Tag: The Bible

Bigger Than Every Battle

Have you ever felt like the battle that you are facing is too big for you?

I know that I have felt this way–AM feeling this way, actually, with certain situations in my life.

And the truth is, the battle that we’re going through probably IS too big for us to handle–on our own.

But it’s not too big to handle, with God’s help!

So whatever battle you’re facing today: whether it be physical pain, mental anguish, a family member who is hurting, a friend who needs help, financial difficulties, health problems, relationship struggles–or any number of things…

Remember, along with me, that God is:

Bigger than any battle I’m facing
Better than anything I’ve been chasing
Savior and royalty, the only hope in me
Jesus, You are, You are
The King of my heart, heart

~”King of My Heart,” by Love and the Outcome

“The Lord your God is with you,
    the Mighty Warrior who saves.
He will take great delight in you;
    in his love he will no longer rebuke you,
    but will rejoice over you with singing.”

~ Zephaniah 3:17 (NIV)

Photo credit: wallpapersbuzz.com

Through the Darkest Valley

1 The Lord is my shepherd;
     I have all that I need.
2 He lets me rest in green meadows;
    he leads me beside peaceful streams.
3     He renews my strength.
He guides me along right paths,
    bringing honor to his name.
4 Even when I walk
    through the darkest valley,
I will not be afraid,
    for you are close beside me.
Your rod and your staff
    protect and comfort me.
5 You prepare a feast for me
    in the presence of my enemies.
You honor me by anointing my head with oil.
    My cup overflows with blessings.
6 Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me
    all the days of my life,
and I will live in the house of the Lord
    forever.

~ Psalm 23

These words were a balm to my soul last night. My doctor increased one of my medicines two weeks ago to help me with my anxiety, and unfortunately it seems to be having the opposite effect. I have been more anxious and depressed than normal–and even somewhat paranoid. Noises were bothering me and making me scared, and I was worrying about everything.

I decided to take a hot shower and fill my senses with my body wash of lavender and chamomile in an attempt to calm down and prepare for bed. Sometimes I find that heading to bed is the only way to escape the thoughts and the worries…that is, if they don’t keep me from sleep, anyhow.

But before I turned out the light and snuggled into bed, I “snuggled into” Psalm 23. It is a chapter in the Bible that always seems to calm and encourage, no matter what your circumstances.

I meditated on and prayed through each phrase, attempting to let them calm my tortured soul. Thank God for His Word. I don’t know what I would do without it, and without the Living Word, Jesus Christ.

Father, thank you for Your Word, and thank you for Jesus Christ, the Living Word of God. Thank you that your Word is practical–that it meets me where I am and comforts and encourages me when no one and nothing else can. Please help me to continually return to You for renewed peace and strength. Help me to trust that “even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me.” I love You, and I rest in Your unfailing love for me. Amen.

Photo Credit: Crystal Knauss

Refreshed through Worship

When was the last time you worshiped God? Truly, completely, worshiped Him, and focused on Him alone, instead of on yourself?

I have to say, for me, it had been a long time.

Last night at my church, however, I had the opportunity to do just that.

Our church group, called “The Well,” focused the time of worship on the theme of Come and See. It was based on the story of the Samaritan woman who came to a well to draw water, and after meeting Jesus, was offered the living water that flows from Christ Himself (John Chapter 4).

We sang worship songs to God, focusing on who He is and what He has done for us. We also participated in two activities. During the first we were able to dip our hands into a bowl of cool water to symbolize the refreshment found in Jesus. In the second activity, we were encouraged to write down the name of a person we know who needs refreshing from the Lord–either refreshment through salvation, or continued refreshment from Him for their daily walk.

This truly was a refreshing time for ME, as well. As I focused on worshiping Jesus, He poured out His living water of refreshment on my parched soul. He knew what I needed, and He met me where I was!

I would encourage you to take some time–either alone, or in a group–to worship your Savior. You may be surprised by how much refreshment He brings to your heart! He is “Mighty to Save,” and in Him can be found everything that we need to live an abundant life that is pleasing to Him.

Photo credit: kristen_w