Scripture Reading: I Kings 18-19
“And the word of the Lord came to him: ‘What are you doing here, Elijah?’ He replied, ‘I have been very zealous for the Lord God Almighty. The Israelites have rejected your covenant, broken down your alters, and put your prophets to death with the sword. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me too.’ The Lord said, ‘Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by. Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave. Then a voice said to him ‘What are you doing here, Elijah?’ He replied, ‘I have been very zealous for the Lord God Almighty. The Israelites have rejected your covenant, broken down your alters, and put your prophets to death with the sword. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me too. The Lord said to him, ‘Go back the way you came, and go to the Desert of Damascus. When you get theire, anoint Hazael King over Aram. Also, anoint Jehu son of Nimshi king over Israel, and anoint Elisha son of Shaphat from Abel Meholah to succeed you as prophet. Jehu will put to death any who escape the sword of Hazael, and Elisha will put to death any who escape the sword of Jehu. Yet I reserve seven thousand in Israel—all whose knees have not bowed down to Baal and all whose mouths have not kissed him.” I Kings 19: 9b-18
Elijah had lots of time to think as he walked alone to Mount Horeb. Forty long days to think about being alone, about all that happened on Mount Carmel, and the threat Queen Jezebel put on his life! He likely spent a great deal of time contemplating his meeting with the Lord; probably rehearsing what he would say.
Elijah seemed to forget what just happened on Mount Carmel. He saw the Lord consume the alter with fire. He saw many Israelites turn their hearts to the Lord on Mount Carmel in one day. He seemed to forget the amazing revival that occurred as people cried out “The Lord—he is God! (I Kings 18:39). He even heard Obadiah talk about the 100 prophets kept safely hidden in caves. Yet his mind was fixated on being alone, and he started to believe he was the only prophet of God left on earth.
We all have times in our lives where we perseverate (get stuck on a thought or idea) on things that are not true. These incorrect thoughts caused Elijah emotional distress, just as it does in our lives. Just like Elijah, we can cry out to the Lord with our misguided beliefs, and he will completely love us. He will also show us what is true.
Although Elijah’s thoughts mislead him, he eagerly shared his beliefs with the Lord. God did not rebuke him. He did not speak to Elijah through a destructive wind, earthquake or fire. Instead, he came in a gentle whisper. In a still small voice the Lord asked him again why he was there, giving Elijah another opportunity to cry out with his concerns and thoughts. Again Elijah shared with the Lord about being alone.
The Lord did not scold Elijah for forgetting so quickly what took place at Carmel. He did not tell Elijah to stop feeling sorry for himself, or stop dwelling on the negative. Instead, God lovingly gave Elijah a task and a purpose. The Lord exchanged his loneliness and despair with a plan that involved interaction and fellowship with others. And the Lord corrected his mistaken beliefs by telling him “Yet I reserve seven thousand in Israel—all whose knees have not bowed down to Baal and all whose mouths have not kissed him.”
Are there thoughts that trouble you or bring you increased pain. Ask the Lord to show you his perspective. You may be feeling lonely, sad, depressed, or anxious. The physical pain may seem never-ending, it may even feel unbearable. You can pour your heart, thoughts, and beliefs out to the Lord. He will hear you. He will wrap his love around you and show you his truths. Allow the Lord to speak to you through his word and his gentle whisper.
We all have an inner dialogue, called self-talk, going on inside us throughout the day. Often times we speak to ourselves in negative and hurtful ways. I encourage you to notice your inner self-talk, and ask the Lord to cleanse you from those hurtful thoughts and a negative view of yourself. Ask the Lord to replace any destructive thoughts with his perspective and love. He loves you so much that he sings over you with delight and rejoicing. Allow him to turn your self-hate into self-love. Not a selfish, me-first kind of love, but a love that honors, appreciates, and is kind to your-self. A love that accepts and absorbs God’s incredible love for you.
Allow the Lord to take your life, your emotions, your thoughts, and mold them into his loving image. Here I am Lord, take me; take all of me. Cleanse me, heal me, mold me, use me.
Prayer:
Father God, I pour my heart out to you. You know all my anxious thoughts, my mistaken beliefs, and my misunderstandings. Father God, please forgive my self-destructive thinking, please cleanse my mind and give me your perspective. “My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” Lord. Please exchange my negativity for your love, my hurtful ways with your kind, gentle ways. Take my life Lord; my heart, my strength, and my mind. Make me, mold me, create me into the loving person you desire for me to be. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Take My Life Lord Part 1
Bible Reading: I Kings Chapters 18-19
Elijah was afraid and ran for his life. When he came to Beersheba in Judah, he left his servant there, while he himself went a day’s journey into the desert. He came to a broom tree, sat down under it and prayed that he might die. ‘I have had enough, Lord,’ he said. ‘Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors.’ Then he lay down under the tree and fell asleep. All at once an angel touched him and said, ‘Get up and eat.’ He looked around, and there by his head was a cake of bread baked over hot coals, and a jar of water. He ate and drank and then lay down again. The angel of the Lord came back a second time and touched him and said, ‘Get up and eat, for the journey is too much for you.’ So he got up and ate and drank. Strengthened by that food, he traveled forty days and forty nights until he reached Horeb, the mountain of God (I Kings 19:3-8, NIV).
Have you ever struggled with thoughts of suicide; or wanted your life to end? When life seems unbearable and you want to say, “enough already,” the Lord does not say enough with you. He is right there holding your hand. He knows the depression, anxiety, and/or discouragement you are experiencing. He wants to walk with you, gently healing you throughout the journey.
Elijah was one of the greatest prophets in scripture. He was a man of incredible faith. He prayed fire from heaven and saw the Lord use him powerfully to destroy the prophets of Baal. Yet when Jezebel threatened to take his life, he was consumed with fear and ran for his life. He sunk into depression and even wanted to die.
Elijah was at a point of exhaustion. He was the key player of a momentous event, helping restore the Israelites relationship with God. He saw the Lord answer his prayer as fire burned up the sacrifice, the wood, the stones, the soil, and all the water filling the trenches around the alter. He saw the people turn back to the Lord crying out, ‘The Lord-he is God! The Lord—he is God!” (I Kings 18:39). He also saw the Lord answer his prayers by bringing rain and was empowered by God to run faster than Ahab’s chariot all the way from Mr. Carmel to Jezreel (about 17-20 miles). Elijah had done amazing things through God’s power upon him. Yet his exhaustion left him vulnerable and depressed.
The Lord knew Elijah’s needs and sent an angel to meet those needs. The angel was not sent to scold him or insist that he make himself feel better. Instead, the angel came to minister with food and encouragement. The Lord provided rest and food to help restore Elijah’s strength and water to quench his thirst and rehydrate him. God knew that the journey was too much in his current state of exhaustion. With the angel’s help Elijah was refreshed and now had a direction. He was going to the Mountain of God; the same mountain where Moses met God at the burning bush and where the Lord gave Moses the Ten Commandments. Elijah needed his strength renewed before traveling forty days and nights to be in the presence of the Living God on Mount Horeb.
When Elijah wanted to die, the Lord did not shame, rebuke, or punish him. Being downcast actually brought him closer to the Lord. Psalm 35:17-18 tells us, “The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” (NIV). The Lord draws close to us when we are hurting. He knows your circumstances and has a specific plan to deliver you.
It is difficult to hold, on or to care for yourself during times of severe pain. Yet the Lord asks you to hold on to him, choosing life over death. He is very clear about this. He wants you to choose life, and he will help you through the difficulties. He tells us in Deuteronomy 30:19, “This day I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live, and that you may love the Lord your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him. For the Lord is your life….”
If you are having thoughts of suicide, or desire to end your life, get help! One of the first things Elijah did was to isolate himself. He left his servant and walked a day’s journey. He was alone when he lay down and asked the Lord to take his life. It is not safe to isolate yourself or to put off getting help. The Lord sent a qualified messenger in the form of an angel to help Elijah. He wants to use a skilled person to help you. The Lord will provide someone to walk with you through the pain and toward healing, if you will step out and seek help.
The Lord has used specific individuals in my own life during times of discouragement and emotional pain. There were some who did not speak compassionately, nor did they comprehend what I was going through. I remember a time of hurting when someone scorned, “stop feeling sorry for your-self, you’re just having a pity party.” This type of shame was not from the Lord, and he did bring specific people in my life to walk with me toward healing.
This devotional is designed to provide encouragement, so that you may draw close to the Lord. However, it does not take the place of professional counseling help. If you are in danger to yourself (or to others) call a crisis line in your area, call 911, or go to the hospital right now. The Lord will use his Spirit and people to minister to you.
When our life is the darkest, Jesus shines through our darkness, and brings us light and life. He gives us hope and understanding. Most importantly, he holds us and never lets us go. He wants to free you from the pain and misery, and bring you joy.
“This poor man called, and the Lord heard him; he saved him out of all his troubles. The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them” (Psalm 34:6-7, NIV).
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, I am in pain; more pain than I feel I can bear. I am desperate for you Lord. I need your help. Thank you that you care about me so much that you gave your life for me. You felt all my pain, my failings, my weaknesses, and my sin when you were on the cross. Lord, I have wanted to end my life, because it hurts so badly. But I understand that you want to heal me and give me abundant life. Jesus, I trust in you to help me. I commit now to choose life. I choose life Lord, and I ask that you lead me to someone who can help me with my depression (or anxiety, sadness, mania, agitation, rage). Give me the courage to ask for help, and to walk this journey, knowing you are with me every step of the way. Thank you Jesus that you love me and will heal me.
Elijah was afraid and ran for his life. When he came to Beersheba in Judah, he left his servant there, while he himself went a day’s journey into the desert. He came to a broom tree, sat down under it and prayed that he might die. ‘I have had enough, Lord,’ he said. ‘Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors.’ Then he lay down under the tree and fell asleep. All at once an angel touched him and said, ‘Get up and eat.’ He looked around, and there by his head was a cake of bread baked over hot coals, and a jar of water. He ate and drank and then lay down again. The angel of the Lord came back a second time and touched him and said, ‘Get up and eat, for the journey is too much for you.’ So he got up and ate and drank. Strengthened by that food, he traveled forty days and forty nights until he reached Horeb, the mountain of God (I Kings 19:3-8, NIV).
Have you ever struggled with thoughts of suicide; or wanted your life to end? When life seems unbearable and you want to say, “enough already,” the Lord does not say enough with you. He is right there holding your hand. He knows the depression, anxiety, and/or discouragement you are experiencing. He wants to walk with you, gently healing you throughout the journey.
Elijah was one of the greatest prophets in scripture. He was a man of incredible faith. He prayed fire from heaven and saw the Lord use him powerfully to destroy the prophets of Baal. Yet when Jezebel threatened to take his life, he was consumed with fear and ran for his life. He sunk into depression and even wanted to die.
Elijah was at a point of exhaustion. He was the key player of a momentous event, helping restore the Israelites relationship with God. He saw the Lord answer his prayer as fire burned up the sacrifice, the wood, the stones, the soil, and all the water filling the trenches around the alter. He saw the people turn back to the Lord crying out, ‘The Lord-he is God! The Lord—he is God!” (I Kings 18:39). He also saw the Lord answer his prayers by bringing rain and was empowered by God to run faster than Ahab’s chariot all the way from Mr. Carmel to Jezreel (about 17-20 miles). Elijah had done amazing things through God’s power upon him. Yet his exhaustion left him vulnerable and depressed.
The Lord knew Elijah’s needs and sent an angel to meet those needs. The angel was not sent to scold him or insist that he make himself feel better. Instead, the angel came to minister with food and encouragement. The Lord provided rest and food to help restore Elijah’s strength and water to quench his thirst and rehydrate him. God knew that the journey was too much in his current state of exhaustion. With the angel’s help Elijah was refreshed and now had a direction. He was going to the Mountain of God; the same mountain where Moses met God at the burning bush and where the Lord gave Moses the Ten Commandments. Elijah needed his strength renewed before traveling forty days and nights to be in the presence of the Living God on Mount Horeb.
When Elijah wanted to die, the Lord did not shame, rebuke, or punish him. Being downcast actually brought him closer to the Lord. Psalm 35:17-18 tells us, “The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” (NIV). The Lord draws close to us when we are hurting. He knows your circumstances and has a specific plan to deliver you.
It is difficult to hold, on or to care for yourself during times of severe pain. Yet the Lord asks you to hold on to him, choosing life over death. He is very clear about this. He wants you to choose life, and he will help you through the difficulties. He tells us in Deuteronomy 30:19, “This day I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live, and that you may love the Lord your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him. For the Lord is your life….”
If you are having thoughts of suicide, or desire to end your life, get help! One of the first things Elijah did was to isolate himself. He left his servant and walked a day’s journey. He was alone when he lay down and asked the Lord to take his life. It is not safe to isolate yourself or to put off getting help. The Lord sent a qualified messenger in the form of an angel to help Elijah. He wants to use a skilled person to help you. The Lord will provide someone to walk with you through the pain and toward healing, if you will step out and seek help.
The Lord has used specific individuals in my own life during times of discouragement and emotional pain. There were some who did not speak compassionately, nor did they comprehend what I was going through. I remember a time of hurting when someone scorned, “stop feeling sorry for your-self, you’re just having a pity party.” This type of shame was not from the Lord, and he did bring specific people in my life to walk with me toward healing.
This devotional is designed to provide encouragement, so that you may draw close to the Lord. However, it does not take the place of professional counseling help. If you are in danger to yourself (or to others) call a crisis line in your area, call 911, or go to the hospital right now. The Lord will use his Spirit and people to minister to you.
When our life is the darkest, Jesus shines through our darkness, and brings us light and life. He gives us hope and understanding. Most importantly, he holds us and never lets us go. He wants to free you from the pain and misery, and bring you joy.
“This poor man called, and the Lord heard him; he saved him out of all his troubles. The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them” (Psalm 34:6-7, NIV).
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, I am in pain; more pain than I feel I can bear. I am desperate for you Lord. I need your help. Thank you that you care about me so much that you gave your life for me. You felt all my pain, my failings, my weaknesses, and my sin when you were on the cross. Lord, I have wanted to end my life, because it hurts so badly. But I understand that you want to heal me and give me abundant life. Jesus, I trust in you to help me. I commit now to choose life. I choose life Lord, and I ask that you lead me to someone who can help me with my depression (or anxiety, sadness, mania, agitation, rage). Give me the courage to ask for help, and to walk this journey, knowing you are with me every step of the way. Thank you Jesus that you love me and will heal me.
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Isaiah 53 JESUS KNOWS OUR STRUGGLES
“He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering. Like one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not. But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities, the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed. We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all” (Isaiah 53: 3-6 NIV).
Scripture Reading: Isaiah 53, Romans 3:23 and 6:23
Jesus knows our struggles. “He was a man of sorrows, familiar with suffering.” He knows exactly what we are going through today, what we experienced in the past, and everything we will experience in the future. He walks with us through the dark and miserable times as well as the beautiful times. Jesus holds us in his hands with love and empathy; but he does not stop there. He died an agonizing death to set us free from the horrible consequences of sin, to cleanse us, heal us, and make us whole. He bore all of our pain, distress and sin on the cross.
Why is it so important that we be clean and holy? Because we cannot have fellowship with him without being completely righteous. He is pure and holy, and we must be holy and pure to enjoy friendship with him. Our wrongdoings separate us from the Lord. Isaiah 59:2 explains that our sins have separated us from God. Yet Jesus is our righteousness if we believe and ask him into our lives. 2Corinthians 5:21 tells us, “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”
It is amazing! Our Lord longed to have fellowship with us. He desired to pour his love and life into us and be with us forever. He wanted to have an intimate relationship with us so much, that he was tortured on the cross to set us free from sin. Isaiah 53 describes Jesus as being pierced, crushed, wounded, oppressed, afflicted, stricken, and a guilt offering for all mankind. He did all this so we can be in his presence. He took upon himself all of our infirmities and sorrows, so we can experience his amazing love and healing.
We can feel unworthy and undeserving during times of anxiety, depression, physical limitations and chronic pain. Traumatic experiences, such as child abuse and domestic violence, often cause us to feel dirty and ashamed. Yet God thought us worthwhile enough to give his life for us, and to live in us with all his righteousness and healing power.
Are you hurting today? Do you feel unworthy of love, or ashamed of who you are or have become? Let Jesus come inside, wash you white as snow, and heal you. Let him fill you with his love. Sometimes he heals us quickly, sometimes healing comes as a journey, and occasionally it comes through endurance and long perseverance. Yet no matter how the healing comes, Jesus walks with us and fills us with his strength and comfort each step of the way. He draws close to us, smiling upon us in love, yet always feeling our suffering.
Prayer:
Lord, I so easily forget that you love me so much that you suffered and died for me. I lose sight of who you are, and go the wrong way. I forget that you make me clean. Instead, I am consumed with shame, anxiety, and feel dirty and unworthy. Please forgive me for my sins Lord. Fill me to overflowing with the knowledge of your incredible love for me. Thank you for holding me in your loving arms and guiding me.
Scripture Reading: Isaiah 53, Romans 3:23 and 6:23
Jesus knows our struggles. “He was a man of sorrows, familiar with suffering.” He knows exactly what we are going through today, what we experienced in the past, and everything we will experience in the future. He walks with us through the dark and miserable times as well as the beautiful times. Jesus holds us in his hands with love and empathy; but he does not stop there. He died an agonizing death to set us free from the horrible consequences of sin, to cleanse us, heal us, and make us whole. He bore all of our pain, distress and sin on the cross.
Why is it so important that we be clean and holy? Because we cannot have fellowship with him without being completely righteous. He is pure and holy, and we must be holy and pure to enjoy friendship with him. Our wrongdoings separate us from the Lord. Isaiah 59:2 explains that our sins have separated us from God. Yet Jesus is our righteousness if we believe and ask him into our lives. 2Corinthians 5:21 tells us, “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”
It is amazing! Our Lord longed to have fellowship with us. He desired to pour his love and life into us and be with us forever. He wanted to have an intimate relationship with us so much, that he was tortured on the cross to set us free from sin. Isaiah 53 describes Jesus as being pierced, crushed, wounded, oppressed, afflicted, stricken, and a guilt offering for all mankind. He did all this so we can be in his presence. He took upon himself all of our infirmities and sorrows, so we can experience his amazing love and healing.
We can feel unworthy and undeserving during times of anxiety, depression, physical limitations and chronic pain. Traumatic experiences, such as child abuse and domestic violence, often cause us to feel dirty and ashamed. Yet God thought us worthwhile enough to give his life for us, and to live in us with all his righteousness and healing power.
Are you hurting today? Do you feel unworthy of love, or ashamed of who you are or have become? Let Jesus come inside, wash you white as snow, and heal you. Let him fill you with his love. Sometimes he heals us quickly, sometimes healing comes as a journey, and occasionally it comes through endurance and long perseverance. Yet no matter how the healing comes, Jesus walks with us and fills us with his strength and comfort each step of the way. He draws close to us, smiling upon us in love, yet always feeling our suffering.
Prayer:
Lord, I so easily forget that you love me so much that you suffered and died for me. I lose sight of who you are, and go the wrong way. I forget that you make me clean. Instead, I am consumed with shame, anxiety, and feel dirty and unworthy. Please forgive me for my sins Lord. Fill me to overflowing with the knowledge of your incredible love for me. Thank you for holding me in your loving arms and guiding me.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Isaiah 42:2-4 We Are Not Alone
“He will not shout or cry out, or raise his voice in the streets. A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out. In faithfulness he will bring forth justice; he will not falter or be discouraged till he establishes justice on earth. In his law the islands will put their hope” (Isaiah 42:2-4).
Have you ever felt like an island, alone in your pain or distress? The Lord is right here with us during times when we feel completely alone. He holds us close to his heart if we ask him to come into our lives.
As Isaiah prophesied, Jesus did not come shouting truth in the streets. He did not come yelling condemnations or beat us down for our sins. Instead, he came in love; quietly showing us himself. He came with healing and forgiveness.
Our Lord is gentle. He does not come marching into our lives like a bulldozer, or plow down the door of our hearts demanding we let him in. Instead, he gently knocks, and asks. Rev. 3:20 states, “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me.” The result is fellowship and communion with the living God.
Some of us have experienced violence. It can come in the form of physical assaults or verbal attacks. Sometimes it comes through verbal or physical threats. Any threat to our person is frightening. The more frequent and intense the violence, the more harm it can cause. Sadly, our view of the world, ourselves, and God changes when we experience violence and trauma. It is sometimes difficult to see our Heavenly Father as loving when we have been hurt by others; especially when the abuser was a parent, caretaker or someone we knew.
I encourage you to challenge any destructive beliefs you have about God because of harm done to you. No matter how much pain you are experiencing, or how difficult life is for you, our God will not break you. He does not come to snuff you out or hurt you. Instead, he opens his arms up to you, willing and ready to forgive you, love you, hold you, and restore you.
If you are alone like an island far out in the sea, you are still not alone. The Lord is right here with you, holding you in his strong, saving love.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank you for being kind and loving. Thank you for gently knocking on the door of my heart. I open the door and ask you to come in. Please heal me Lord. Please forgive me for those things I have done to wrong you, others, and myself. Lord, I am weak and hurting, please fill me with your strength. I know that even though I feel alone, you are with me. Thank you for holding me close and helping me. I love you Lord. Amen
Have you ever felt like an island, alone in your pain or distress? The Lord is right here with us during times when we feel completely alone. He holds us close to his heart if we ask him to come into our lives.
As Isaiah prophesied, Jesus did not come shouting truth in the streets. He did not come yelling condemnations or beat us down for our sins. Instead, he came in love; quietly showing us himself. He came with healing and forgiveness.
Our Lord is gentle. He does not come marching into our lives like a bulldozer, or plow down the door of our hearts demanding we let him in. Instead, he gently knocks, and asks. Rev. 3:20 states, “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me.” The result is fellowship and communion with the living God.
Some of us have experienced violence. It can come in the form of physical assaults or verbal attacks. Sometimes it comes through verbal or physical threats. Any threat to our person is frightening. The more frequent and intense the violence, the more harm it can cause. Sadly, our view of the world, ourselves, and God changes when we experience violence and trauma. It is sometimes difficult to see our Heavenly Father as loving when we have been hurt by others; especially when the abuser was a parent, caretaker or someone we knew.
I encourage you to challenge any destructive beliefs you have about God because of harm done to you. No matter how much pain you are experiencing, or how difficult life is for you, our God will not break you. He does not come to snuff you out or hurt you. Instead, he opens his arms up to you, willing and ready to forgive you, love you, hold you, and restore you.
If you are alone like an island far out in the sea, you are still not alone. The Lord is right here with you, holding you in his strong, saving love.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank you for being kind and loving. Thank you for gently knocking on the door of my heart. I open the door and ask you to come in. Please heal me Lord. Please forgive me for those things I have done to wrong you, others, and myself. Lord, I am weak and hurting, please fill me with your strength. I know that even though I feel alone, you are with me. Thank you for holding me close and helping me. I love you Lord. Amen
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
THIS BLOG IS FOR YOU
This blogsite was created to help encourage you through the tough times. We all go through difficulties and we all experience times of pain and hurting. It is important to know that we are not going through the rough times alone. We can reach out to one another, share our needs, and encourage each other. This site was designed to help lift people up, and help them see our loving God more clearly. It was also developed to provide a way for people to share their needs and encouragement with each other through the comment section on each blog.
There have been times in my life when I experienced deep emotional pain, depression and anxiety. There were times when I felt I could not go on another minute, let alone get through another day. Having experienced years of child abuse, it was difficult to see my Heavenly Father as loving and kind. I grew up with a great deal of shame, believing that the abuse was my fault, and that I caused it. I held onto the belief that I was “bad,” dirty, and unworthy. I went into a difficult marriage with this deep inner shame, and blamed myself for the problems, mistreatment, and oppression that occurred. Domestic violence only reinforced these destructive beliefs.
A huge part of my own healing involved seeing the Lord as he is; and not as the mean terrible being that I imagined him to be. David prayed in Psalm 27:8 – 10, “My heart says of you, ‘Seek his face!’ Your face, Lord, I will seek. Do not hide your face from me, do not turn your servant away in anger; you have been my helper. Do not reject me or forsake me, O God my Savior. Though my father and mother forsake me, the Lord will receive me.” My own challenge was to find out who God really was, and then hold on to the reality of his love.
I came to realize that during those darkest moments, the Lord was right there feeling my pain, crying with me, yet smiling in love towards me. The Lord thinks more beautiful thoughts about us than all the granules of sand on the earth. “How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them! Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand. When I awake, I am still with you” (Psalm 139:17-18).
Psalm 9:9 tells us that the Lord is a refuge to the oppressed. Isaiah 53 tells us that Jesus was oppressed and afflicted for us (Is. 53:7). “Surely he took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows…he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed” (Isaiah 53:4-5). Jesus took all of our sin and our pain on himself when he was on the cross. He became our sin, so we could be made clean and whole; and most importantly, so we could be close to him. Jesus gave his life so we could have an intimate relationship with our loving God.
You may be experiencing emotional or physical pain right now; or you may have a friend or loved one going through unbearable trials. This blogsite was especially made to meet you right where you are with acceptance, love and hope. I encourage you to take heart and know that things will get better. Believe that you will “see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living” (Psalm 27:13). For he will be right there with you in your greatest time of need.
I need your help so I can better serve you. First, I need you to share your feedback on how this site is helping, or how it can better help you. Are there any areas you need addressed? Questions you may have about a post? Suggestions that could make the blogsite better?
Also, I would love to hear from you. You can share your comments or Prayer Requests right here on the blogsite where others can also read, by clicking on Comments at the bottom of each post. You can also email me at sandygroom@gmail.com. I will keep your emails confidential, and I will pray for each request.
Our God is so good. He turns the darkest moments into something beautiful in our lives. He turns bad into something good within us. If it were not for those extremely difficult times in my life, I would not have empathy and compassion for hurting people. My own painful experiences have given me greater understanding, and an inner depth I could not get any other way. Healing is a process, and sometimes we have to go through the pain to get to health and wholeness. But the Lord walks with us, each step of the way. He will never leave us or forsake us. He will not turn his back on us. Instead, he will keep holding us, crying with us, and keep thinking the most beautiful thoughts about us, all the way.
There have been times in my life when I experienced deep emotional pain, depression and anxiety. There were times when I felt I could not go on another minute, let alone get through another day. Having experienced years of child abuse, it was difficult to see my Heavenly Father as loving and kind. I grew up with a great deal of shame, believing that the abuse was my fault, and that I caused it. I held onto the belief that I was “bad,” dirty, and unworthy. I went into a difficult marriage with this deep inner shame, and blamed myself for the problems, mistreatment, and oppression that occurred. Domestic violence only reinforced these destructive beliefs.
A huge part of my own healing involved seeing the Lord as he is; and not as the mean terrible being that I imagined him to be. David prayed in Psalm 27:8 – 10, “My heart says of you, ‘Seek his face!’ Your face, Lord, I will seek. Do not hide your face from me, do not turn your servant away in anger; you have been my helper. Do not reject me or forsake me, O God my Savior. Though my father and mother forsake me, the Lord will receive me.” My own challenge was to find out who God really was, and then hold on to the reality of his love.
I came to realize that during those darkest moments, the Lord was right there feeling my pain, crying with me, yet smiling in love towards me. The Lord thinks more beautiful thoughts about us than all the granules of sand on the earth. “How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them! Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand. When I awake, I am still with you” (Psalm 139:17-18).
Psalm 9:9 tells us that the Lord is a refuge to the oppressed. Isaiah 53 tells us that Jesus was oppressed and afflicted for us (Is. 53:7). “Surely he took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows…he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed” (Isaiah 53:4-5). Jesus took all of our sin and our pain on himself when he was on the cross. He became our sin, so we could be made clean and whole; and most importantly, so we could be close to him. Jesus gave his life so we could have an intimate relationship with our loving God.
You may be experiencing emotional or physical pain right now; or you may have a friend or loved one going through unbearable trials. This blogsite was especially made to meet you right where you are with acceptance, love and hope. I encourage you to take heart and know that things will get better. Believe that you will “see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living” (Psalm 27:13). For he will be right there with you in your greatest time of need.
I need your help so I can better serve you. First, I need you to share your feedback on how this site is helping, or how it can better help you. Are there any areas you need addressed? Questions you may have about a post? Suggestions that could make the blogsite better?
Also, I would love to hear from you. You can share your comments or Prayer Requests right here on the blogsite where others can also read, by clicking on Comments at the bottom of each post. You can also email me at sandygroom@gmail.com. I will keep your emails confidential, and I will pray for each request.
Our God is so good. He turns the darkest moments into something beautiful in our lives. He turns bad into something good within us. If it were not for those extremely difficult times in my life, I would not have empathy and compassion for hurting people. My own painful experiences have given me greater understanding, and an inner depth I could not get any other way. Healing is a process, and sometimes we have to go through the pain to get to health and wholeness. But the Lord walks with us, each step of the way. He will never leave us or forsake us. He will not turn his back on us. Instead, he will keep holding us, crying with us, and keep thinking the most beautiful thoughts about us, all the way.
Friday, March 12, 2010
PSALM 31 ANGUISH OF MY SOUL
Psalm 31: 9-10, 14-16
“Be merciful to me, O Lord, for I am in distress; my eyes grow weak with sorrow, my soul and my body with grief. My life is consumed by anguish and my years by groaning; my strength fails because of my affliction, and my bones grow weak…. But I trust in you, O Lord; I say, ‘You are my God. My times are in your hands; deliver me from my enemies and from those who pursue me. Let your face shine on your servant; save me in your unfailing love.’”
Have you ever felt so much pain there were no words to describe how you felt? You may even be feeling this way right now. There are times when the distress and hurting seem too great to bear; when we grasp for words to describe the depth of our pain. David used the word “anguish” in Psalm 31 to describe the pain he was experiencing. He described his strength failing, his body and soul weakening, and anguish consuming his entire being.
David is considered a great pillar in the Bible, the “Greatest of the Kings of Israel,” and “A Man after God’s Own Heart.” Yet he experienced times of deep pain, distress and agony. David had many troubles throughout his life. King Saul sought to kill him; his daughter was raped by her brother, Ammon, who was later killed by another son, Absalom. Later, Absalom conspired to take over the kingdom, causing a brief yet deadly civil war, and another son died as a young infant. No wonder David described himself as broken pottery.
David describes emotional flooding when he states "My life is consumed with anguish." When our emotions flood with sadness, grief, anger, anxiety or fear, we become paralyzed, unable to think clearly, make decisions,or take positive steps to change difficult situations. But we can interrupt the flooding by holding on to the fact that our Lord knows our pain and hears our cries for help. David states, “In my alarm I said, ‘I am cut off from your sight!’ yet you heard my cry for mercy when I called to you for help” (31: 22). As David change his focus from his own pain, to the Lord’s love, protection and deliverance, he was able to remind others of God’s faithfulness. He states, "But I trust in you, O Lord, I say, 'You are my God.' My times are in your hand...(31:14-15a). David cried out to the Lord for help, yet he also held on to the knowledge that the Lord "saw my affliction and knew the anguish of my soul" (31:7).
When we cannot find the words to describe our pain, the Lord knows exactly how we feel. When we do not know how to pray, the Lord prays for us. Romans 8:26 tells us that “We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express.” Our Lord knows exactly what we need, and prays for us, even when we cannot find the words.
Prayer:
Jesus,I cry out to you for help. I am hurting Lord, and sometimes my emotion floods my soul. Yet you are God and I choose to trust in you. You know my needs completely and take joy in delivering me. My times are in your hands Lord. Please lead and guide me. Thank you for your kindness and protection. I can rest in your unfailing love, knowing that you have heard my cry and delight to help me.
“Be merciful to me, O Lord, for I am in distress; my eyes grow weak with sorrow, my soul and my body with grief. My life is consumed by anguish and my years by groaning; my strength fails because of my affliction, and my bones grow weak…. But I trust in you, O Lord; I say, ‘You are my God. My times are in your hands; deliver me from my enemies and from those who pursue me. Let your face shine on your servant; save me in your unfailing love.’”
Have you ever felt so much pain there were no words to describe how you felt? You may even be feeling this way right now. There are times when the distress and hurting seem too great to bear; when we grasp for words to describe the depth of our pain. David used the word “anguish” in Psalm 31 to describe the pain he was experiencing. He described his strength failing, his body and soul weakening, and anguish consuming his entire being.
David is considered a great pillar in the Bible, the “Greatest of the Kings of Israel,” and “A Man after God’s Own Heart.” Yet he experienced times of deep pain, distress and agony. David had many troubles throughout his life. King Saul sought to kill him; his daughter was raped by her brother, Ammon, who was later killed by another son, Absalom. Later, Absalom conspired to take over the kingdom, causing a brief yet deadly civil war, and another son died as a young infant. No wonder David described himself as broken pottery.
David describes emotional flooding when he states "My life is consumed with anguish." When our emotions flood with sadness, grief, anger, anxiety or fear, we become paralyzed, unable to think clearly, make decisions,or take positive steps to change difficult situations. But we can interrupt the flooding by holding on to the fact that our Lord knows our pain and hears our cries for help. David states, “In my alarm I said, ‘I am cut off from your sight!’ yet you heard my cry for mercy when I called to you for help” (31: 22). As David change his focus from his own pain, to the Lord’s love, protection and deliverance, he was able to remind others of God’s faithfulness. He states, "But I trust in you, O Lord, I say, 'You are my God.' My times are in your hand...(31:14-15a). David cried out to the Lord for help, yet he also held on to the knowledge that the Lord "saw my affliction and knew the anguish of my soul" (31:7).
When we cannot find the words to describe our pain, the Lord knows exactly how we feel. When we do not know how to pray, the Lord prays for us. Romans 8:26 tells us that “We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express.” Our Lord knows exactly what we need, and prays for us, even when we cannot find the words.
Prayer:
Jesus,I cry out to you for help. I am hurting Lord, and sometimes my emotion floods my soul. Yet you are God and I choose to trust in you. You know my needs completely and take joy in delivering me. My times are in your hands Lord. Please lead and guide me. Thank you for your kindness and protection. I can rest in your unfailing love, knowing that you have heard my cry and delight to help me.
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Our God delights in us
Psalm 18: 16-19
“He reached down from on high and took hold of me; he drew me out of deep waters. He rescued me from my powerful enemy, from my foes, who were too strong for me. They confronted me in the day of my disaster, but the Lord was my support. He brought me out into a spacious place; he rescued me because he delighted in me.”
Wow! Our God delights in us.
No matter how difficult the situation, Our Lord is here, ready to reach down and pull us out of the overwhelming pits of life. He takes hold of our hands and carries us to safety. He cares for us in love and kindness, because he delights in who we are.
We find shame in this world in so many places. Messages that we are not okay, not worthy, don’t belong… These negative messages are often instilled in our minds from an early age. This is especially true in homes where abuse and addictions work to destroy the family.
Our view of others, ourselves and the world, changes when we are hurt by others. We may view the world as a dangerous place, or we may see ourselves as incapable of handling difficult situations. Often times we begin thinking that God is angry and displeased with us; that he thinks of us as unworthy of his love. We may believe that God will be disappointed and turn his back on us for feeling low, depressed or anxious.
Yet in those moments of great need, when we’re hurting and feeling desperate, our powerful, loving God gently holds and supports us. Even when others confront us with harsh words, telling us that we are wrong, or mistaken, or unworthy, our Lord adores us and is ready to rescue and protect us. He smiles on us with delight.
During times of depression in my own life, I felt that God must be ashamed of me for feeling down, anxious and afraid. I saw depression and anxiety as terrible sins, and thought the Lord would punish me in hurtful ways. Learning that God feels my pain, loves and delights in me even when I am hurting, was a big part of my own healing. I wanted to draw close to the God who looks at me, feeling my pain, with tears in his eyes and a smile on his face.
A Prayer
Lord, thank you for delighting in who I am. Thank you for being a kind, loving, heavenly father, who forgives me and rescues me when I call out to you. Lord, I call out to you now with my need, knowing that you hear my cry and take joy in helping me.
“He reached down from on high and took hold of me; he drew me out of deep waters. He rescued me from my powerful enemy, from my foes, who were too strong for me. They confronted me in the day of my disaster, but the Lord was my support. He brought me out into a spacious place; he rescued me because he delighted in me.”
Wow! Our God delights in us.
No matter how difficult the situation, Our Lord is here, ready to reach down and pull us out of the overwhelming pits of life. He takes hold of our hands and carries us to safety. He cares for us in love and kindness, because he delights in who we are.
We find shame in this world in so many places. Messages that we are not okay, not worthy, don’t belong… These negative messages are often instilled in our minds from an early age. This is especially true in homes where abuse and addictions work to destroy the family.
Our view of others, ourselves and the world, changes when we are hurt by others. We may view the world as a dangerous place, or we may see ourselves as incapable of handling difficult situations. Often times we begin thinking that God is angry and displeased with us; that he thinks of us as unworthy of his love. We may believe that God will be disappointed and turn his back on us for feeling low, depressed or anxious.
Yet in those moments of great need, when we’re hurting and feeling desperate, our powerful, loving God gently holds and supports us. Even when others confront us with harsh words, telling us that we are wrong, or mistaken, or unworthy, our Lord adores us and is ready to rescue and protect us. He smiles on us with delight.
During times of depression in my own life, I felt that God must be ashamed of me for feeling down, anxious and afraid. I saw depression and anxiety as terrible sins, and thought the Lord would punish me in hurtful ways. Learning that God feels my pain, loves and delights in me even when I am hurting, was a big part of my own healing. I wanted to draw close to the God who looks at me, feeling my pain, with tears in his eyes and a smile on his face.
A Prayer
Lord, thank you for delighting in who I am. Thank you for being a kind, loving, heavenly father, who forgives me and rescues me when I call out to you. Lord, I call out to you now with my need, knowing that you hear my cry and take joy in helping me.
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