31 Days of Devotions: Victory

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I'm joining the 31 Days series with a 31 Days of Devotions here.  I've been struggling to find a way to write from my heart again, so I decided to begin where my heart is - His word.  I will be sharing a different theme each day, sort of a word study of words of encouragement and hope that have meant a lot to me recently.  Some days I may post more than once if there are other things I want to share about our day to day life, but there will always be a 31 Days post every day for the month of October. I hope you will join in every day and share your own thoughts.  And, of course, for more 31 Days posts, go here.

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Today, after an entire month of diving into God's word and discovering so many beautiful truths, I just want to share one more Word of encouragement and a song that speaks to my heart.  I am so thankful for His victory to overcome all my struggles, trials, pain, and heartache.  He is good, always, and in all things.

For the LORD your God 

is he who goes with you 

to fight for you 

against your enemies, 

to give you the  

victory.

(Deuteronomy 20:4)

*To see ALL my 31 Days of Devotions posts, go here.*

31 Days of Devotions: Overcome

Photo credit: knowhimonline

I'm joining the 31 Days series with a 31 Days of Devotions here.  I've been struggling to find a way to write from my heart again, so I decided to begin where my heart is - His word.  I will be sharing a different theme each day, sort of a word study of words of encouragement and hope that have meant a lot to me recently.  Some days I may post more than once if there are other things I want to share about our day to day life, but there will always be a 31 Days post every day for the month of October. I hope you will join in every day and share your own thoughts.  And, of course, for more 31 Days posts, go here.

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For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world--our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world except the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God? (1 John 5:4-5)

The word overcome comes from the Greek word, nikao, meaning to conquer or to be victorious against temptations, persecutions, and adversaries.  The words of 1 John 5 bring such comfort to me, because I know that no matter what obstacles or trials come my way, He has already overcome the world and, because I am in Him, I am part of that same victory.  Another Strong's definition is "of one who by Christian constancy and courage keeps himself unharmed and spotless from his adversaries devices, solicitations, assaults".  I sure don't feel courageous in the midst of trials, but, because Christ has given me power and strength to overcome, I have courage in Him to keep me on the right path.

John 16:33 says, "I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world".  That little phrase "but take heart" speaks volumes of the God who loved us even while we were yet sinners, enough to send His son to take our sins upon the cross.  Matthew Henry explains this verse in these words, "In the midst of the tribulations of this world it is the duty and interest of Christ’s disciples to be of good cheer, to keep up their delight in God whatever is pressing, and their hope in God whatever is threatening; as sorrowful indeed, in compliance with the temper of the climate, and yet always rejoicing, always cheerful, even in tribulation..."  Why?  Because He has overcome the world!


1 John 4:4 contains another beautiful phrase about overcoming, "Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world."  For He who is in me is greater, bigger, stronger, victorious over the one who is in the world.  No matter how I am tempted by this world or how great my trials, He who is in me is the one who has overcome.  And because He has overcome, I will overcome.  This phrase makes me think of the Veggie Tales song, "God is Bigger".  While it's a silly little children's song, I love the simple truth it teaches: "Oh, God is bigger than the boogie man, And he's watching out for you and me".  Because our God is a God who is bigger than any trial, any temptation, any struggle, any evil, any pain, any heartache.  So take heart, dear friends, for He has overcome the world!

31 Days of Devotions: Called

Photo credit: knowhimonline

I'm joining the 31 Days series with a 31 Days of Devotions here.  I've been struggling to find a way to write from my heart again, so I decided to begin where my heart is - His word.  I will be sharing a different theme each day, sort of a word study of words of encouragement and hope that have meant a lot to me recently.  Some days I may post more than once if there are other things I want to share about our day to day life, but there will always be a 31 Days post every day for the month of October. I hope you will join in every day and share your own thoughts.  And, of course, for more 31 Days posts, go here.

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"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)

God's ways are often hard to understand, because, as long as I live in the flesh, I have a human perspective that hinders me from understanding His perspective.  I often pray for understanding and to see the world through His eyes and He has opened my eyes in many ways, but mostly it is just about trusting that He is good in all things and in all ways.  Romans 8:28 is a beautiful reminder that His plans are always good for his children.  My ESV study bible says, "The 'good' in this context does not refer to earthly comfort but conformity to Christy, closer fellowship with God, bearing good fruit for the kingdom, and final glorification".

I love the first part of Genesis 50:20, when Joseph is reunited with his brothers in Egypt, years after he was sold into slavery.  He was able to forgive them because he knew that what they meant for evil, God meant for good.  God was not surprised by Joseph's trials, just as He is not surprised by my own trials.  God didn't cause Joseph's brothers to sin, but, because He wanted a relationship with man, they were allowed free choice...and they chose to sin.  God used their sin for His glory, turning evil into good. 

In the second part of Romans 8:28, Paul explains that God works all things together for good to those who are called by Him.  I love the definition that Strong's gives for the word called: invited.  Because of Christ's shed blood, He has invited us into His presence, declaring us righteous and holy and permitting us to stand before a perfect God.  In Jude 1:1, the word called is followed by the word beloved.  I love the picture it creates: that we who are loved are called, invited into the presence of a holy God. 

31 Days of Devotions: Saved

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I'm joining the 31 Days series with a 31 Days of Devotions here.  I've been struggling to find a way to write from my heart again, so I decided to begin where my heart is - His word.  I will be sharing a different theme each day, sort of a word study of words of encouragement and hope that have meant a lot to me recently.  Some days I may post more than once if there are other things I want to share about our day to day life, but there will always be a 31 Days post every day for the month of October. I hope you will join in every day and share your own thoughts.  And, of course, for more 31 Days posts, go here.

Photo Credit: Paul G. Newton

"For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him." (John 3:17)

Often, the popularity of John 3:16 waters down the reality of the gospel.  Because, without reading the rest of the story, it's easy to miss the big picture of God's gift to us.  Yes, God sent his son because He loves us, but we must understand that we still have a choice to make.  Because, as Romans 3:23 says, all have sinned and fall short of His glory.  There is none righteous; we are all condemned by our sin.  But God so loved the world that He sent His son...that the world through Him might be saved.

One of the definitions of the word saved is to deliver from punishment.  When God declares us guilty by our sin, we are subject to His punishment, the full wrath of a holy and perfect God.  Just the thought of His judgment gives me the chills.  But, praise be to God that there is deliverance from His wrath!  All who believe in Him are no longer condemned, but justified by the blood of His son.  So, the choice must be made - will you believe in Him and be saved or stand condemned? 

"Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God .For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life." (Romans 5:9-10)

31 Days of Devotions: Justified

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I'm joining the 31 Days series with a 31 Days of Devotions here.  I've been struggling to find a way to write from my heart again, so I decided to begin where my heart is - His word.  I will be sharing a different theme each day, sort of a word study of words of encouragement and hope that have meant a lot to me recently.  Some days I may post more than once if there are other things I want to share about our day to day life, but there will always be a 31 Days post every day for the month of October. I hope you will join in every day and share your own thoughts.  And, of course, for more 31 Days posts, go here.

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"For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus." (Romans 3:23-24)

I had no trouble understanding that I was a sinner in need of a Savior.  I was the kid who would try to lie to my parents or disobey them without them knowing...but in the next breath I was confessing my sin, because the guilt was too much.  True, I said and did stupid things as a kid (and really, who didn't), but the guilt was always there and I could not rest until I had confessed and been forgiven.

I think that's what made me feel so much turmoil during middle school.  (Well, besides the fact that middle school girls can be really mean and those pre teen years are awkward enough to begin with.)  No matter how many times I would tell my parents or go to confession, I never felt justified.  I always felt like, no matter how hard I tried, I would always mess up.  I knew I was missing something, but I couldn't figure out what.

Not surprisingly, I spent a lot of time in the school counselor's office.  She became a good friend, someone I could confide in, who wouldn't judge me, and who helped me sort through my mess of emotions.  She encouraged me to seek God in prayer, to ask Him the questions I had, and to read His word.  So, I prayed, I questioned, and I read...but I still didn't quite get it. 


It wasn't until I read a book about a girl just like me that I finally found what I was looking for.  She prayed, she questions, and she read...but it wasn't until God placed some special friends in her life who explained that what she was missing was a relationship with the Lord.  That was a huge moment for me - realizing that God wanted me to seek not just answers and forgiveness, but a relationship with Him.  So, one night, after hiding under my covers with a flashlight eager to finish reading the book, I closed my eyes, bowed my head, and asked the Lord to come into my heart, so I could have a relationship, communion with Him. 


Romans 3:23 is like a death sentence, reminding me that I am a sinner, hopelessly and continually condemned.  But, praise God the story doesn't end there.  Romans 3:24 continues by saying that though we are sinner, we can be justified by grace.  I finally understood it.  I could never earn justification, because I am a sinner.  But God sent His son so I could be justified by grace - His free and undeserved gift. 

"For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast." (Ephesians 2:8-9)

31 Days of Devotions: Known

Photo credit: knowhimonline

I'm joining the 31 Days series with a 31 Days of Devotions here.  I've been struggling to find a way to write from my heart again, so I decided to begin where my heart is - His word.  I will be sharing a different theme each day, sort of a word study of words of encouragement and hope that have meant a lot to me recently.  Some days I may post more than once if there are other things I want to share about our day to day life, but there will always be a 31 Days post every day for the month of October. I hope you will join in every day and share your own thoughts.  And, of course, for more 31 Days posts, go here.

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"I will rejoice and be glad in your steadfast love, because you have seen my affliction; you have known the distress of my soul." (Psalm 31:7)

If there's just one thing God has made clear to me in the past few years, it is this: He knows my pain and He cares for me.  In Psalm 31:7, David, while persecuted by Saul, turned to the One who knew his own affliction.  He begins this verse first by saying "rejoice" and "be glad".  It seems an impossible thing to be able to do in the midst of trouble, but it is because of God's steadfast love that David can sing His praises. 

The word used for steadfast here is the Hebrew word checed, meaning goodness, kindness, faithfulness, merciful.  God's love is a love that is never ending, because His faithfulness has no end.  Exodus 34:6 describes God as a "God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness".  Oh, how these words make my heart sing.  This is why I can rejoice in Him, even when life seems so hard. 

I love what Matthew Henry says about this verse in his commentary:

"God’s eye is upon our souls when we are in trouble, to see whether they be humbled for sin, submissive to the will of God, and bettered by the affliction. If the soul, when cast down under affliction, has been lifted up to him in true devotion, he knows it." 

In a world filled with so much tragedy and disease, the question "why?" is asked all too often.  Because, from our human perspective our affliction seems too much to bear and unfair of a loving God to cause us such pain.  But God is never surprised by our circumstances.  What we cannot see in our finite human minds, God sees in His infinite plan for our lives.  And, when we lift up our eyes to Him, even when our soul is afflicted, He knows. 

Job, a man who suffered much, said of God, "But he knows the way that I take; when he has tried me, I shall come out as gold."  Even when everything was taken from him, he still praised God, knowing that his faith, when tested, would be prove the genuineness of his devotion.  His response in His affliction was more precious to God than gold. 

I do not know or understand why God allowed the affliction I have endured, but I do know that He is faithful and that He knows.  And, ever trial I have endured has drawn me closer to Him, perfecting and transforming my faith. 

31 Days of Devotions: Blessed

Photo credit: knowhimonline

I'm joining the 31 Days series with a 31 Days of Devotions here.  I've been struggling to find a way to write from my heart again, so I decided to begin where my heart is - His word.  I will be sharing a different theme each day, sort of a word study of words of encouragement and hope that have meant a lot to me recently.  Some days I may post more than once if there are other things I want to share about our day to day life, but there will always be a 31 Days post every day for the month of October. I hope you will join in every day and share your own thoughts.  And, of course, for more 31 Days posts, go here.

Photo credit: Jill Clardy

"Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted." (Matthew 5:4)

Of all the beatitude verses, this one has given me the most comfort recently.   A year and a half ago, my grandfather passed away.  He was 86 and had lived a full, beautiful life, but the grief of losing the grandfather I loved so dearly was too much for me to bear.  Every single night of that last week we spent loving on him, I fell on my knees weeping before my Lord.  In the weeks and months that followed his death, grief overwhelmed me.  But, through all my tears, He never left my side, always encouraging me, loving me, and lifting me back on my feet. 

When Christ spoke His sermon on the mount, he began by laying out blessings.  Acts 3:26 says that He came to bless and John 3:16 explains that He came not to condemn, but to save.

"He came not only to purchase blessings for us, but to pour out and pronounce blessings on us; and here he does it as one having authority, as one that can command the blessing, even life for evermore, and that is the blessing here again and again promised to the good; his pronouncing them happy makes them so; for those whom he blesses, are blessed indeed." (Matthew Henry commentary)

In verse 4, He says that those who mourn will be blessed.  It's hard to imagine how mourning could be a blessing, but Christ Himself knew what it was to grieve.  He cried when He heard of Lazarus' death and He grieved when He saw how the Jews had turned His temple into a marketplace.  Romans 8:28 says, "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose".  We may question why, but God is never surprised and His plans are never changed.

In the second part of the Matthew 5:4, Jesus says they will be comforted.  Matthew Henry says of the blessing of verse 4 that "they are blessed, for they are like the Lord Jesus, who was a man of sorrows, and of whom we never read that he laughed, but often that he wept".  We serve a God who knows our pain and hears the cries of our heart.  He will never leave or forsake His people, because He is always faithful.  Because of these truths, I know and believe that, even in my mourning, I am blessed, because I will be comforted by the very man of sorrows who bore my sin.  

31 Days of Devotions: Comfort

Photo credit: knowhimonline

I'm joining the 31 Days series with a 31 Days of Devotions here.  I've been struggling to find a way to write from my heart again, so I decided to begin where my heart is - His word.  I will be sharing a different theme each day, sort of a word study of words of encouragement and hope that have meant a lot to me recently.  Some days I may post more than once if there are other things I want to share about our day to day life, but there will always be a 31 Days post every day for the month of October. I hope you will join in every day and share your own thoughts.  And, of course, for more 31 Days posts, go here.

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"Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God our Father, who loved us and gave us eternal comfort and good hope through grace, comfort your hearts and establish them in every good work and word." (2 Thessalonians 2:16-17) 

The word, comfort, means a calling near, consolation, solace, encouragement, that which affords refreshment.  I love the definition "a calling near", because, as I read this verse from 2 Thessalonians I think about how God called me near to Him through the blood of His son and offers me eternal comfort, eternal drawing near to Him.  It still amazes me that He would call me near to Him...me, with all my mess and all my sin and all my mistakes.  But He loves me and calls me near to Him. 

In Luke 2, there was a man named Simeon, who "was righteous and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him".  Because of His faith, God promised he would not die until he saw the coming Messiah, the consolation - or comfort - of Israel.  On the day that Jesus' parents brought him to the temple, Simeon came in the Spirit, probably as He did every day, waiting for God to fulfill His promise, knowing full well that God was faithful to do what He said He would do.  Upon seeing Jesus, he knew this was the one, the promised comfort of Israel.  So, he lifted him up into his arms and praised God saying...

Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel." (Luke 2:29-32) 

And, immediately, he gives praise to God, for remaining faithful and blessing him with the sight of the Messiah.  Matthew Henry explains that Simeon was one who believed the stories of the coming Messiah and would come to the temple "waiting, desiring his coming, and hoping for it with patience". He was also filled with the Spirit, so God revealed to Him things above him.  And so, he waited for the day and, when the day came, he knew - this was the one. 

I love the response of Mary and Joseph to Simeon's recognition of Jesus.  "And his father and his mother marveled at what was said about him" (Luke 2:33).  I wonder what it would have been like to be Mary, knowing her son was really the Son of God, the long awaited Messiah.  Shortly after he was born, she and Joseph had to flee to Egypt to protect Jesus from those who wanted to kill him.  So, I can imagine the fear she might have had, hearing Simeon proclaim who her son really was.  And I can also imagine how she marveled - that God had brought Simeon to this place at this time as part of His plan for His son.  And to hear the words Simeon spoke, must have made her remember the awe she felt the day God said He would use her to bear His son.

Simeon went on the explain, "Behold, this child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is opposed (and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), so that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed."  What would it have been like to marvel at the words spoken of the her son who was really the Son of God...and the next moment to be told he would be wounded, for the sake of all?  As a mom, I cannot bear to imagine losing my son or seeing either of my children suffer.

God sent His son to suffer, to be persecuted, to die on a cross...so that we could be comforted.  That is a truth I can still only barely grasp the surface of, because it is just too amazing.  So, when I hear the words of 2 Thessalonians, as Paul closes his letter with words of encouragement, I am reminded that the one "who loved us and gave us eternal comfort and good hope through grace" will indeed comfort, encourage, console, and draw me ever nearer to Him. 

31 Days of Devotions: Praise

Photo credit: knowhimonline

I'm joining the 31 Days series with a 31 Days of Devotions here.  I've been struggling to find a way to write from my heart again, so I decided to begin where my heart is - His word.  I will be sharing a different theme each day, sort of a word study of words of encouragement and hope that have meant a lot to me recently.  Some days I may post more than once if there are other things I want to share about our day to day life, but there will always be a 31 Days post every day for the month of October. I hope you will join in every day and share your own thoughts.  And, of course, for more 31 Days posts, go here.

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"Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God." (Psalm 43:5)

Today I missed church.  I woke up with a killer headache and stomach ache from the antibiotics I'm on for a sinus infection that won't go away.  Not to mention, my allergies are all out of whack again.  It's days like this I really long for my heavenly home, without sickness, pain, or tears. 

I am so thankful that His word is living and active today, because, even though I long for heaven, I am thankful for the truth and life He's given me here on earth.  Psalm 43:5 is a verse God spoke to my heart on one of my darkest days.   Because when my soul is cast down and in turmoil within me, I feel hopeless...but His word reminds me that there is always hope.

I know I blogged about this verse earlier in this series, but today I want to look at the word praise and how, because of the hope He has given me, there is always reason for praise.    The word praise comes from the Hebrew word, yadah, which means "to give thanks, to praise, to celebrate, since thanksgiving and praise naturally follow the acknowledgment or confession of benefits received".  So, the first step is to acknowledge that He has blessed me more than I deserve...and from that overflows praise for the One who has blessed me beyond measure. 

Deuteronomy 10:21 says, "He is your praise. He is your God, who has done for you these great and terrifying things that your eyes have seen."  Moses spoke these words after going up to the mountain the second time to receive the ten commandments.  He admonishes the Israelites for all the times they have turned away from God and chosen to disobey, reminding them that their own sin is the reason they have not yet reached the promised land. 

Still, God never gave up on them.  And, so, Moses reminds them of the One who has given them refuge, strength, compassion, reconciliation time and time again.  The word used for praise in Deuteronomy 10:21 is actually the Hebrew word tehillah, meaning the person praised or celebrated.  So, God is our praise, the One we celebrate, because of the wonderful things He has done. 

"Praise the LORD! Sing to the LORD a new song, his praise in the assembly of the godly! Let Israel be glad in his Maker; let the children of Zion rejoice in their King! Let them praise his name with dancing, making melody to him with tambourine and lyre! For the LORD takes pleasure in his people; he adorns the humble with salvation." (Psalm 149:1-4)

***

What I'm Reading: 31 Days of Courage

I received Annie's book, From Head to Toe, in a blog giveaway and absolutely love it.  As I read, I felt like I was sitting across the table listening to her share her heart.  I laughed, I cried, I was encouraged, I was moved.  Her 31 Days series is all about courage - the courage to take a step of faith and follow God's path for our lives. 

31 Days of Devotions: Thanks

Photo credit: knowhimonline

I'm joining the 31 Days series with a 31 Days of Devotions here.  I've been struggling to find a way to write from my heart again, so I decided to begin where my heart is - His word.  I will be sharing a different theme each day, sort of a word study of words of encouragement and hope that have meant a lot to me recently.  Some days I may post more than once if there are other things I want to share about our day to day life, but there will always be a 31 Days post every day for the month of October. I hope you will join in every day and share your own thoughts.  And, of course, for more 31 Days posts, go here.

Photo credit: Stephen Mcleod

"But thanks be to God, that you who were once slaves of sin have become obedient from the heart to the standard of teaching to which you were committed, and, having been set free from sin, have become slaves of righteousness." (Romans 6:18)

Can I just say I love being able to teach again in a Christian school?  Because every single day I am encouraged by a simple truth in one of the lesson plans, in the bible verses the students are memorizing, in morning devotions with the teachers.  I don't think going back to work, even for only six weeks, would be possible for me except that God gave me this opportunity and is already using it to challenge and grow in me.

In fact, just today, I was reminded of a verse my students are memorizing.  I have been having a lot of allergy problems this year and have finally realized that my allergies are worse than they've ever been.  The allergy medicine, just over the counter Claritin, was not helping.  And, because my allergies were not being treated and this allergy season was so bad, I got a sinus infection a month and a half ago.  I am now on round three of antibiotics, hoping this is finally the one I need to get rid of it.  But, because of my weak stomach, the antibiotics are wreaking havoc on my digestive system.

My stomach hurt so bad today I thought for sure I would have to stop in the middle of my run and throw up.  When I got home, I cried and started to feel really anxious.  The anxiety always seems to creep in when I physically don't feel well.  I told my hubby and he said as he hugged me, "The bible says, "Be anxious for nothing..." I suddenly felt a peace in my heart again, because I knew the rest of the verse from listening to my students recite it all week, "...but in everything by prayer and supplication make your requests known to God" (Philippians 4:6).

Romans 6:18 reminds us to give thanks for the freedom God has given us through His son.  Because we were ones slaves, held captive by our sin.  But, in Christ, we are slaves to righteousness, which really makes us free because of the peace, joy, and hope found in Him.  And because of what He did on the cross, I can come before a mighty God, who spoke the world into existence, and make my requests known to Him. 

I love how Strong's defines the phrase "thanks be" - "that which affords joy, pleasure, delight, sweetness, charm, loveliness: grace of speech".  Joy, pleasure, delight, sweetness, charm, loveliness...all these things can be found in simply laying my burdens at His feet and trusting that He will answer.  So, when I am feeling anxious, I can lift my eyes unto the hills and call upon His name, knowing He will be faithful to restore the peace in my heart again. 

31 Days of Devotions: Joy

Photo credit: knowhimonline

I'm joining the 31 Days series with a 31 Days of Devotions here.  I've been struggling to find a way to write from my heart again, so I decided to begin where my heart is - His word.  I will be sharing a different theme each day, sort of a word study of words of encouragement and hope that have meant a lot to me recently.  Some days I may post more than once if there are other things I want to share about our day to day life, but there will always be a 31 Days post every day for the month of October. I hope you will join in every day and share your own thoughts.  And, of course, for more 31 Days posts, go here.

 Photo credit: Cathdew

"Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit." (Psalm 51:12)

It was my first full week of (substitute) teaching and I am beyond exhausted.  But it's a good exhausted.  I'm enjoying teaching and my kids love going to "friend's house" everyday.  I'm learning to enjoy the moments I have with them, because I miss them all day long.

Speaking of joy, God's word is full of such wonderful riches as this verse from Psalm 51.  Joy: gladness, exultation, rejoicing.  In the midst of some of my hardest struggles, I've often wondered, "Joy? How do I find it? Will I ever have joy again?" and God answers with words like this, the words of a man named David, who God called a man after His own heart.

He wrote these words after Nathan the prophet brought his sin with Bathsheba to light.  He had sinned and he was asking God to restore Him, to heal Him, to give Him joy again.   I love the words of Matthew Henry about this Psalm, "though he fell, he was not utterly cast down, for God graciously upheld him and raised him up."  David acknowledged his sin, repented, and sought God's restoration.  I can only imagine how God's heart must have grieved when David sinned...but how much more He must have rejoiced when David had a repentant heart upon hearing Nathan's words. 

And it makes me wonder too...how much God must have grieved for me when depression and anxiety took control of me.  In the midst of that darkness, I longed to be filled with His light again, but I doubted and I let fear set in.  I could not even hear the truth of His words sometimes, because it was shut out by the lies filling my head.  But God (and I just love to hear those two words, don't you) was patiently waiting for me to return to Him, leading me through the valley even though I didn't always know it, and giving me victory, restoration, healing.

It's because of His healing power and His unending faithfulness that I can once again believe the words of Psalm 13:5, "But I have trusted in your steadfast love; my heart shall rejoice in your salvation."  And in the rejoicing, I begin to see more of who He is and how He was working all things together for good all along.  And finally, triumphantly, I can live in victory.  Because He is the faithful God who keeps His promises to a thousand generations. 

31 Days of Devotions: Prayer

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I'm joining the 31 Days series with a 31 Days of Devotions here.  I've been struggling to find a way to write from my heart again, so I decided to begin where my heart is - His word.  I will be sharing a different theme each day, sort of a word study of words of encouragement and hope that have meant a lot to me recently.  Some days I may post more than once if there are other things I want to share about our day to day life, but there will always be a 31 Days post every day for the month of October. I hope you will join in every day and share your own thoughts.  And, of course, for more 31 Days posts, go here.

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"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God." (Philippians 4:6)

I read this post today and was so encouraged that, even when I don't have the words to pray, God gives me His word.  Have you ever prayed God's word, using His words as your prayer, and even inserting your own name in His truth?  It's something I've been learning this year, to believe that His word is true for even me.  And, saying it out loud helps my heart to believe what my head is saying.  Because it doesn't always click until I hear myself saying the words of truth.

Philippians 4:6 is a verse that was laid on my heart this year as I've struggled with anxiety.  It was a memory verse for my students last week and I love that God used His word spoken through my students to remind me even now, as our daily routine has been disrupted and the days are getting colder and shorter and darker, that I can come to His throne any time, any day and He will hear my prayers. 


To be anxious means to be troubled with cares.  It's easy to let all the cares of my day, no matter how small, pile up until I am so troubled with cares that I can't even sleep at night.  "But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?" (Matthew 6:30).  That little phrase O you of little faith gets me every time.  Because, allowing my troubles to overwhelm me is like saying "but God can't take care of that".  Anxiety and worry are really must a form of doubting. 

Today, in Bible class with my third graders, we read the story of how God punished the wicked queen Jezebel.  He had sent His prophet Elijah to pronounce the coming judgment.  I asked my students if God did what He said and one of them said, "Mrs. Hanes, doesn't God ALWAYS do what He says He will do?"  Yes!  Because we serve a God who has proved Himself faithful time and time again.

I've always liked the use of the word supplication along with prayer.  Supplication means a seeking, an asking, entreating.  "But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you" (Matthew 6:33).  Trusting in Him means believing that when I seek Him in prayer He will hear and answer.  Sometimes His answer is yes; other times it's no; a lot of the time it is wait.  But always He answers.
So, my prayer today, in praying His word is this: Lord, I'm seeking you today, knowing and believing that whatever I ask you hear and you will answer my prayers.  Let me not be anxious and fill my heart with truth, so I would not doubt, but believe that what you say is true and that you are faithful to do what you say you will.  Thank you for hearing me and allowing me to come before you.  Thank you for knowing my heart and working all things together for good.

31 Days of Devotions: Truth

Photo credit: knowhimonline

I'm joining the 31 Days series with a 31 Days of Devotions here.  I've been struggling to find a way to write from my heart again, so I decided to begin where my heart is - His word.  I will be sharing a different theme each day, sort of a word study of words of encouragement and hope that have meant a lot to me recently.  Some days I may post more than once if there are other things I want to share about our day to day life, but there will always be a 31 Days post every day for the month of October. I hope you will join in every day and share your own thoughts.  And, of course, for more 31 Days posts, go here.

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"Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all the day long." (Psalm 25:5)

According to Strong's, the word truth means faithfulness, stability, reliability, sureness.  I love these definitions, because what I seek most is to feel safe and secure.  No matter how much chaos fills my days, God is always there to remind me that His promises are sure and that He is always, always faithful.

Matthew Henry explains that truth here is the same as path.  Because when He leads us on the right path, it is the way of truth.  And that way is only found in Christ.  "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me" (John 14:6).  "When we enquire for truth, we need learn no more than the truth as it is in Jesus", Matthew Henry says, for "Christ is both the way and the truth, and therefore we must learn Christ." 

Because Christ is the only truth that is reliable, sure, stable, and faithful, it is His truth that I must seek.  And it's not just a decision I make right now...it's a continuous daily choice to follow the way of truth.  It's hard to see the truth though, because Satan desires nothing more than to lead me astray with lies.  Sometimes, those lies are wrapped up in words that sound good and right...but underneath it is just an ugly attempt to make me stumble.  My prayer, then, is the same as the words of Psalm 25:5 - lead me and teach me, Lord, in the way of truth...for You I will wait all the day long. 

31 Days of Devotions: Righteousness

Photo credit: knowhimonline

I'm joining the 31 Days series with a 31 Days of Devotions here.  I've been struggling to find a way to write from my heart again, so I decided to begin where my heart is - His word.  I will be sharing a different theme each day, sort of a word study of words of encouragement and hope that have meant a lot to me recently.  Some days I may post more than once if there are other things I want to share about our day to day life, but there will always be a 31 Days post every day for the month of October. I hope you will join in every day and share your own thoughts.  And, of course, for more 31 Days posts, go here.

Photo credit: George Ferris

"He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for His name's sake." (Psalm 23:3)

Psalm 23 is such a well known Psalm for the picture of a shepherd leading his sheep that David describes.  It's a Psalm I've read over and over.  I even memorized it before going in for an MRI one time, so I could have His words to calm my anxious thoughts.  But the words of verse 3 are especially sweet to me, because they are words God has spoken to me in the last year. 

The first part of the verse is simply beautiful.  On days when I wondered who I am and felt guilty that I wasn't the mom and wife I wanted to be, He reminded me that He would restore me.  The word restore means to bring back, refresh, repair.  Though it's been a tough road, I can look at where He has brought me today and know that He has refreshed, repaired, and brought back pieces of me I had forgotten, ignored, or simply didn't appreciate or understand.  He has helped me to see that my mess can be something beautiful when He is the One leading me.

And, like the sheep in Psalm 23, without the voice of the Shepherd leading the way, I am lost.  I walk into paths leading to danger and destruction...but when I heed the Shepherd's call, I am led down paths of righteousness, where I am safe and secure in Him.  One of Strong's definitions for righteousness is simply straight path.  Jeremiah 31:9 calls it "a straight path in which they shall not stumble".  Without light, we will stumble in the darkness.  But, when His light leads the way, we can follow the straight path where we will not stumble. 

"Let me hear in the morning of your steadfast love, for in you I trust. Make me know the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul. Deliver me from my enemies, O LORD! I have fled to you for refuge! Teach me to do your will, for you are my God! Let your good Spirit lead me on level ground!" (Psalm 143:8-10)

31 Days of Devotions: Life

Photo credit: knowhimonline

I'm joining the 31 Days series with a 31 Days of Devotions here.  I've been struggling to find a way to write from my heart again, so I decided to begin where my heart is - His word.  I will be sharing a different theme each day, sort of a word study of words of encouragement and hope that have meant a lot to me recently.  Some days I may post more than once if there are other things I want to share about our day to day life, but there will always be a 31 Days post every day for the month of October. I hope you will join in every day and share your own thoughts.  And, of course, for more 31 Days posts, go here.

"Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you." (Psalm 63:3)


"For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain." (Philippians 1:21)

I remember the moment I first ask Jesus into my heart and words like these suddenly meant everything to me. Because, I knew that life without Christ was walking dead...and death in Him meant life.  When He took our sins upon the cross...the story didn't stop at His death.  For three days later, He rose again, conquering death and bringing us life.

Matthew Henry explains Philippians 1:21: "Death is a great loss to a carnal worldly man; for he loses all his comforts and all his hopes: but to a good Christian it is gain, for it is the end of all his weakness and misery and the perfection of his comforts and accomplishment of his hopes; it delivers him from all the evils of life, and brings him to the possession of the chief good."  I know that, in Christ, death is gain, because the things of this world will decay and be forgotten, but, because I live in Christ, death brings eternal life for me and the riches of His glory.

Because of the hope that I have, even in death, I can sing praises to God in the words of Psalm 63.  I love Matthew Henry's explanation here too: "It is better, a thousand times, to die in God’s favour than to live under his wrath."  Because, I know that hell is a real place, a place of endless suffering and complete isolation.  But, in Christ, God has declared me forgiven, righteous, worthy of sitting at His throne for eternity.  There is really nothing sweeter, to one who knows the truth and has bowed the knee to the One who offers complete restoration, than knowing that His love really is better than life. 

31 Days of Devotions: Redeemed

Photo credit: knowhimonline

I'm joining the 31 Days series with a 31 Days of Devotions here.  I've been struggling to find a way to write from my heart again, so I decided to begin where my heart is - His word.  I will be sharing a different theme each day, sort of a word study of words of encouragement and hope that have meant a lot to me recently.  Some days I may post more than once if there are other things I want to share about our day to day life, but there will always be a 31 Days post every day for the month of October. I hope you will join in every day and share your own thoughts.  And, of course, for more 31 Days posts, go here.

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"But now thus says the LORD, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: "Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine."  (Isaiah 43:1)

I know this verse was written for the people of Israel, but, in Christ, I know that I am redeemed and adopted into His family.  He has called me by name and I am His.  One of the definitions for the word redeemed here is ransom.  He redeemed me from death by paying the ransom for my sins. 

"I will ransom them from the power of the grave; I will redeem them from death: O death, I will be thy plagues; O grave, I will be thy destruction: repentance shall be hid from mine eyes."  (Hosea 13:14)

 I love the way the word redeemed is used in Psalm 103.  It's a verse I've held onto on those dark days, because it reminds me that the power to overcome is found in Him.  Just like David wrote, it is my prayer to I bless the Lord no matter what, because He redeems my life from the pit. 

"Moreover the law entered, that the offense might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound: That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord." (Romans 5:21) 

31 Days of Devotions: Beauty

Photo credit: knowhimonline

I'm joining the 31 Days series with a 31 Days of Devotions here.  I've been struggling to find a way to write from my heart again, so I decided to begin where my heart is - His word.  I will be sharing a different theme each day, sort of a word study of words of encouragement and hope that have meant a lot to me recently.  Some days I may post more than once if there are other things I want to share about our day to day life, but there will always be a 31 Days post every day for the month of October. I hope you will join in every day and share your own thoughts.  And, of course, for more 31 Days posts, go here.

Photo credit: Interact SpA - Play innovation

"Do not let your adorning be external - the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear-- but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God's sight is very precious." (1 Peter 3:3-4)

Beauty is something that holds a great value in our society.  It doesn't take much to be bombarded with messages telling us that if we just had this or just did this, we'd be beautiful.  Photo editing and photography tricks make us strive for a beauty that isn't as real as it appears.  We think that to be beautiful we have to look a certain way, wear our hair in a certain style, dress the right way, and be skinny enough.  And, if we are beautiful, by the world's standards, then we will be loved and valued and praised, right?

But, "the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart" (1 Samuel 16:7).  True beauty is not found in how we look on the outside, but in the way we look on the inside.  The verse from 1 Peter says we should not focus on adorning ourselves on the outside - not that we can't fix our hair up fancy or wear fancy jewelry - but that we should focus on where our heart is, because that is what God will judge us by.

Matthew Henry says that "instead of the outward adorning of the body" we should "put on much more excellent and beautiful ornaments" and "take care to adorn and beautify [our] souls rather than [our] bodies".  1 Peter 3:4 says that what is most precious to God is a "gentle and quiet spirit" because of its "imperishable beauty".  The word imperishable means not corrupted or decayed.  Because, our earthly bodies will one day decay and they are already corrupted by the sin of this world.  But, our spirit (soul) is what really matters to God, because it is imperishable. 

"But a Jew is one inwardly, and circumcision is a matter of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter. His praise is not from man but from God." (Romans 2:29)

What does a gentle and quiet spirit look like?  The word gentle means meekness.  "In the OT, the meek are those wholly relying on God rather than their own strength to defend against injustice" (Strong's concordance).  A person who is meek is not self-seeking, but focused on trusting in the One whose faithfulness is never ending. 

The word quiet comes from the Greek word, hesychios, which is derived from the Greek word, hedraios, meaning steadfast, firm, immovable.  A quiet person will "continue in the faith, stable and steadfast, not shifting from the hope of the gospel that you heard" (Colossians 1:23).  A quiet person is unwavering in commitment to following the path of righteousness and seeking the will of God in all things.

I am certain a fly on the wall in our home would not look at me and call me a gentle or quiet person.  Because, behind closed doors, I often let anger, doubt, worry control me instead of trusting in the One who knows my future and will work all things together for good.  One thing I've begun to pray is that He would take the lies and replace them with the Truth.  And these are truths I want written on my heart. 

"So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day." (2 Corinthians 4:16)

PS - In my college days, before I met my husband, I would pull out this CD or this CD, turn the volume up, and sing with all my heart.  The lyrics reminded me often that beauty was in the eye of the Beholder, that God looked at my heart and that I was beautiful because I chose to wait on Him.  One day, I want to share these CDs with my daughter and tell her she is beautiful because of the One who created her. 

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What I'm Reading: 31 Days of Memory Keeping at The Mom Creative

Jessica Turner is the creative mom of two little ones who loves to scrapbook, blog, and record all the beautiful memories of life so they won't be forgotten.  Her blog is a quick and fun read, filled with lots of tips on being a mom, saving money, photographing your kids, sharing her faith at (in)courage, and inspiring moms to be creative in everyday life.  I am enjoying the little gems about memory keeping she has been posting each day and have already started thinking about more ways I can hold onto the memories of these precious years with my little ones.