And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. 2 Corinthians 9:8
Make a list of your blessings.
I know you can, even if you are in the deep dark pit.
Physically write them down.
You’ll need to refer to the list often until you can remember them on your own.
If you honestly believe you have zero blessings in your life, if you can’t see the beauty past your own nose, just look harder.
You can start small: sunshine, flowers in the spring, hot coffee, the beach, newspaper on my doorstep, my grandmother’s quilt, pearl earrings, the color pink.
See, it’s not so hard.
Write down things that make you smile.
That’s how you know.
When you are down in the dumps, look at your list.
Jog your memory of how God has blessed you.
His faithfulness to you is written all over your blessings.
And remember all those details too?
Of How He’s been there for you in daily life?
Have you written them down as well?
These two lists will help you when you are pulled down into the pit of worry or despair.
In those moments, pull out your blessings or details list.
The process of worry will begin to reverse in your mind.
Little smiles will erupt on your face as you choose to remember God’s faithfulness.
That in turn will provide peace for your future.
God’s faithfulness to you needs to be continually on your mind.
And then, worries which creep into your brain, will become less and less.
The effects of worry will slowly die away.
Purpose your mind and surrender daily to God, choosing to remember His faithfulness.
“You are the God who sees me.” She also said, “Have I truly seen the One who sees me?” Genesis 16:13
Pulled the chicken out of the oven and assembled the many dinner plates.
Peas, macaroni & cheese, and chicken on my blue dishes looked appetizing.
As I said out loud to thin air, “Good job, Amy”, I knew at that moment God had heard me.
I felt His smile.
Then it hit me.
I work for God.
Who do you work for?
Ok yes, your boss who signs your paycheck.
Your sweet spouse as you help each other tackle life.
Can’t forget the little people who depend on you for continuing their very existence.
We could add friends, church, volunteering, and society.
Let’s face it – we work for many.
Lots of people depend on us.
Too bad the amount of work we do doesn’t equal the thanks flowing to our ears.
What?
Most of what we do is unnoticed.
Unsung.
No thank you’s.
And that’s ok.
Why?
Because God sees it.
He notices.
And He’s the One we work for.
Every time you pull dinner from the oven
Fold sweet smelling laundry
Wipe up spills you never created
Greet a lonely neighbor
Go the extra mile at work
Cut out box tops for your child’s school
Soothe a crying baby
You are noticed.
Next time you do something for someone, remember God is well pleased.
Very pleased.
You helped God smile.
And that, in the end, is all that matters.
Because we work for an audience of One.
“….but as we go on in grace, we find that God is glorifying Himself here and now, in the present minute. If we have God’s say-so behind us, the most amazing strength comes, and we learn to sing in the ordinary days and ways….” Oswald Chambers
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28
God is sovereign.
Over all things.
The definition of sovereign includes these words: supreme permanent authority.
Well, that about covers it, doesn’t it?
God has supreme (total) authority (power) and it’s never going away (permanent, here forever).
He holds the world in His hands.
Now you can breathe.
Deeply.
Focus on this: God is never leaving.
He’s constant.
He holds the universe.
Yet He longs to help you.
Everyday.
With everything.
He wants you to give Him all of your burdens, big and small.
Examples?
Well, my large burdens include the children and where I should teach.
Too much to carry on my own.
Small burdens include transportation for kids going everywhere, holiday planning, and the sudden intense need for milk (who forgot to tell me we were low?).
Small burdens can easily morph into boulders if you’re not careful to give them immediately to God.
You’ll simply crumble under the weight!
So if God is sovereign, He’ll fix our burdens, right?
Well, yes and no.
When you give those troubles to God, He’ll take over and increase your dependence on Him.
He will give you just the right amount of strength, wisdom and peace, because youknow He is sovereign and taking care of business.
Will He immediately solve your problems?
Probably not.
He might because He can, but He also might use this time in your life to refine your heart.
To make you holy.
Because God is sovereign, He knows best what do with your burdens.
That knowledge should give you peace beyond measure.
God has your back.
He knows the beginning from the end.
Trust Him to finish what He has started.
And enjoy the journey as best as you can, resting in the knowledge of God’s love and concern for you.
(This guest post is my sweet daughter Linnea’s senior legacy paper)
When thinking about how to sum up what I’ve learned in high school, I struggle to find the words. There’s so much I’ve learned. Really, there are like ten different things I could talk about. But when thinking about what to say, it kind of hit me. My experiences – everything I’ve gone through in high school – it doesn’t really matter. It’s not the point.
Everyone has their stories. I have mine. I could go on and on about how my depression, self-harm, and parent’s divorce affected me and what God has taught me through all of it; but honestly – that’s not the point. God has brought me through so much. He’s slowly shaping me to be the person He created me to be. He’s preparing me for the next life. In the end, everything that we’ve done on earth isn’t going to matter. There will be a day where the only thing that matters is whether or not you know and accept Jesus Christ. High school drama will be completely forgotten.
High school is a very instrumental time in a person’s life because it is then people start discovering themselves. It’s the perfect opportunity for God to wreck your life for Him – and that’s what He did to me. I went from being terrified of anything remotely spiritual, to constantly having my heart broken for those who don’t know Christ. God put this burning desire in my heart to know Him more and share His love with others. It was almost as if I had been blind and now I could see.
But it’s not always that easy. Truly trying to follow God is the most difficult thing I’ve ever done. But it’s so worth it. Satan will do everything he can to distract you. He’ll try to re-open wounds and taunt you with temptations. But don’t be discouraged! John 16:33 says, “I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
One thing I’ve learned is that so many people get stuck at the cross. I know that sounds funny, but let me explain. God wants us to lay ourselves and our burdens down at the cross and receive His grace. But we aren’t supposed to stay there. We are supposed to go forth and spread His news once we’ve been forgiven. Sometimes you’ll have to go back to the cross and lay more burdens down, but you aren’t supposed to live there. Sadly, it seems as if that’s where most Christians are today. They are all about giving their problems to God and being forgiven, but they don’t actually doanything with it.
I believe God has so much more in store for us than just wiping away our sin. He wants us to experience the fullness of His love and be rooted richly in His spiritual blessings. He wants us to go out and share His love with urgency. Going into high school, I had the Great Commission on my mind because I had just gone through confirmation and that’s what I had picked for my verse. Matthew 28:19-20 says, “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” I wasn’t really sure why I picked that verse, but I knew it felt right. Now I can see that God has been changing my heart and how it is a perfect verse for my life – because it describes the desire He has put inside my being.
If I had to leave one piece of advice, I’d say that no matter what, trust in God with all of your heart. He created you and knows you better than you know yourself. Life is full of unexpected things and you will never be able to go through it all and come out stronger without leaning on God. There’s no time to put God on hold. If you were to die tomorrow, would you be ready?
I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you LIFE and DEATH, BLESSING and CURSE. Therefore choose life, that you and your offspring may live, loving the Lord your God, obeying His voice and holding fast to Him, for He is your life and length of days. Deuteronomy30:19-20
Are you ever amazed at the ugliness inside?
At the emotions that pour out of your heart from nowhere?
Where on earth did that come from?
Is that me?
Am I really that selfish?
Am I really that insecure?
Jealous?
Nothing like real life to keep you humble!
We’re so not perfect.
Far from it.
But with Jesus, we can choose life.
Whenever ugly emotions rise up, you can choose to fling them off.
To step onto the other side, grinning from ear to ear.
The devil wants you to be grumpy.
He wants you to dwell in the past or whatever bothers you.
He wants to keep you there.
Stuck.
Why?
Because then you’re useless.
And you’ll sink others down along with you.
But when you choose life, Jesus lifts you up.
Those ugly emotions evaporate.
I see it in others, and yes, in myself too.
Part of living for God is allowing Him to work through you.
To change you.
To be a witness.
And to give you fullness of life.
Allow Him to pour His living water over you, changing you from the inside out.
I love The Lord, because He has heard my voice and my pleas for mercy. Because He inclined His ear to me, therefore I will call on Him as long as I live. Psalm 116:1-2
God hears our voice. Our cries for mercy when things become difficult.
He wants to hear you. He wants to help.
Because He is always ready to listen, we should call on Him as long as we have breath.
God has and always will be present for you, walking with you each and every moment.
Stop and remember. Remind yourself of His goodness to you. Here are His words from Him to you:
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6
Does God ever confuse you?
Leave you baffled?
Speechless?
Or do you make sense of everything He allows?
I don’t.
I can’t possibly make sense of some things.
So I’m left in a confused state.
Left until I decide to trust in God once again.
God surprised us with a gift.
A baby.
The promise of new life.
I was anxious then thrilled once the idea settled into my mind.
But two months later – poof.
Everything changed and I found myself in a puddle of tears.
Longing for the baby I was beginning to know and love.
Why, God?
Simply why?
Sometimes God allows things and we cannot possibly figure out all the answers.
And when we question, that’s ok.
As long as we look back and are reminded of His faithfulness.
His goodness.
I have learned a few things though.
He showed me unconditional love.
He showered me with love from my family, friends, and precious husband (who has the patience of Job).
He reminded me how He is ultimately in control.
And He reminded me not to worry, because He’s got this.
He’s got everything.
He knows the beginning of my story to the end.
My entire life is in His hands.
And He’s got yours too.
Your life is precious to Him.
And He loves you more than you could possibly imagine.
You who have made me see many troubles and calamities will revive me again; from the depths of the earth you will bring me cup again. Psalm 71:20
Ever see God work?
Witness His marvelous plan unfold?
Take a breath and look around.
He’s working in your children’s hearts.
He’s organizing your thoughts.
He’s ordering your steps.
He’s revealing nuggets of wisdom just when you need them.
He’s providing a way through life.
He’s solving your mini issues which can overwhelm any person.
Your precious life is in His hands and He’s actively showing you the way.
You knew He would.
Come through.
Deep down, you knew.
Yet you still allow stress to step into your mind, completely distracting you.
Did you catch that?
We allow stress to literally step inside our mind and take over.
Completely distracting.
Hmmmmm…….
Oswald Chambers is one of my favorite authors.
Been reading his devotional for years.
His words are steeped with truth:
Get into the habit of dealing with God about everything. Unless in the first waking moment of the day you learn to fling the door wide back and let God in, you will work on a wrong level all day; but swing the door wide open and pray to your Father in secret. and every public thing will be stamped with the presence of God.
I want my family to be stamped with the presence of God.
Imagine if we all submitted to God and asked Him to work through us each and every day.
How blessed we and our families would be.
Not to mention everyone else God places in your path.
Your way way was through the sea, Your path through the great waters;Yet your footprints were unseen.You led Your people like a flock by the hand of Moses and Aaron. Psalm 77:19-20
God guides us by His hand using His plan.
His plan isn’t always what we think He should do, yet He is with us every step of the way.
He guides us and is not seen – but His miracles are.
He works through us to redeem ugly situations.
He guides us through the most unlikely places and leads us safely to the other side.
Imagine the Red Sea and the Israelites standing there, trapped.
Impossible situation in the world’s eyes.
But God is all about doing the impossible.
Step into their shoes and imagine the panic – the fear that would have gripped them,
doubting that God really knew what He was doing when He brought them out of Egypt.
Then, at the last minute, God delivered a miracle we still talk about today.
Life is like that.
Our situation may seem completely impossible – no options, doors all tightly closed.
But God comes through in a mighty way.
We simply must trust He is here with us, going before us.
That’s what trust is – believing in the unseen. The unknown.
God’s fingerprints are on your life. His footprints are next to you.
And He has your back as you trust in His unfailing love for you.
For He satisfies the longing soul, and the hungry soul He fills with good things. Psalm 107:9
You’re still holding the reins. Your life. You still want control.
I do?
Yes.
How do you know?
Easy. Every time you don’t see your life headed in the direction you want, you worry.
When an issue pops up on the horizon, you turn to worry instead of trust.
No – what… I do?
Yes.
Your car needs new tires and new brakes. Instead of calmly carving out a bit of time to buy some, you let that issue build into a problem larger than it ever needed to be.
And I solved your problem, didn’t I?
I sent you help.
I worked out the details.
Your job. I’m moving you to exactly where I want you.
Flinging wide the doors and slamming the other one shut.
Your life is changing into the life I have in mind for you.
Relax. I know the beginning from the end.
And I am with you every step of the way.
Your kids, your future…everything. I’ve got it all covered.
When your mind begins to focus on the unknown, stop.
Look back.
Haven’t I solved things for you so far?
I haven’t brought you this far to leave you high and dry on the side of the lonely road.
You are loved and taken care of.
I created you for My glory and to be a blessing to others.
You can’t possibly reflect My love to others if you are dressed in fear.
Fling off that ugly wardrobe and walk with Me.
Trust Me.
I will light your steps and help your face shine with wonder.
Many good things are in store.
So, you didn’t need to worry your little head at all.
But the steadfast love of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear Him, and His righteousness to children’s children, to those who keep His covenant and remember to do His commandments. Psalm 103:17-18
Since God has our back and He knows our every thought…
our every need…
our every heart’s desire…
Did you ever think about the fact that His help is already on its way?
Before we even think of our need.
Before we bow our knees in prayer.
His answer is on its way.
Coming at His perfect timing.
Not our timing.
But His.
Unexpectedly wonderful things.
Redeeming us.
Bringing us blessings in all the right places.
He sets things in motion before our first prayer is uttered.
He knows the beginning from the end.
If your heart truly rests with the heart of God, you can be assured help is on the way.
It’s been coming ever since God thought of it.
Which was a long time ago.
He knows all things.
He knows what is best.
And He loves you like crazy.
As you pray and trust God’s provision, be looking for that help to come.
For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, for my hope is from Him. Psalm 62:5
Why is it that little things can send us crashing to the floor in utter despair?
If we are so dependent on God, little issues shouldn’t even phase us.
Frankly, we shouldn’t notice them.
But we do.
Life is absolutely full of disappointments and we must take each one with a grain of salt.
Expectations are a double edged sword.
On the one hand, we are full of happy anticipation. Yet at the same time, we can crumble in an absolute instant when what we thought would happen never even materializes.
How can we be happy one minute and sad the next?
How is it that our emotions are that ridiculously unstable?
Relying on human strength. Forgetting that God is in control and the author of all things.
How can we possibly forget that?
It’s unfortunately too easy.
Following Jesus, surrendering to His perfect will is a constant process.
Dying to ourselves is constant. Never ending.
Here’s the good news: if we remember God is in control and He has our back, then we can take disappointments in stride.
What does it matter if things don’t go our way?
What is our way? Is it God’s way?
God is not at all surprised by life. He’s seen it all and knows the beginning from the end.
Relax and take each disappointment in stride. Recognize life will be full of times that don’t go our way.
Pray about your day before your feet hit the floor.
Remember how much God loves you and wants to help your every move.
Next time you begin to swallow disappointment….the next time your eyes are tempted to well up with tears, beg God to intervene and replace your fear with hope.
That’s what disappointment really is at the core – fear. We fear (fill in the blank) will never improve or will always rear it’s ugly head.
Notice the words never and always. Kinda inflammatory, isn’t it?
But that’s how we think.
Look at things from the prism of everlasting life.
From the balcony of heaven, will it matter?
No, it won’t.
All disappointment is significant to us.
But truly, in the grander scheme of life, does it matter?
The next time you are faced with a moment of disappointment, turn it into a smile of expectation.
God is saying no to something so He can say yes later.
And if He has our back, if He wants the very best for us, and if He has a plan, then why not dare to smile.
And my tongue will talk of your righteous help all the day long. Psalm 71:24
God wants all of you.
He wants desperately to be your all in all.
How do you begin to know His heart? Or know what He wants from you?
Constant conversation. A never ending conversation with God.
You’re kidding, right?
God wants to know about the missing socks, the broken garage door, or the mouse trap?
Yep.
He knows you inside and out and wants you to know Him the same way.
We have the most incredible opportunity in the world to seek God’s face.
We can become His companion.
His actual companion!
My conversations with God are never ending.
Inside my heart, I chat with Him about everything.
In the mornings, I thank Him for hot showers and delicious coffee (priorities!).
I thank Him for blessing me: all the people I love, job, church, and the plethora of material possessions just to scratch the surface.
I thank Him for looking out for me and giving me my heart’s desire.
I ask Him to plan my day and be with me each moment.
I ask Him to intervene in different situations, to lead me down the path He has for me, and give me an abundance of love to share with others.
During the day, I pop in with different things: a thank you for that unexpected surprise on my desk or help when I begin waving that white flag yet again.
Sometimes it’s just a plea for wisdom when those mini moments erupt with 4 children!
The only way I can explain it is constant conversation. A never ending chat with my best friend.
He knows my every thought. He is as close as the wind on my face.
And again, I will put my trust in Him. Hebrews 2:13
Submitting to God and giving Him every drop of worry will happen again and again.
Over and over.
What? Why?
Because we’re human and we forget, am I right?
Our minds are trained to worry when our future is unclear.
When life is as clear as mud, we worry.
When we don’t know what is going to happen, we automatically turn to worry.
Almost every time.
I personally like to plan to the nth degree. Yep. I’m a details girl.
Plan the summer vacation in early winter, shop ahead for Christmas and birthday gifts, and meals.
Yes, I once was one of THOSE women who grocery shopped/cooked for an entire month all at once. Even fruit? Well no, and I never went as far as freezing milk either, but that’s another blog post entirely.
The point is this: far into the future, I like to know what I will be doing.
I like to be ready. Prepared for anything.
And yes, I was a Girl Scout.
I’m not huge on spur of the moment adventures, so the detour my life took was very uncomfortable.
Extremely uncomfortable.
Why? Because it was not on my radar screen.
And so the pattern begins.
Crisis.
Crying out to God, asking Him to take it away, to solve your every problem.
He is faithful and provides strength and peace.
Not necessarily solving the problem, just providing peace in the storm.
Worry creeps back. Fear enslaves you. Back to panic mode.
You remember God and ask Him again to help you.
He does and peace floods your precious soul.
Daily give your worries to God, again and again. It cannot be any other way.
Why?
Because I can guarantee you worry will creep back into your mind through vulnerable moments that uncover your hidden fears.
When that happens, and believe me, it will, purpose to fix your eyes on Jesus.
Thank Him for your incredible blessings which are proof of His faithfulness to you.
Thank Him for your lessons and how far you’ve grown.
When we go through the fires of life, we don’t come out unscathed.
We have scars. Battle scars.
But those make us more beautiful. More real. More personable and relatable to others.
Even those of us with strong faith have days or moments when our hearts break for the smallest disappointment.
Our minds respond with human distress instead of godly wisdom or peace.
That’s ok.
Allow yourself that liberty not to be perfect.
But in those times, you must recognize that ungodly influence which wants to pull you back down into the pit.
Stand strong and whisper the precious name of Jesus.
Ask Him to relieve you of your burdens and worries.
God will reward you with peace. Sweet peace that passes all understanding.
In return, you must not allow your mind to keep returning to that dark prison of worry and fear.
Don’t entertain thoughts of doubt. Thoughts of worry.
You must choose life.
Trust. Again and again.
Ask God to help you plan your year, your day, each minute.
Ask Him what you should do with your time.
Every time a worry pops into your tired brain, pop it back into the arms of Jesus.
Amy Linnea 
You must be logged in to post a comment.