christianity – The Will to Wake Up

Why Would God Love Me?

Reflecting on God as our father and creator.

It’s quite a mystery why the holiest being of all would love broken people.

And yet, we must believe in His love in order to know that we are saved.

I’ve been pondering this question for quite some time, especially as I’ve been reflecting on God’s holiness–and how it contrasts my innate brokenness.

While that might seem a bit despairing, I’ve actually found so much hope through this process. It’s reminded me that God is so merciful and compassionate to offer us a lifetime of chances to draw near to Him out of His endless love for us.

Though we can’t have a definitive answer to “why would God love me?” while on earth, God gives us clues in the Bible to help us better understand Him.

God is given many titles throughout the Bible. Two of them have helped me understand His love a little more.

God is our father

See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him.

1 John 3:1 (NIV)

God is a perfect father, unlike any human father or man we’ve interacted with.

And a perfect father loves His children simply because they belong to Him.

He feeds them, clothes them, and comforts them when they fall. He instructs them, provides them with wisdom, and sends them out into the world when they are fully grown. He loves them from the moment they are born, even when they cannot love him back.

This is the kind of father that God is.

If you have children, you might understand this even more deeply. When your child is an infant, they can’t produce anything for society or provide you material gain. The biggest gift they can offer is a simple smile or cute gesture. Yet you lose sleep over them. You make sacrifices to care for them.

Why?

Because you love them in unexplainable ways. And you would do anything for their good–even when it takes personal sacrifice.

Jesus is God’s Son, first and foremost. The only perfect child of God. And yet God sacrificed Him for our sins, so that we can all be called children of God and dwell with Him forever.

That takes love to a whole other level, doesn’t it?

God is an artist

Yet you, Lord, are our Father.
We are the clay, you are the potter;
we are all the work of your hand.

Isaiah 64:8 (NIV)

Have you ever spoken with an author about her book? Or a painter about his masterpiece?

I bet their eyes lit up as they spoke. They knew their work with a surreal kind of intimacy. Perhaps they even spoke about their characters as if they were real people.

(Which, as a novelist, I can deeply sympathize with…)

The best is spending time with a kid who has recently finished an artwork. It doesn’t matter if it looks like a bunch of scribble lines–this is their masterpiece. It must be properly applauded before being hung in a place of honor.

When we’ve poured our heart and soul into a project, it becomes a special part of us. We no longer see it with the eyes of the world–we’re too blinded by love.

God is the master artist. Each morning and evening, He paints the sky with brilliant colors. He designed each animal in their unique way. He designed the very systems that allow us to live.

We were made by God’s own hands. He breathed the breath of life into humanity, as His final and most sacred creation.

God gives us worth because He loves us and we bear His image.

For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

Ephesians 2:10 (NIV)

Regardless of why God loves us, we should be filled with gratitude.

It makes no logical sense for a perfect God to love broken people, and yet He does.

This is why we can have hope. The future is in God’s hands. Our lives are in His hands. He loves us, so He will always be drawing us closer to Him.

The question is, will you accept the calling into His love?

Bearing the Name of Christ

How might you act differently if the first thing people knew about you was that you’re a Christian?

Have you ever been on the road and the car ahead of you can’t figure out how to use their turning signal? Or maybe someone cuts you off on the highway, making you slam on the brakes.

And then you see it–the out-of-state license plate. That explains everything.

When we’re on the road, there are very few things other drivers know about us. But they do know one thing–what state we’re coming from. For a brief period of time, we are the representatives of that state, and other drivers might make assumptions about our state based on how we drive.

As Christians, we bear a much more significant name. We are Jesus’ representatives on earth when we identify as Christian.

In fact, we might even be someone’s first experience with Jesus.

Let’s pause here for a moment.

We aren’t expected to be perfect simply because we bear Jesus’ name. However, we should hold ourselves to higher standards because we understand the impact we might have on others. We should be actively pursuing God’s will for our lives, which means growing in godly character and love for our neighbors.

But how are we supposed to go about doing this?

And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Colossians 3:17

The first step is remembering what God has already done for us and praising Him. He created us because He loves us. And even when we fell short of His glory, He gave us His Son as the perfect sacrifice for our sins.

Therefore, we must love and forgive others, even when it’s difficult.

The second step is asking God for help. He is all-powerful, fully capable of equipping and strengthening us to do His will. We won’t be able to love others well on our own.

Therefore, we must spend time with God each day and seek counsel from His Word and His people. We aren’t meant to do life alone.

The third step is seeking out opportunities to serve others. Before Jesus ascended into Heaven, He commanded His disciples to go forth and create more disciples. This means going outside your comfort zone and serving people in your community.

Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.

Matthew 28:19

Why would Jesus encourage us to do this?

Because there are so many people wandering the earth in despair, carrying the burden of their sin and shame on their shoulders. There are people throwing their lives away by chasing after temporary satisfaction. And there are Christians who feel hopeless because they’ve been hurt by other believers who haven’t bore the name of Christ with honor.

Today, I challenge you to go out into your community and pretend like you’re wearing a shirt that says, “I am a follow of Jesus.” (Bonus points if you’re actually wearing that shirt.) Consider how you might act differently knowing that the first thing people will know about you is that you’re a Christian.

Will you be slower to speak and quicker to listen? Will you use gentler language and exercise more patience? Will you reach out to someone who seems lonely or left out?

God has wonderful plans for you. It’s okay–normal, even–if you mess up along the way. His grace is sufficient for that.

What matters is that you’re following God’s call on your life, relying on His strength and not your own.

Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.

Philippians 1:27

The Gift We Don’t Deserve

But that’s given out of love.

Have you ever received a gift that you didn’t think you deserved?

I’ll never forget when I exchanged birthday gifts with a friend several years ago. I peeled back the paper, expecting to find something sweet and simple, only to discover a gift certificate that was worth triple the amount of the gift I gave her.

I felt so guilty, I couldn’t bring myself to use the certificate. I tried to think of ways to repay her, but they all fell flat. It was impossible for me to believe she simply wanted me to have this generous gift because she cared about our friendship. I kept telling myself that I didn’t earn this gift—so I didn’t deserve it.

We’ve all received a gift we don’t deserve: the forgiveness of our sins.

By being imperfect people, we cannot make enough sacrifices, do enough good things, or purify ourselves from our brokenness. Jesus is the only perfect sacrifice for our sins.

He exchanged His life for ours. There’s no greater gift than that.

This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.

1 John 4:10 (NIV)

There are many possible responses to the gift of God’s forgiveness. A few of them include:

Trying to earn God’s forgiveness (even though we can’t) through good works and sacrifices
Treating His forgiveness as commonplace because we simply can’t wrap our heads around the weight of this gift
Wallowing in guilt over Jesus’ sacrifice because we know we don’t deserve it
Not believing that we’re truly forgiven

I’ve struggled with all of these responses, and honestly, I continue to struggle with them. Why? Because I’m a logical person, and it doesn’t make sense for God to offer this gift freely.

But then I remember He loves me. He loves His people. He loves the world He created, even though He despises its brokenness.

And that’s why He’s offering us an escape from the brokenness, an opportunity to experience His everlasting light even in the darkness.

Have you ever loved someone so much, you would do anything for them?

That’s the kind of love God has for us. Overwhelming, overflowing, indescribable love. The kind that prompts Him to do whatever it takes to be with us for all eternity.

So what’s the right response to God’s gift?

Praising God for His holiness and endless love
Asking God for help in accepting this gift
Doing good deeds, making sacrifices out of love, and serving those around us–not to earn God’s grace or repay Him for His gift, but from a thankful and sincere heart

How might God be prompting you to extend grace to someone who doesn’t deserve it today?

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.

Ephesians 2:8-9 (NIV)

Do Not Grow Weary in Doing Good

Is it difficult to follow in Jesus’ footsteps when you don’t see the fruit of your labor?

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

Galatians 6:9 (NIV)

I’ve been clinging onto this verse for so long.

And I’ll be honest, there are days when I feel like giving up. When it doesn’t feel worth it to take the high road, make sacrifices, and pursue God’s calling for me.

This weariness often stems from comparison. Lies weave their way into my mind when I look at others’ lives and wonder why they have things I’ve longed for.

Why was she chosen?

Why was he given that opportunity?

Will I never see a breakthrough?

But God’s been reminding me over and over that He’s my sustainer. He’s the source of my strength. I won’t find fulfillment in chasing after those things on my own.

The things we covet are often idols in our lives. They can be good things, but when we believe those things will satisfy us more than God, they have a stronghold over us.

Surrendering those desires and asking God for strength is the only way we can endure the rocky seasons when it feels like we’re left behind.

God hasn’t forgotten you, friend.

Choosing to stay on the course God has set before us requires trust in Him. He promises that we’ll reap a harvest, but at His appointed time.

Not ours.

That means we might wait weeks, months, years–even decades–before we witness the fruit of our labor.

Perhaps there’s a difficult person in your life who you’ve treated with kindness and mercy. It would be wonderful to see them transform during your lifetime, but perhaps you won’t know the impact you had on them until Heaven.

Even if we don’t see the fruit of our good deeds, seeds are still being planted. Hearts are still being softened. Hope is still rising forth through simple loving actions.

We don’t do good in order to earn our salvation. We strive to become more like Christ out of gratitude for the immeasurable gift He’s already given us.

Jesus chose to die on the cross for our sins. Nobody forced Him to give up His life, but He loved us enough to make the ultimate sacrifice with no personal gain.

He loves us still, even when we stumble.

He didn’t give up, even when faced with death.

In our trials, both great and small, we must press on with hope and courage. Even if we never receive rewards for our hard work on earth, we will be rewarded in our reunion with our Heavenly Father.

His presence is enough.

When we die to ourselves out of love for God and people, we will find new life.

Let’s live in light of that new life today.

Do you not know?
    Have you not heard?
The Lord is the everlasting God,
    the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He will not grow tired or weary,
    and his understanding no one can fathom.
He gives strength to the weary
    and increases the power of the weak.

Isaiah 40:28-29

A Cloudy Conviction

What if the rain is part of God’s greater plan?

As someone who lives in one of the rainiest parts of the country, the weather is often the topic of conversation.

If it’s sunny, everyone runs outside to soak in their year’s worth of Vitamin D–and then runs back inside because it’s way too hot.

If it’s rainy, everyone complains about how it’s so gloomy outside and summer will never arrive.

There really is no universally agreed upon “perfect” weather. 65 degrees is ideal for me, but it might be dreadfully cold for you. A little cloud cover is my preference, but perhaps my neighbor is only satisfied with full sun.

Even my dog has an opinion! He refuses to go for a walk if it’s too wet or too hot–which is any temperature above 60 degrees in his opinon.

I’ll confess, I’m one of those people who always has some critique about the weather. But I’ve been convicted about that recently.

Yesterday at work, many people were complaining about how wet and dreary it’s been this week, especially this close to summer.

But when I came home, I learned that a friend had a house fire earlier this week, and their home–in fact, their entire street–was spared from destruction because it had rained.

I certainly felt convicted. Not just about complaining when it’s gloomy outside, but anytime I’m upset when God seems to be doing things that go against what I think is best.

God knows what He’s doing, even when on the surface, it seems like the opposite of what we want.

He created the weather, so through both sun and rain, we must trust that He planned out the seasons with intention.

God created us, so He knows what He’s doing inside us even when we feel lost or confused or broken beyond repair.

The good news is, God’s will isn’t thwarted by our complaining or lack of trust in His perfect plan.

But when we learn to surrender to His will, when the storms come, we will be anchored in His peace.

Because God wanted to make the unchanging nature of his purpose very clear to the heirs of what was promised, he confirmed it with an oath. ¹⁸God did this so that, by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope set before us may be greatly encouraged. ¹⁹We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, ²⁰where our forerunner, Jesus, has entered on our behalf. He has become a high priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.

Hebrews 6:17-20 (NIV)

Many are the plans in a person’s heart,
but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.

Proverbs 19:21 (NIV)

This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.

1 John 5: 14 (NIV)

Finding Hope in God’s Word

Encouraging verses for when you feel anxious or abandoned.

It’s been a season of many trials, but God has blessed me in so many ways. Particularly through godly friends who have become prayer partners and encouragers.

I’m anticipating a stressful day tomorrow, and a friend sent me several encouraging Bible verses. I hope these verses bring comfort and peace to you too ❤

Unless the Lord had given me help,
    I would soon have dwelt in the silence of death.
When I said, “My foot is slipping,”
    your unfailing love, Lord, supported me.
When anxiety was great within me,
    your consolation brought me joy.

Psalm 94: 17-19 (NIV)

My salvation and my honor depend on God;
    he is my mighty rock, my refuge.
Trust in him at all times, you people;
    pour out your hearts to him,
    for God is our refuge.

Psalm 62:7-8 (NIV)

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

John 10:10 (NIV)

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 (NIV)

So do not fear, for I am with you;
    do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
    I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

For I am the Lord your God
    who takes hold of your right hand
and says to you, Do not fear;
    I will help you.

Isaiah 41:10, 13 (NIV)

I’d encourage you to save these verses (or create your own compilation) that remind you of God’s character. He’s trustworthy, all-powerful, and loves us more than we can comprehend. His plan is best for us, even when it’s difficult to see in the middle of the storm.

Perhaps you have a friend who is going through a hard time. Sending a Bible verse, worship song, and a heartfelt message could be God’s way of strengthening them through you.

May you experience God’s peace and strength in all you face today. And tomorrow, too 😉

Our Response to Suffering Reflects the Condition of Our Hearts

The way we respond to suffering might not feel important, but it actually reveals how we really feel about God.

Suffering can refer to any range of discomfort, loss, and pain. It may involve a deep wound from a once-trusted friend or the loss of someone very dear. Perhaps it’s more temporary but still draining, such as a troubling situation at work or a frustrating miscommunication.

We have all undergone some sort of suffering. It’s part of what makes us human.

The people in the book of Revelation undergo significant suffering, likely more severe than our worst nightmares.

There are two groups of people in Revelation: worshippers of God and worshippers of Satan.

Worshippers of God experience suffering at the hands of sinful, unrepentant people. They are persecuted, humiliated, and even killed for their faith. Yet even after death, they praise God and call out for His help.

Meanwhile, worshippers of Satan (who has many names in Revelation, such as the beast), undergo strong judgement from God. There are many plagues they experience, such as giant locusts who torture people, all water turning into blood, and killer hailstones.

Many people get caught up on whether or not Christians will also experience these plagues. But that’s not the point of today’s devotional.

The bottom line is this: we will experience suffering while we live in a broken world. So how will we respond to it?

After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. ¹⁰And they cried out in a loud voice:

“Salvation belongs to our God,
who sits on the throne,
and to the Lamb.”

And he said, “These are they who have come out of the great tribulation; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.”

Revelation 7:9-10, 14b (NIV)

Responding with praise and prayer to God doesn’t negate the pain of our suffering. In fact, it’s because Christians suffer that God must judge those who have caused this suffering. It would be unjust for Him to not punish those who have harmed the innocent and remain unrepentant.

When he opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain because of the word of God and the testimony they had maintained. ¹⁰They called out in a loud voice, “How long, Sovereign Lord, holy and true, until you judge the inhabitants of the earth and avenge our blood?” ¹¹Then each of them was given a white robe, and they were told to wait a little longer, until the full number of their fellow servants, their brothers and sisters, were killed just as they had been.

Revelation 6:9-11 (NIV)

Our response to pain doesn’t diminish the reality of our pain. It indicates what comes next.

Children of God are filled with hope because they know that suffering is temporary. Their faithfulness is rewarded when they are reunited with God in Heaven and spend their days praising Him forever.

Meanwhile, those who reject God respond to their suffering by blaming Him, blaspheming His name, and remaining stubborn in their sin.

The fourth angel poured out his bowl on the sun, and the sun was allowed to scorch people with fire. ⁹They were seared by the intense heat and they cursed the name of God, who had control over these plagues, but they refused to repent and glorify him.

Revelation 16:8-9 (NIV)

It may seem impossible to praise God during your suffering.

And it is impossible.

But it’s not impossible with God’s help.

When we call out to God with our honest emotions and reflect on His character, He will give us the strength to praise Him through every storm.

Remember, when we praise God, we aren’t necessarily thanking Him for the painful situation. We’re praising Him because His holiness, power, and love remains the same even in the midst of our suffering.

Today, ask God to give you the strength to praise Him through hard times. Confess your deepest feelings to Him and trust that He cares for you. ❤

Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, ²through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. ³Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; ⁴perseverance, character; and character, hope. ⁵And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.

Romans 5:1-5 (NIV)

Boundaries for Beginners

5 practices for creating healthier boundaries so that you serve with godly motivations.

Have you ever just really wanted to say “no” to one more request from someone you care about, but you forced yourself to say “yes”?

The practice of setting boundaries sounds simple, but in real-life situations, there are so many things to consider beyond uttering a simple “no.” When we care about the emotions and well-being of those around us, we may feel torn between overextending ourselves and only committing to what’s healthy for us.

In church settings in particular, there’s a common misbelief that setting boundaries in our relationships is sinful. But even Jesus, who lived a perfect life, took time to be with God and refresh His spirit so that He could minister well to others.

Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.

Mark 1:35 (NIV)

God creates boundaries with us through His laws, which guide us toward having a more fulfilling and fruitful existence. Evidence of God’s first boundary is found in Genesis. He told Adam and Eve that they could eat from any tree in the garden, except for the one specific tree that led to their downfall.

The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it. ¹⁶And the Lord God commanded the man, “You are free to eat from any tree in the garden; ¹⁷but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat from it you will certainly die.”

Genesis 2:15-17 (NIV)

Boundaries, when created out of love, benefit and strengthen relationships. They cause us to have more realistic expectations for each other, recognizing that only God can fulfill all our needs.

As someone also in the process of learning to create boundaries, I’ve gathered five helpful practices that will hopefully bless you as you strive to make healthier relationships.

Take your time responding back to others

When someone texts you (and it’s not a serious emergency, of course), you are not obligated to text them immediately back. In fact, it’s okay to wait and respond when you feel alert and ready. Society has trained us to expect instant gratification and answers, but it is healthier to slow down and consider our words so that we can respond with kindness and discernment.

This also allows us to have more grace for others when they take longer to respond back to us!

2. Make time for rest in your schedule

Rest doesn’t just mean sleep, though getting a good night’s sleep is important. Building restful breaks into your routine, even if it’s as simple as setting aside time once or twice a week to participate in a life-giving activity or going on a daily walk, can be vital in preventing burnout.

3. Pause before committing

Instead of giving an instant “yes” when you’re asked to help with something, consider taking a night to sleep on it. During that time, when you are under less pressure to provide a response, you can check your calendar to confirm if you have the capacity to commit to this opportunity. Even more importantly, this allows you the chance to pray and discern whether this is what God wants you to do.

4. Journal your thought process

Perhaps you’re on the fence about an upcoming decision or commitment. Writing down the details of the situation, what’s drawing you toward it as well as what’s causing you to hesitate, can reveal the motives of your heart. As you journal, ask God whether you’re motivated by the desire to please others or to serve Him.

5. Practice communicating your boundaries

One of the toughest things about creating boundaries is admitting we can’t do it all. People may react to our boundaries in different ways. Some may express support and encouragement while others might be upset and disappointed.

If you’re struggling to communicate your boundaries with certain people in your life, consider sharing your needs and concerns with a trusted person who has proven to be supportive in the past. Perhaps a godly mentor, friend, or family member can guide you in communicating with the more difficult people in your life. You can even ask to rehearse your “boundaries conversation” with them, so that you feel prepared and grounded before entering into more difficult conversations.

Moving forward with grace.

God designed us intricately and intentionally. He didn’t create us to be superheroes with the capability of saving the world on our own–or even saving the person next door. We’re simply meant to show up with God’s love each day, relying on Him to provide our strength.

Accept His gifts of rest and grace today. Even when setting boundaries is difficult and painful, it is still worth it. You will find yourself showing up more present each day. This process also leads to recognizing which relationships are worth fighting for and which might need to be let go of.

I’ll be praying for you on this journey. ❤

Therefore, since the promise of entering his rest still stands, let us be careful that none of you be found to have fallen short of it. ²For we also have had the good news proclaimed to us, just as they did; but the message they heard was of no value to them, because they did not share the faith of those who obeyed. ³Now we who have believed enter that rest, just as God has said,

“So I declared on oath in my anger,
‘They shall never enter my rest.’”

And yet his works have been finished since the creation of the world.

Hebrews 4:1-3 (NIV)

Continuing Forward with Hope for the Future

Are you in the middle of a chapter in your life, waiting for God to show up?

A wise person once told me that it’s much easier to share about the trials and struggles of our past, rather than what we’re currently going through.

Perhaps it’s because we know how our past stories end–often in goodness, redemption, or peaceful surrender. Even if those stories end in tragedy, the ending is sealed in our mind.

One of the many reasons why it’s difficult to publicly (whether that be with one other person or an entire group) process our current struggles is because we aren’t quite sure what will happen next.

It reveals our lack of control over our own story.

True confessions time. Over the last few months, it’s been difficult for me to blog regularly for two reasons:

I’ve been writing so much more for my novel writing program (the Author Conservatory, which I shared about in a previous post). This has been a life-changing, transformative experience. Such a blessing in my life!
And the less flattering reason…I’m in the middle of several unfinished chapters in my own life story.

Sometimes I wish I were a character in a book with a clear beginning, middle, and end. A simple growth journey where I find myself whole and healed by the final page.

But God’s more creative than even the best human author. He’s also more patient too, carrying us through every chapter and scene in our life story.

(I have yet to read a book that spans the entire life of a single person, detailing every miniscule moment for pages on end. Probably because none of us would have the patience to read it!)

And yet God chooses to do life with us, every second of every day.

He will not let your foot slip— he who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.

Psalm 121:3-4 (NIV)

This verse has been coming up in my life a lot recently. It’s such a comfort to know that God is watching over us without so much as blinking an eye. No detail goes unnoticed by Him, even the moments that we sometimes wish we could hide from Him.

But God views us, even in our fragile and broken human condition, as His precious children. He wants the best for us, and sometimes that means allowing us to trek further down an unknown path because the end result will lead to further growth and trust in Him.

All our paths are known to Him, even when the sky ahead seems foggy to us.

Perhaps this chapter of your life feels endless. Maybe you’ve been waiting on an answer or the fulfillment of a promise for years.

God welcomes our questions and wonderings, even our complaints. As we call out to Him, may we also remember all that He has done before, proving His faithfulness.

You see, friend, there is beauty and healing in sharing about the past and the present.

For when we remember the past, we also remember God’s unchanging character, and find hope in our present circumstances.

Remember how the Lord your God led you all the way in the wilderness these forty years, to humble and test you in order to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep his commands.

Deuteronomy 8:2 (NIV)

The Old Testament is filled with reminders to God’s people of all the ways He had already blessed and provided for them. During their forty years in the wilderness, they grew weary and doubted God would fulfill His promises to them. But God remained faithful, even when His people didn’t.

Our God is the same–yesterday, today, and forever. He showed up then, and He will continue to show up for us now.

Let’s continue forward with Him today.

Reflection Questions:

What in your life feels like an unfinished chapter?
How have you been responding to waiting in this season?
How has God provided for you in the past?
Go back to a Bible passage that has brought you comfort or hope in the past. What do you remember about God’s character through this passage?
Is there a safe person in your life who you should share your present struggles with?

For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.

Psalm 100:5 (NIV)

Who is Guarding Your Heart?

Let’s release our hearts to God, the only one who can heal us.

Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.

~ Proverbs 4:23 (NIV)

Last year, my heart felt tender. After experiencing betrayal and rejection from a once-close family member, it was as if my heart was on a chopping block and every person in my life was given a knife to use at their own discretion.

Some chose to lay down their knives and offer bandages instead. But others dug deeper into my open wounds with their sharp blades.

Over time, my heart grew tough in an effort to protect itself. If I’m made of metal, a knife can’t slice through and damage me any further.

It worked, in a sense. Insensitive words and painful situations didn’t have the same impact on me. I felt emboldened to go out into the world and decide who was worthy of my trust.

But guarding my heart on my own strength came at a great loss–to myself and to those around me.

After training my heart not to feel, I struggled to empathize with my friends when they shared their heartbreaks with me. I began to scrutinize every relationship, trying to judge whether or not these people mirrored any traits from my past offenders. I alone had to determine whether or not I was safe.

Living in a world surrounded by concrete walls isn’t really living at all.

It felt as if I had lost the best parts of myself, in addition to doubting my community. God calls us to love others, but how could I love–an extremely vulnerable action–when I couldn’t trust?

So then…was I failing God?

And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:7

Thankfully, God didn’t leave me in this empty, searching place. He drew me closer to Him through His Word and teaching, as well as the faithfulness of friends who didn’t give up on me.

Most importantly, He reminded me that I’m not in charge of guarding my own heart.

Yes, we must exercise discernment in our lives. But we must surrender our hearts to God so that He can protect us. He’s the only one who can provide us security and safety while allowing our hearts to remain moldable and open to love.

Surrender requires sacrificing our own safety net and battle plan. But we’re releasing ourselves to the only One in control, who has the greatest plan.

When we try to guard our own hearts, we end up hardening them instead. A hardened heart isn’t open to love or transformation, but God will still accept your hardened heart and turn it back to flesh.

God doesn’t promise a life free from suffering and pain, even when we surrender our hearts to Him. But He does promise peace through Jesus, who has already overcome the world.

When we rely on His grace and peace for our security, rooting ourselves in being children of God rather than allowing others to determine our worth, we will find our hearts’ desire.

And that, my friend, is the unconditional and unchanging love of Jesus.

“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

If you are weary and broken, go to Him.

If you are empty and depleted, go to Him.

If you are rejoicing and hope-filled, go to Him.

If you don’t know who you are or what comes next, go to Him.

Jesus is waiting with open arms to receive you. He is worthy of our trust. ❤

I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.

Ezekiel 36:26