Inner Strength

One of the key things I've learned over the last years is how important it is to have a strong "inner walk" with the Lord when trials and hardships come our way.  If we don't have His strong power within, we won't be able to handle the pressures from without.  It's His grace, strength, wisdom, and power that enables us to navigate the hard times.

A saving grace for me was talking to the Lord all day long with whatever I was facing.  It wasn't just my daily quiet time - it was being in communion with Him continually.  I often had to make important decisions all through the day.  I would whisper a prayer and ask Him to lead and guide me.  It was that inner strength that enabled me to handle the pressures and decisions that came my way.  

"I pray that He would grant you...to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man."  Ephesians 3:16

"They strengthened the spirits of the disciples and exhorted them to persevere in the faith, saying, 'It is necessary for us to undergo many hardships to enter the kingdom of God.' "  Acts 14:22

"This is what the Lord says: 'Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.' " Jeremiah 6:16

"You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good."  Genesis 50:20

"For 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

"For nothing is impossible with God."  Luke 1:37

"You are my lamp, O Lord; the Lord turns my darkness into light.  With your help I can advance against a troop; with my God I can scale a wall."  2 Samuel 22:29,30

"Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?  Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?"  Luke 12:25,26

"I have set the Lord always before me.  Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken."  Psalm 16:8

I could go on and on.  So many verses about the Lord meeting us and being with us when we go through the difficulties of life.   "The power of Christ in you is greater than the pressure of troubles around you."  (anonymous)

He IS always, always faithful!!

Watching my Words

I am blessed to live in a beautiful area.  We have flowers, trees, a variety of birds, the ocean, some wildlife - every day I see something that reminds me of God's wonderful creation.  Further inland in South Africa, there's lots of different wildlife.  God created such an awesome variety for us!

I am on a "nature whatsapp group" where people share photos and short video clips of these things.  I so enjoy "seeing" through the eyes of others.  Lately, however, a number of things that have been shared turn out to be done by AI.  They aren't real!!  It's so disappointing, and frustrating.  When there's so much real beauty - it doesn't seem necessary to make something up.

It seems like every day there is something in the news about someone getting in trouble for their speech too. I guess we live in a world now where we have to question what we see and hear.  It's made me go to the Word and look again at God's standards for our speech and actions.  Here are just a few of the guidelines He gave us:

"It is not what goes into the mouth that defiles a person, but what comes out of the mouth; this defiles a person."  Matthew 15:11

"Whoever keeps his mouth and his tongue keeps himself out of trouble."  Proverbs 21:33

"Death and life are in the power of the tongue."  Proverbs 18:21

"Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer."  Psalm 19:14

"Whoever guards his mouth preserves his life; he who opens wide his lips comes to ruin."  Proverbs 13:3

"I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak, for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned."  Matthew 12:36,37

"When words are many, transgression is not lacking, but whoever restrains his lips is prudent."  Proverbs 10:19

I have a new urgency in my heart to watch my words, and be careful of what I share.....making sure it is true and worthy of sharing.  God made His standards clear in the Word.

Give Everything to Him

Our hearts are all impacted by the news of big tragedies - the recent plane crashes, the Ukraine war, the fires in Calif. with so many homes lost, etc.  We "weep with those who weep" and wish we could help.

But the "little" sorrows and trials of everyday life impact us too.  Colds, flu bugs, bills, job worries, lack of sleep, and so many "every day" things can weigh heavy on our hearts too.  Someone was just telling me how worn down she felt by these seemingly small things - in relation to the big things happening in our world.

The one thing that comforts me is that God is big enough to carry all of this - the huge, earth shattering events....and the "small" everyday problems we face.  Our consolation is that we can give everything to Him, and trust Him to be at work in everything.

These things can produce anxiety, even fear, in our hearts.  I was reading in the Psalms of how David, the mighty warrior, faced fear.  His response was "when I am afraid, I will trust in you."  (Psalm 56:3)  He knew what to do with his fears.  He gave them to the Lord, and trusted Him.  We can follow his example.

When we're anxious and concerned, it does no good to blame ourselves for that.  We're human, and we have human emotions.  It's best to bring these things to the Lord and allow Him to carry them for us.

"The Lord Himself goes before you, and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.  Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged."  Deuteronomy 31:8

"There is no fear in love.  But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment."  1 John 4:18

"Have I not commanded you?  Be strong and courageous.  Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."  Joshua 1:9

"Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff they comfort me."  Psalm 23:4

"The Lord is my light and my salvation - whom shall I fear?  The Lord is the stronghold of my life - of whom shall I be afraid?"  Psalm 27:1

"I sought the Lord, and He answered me; He delivered me from all my fears.  Those who look to Him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame."  Psalm 34:4-8

"God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.  Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging."  Psalm 46:1-3

I could go on and on.  The Lord knew we would have nervousness, anxiety, and fear so He spoke to it again and again in the Word.  When unexpected or hard things come my way, I admit my heart sometimes gets anxious or fearful.  I have to stop, and remind myself of all the verses that say God will help me with whatever I'm facing.  He is so gracious, good, and faithful!!  Always!!

Grief is Personal

My friend of 40+ years, Rita Pretorius, went to be with Jesus a few days ago.  She was a sweet support to me during the years that Floyd was sick.  Her prayers, encouragement, and recruiting others to pray meant so much to me.  She even came to visit me during that time.  She's a "queen of hospitality" in YWAM and will be greatly missed.  I'm glad she's at peace after the last few months of suffering.

I've realized that I'm in a season of life, probably because of my being older, that many friends and relatives are going to be with Jesus.  My heart feels the loss with each one.  I've been learning a lot about grief, and thought I'd share just a few of the things I've learned.

-  Grief is personal.  My grief is not like someone else's.  It's unique to me.  I shouldn't compare my grief to how someone else processes their grief.  I just need to walk out my own journey.

-  There's no set timetable for grief.  It usually takes time - and that's okay.  Sometimes I think it's over, and then it hits again.  Often times a special day or a memory will bring the grief alive in my heart once more.

-  Grief isn't bad.  It isn't something we need to rush through.  Grieving is part of the healing we need.  If we allow our hearts to grieve, it becomes a balm to the loss.

-  There's no right or wrong way to grieve.  It's nothing to be ashamed of.  Grieving doesn't mean we're weak.  It's normal.

There are countless articles and books written about grief.  I've read quite a few.  But the important thing for me has been that I just need to "do grief" my own personal way.....walking with God along the path.  His comfort, His presence, and His counsel has gotten me through.

"Surely He has borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows."  Isaiah 53:4

"He heals the brokenhearted and bandages their wounds."  Psalm 147:3

"Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and He will strengthen your heart."  Psalm 27:14

"The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit."  Psalm 34:18

"Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted."  Matthew 5:4

We don't grieve like those "who have no hope."  It'll be a grand reunion someday when we join together before the throne and worship the Lord!

Unfailing Trust

A friend recently sent me this quote:

"When James (1:2-4) tells us to "count it all joy when you face trials of many kinds," he is not telling us we need to be happy about it.  He is telling us to trust in the end result.  He is telling us that beneath the sorrow or the suffering or the pain is always a Hand that is working in us to make us more and more into the people He desires us to be.  This joy holds an unfailing trust in His unfailing love; trust that regardless of the situation or the circumstances, He is always up to something good."  from Journey to the Cross by Jim Branch

When I read this, so many memories came rushing back to me.  I thought of all the times when Floyd was in the hospital and how I told the Lord that I knew He would use the situation for good - that He was working in our lives to help us grow more like Him.

I thought of all the times in the last 10+ years of cancer treatment when I spoke out my trust to the Lord.....asking Him to use it for good in my life.

Even now in recent trials, I've spoken out my trust in the Lord - asking Him to draw me closer to Him and use the trials for good.  Through the years in all these things, God has given me grace to "count it all joy" and to trust in the end result.  No, I'm not happy about all the things that have happened, but I have been able to find His "joy" in the midst of them.  Only God can help us do that.

I've seen some "good" things that He's brought through these trials, but I know God is doing so much more than I could ask or think.  Only eternity will reveal all of God's plans.  I know it's so important for me to keep the perspective of His unfailing love in working for good in our lives when I face each new trial.  Trusting God is vital!

"Have I not commanded thee?  Be strong and of good courage, be not afraid neither be dismayed for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."  Joshua 1:9

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.  In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths."  Proverbs 3:5,6

"Who among you fears the Lord and obeys His servant?  If you are walking in darkness, without a ray of light, trust in the Lord and rely on your God."  Isaiah 50:10

"Cast all your anxieties on Him, because He cares for you."  1 Peter 5:7

"He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.  I will say to the Lord, 'My refuge and my fortress, my God in whom I trust.' " Psalm 91:1,2

The Word is full of verses that assure us God is with us in our trials....and is at work in them!  When we struggle, we can share our heart with Him - being honest of how hard it is.  Things may not make sense to us, but we can be assured God understands.  We live by faith, not by sight - and the only way to make it through is to hold firmly to His loving hand.  

When we face trials, it doesn't mean we're out of God's will.  We live in a fallen world, and will face difficulties.  But God will never leave us or forsake us.  He is so faithful!  I can testify to His goodness.

New Year's Resolutions

I've never been one to make "new year's resolutions."  But as we have entered this new year, I've felt the Lord reminding me of His promises.  They are firm and sure year after year - unchanging - always true - always available.  They are God's "resolutions" to us.  In the NEW year, the OLD promises are what we can hold onto!  Here are just a few of my favorites:

"Surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."  Matthew 28:20  One version says "until the end of the world."

"God is faithful.  He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand.  When you are tempted, He will show you a way out so that you can endure."  1 Corinthians 10:13  He never allows more to come our way than we can handle and endure with His grace and help.

"We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose."  Romans 8:28

"But He said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me."  2 Corinthians 12:9

"The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness."  Lamentations 3:22,23

"The joy of the Lord is my strength."  Nehemiah 8:10

"I know the plans I have for you," says the Lord.  "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope."  Jeremiah 29:11

"The Lord is good and His love endures forever; His faithfulness continues through ALL generations."  Psalm 100:5

"The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble.  He cares for those who trust in Him."  Nahum 1:7

"Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed."  Isaiah 54:10  Through wildfires, earthquakes, hurricanes, tornadoes, whatever comes our way - He is our sure steady helper!

The list of promises is ENDLESS!!!  I could go on and on.  Whenever I'm facing something that is too much for me - taking a few minutes to sit and meditate on God's incredible promises gives me fresh courage to persevere.  He is so very faithful!

God is Good

After my sister passed away recently, a friend sent me a lovely card and message.  One thing she said stood out to me - "God is good. He is for us and with us.  Period!"

That says it all.  That's all we need to know as we enter a new year.  He's been with us every minute of every day all through our lives - and He'll continue to be with us.  He, more than anyone else, is for us too!

I face a few challenges in the days ahead.  It was so timely to be reminded of God's care.

"He will cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness will be your shield and rampart."  Psalm 91:4

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!