The World or the Word?

The last few years have been a struggle in various ways for my husband and I. Financial hardship has especially taken a toll.

As a result there have been many things we have wanted to do that have had to be set aside. Home purchase, vacations, replacing old furniture.

None of these things are critical. Yet I have sometimes allowed self pity over my situation to keep me focused worldly instead of diving into the Word. Human nature does that.

Keys to Happiness

In the secular world, material things and business success are supposed to bring you happiness. This is reflected in every aspect of our western culture from movies to music as people are portrayed as happiest when they are acquiring things or career success.

Those barely getting by are not applauded…in fact, they are often portrayed as inferior.

As Christians, we know things are not what makes us happy. The joy of a new home or a job promotion will fade.

We get it twisted

And while we know this to be true our human nature rebels against it.

We want the things. We want success. We want recognition.

When placed in appropriate context these are not necessarily bad. Unfortunately, our perspective is often skewed and we desire more world than we do Word.

Kingdom Mindset

Shifting from a world view to a Word view is essential in influencing the culture towards a relationship with Jesus. Looking at the world through the lens of the Bible shapes our lives, our homes, our communities and thus this world.

Satan prefers we remain focused on the world so he attacks with worry, hardships, fear, and the pursuit of power (success) to distract us. If Satan can keep you focused on chasing success and things, then he keeps you from Kingdom work.

Jeremiah 29:13. Psalm 19:14. Isaiah 26:3. Psalm 112:7.

All four of these verses point to peace and joy and a lack of fear when our gaze is turned on God.

Becoming Wordly Minded

Obviously reading your Bible helps get the Word in you. But it isn’t enough just to read it.

Life application and change only happens when you pursue a deeper relationship with God. That requires studying the Word.

Set aside time for prayer and meditation on what God would have you glean from your scripture reading each day.

Be intentional about your studies as you would were you in school. Take notes. Read multiple versions of the Bible. Use a good Bible commentary to enhance your understanding.

Progress not perfection

Give yourself grace in adapting to study of the Word. If this is not something you have ever earnestly pursued, it will take time…like any new habit.

Hymns that inspire, revive and heal

I grew up attending church. Hymns were part of my childhood, from the simplest “Jesus Loves Me” to “Amazing Grace”.

Having a love for music, I have a great appreciation for those old school hymns.

Hurt in need of healing

Sometimes, when life has gut punched me and I find myself falling to my knees, those old hymns are the only music that will do.

Modern worship is beautiful, however, it doesn’t connect as deep in my soul as these tried and true songs do.

They bring me back to a time when things were simpler, less complicated, less chaotic and less burdensome.

They revive me. They heal me.

One of my favorites has always been “All Hail the Power”.

Memories that inspire

I remember singing this as a child, standing by my grandmother in a small church in rural south Georgia. I remember her slightly off key soprano…tremulous and soft the older she got.

I remember singing not just one stanza or chorus. Oh no, we would sing every stanza, every chorus…each more jubilant than the last.

No fancy organ. No drums or guitars. Just the piano. And the voices of a united congregation lifting up their Savior.

Future of Faith

I remember even then, not wanting worship time to end. I couldn’t have told you a reason why then.

I just knew it felt good to be standing there, holding her hand, singing.

It made me happy. It made my grandmother happy. It seemed it made everyone in the room happy.

And when I hear it now…it still makes me happy. Oh but now I know why!

It is the joy of being saved by grace. It is the grace that flows from His throne to my frail human form. It is awe at how marvelous and excellent He is!

Favorite Blog Posts…

For those who may be new to my blog, today I thought I’d do a round-up of my favorite posts to date.

All of these were written at different points of pain or struggle in my life. Writing allows me to journal through those experiences to grow and heal. It’s been a tool I’ve used since I was a child.

Even the act of writing is soothing to me.

My prayer is that these posts will touch others and help them grow and heal as well.

8 Favorite Blog Posts

Returning to my first love
Do You Know How to Fight Right?
Hope in everything but God
Outside vs. Inside
Darkness cannot stay where there is light
5 important promises when everything seems to be wrong
Guest post on marriage on With Purpose with Lo Tanner
Not so different

If God uses any of these posts to speak to you, would you drop a comment and let me know?

Be blessed.

 

Anxiety and God

This topic is one I’m trying to get more comfortable talking about. I’m learning how to define it in my life and how to normalize it for those around me.

And I’m learning how to cope with it.

I used to think that people who dealt with this particular issue just needed to get over it. Perhaps they needed to pray harder.

Then, what I was not able to understand in others, began to happen to me.

Anxiety.

Though mine was triggered via a traumatic event, looking back over my younger years, I can see traces of it throughout my life.

Anxiety’s Effects

Social anxiety disorder and generalized anxiety are the two types I deal with.

Add these to a list of other chronic illness issues and life can feel really overwhelming some days.

Just getting dressed and getting out the door can feel like an insurmountable task.

Two choices emerge here. Let anxiety defeat me. Or let my God help me defeat it!

God’s Power In Us

We must remember that the power of the Holy Spirit, the very power that raised Jesus from the grave…LIVES IN US!

No matter how hard the day gets, I know that He is able. His word stands. His promises are true.

And that is my landing place. The safest space I know.

Scripture To Beat Anxiety

Here are some of my go-to verses when the anxiety tries to displace the light:

“Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.” ( 1 Peter 5:6-7 KJV)

“Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.” (Philippians 4:6 HCSB)

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding; think about Him in all your ways, and He will guide you on the right paths.” (Proverbs 3: 5-6 HCSB)

“But You, Lord, are a shield around me, my glory, and the One who lifts up my head. I cry aloud to the Lord, and He answers me from His holy mountain.Selah” ( Psalm 3: 3-4 HCSB)

“I will both lie down and sleep in peace, for You alone, Lord, make me live in safety.” ( Psalm 4:8 HCSB)

Standing in the shadow of the cross, my world shines brighter.

Yours can too.

Not so different…my friend Peter and I

There are many characters in the Bible to admire and model one’s life after.  The characters I like best though?

The ones that are completely flawed and messed up. Like David. Like Paul. Like Peter. 

Like me.

I can relate to the trials and temptations they go through. I can empathize with the negative thoughts of self…whether I am really called to do this work or if God should have called someone else.

Peter especially resonates with me. He was faithful, yet doubted. He was eager to learn more about Jesus’ teachings. He was given to angry outbursts and rash decisions.

He swayed back and forth between proclamations of undying loyalty and outright denial.

And he was forever changed by the saving grace of the risen Lord.

As am I.

I see myself in Peter. I want to learn as much as possible about who Jesus was and is.  Who He says I am. And I yearn to serve the Lord’s “sheep”. 

Yet there are times when my selfish nature rebels against the quietness of the Holy Spirit. I want to scream the truth at people in my frustration for them to understand.

At the same time, I do not want to be labelled religious or “one of those” Christians. 

Though I myself proudly declare to be a “Jesus Freak” on social media and to those closest to me.

Like Peter, I sometimes wonder if God knows what He is doing, what He is talking about. I may not verbally rebuke (Mark 8:32, Acts 10:14) the Lord as Peter did, but the questions running through my mind voice the inability to trust as fully as I want to.

It’s the same thing. I am Peter. He is me.

We ALL are broken sinners, in need of a broken for us Savior. (CLICK TO TWEET!)

In Peter I am reminded that no matter how much I mess up the Gospel, God can and will redeem it for His glory.

So thankful all we really have to do is ask and believe. Jesus has taken care of the rest.

Top 5 Influential Books

I am a reader.

That is probably no surprise as I am also a writer and many writers love reading.

Sometimes I read just to pass the time. Sometimes I read to expand my knowledge. Often I read to grow in my spiritual journey.

While I generally enjoy all of the books I choose to read, certain books stand out above others.

As a Christian, obviously the Bible is the top of any list, but I wanted to share 5 other books that have influenced my life.

1. The Case for a Creator by Lee Strobel – I love the way this book brings science into alignment with scripture and gives irrefutable evidence of our God!
2. When God Whispers Your Name by Max Lucado – One of the first books I ever read of Lucado’s and I immediately fell in love with his writing style. Scripture coupled with simple, yet impactful storytelling make for a rich experience. God cares. Over and over, Biblical and real life stories shout the truth of God’s unequaled love for us. It is hope. We all need hope.
3. Abba’s Child by Brennan Manning – The language alone in this book makes it worthy of reading. Beautiful words and imagery conveyed. What makes the book an influencer for me though, is how it gets to the root of internal struggles with our humanity, our imposter and purges the secular to make room for the sacred.
4. Bad Girls of the Bible series by Liz Curtis Higgs – If you have never read a Liz Curtis Higgs book, start with this series. Think God cannot use your mistakes for His glory? This series illustrates the very bad, somewhat bad and not so bad girls that God used to bring about kingdom work. Rest assured He absolutely can use you.
5. God, Dr. Buzzard and the Bolito Man by Cornelia Walker Bailey – I love history. Always have. This book made me want to know more about the Native American and African American experiences as part of the larger story of U.S. history. Stories that you don’t learn in school, yet are so important. This book led me to read so many others and to cultivate a heart for people who continue to live marginalized in our “advanced” society.

 

Guest post on Marriage

I had the honor of writing a guest blog post for Mrs. Lo Tanner for her With Purpose Blogging Event.  Unfortunately, I have been sick quite a bit this month and missed the boat in promoting this here when it first came out.

I pray you will oblige me and go Check it out!

If you are married or are engaged to be married, there is wisdom and tips from 20+ years of doing life with my husband.  Enjoy!

FREEDOM in the midst of Mental Illness

If you deal with mental illness of any type, you know that feeling of being trapped.  Chained. Locked up in your mind.

Which leads to being locked up in other areas of your life.

Your heavenly Father does not intend for you to be a slave to ANYTHING.  He has paid the price to ensure your FREEDOM!

Is Mental Illness in the Bible?

And yet, even in the Bible there are stories of those who dealt with anxiety and depression. David. Elijah. Naomi. Job. Jeremiah.  I mean, come on, he was known as the “weeping prophet”!

In Psalm 34:18, David writes “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed” and in Psalm 69 he writes, “my eyes are swollen with weeping, waiting for my God to act.”

When Naomi returned to Bethlehem she said, “Do not call me Naomi; call me Mara, for the Almighty has dealt very bitterly with me. ²¹ I went out full, and the Lord has brought me home again empty. Why do you call me Naomi, since the Lord has testified against me, and the Almighty has afflicted me?”

After having won a triumphant victory over the pagan Baal prophets, Elijah goes on in I Kings 19:4 to wish for his own death!

Imperfect people in an imperfect world facing trials, temptations and tribulations.

Just like me. Just like you.

Now, is where you might expect me to say “with Jesus you can overcome”, and while that is true, our human understanding of overcoming may not look like God’s understanding.

What do you do when “healing” doesn’t come?

Mental Illness is not like a cold, or the flu, or a stomach virus.  Often there is no 100% cure.  There is medication to manage the symptoms, counseling to manage the emotions and behaviors…but it is not a process that has an end.  It is a life-long journey for most.

So where does this “freedom” I  mentioned come from?  If you cannot be completely healed of this disease, how do you break away from the chains?

Here are 4 things I have found helpful in my journey:

1. Worship in the whirlwind. Rather than focusing on the brokenness, focus on Jesus. Play your favorite worship music, sing to Him or simply sit in silence as you reflect inwardly on His goodness and grace.
2. Stay in the Word. Reading your Bible is one of the best ways to combat feelings of anxiety, loneliness, and depression. Scripture reminds us of His promises, of His faithfulness. (Revelations 21:4 and Psalm 27:1 are two of my favorites!)
3. Remember the battle is the Lord’s. He fights for us. And the fight is not just in the physical…it is spiritual.
4. Talk about it. Not just to your counselor. To a trusted friend. To your pastor. To yourself…journal your journey. More people in the church need to hear about others struggling so we can get rid of the stigma around this.

Your FREEDOM is waiting!

God accepts you as you are. Jesus died for you while you were still apart from Him as a sinner. You. Are. LOVED.  Your mental illness cannot take that away from you.

And that love is where you will find your freedom. He can handle your pain. Your tears. Your anger. Give it to Him.  He will give you rest.

P.S. – Please get help if you are dealing with depression, anxiety and especially suicidal thoughts.  (National Hotline 1-800-273-8255)

If you have been diagnosed, please continue your treatments in addition to the tips given here. One is not a substitute for another. Work with your doctors, counselors and your Lord for your best results.

 

 

Darkness cannot stay where there is light…

When we are walking, or often more appropriate, stumbling, through trials in this life, it is tempting to lay down and let the darkness win. As God’s children though, we know we can lean on His promises for comfort in these dark times.

“His mercies are new every morning”

“His grace is sufficient”

“Even though I walk through the shadow of death I will fear no evil”

Excellent verses in troubled times.  Tried and true.  Tested by fire.

But…in the last few days I keep turning to another verse that may be less known to some of you.

“Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered“. (Click for context)

I am struck by the fact that when I do not have the words, the Holy Spirit within me SPEAKS to GOD on my behalf…with groanings.

So the Holy Spirit groans to God about me?  Not exactly.

John Calvin said it best “And the Spirit is said to intercede, not because he really humbles himself to pray or to groan, but because he stirs up in our hearts those desires which we ought to entertain; and he also affects our hearts in such a way that these desires by their fervency penetrate into heaven itself”. (Italics mine)

I am mute before the Lord and it is okay.  He still hears me. And by His Holy Spirit I am given the words to plead before my Father regarding my situation. To ask and receive the mercy and comfort and grace I seek.

On my own, I am unable to adequately pray hard enough or good enough to open the gates of Heaven. But by God’s Holy Spirit…oh, my friend, now I am on to something!

The darkness has to flee when you are holding the light… 

 

 

5 Important Promises When Everything Seems to be Wrong

I wrote this 4 years ago, after a 9/11 remembrance ceremony…

Goodnight my dear, lay down your head and drift away to dreamland
No fear here though we don’t forget we don’t dwell in sorrows
Tears made wet this sleepy space 14 years ago this night
Awakened to a new morn where the light did not shine as bright
Normal is not as it once was yet normalcy is regained
Bitterness lends way to a gentle pain
So close your eyes and know that there is safety to be found
Yes, peace and comfort, love again on this earthly ground
Store treasured memories in your heart to glimpse from time to time
The place where love and great loss were forever intertwined.

When we remember this event, do we simply pause on that date as so many did yesterday, then go on unchanged and untouched? 

Do we read a few stories, peruse a few updates on survivors and what they are still suffering through, and think “Wow, that is so sad”, yet, return to the everyday of our own lives, not really feeling much regarding the sorrow of these “others“?

We should never wallow in the pit, however, remembering what took us there and how God brought us out is important as there are lessons in those moments not to be missed.

Here are 5 Important Promises from God learned while in a “pit moment”:

1. He will restore us.
2. He will never leave us nor forsake us.
3. He will make us overcomers.
4. He will comfort us.
5. He will sustain us.

Today’s headlines may not be about 9/11, as that day has been marked in passage for another year.  However, trials and tribulations abound in this fallen world where Satan roars about looking for someone to devour.

We will continue to experience dark times…yet when we run to the light of the Lord Jesus Christ we let that light of His glory shine through us in all the broken places.

(Click to Tweet)

We gain healing, understanding and yes, even joy, when we stand on His promises.

Whatever you are going through today, rest in His arms knowing without doubt that He has your best interest in mind.  He is a good Father to His children and He is constantly at work on our behalf.