It Is Well With My Soul

Lord, 'it is well with my soul', a declaration I'm choosing to make even when my circumstances aren't well, when my body hurts, when my heart breaks, when nothing feels okay.

This isn't denying reality or pretending everything is fine, it's declaring that at the deepest level, where it matters most, my soul rests secure in You regardless of what's happening around me.

Teach me the difference between my circumstances and my soul, that one can be chaos while the other remains at peace, that external storms don't have to create internal ones.

I can say it is well with my soul even when life isn't well, health isn't well, relationships aren't well, finances aren't well, because my soul's wellness isn't tied to those things.

Help me anchor my soul in You so deeply that whatever happens to my body, my plans, my life, the core of who I am remains settled, steady, at peace in Your hands.

Give me grace to make this declaration authentically, not as denial but as defiant faith, choosing to affirm that despite everything, it is well with my soul because You hold it.

Let me say with confidence today and always, it is well with my soul, not because everything is okay but because my soul is anchored in the God who is always okay.

- Provided by "Faithful Grace"

The Weight That Holds Us Steady

“This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, ”

Hebrews 6:19a (NKJV)

Recently, my husband and I went on a cruise for our 25th anniversary. As we rested on the balcony, watching the waves go by, I caught myself imagining what would happen if the ocean decided to get unruly.

The ship would have no choice but to drop anchor. Then the waves may not stop, but they would lose their power to push us off course. We would be held steady by something heavy, strong, and unseen.

That image immediately reminded me of Hebrews 6:19a: “We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.”

If you think about it, anchors don’t get much credit. They’re covered beneath the waterline, doing the quiet work of keeping everything grounded. By definition, an anchor is a heavy object attached to a cable or chain and used to moor a ship, fixing it firmly and securely in one place. Without that secure attachment, a ship does not stay put. It drifts.

We tend to drift in our own way, don't we? With a few hard hits, disappointments we didn’t see coming, or unanswered prayers … our souls loosen their grip on God. It’s not that we stop believing in Him, but the waves of life wear us out.

Drifting never announces itself; it just happens quietly and slowly. On the ship’s deck that day, it was like I heard a whisper in my heart: Are you drifting?

God invited me to pause long enough to reflect on what my soul had attached itself to for stability and whether that mooring point was actually strong enough to hold me during life’s storms. I had to admit that after facing a series of personal setbacks, my faith was wavering. I felt disconnected and was drifting without direction.

As I searched the Scriptures, I also came across Psalm 62:5, and it hit me like holy correction: “Rest in God alone, my soul, for my hope comes from him” (CSB). This truth recentered me and made me thankful for the hope I have in Christ, knowing my faith is secure in the God who is always faithful.

He is the One who holds us steady when circumstances feel unfair, unfinished, or overwhelming. Friend, when life is storm-tossed, when emotions get out of control, when fear or doubt shows up, when insecurity starts rearing its head, this is your reminder and mine: Hope in Christ.

We don’t get to escape the waves, but we do get to choose where we anchor. Christ is steady, trustworthy, and unshaken. Rest your weight there. He is strong enough to hold you.

Lord, when life feels unsteady, teach us to anchor our souls in You. Remind us that hope in Christ is stronger than any storm. Strengthen our faith, settle our fears, and keep us close. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

- Dr. Avril Occilien-Similien
Provided by "Proverbs 31 Ministries"

When Negative Thoughts Run Your Life

Keep your heart with all diligence, For out of it spring the issues of life.

Proverbs 4:23 (NKJV)

I knew they were there, but I tried to ignore them and deny their existence.

They controlled how I felt in the morning and when I went to sleep. They often caused my emotions to feel out of control, making me feel out of control too.

They dictated how I reacted to situations or conversations. They often made me feel offended, angry, or hurt, whether or not it was truly justified. They never ceased to remind me of my shortcomings and flaws, making me feel inferior and without value, and they constantly tried to pull me down with discouragement or hopelessness, stealing my peace and joy.

What are “they,” you ask?

My thoughts.

Life had been tough for many months due to a painful situation in my marriage, and as a result, negative thoughts were running my life.

I didn’t want to feel sad or unhappy, but my thoughts stayed consumed with all the things that made me sad and unhappy. I didn’t want to feel discouraged or fearful, but my heart was heavy.

My negative thoughts were weighing down not only my emotions but my outlook on life. I felt as if I were sinking mentally, emotionally, and at times spiritually.

Todays key verse gives us wise advice on dealing with our thoughts: “Keep your heart with all diligence, For out of it spring the issues of life.” (Proverbs 4:23).

This passage was written by King Solomon for the benefit of his own sons. As I read Proverbs 4, I notice that although Solomon was the king of Israel, he didn’t just advise his sons about royal matters like how to handle money, job responsibilities, or leading the kingdom. Instead he spoke here of the value of controlling their thoughts, which would determine how his sons felt and lived.

The quality of our thoughts will always determine the quality of our lives.

Whatever our minds focus on will shape what plays out in our lives and who we become. Our thoughts and feelings have more power than we may realize, gradually steering us - and possibly our faith - in a direction we may not want to go. King Solomon knew it’s often our thoughts, not just our circumstances, that cause us to sink, and his scriptures counsel us to be careful about what we think and feel.

When I realized my thoughts were running my life, I admitted to Jesus how I had allowed emotionally fueled thoughts to sink my joy, hope, and faith. I asked Him to remind me of His Truth that says I can be positive even if my circumstances aren’t.

As He helped me intentionally change my thoughts, my life changed as well. And so can yours.

Dear Lord, at times I feel as if I’m sinking in my attitude, my thought patterns, and even my faith. Forgive me for letting negativity have power over how I feel, think, and live. Fill me with hope today. Give me wisdom to control my attitude, and help me learn to transform my thoughts, heart, and life. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

- Tracie Miles

Provided by "Proverbs 31 Ministries"

Scripture: Ephesians 4:25-32

Do Not Grieve the Spirit

25 Therefore, putting away lying, “Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor,” for we are members of one another. 26 “Be angry, and do not sin”: do not let the sun go down on your wrath, 27 nor give place to the devil. 28 Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather let him labor, working with his hands what is good, that he may have something to give him who has need. 29 Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. 32 And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.

Navigating Difficult People Without Losing Your Peace

Sometimes in life, we encounter people whose selfishness and unwillingness to accommodate others cause frustration, stress, and even conflict. The feelings of anger, hurt, or confusion that arise are real, and God sees them. He knows the weight of carrying the tension that others create.

The first step is to bring your emotions to Him. Psalm 34:17-18 reminds us, “The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Don’t bottle it up, prayer is your safe place to release your anger, your frustration, and your confusion. God can handle your raw emotions.

Next, examine your own heart. Difficult people can sometimes push our buttons, revealing areas in us that need patience, humility, or forgiveness. Ephesians 4:31-32 says, “Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger…Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” This doesn’t mean accepting abuse or walking on eggshells, it means protecting your heart while keeping Christ’s example of grace in view.

Set boundaries. Scripture doesn’t call us to endure constant harm or chaos, but to act wisely. Boundaries help protect your peace. Decide what behavior you will or won’t accept and stick to it. Sometimes that means limiting contact, sometimes it’s speaking up calmly and clearly when conflicts arise.

Finally, pray for them. It might feel impossible, but asking God to soften their heart or to work in their life can free you from carrying bitterness. Matthew 5:44 instructs, “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” Praying for them isn’t about condoning bad behavior, it’s about freeing yourself from the chains of anger and resentment.

Remember: God’s strength shows most clearly in our weakness. When someone in your life is difficult, lean on Him. He is your refuge, your guide, and your peace.

A Devotional Week on... "Navigating Difficult People Without Losing Your Peace."

Day 1: Acknowledge Your Feelings

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

• Reflection: Be honest with God about your anger, frustration, or hurt. Naming your emotions is the first step to processing them.

• Practice: Write down how this person makes you feel. Pray over each feeling, giving it to God instead of letting it consume you.

Prayer:

“Lord, I am frustrated and hurt by this person. Help me to place my anger in Your hands and not let it control me. Amen.”

Day 2: Seek Wisdom Before Reacting

• Scripture: Proverbs 15:1 – “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”

• Reflection: Pause before responding. Anger often leads to words or actions you’ll regret.

• Practice: When you feel your blood boiling, take three deep breaths, pray silently, and ask God for a response that honors Him.

Prayer:

“God, guide my words and actions. Help me respond with wisdom instead of reacting in anger. Amen.”

Day 3: Set Healthy Boundaries

• Scripture: Galatians 6:5 – “Each one should carry their own load.”

• Reflection: Boundaries are not unkind, they protect your heart. You can love someone without tolerating harmful behavior.

• Practice: Identify one boundary you need to set this week, maybe it’s limiting time with them or avoiding conversations that escalate conflict.

Prayer:

“Lord, give me courage to protect my peace and the wisdom to know what boundaries are necessary. Amen.”

Day 4: Pray for Them

• Scripture: Matthew 5:44 – “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”

• Reflection: Prayer is not about changing the other person, it’s about aligning your heart with God’s love.

• Practice: Pray for this person’s good, asking God to soften their heart and bless them, even if you don’t see change immediately.

Prayer:

“Father, bless this person and guide them to Your truth. Help me to forgive and not harbor bitterness. Amen.”

Day 5: Focus on What You Can Control

• Scripture: 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.”

• Reflection: You can’t control their actions, only your response. Your peace comes from surrendering control to God.

•Practice: List the things you can control today, your attitude, words, and actions, and focus your energy there.

Prayer:

“God, help me to let go of what I cannot control and focus on living in Your peace. Amen.”

Day 6: Cultivate Compassion

• Scripture: Ephesians 4:32 – “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”

• Reflection: Difficult people often act out of pain or insecurity. Compassion doesn’t excuse bad behavior, but it frees your heart from resentment.

• Practice: Try to see one positive thing in them today, even a small trait, and thank God for it in prayer.

Prayer:

“Lord, help me to see this person through Your eyes, and give me a heart of compassion instead of resentment. Amen.”

Day 7: Reflect and Release

• Scripture: Romans 12:19 – “Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath.”

• Reflection: Let go of anger, trusting God to handle justice and change. Holding on only hurts you.

• Practice: Write a short letter expressing everything you feel, then tear it up or burn it as a symbolic release. Pray over your freedom from bitterness.

Prayer: “God, I release my anger and frustration to You. Guard my heart and help me walk in peace, trusting You to handle every situation. Amen.” - Ellie Mont

What No One Tells You About Healing

There’s a kind of silence no one talks about, the kind that comes after your mind breaks.

Not the peace of solitude. Not the hush of a quiet moment with God. But the silence that follows a collapse. The kind that changes how you think, feel, breathe.

I think about her sometimes. The girl I was before it happened. Before the anxiety unspooled like thread from my thoughts. Before the panic. Before the cracks in my memory. Before the grief rewired everything.

She knew how to tuck trauma away. As if it wasn’t waiting in the dark corners, growing and building, hiding just out of sight until one day it became too big to be contained and spilled out. And when it did, it broke everything.

People talk about healing like it’s a destination. Like if you do the right things and believe the right way, you’ll arrive at wholeness and move on.

But what no one tells you, not really, is that once your mind has shattered under the weight of it all, you don’t go back. You don’t return to the person you were before. And that’s a quiet kind of grief no one prepares you for.

There’s a version of me I sometimes miss. She was softer, more trusting, unaware of what the breaking would feel like. She could breathe without reminding herself to. She didn’t flinch at joy.

But I can’t go back for her. And maybe that’s okay.

What To Do When Fear Fuels Our Suffering

“I said, ‘If only I had wings like a dove! I would fly away and find rest.’”

Psalm 55:6 (CSB)

Have you ever read something in Scripture and thought, Wow, this really resonates with me? Because that's exactly how I feel when reading Psalm 55:4-6:

“My heart shudders within me; terrors of death sweep over me. Fear and trembling grip me; horror has overwhelmed me. I said, ‘If only I had wings like a dove! I would fly away and find rest’”.

The raw honesty here is almost startling. David wasn’t sugarcoating or putting on a brave face. He said exactly how he felt when life was coming at him hard.

But here’s what I’ve learned and David discovered, too: Before we are able to fully process suffering, we often need to deal with the fear that’s fueling our suffering.

Fear has this terrible way of keeping us frozen in our pain. It’s like being stuck in quicksand; the more we struggle against it in our own strength, the deeper we sink. The harder we try to pull ourselves out, the faster we sink.

So what’s the first step out of fear? We have to get honest and name it.

David didn’t just say, “I’m scared” - he got specific. He identified his fears as coming from harsh words spoken against him, from people who acted wickedly, and from disaster and harassment caused by those determined to harm him (Psalm 55:3-4). And here’s the part that really stings: Some of this was coming from people he thought were friends (Psalm 55:12-14).

I have a suspicion we could all raise our hands right now, nodding along, saying, “I totally get it.” Betrayal by people we trusted, harsh criticism, feeling attacked or misunderstood - these experiences create fear that can paralyze us.

So how did David handle this? And how are we supposed to handle it when fear threatens to drown us? David said, “But I call to God, and the LORD will save me” (Psalm 55:16).

That little word “but” is doing some heavy lifting. It’s creating a contrast and inviting us into a marked moment. Everything before it was an honest acknowledgment of pain and fear. Everything that follows is a deliberate choice to turn toward God instead of remaining trapped in terror.

When fear is fueling your suffering, remember David’s progression. Be honest about what you’re feeling, name your specific fears, and then make the conscious choice to call out to God. He hears you. He sees what’s happening. He promises to sustain you through it.

You don’t have to fly like a dove to find rest. You just need to remember that the God who has been enthroned from long ago is still on His throne today, and He’s got you. You don’t need wings because God Himself lifts you and shelters you in His embrace.

Lord, when fear overwhelms me and I long to escape, help me remember You are my refuge. Give me the courage to name my fears and the faith to call out to You, trusting You will sustain me. Thank You for being my resting place. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

- Dr. Joel Muddamalle
Provided by "Proverbs 31 Ministries"

Made To Be Good, Not Just Feel Good

I wait for the Lord, my soul waits,

And in His word I do hope.

Psalm 130:5 (NKJV)

The challenges kept coming. Just when I thought I was recovering and getting back up on my feet after one hardship, another difficulty would come crashing in and send me right back to my knees.

Financial insecurity.

Relational stress.

Struggling children.

Professional uncertainty.

Illness.

I couldn’t catch my breath. There wasn’t a direction I could look and find peace, abundant life, or the provision I felt God had promised me.

These struggles aren’t unique, and the urge to give up when everything feels overwhelming is something we all experience. So what do we do when we want to quit? When we feel like we’re in over our heads and our emotions are screaming, You are never going to make it through this?

Personally, I like to take the easiest route. A venting call with a friend helps for a moment. Or I’ll try out the latest productivity hack that will pull my head above water for a couple of days. I might even get really disciplined and go for a “30-Day Reset” plan I saw online, which sometimes gives me a few weeks of reprieve.

But honestly, none of these tricks brings lasting change.

The only place I have found true strength and hope to carry me through the toughest of days is in the promises of our all-knowing, all-powerful God.

Maybe today you’re facing impossibilities like I am, and maybe your feelings are screaming at you to lie down and quit. Let me remind you of what God promises in His holy, perfect Word. He promises He will …

• Give you eternal life in Christ (John 5:24).

• Love you forever (Psalm 136).

• Make you more like Him through the work of the Holy Spirit (John 14:26).

• Give you peace (Philippians 4:6-7).

• Work all things out for good (Romans 8:28).

And so much more.

Those are good promises, but I want to take a step back and see something that’s not promised. In all the words of the Bible, God doesn’t promise a comfortable, easy life on earth, and He doesn’t promise to give us all we want.

What He promises is to give us His enduring love and to work all things out for good. It’s not that things always feel good, but they will be good … There’s a big difference. To be good is to be like Christ, displaying the fruit of the Spirit. Feeling good comes and goes; being good lasts forever.

The challenges I’m facing haven’t changed. Even as I write this, I’m tempted to give up. But Psalm 130:5 tells me what to do: “I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, and in his word I hope …”

Today, instead of just venting to a friend or trying another productivity hack, I’m choosing to believe God's Word instead of my feelings. I'm letting Him use the waiting to make me good, not just comfortable.

Lord, in my waiting, help me trust Your Word more than my feelings. Make me more like You, even when it’s hard. I choose to hope in You today. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

- Meredith Brock
Provided by "Proverbs 31 Ministries"

Think About What You Think About

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind …” Romans 12:2 (ESV)

Thoughts. We cannot see them. We cannot buy them. We cannot always predict them. But we cannot deny this about them: They define our lives. If we think well, we live well. If we think poorly, we live poorly.

But do we understand that we can manage our lives by managing our thoughts?

Not only does neuroscience back this concept, but the idea is also embedded throughout Scripture, including in our key verse, Romans 12:2: “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind …”

In this verse, the Apostle Paul contrasted two types of people: one who is conformed and one who is transformed. One is shaped by society; the other is renewed by the work of God.

The word “conformed” reminds me of the Play-Doh kit I had as a kid. It came with a dozen or so containers of “modeling compound.” Assorted colors of clay could be pressed, smooshed, squished, rolled, squeezed, and shaped. Nothing in the Bible would incline us to think that the Apostle Paul played with Play-Doh. But abundant messages from his pen allude to the very real pressure to conform to the world.

The mastermind behind these attacks? The devil.

Satan aims to derail us with unruly and ungodly thoughts. When our thinking goes off-track, so does our life. But by the power of Jesus, we can avoid being conformed and instead “be transformed by the renewal of [our] mind” (Romans 12:2).

What a choice word! Paul, writing in the Greek language, chose the verb metamorphoo, which we translate as “transformed.” Anyone who paid attention in middle school science class remembers that the process of turning a caterpillar into a butterfly is also called metamorphosis. The squirmy, furry worm is transformed into a winged, colorful, high-flying butterfly.

God promises you an even greater transformation.

Stuck in your head? Hounded by regrets? Weighed down by worry? Change is possible! The thoughts that have characterized your past need not characterize the rest of your life. God will move you from worm to butterfly, from clay-like to Christlike.

The part of Romans 12:2 that says “be transformed by the renewal of your mind” is also in the passive voice, meaning that God does the work! A new mind is less the result of human effort and more the result of divine intervention. God made our brains; He can retrain our brains. He renews our minds. He reroutes our thought patterns.

With God as your Helper, you will discover a new way of thinking and a better way of living. Could there be a greater promise to ponder? Could there be a greater time to ponder it?

Tame your thoughts and transform your life!

Dear heavenly Father, thank You that You have not left me alone with my thoughts. I pray that Your Spirit would reveal to me the negative thoughts I’m believing and renew my mind with truth. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

- Max Lucado

Are you struggling with out-of-control thoughts? God has not left you alone in the battle of your mind. In Tame Your Thoughts, Max explores three biblical and practical tools and then applies them to the most common thought problems: worry, guilt, anxiety, and others.

Giving Up Anxiety

Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life,
what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on.
Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing?
Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns;

yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?

Matthew 6:25-26

There’s nothing about a circumstance that automatically creates anxiety. Anxiety occurs because of the way we respond to a problem or troubling situation. Your ability to choose is part of God’s gift of free will to every human being. You can choose how you feel. You can choose what you think about, and you can choose how you will respond to a circumstance. It certainly isn’t God’s purpose for you to feel anxious - He doesn’t allow situations in your life so you’ll have anxiety. The Father may allow a situation in your life to develop stronger faith, grow and mature, or change a bad habit or negative attitude. But God doesn’t set you up for anxiety. He’s always at work to bring you to a place where you’ll trust Him more, obey Him more fully, and receive more of His blessings.

- Dr. Charles F. Stanley

(Excerpt from reading plan “Finding Peace" [Day 7]) 

Comfort in the Wilderness

 suddenly an angel touched him, and said to him, “Arise and eat.”

1 Kings 19:5b (NKJV)

Sitting on my bed with tears streaking down my face, I remember feeling tired, emotionally and spiritually spent. My husband sat in front of me, looking concerned.

“I think I’m depressed,” I said.

For so long, I had been holding those words - carrying the weight of them. I couldn’t help but feel like a failure. This wasn’t my first bout with depression. I had struggled postpartum. Feelings of anxiety and sadness weren’t new to me, but I thought I had overcome them.

Although saying those words brought relief, I also felt overwhelmed with the feeling that I would have to do something about it. I would have to work hard to be happy and rested again.

The prophet Elijah knew about fatigue and despair. In one of the most unbelievable experiences in Scripture, he faced off against 450 of Baal’s prophets at Mount Carmel (1 Kings 18). Fire fell from heaven, and the people watching fell face down, realizing that the God of Elijah was the one true God. This was a great spiritual victory! But soon after, Elijah ran for his life because the murderous King Ahab and Queen Jezebel were out to get him.

In our key verse, Elijah was on the run and exhausted, alone in the wilderness. Thankfully, God brought comfort:

“Suddenly, an angel touched him. The angel told him, ‘Get up and eat.’ Then he looked, and there at his head was a loaf of bread baked over hot stones, and a jug of water. So he ate and drank and lay down again” (1 Kings 19:5b-6, CSB).

The voice in my head as I read this is that of a loving parent nursing a child back to health. And all Elijah had to do in response was willingly receive nourishment and rest. He didn’t have to muster up his energy to keep going. He didn’t have to prove that he was still faithful. He simply had to receive and rest.

Sometimes the holiest thing you can do is eat a snack and take a nap.

One of the ways my Abuelita Carmen says “I love you” is by serving up a hot plate of gallo pinto (Nicaraguan red beans and rice) and tortillas. There is nothing fancy about this meal, but it’s delicious and nourishing. I lived with Abuelita from the time I was a child until I got married. Through the years and all the ups and downs, gallo pinto was always on the stove, a comforting reminder of her love.

I imagine that when Elijah saw the warm bread and refreshing water God provided for him, it made him feel loved as well.

Reading the story of Elijah and God’s comfort in the wilderness helps us to see that God calls us to rest too. He wants to be our comfort, bringing nourishment and respite when we need it most.

Heavenly Father, You are the God who brings comfort, rest, nourishment, and grace in the midst of our wilderness seasons. Help us to receive Your love, especially in moments of despair and exhaustion. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

- Kristel Acevedo
Provided by "Proverbs 31 Ministries"

See Wonders Around You

So much of life depends on what we focus on. If we focus on the negative, the problems that plague our day, that’s what will dominate our emotions and thoughts.

When we focus only on what’s going wrong, it feels like everything is going wrong, doesn’t it?

And when everything is going wrong, what’s the point in trying? It’s pointless to keep moving forward day after day. (At least, that’s what we tell ourselves, isn’t it?)

But the truth is that it’s a choice to let our problems command our focus. Don’t let that condemn you. Rather, let it free you…

Let it free you to focus on something else. Something better and more beautiful.

Let us allow the Holy Spirit to gently take our hands and lead us to that better and more beautiful place. He wants to teach us, if we’re willing, to shift our focus from ourselves to him. From our problems to his presence.

Because he is here, with you, with us, right now.

Will we see him? Will we see the wonders he’s doing around us and in us?

He’s here to teach us. So lean in to hear what Holy Spirit is saying...

The Message

“It is difficult to persevere when your focus is on your problems. It is difficult to have energy, be excited, have momentum, make any forward movement that feels like it matters, when the focus is purely on you. The colors in the room where you are now … do you see them? The sky I painted for you, the air I breathed for you … the cool breeze on your skin, the rhythm of waking and sleeping, eating and resting, playing and working, I have made all these things for you.

“But do you see them? Do you hear me, see me, feel me calling your name - in all things, everywhere, everywhere you go?

“When you realize everything I have made is for you, you can actually forget yourself. When you let my love fill you so there is no room for anything else, you inhabit the world differently. You see and hear and speak differently than you did before, because you are different. When I fill you, you are never again who you were before.

“Close your eyes. Take a deep breath now. And then another. Rest now. Rest. I am here. I have you. I know all that you are facing, all that you are holding. I see deeper, wider, and I know what is ahead. I know how you will need me then. I know how you need me now. Don’t shut down now. Don’t give up. You are not alone. You don’t have to go through this life alone. I am here. I have always been here. I am not leaving you. I am the one you can count on. In all the pain, all the heartache, all the regret.

“You are made of noble blood, the blood of the king inside you. You are inheriting the kingdom that will ever end, never weaken, never falter, never grow colorless or cold or dark. I am in the light. I am in the dark. I hold your broken heart and I breathe life into it. Stand up now, child. There is life in you. Take that step. I am holding you up to take it, and the next one too. Watch what happens when you do.”

Head Protection

Scripture:

“In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication.” - Ephesians 6:16-18

Reflect:

What should we do when negative, destructive thoughts assault us? 

A friend of mine recently told me a story about her struggle with anxiety. She said it feels like her mind is under attack. All of these untrue, destructive thoughts just pop into her mind over and over again. Like Satan is throwing fiery darts of lies at her head. Have you ever experienced this? 

The fact is, we are under attack. But Ephesians 6:12 says that our battle is not physical. It is spiritual. There is a war going on and we need to defend ourselves and fight back. And much of this battle takes place in the mind.

In Ephesians 6, the Apostle Paul reminds us that God has not left us defenseless against the enemy. He says to stand firm and put on the whole armor of God. He lists out several pieces of armor. When we get to today’s verses, Paul assures us that the shield of faith can extinguish the flaming darts of the evil one - the lies the enemy throws at us. Your faith in God can protect you so Satan’s lies are not able to penetrate your mind. Your faith shield also has the power to put out the fire! 

The helmet of salvation is also key in defeating destructive thoughts. Satan’s lies may be trying to get you to doubt that God will save you. Don’t let Satan mess with your head. Put your helmet on! Remember that your salvation is secure in Christ and that there is nothing Satan can do to change that. 

In addition to our defensive suit of armor, God gave us an offensive weapon. The sword of the Spirit is His Word. How are we supposed to wield it? 2 Corinthians 10:5 says: “We destroy arguments, and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God and take every thought captive to obey Christ.” With God’s Word, we can demolish the deceitful arguments and faulty opinions that mess with our minds and with the minds of others. When we speak the Word of God, we speak the truth and destroy the enemy's attempt to deceive us. 

Finally, God has given us one more way to protect ourselves from the lies of the enemy and that is prayer. Prayer helps us guard our minds because it shifts our focus from our circumstances and our destructive thoughts to God. When we pray, we meditate on who God is, what He’s done for us, and what He is capable of doing. And when we do that, we experience the peace of God. Isaiah 26:3 promises: “You will keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.” 

Every day we have to put on the whole armor of God. We especially can’t forget our head protection! It has always been Satan’s strategy to use deceit to mess with our minds, trip us up, and wreak havoc in our spiritual lives. But God gave us what we need to defend ourselves and overcome. Use your shield of faith to block and extinguish the enemy’s fiery darts, put on your helmet of salvation and remember Who has saved you, wield your sword of the Spirit and speak His truth out loud. And pray, pray, pray. In Him, you can have victory over destructive thoughts. 

Pray:

Jesus, thank You for the protection of Your armor. Help me to use it to find victory over the battlefield of my mind. When I am under attack, bring Your Word to my mind so that I can destroy the lies of the enemy. Amen.

- Nat Crawford

Provided by “Back To The Bible”

Meme: Lay it Down

How To Maintain The Peace Of God In Difficult Times

Whenever we go through difficult times, peace often gives way to anxiety, stress and fear. It happens to the best of us. But the apostle Paul was able to sleep through a shipwreck. What is the secret to maintaining the peace of God regardless of what we are going through?

𝗣𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗮 𝗵𝘂𝗿𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗻𝗲

In 1993, Tropical Storm Brett was threatening my country Trinidad and Tobago. Trinidad is located just below the hurricane belt, so we are not accustomed to hurricanes. Many of us were afraid, worried whether the storm would hit and whether we were even prepared to deal with the aftermath. Some of us barely slept that night.

But there were other Trinidadians who left their homes to party in the streets of Port-of-Spain (our capital city). They were not in the least bit worried about any hurricane, “God is a Trini”. Brett veered north at the last minute and missed Trinidad.

Were these unsaved, ungodly people privy to some secret to peace that the rest of us Christians didn’t have? How could they be so calm knowing that a hurricane might hit and destroy everything they worked so hard for all their lives?

As I thought about it, I realized the answer is no, they do not have some secret to peace. What they have is not peace at all, it is denial. Their assurance was based on the assumption that no hurricane was coming. Based on history, every time a hurricane threatened to come near to Trinidad, it would eventually veer north and miss us. Their comfort was based on their belief that no hurricane was going to hit.

𝗣𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝗮𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱 𝗴𝗶𝘃𝗲𝘀
BUT, if instead of a hurricane, they had received a phone call stating that a hitman was coming to wipe out their families, I can guarantee you that they would not be partying in the street. They would be in a mad panic, scrambling to get the next flight out of the country. They would be terrified.

What they had is the kind of peace that the world gives. Jesus gave us real peace – the kind of peace that could sleep through a storm and not in the least be worried or anxious. What is the secret to that kind of peace? In a world of global terrorism, economic recession, job layoffs, divorce, troubled and troublesome kids; how do you not go insane with worry and depression? What is the secret to having peace when everything is falling apart?

𝗠𝗮𝗶𝗻 𝗦𝗰𝗿𝗶𝗽𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲𝘀

Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. – John 14:27

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. - Philippians 4:6-9

Jesus Will Give You Rest

 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
Matthew 11:28

I love staying in an Airbnb. The best part? Someone else has made all the decisions for me.

The decor might not be what I’d choose, but I didn’t have to choose it. That means I automatically like it. Where should the dishes go? What is the best spot to store extra pillows? Who cares? Wherever the owner puts the coffee cups or bowls is fine with me. I usually don’t even mind the required cleanup procedures because they’re listed out, and I just need to check them off. No decision-making needed.

Decision fatigue is a thing. Emotional exhaustion is real. Sometimes I think to myself, I’m tired! only to realize I feel physically fine. It’s my brain that’s desperate for rest - spiritual rest. Relief from the weights upon my mind and soul.

I used to think of rest as stopping. As a state of zero responsibility and zero effort expended.

But those moments are rare and unpredictable. I can’t schedule a work emergency to happen at a “good time.” When my kids were little, I couldn’t know when a stomach virus would hit. And now that they’re in college, I can’t predict when a “Mom, can you talk?” text will come. I thought I’d planned out my year, only to find out my parents want to downsize their home. It’s important to me to help them.

Still, rest is possible because Jesus promises it. He said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).

Thankfully, He explained how: “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls” (Matthew 11:29).

Jesus promises rest for our souls. Rest for the emotionally exhausted and stressed.

According to the New Oxford American Dictionary, a “yoke” is “a wooden crosspiece that is fastened over the necks of two animals and attached to the plow or cart that they are to pull.”

Jesus isn’t saying He’ll help us nap. He’s saying to get under His yoke with Him. He eases the emotional exhaustion from so many of life’s hard things. He removes the angst of constant decision-making because we can walk alongside Him on the path He makes clear. As Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths” .

Walking with Jesus, living life alongside Him, is rest. He gives rest to your soul in the midst of all the responsibilities of your life.

God, thank You for Your understanding of my heart and mind and the way You uniquely designed them. Help me rest under Your yoke in the knowledge that the way You lead me is the only way I want to go. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

- Dana K. White
Provided by “Proverbs 31 Ministries”

Jesus Wants You To Know...

"I Myself go before you - opening up the way. I will never leave you nor forsake you. Therefore, you need not be afraid or discouraged. I realize, though, that feelings often fail to submit to logic. So don’t be surprised when your emotions rebel against your will. David - who was both a mighty warrior and a gifted poet - expressed fearfulness, trembling, and even overwhelming horror in one of his psalms. Yet his trust in Me was genuine and deep. His life and his writing demonstrate that fear does not 'trump' trust: They can coexist. This is why David could proclaim, 'When I am afraid, I will trust in You.'"

"When I am afraid, I will trust in you." - Psalm 56:3 - "Jesus Lives" by Sarah Young

The Gift of Being Seen and Known by God

“She gave this name to the LORD who spoke to her:

‘You are the God who sees me,’ for she said,

‘I have now seen the One who sees me.'”

Genesis 16:13

I called my closest friend with joyful expectation. Sunday afternoon was our time to spend together. However, she told me she had promised another friend she’d go to the cinema, and we couldn’t meet. She didn’t invite me to join, nor did she offer me another time to talk or meet.

I felt the rejection hardening my stomach with its icy sting.

Have you felt this sting too? Have you struggled with rejection from your family, friends or co-workers?

Rejection is truly one of the most painful human experiences. It cuts to the core of our being and projects powerful and heart-shattering messages like:

You are not enough.
Your work is not good enough.
You are not loved.
You don't deserve it.
You don't belong.
You are worthless.
You will never measure up.

These harmful messages can damage our identity and relationships if we believe and internalize them.

But God’s Word has a different message. One of my favorite passages in the Old Testament is the story of Hagar - an abused and rejected woman who experienced God's love and care.

Genesis 16 tells us Hagar was the slave of Sarah, Abraham’s wife, who was barren and used Hagar as a surrogate mother. This changed the dynamic in the family, and Sarah began to mistreat Hagar. Rejected and despised, Hagar fled to the desert.

There, God sent an angel with a personal message for her. God Himself manifested His presence with Hagar in a powerful way: He came to this woman and brought encouragement, comfort, vision for the future, and a magnificent promise to bless her family.

Hagar gleaned hope from the angel’s words about God’s love and acceptance of her, and she trusted the message. She heard God saying:

I see you.
You are valuable to Me.
I love you.
I accept you.
I have a plan for you.
I will take care of you.
I will not abandon or reject you.

Hagar gave a name to the Lord right then and there: “‘You are the God who sees me,’ for she said, ‘I have now seen the One who sees me’” (Genesis 16:13).

Imagine this for a moment: God sees, understands and loves every part of your being. He sees your past, present and future. God sees the hurt and even the invisible wounds in your heart. He sees the light and the darkness.

And He stays; He does not reject. He sees your true self, and all parts of your story come together as His plan unfolds.

May we accept this gift of being seen and known by God, letting Him heal our wounded hearts as only He can.

Dear Lord, rejection is hard. I sometimes struggle with lies bombarding my mind, and I doubt my worth as a person. Let me experience Your unconditional love and acceptance in a fresh way. Heal my wounds, and impart Your blessings to me. I want to see the One who sees me. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

- Hadassah Treu

Provided by "Proverbs 31 Ministries"