Category: Encouragement

Spaces in the Heart for Joy

Only the soul that knows the mighty grief can know the mighty rapture. Sorrows come to stretch out spaces in the heart for joy.

~ Edwin Markham

Photo Credit: Dustin Scarpitti

Blessed by Bitter Things

I thank You for the bitter things
They’ve been a friend to grace,
They’ve driven me from the paths of ease
To storm the secret place.

I thank You for the friends who’ve failed
To meet my soul’s deep need;
They’ve driven me to the Savior’s feet
Upon His love to feed.

I’m grateful too, through all life’s way
No one could satisfy,
And so I’ve found in You alone
My rich, my full supply!

~ Florence White Willett

Image Credit: www.incourage.me

When Fear Surrounds Me

Fear. Anxiety. Worry. They’re not good feelings. I experience them often, and I’m still trying to master practical ways to handle them.

Yesterday I encountered several circumstances that caused me to worry. And I had to deal. Here were a few thoughts that helped me:

  • Nothing can enter my life without it first going through God.
  • My loving Father wants me to trust Him and to let go!
  • I am not in control of the things that happen to me, and I need to stop trying to be.
  • Remember to take deep breaths–physically and spiritually. I need to “breathe in” God’s grace, and “breathe out” His praise (from Your Grace Finds Me, by Matt Redman).
  • “Where feet may fail and fear surrounds me, [He’s] never failed and [He] won’t start now” (from Oceans, by United)!

Thank God that we can trust His sovereignty and His good plans for us! When fear surrounds you and me, let’s choose to trust that He is near, and that He won’t fail in keeping His promises. ❤

Image Credit: Unknown