Stepping Into Life

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. Deuteronomy 30:19-20

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.

angry-girl

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.

He’ll do His part as long as you do yours.

Ask Him to help you choose life.

You’ll need to do this often, but He’ll help you.

Guaranteed.

Photos by Siora Photography on Unsplash Photo by Jan Kopřiva on Unsplash

You Are Loved

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11

How does God see you?

As His beloved.

His miracle.

His greatest creation.

As someone worth dying for.

Your thoughts are precious to Him.

Your tears are held in His hands.

Your joys bring Him smiles.

And your praise gives Him delight.

He is constantly watching You, waiting to take Your hand and walk with you with every step you take.

Hand in hand.

Your burdens are His.

Your sorrows are His.

Your joys are His.

He loves you immeasurably more than you can possibly imagine.

After all, you are His beloved.

God says, Believe Me. You are loved. Valuable. Unequaled. Perfectly formed. Made in My image. Believe Me. I am here for you. Always and continually by your side. You are never forsaken by Me. Ever. Believe Me. I have ordained your steps. Your life is safe with me. I know your every move: you’re going out and you’re coming in. Nothing is hidden from Me. Believe in Me. Because I believe in you. Love, God.

Photos by Mihail Tregubov & Alen Rojnic on Unsplash

Waiting

The Lord will fulfill His purpose for me; Your steadfast love, O Lord, ensures forever. Psalm 138:8

Ugh. I really don’t like even the word.

Who does?

Wait.

Our children detest the word.

When they ask us something and we say ‘wait’, their faces usually fall, because they just know.

Society buys cars with loans, we buy things on credit, and we don’t bat an eyelash.

Why?  Because we want things now.

We simply cannot wait to save up the money.

Really?

 It’s similar when we need to wait for life.

Pregnancy comes to mind – 9 LONG months of waiting.

Anticipation.

Or when you’re waiting for a planned vacation.

Or, sigh, your wedding day.

 It’s one thing to wait when you have an end in sight – a date in the future when things will change.

Your baby’s due date.

Your vacation date.

Your wedding date.

It’s an entirely different matter when waiting involves the unknown.

You want a baby, but you’re still waiting on God.

You want to marry, but God has not brought the right person, or He has and you’re waiting for God’s perfect timing.

You want a new job, but it hasn’t found you yet.

You want life to change…you want to accomplish His will for your life, but you are still waiting.

The wait can seem simply unbearable.

You are waiting….for what?  When?

Life can almost come to a standstill.

 Don’t let it.

Go back to trust.

Rest in the truth of His Word.

Keep surrendering your dreams to Him and allow Him to reveal them in His timing.

His perfect timing.

Force yourself to remember God has a plan.

Not just any plan,but one just perfect for you and you alone.

 Meanwhile, we must wait.

Ugh, I know, still not crazy about that word at all.

But think about this: God loves you and you are on His mind.

Wait with a smile on your face knowing He has great things planned for you.

Lean back into His arms and smile.

Before long, the wait will be a distant memory.

My family recently waited hours (yes, I did say hours) for my Mother’s Day lunch.

Won’t pick that restaurant again.  But you know what?

We now all laugh and roll our eyeballs at the ridiculous situation!

It’s funny NOW – because we’re no longer waiting.

It’s over.

That’s how it will be with what you’re waiting for.

Soon, your wait will be a distant memory.

And all of the worry in the world won’t have made a bit of difference.

Take your peace and wait.

And remember – each day you wait, you are one day closer to your precious answer.

Photos by Zwaddi, Stefano Intintoli, Todd Quackenbush, Liane Metzler, Derek Thomson, & Unsplash Photo by Kristaps Ungurs on Unsplash

Security

He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. Psalm 91:1

Don’t you just love snuggling up with a cozy soft blanket?

Especially when you are feeling ill or a bit glum, wrapping up in a blanket seems so comforting.

It’s almost like we are wrapped up in safety and peace.

An escape.

God wants to wrap you in His arms of love.

Secure under His wings.

Psalm 91:4 also declares He will cover you with his feathers, and under His wings you will find refuge.

Isn’t that comforting?

You are free to snuggle in under God’s protection.

Cozy and safe.

He wants you there, safe and sound.

You might be surrounded by disaster and drama, but when you abide in Him, your heart will stay at peace.

Why?

Because He has your back.

Your soul finds refuge in Him.

Your focus on the drama is clouded by His presence.

Look to God for your security.

Talk about feeling safe.

He holds you in the palm of His hand.

There’s no place I’d rather be.

Smile. He’s got you.

Photos by Ray Hennessy & Chris Linnett on Unsplash