This has been a difficult week. Much in my life has been shaken and tilted and each day has been an exhausting and emotional spiritual rollercoaster. The stress has forced me to consider where my strength comes from, where my hope lies, and how much I trust God as He walks me through the inevitable valleys and chaos of life.
God has blessed me. He gave me a whole new life at a time when most people are winding down the one they’ve had all along! I look back on the last 7 years of my life in astonishment at how different they are than the many years before. One of my favorite Bible verses is Psalm 37:4 “Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart.” I knew from my heart this meant that God loves us, hears us, KNOWS us, and pays attention to our deepest longings. He is not a genie anxious to grant us every passing wish. He is a Heavenly Father loving on His children. And God blessed me with a husband and a life I never could have dreamed in times past.
This week I’ve had to trust my man to Jesus to do what I cannot do, to heal what I cannot fix and to restore him to health. It has been stressful and I’ve had many anxious moments. He is slowly coming back, but it is a process. I wanted to share this because so many are struggling for so many reasons. If you are hurting, you are not alone! If you are anxious, I certainly can understand. We are often faced with unimaginable circumstances and find ourselves feeling so unprepared for where we find ourselves. This is where I’ve found myself this week.
God’s Word holds countless promises to encourage us in our struggles. We live in unprecedented times and regardless of our circumstances are unsettled by the turmoil and chaos around us. So I invite you to join me, whatever battle you fight, to seek His face, soak in His Word and claim His promises for the valleys you walk – and I walk – today.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God, and the peace of God which passes all understanding, will guard your heart and mind in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7
I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. John 16:33
Therefore, humble yourself under the mighty hand of God that He may exalt you in due time. Casting all your anxiety upon Him for He cares for you. 1 Peter 5:6, 7
We wait in hope for the LORD; he is our help and our shield. Psalm 33:20
Prayers and Paintbrushes 