The Perfect Recipe for Encouragement- Ps. 130

 -  Blogmas  Day  Nine  .  Happy  Paper Clip  .  Psalm  130  -

Hi Folks! How has your week been? We made it to the end! I have not much to report on today.  Today has been a fairly quiet day for me. Sometimes I like it like that, but other days like today, it can be a challenge. In full transparency, as evidenced in my journal entry from this morning, I have come to realize I'm still wrestling with feelings of loneliness. The feeling comes and goes, but ever since my recent breakup experience, it has been harder for me to shake it off. 

 We  demolish  arguments  and  every  pretension  that  sets  itself  up against  the  knowledge  of  God,  and  we  take  captive  every  thought  to make  it  obedient  to  Christ. 

- 2 Corinthians 10:5 

... But I diligently fight against it by continually reminding myself of truth and renewing my mind with scripture. I know that even if I am experiencing loneliness on a whole new level, the loneliness doesn't by any means define me. Jesus Does - And that truth brings me much comfort.
I definitely feel like I am in "a valley" in life right now, looking up, longing for the next mountain top. I'm not going to declare this valley a bad thing though. Besides the fact that I do feel like I am trekking upwards out of it, I take heart in this valley knowing God is using it to grow me. He and I both know, more often than not, I am quicker to call, rely on, and turn to him in the valleys than when I am on mountain tops, unfortunately to say... but THIS article says it well, AND I also know- furthermore to his glory, valleys don't last forever! Praise the Lord!

For  no  one  is  cast  off  by  the  Lord  forever.  Though  he  brings  grief,  he  will  show  compassion, so  great  is  his  unfailing  love.  For  he  does  not  willingly  bring  affliction or  grief  to  anyone. 

I  remember  my  affliction  and  my  wandering,  the   bitterness  and  the   gall.  I  well  remember  them,  and  my  soul   is  downcast  within  me.  Yet  this  I  call   to  mind  and  therefore  I   have  hope:  Because   of  the  Lord’s  great   love  we  are  not  consumed,   for   his   compassions  never   fail.  They  are  new  every  morning,   great  is  your  faithfulness. 

I  say  to  myself,  “The  Lord  is  my  portion;   therefore  I  will  wait  for  him.”  The   Lord  is  good  to  those  whose  hope  is   in  him,  to  the  one  who  seeks   him;  it  is   good   to  wait   quietly   for  the  salvation   of   the  Lord.

 Lamentations 3: 31-33, 19-25 

 

SO, anyway, is an apology necessary for my content not being the most "happy" today? After some quick thought, I've concluded: No, I don't think so. Though not those most "fluffy" of entries, I think it is stilled grounded in optimism. Life does not always dish out mountain tops, but there can still be faith and hope in the valleys to write about, and that is what I am setting out to do! I know as a "Blogmas" entry, this post insufficiently cultivates the "Christmas Cheer" that Blogmas posts typically do, but I'm just not for it today. I'm not sure I will be at all this year. I think the paper clip in the photo above has more Christmas cheer than I do at this point. But that is okay. I cherish the real "reason for the season" and meaning of Christmas deep deep deep in my heart... It has just been a little hard for me to jump on the commercialized Christmas bandwagon this year with the loss I experienced earlier, but that is okay. Can anyone relate?

NOW, for the meat of the blog post (as if the verses above were not enough 😆). I wanted to share with you this passage in scripture that has been absolutely rocking my world lately, Psalm 130. I first discovered this Psalm through the music artists, Shane and Shane, and their reference to it in one of their songs "I Will Wait For You" (featured in my blog post from Monday). Without fail, no matter how low I am feeling, whenever I take time to visit this passage in scripture, really read the text and "marinade" in, and pray through it, my soul renews. Continue reading below to read through it for yourself, discover its richness, and read my thoughts on it. I hope you find yourself just as refreshed by it as I!

Psalms 130

1 Out of the depths I cry to you, Lord;

2 Lord, hear my voice. Let your ears be attentive to my cry for mercy.

3 If you, Lord, kept a record of sins, Lord, who could stand?

4 But with you there is forgiveness, so that we can, with reverence, serve you.

5 I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits, and in his word I put my hope.

6 I wait for the Lord more than watchmen wait for the morning, more than watchmen wait for the morning.

7 Israel, put your hope in the Lord, for with the Lord is unfailing love and with him is full redemption.

8 He himself will redeem Israel from all their sins.

My Thoughts:
Psalm 130:1-2 Wow! the psalmist is in a really low place! CRYING out -longing to be heard! #relatable
Psalm 130:3-4 I LOVE these verses. They highlight our biggest problem, that we have offended a mighty, perfect, just, and holy God with our sin, and in light of remembering that, any present hardships, trials, and/or sufferings, become seemly small in comparison.
BUT THEN GOD GOES AND TAKES CARE of our biggest problem, forgiving us through Jesus! If this good and glorious God is big enough, and cares enough to take care of my biggest problem (my sin debt), it encourages me to know and believe He can then take care of, oversee, and handle any of my other problems. "Therefore he is feared" - Is a reminder to me to have a proper perspective on just how mighty and amazing the God is that I am praying/crying out to and that I better darn be doing so reverently. 
Psalm 130:5-6 A reminder to be putting my hope in the right thing, God and his Word! And Oh, how the psalmist EXPECTANTLY LONGS & HOPES & WAITS FOR GOD and for his salvation to be fully consummated. #iamforit
Psalm 130:7 With HIM is unfailing love, (I surmise, deep down inside, is all my being really wants and needs in this life) and redemption (His heart is for the restoration; one day all that's broken will be fixed) FULLY.
Psalm 130:8 HE DOES IT. He does the work.

Is this text NOT just the MOST BEAUTIFUL, HOPE-INDUCING, LIFE-GIVING text you've read all week? Tell me I'm wrong? 


😊Hope you enjoyed this post, Blessings! Thanks for stopping by, Let me know that you did!
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 ↓ For More Optimistic Reads ↓ 

• Overcoming Insomnia and Anxiety
• Forgetting Everything Except Christ
• Feeling-Down-And-Out
• 12 Bible Verses for the Persevering Ballerina

Steve Harvey and His Rags-to-Riches Story

TESTIMONY TUESDAY!

“Return home and tell how much God has done for you.”

~ Luke 8:39

I introduce to you Testimony Tuesdays!!! A testimony by definition is: a formal written or spoken statement, a public recounting of a religious conversion or experience. The Bible commands us in numerous places to bring praise, glory, and honor to our God by proclaiming, declaring, and telling about His marvelous works to others. That is the purpose and heart behind this installment for my Tuesday posts. Each Tuesday (more or less), a testimony will be shared here involving the recounting of salvation, redemption, overcoming, and/or healing just to name a few; A story that brings glory to our God and in which we might be encouraged, spurred on, and challenged with at the same time.The stories shared will either be of my own personal experiences, excerpts from books, testimonies I find via youtube or other media sources, as well as YOURS! I would love to know and give you the opportunity to share here with us a testimony of your own, of whatever fashion involving the Lord doing a transforming work in your life. Just email me your testimony and I will see what I can do about posting it on a future Tuesday! You may choose to have your name be known or anonymous. I look forward to hearing from you!
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🙂 Like a Cinderella story- today I would like to share with you a "testimony" of Steve Harvey; not a salvation testimony mind you, but a story of him citing God as playing an instrumental role in his gaining of success in life and his career. I do not know much about Steve Harvey AT ALL, let alone where he stands with his faith and religious beliefs, but when this video clip popped up in my social media feed it immediately caught my attention, challenged, and inspired me. I do not know if he is intentionally testifying to the same God of the protestant Christian bible that I believe in, but I do know after hearing his story, I couldn't help but think, "Hey, that sounds just like my faithful God!" Give his story a listen and I hope you are as encouraged and spurred on by it as I was to trust God, persevere, and never give up!
Wikipedia cites: Full name being Broderick Stephen Harvey Sr., is an American television host, producer, actor, and comedian. He hosts The Steve Harvey Morning Show, Family Feud, Celebrity Family Feud, the Miss Universe competition, Family Feud Africa, and the arbitration-based court comedy Judge Steve Harvey... Harvey is a Christian and has attributed his success to his faith in God.

Blessings !

______________________________________________ Thanks for stopping by! Comment and say Hi!

 ↓ For More Optimistic Reads ↓ 

• A Testimony on the Topic Of Suffering
• The Testimony of Leslie Shivers
• The Heart of Life Is Good

A Playlist of Hope for the Weary and Heavy Laden

I know I am the optimist,  but if I'm honest, my heart has been feeling a little heavy-laden lately, which can be a challenging way to feel in a season where the “festive-holly-jolly-joyful spirit” almost seems to be a standard, what is to be expected from all, like one is weird if feeling anything less than that. So maybe I am weird... but I have been experiencing a legitimate sadness due to 1.) being personally scathed by the dysfunctions of this world, but also as an empath due to 2.) taking on the load and sharing the burdens of others scathed by the dysfunctions of this world. Yet, when I look around, it is as if the heaviness intensifies at the sight of the many others around me beaming with Christmas joy and holiday cheer. I am not a grinch or against those people. Often times I am one of those people, but then there are other days the burdens I'm carrying make it much more difficult for me to join in. I am left feeling as if "I am on the outside looking in", as if something were wrong with me? as if I were alone? Am I? When I go through spells of sadness like this, I sure do feel like it. 

In actuality, I know I’m not alone. It is just that the weary and heavy-laden tend to isolate and/or stuff their feelings, as opposed to unloading and talking about things with people. Well, not all, but I am definitely no exception to that. It can definitely be hard for me to be transparent about my hardships and the negative emotions that come with them them, especially during the month of December, not wanting to put a damper on anyone's spirit or "rain on their parade" so to speak… but maybe I should. Maybe we all need to welcome it and feel welcomed to be dumpers when it's our turn for a hard day. I don’t mean for the purpose of throwing pity parties or ruminating too deeply on dark themes for too long, but just to acknowledge to one another what we’re actually going through, sparing us from slipping into isolation, and allowing for opportunities to find comfort and support in one another. That sounds God-glorifying enough! 

I am reading the book of Proverbs right now and this is what it says about good friendship (and other verses about staying in fellowship with one another and not isolating):

A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity. - Proverbs 17:17

Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing. 

- 1 Thessalonians 5:11

And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. - Hebrews 10:24-25

And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken. - Ecclesiastes 4:12

Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers they succeed. - Proverbs 15:22

# Goals . 

 

we were made to support one another in this way! Okay, pep-talk to myself, over. 😝

I know Jesus is a perfect friend, and He and His word are there for me when I feel no one else can be, but in today's blog post I want to share with you my next greatest source of comfort that I turn to in hard times, MUSIC! In fact, as the title of this blog post alludes, today I'm going to share with you more specifically, the top 10 favorite song of mine that I have been turning to lately when the "going gets tough". I swear I have been listening to these songs on repeat for the past couple months now! I hope you enjoy them and can find them to be as edifying and encouraging as I found them to be. I praise God for the creative singers, songwriters, and composers, He destined to write such beautiful hopeful, and life-giving songs. They revive my soul. 

I am sorry to say, I am so old-school though. I know most people use Spotify these days as their main music listening source. I do not. Just below, I will include youtube links to all the songs. If you discover any you like then you can go ahead and add them to YOUR spotify playlist! (I'm afraid I am finding it to be true, the older I get- you can't teach an old dog new tricks! 😆) I know they are not Christmas songs but I still hope you can find refreshment through them and are blessed! 

#1

New Today

  Lyrics toNew Today by Micah Tyler
I’ve been hard on myself latelyEvery morning I feel the weightWhen it’s hard to just get out of bedTell my heart Cause sometimes I forget 
That Your mercies are new todayYour mercies are new todayI can rest on Your shouldersThere is grace to start overYour mercies are new todayYour mercies are new today
Help me rise like the morning sunHelp me see that Your works not doneWhen I’m less than what I want to beLord I need You to keep reminding me
Your mercies are new todayYour mercies are new todayI can rest on Your shouldersThere is grace to start overYour mercies are new today
I kept thinking you were angryBut you were fighting just to hold meAnd pick me up every time I fellIf Your love is here to lift meAnd Your blood says You forgive meShow me how I can forgive myselfCause Your mercies are new todayYour mercies are new again and again
Your mercies are new todayYour mercies are new todayI can rest on Your shouldersThere is grace to start overYour mercies are newOh new todayI can rest on Your shouldersThere is grace to start overYour mercies are new todayYour mercies are new today

#2

The  Dark  Before  the  Dawn

  Lyrics toThe Dark Before the Dawn by Andrew Peterson
I've been waiting for some peaceTo come raining down out of the heavens on these war-torn fieldsAll creation is aching for the sons of God to be revealedOh, I believe, I believe that the victory is sealedThe serpent struck but it was crushed beneath His heel
Oh, I know the wind can bring the lightningOh, I know the lightning brings the rainOh, I know the storm can be so frighteningBut that same wind is gonna blow that storm away
Blow that storm away
Lord, I'm waiting for a changeI'm waiting for the change
So I'm waiting for the KingTo come galloping out of the clouds while the angel armies singHe's gonna gather His people in the shadow of His wings
And I'm gonna raise my voice with the song of the redeemed'Cause all this darkness is a small and passing thing
This is the storm, this is the stormThe storm before the calmThis is the pain, the pain before the balmThis is the cold, the coldIt's the cold before the warmThese are the tears, the tears before the songThis is the darkSometimes all I see is this darknessWell, can't you feel the darknessThis is the dark before the dawn
I'm just waiting for a changeChangeLord, I'm waiting for the change
I had a dream that I was wakingAt the burning edge of dawnAnd I could see the fields of gloryI could hear the sower's song
I had a dream that I was wakingAt the burning edge of dawnAnd all that rain had washed me cleanAll the sorrow was gone
I had a dream that I was wakingAt the burning edge of dawnAnd I could finally believeThe king had loved me all along
I had a dream that I was wakingAt the burning edge of dawnI saw the sower in the silver mistAnd He was calling me home

#3

 Hallellujah  Anyway

  Lyrics toHallellujah Anyway by Rend Collective
I'll find a way to praise YouFrom the bottom of my broken heart'Cause I think I'd rather strike a match than curse the dark
Yeah, I'll find a way to thank YouThough the bitterness is real and hard'Cause I'd rather take a chance on hope than fall apartI don't think I'm ready to surrender to the dark, no
Even if my daylight never dawnsEven if my breakthrough never comesEven if I'll fight to bring You praiseEven if my dreams fall to the groundEven if I'm lost, I know I'm foundEven if my heart will somehow sayHallelujah anyway
Yeah, I hear a hymn of triumphIn thе wilderness of my lamentIn thе lowlands or the mountain tops, I won't forget
All that goodness that You have shown meThe promises that You have keptThere's better days on the horizon up ahead
Even if my daylight never dawnsEven if my breakthrough never comesEven if I'll fight to bring You praise, oh-oh-oh
Even if my dreams fall to the groundEven if I'm lost, I know I'm foundEven if my heart will somehow sayHallelujah anyway
All c'mon, nowLet it riseLet it riseIn the dark or the wildOh, my soul stands byIf you got a soul then sing let it riseLet it riseLet it riseIn the dark or the wildOh, my soul stands byIf you got a soul then sing let it rise
Even if my daylight never dawnsEven if my breakthrough never comesEven if I'll fight to bring You praise, oh-oh-ohEven if my dreams fall to the groundEven if I'm lost, I know I'm foundEven if my heart will somehow sayHallelujah anywayHallelujah anyway (oh, oh, oh)

#4

 Battle  Is  the  Lord's

  Lyrics toThe Battle is the Lord's by Rebecca St. James (feat. Brandon Lake)
Why so heavy, oh, my soul?Did you forget who's in control?If He calls the wind and waves to stillHe holds you now and always will
The battle is the Lord's, take courage in the fightThe weapons of this war are praises lifted highMy confidence is sure, my God has gone beforeI'll sing into the night, the battle is the Lord's
Come be still, oh, anxious heartFind rest here in the Father's armsIn His presence, there is perfect peaceIn His power, there is victory, yeah
The battle is the Lord's, take courage in the fightThe weapons of this war are praises lifted highMy confidence is sure, my God has gone beforeI'll sing into the night, the battle is the Lord's
Here now, Your presence here nowWe are set free nowHands lifted high in worshipHere now, fear has to leave nowYour kingdom's here nowYours is the power and glory (Here now)Here now, Your presence here nowWe are set free nowHands lifted high in worship (Here now)Here now, fear has to leave nowYour kingdom's here nowYours is the power and the gloryYours is the power and glory

#5

 Here

  Lyrics toHere by Kari Jobe
Come and rest hereCome and lay your burdens downCome and rest hereThere is refuge for you now
You'll find his peace
And know you're not alone anymoreHe is nearYou'll find his healingYou're heart isn't shattered anymoreHe is here
Breathe inBreathe outYou willYou will find him here
I will rest in you
You will find himYou will find him hereYou will find himYou will find him here

#6

 Once  And  For  All

  Lyrics toOnce And For All by Lauren Daigle
God I give You all I can todayThese scattered ashes that I hid awayI lay them all at Your feet
From the corners of my deepest shameThe empty places where I've worn Your nameShow me the love I say I believe
Oh Help me to lay it downOh Lord I lay it down
Oh let this be where I dieMy lord with thee crucifiedBe lifted high as my Kingdom's fallOnce and for all, once and for all
There is victory in my Saviors lossAnd In the crimson flowing from the crossPour over me, pour over me yes
Oh let this be where I dieMy lord with thee crucifiedBe lifted high as my Kingdom's fallOnce and for all, once and for all
Oh Lord I lay it downOh Lord I lay it downHelp me to lay it downOh Lord I lay it down
Oh let this be where I dieMy Lord with thee crucifiedBe lifted high as my Kingdom's fallOnce and for all
Once and for allOh once and for allOnce and for all

#7

 Why  God

  Lyrics toWhy God by Austin French
Why GodDo people have to die?A daughter or a sonSudden and so youngLong before their time?Why GodDo people fall apart?A promise and a ringBecomes a broken thingA road that got too hard?I don't understandBut I understandWhy God, I need YouIt's, why God, I run to Your armsOver and over againIt's, why God, I cling to Your loveAnd hold on for dear lifeAnd I find, You are right by my sideWhy GodDo we feel so alone?Every single dayFighting through the painHoping there is hope?I don't understandBut I understandWhy God, I need YouIt's, why God, I run to Your armsOver and over againIt's why God, I cling to Your loveAnd hold on for dear lifeAnd I find, You are right by my side, ooh...Give me a faith stronger than I haveI need to know when it hurts this badThat You hold my heart when it breaksAnd I'm not alone in this placeThat's why God, I need YouWhy God, I run to Your armsOver and over againIt's, why God, I cling to Your loveAnd hold on for dear lifeAnd I find, You are right by my sideAlways right by my sideEven here in the why... God

#8

Sovereign  Over  Us

  Lyrics toSovereign  Over Us by Michael W. Smith
There is strength within the sorrowThere is beauty in our tearsAnd You meet us in our mourningWith a love that casts out fear
You are working in our waitingYou're sanctifying usWhen beyond our understandingYou're teaching us to trust
Your plans are still to prosperYou have not forgotten usYou're with us in the fire and the floodYou're faithful foreverPerfect in loveYou are sovereign over us
You are wisdom unimaginedWho could understand Your waysReigning high above the HeavensReaching down in endless grace
You're the lifter of the lowlyCompassionate and kindYou surround and You uphold meAnd Your promises are my delight
Your plans are still to prosperYou have not forgotten usYou're with us in the fire and the floodYou're faithful foreverPerfect in loveYou are sovereign over us
Your plans are still to prosperYou have not forgotten usYou're with us in the fire and the floodYou're faithful foreverPerfect in loveYou are sovereign over us
Even what the enemy means for evilYou turn it for our goodYou turn it for our good and for Your glory
Even in the valley, You are faithfulYou're working for our goodYou're working for our good and for Your glory
Your plans are still to prosperYou have not forgotten usYou're with us in the fire and the floodYou're faithful foreverPerfect in loveYou are sovereign over usYou're faithful foreverPerfect in loveYou are sovereign over us

#9

Shepherd  of  my  Soul

  Lyrics toShepherd Of My Soul by Rivers and Robots
Lord of the mountains and sea You are treading a path set for me God of the seasons and sky You have always been holding my life 
And Lord, You are the shepherd of my soul So I lay down my plans, I give up my rights And let You take control of this surrendered life 
So I put my trust in the one Who created the stars and the sun You are eternally kind Always faithful and endlessly wise 
You comfort, You sustain In shaking You remain Unmoved and unafraid Forever and always You lead me by still waters Lead me through the valleys Lead me in Your wisdom Shepherd of my soul 
Through valleys of shadow and death I am not afraid By my Father’s breath every star in the sky was made And who can I fear when You’re standing right here by my side? Always leading, protecting and guarding my left and my right 
Father You make all things new Great God of creation Father You will always be my rock and salvation

10

I  Will  Wait  For  You

  Lyrics toI Will Wait For You (Psalm 130) by Shane and Shane
Out of the depths I cry to YouIn darkest places I will callIncline Your ear to me anewAnd hear my cry for mercy Lord
Were You to count my sinful waysHow could I come before Your throneYet full forgiveness meets my gazeI stand redeemed by grace alone
Yeah, I will wait for You, I will wait for YouOn Your word I will relyAnd I will wait for You, surely wait for You'Til my soul is satisfied
So put Your hope in God aloneTake courage in His power to saveCompletely and forever wonBy Christ emerging from the grave
I will wait for You, I will wait for YouOn Your word I will relyI will wait for You, surely wait for You'Til my soul is satisfied
Oh-oh-oh-oh-ohOoh-ooh-ooh
Now He has come to make a wayAnd God Himself has paid the priceThat all who trust in Him todayFind healing in His sacrificeThat all who trust in Him todayFind healing in His sacrifice
I will wait for You, I will wait for YouThrough the storm and through the nightI will wait for You, surely wait for YouFor Your love is my delight
Oh, I will wait for You, I will wait for YouThrough the storm and through the nightI will wait for You, surely wait for YouFor Your love is my delight
I will wait for You, I will wait for YouThrough the storm and through the nightI will wait for You, surely wait for YouFor Your love is my delight
Oh-oh-oh-oh-ohOh-oh-oh-ohOh, You are my delightYou're my delight
I will wait for You, I will wait for YouOn Your word I will relyI will wait for You, surely wait for You'Til my soul is satisfiedI will wait for You, I will wait for YouOn Your word I will relyI will wait for You, surely wait for You'Til my soul is satisfied

11

One  Day

BONUS! 

  Lyrics toOne Day (When We All Get To Heaven) by Matt Redman
One day You'll make everything new, JesusOne day You will bind every woundThe former things shall all pass awayNo more tears
One day You'll make sense of it all, JesusOne day every question resolvedEvery anxious thought left behindNo more fear
When we all get to heavenWhat a day of rejoicing that will beWhen we all see JesusWe'll sing and shout the victory
One day we will see face to face, JesusIs there a greater vision of graceAnd in a moment, we shall be changedOn that day
And one day we'll be free, free indeed, JesusOne day all this struggle will ceaseAnd we will see Your glory revealedOn that day
And when we all get to heavenWhat a day of rejoicing that will beWhen we all see JesusWe'll sing and shout the victory
Yes, when we all get to heavenWhat a day of rejoicing that will beAnd when we all see JesusWe'll sing and shout the victory
Oh one day, one dayYes, one day we will see face to face, JesusIs there a greater vision of grace?And in a moment, we shall be changedYes, in a moment, we shall be changedIn a moment, we shall be changedOn that day
When we all get to heavenWhat a day of rejoicing that will beWhen we all see JesusWe'll sing and shout the victory

Reflection time! 

What are you going through right now? 

Who are your closest friends and what is it about them that makes them so special to you?

Besides God, His word, and other people, what are other things you turn to to find comfort in? 

What songs are theraputic for you? Please share them with us in the comments below to make this collection of songs more complete! 😊

Happy Jaming!

comment, follow, subscribe, and don't be shy!

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 ↓ For More Optimistic Reads ↓ 

• A Weight Lifted
• Gangster Redemption
• Favorite Songs of 2016

Testimony Tuesday on the Topic of Suffering

TESTIMONY TUESDAY!

“Return home and tell how much God has done for you.”

~ Luke 8:39

I introduce to you Testimony Tuesdays!!! A testimony by definition is: a formal written or spoken statement, a public recounting of a religious conversion or experience. The Bible commands us in numerous places to bring praise, glory, and honor to our God by proclaiming, declaring, and telling about His marvelous works to others. That is the purpose and heart behind this installment for my Tuesday posts. Each Tuesday (more or less), a testimony will be shared here involving the recounting of salvation, redemption, overcoming, and/or healing just to name a few; A story that brings glory to our God and in which we might be encouraged, spurred on, and challenged with at the same time.The stories that will be shared will either be of my own personal experiences, excerpts from books, testimonies I find via youtube or other media sources, as well as YOURS! I would love to know and give you the opportunity to share here with us a testimony of your own, of whatever fashion involving the Lord doing a transforming work in your life. Just email me your testimony and I will see what I can do about posting it on a future Tuesday! You may choose to have your name be known or anonymous. I look forward to hearing from you!
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If any of you are familiar with Paul's situation in 2 Corinthians 12, lately I've been feeling a lot like that; like I have a thorn in my side, or maybe picture a weighty burden slowing me down. Whatever it is, it's hampering my spirit. I guess if I am honest, I have circled back around to struggling with contentment again, like I do from time to time. My heart has been hurting and frustrated, maybe sometimes confused, longing and impatient. I feel like I have been throwing temper tantrums towards God in my prayers lately, expressing my dissatisfaction with where things are at in life for me right now. I could say it even feels like a form of suffering that I am experiencing, UNTIL I zoom out, stop focusing on myself, and stop having the woe-is-me attitude, but instead, count my blessings. But there is still something to be said about the very real emotions I am undergoing. I don't want to dismiss them entirely, but deal with them rightly.
In today's Testimony Tuesday we are going to consider the life of Joni Eareckson Tara. She is one that knows much of suffering and hearing her life story helps me to realize how all my troubles pail in comparison to what she and others like her have gone through. Watch below to hear her life-giving powerful testimony. She speaks with much authority and conviction. The Holy Spirit shining through her as she speaks is enough to convince me to take heart and have hope, aside from the fact that,if she can- I can too.





BONUS CONTENT: (I am absolutely obsessed right now with this timely reminder and the nuggets of truth nestled within the following 10 min. snippet from John Piper's website DesiringGod.com, read and written by Scott Hubbard) Better to Have a Burden Give it a listen! And may your heart be lightened.

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Thanks for stopping by! Have a happy and blessed Tuesday!

 ↓ For More Optimistic Reads ↓ 

• 12 Bible Verses for the Perseverant
• No Pain No Game
• The Trip That Changed My Life
• Feeling Down and Out

Fearing God, not People

Oof! It has been a week for me. How about you? Currently, in my early 30s, Adulting and all its responsibilities have been weighing extra heavy on me lately. I have been feeling confused, anxious, fearful, incompetent, and helpless about it all. Sure, it is the perfect time to remember I am not doing this alone, but it has been hard. It helps a little to remind myself that usually when trials come, they come in waves; when it rains it pours but also being reminded that this is just a season. It won't last forever. For as much as I feel like a child wanting to run away to some hidden place where I can curl up into a small ball, cover my eyes, and retreat from the pressures of the world and adulthood, I know that is not an option, but at least I have Jesus as an anchor.

... We  have  this  hope  as  an  anchor  for  the  soul,  

firm  and  secure.

Hebrews 6:19

One thing that never helps during times like these is my struggle with "Fearing Man". It makes matters already difficult, only more complicated. As a people pleaser, I find myself wrestling with the temptation to give the opinion of others more weight than they deserve, leading me to feel controlled and often tormented by them. If I'm honest, in full transparency, I have recently experienced (for the first time) a dating relationship, of six months, beautifully blossom and then crumble into a painful breakup (the ending in which I initiated- but painful nonetheless). Though difficult, God has been ever-present. I know my experience wasn't in vain for I have grown and learned so much from it, but without trying to be dramatic, I steal the following quote from Charles Dicken's A Tale of Two Cities to perfectly describe my last couple of months:

“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of light, it was the season of darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair.”

― Charles Dickens, A Tale of Two Cities 

I battled with people-pleasing and "fear of man" all along the dating process, before, during, and even after, and one thing I have learned and am convinced of is that this struggle and sinful pattern of thinking that I've been dealing with has got to STOP. Oh, to be as free as how the apostle Paul describes himself to be in 1 Corinthians 4.

 "I care very little if I am judged by you or by any human court; indeed, I do not even judge myself. My conscience is clear, but that does not make me innocent. It is the Lord who judges me." ― 1 Corinthians 4:3-4  

 

I have been doing a lot of reading lately; The autobiography of Will Smith for one thing which I would NOT really recommend. In my opinion, his story is rather compelling, but the book gets rather "trippy" and nonsensical by the end, coming from a Christian standpoint. One thing that did stand out to me though was that not even a celebrity such as Will Smith was able to evade the struggle of people pleasing and fear of man in his lifetime and experience. I would just advise dealing with it a little differently than he would.

Other more helpful books I have been reading on this topic that I would highly recommend are:

• The Freedom of Self-Forgetfulness by Timothy J. Keller

• When People Are Big and God Is Small: Overcoming Peer Pressure, Codependency, and the Fear of Man by Edward T. Welch

AND OF COURSE, the word of God has been a go-to and the most effective remedy I've found for squelching out my "fleshly" people-pleasing tendencies. So today, for the remainder of this blog post I would like to share with you my favorite "daggers" of truth from these resources that have been helping me fight against my "fear of man", people pleasing, and self-idolization. I hope anyone relating to my struggles, whatever your circumstance, will find the following to be edifying and helpful. Be blessed!

  # Amazing :

1 Samuel 16:7 "The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart."

Proverbs 9:10 "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding."

Proverbs 10:27 "The fear of the Lord adds length to life,"

Proverbs 19:23 "The fear of the Lord leads to life, and whoever has it rests satisfied; he will not be visited by harm."

Proverbs 29: 25 "Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe."

  # Ouch :

John 5:41,42,44 "I do not accept glory from human beings, but I know you. I know that you do not have the love of God in your hearts. How can you believe since you accept glory from one another but do not seek the glory that comes from the only God."

John 12:42 "Yet at the same time many even among the leaders believed in him. But because of the Pharisees they would not openly acknowledge their faith for fear they would be put out of the synagogue; for they loved human praise more than praise from God."

Galatians 1:10 "Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ."

1 Samuel 15:24 "Then Saul said to Samuel, “I have sinned. I violated the Lord’s command and your instructions. I was afraid of the men and so I gave in to them."

Matthew 6:24 "No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other."

  # Goals :

Matthew 22:16 “Teacher,” they said, “we know that you are a man of integrity and that you teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. You aren’t swayed by others, because you pay no attention to who they are. 

1 Thessalonians 2:4 "We speak as those approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please people but God, who tests our hearts."

Ephesians 6:19-20 "Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, or which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should."

1 Peter 3:13-14 "Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened."

1 Corinthians 4:3-4 "I care very little if I am judged by you or by any human court; indeed, I do not even judge myself. My conscience is clear, but that does not make me innocent. It is the Lord who judges me."

Matthew 10:28 "Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell."

Isaiah 51: 7-8 "Do not fear the reproach of mere mortals or be terrified by their insults. For the moth will eat them up like a garment; the worm will devour them like wool. But my righteousness will last forever, my salvation through all generations."

Jeremiah 17:5-8 "This is what the Lord says: "Cursed is the one who trusts in man, who draws strength from mere flesh and whose heart turns away from the Lord. That person will be like a bush in the wastelands; they will not see prosperity when it comes. They will dwell in the parched places of the desert, in a salt land where no one lives. But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit."

Psalm 146:3-4 "Do not put your trust in princes, in human beings, who cannot save. When their spirit departs, they return to the ground; on that very day their plans come to nothing."

Psalm 34:9, 11 "Fear the Lord, you his saints, for those who fear him lack nothing...Come, my children, listen to me; I will teach you to fear the Lord" (it has to be learned!!)

 *BONUS: Romans 14:17,18 “For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, because anyone who serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and receives human approval.”

A few quotes from :

" When People Are Big and  God Is  Small "

Page 68 - "When people are [made] large, God will be [made] small."

Page 113 - "Too often our mountain-top experiences [with God] are quickly overtaken by the clamor of the world, and God is once again diminished in our minds. The goal is to establish a DAILY tradition of growing in the knowledge of God."

Page 135 - "When you spend time in the throne room of God, it puts things in perspective... Daily stops in the court of the Lord cure the fear of man."

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Being Called to Selflessness and Serving

It has been for a couple months now that I have been fixated on the following scripture:

"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself." Matthew 22:37-39

This time it has been particularly the second part of the scripture that has been standing out to me recently. It amazes me how God can so powerfully use scripture to reach out to our hearts, challenge, and bring conviction! But more on that scripture in just a moment... 

It sure is interesting to me how God can also work, more than that, He even chooses to work through mere mortals to get his work done too sometimes. Lately, I have been reflecting on the beauty of relationships and how deep relationships and trusted friends, brothers and sisters in Christ, can serve as vessels in which the Lord may choose to work; Christ-like examples that can spur others on in the faith, can be good sources of accountability, and who can also play the role of being like a mirror or sounding board, that through good edifying conversation and providing their listening ear, can allow for others to verbally process aloud their thoughts and ideas to them. 

This can at least be said about a select handful of special individuals who have really shown their support and love to me as of late, them being the Lord's chosen vessel and me being the impotent companion in need of their listening ear, accountability, and of the being spurred on by them, my Spirit-filled friends. Things happen and clarity always seems to come to me when I have someone to "vent" to, for a lack of a better word. It is a blessing to have them near even if it is without them even saying a word, but just having their comforting presence! But then, not even just that! Sometimes, these friends of mine even go the extra mile pouring back into me by returning my venting with wisdom!

I guess my point is, it is a MARVELOUS thing! My friends inspire me to want to be like that to them and to everyone I meet! And with that, back to the scripture above!

 I feel like God has really been calling me to love, serve, and better prioritize the people around me in this season! It is easy for me to get selfish and fall into the complacent position of only wanting to receive and not give, and then, sometimes on the off chance I DO make an effort to give of myself, whether I'm giving comfort, wisdom, resources, service etc,  I often find myself doing it for the wrong reason (self-righteousnessly, for recognition, reward, or compensation), or with the wrong attitude (begrudgingly etc.)  #FAIL

Yes, to be more like Jesus is the goal, but I must say, it has been cool to see his serving nature modeled in the friends around me lately, in the power of the Holy Spirit. #GOALS

Image Source

I've been reminded that everyone is going through something. I want to slow down in life and make sure to take time and look for opportunities where I can reach out and be a blessing to others in need like my friends have done for me; and not to give them the credit, or myself when I am able to follow through, but that God would get the glory! It has been pretty neat how the past couple of days during my bible reading time going through the New Testament chapters of Corinthians, God has been reiterating to me this theme of selflessness and serving! I keep coming across certain verses that leap off the page and into my heart, calling me to better serve and love people! I have seen it exhibited, read about it, and have been a recipient of the love, kindness, and generosity of others, now I am ready to meet the challenge myself of better operating in this manner.

 In closing, I just wanted to share with you the couple of scriptures in the Corinthians that have powerfully impacted and reshaped my attitude on the topic of serving, and hope you can be blessed by them!

"So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God" 

1 Corinthians 10:31

"Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. Do everything in love." 

1 Corinthians 16:13,14

"This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of the Lord’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, others will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else."

2 Corinthians 9:12,13

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PS. Did you know I have other blog articles featured on another website? XRythems.co.ukCheck out my blog post linked below for another article featuring the same theme of selfless living, and serving.

• Going the Extra Mile

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