Category Archives: God Watches Over Us

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.”
Jan5

Fragile or Firm? Where Do You Place Your Trust?

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"His source of confidence is fragile, what he trusts in is a spider's web. He leans on his web, but it doesn't stand firm. He grabs it, but it does not hold up." Job 8:14 - 15

The intricate designs of spider webs have always fascinated me. The delicate strands, weaving in and out, create patterns of surprising complexity and beauty. Yet, for all their beauty, spider webs are fragile. The slightest touch can tear them apart.

I’ve watched a spider quickly repair its web after something damaged it. With focused determination, it weaves new threads, trying to restore what was broken. It’s amazing to watch – but it also reminds me of how we often try to do the same thing in life. We work tirelessly to patch up fragile things we’ve placed our trust in – whether it’s material possessions, relationships, our career, or our own strength. But no matter how hard we try, if our foundation isn’t secure in God, those things will inevitably fail.

The passage from Job 8: 14 – 15 compares misplaced trust to a spider’s web. When we put our hope in earthly things, our confidence is as delicate as those strands in the web. It may looks secure, but it cannot bear the weight of life’s storms. We may lean on things we think will support us – our own wisdom, other people, or material comforts – but when trouble comes, they crumble.

But the good news is that God offers us a foundation that will never fail. Unlike the fleeting security of a spider’s web — or our own strength –, God’s promises are unshakable. When we place our hope in Him, we find lasting peace and stability, no matter what hardships may come.

Are there areas in your life where you’ve been trusting in something fragile? We don’t realize how fragile these things are until they’re tested by life’s storms. But scripture reminds us that God is a firm foundation we can trust completely. Isaiah 26: 3 – 4 says, “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast because they trust in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord Himself, is the Rock eternal.” When we place our hope in Him, we find peace, stability, and strength that will always stand firm.

If you’re wondering where to place your hope and trust, let God’s Word be your guide. Here are some other scriptures to remind you that God is our unshakable foundation, our refuge, and our strength in every season:

  • Psalm 18: 2 — “The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.”
  • Matthew 7: 24 – 25 — ” 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. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.”
  • Jeremiah 17: 7 – 8 — “But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in Him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.”
  • Proverbs 3: 5 – 6 — “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.”

A Prayer for Today

Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you for being our unshakeable foundation. Forgive us for times when we place our trust in fragile things - our own abilities, possessions or human strength. Help us to lean on you completely, knowing that You alone can support us through lifes' storms. When we feel uncertain or overwhelmed, remind us that Your promises never fail. May we cling to You, our Rock and Refuge, with unwavering faith. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
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.”

Dec31

Beyond Resolutions: A New Perspective for the New Year

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“Then God said, ‘Let there be light-bearers (Sun, Moon, Stars) in the expanse of the heavens to separate day from night, and let them be useful for signs (tokens) [of God’s provident care], and for marking seasons, days and years.'” Genesis 1: 14 AMP

As we stand on the threshold of a new year, it’s easy to feel both the excitement and uncertainty of what lies ahead. We make plans, set resolutions, and look forward to the opportunities and challenges that a fresh start brings. But what if we approached the turning of the calendar not just with our own hopes and dreams, but with a deep sense of awe at how God has already gone before us, marking every moment with His faithful presence?

In Genesis 1:14-19, we see a powerful and often overlooked truth about time. On the fourth day of creation, God spoke into existence the lights in the sky, the sun, moon, and stars, and declared that they were “good.” These lights were not just to illuminate the earth but to “serve as signs (tokens) to mark sacred times, and days and years” (Genesis 1:14, Amplified Bible). In this moment, God created the very concept of time—days, seasons, and years—and deemed it good. The orderly passage of time was His perfect design, not an afterthought.

God’s Provident Care in the Heavens

As we read this passage, it’s awe-inspiring to realize that God, the Creator of the universe, intentionally placed the lights in the sky to serve as tokens of His providence. (Here, providence means providing for future needs or events, or exercising foresight and care in planning for the future.) Even before humanity existed, God made the heavens a visible reminder of His care and faithfulness. The sun, moon, and stars were not simply celestial objects; they were divine markers set in place to reflect God’s active presence in time.

It’s humbling to think that God wanted us to notice His handiwork in the heavens—signs that would not only provide light for the earth but also guide us through time. Each day, month, and year is a direct result of God’s deliberate and sustaining power. And as we look up at the stars or feel the warmth of the sun, we are reminded that time itself is a gift from a loving, providential Father.

A Fresh Perspective for the New Year

As we turn the page to a new year, it’s an opportunity to reframe our perspective on time. We no longer need to see the passing days simply as moments slipping away, like grains of sand through an hourglass. Instead, we can view each day, each month, as a sign of God’s ongoing care and faithfulness. The same God who created the sun to rule the day and the moon to rule the night is the one who has walked with us through every season, both light and dark.

And what’s even more amazing is that each and every day is a gift from our Heavenly Father — not just the first day of the year. Each new morning is a fresh start, a blank canvas for God to fill with His purpose. We don’t know what the day will bring, but God already does. He’s there ahead of us, ready to walk us through whatever lies ahead. The sun rises each morning, and as it does, it’s as if God is saying, “Here is your day, a new gift filled with potential.”

God’s Unseen Presence

Even on the stormy, cloudy days when we can’t see the lights in the sky, we know they are still there. The sun, moon, and stars haven’t gone anywhere; they’re simply hidden by the clouds. In the same way, even when we don’t feel God’s presence, we can be sure He’s still there. Just as the lights in the sky continue to shine even when they’re not visible to us, God is always watching over us, guiding us, and walking beside us. Whether the skies are clear or clouded over, His love and care never change. He is constant, unshaken by the storms of life. The same God who created the sun to rule the day and the moon to rule the night is the one who has walked with us through every season, both light and dark.

Trusting God with the Year Ahead

What would it look like to approach the new year with this understanding—that every day, week, and month is a token of God’s care, a gift from the Creator who has been guiding us through all the days that have passed before? As we face the challenges and opportunities of this year, let’s remember that we don’t walk through it alone. The lights in the sky remind us of God’s providence—His constant, loving presence as we move forward.

In the coming year, let’s strive to live with a sense of gratitude for the time God has entrusted to us. Whether we’re facing joyous celebrations or difficult trials, each moment is an opportunity to trust in God’s perfect timing, knowing that He is already ahead of us, guiding us through every season of life.

Instead of a New Year’s Resolution, Embrace a Year of Gratitude

Instead of setting a traditional New Year’s resolution, why not choose to live the year with a focus on gratitude? Rather than simply making a list of goals, let’s intentionally recognize the blessings each day brings. You can create a daily habit of reflecting on God’s goodness by writing down one thing you are grateful for every day. This practice will not only help you cultivate a spirit of thankfulness but also allow you to see the hand of God at work in the everyday moments of your life. Whether it’s the beauty of a sunrise, a kind word from a friend, or God’s guidance through a challenge, you’ll begin to notice and appreciate His faithfulness in ways you might have missed before.

By the end of the year, you’ll have 365 moments of gratitude that serve as a testimony to God’s providence and love. This simple act can transform your perspective, helping you see that no matter what each day holds, it is a gift from a loving Creator, always filled with something to be thankful for.

A New Year, A New Beginning

As we embrace the new year, let’s hold onto the truth that God is not just present in our moments but actively shaping and guiding time itself. Each new day, each season, is a chance to align ourselves with His purpose and reflect on the tokens of His providence that shine brightly in the heavens above. Let’s look at our calendars with fresh eyes, seeing them as reminders of the Creator’s faithful care and the eternal rhythm of His plan.

A Prayer for the New Year

Dear Heavenly Father, Thank You for the gift of this new year and the opportunity to walk with You each day. Help us to see each moment as a precious gift from Your hand, filled with purpose and meaning. Teach us to number our days aright, that we may live with wisdom and gratitude for all You have done and continue to do. May Your providence guide us, and may we trust in Your faithful presence, both in the light and in the storms. We ask that You help us embrace each day with open hearts, thankful for the blessings You’ve given and trusting in Your perfect timing.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.

Related Verses

Psalm 118:24
“This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.”

James 1:17
“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.”

1 Thessalonians 5:18
“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

Psalm 104:19-20
“The moon marks off the seasons, and the sun knows when to go down. You bring darkness, it becomes night, and all the beasts of the forest prowl.”

Psalm 90:12
“Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.”

Dec27

When You Can’t Find Words, God Hears Your Heart

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There are moments in life when finding the right words to pray feels impossible. Sometimes, the weight of our circumstances leaves us speechless. Whether we’re facing overwhelming challenges, dealing with a heartbreaking loss, or feeling lonely and disconnected from those around us, it can seem as though the words to pray simply aren’t there. When the heaviness in your heart makes it hard to know what to say to God, it’s comforting to know that God hears our hearts — even when words fail us.

“In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.” Romans 8:26-27 (NIV)

A God Who Understands Even Our Silence

This powerful passage reminds us that when we’re at a loss for words, the Holy Spirit is there, interceding on our behalf. God, who searches our hearts, understands the deepest cries of our soul, even when we can’t articulate them. When we are weak and unable to pray as we should, the Spirit steps in, offering our prayers to God with perfect understanding and in perfect accordance with His will.

Think about that for a moment—the Creator of the universe not only hears our words but listens attentively to the silent groans of our hearts. Whether our prayers are eloquent or unspoken, whether we cry out in desperation or sit in quiet surrender, God hears us. And He is always at work, responding in ways that are best for us.

God Hears You, Even in Your Silence

When words escape you, when the grief or confusion feels too heavy to bear, remember this: God hears your heart. The Holy Spirit is interceding for you, and God’s love and attention never fail. You are never truly alone in your struggles, even when you can’t find the right words to say.

So, when you feel lost in your prayers, take comfort in knowing that the Spirit is speaking for you, bringing your heart’s cries to God. You don’t have to have the perfect words—just an open heart, and God will meet you there.

Even when you can’t find the words, God is listening. He hears your heart.

A Prayer for Today:

Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank You for being a God who hears our hearts, even when we can’t find the words to pray. When we are overwhelmed or weary, help us to rest in the truth that You are always near, listening and interceding on our behalf. Holy Spirit, thank You for lifting our silent prayers to the Father. Please give us peace in knowing that You understand our deepest needs. We trust in Your love, Your care, and Your perfect will for our lives. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Related Verses:

Psalm 34:18: “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”

Psalm 116: 1 – 2 (TLB): “I love the Lord because He hears my prayers and answers them. Because He bends down and listens, I will pray as long as I breathe!”

Philippians 4:6-7: “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.”

Hebrews 4:16: “Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”

Nov28

God’s Will for You: Giving Thanks in All Circumstances

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“For this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18)

What is God’s will for your life? Scripture makes it clear: give thanks in all circumstances. This is His will for you—whether life is good or difficult.

It’s easy to be thankful when life is flowing smoothly and when blessings are abundant. A grateful heart comes naturally when things are going well. But what about when life is hard? When we face hardship, heartbreak, loss, or suffering, God’s will for us remains the same—to continually give thanks. It may feel counterintuitive, but even in our darkest moments, His call is for us to give thanks because He is always with us in the storm.

By giving thanks, even in pain, we invite God’s presence into our circumstances. Psalm 22:3 reminds us, “God inhabits the praises of His people.” When we praise Him, especially in our hardest times, we make room for His power and comfort to fill our hearts.

Remember, just because something difficult happens doesn’t mean it’s God’s will. We live in a broken world, and bad things happen that aren’t directly caused by God. But as believers, we hold onto Romans 8:28, which assures us, “We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” God doesn’t cause the bad, but He can use even the worst situations for our good.

In times of trial, we can trust that He is with us, working behind the scenes, even when we don’t understand how.

No matter what you’re facing today—whether it’s a long-awaited breakthrough or a sudden storm—choosing to give thanks, even in the midst of it all, becomes a declaration that God is sovereign, that He is good, and that His love and faithfulness will carry us through.

We can always choose to thank God, trusting that His goodness will sustain us.

A Prayer for Today:

"Dear Lord, Remind us of Your constant presence and faithfulness, no matter what we face in life. Teach us to give thanks in all circumstances, trusting that You are working for our good. May our hearts be filled with praise, even in the storm, and may Your peace and comfort surround us. Thank You for Your love that never fails. In Jesus' name, Amen."

Related Verses:

"Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His name.
For the Lord is good and His love endures forever; His faithfulness continues through all generations." Psalm 100: 4 - 5
"I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise will always be on my lips." Psalm 34:1
Nov16

God’s Whispers in the Storm: A Lifeline in Troubled Times

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God’s Word often shines brightest in our darkest seasons of life. When our circumstances feel overwhelming, His promises, whispered through Scripture, carry a sweetness that we might not fully appreciate in easier times. Like manna in the wilderness, His Word sustains us and nourishes our weary souls.

In Psalm 119:143, the psalmist reveals this profound truth: “Even though my troubles overwhelm me with anguish, I still delight and cherish every message you speak to me.” Troubles can weigh heavily on our hearts, but this verse provides a glimmer of hope to help lighten our burdens.

It’s often in hardships that we discover the depths of God’s faithfulness. The same verse that comforts us today may have seemed ordinary when life was simpler, but now it is a lifeline. The sweetness of His Word reminds us that He is near, He understands our pain, and He will carry us through.

If you feel overwhelmed with troubles today, open God’s Word and allow His promises to speak to your heart. You may find His truth tastes sweeter than ever before.

Related Verses:

  • “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Psalm 34:18
  • “But He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” 2 Corinthians 12:9

A Prayer for Today:

Dear Lord, When my troubles overwhelm me, and my heart feels heavy, help me find peace in Your Word. Instead of focusing on the stormy circumstances swirling around in my life, remind me of your faithfulness and help me find strength in Your truth. Thank you for being close to the brokenhearted. May Your power be made perfect in my weakness. Please fill me with Your peace that passes understanding. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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/

Mar23

Pray with Your Eyes on God – Not Your Difficulties

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“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 be called to walk on water, but we do walk through periods of tumultuous circumstances in life. Right now our world is battling the pandemic virus COVID-19, and we are being tossed about in uncharted waters of a global shutdown. Every time we turn on the television or scroll through social media, we are inundated with a flood of bad news. 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

Mar18

Choose Faith Over Fear

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Get vaccinated with a dose of Faith.

Read Psalm 91 aloud (below), and let the power of His words melt away your anxiety and fear. As you read the psalm, you can turn it into a powerful prayer to the Lord in behalf of you and your loved ones. God is greater than the hardships we face, and no problem is too great for God…not even COVID-19!

While He has us in a world-wide Holy Time-Out, you can replace panic with peace by spending time feasting on the soul food of His Good News, not the constant social feed of bad news.

God is teaching us to trust in HIM — Not the economy, not the stock market, not your job or your bank account.

Put your faith in the One who has overcome the world and rest in the shadow of His wings.

Choose Faith over Fear!

Psalm 91 ~

Whoever rests in the shadow of the Most High God
will be kept safe by the Mighty One.
 I will say about the Lord,
“He is my place of safety.
He is like a fort to me.
He is my God. I trust in him.”

He will certainly save you from hidden traps
    and from deadly sickness.
He will cover you with his wings.
Under the feathers of his wings you will find safety.
He is faithful. He will keep you safe like a shield or a tower.
You won’t have to be afraid of the terrors that come during the night.
You won’t have to fear the arrows that come at you during the day.
You won’t have to be afraid of the sickness that attacks in the darkness.
    You won’t have to fear the plague that destroys at noon.
A thousand may fall dead at your side.
Ten thousand may fall near your right hand.
But no harm will come to you.
You will see with your own eyes
how God punishes sinful people.

Suppose you say, “The Lord is the one who keeps me safe.”
Suppose you let the Most High God be like a home to you.
 Then no harm will come to you.
No terrible plague will come near your tent.
The Lord will command his angels
to take good care of you.
They will lift you up in their hands.
Then you won’t trip over a stone.
You will walk on lions and cobras.
You will crush mighty lions and poisonous snakes.

The Lord says, “I will save the one who loves me.
I will keep him safe, because he trusts in me.
 He will call out to me, and I will answer him.
I will be with him in times of trouble.
I will save him and honor him.
 I will give him a long and full life.
I will save him.”