strength. Help me to trust You and obey Your voice. In Jesus’ Name, I pray, Amen.

Related Verses:

  • John 10:27: “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.”
  • Proverbs 4:20-22: “My son, pay attention to what I say; turn your ear to my words. Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart; for they are life to those who find them and health to one’s whole body.”
  • Matthew 7:24: “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.”
  • Revelation 3:20: “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.”
Jan1

Masterpiece in Progress: God’s Hand at Work in Your Life

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The Masterpiece of Your Life: God’s Handiwork

As we step into the new year, it’s easy to think of it as a fresh start, a blank canvas waiting to be filled. But what if we imagined that the new year is not a blank slate at all, but rather a new layer being added to a masterpiece that God has been painting throughout our entire lives? Every day, every moment, and every year is a stroke of His brush, contributing to the richness, depth, and beauty of the story He is telling.

In the hands of the Master Artist, our lives are not random or disconnected moments. Each year, He adds additional brushstrokes—sometimes thick, sometimes thin, sometimes bold, and occasionally subtle—that build upon the layer before it. The beauty of an oil painting is that each layer is integral to the final work. Without the depth, texture, and complexity added over time, the painting would lack the fullness that makes it truly stunning.

Layers of Growth and Transformation

Just as an artist adds layer after layer to a painting, God has been adding layer upon layer to our lives. Some layers are made of moments of joy and celebration, where the light shines brightly, and the colors are vivid and bold. Other layers come in moments of pain or difficulty, where the brushstrokes are deeper and more muted but still necessary to create depth and dimension.

In each year, God paints with purpose. Sometimes, we might not see the beauty of a layer until much later, as it blends with the ones before it. But as we look back on the years of our lives, we can see how each layer has contributed to the masterpiece that God is creating—layer by layer, year by year.

Trusting the Master Artist

Like an oil painting, the process is slow and steady. God isn’t rushing through our lives to finish the painting. He knows that every stroke, every moment, is essential to the final result. We may look at certain years and wonder why they were filled with trials or challenges, but those are the very layers that add depth, texture, and richness to the final masterpiece.

In the same way that an artist steps back to admire their work and evaluate each layer, God sees the fullness of the painting He is creating in our lives. He knows what the final picture will look like—each year is just a portion of the whole, and He is working in ways we cannot always understand. But we can trust that every layer is part of His perfect design.

Every Layer Counts

It’s easy to get caught up in thinking that certain years were “better” than others or that some moments were more significant. But in God’s hands, every year—whether it’s filled with moments of brightness or moments of darkness—is necessary for the painting. The beauty comes in the way He uses each year to add to the larger picture.

As we look ahead to this new year, let’s remember that it’s not just a single, isolated moment in time. It’s part of the bigger picture God is creating in our lives. And each layer He adds is rich with purpose, depth, and meaning. We may not yet see how it all fits together, but the Master Artist knows exactly what He is doing.

Embracing the Masterpiece

So, as you enter this new year, don’t view it as a blank canvas. See it as the next layer in the beautiful, ongoing masterpiece God is painting in your life. Each moment is an essential brushstroke, and with each passing year, He is bringing more extraordinary beauty, richness, and depth to your story. Trust in the process, knowing that every stroke—whether joyful or challenging—is part of the more excellent work He is creating.

And when the final painting is revealed, we will see the masterpiece that God has been crafting all along—a beautiful work of art that tells the story of His faithfulness, love, and perfect design.

A Prayer for Today

Dear Lord, As we enter this new year, help us trust You as the Master Artist of our lives. Thank You for the layers You’ve already added to our story, shaping us with love and purpose. Help us confidently face whatever the year ahead brings, knowing that You are right by our side. Thank You for this reminder that You are always at work in our lives and that Your plan is perfect. May this year bring glory to You as You continue to shape us into the people You’ve called us to be. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Related Verses

Psalm 139:16 – “Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.”

Philippians 1:6 – “Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”

Jeremiah 29:11 – “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.’”

Romans 8:28 – “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”

Isaiah 64:8 – “Yet, O Lord, you are our Father. We are the clay. You are the potter; we are all the work of your hand.”

Psalm 139:13-14 – “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.”

Jul22

Tears in a Bottle

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 "You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book." (Psalm 56:8 NLT)

God loves you so much and is attentive to every detail of your life. Not only does He know the number of hairs on your head (Luke 12:7), but He also cares so deeply about whatever painful circumstance you are going through that He collects your tears in a bottle and records each one in His book.

  • Your tears matter to God because YOU matter to God!

No other animal has the ability to shed emotional tears like humans, and I have often wondered what God was thinking when He decided to upgrade us with the capability of crying.

Recently I learned that our tears have different chemical makeups depending on the purpose behind the tears. For example, happy tears are chemically different from tears caused by heartbreak or grief. Similarly, tears caused by pain (like the ones a child cries when he skins his knee) are different than the ones we shed if we are slicing an onion or have an irritant in our eye.1

I found it even more fascinating that emotional tears have a high concentration of stress hormones, so our bodies are ridding themselves of toxins with each of those teardrops. Additionally, when we cry for an extended amount of time, our body releases extra “feel good” hormones – oxytocin and endorphins – that can help relieve both physical and emotional pain, allowing us to become more relaxed and providing us with a sense of comfort and calm, like a natural “painkiller.”

  • When the Creator of the universe hand-crafted humans, He equipped us with “release valves” for times when life becomes too overwhelming for us to hold it all inside.

Scripture also tells us, “Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy.” (Psalm 126:5 NIV) This verse gives me hope that all our sorrowful tears are like tiny seeds, and one day they will produce a harvest of joy.

  • Our suffering is never wasted. God can bring a harvest of good from even the worst circumstances. (Romans 8:28)

Although God never promised that life here on earth would be without pain, suffering, …and tears, He does promise that He will one day wipe away every tear from the eyes of His children. “For the Lamb in the midst of the throne will be their shepherd, and He will guide them to springs of living water, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.” (Revelation 7:17 ESV)

In heaven, believers will find eternal peace and comfort with our Savior. There will be no more pain, no more sickness, no more heartbreak, no more grief, no more death, and no more tears…because we will no longer need them!

  • Our Heavenly Father will wipe the last of our tears from our eyes when we arrive in our glorious eternal home.

Dear friend, if you are experiencing a painful season in your life, God sees you and cares about each teardrop that falls from your eyes. Trust that God loves you and can use even the most heartbreaking circumstances to bring about something good for His children. “When the righteous cry for help, the LORD hears and delivers them out of all their troubles.” (Psalm 34:17 ESV)

Related Verses:

"Since you are so much more precious to God than a thousand flocks of sparrows, and since God knows you in every detail—down to the number of hairs on your head at this moment—you can be secure and unafraid of any person, and you have nothing to fear from God either." (Luke 12:7 VOICE)
"And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose." (Romans 8:28 NIV)
"Jesus wept." John 11:35 (NIV)
1https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/the-microscopic-structures-of-dried-human-tears-180947766/

Jul15

Shape Your Worries Into Prayers

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worrycorrie ten boom

 
"Don't worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:6-7 CSB)
  • Don’t worry about anything. Instead, pray about everything.

We use tremendous mental energy when we worry, yet we accomplish nothing. We lose sleep, create stress on our entire body, and take time and focus away from other important things.

Worrying puts us in a state of anxiety as we imagine potential scenarios to solve or avoid potential threats and their potential consequences. It’s our way of trying to pre-plan how we might control the uncontrollable through hypothetical risk analysis.

Paul instructs us to “…shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns.” (Philippians 4:6 MSG) So the next time you find yourself ruminating over your list of what-if-worst-case scenarios, try verbalizing those swirling thoughts into prayers, letting God know what is troubling you.

What would you say to a friend if you picked up the phone and called to talk about your problems? That’s exactly what you can do when you talk to Jesus. He’s available 24/7 and happy to listen, even when your worried thoughts keep you awake at night.

  • Peace displaces worry.

The wonderful thing about praying our worries to God is that once we lay our cares at His feet, His “peace which surpasses understanding” will settle in and displace our churning anxiety. This divine peace creates a deep sense of inner calmness amid tumultuous trials and is so shocking that it is beyond our explanation.

  • Peace stands guard at the gates of your mind and heart.

The word “guard” in Philippians 4:7 gives us a visual image of soldiers guarding a city gate…from INSIDE the gate. So by praying about your cares and concerns to God, God’s peace will move in and stand guard inside the gates of your mind and your heart to prevent an invasion of fear and worry from overtaking you.

  • Instead of worrying, try this:

Let God transform your worry into peace by trying this: “Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It’s wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life.” (Philippians 4:6-7 MSG)

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Dear Lord,

Thank you that I can bring all my concerns and worries to You. Thank you that you are always ready to listen. Help me trust that You know what’s best for me in every situation and that You can make all things work together for good1…even the things I’m worried about. Remind me that with God all things are possible.2 Thank you for Your peace that stands guard at the gate of my mind and my heart. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Related Scriptures:

  • 1“And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28 NKJV )
  • 2“Jesus looked at them and said, ‘With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.'” (Matthew 19:26 NIV)
  • “You will keep the mind that is dependent on you in perfect peace, for it is trusting in you.” (Isaiah 26:5 CSB)
  • “Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life? Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?” ~Jesus (Luke 12:25-26 NIV)
Mar21

Keep Your Eyes on God ~ not your difficulties

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Eyes on God

“Then Peter called to him: ‘Sir, if it is really you, tell me to come over to you, walking on the water.’ ‘All right,’ the Lord said, ‘come along!’ So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. But when he looked around at the high waves, he was terrified and began to sink. ‘Save me, Lord!’ he shouted.”

Matthew 14:28 – 30 TLB

We may not walk on water, but we do walk through periods of tumultuous circumstances in life. If we focus on the swirling waves of difficulties surrounding us, we can easily feel like we are being swallowed up by the surge of life’s problems.

Peter experienced a rather unusual example of God’s power when he went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. His faith in Jesus gave him the courage to throw his leg over the side of the boat and step out into the stormy sea.  However, his faith wavered when he realized what he was doing. Once he took his eyes off Jesus and focused on the crushing waves around him, he began to sink.

Like Peter, we often start out with great intentions. We may be “prayed up” and filled with holy confidence before we begin to face the day. But once we wade into the undulating sea of life, our faith begins to falter, and we sink in despair. We feel ill-equipped to navigate the storms that batter us. Yet this doesn’t mean that we have failed. When Peter’s faith faltered, he immediately reached out to Jesus. In his time of greatest fear, he called on his Savior to rescue him.

When you are afraid of the troubles that swirl around you, keep your eyes on Jesus’ power rather than your own inadequacies. Call out to Him for help, and He will rescue you from the stormy seas.

“We have to pray with our eyes on God ~ not on the difficulties.” ~ Oswald Chambers

“Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said “why did you doubt?” And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, “truly you are the Son of God.”

Matthew 14:31-33