We are not meant to find our peace or fulfillment in this broken world. The hurt we experience here is temporary, no matter how deep it feels.
Everywhere we look today, it feels like the world is unraveling. People lash out in anger, friendships are torn apart, and love seems to grow colder by the day. It’s heartbreaking to witness how easily kindness is forgotten and how often relationships are sacrificed over pride, selfishness, or misunderstanding.
For those who are on the receiving end of pain, betrayal, rejection, or cruelty, it’s natural to feel the urge to fight back, to retaliate, to defend your heart. But God’s Word calls us to something higher. Hebrews 13:14 (NLT) reminds us, “For this world is not our permanent home; we are looking forward to a home yet to come.” This truth gives us the strength to respond differently.
We are not meant to find our peace or fulfillment in this broken world. The hurt we experience here is temporary, no matter how deep it feels. Our citizenship is not of this earth; Philippians 3:20 (NLT) declares, “But we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly waiting for him to return as our Savior.”
When we remember that heaven is our true home, we gain perspective. The pain others inflict doesn’t define us; it refines us. Every trial becomes an opportunity to draw closer to Christ, to model His grace, and to reflect His light in the darkness.
So, when you feel like the world is falling apart around you, take heart. God sees your tears. He knows your hurt. And He promises that one day, all wrongs will be made right. Until then, walk in peace, love without fear, and keep your eyes fixed on the home that awaits you, where there will be no more sorrow, no more betrayal, and no more pain.
Heaven is our final destination. Let’s live each day with that hope in our hearts.
Related Song: This World Is Falling Apart
For anyone who has been hurt by the players in this world, remember, this world may be harsh, but we have heaven to look forward to. Please click to hear the song and video inspired by Hebrews 13:14 and Philippians 3:20.
Living with integrity may cost us in the short term, but it blesses us in ways the world can never offer. When we refuse to conform to the world and instead let God direct our thinking, we walk in His perfect will.
Scripture Reading
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” – Romans 12:2 (NIV)
Standing Firm in Integrity
In business and in life, it’s easy to feel the pressure to do what everyone else is doing. Sometimes that pressure comes in the form of a subtle nudge: “Just bend the truth a little.” Other times, it’s more direct: “If you don’t cut corners, you’ll fall behind.”
I am a real estate broker, and I remember a time early in my career when I faced a moment when I was urged to smooth over the facts in order to make a transaction move forward more quickly. On the surface, it seemed harmless. No one would get hurt, and no one might even notice. But in my spirit, I felt the weight of that decision. Would I conform to the pattern of the world, or would I stand firm in truth?
I chose integrity. The deal didn’t move as fast as others hoped, but God gave me something much more valuable: peace in my heart and the confidence of knowing I had honored Him. Later, I realized He also strengthened my reputation. Clients knew they could trust me because I was unwilling to compromise, even if it meant moving things along more quickly. Cutting out steps in the process would have meant closing the transaction sooner; however, these missed steps had the potential to be an issue in later years.
That’s the beauty of living God’s way. Integrity may cost us in the short term, but it blesses us in ways the world can never offer. Romans 12:2 reminds us that when we refuse to conform and instead let God direct our thinking, we walk in His perfect will.
Reflection Question
Think of a time when you were tempted to compromise your integrity. How did you respond? Looking back, what do you think God wanted to teach you in that moment?
Practical Application
Today, commit to one action that reflects integrity in your work or personal life. It may be as simple as telling the truth in a difficult situation, keeping your word even when it’s inconvenient, or refusing to take an easy shortcut. Trust that God will honor your obedience and strengthen your witness.
Prayer: Lord, I don’t want to conform to the ways of this world. Help me to stand firm in truth and integrity, even when it costs me something. Renew my mind so that my choices reflect Your will, and let my life be a testimony of honesty that points others to You. Amen.
God’s timing is not always ours. We may feel abandoned, but the truth is, He is preparing us for what’s ahead. Seasons of silence are not signs of rejection; they are times of preparation and growth.
Scripture Reading “But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” – Isaiah 40:31 (NIV)
“To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.” – Ecclesiastes 3:1 (NIV)
Reflection Recently, I found myself walking through some of the lowest valleys of my life. At seventy years old, I thought I would have “found” myself by now; surely my purpose would be clear. Instead, I struggled with silence from heaven and the weight of unanswered questions.
I tried harder, worked longer, and sought to prove myself worthy of God’s attention. But instead of fulfillment, I felt emptier than ever. Then, as if silence weren’t enough, I began to lose loved ones, friendships, income, and even peace of mind. My life felt like it was unraveling thread by thread.
In that place of despair, I cried out one more time. Though I still didn’t hear an answer, God met me where I was. At church, during worship, the pastor prayed over me, and for the first time in a long time, I felt joy breaking through the hollow spaces of my heart. Later, a friend reminded me that this season of loss was preparation. God was not taking from me to punish me; He was making room for where He was leading me.
That reminder brought me back to Scripture: to everything there is a season. When we wait on the Lord, even in silence, He promises to renew our strength and lift us on eagle’s wings.
Application God’s timing is not always ours. We may feel abandoned, but the truth is, He is preparing us for what’s ahead. Seasons of silence are not signs of rejection; they are times of preparation and growth.
Reflection Question Have you ever felt like God was silent and doubted His timing? How might God be preparing you in this very season?
Prayer Father, thank You for reminding me that Your timing is perfect, even when I don’t understand it. Help me trust You in the silence, and strengthen me to wait on You with hope. Renew my spirit so that I may walk faithfully into the season You are preparing for me. Amen.
Living authentically is about walking in truth. It means letting go of the pressures of the world, the opinions of others, and the weight of expectations that don’t belong to us.
From the time I can remember, I have felt a deep calling to teach, to encourage, and to help others discover who they truly are in Christ. Recently, that calling took on a new dimension when I completed an intensive program to become a Certified Authenticity Life Coach.
On my very first day of certification, I met with a woman who faced a struggle many of us can relate to, choosing between pleasing others and honoring her own God-given path. She has a servant’s heart, always eager to help, but this time she was torn. Someone wanted her to take on a responsibility that didn’t align with her true calling, and she felt pressured. Her heart said no, but her fear of disappointing others said yes.
That moment reminded me of the truth found in Psalm 139:13 (NKJV): “For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother’s womb.”
God did not create us by accident. He carefully designed every part of who we are, our bodies, our personalities, our emotions, and even our unique ways of serving others. When we ignore that divine design and allow others to push us away from our true purpose, we step out of alignment with the life God created us to live.
The Holy Spirit whispers to each of us, guiding us toward the purpose that brings glory to God and fulfillment to our souls. Your talents, your passions, and your voice are not random; they are gifts meant to be used authentically.
Jesus said in John 8:32 (NKJV): “And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”
Living authentically is about walking in that truth. It means letting go of the pressures of the world, the opinions of others, and the weight of expectations that don’t belong to us. Instead, we anchor ourselves in the promises of God.
When we choose to “seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness” as we are reminded in Matthew 6:33 (NKJV): “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”
…we find a freedom this world cannot give. We discover peace, joy, and fulfillment, not because life is perfect, but because our hearts are aligned with God’s will.
To live authentically through God’s eyes is to live in truth. It’s to accept that He made us intentionally. We are to love ourselves as His creation, and boldly walk in the path He has prepared.
When we do this, life becomes lighter. Our service becomes more meaningful. And our joy? It overflows.
Reflection
Ask yourself today: Am I living the life God designed for me, or am I letting the expectations of others pull me away from His purpose? Remember, authenticity in Christ is not selfish; it is obedience. When you embrace the person God created you to be, you not only walk in freedom, but you also bless others with the unique gifts only you can give.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, Thank You for creating me with intention and love. Help me to hear Your voice above all others and to walk boldly in the path You have prepared for me. Teach me to live authentically, seeking Your Kingdom first, and trusting that everything I need will be added in Your perfect timing. May my life be a reflection of Your truth and grace. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Gossip not only harms the one being spoken about, but it also damages the heart of the one spreading it.
At first glance, gossip can seem harmless. A whispered conversation here, a casual remark there. It may even feel like a way to bond with others. But gossip is far from innocent. Words spoken in secret often have the power to wound, destroy reputations, and leave people feeling broken and isolated.
The Bible warns us many times about the dangers of gossip. “A perverse person stirs up conflict, and a gossip separates close friends” (Proverbs 16:28, NIV). What may feel like light talk in the moment can actually sever relationships and plant seeds of distrust that last a lifetime.
Gossip not only harms the one being spoken about, but it also damages the heart of the one spreading it. Jesus reminds us that “everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken” (Matthew 12:36, NIV). Our words are not empty. They carry weight, either building others up or tearing them down.
For those who have been the target of gossip, the pain can run deep. Hurtful words have a way of echoing in our hearts long after they were spoken. But God offers healing. Psalm 34:18 reminds us, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” If gossip has left you wounded, know that God sees your pain and draws near to comfort you.
As followers of Christ, we are called to a higher standard. Instead of gossiping, we are commanded to use our words for encouragement. “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs” (Ephesians 4:29, NIV).
Imagine if, instead of tearing others down with gossip, we chose to speak life into them. Imagine if we guarded our tongues and replaced idle chatter with words of hope, kindness, and truth.
Allow me to distinguish the difference between sharing about others in a private counseling session and sharing about others in a gossiping session. When you share with your counselor, it is not considered gossip. In counseling, your resolve can be significantly enhanced by knowing the details of who you are referring to, as the counselor guides you toward healing and resolution. On the other hand, sharing about others in any other situation would rightfully be considered gossiping.
Sharing about others can even be disguised as helpful when it is, in fact, gossip at its finest. For example, when someone says, “I’m only sharing this with you so you know what to pray for,” that’s not concern, it’s gossip wrapped in spiritual language. Don’t fall into that misconception. Instead, pray for others without needing to reveal their private struggles. God already knows the details.
Today, let us take a moment to reflect:
Are my words drawing people closer to Christ, or are they sowing division?
Do I use conversations to build trust or to spread rumors?
How can I encourage someone today with words that heal rather than words that harm?
Let us commit to being people who speak with love, grace, and integrity. After all, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit” (Proverbs 18:21, ESV). May we choose life, always.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, help me to guard my tongue and resist the temptation to gossip. Let my words be filled with grace, encouragement, and truth. Heal those who have been hurt by careless speech, and use me as a vessel of Your love. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Whenever God prepares you for greatness, He often begins by removing everything that no longer serves your growth.
Whenever God prepares you for greatness, He often begins by removing everything that no longer serves your growth, like people, habits, places, and even comforts that once felt essential. What feels like loss is often divine pruning. He breaks down what is unstable so He can rebuild something unshakable within you. This breaking is not punishment, it is preparation. It’s God clearing the path for a stronger, wiser, more refined version of you.
Just like a caterpillar cannot become a butterfly without shedding its former self, you cannot transform by clinging to what once was. The cocoon is a place of isolation and undoing, but it’s also the sacred space where wings are formed.
You may feel like your world is collapsing, but in truth, it’s being realigned. Some people will fall away, not because they dislike you, but because they are no longer meant to go where God is taking you. They were part of your past, not your purpose. And that’s okay. As one wise man said, “It’s better to walk alone than to walk with those who are going nowhere.”
Let God do the removing, the refining, and the reshaping. What He rebuilds will be greater than what you lost.
There are some people who leave a mark on your heart that time cannot erase. For me, that person was my mother.
While she’s no longer with us, the wisdom she passed on continues to guide me, and it has the power to guide others as well. Her lessons weren’t grand lectures or complicated philosophies. They were simple, deeply rooted truths that touched every part of life.
Here are the three life lessons my mom taught me, lessons built on love, forgiveness, and grace.
Lesson 1: Love Without Limits
My mother was the very definition of love in motion.
When you looked at her, you saw love. When you talked with her, you heard love. And when she said, “I love you,” it wasn’t just words; it was a feeling that wrapped around you like music for the soul.
She believed that love should be unconditional and freely given.
“Love is love,” she’d say. “If you’re not loving with your whole heart, without expecting anything in return, then you’re not really loving.”
She took her cue from Scripture and lived these words daily:
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” — John 13:34–35 (NIV)
Her life was a living example of Jesus’ most excellent command.
Lesson 2: Forgive as an Act of Love
To my mother, forgiveness wasn’t a sign of weakness; it was a strength born from love.
She often told me:
“When you love, you forgive. And when you forgive, you love.”
Forgiveness was woven into everything she did. She understood that no one is perfect, and that to love people genuinely, you have to be willing to let go of their wrongs.
She reminded me of this truth often:
“For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” — Matthew 6:14–15 (NIV)
Her grace was quiet but powerful. And because of her, I strive to walk in forgiveness every day.
Lesson 3: Judge Less, Love More
“Don’t waste time judging others,” Mom would say.
“Focus on your own walk. You’re not perfect either.”
She taught me to be self-reflective rather than critical. And whenever I felt justified in calling someone out, she would gently nudge me back to humility with her favorite reminder:
“Do not judge, or you too will be judged.” — Matthew 7:1 (NIV)
And then, she’d follow it with:
“You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.” — Matthew 7:5 (NIV)
Mom always emphasized personal accountability over finger-pointing.
“Unless you’re perfect,” she’d say, “You have no business throwing stones.”
“…Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” — John 8:7 (NIV)
Her words shaped my heart and the way I treat others.
A Legacy of Love That Lives On
I miss my mother more than words can say. But I am so grateful for the legacy she left behind.
Her lessons were never forced; they were lived. And they continue to inspire me to love more deeply, forgive more quickly, and judge less.
If there’s one thing my mother would want you to remember, it’s this:
Everything, absolutely everything, comes back to love.
What life lessons did your mother or mentor teach you?
Share them in the comments below. I’d love to hear your stories.
If this message touched you, please feel free to share it with someone who needs a little light today.
I wrote this post because people often ask about my political beliefs. But when I try to explain where I stand, especially when my views differ from theirs, I’m often met with interruptions, condescension, or outright dismissal. Instead of having a respectful dialogue, I’m treated as if my beliefs are too offensive to even be heard.
Let me be clear: I listen. I stay open to what others have to say because I know we live in a world full of misinformation, manipulation, and media spin. Deepfakes, fake news, and agenda-driven narratives are everywhere. So, who can we really trust?
The truth is, in today’s world, “truth” often depends on what we choose to believe, and too often, our beliefs are shaped by sources that aren’t as honest or reliable as they claim to be. That’s why I think for myself. I seek out facts. And I form beliefs based on personal experience, reflection, and discernment.
This post isn’t about converting anyone to my way of thinking. It’s about having the space to share my perspective without being silenced, mocked, or dismissed. These are my beliefs. My truth. And I’m choosing to express them here, fully and freely, because every voice deserves to be heard with dignity, even if others don’t agree.
I’ve come to a place in life where I understand what matters most to me and my household. When I vote, it’s not about political parties. It’s about policies, policies that allow me to build the life I’ve worked hard to create.
Why I Vote the Way I Do
Over the years, I’ve noticed specific patterns. People in different life stages or economic situations often align with different parties. For instance, those working for others or facing financial hardship may find that Democratic policies better support their immediate needs, such as healthcare, job programs, or housing support. I can relate. When I was just starting out, I leaned that way, too. I needed support, and I appreciated the programs that helped me get on my feet.
But later, when I became a business owner, my perspective shifted. I began to see how certain regulations and tax requirements made it harder for me to keep my business going, let alone help it grow. In one particularly challenging year, I had to lay off and let go of my employees. The financial strain from government mandates was just too much.
Then, when the political landscape changed and new policies were introduced, ones that lightened the tax burden and made running a business more feasible, I was able to rebuild. It wasn’t about party loyalty. It was about what allowed me to continue providing jobs, serving my clients, and supporting my family.
I believe in paying my fair share. I believe in treating employees well. And anyone who has worked with me knows that I give generously when I’m able. But to give, I first need the freedom to grow, and sometimes, that means voting for policies that support businesses.
I also understand that people have different needs. Some voters may base their decisions on issues such as education, healthcare, or the environment. That’s their right, and I respect it. We all live different lives, and we all vote with the hope of improving them.
As for political affiliations, I don’t claim any one label. I vote based on alignment with my values and the future I want for my home. Do I agree with everything any one party says or does? No. But I try to choose the candidates whose policies will best serve my family’s needs.
On the topic of immigration, I believe this country is built on the strength and beauty of its immigrant roots. I’ve known many families who came here legally, worked hard, and became citizens. What I struggle with is the idea of bypassing the process. Like any home, I believe our country deserves the right to know who’s coming in and why, just as I would want to know before someone walks into my own home uninvited. That’s not about a lack of compassion. It’s about order, safety, and fairness.
At the end of the day, no matter who holds office, I choose to pray for them. Whether I voted for them or not, whether I like them or not, I believe in the power of prayer. I believe in praying for wisdom, for guidance, and for leadership that benefits all of us. That’s what my faith teaches me.
For People of Faith
For those who are people of faith, I think it’s important to remember what Scripture says about our leaders. Here are a few verses that guide me:
1 Timothy 2:1–2 (ESV) – “I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions…”
Romans 13:1 (ESV) – “Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God…”
Philippians 4:6 (ESV) – “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.”
These verses help center me when politics feel divisive or discouraging. I believe our time here on earth is part of a greater test: to live by our faith and our values, regardless of what the world looks like around us. My role, as I see it, isn’t to complain or tear others down, but to live out my beliefs through love, prayer, and trust in God’s bigger plan.
So, when I cast my vote, I think about the bigger picture, my household, my faith, and how I can best contribute to the well-being of those around me. And I trust that others are doing the same, even if their choices look different from mine.
This is simply who I am: someone who chooses prayer over protest, love over labels, and faith over fear. I may not get everything right, but I try to walk this journey with integrity, grace, and compassion for all people.
Let’s Talk
I shared these thoughts not to argue or persuade, but to invite an honest and respectful conversation. These are my beliefs, shaped by my experiences and perspective. You may agree, or you may not, and that’s okay. My only ask is that we listen to each other with open minds and mutual respect. Let’s have the kind of discussion where every voice is heard, even when we don’t see eye to eye.
Grace yourself with the love of God and he will fight your battles for you.
Recently, I had the opportunity to practice forgiveness.
Friends, typically, forgiveness is not a difficult thing for me to do. Honestly, I see forgiveness as a way to get on with my life and let the other person get on with their life.
Let me share a recent moment when I was able to practice forgiveness by allowing God to work in my life, to fight a battle on my behalf. Also, let me first say that I will share this story in a way that protects the person who is not here to defend herself. Giving to that endeavor, I will only share a small portion of the total event.
In a recent encounter with a new woman in my sphere, this woman characterized me to be someone I am definitely not. We were discussing a business matter, and because she disagreed with the information I supplied, she called me a liar! She said a few other things not worth mentioning, and, as if I were a leper, she requested that I stay as far away from her as possible. I told her I was hurt by what she was saying, but it didn’t matter to her. Of course, after that I complied with her wish to stay far away from her. To protect myself from further abuse, I blocked her number from my phone and blocked her from my social media sites. I did not really care to hear from or be around someone with that kind of demeanor. I am reminded of the time Jesus was persecuted. In Luke 23:34 (NIV), we read,
“Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up his clothes by casting lots.
Luke 23:34 (NIV)
People can be so heartless. Evil abounds, but the Lord says He will fight our battles. And, I had to remember quickly that the Lord rescues His people from evil attacks. 2 Timothy 4:18 (NIV) reminds me of that.
“The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory forever and ever. Amen.”
2 Timothy 4:18 (NIV)
Evidence of the Lord’s word in 2 Timothy 4:28 came in the form of a gentleman who, knowing nothing about what was going on between the woman and me, was circumstantially placed in front of the woman. I see this gentleman as someone who was put in place to allow the woman to know that I was not lying after all. And, without provocation, and in a very organic conversation, the gentleman said to the woman, almost word-for-word, everything I had previously said to her. The gentleman’s words were validation that I was telling the truth. I learned of the gentleman’s involvement because the Lord made sure someone else was on the scene to witness and report back to me what had happened. The witness told me that after the gentleman said all that he said, the woman appeared to be in shock and at a loss for words. We don’t know what was on the woman’s mind, but the witness said it was as if she had received an epiphany of some sort.
Still, I have received no apology from the woman. Still, I must forgive the woman and pray that her life is filled with love and grace. Hanging on to what Jesus said, she knows not what she is doing.
Grace Yourself
By “Grace Yourself,” I mean align yourself with the Lord’s power. Adorn yourself with His Grace. His mighty angels are set aside for your protection. Yes, evil abounds, but we must remember that we do not have to fight our battles. When we let the Lord fight our battles, the battle is won.
Our only obligation is to stay faithful to the Lord. His lessons help us to remain calm in adversity as we rest in His love and care.
In the act of reverence and perseverance, my Lord asked me to forgive and move on beyond this event. As difficult as it was to forgive, as a faithful child of God, I had no other choice but to forgive the woman of her hurtful words. Whether she apologizes or not is immaterial.
We go through trials every day. And, there are times people put us into trials that we had no time to prepare for. I am here to say, let it go!
Friends, when someone does or says something to hurt you, I’m not going to lie. It hurts! I’ll tell you the truth right now. I was devastated when that woman said those hurtful words to me. No one had ever been that cruel to me in my whole life. I had a difficult time letting it go. But I am fortunate to have the most incredible friends in my life. When I found it difficult to let things go, my friends stepped in to remind me of God’s love and God’s ways. I am grateful for the friends I have on earth who know me and love me enough to steer me in the right direction at all times. I look forward to being with you all in God’s Kingdom.
Graced in the love of the Lord, I now feel refreshed and ready to enjoy life the way the Lord intends me to enjoy it.
But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.
We grow up in life expecting that life will be grand as we move out on our own and make our own decisions. Instead, as we maneuver through the world, we are met with disappointments, broken promises, and broken hearts. We discover the reality of this world. We find out that living life is not easy.
We discover that no one can guarantee us a life of bliss. Even God, our Creator, does not promise that we will live a life without chaos. He does say, however, that He will carry us through the chaos. See Isaiah 43:2 (NIV) –
“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.”
There is so much turmoil in the world, and I know that worrying about it day and night will not do more than cause my blood pressure to rise. And so, it is my quest to live a life without worrying about all of those matters. I’m not saying I do not care about what happens to others in the world, and I do my part to help others when I can. I mean to say here that I prefer not to spend my life worrying about turmoil day in and day out.
It is easy to become overwhelmed, and when that happens, I refer to the bible. One of my “go-to” passages is in Matthew 6. In particular, the verses in Matthew 6:25-34 make me stop and recognize that my life is all taken care of. After reading those verses, I ask myself, what am I worried about? I realize God has me in the palm of His hand. He will make sure my needs are met. No matter what I need, He will provide it.
Even when it seems all is lost, somehow, if I step out of the way and let God have control of my life circumstances, everything works out more beautifully than my little mind could have ever planned it.
Oh, please don’t think I go through life willy-nilly, without plans. Oh, I plan! I plan many things, but here is what I do now that I did not do in the past. I take my plans and discern as best as I can if my plans are in tune with the desires of God. And, not being all-knowing, I am fortunate enough to be smart enough to give my plans to the Lord, who intercedes on my behalf to take my plans to God. I ask the Lord to look at my plans, and if they fit in with what God has planned for me, He would take them to God for me.
And then I go on about my life, and as my life unfolds, I see which plans come to fruition and which plans go by the wayside. I am pleased either way because I know God has my back.
Do Not Worry
I do not worry about things as much now as I had in the past. Please read Matthew 6:25-34 (NIV) to see what God wants us to know about worrying.
“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?
“And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
When I read that final sentence, “Each day has enough trouble of its own,” I realize that God wants us to wake up each day and receive what He has in store for us in that day and that day alone. Isn’t it wonderful that our Heavenly Father takes care of us so that we do not have to worry about anything? We don’t need to worry about tomorrow. We only need to get through today.
You Are Not Alone
When you feel that all is lost, when you feel like you can’t possibly live another day, reach out to your Heavenly Father. He loves you, and He will carry you through whatever you are going through at any stage of your life.
When you feel sad, it is okay to cry. And, I want to encourage you to let go of your tendency to turn to the coping skills you may have used in the past. Instead, rely on God because He has you in the palm of His hands. He can remove all obstacles to make your world right. Rely on God for all things, big and small.
Reach for your bible for words of encouragement. When you feel that all is lost, remember the following verses that offer words of hope. Remember, God created you; God loves you, and God will never let you fail.
Isaiah 41:10 (NIV)
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Isaiah 46:4 (NIV)
Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you
And remember that each time we go through a hardship, it is likely that we are going through that situation so that we can learn to trust in God more. Our Lord is here to help us get through life. One way He does that is by helping us learn to lean on Him for everything. You have noticed by now, that each time the Lord brings you through to the other side of a hardship, especially those times when you relied on Him, you came out of it a much stronger person than you were before. He has you in the palm of His hands.
Voice of Hope by Marlene 