Stand on the Promises of God

In times of difficulty - pain, loss, suffering, whatever trial we're facing - it is easy to slip into feeling hopeless.  We must guard against that!  We must remind ourselves that we are not alone.  Jesus is alway, ALWAYS, with us!  I find it helpful in hard times to declare that out loud.  I speak out my trust of the truth of His presence with me.  I pray the promises of His help.  As I soak my heart in His goodness and faithfulness, I get fresh courage to persevere.

In the Psalms, David was sometimes discouraged.  He would say "I shall again praise Him."  He was struggling, but He knew who God was and declared that He would get through the hard time and worship God afresh.  We can do the same thing!  We can't get stuck in the difficulty - we must stand on the promises of God.

"Why are you in despair, O my soul?  And why have you become disturbed within me?  Hope in God, for I shall again praise Him for the help of His presence."  Psalm 42:5  NASB

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."  Romans 15:13

"You will know that I am the Lord; those who hope in me will not be disappointed."  Isaiah 49:23

"We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure."  Hebrews 6:19

When we are feeling hopeless, we can speak out "Jesus you are my hope."  It's true!  And it will help us navigate the difficult season.  His promises never fail!

Ready for Some Wins!

While it seems unbelievable that we're already in a new year, when I look back at 2024 I see what a hard year it was.  I felt like I was on a constant roller coaster, and there were so many "low" spots.  Somehow in my mind I thought that after Floyd passed away things would get easier.  But that hasn't been the case.  The battles have just been different.

A friend in Holland had a hard year as well.  Her son gave her a special wish for the new year:

May the wars you fought in 2024

Be the wins you celebrate in 2025.

I loved that!  I'm wishing and praying that as well.  I'm ready for some "wins" - not only from this past year, but from the last 10 years.  My friend prayed for a year of rest, peace, and wins.  Bring it on, Lord!

I've heard from others who have faced illness and have lost family members and friends.  May God meet each of us where we are and with what our needs are.  He is faithful!

"Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.  They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."  Isaiah 40:31

"I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."  Jeremiah 29:11

"Your beginnings will seem humble, so prosperous will your future be."  Job 8:7

"For you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its rays.  And you will go out and frolic like well-fed calves."  Malachi 4:2 

"To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under the sun."  Ecclesiastes 3:1

The Word has wonderful promises for us as we enter this new year.  I'm holding on to them, and trusting the Lord to bring them to pass.  He has good things in store for us!