Tag: Holy Spirit

Life Doesn’t Have to Make Sense

Do you struggle to trust God when life doesn’t go as planned?

There have been many moments in my life where I’ve watched a situation unfold, a relationship end, or my path take an unexpected turn that’s caused me to wonder, “Where is God in all this?”

The thing that’s been difficult for me to accept is that God is right there in the middle of all that doesn’t make sense. God desires to be known, but we will never fully be able to comprehend Him with the limited capacity we have as humans. And maybe that can bring us hope instead of fear.

Accepting that life is confusing and chaotic and even incredibly painful at times doesn’t mean we have to hide our emotions or deny the way these difficulties affect us. But it does mean we won’t lose our faith and trust in God even when the journey holds things we don’t understand or desire.

Today, I encourage you to be reminded that God is the God of the impossible. That means you won’t have everything figured out and that’s perfectly fine. Good, even.

God has extraordinary plans for you that may be hard to see right now, but it doesn’t make them any less possible. So whether you are holding up a troubling situation or an unknown future, hand your burdens to God because He cares for you.

Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

8 Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 9 Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.

10 And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.

1 Peter 5:7-10

The Name You’ve Always Needed

Encouragement for when you feel forgotten. ❤

It stings when someone forgets your name.

Names are a funny thing–they seem so simple, just a word to identify yourself, and often not one you’ve chosen. Some people seem to really fit their names, while others…may deserve some sympathy from overly humorous parents.

I’ve never felt particularly attached to my name, Hannah. I’ve always liked the sound of it, and I’m named after two amazing women. But somehow, perhaps after being in classes with five other Hannahs, the name never really felt like mine.

Names play a pivotol role in the Bible.

Mary Magdalene finally recognizes Jesus after His resurrection when He says her name.

The birth of Israel as a nation occurs after Jacob is renamed.

Abram becomes Abraham after making a covenant with God.

Saul transitions to Paul after his life-altering encounter with the Light.

We could go on and on.

Names are so much more than just a word. They make us feel remembered and important. They give us worth. When someone says our name in just the right way, we are washed over by their love.

And yet, our earthly names are not the names that truly identify us. We have another name–unknown to anyone but God–written on a white rock in Heaven to be given to us when we are reunited with God.

I am instantly enveloped in comfort at the thought of God having a unique name for every single person who has ever–or will ever–exist, the name we have longed to be called without even knowing it.

God remembers you and sees your worth even when no one else does. Even on the days when it feels like the entire world has left you. You are not alone. We have so much to look forward to, but for now, let’s go out and help others feel remembered too. ❤

Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who is victorious, I will give some of the hidden manna. I will also give that person a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to the one who receives it.

Revelation 2:17

Fading Into Glory

Encouragement when the journey is difficult. ❤

After making a full 360 around my room, I determined a full redecoration process was in store for these dingy walls. I grimaced as I peeled off old drawings, photos, and cutouts.

While deciding what could be salvaged, I realized everything framed with construction paper had become faded. Through heavy exposure to the sunlight, I couldn’t tell a red paper from a green. They all were stripped down to their original color.

Sometimes, it feels like our transformation process is a little like this. We were created to be natural and authentic images of God, and yet the world dips us in distinguishing colors that separate us into groups, even when we’re all molded after the same Creator.

As we learn to follow Jesus, the ultimate Light, we are stripped back down to who we are meant to be. This process can be messy and ugly and broken. Many people won’t understand why we choose to go through it when we may outwardly appear more beautiful or comfortable without changing.

And yet change, as painful as it is, must happen if we want to be anything like Christ. We physically cannot grow without setting aside our own humanly inclinations in order to have a trusting relationship with Him.

Today, you may be feeling discouraged, wondering if you will ever blossom into your purpose or become like Jesus. You are not a failure for feeling behind or making mistakes–that’s all part of the process. Jesus never said that following Him would be easy, but He did promise that you will never do it alone. ❤

{Jesus said} “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

Close to God’s Heart

Encouragement for when you feel alone ❤

I’m a self-proclaimed awkward hugger. I enjoy hugs, but I think the hardest thing about them is knowing when to let go. The quick side-hugs are the easiest, yet least impactful. Then there are the ones that seem to never end, and always result in a weird back-patting situation.

There are two long hugs that I will likely always remember vividly. The first was saying goodbye to a (very good) hugger friend of mine who wasn’t ready to let go. So we stood there, embraced, and I knew it was an excuse for her to not move forward. As hard as it was, I had to release her.

Then there was a night when I was the one who needed comforting, the one not ready to be set free. Overwhelmed and in tears, I was a glob in the arms of my very gracious friend who eventually sat me down in a chair so that I could collect myself.

What I’ll remember about these events are the love and affection shared within my relationships, but the bond eventually had to be broken, at least physically. There’s no way you can just stay in that posture forever.

And yet, there’s a little piece inside that grows cold when the hug is over. When you feel all alone again. Inevitable, right?

Well, maybe not.

God, being the definition of love itself, is able to hold us close without ever letting go. But God is also capable of moving forward with us, prompting us to grow in the ways we are meant to in order to become the people He created us to be. Yet this transformation doesn’t happen independently. God doesn’t give us a pat on the back and walk away.

No, God will be holding us close through the whole process. That is how we can have peace in the midst of challenging, even heart-breaking situations.

Tonight, whether you feel alone or stuck or confused, I hope you can rest in the knowledge that God loves you so much and is holding you close to His heart. He won’t ever let you go. ❤

And He has raised up for His people a horn, the praise of all His faithful servants of Israel, the people close to His heart.

Praise the Lord.

Psalm 148:14

Appreciating Each Other

A pressing reminder when we are tempted to take others for granted.

For many, a story is a story by the way everything gets wrapped up all nice and pretty, like a Christmas present. The characters are happy by the end, fully changed, incapable of any further harm. We are satisfied.

But in life, we don’t often get closure, do we? We say goodbye without even knowing it. We walk past someone for the last time without a second thought. We think we are friends until we’re not.

Recently, I’ve been reminded of the bitter truth that we never know how long we’re going to have with someone.

Why would God allow that?

Honestly, I don’t know. In the wake of a sudden loss, an unexpected diagnosis, and/or division among those once close, it can be hard to make sense of God’s greater plan within all of it.

My best guess is that we are more motivated to be kind and grateful to those in our lives when we remember that we aren’t in control of how long we’ll have them around.

In Mere Christianity, C.S. Lewis remarks that, by being made in the image of God, the next closest thing to be with God Himself is when we are among other humans. Now did that put a spin on the way I saw the people who annoy me!

We aren’t perfect and we shouldn’t beat ourselves up over being irritated at people or needing alone time. But we should always hold these things close to our hearts when we interact with people.

We really don’t know when the last time will be. We don’t know the full story. We just know that God has placed His creation in our lives for a time, and we can choose to be blessed by them.

Today, I challenge us both to look at the people in our lives with new appreciation. When was the last time you told your loved ones how much they mean to you? Have you seen the people in your life as a gift, rather than a burden?

Going further, to the people who you don’t agree with or rub you the wrong way, how can you still appreciate them? You might think you want them out of your life, and that time may come, but perhaps there is a reason why they are here now.

You are loved and treasured, no matter if others recognize it or not. If no one has taken the time to appreciate you today, I will. You are God’s special creation, designed for incredible things. It is not to late for you to heal and flourish. ❤

Therefore since we are God’s offspring, we should not think that the divine being is like gold or silver or stone—an image made by human design and skill.

Acts 17:29

Exchanging Disappointment for Joy

Does disappointment cause you to doubt God’s purpose for your life?

This weekend, I was supposed to go on a retreat about finding God’s presence.

I was so ready for the retreat, too. Mostly just wanting an escape from the humdrum of normal life, burned out by my responsibilities, and eager for a change in scenery. Every day that I was tired or weary, I reminded myself that I’d have a break soon enough.

So then, when it got cancelled, I was puzzled by what God was doing. Surprisingly, I was less disappointed than I had anticipated, which may have been God’s clue that He still had plans for me this weekend.

The things I had longed for were inspiration, rest, appreciation for God’s creation, and connection with others.

And instead of bringing me to a conference center, God gave me inspiration through a movie night with family. He gave me rest by allowing me to have generous bosses who still let me have the weekend off. He gave me appreciation for His creation through the gorgeous sunset I experienced while driving home last night.

And most of all, God showed me how interwoven His presence is within our relationships with others.

I thought I had to take a break from people in order to experience God, but instead I spent all day yesterday going from one person to the next.

But the difference between that and my everyday encounters was that I went into those interactions with a willing heart. And that changed everything.

There is truly a season for everything. A season to reflect with God alone, and a season to extend the love God has given us to others. And maybe those two things can come together to create something even more beautiful.

Going broader than simply this weekend, I’ve been in a season where many of my expectations have been dashed. I’ve wondered where my dreams and desires fit into God’s greater plan for me. But this weekend, I’ve discovered something new.

It isn’t always about God’s plan or my plan or any sort of plan. It’s about taking things one step at a time and experiencing God’s presence through it all.

It’s about waiting for God with an open heart. It’s about connecting with others from a place of love and appreciation, as well as setting boundaries when we know we are agreeing to things out of obligation. It’s about opening the Bible without expecting a new game plan, and rather soaking in time with God.

Today, I hope you can exchange your disappointment for joy.

Things may not look the way you had hoped, but this is an opportunity for you to trust God more than ever. He will be with you through it all. ❤

 I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.

Luke 24:49

You Have Grown In Remarkable Ways

Do you feel like you haven’t made much progress recently?

Do you ever wish you were further ahead in the journey than you currently are? Perhaps you made a bucket list or a set of goals that have yet to be achieved. Or maybe someone’s critical comment continues to sting.

It’s important to look back and see who we were at different points in time. Ten years ago, one year ago, one month ago, even one day ago.

We are often told that looking back means we are living in the past, but I don’t see it that way when we do it to remind ourselves of how far we’ve come.

When we look back reflectively, we won’t want to be the same person we were back then. Instead, we can appreciate how we’ve already grown so much.

There are certainly things that God is still doing in you. Pruning the rough patches, adjusting your mindset.

But God has already done so much. You have already come so far.

As a photographer, I am reminded of how little changes make a great difference. When I find a picture that needs editing, a simple adjustment of light or shadows can make a huge difference.

I don’t make many large edits to most of my pictures, so when I’m through, it can feel like I barely did anything to improve the photo.

Yet when I compare the original to the transformed version, I see how much clearer the beauty is in the new photo. All the distractions are removed and the beauty that was always there is finally revealed.

You have always been beautiful. You have always been God’s treasured creation.

But as you continue to grow, those innate qualities will be more and more clearly revealed.

Don’t give up. You are changing in remarkable ways. Even if you can’t see it now, it’s there. Don’t lose hope. ❤

And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.

2 Corinthians 3:18

Embrace, Not Tolerate

As disciples of Jesus, we are called to a higher form of love.

            These days, the nicest thing you can do for someone is tolerate them. We are told over and over again as we grow up that we need to create a world that is centered around inclusivity and tolerance. While I fully support inclusivity, I have a huge issue with the word “tolerance”.

            According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, when referring to relationships, the definition of tolerate is this: “To put up with.” Not to love, not to help, not to show empathy. Just to “put up with” them.

            If we want to follow Jesus’ example, toleration isn’t the way to respond. Jesus included people from all walks of life: little children, outcasts, disgraced individuals, and regular folks. He invited them all to the table, encouraging them to abandon the ways of the world and commit themselves to being His disciples.

            This wasn’t an easy invitation. It required sacrifice, diligence, and compassion, even for enemies. Yet this invitation is still extended to us today.

            Within that invitation, Jesus doesn’t ask us to mutter under our breath as we allow certain members of society into the hallways of our churches. He doesn’t tell us to force a smile and pretend like people haven’t done wrong. Jesus commands us to love one another as He has loved us.

            That means recognizing our faults, but looking past them to the heart of the real person inside, essentially unconditional love. A warm embrace after an epic mishap. A tender smile after an embarrassing moment. A gently worded piece of advice after we make the wrong choice.

            After being with Jesus, we are changed forever. We won’t want to sin anymore. We won’t want to be the same people we used to be. But that doesn’t come from Jesus denying our past lives or giving us angry reprimands. Instead, Jesus helps us to address the root of our pain and guides us on the path to deeper healing.

            So how can we extend similar love to others? While we don’t have the power of Jesus, we do have the Holy Spirit working inside us. If we listen and obey what the Holy Spirit tells us to do, whether that’s reaching out to an isolated person or volunteering to restore people’s lives, we will be able to see where our gifts are most needed.

            Most of all, we can let go of mere tolerance and instead warmly embrace the people God places in our lives, no matter what stage of life they are in. We can go one step further than putting up with people. We can point them to the grace and truth of Jesus Christ, the only one who can truly save them.

            Today, be intentional about how you interact with others. See where God might be calling you to more. And who knows? Your life may change forever too.

A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.

John 13:34-35

To the Person Who Needs to Let Go

The first of many letters to my faithful readers ❤

I’m starting a new series sharing journal entires I’ve written (either to myself, God, or others) that I believe will encourage you. Each post will be dedicated to the person who I best believe will benefit from these simple words. Hopefully that person is you today. ❤

Today’s journal entry comes from last August.

Dear You Who May Relate,

Recently I’ve been sad for many reasons, but a big one is the fear of letting go. I’m scared of letting go of people. I’m scared I won’t make new friends. I’m scared of leaving my job and I’m worried I won’t find a job as meaningful. I’m scared all my relationships will change.

But today, something I’ve been trying to repeat to myself finally clicked.

If I hold too tightly to the past, I’ll miss what’s coming. If I allow the past to dictate the present and future, then things won’t get better. But if I have hope for each brand new day, then I can finally experience true joy and rest. Maybe each new day is one step closer to meeting a new friend or mentor or achieving a dream?

What if–instead of dread–I can feel excited for the new season? Letting go is not abandoning others–it’s leaving room for joy and expectation of God’s promises.

And, as Hannah six months later, I can confirm that the road to this new season is rocky, but also lined with unexpected blessings and growth opportunities.

Hope is not lost–not for either of us. God has never (and will never) leave your side. You are not alone.

Love, Hannah ❤

What no eye has seen,
    what no ear has heard,
and what no human mind has conceived”—
    the things God has prepared for those who love him.

1 Corinthians 2:9

“Letting go” does not mean you’re giving up, it just means that after all this time, you are finally beginning to see even without the closure: You are worth the new beginning.

Morgan Harper Nichols

Never Too Late for Prayer

Is there ever a time when prayer won’t help?

I’ll admit it: I often underestimate the power of prayer.

When a tough situation comes up that I have no control over, I get upset that “all I can do” is pray, when in reality, prayer is the most powerful weapon we have against the brokenness in our world. Certainly we should take action when opportunity allows, but prayer should be our first priority.

This evening, my family said goodbye to an elderly family member over the phone. This side of my family hasn’t accepted Jesus, and at this point, it feels hopeless. What’s the point in praying for them when they are reaching the end of their lives? What can Jesus do when they can’t even talk or move anymore?

But something I must remind myself is that we should never underestimate the power of prayer. Jesus can do anything, right? Even turn a hopeless situation around.

But when things don’t go the way we pray, it’s easy to lose faith that prayer even works.

Jesus doesn’t promise us that our prayers will be answered the way we hoped, but He does promise that it will make a difference. Every prayer counts, even when it’s our last resort.

To our last breath, Jesus pursues us. If you are being faced with an impossible situation or a person you feel tired of praying for, remember that your efforts are helping. The Holy Spirit intercedes for us so that God hears our every prayer. He listens to us no matter what.

It’s never too late to pray. We never truly know all that Jesus is doing in the hearts of those we love. Remember: He loves them even more than we ever could. ❤

In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.

Romans 8:26-27