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Choosing Joy in Adversity: Trusting The Character of God
We’ve heard it said that joy is not dependent on our circumstances. But when adversity stomps in like an unwanted invader, joy is not the first thing I think of. I want to get out of my struggle, and I want out – Now! Choosing joy in times of heart-wrenching adversity feels impossible. I have come to understand that finding true joy in times of adversity requires me to choose Jesus over everything. Choosing joy requires me to believe that God is all I need – right now, even in this travesty. That He sees my plight and knows what to do. Joy comes on the heels of resting and…
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When Adversity Strikes: Can We Face It With Courage?
Unannounced. Adversity strikes! Red-hot. Searing. An unwelcome arrival that feels totally unbelievable. Did I hear someone say “ludicrous”? Yes! Crazy, unbelievable, even bizarre. Sucker punched, I find myself gasping at its reality. Could this really be happening to us? Certain as dawn, it settles in, burning all the way down to the depths of my soul. Air! We need air! As our world tilts, then crumbles around us, nothing seems as it was. Crushed beneath the load, we look for normalcy, but it evades us. It’s just not there – no longer present. Everything in me cries out “This is wrong…so very wrong!” right on the heels of shouting… “This…
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Messy Grief and Unrestrained Sorrow…An invitation to come where the Divine dwells
In the quiet sanctuary, the holy place where the Divine dwells, we find rest for our troubled souls. Here we sit, too broken to stand. Here we stretch out prostrate at His feet. Weary of heart. Weary of mind. Just plain weary! Here we cry out. Our voice cannot form words. Here we pour out our lament. I lay my messy grief and unrestrained sorrow at His feet. He does not flinch at my uncouth offering. He does not pull away from the mess of my heart. Here, in the presence of Christ, I am seen. Here, in this holy sanctuary, I am heard. My heart is so full of…
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Living Fully Present: Hope in Uncertainty When was the last time God led you into a waiting room? A waiting room without physical walls—a place where adversity and faith meet. Here, you are given the chance to embrace God’s character, yet somehow anxiety and overwhelm flood in, and all you can think about is solving your problem to ease the pain, remove the heartache, or erase the trouble. I am familiar with God’s waiting rooms, as I am sure you are. It has taken me years to realize that when God calls us to enter, He is extending a sacred invitation to spend time with the Divine. It is here…
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Despite Covid I Have Jesus!
It is day nine of Covid. There is not a creative thought in my head. I am weary. When there are no words to write, it is the Word of God that gives me hope. It is here among these pages of truth that God tells me that I am not alone. He is enough. It is here that I find rest, renewal of heart and mind; as the longing to be Christ-like rises to the surface and spills out upon my blank journaled page. Today, these words spill out as scriptural affirmation and a prayer to God. Right now because of Covid, my health has failed, and my spirit…
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Stability in an unstable world
The offering of hope For many, this Christmas season has come with conflicting emotions. Past Christmas traditions have been snatched from us through this pandemic. A season of friend and family gatherings has left us wondering how to create community, despite continued distancing. In a world that may feel unstable, shifting and currently unreliable, we find ourselves looking for something steady and sure. We have grown tired of fake news. Our souls are longing for truth, for real news. The hope of redemption God’s great plan of redemption offers to all who will receive it, the gift of hope. As Christ followers our hope is planted upon the rock-solid foundation…
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The Incomparable God: Part Two
Rehearsing the Greatness of the Incomparable God I couldn’t believe it. I had lost the diamond in my wedding ring, yet again. Yet this time, not only was my diamond missing, but the entire setting! After getting over my deep dismay I cried out to God. “God, you care about the smallest things that concern me. You see my diamond right now. Please, help me find it!” The Incomparable God is intimately acquainted with me The Incomparable God is intimately acquainted with His creation. He cares about what we are concerned about. I have been able to rediscover this truth, time and time again. In the course of three days,…
