Text: Isaiah 43:1-3, Psalm 66:8-12, Deuteronomy 31:1-8
It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.”
– Deuteronomy 31:8, ESV
I’ll be honest. With everything in me today I want to respond to these scriptures and this incredible hymn on a joyful, super-tidy level. But every time I sit down to write—even in the in-between when I’m avoiding writing—I sense the Lord showing me something I’m not sure I want to see. He’s asking me to share something I’m not sure I want to share.
I don’t want to write about it because it’s so honest it hurts. It’s my sin and it’s ugly and who wants to air that out in public? But as I confess this to the Father, I feel Him nudging me to share some dark-but-now-forgiven parts of me with you, and I hope they may help you feel less alone and confident to repent, too.
The truth is, I have such a difficult time trusting people that my insecurity can be downright paralyzing. Just last week I spent two full days in a gridlock of fear—unable to function, unable to carry out any of my callings, just a mess of a puddle on the floor. (The opposite of free, you guys. The opposite of joyful.) I struggled with insecurity about the position He’s given me in She Reads Truth and as a writer, I felt ill-equipped to teach anyone anything about God’s precious Word, and I was absolutely terrified that somehow, some way, I would be betrayed or taken advantage of because I just didn’t know any better.
That’s a lot of honest for one paragraph. If it didn’t pain you to read it, it super pained me to write it. There are seasons when I carry a crippling fear of betrayal around like an old heavy suitcase strapped to my back, and it goes with me everywhere and keeps me from living life the way I’m called to live it. I’ve walked through a number of unspeakable betrayals as a child and as an adult, and I’m sure that’s a lot of why I struggle with this. I tried to tie a neat little bow around it for my husband just the other day, confidently summarizing that I can trust the Lord with abandon, it’s just people that make me crumble sometimes.
But you guys, it’s still fear. And when my worst case scenarios are played out in my head—or out loud for a friend—at the end of the game I’m never without my Jesus. So do I even really trust Him?
If I do trust God, then I have nothing to fear and I have every reason for joy. And the question “But what if I suffer?” instead becomes “What am I so afraid of?”
Charles Spurgeon says it this way:
“…if it shall come to pass that for Christ’s sake and the gospel’s you shall endure suffering in any shape, shrink not, but rejoice in the honour thus conferred upon you, that you are counted worthy to suffer with your Lord; and joy also in this – that your sufferings, your losses, and persecutions shall make you a platform, from which the more vigorously and with greater power you shall witness for Christ Jesus.”
We’re all a mess and we know it. We reason with each other that we trust God, we just don’t trust people—or vice versa. But our Savior lifts our lowered eyes to meet His and says, What are you so afraid of? I will not leave you or forsake you. That’s a promise.
HOW FIRM A FOUNDATION
Robert Keene, 18th century
How firm a foundation, ye saints of the Lord,
Is laid for your faith in His excellent Word!
What more can He say than to you He hath said,
You, who unto Jesus for refuge have fled?
In every condition, in sickness, in health;
In poverty’s vale, or abounding in wealth;
At home and abroad, on the land, on the sea,
As thy days may demand, shall thy strength ever be.
Fear not, I am with thee, O be not dismayed,
For I am thy God and will still give thee aid;
I’ll strengthen and help thee, and cause thee to stand
Upheld by My righteous, omnipotent hand.
When through the deep waters I call thee to go,
The rivers of woe shall not thee overflow;
For I will be with thee, thy troubles to bless,
And sanctify to thee thy deepest distress.
When through fiery trials thy pathways shall lie,
My grace, all sufficient, shall be thy supply;
The flame shall not hurt thee; I only design
Thy dross to consume, and thy gold to refine.
Even down to old age all My people shall prove
My sovereign, eternal, unchangeable love;
And when hoary hairs shall their temples adorn,
Like lambs they shall still in My bosom be borne.
The soul that on Jesus has leaned for repose,
I will not, I will not desert to its foes;
That soul, though all hell should endeavor to shake,
I’ll never, no never, no never forsake.
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325 thoughts on "How Firm a Foundation"
God, you are so good! I love you and thank you for being with me always. Help me not to fear or worry and help me to trust in you always. I love you!
We never need to fear the troubling thoughts and circumstances in our lives, for the Lord is always with us❤️
Sin is defined as missing the mark, and here it’s a lack of faith in God to still be good, even in suffering. We trust Him as we interact with humans. And that lack of trust usually, when it leads, keeps us from moving fully in the places He’s leading us to. Sometimes in full disobedience out of fear, sometimes he situation, but stagnation when He calls can still fall under the category of “missing the mark”. Just my thoughts
This one really was helpful this morning. I feel like just the reminder- what do I have to be afraid of?
It’s hard for me to think of trouble trusting as a sin, but I suppose it can weaken your faith in God.
And for the Writer of this lovely devotional of hymns; 1 Peter 5:9.
Resist him, firm in your Faith, knowing that the same kinds if suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. (ESV)
And for the Writer of this lovely devotional of hymns; 1 Peter 5:9.
1 Peter 2:20, 1 Peter 4:12-14.
I can relate to the writer. I try to have more faith than fear but often get crippled by my fears and worries as well. I really like the quote from Spurgeon. It is a good a reminder.
Build my house upon the Rock
God is greater than our fears and insecurities. People fail us- we fail ourselves, but Yahweh, Jesus, he is the firm foundation we rest our lives upon.
This one gave me a lot to think on. What areas of my life am I telling myself that I don’t trust things or people when in reality it means I’m not fully trusting God? I’ll be pondering on this one for a while!
Wow this devotional really spoke to me today! For the past years I’ve really struggled FULLY trusting God. In my mind I was convincing myself I was trusting him but when it came to action, I wanted all the control and only my outcomes. I talked with some people because I wanted to improve my trust in God and they said “all you’re needing is to face a challenge that brings you to the point where you have no other option but to trust God”.
Well few weeks later I got quarantined due to being in close contact with brother and mom who were positive for COVID. As I am quarantined right now at home I have a chance to slow down. I am forced to trust that God will keep me safe from sickness, trust that God will provide for my finances since I can’t work, and trust that there is a reason behind this lock down for me.
What is there to fear? With Christ… nothing.
I have struggled with an issue that was hurtful and damaging to me. It brought back every fear of being rejected and abandoned. I felt I had forgiven them (2 Pastor’s) but wanted them to say they were wrong. I asked our Father what was the struggle and how I can trust again. Will it happen again?
A reminder that it might happen again is good. But now I know I am not alone so I need not worry about it. I just need to remind myself: I am the daughter of the King. I am in Christ and Christ is in me. I am the light of the world. He has a job for me to do and I need to only focus on that ministry and on Him.
1Now this is what the Lord says —
the one who created you, Jacob,
and the one who formed you, Israel —
“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;
I have called you by your name; you are mine.
Your transparency is super encouraging to me. I struggle with insecurity and pray often for liberating truth and peace to rule my thoughts and emotions but it is a struggle. The scriptures you shared were just what I needed to read this morning! Thank you for speaking truth today! ❤️
I needed this today as I contemplate decisions about my approaching marriage. In particular during the COVID-19 pandemic, each option feels complicated and scary. I have felt paralyzed by the fear of all that could go wrong and the desire to make the “right” choice. I needed this reminder that God will be alongside me no matter what route I take, and he will always take care of me. I need not fear or be anxious. ❤️
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Such truth!! We all make mistakes and we all have to come to Jesus about it. We all have to cast out worries and fears on God.
What are we so afraid of? I’m afraid of my family getting hurt… it’s hard to let go of your fears and give them to God.
This was a lesson I think everyone should read in this awful pandemic
I feel the Lord compelling me to say/clarify as he had to remind me of this today as well:
Trust. It can be a complicated thing.
The word of God says over and over again to not put our trust IN man… but to TRUST IN GOD and DO NOT FEAR.
Human trust must be earned. We can trust people, but don’t trust IN them for our hope and peace and comfort.
I’m not going to blindly trust a stranger with my kids, or trust someone immediately who hurt me (I can forgive though!). Trust must be gained.
Trust God = no fear / no anxiety
So we can live at peace with others, use wisdom with strangers and trust those we love. We just don’t need to live with fear and anxiety about the other person. ❤️
The verse;
For I will be with thee, thy troubles to bless, and sanctify
To thee thy deepest distress.
How gracious out Lord that our troubles He’ll bless and sanctify us . Thank you Jesus
Does anyone else just sit down at the end of these devotions and sing though the entire song? I love that.
Such an important reminder during these troubling times. Deuteronomy passage is not one that often comes to mind, but thank you God for guiding you to write about it.
Hope you are keeping safe, this spoke to my soul too in these times
Wow. This spoke directly to my soul. Lord knows I struggle trusting both Him and people.
So proud of you for conquering those fears!!!! Praying for an amazing journey!
This struck me in a way I honestly can’t explain
These honest words are what I needed to hear this morning. Thank You.
Praying ❤️
Doesn’t this remind you of paralyzed by nf?!?
This helped me understand that I can be vulnerable with my fears and worries. I’m going to be very real with you all… this coming week my husband and I are taking a trip to get some intense and much needed counseling. It’s going to be heavy and hard. I’m not proud of my past and it’s going to be talked about. I have SO much fear in my heart. It’s paralyzing. I know that we need to do this for the health of our marriage. But I want to ask….ladies, would you please pray for me? I am daily encouraged by the devotions I’ve been reading on this application. It would be an even greater comfort to know that you, though strangers, are praying for me. You are my sisters in Christ. Thank you for not being afraid to use this platform. JENNY HOLLAND – I just want to say that I don’t know you but I know God can use you in amazing ways to glorify himself. Let him speak through you. It makes a difference. Much love all. Hope to hear from some of you. And if not, He is still good.
Similar boat here. Praying for you and your husband.
Read your honest post and wanted you to know I am still praying for you. God goes before you both to win this war – for your battle is not against flesh and bone but against rulers of evil in this world. May you find unity and progress and peace as you lean on His word and His faithfulness ❤️
Michaela bratcher can you give an update on your trip?
Michaela, you are a daughter of the one true king! I know it is easier said than to believe, but you are free and your Heavenly Father want you to live is the fullness of that freedom. I too come from a dark, disturbing past and there are times it has crippled my relationship with my husband. BUT THERE IS A LIVING HOPE! I pray that your trip helped to to grasp this freedom and joy that is given to you through Jesus Christ.
I can’t tell you how often I find myself paralyzed by my anxiety or by my fears of what’s to come. I know He will never leave me, but sometimes it’s just so hard to see the bigger picture.
I struggle with anxiety and let me tell ya, it sucks. I’m constantly feeling like I’m paralyzed. But He is our firm foundation, and no matter what, He is who I trust.
So beautiful and vulnerable. Thankful for your trust in Him to write this so it can change our hearts, as well.
Such a great truth! Putting our guard up and not trusting people seems like the right decision at first but then we end up paralyzed and alone. We can put our faith in God because he cares for us.
When we feel discouraged then we may think that God is not for us. However as Charles Spurgeon says, our suffering can reveal Jesus !
God will never leave us. amen -ellie
Having read how the victorious journey into the promised land ends for the Israelites, it is easy for us to forget that they were weak people, living in tents. There was every worldly reason for them to be afraid, and yet the Lord their God has fed them and clothed them and led them as a pillar of fire and cloud, and moreover given them their promise and assurance that He would be with them. We have received the same promise, that Christ would be with us to the very end of the age, may we also expect great things as we press on and eagerly await His deliverance!
God really spoke to me when I was reading this. My life has been what I like to call robotic here lately. Get up go, come home, got to bed. Living without meaning. I’m trying to get passed it because I don’t want to live this way. I get so overwhelmed with life just like everyone else that I begin to fear. I fear so much that I mentally break down. I start caving in. My anxiety skyrockets and I socially become detached from everyone. Pushing away my loved ones and hurting them….basically this devotional reminded me to quit being so scared. That I am protected by the one who is really in control of everything. And that he loves me.
I remember the days of drowning in fear and anxiety like it was yesterday. Still sometimes it hits me like a ton of bricks. But then one day I was getting up to lead worship in front of the church and I stumbled across this scripture.. a scripture my dad had probably said to me daily.. maybe a couple times a day.. this was the first time it had become real to me.. the first time I didn’t roll my eyes and say “you just don’t get it dad”.. the first time I felt freedom. Phil 4:6-7 (I believe that’s right) “be anxious for nothing but in everything with prayer and thanksgiving, let your request be made known so the peace of God which surpasseth all understanding will guard your hearts and mind in Christ Jesus.” I read it that day before going up tonlead worship and it clicked! It finally clicked!!! I can CHOOSE not to be anxious!!! Why?? Cuz I can CHOOSE to trust my God and know that even though I only see a small part of the parade he sees the whole thing happening at once beginning to end. So I can put up my petitions and my desires and follow him with everything I’ve got and then rest in his peace knowing it will work out for my best interest and his glory. Will I still suffer at times? I’m sure.. but it will just be a reminder of Gods grace and his peace he so freely extends. Thank you Lord. :)
This really spoke to me today…I’ve just been struggling in this season of my life with trying to find satisfaction in my work instead of God, therefore finding my worth in it. This has made me so fearful of “messing up” that I zero in on this instead of how God can use bad situations to show his glory. Thank you so much for sharing; this just really inspired me before going to school and getting the day started! He is good!
I have struggled with paralyzing fear too and I just read psalms over and over again. Isaiah is my favorite book of the Bible for that reason. My life verses is Psalm 27:1. Thank you so much for your honesty.
This is exactly what I’ve been struggling with too. Trying to trust God because everything has been going wrong this year. It’s been a fight to know he will never leave me nor forsake me and he has the best in mind, but I know it’s true.
Thank you for sharing…this is a huge struggle for me and I tend to forget to often that God will not leave or abandon me!
You sound just like me. I battle with this a lot.
I needed this. Explains exactly how I feel
I had to speak on this EXACT topic last Sunday and admit that I’ve been struggling with anxiety and depression after my beautiful first born was born. Such a beautiful and painful testimony! Needed this read.
Ugh I needed this. At a crazy time of my life right now. But whom or what shall I fear? No one and nothing.
Just trying to see if I can format comments on here..
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I’m crying, it is so beautiful, and true
Loved it!
I too struggle with trusting other people. Thanks for this
It’s so amazing that God provided just the words I needed to hear today through this devotion. Just last I actually searched through the Bible to find those instances where “courage” is mentioned, and Deut 31:6 came up. I love this passage and everything that it has to say- God is always ahead, while always being right there with us in the struggle. I have been struggling with anxiety on a daily basis and am clinging to the hope that I have in the Lord. He goes ahead. He knows the way. Amen
I pray that your anxiety would be taken from you by the love and sweetness of Jesus. Anxiety is such a hard thing the Carey with you each day. I have felt with it recently too. I love to listen to worship music and dwell on the truths of Jesus to help push aside my anxiety.
AMAZING devotion
Wow, you were brave to share that.
Awesome!! I do know how you feel. Being betrayed by so many people that should always be there for me. I found it difficult to trust in God completely, I kept telling myself that he’ll let me down to. But he proves himself to my all the time. I don’t constantly worry!! Thank you for the message
Our God, a firm foundation, our rock the only solid ground
For I will be with thee, thy troubles to bless, and sanctify to thee thy deepest distress.
Wow! I needed this. God is with me. Through it all he is with me.
I find myself so frequently in fear of failure, fear of suffering. God is always with me, I should not worry, he has put me in this place, at this time for his glory. Thank you for this message!
Since giving birth to our firstborn 9 m ago, my husband has been so patient with me on this very long journey of recovery. I have been struggling for quite some time now with what some might call postpartum depression . I have felt insecure like never before and I have lived in fear for what seems like forever now. I am so thankful for you sharing this message today, The Holy Spirit is working In me this morning in some mighty ways. It is so comforting to be able to trust God and his promises. This morning I am so thankful for another breath and revival that is happening in my heart and the hearts of others. Thank you Lord for allowing me to walk by faith and not by sight. Thank you for your all consuming love! Thank you for providing us with the strength to move from a place of fear, insecurities , and doubt, to a place of complete trust in you. Thank you Lord for the Joy you have given to me through your word and through the voices and spirit of all of these wonderful women!
I had post partum depression after a complicated delivery, that was further complicated by 10 months of post delivery medical problems. The depression lasted longer than the cesarean discomfort, the cerebral edema, the seizures. The physical stuff I could accept, but I found my inability to feel happy (feel anything) unforgivable. Things that helped me greatly; find someone to talk to honestly and regularly, who you can call at any hour, should a crisis develop. Exercise, outside in the sun, daily. Find a scripture based, supportive devotional and read the daily offerings. Post partum depression IS physical and hormone driven. You will get through this.
Lord help me to let go of my fears that hold me back from not serving you fully. My fears are selfish and ugly and they have no part in my walk with you. I want to trust you without abandon but I have to let go of these fears first. The fear of not always being right, the fear of rejection, the fear of failure, the fear of not seeming perfect to others. These are all horrible ugly fears that I want to release.
Thank you for sharing your heart. I needed this today.
Thank you so much for showing me how to be honest and vulnerable! I needed these words today as I am struggling with exhausted and overworking myself! I needed to find rest in Christ but I am so busy I hardly even have time for him but I made time this morning and this really helped! Thank you God for Raechel for she has brought truth to my eyes !
I needed this truth today. Thank you, Raechel, for being so honest and vulnerable.
I need these words everyday…. Thank you
You have no idea how much I needed to read that today! totoday.
Thank you so much for your honesty! I too suffer from fear of betrayal and become extremely insecure! Your post was so encouraging! God Bless!
Dear Lord, Give me the strength to do Your will. You know I live in fear of rejection – please quench my fears. Remind me and show me You’ll never reject me. I am Yours. Amen.
I’m a sinner. Plain and simple. And I’ve been trying to get back into the right track for a while now. I always have this alarm set to go off every day to remind me to at least do a small devotional, but lately, I’ve even been slacking with that.
Recently I’ve been having major issues with trust that stem from things I have experienced since being a child, and those issues are making my current relationship rocky. Today, I actually opened up this app when my alarm went off, and this was the next lesson that I had left off at. This is exactly what I’ve been needing, but putting off for so long.
It’s crazy how got puts things in your path just when you need them.
I am sitting here feeling the same way… I have been struggling with some deep seeded fears and insecurities. Almost did not read this app today and then felt like I was supposed to, and there- such nuggets of truth God had waiting for me to grasp onto! I just love Him. He knows just what we need and offers it to us so freely! He is the best :) and so worthy of my trust.
What a great way to start off the new year “How firm a foundation” my prayer is that my foundation be found in Jesus alone this year. That I not try and put on others what only Jesus can do and has done for me.
I so needed to read this. I’m going through the same trials and struggles and was not able to articulate it this well. God is good. Thank you!!!
Every word that is written, I feel like it’s me. Awesomeness!
Thank you ❤️
This is exactly what I was feeling! Laying in my bed trying to not let myself go there! I don’t know if the writer reads these but I sure hope you know that you wrote my heart out as I wasn’t able to express the rehabilitating emotions and insecurities that crippled me today. Thank you for allowing yourself to be vulnerable enough to be used to pull me out of this yuck!
WHAT ARE YOU SO AFRAID OF? failure. Yet I’ve failed out of fear.
God give me wisdom to know what it truly means to trust in you so, that you will become my solid foundation.
I love how you answered the question…isn’t that the truth! Thank you for your insight.
I have felt close to the same thing when I was young because I felt everyone always seemed to betray me or leave me completely but i now that God has always been there for me there’s no need to be afraid
This was a great reminder for me. My husband and I have become more involved politically and it is honestly hard on me and causes a lot of fear as I pay more attention to everything going on in our world.
The Isaiah 41 passage is just what I needed to read in the instance I opened this app. I’m so glad that the Lord can use people I don’t even know to remind me that he has redeemed me and I have no need to fear because he will never abandon me.
This is a great reminder for everyone, no matter what it is that makes them afraid!
Thank you, Rachael, for your honesty. You, God’s Word, this hymn have all given me courage today to face my inner fears and know that I have a firm foundation. It’s nice to know that I can be a mess inside and still be secure. Again, thank you, Rachael!
F: Fallen response.
E: Enters uninvited.
A: All consuming.
R: Requires a Redeemer!
That’s a really great way to think about that.
Thank you for being honest and sharing your struggles! We’ve all been there.
I recently watched the special on the Pope anticipating his U.S. visit. His message of “Be Courageous” really struck a chord with me, as did this reading. I struggle helping others. It is something I have always done, but recently do not find the time to do. I see so much injustice and need, but I fear speaking up or standing up to help. I hope to no longer be afraid to help others or stand up for others. I will be COURAGEOUS as He would want me to. x
This is too close to home today but in a good way. The Lord knows when things need to be revealed unto us and I got a taste of that just now while reading this. Today was one of those days where I felt stressed, alone, and very lost. But I’m not alone in my suffering or I don’t have to be, because if I would have called out to God today he would of been there. He was listening waiting for me but I was too worried about my own things when I should have been talking about my problems with my redeemer because he’s the only one who can make me feel whole. I needed this tonight and I’m so thankful for my father. Thank you for loving me Lord even when I don’t feel like I deserve your love.
This hit a deep nerve. Oh my. Struggling and struggling when all along I’m coming to realize it’s simply fear. What a sin- fear. I want to take this and run with it but the other verse that’s been tugging on my heart lately is proverbs 4:23 “above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it” How do I be strong and courageous and have no fear but still guard my heart??!??!
Oh wow, that’s a good question. I guess it depends what you’re guarding your heart from? Maybe from building up walls and castles and storehouses on earth, that we think we can depend on, but can’t? Guard your heart against becoming so entrenched in the world that we forget to hand our hearts willingly over to our father, who will protect them for us and who will fill our hearts with his love? Just my two cents :) but incredibly profound question. I’ll be pondering this one myself.
Going through tough times right now & it makes me feel more secure reading these words again about my savior. He is in control, I don’t need to be and that takes the pressure off and the fear disappears like smoke! Thank you for this reading it has helped me to remember how big my God is!
As I read this, I kept thinking about finding a new church- I just moved to a new state so I must find a church. When it’s time for me to go, I get physically sick, most times with a migraine. I know I can overcome it but I just can’t make myself do it. I need to remember to trust Him and to know that He will help me through and in the end, I will find that church that God has for me!
Thank you for overcoming your fear and writing this powerful and beautiful message. I needed to hear this today.
I have a question: I have friends at school who aren’t Christians, but they are still my friends, I’ve known them forever and I can be myself and open around them. And then I have these amazing friends at youth group, but I feel like I don’t have that same connection with them as my school friends. I really want to be good friends with them as I am with my other friends, but I’m not the same around them, I’m shy and don’t know what to talk about ever! I just don’t know what to do, I want so bad to be close friends with them, but I don’t know how…:(
Have you invited any of them to do something outside of youth group with you? I know that can sound like a scary thing to do, but it doesn’t have to be everyone one at once. Perhaps if there’s one person there you are more comfortable around that would be a good place to start. See what you might have in common and go from there. I will be praying for you about this, my dear.
Hi Mackenzie, I think the most valuable thing I have ever learned is to seek to understand before being understood. Your sweet shy sensitive spirit may be exactly what one of your church friends is in need of to grow, and when they realize they can be themselves with you, I think they’ll be able to extend a genuine desire to meet you where you are as well. I definitely agree that you should ask to hang out with one of them outside of church. I thrive in one-on-one conversations and believe that people are most true when they know they are speaking in confidence.
i love this. i love her courage to challenge herself and admit that her trust in the Lord isn’t quite 100%. i pray you and i would find the same courage and humility!
I’m obviously behind in starting this plan, but the honesty in it was probably my favorite. I’ve been dealing with similar fears and the words “what’s there to be afraid of” has truly struck a cord in my heart. I pray to be so honest in my own life that I would allow the Lords healing power to make those words a reminder to me when I fear and want to retreat back to my fears.
I’m in tears from reading this. It is the work of the Holy Spirit, that I would decide to start this series just in time to read this specific reading on this specific day. Praising God for the sweet reminder that He is with me always, and that I have NOTHING to fear. I pray so earnestly that I can apply this in my life.
This is the perfect lesson for my situation, I’m so scared of ” What I am” or “What I’m meant to be”. This helped me understand how to be patient and let God take control. Thank you for everything and all the writings you do. It is much appreciated.
This hit me square in the chest, and I can’t shake it. I’m just lying in bed asking myself over and over, “What are you so afraid of? What are you so afraid of? What. Are. You. So. Afraid. Of.”
This one hit home. I’m in a situation and I don’t know if my husband and I will have jobs or a home in September. I am trying to trust God with everything but, truth is, I am so afraid. This was a reminder that, instead of being afraid, I can find joy in knowing that God will never forsake me even if all hell tries to shake me. I needed to hear that tonight.
Wonderful hymn! Can’t stop craving the Lord!
This devotion and hymn spoke such hope into my life! I am that girl that struggles with trusting God and people, and too often I let it consume and cripple me. I am so encouraged and reminded that I am His and therefore ultimately safe in His arms!!
Part of my notes:
He uses these fires and approaching waters to draw us to himself. But it will hurt or overtake because the lords grace is my supply and he is using that fire to refine me like GOLD.
Amen!!
Beautiful hymn, sensitive & honest commentary. Much needed vulnerability. Only God can heal some of our wounds. He is a “firm foundation “.
I needed this so much today. My 3 month old is sick and in between wondering if I should take him back to the ER and sleepless nights holding him upright while he sleeps so he can breathe, I’ve been so crippled by fear and anxiety. Jesus loves my baby so much more than I ever could, and he promises to take care of us! So much peace.
This was such a needed devotion for me right now. I just applied for internships and after applying for many, I did not get an offer. I am now adding a double major and will retry again but I was not fully trusting God with my future and had many doubts. I had been very discouraged and felt like I had failed. Reading these verses reminded me that God has gone before me and he knows the trails I will go through, but He is also holding me through those times until I can get back on my feet again!
Thank you for these incredible words and your transparency!
This entire reading. So incredibly good. I needed this today. xo.
I fear failing all the time. And because of that, I don’t usually try anything in my life. This week I tried something with all my heart and failed. It hurts so bad. I feel I am bad at something I love doing which is teaching. I am pretty sad. It’s easier to accept that I’m just a failure. It’s easier to accept what the accusations in my head say about me and settle with the crumbles. I need Jesus. I need courage to try again. Try until I succed.
God was serious about courage and repeated and repeated that command. I will keep it as a reminder that following Him, keeping His commandments, doing His work, takes copious amounts of COURAGE!!!!
Thank you for sharing! This is something we all struggle with. Something I like to remember and recall is that God didn’t give us a spirit of fear (2 Timothy 1:7).
i appreciate your openess to us. Tha k you:)
I have such a difficult time trusting people too! Th a k you for your transparency and honesty!
I have struggled with this fear and insecurity this week. I literally found myself on the floor curled up feeling so inadequate. It’s so relieving to know I’ve not been the only one. God has been pulling me through this and allowing me to see where I’ve been believing lies about who I am and who my God is. These Hymn studies have been exactly what I’ve needed to hear at the right time. It’s so encouraging to see God’s faithfulness to speak worth over my life through the authenticity of other women. He has not given us a spirit of fear, but of love, power and if a sound mind.
This is me too. Fear dominates my life and I have always struggled with it. Thank you so much for sharing this, I really needed this!
This is just what I needed to hear. Thank you for sharing!
Thank you so much for your courageous truth-sharing. Insecurities have stopped me from fully believing that God’s plan for my life is perfect, but your reminder of his faithfulness has helped me so much. You are a beautiful writer, and I will be praying for you sister. Deuteronomy 31:8. Such a powerful piece of scripture to remember. Thank you.
I needed this. Currently fearful of a person I mistrust. Really need to trust God.
You should not be insecure, this post spoke to myself and so many others, thank you God for guiding this woman to write this
I needed this today. I struggle with insecurity, fear, and even depression from time-to-time. “My grace, all-sufficient, shall be thy supply.” Thank you for the uplifting devotional; no matter what happens, God is always with me, and his grace will sustain me.
I loved this post. I struggle with the exact same thing and come up with the exact same excuses that I trust God, just not people. This has been very encouraging to me. Thank you!
This was exactly what I needed tonight, not even for myself but for my best friend. Being strong and courageous in her situation is hard, and Deuteronomy 31:6 was the perfect evidence of how God is amazing. She needs that strength and courage and from sharing this post I hope to show her how far she can come by sharing. Thank you!!
Brooke- I loved your post because I, too, am a grad student going through some of the toughest days of my life in regards to trusting the Lord that He has me here for a purpose. Struggling major with anxiety about finishing my thesis and then what the future holds. I’m losing faith in myself and instead of running to God I cope with instant gratifications. Your positive outlook on your own situation encourages me and gives me hope. Thank you.
I needed to hear these words so badly! My fiancé has had a rough go about finding a full time job before we get married in January. He’s fresh out of college and I am in graduate school. As of late, he was just accepted into grad school for sports management and we are waiting to see if he will be able to find a GA position, which is sorely needed. We also just found out about a position in his hometown that may open up, but it is not certain and we have little time to wait before he makes a decision. I’ve never needed to trust God more in my life, and being a “control freak” this has been very difficult. But I’m finding joy in the unknown and I have to have faith that God has a plan. I will not fear! :)
This brings to mind the song What Are You Afraid Of by Kerrie Roberts.
Your honesty is a blessing—to see how our hearts mimic the same torment from former betrayals made it hard for me to even read this…distrust (or fear) is my constant bail bond that I hand over to the LORD, instead of answering Him with love and trust. I’m praying for you, sister! Thank you so much for your encouragement, it is exactly what I needed this morning!
Wow! My favorite hymn so far!! I love it!!
Thanks for being so open with this community- rest assured a little openness goes a very long way. Loving reading your stuff all the way over here in Australia- it’s a very treasured part of my day xoxo
I struggle with the same fear and doubt. My husband just answered his call to be a pastor and I’ve got nothing but thoughts like darts coming at me saying I can’t do it. This is what I needed to read today. Thank you for sharing, I know how hard it is to share something like that
My husband just began seminary as well and I constantly feel unworthy of being a pastor’s wife. I feel that the “hat” I’ll have to wear won’t fit me. I am trying to continue to remind myself that while God is teaching my husband, he is also equipping me with exactly what I need to be His daughter. Not the wife of a pastor, or well dressed or light spoken(because goodness knows I am not that) or perfect, just the daughter He has made me. It still shocks me that God would call a sinner like me with a past as smudged and filthy and awful as mine to be in any leadership position. I am often gripped with fear. I will pray for you and your husband as you obey God’s calling. You are not alone. He is with you. He is molding you and your husband to be exactly what He wants you to be for exactly the right church or congregation. And the best part is that even if we fail, He will not and we are on His team. The winning team.
Dear God please allow me to not fear but have complete trust in you. Allow me to not fear what people think of me or what my future holds! Allow me to put all my trust in you
This was super inspirational. Exactly what I’ve been needing to hear. For me it’s hard to know I’ll be okay if I put it all in Gods hands, although I know at the end, I’ll be blessed and kept safe. I don’t understand why I worry so much for my future, although I say it’s all up to God and that I’m not worried. But I am. This strengthened my testimony by letting me see how I need to change my perspective when I question Him, how I need to actually give it all to him, not just 99.9%
This is exactly what I needed to read today. Thank you for being real and honest! God is asking me to do that with my blog and reading this is giving me the courage to follow through. God bless.
Unspeakable sins against us are not our fault. Yet, they are burdensome to us and sometimes cause mental health issues, which are still stigmatized. You are right to be afraid (and dare I say fear judgment). However, what is the greater good? It is taking care of your spiritual and mental health. Moreover, putting yourself out there you make yourself a beacon of hope to those who can relate. You lead by example banishing stifling and punitive judgment that sets up a road block towards inner peace. God wants you to be brave and do what’s best for yourself and others. You have a calling. You have purpose. Hugs, my friend in Christ.
Thanks for answering God’s difficult call to share your sin, which of course is forgiven and forgotten by our loving God. It helped me today with my struggle of trying to please people.
Such a wonderful hymn! I love that last line “that soul, though all hell has endeavored to shake/ I’ll never , no never, no never forsake”
But our Savior lifts our lowered eyes to meet His and says, What are you so afraid of? I will not leave you or forsake you. That’s a promise. I just imagine how we take our kids’ chins & look them in the eye.
I loved this. Good to know you are human and messy like me!
I needed this today. ❤️
Thank you for sharing your heart!
This was absolutely perfect. Thank you for sharing your heart <3
reread this one today it was exactly what I needed to hear this morning
This was much needed today. So thankful to have been led to read this devotional.
You can not begin to imagine how much I needed to read this today. Thank you for your honest heart! So many times I feel like nobody gets how scared I am of everything! This blessed my heart in a big way. Thank you.
…Hope and something else wld happen. I needed this!
Amen and Amen!! Praise be to God, who knows and hears my thoughts before I speak them or tell Him audibly!! There has been one thing after the other that has been happening one right after the other and I’ve felt so lost. I wld get a glimpse of h
So relatable and just want I needed to hear. If you guys could pray for me- I have a presentation to give in one of my classes tomorrow. I struggle with some public speaking anxiety so prayers are so greatly appreciated!
Sometimes trusting in our deepest personal fears, because they are what we have always known, keeps us unfocused on what the real truth is: that who we are in Christ IS what He longs for us the most…set free to walk out of those personal fears knowing our foundation of faith (as a Child of God) , will lead us steadfastly in the place of being an Overcomer..
I don’t think being afraid is a sin…
Yeah I struggle with this too, Beth. I think that being afraid is normal and unavoidable, but when I let my fear get in the way of seeking God, that is sin. For me, I sometimes let my fear turn into doubts, which I know offends the God that will never forsake me.
I can’t believe how extraordinary God is! Never have I ever needed to hear this more than I needed to today. So many things have happened in the past week that have caused me to lose sight of God and to forget that he never leaves me. thank you for writing and praise the Lord who has “brought us to a place of abundance!”
I love that last stanza! The writer wrote with unshakeable conviction.
Just what I needed to hear..
Over my short 26 years, I have become very distrustful of the local church. I have seen and experienced way too much ugliness, pain, and corruption within her walls and my fear of being betrayed and hurt (yet, again) has left me paralyzed when it comes to living in community. In this season, I am relinquishing control and handing it all over to my Jesus and asking Him to provide me with the strength, courage, and grace for each interaction with His bride as I step forward in obedience and faithfulness. I want to live in His power and love when it comes to learning how to trust and live authentically with His people and the only way to do that is to stand on the foundation of forgiveness and restoration that He has established.
I relate to this Alle! My husband is a pastor and I struggle with the same fear and unforgiveness. About two years ago the Lord asked me to follow him to a community of believers I had avoided. “The truth is we’re all a mess” has left my lips more than I can recall in the last two years. The Lord has brought so much love to me as a result of my obedience in this. I say all this to say, you are not alone. And we’re all a mess.
I know how you feel. I have also been hurt. I still attend church, but I am still afraid to commit to the the new church because I am afraid it will turn out like the last one. My trust is not where it needs to be for the church or God, but I am working on it diligently Thank you for sharing. My view had gotten better in the past years. I pray yours will too.
The words you wrote are my own words. I’ve struggled with trusting people for many years, and never looked at it from a spiritual standpoint until now.
Thank you for being honest. Brokenness can be beautiful.
I was chatting with a friend yesterday and said to her “why am I such a control freak?”. I realized I need to let go and let God. This message spoke to me this morning because I like to think I can control my own life, but when I let go I see that God has an even better plan. I need to stop being the planner and let God guide me daily. He has commanded us to be strong and courageous – to not be fearful or dismayed. He is in control and he keeps us strong!
Right there with you, Miffy!
I also struggle with anxiety and fear and feel so paralyzed some times. This was such a great reminder to trust in Jesus and his promises to overcome my fear.
I love the transparency of this. I, like so many of you, fight the same battles. My sins and past sins make me fear that I will never be the follower or leader I feel Christ calling me out to be. I fear many different things. and I need to learn to lean more on Him, not myself.
This is so applicable to my life, it’s funny! I read the first bolded line and laughed! Doesn’t matter how many times God gives me exactly what I need when I need it, it never ceases to surprise me. He is truly great!
Being a college student, and one that just transferred to a new school in my Junior year making it so I have longer to go and know no one, being paralyzed by fear has been a really hard reality that I hadn’t had to deal with in a while until now.
It’s amazing to know that I have a God who loves me, called me according to his purpose and cherishes me through the fear, and still cares about me enough to show me this post this morning along with other women of God dealing with it too. It’s so nice to know that not only am I not alone in this world and also that I have a God who cares and loves me through my fear and trust issues and is gentle with me as we walk through this together. He is able.
Blessings to you all.
We have the same name & they’re spelled alike!!
I really liked when she says “if I do trust God then it have nothing to fear and I have every reason for joy”
Thank you for letting me know I’m not the only one crippled by fear.
Once again I headed off to college today, leaving my broken home without me there to try to put things back together. The past couple of nights had been really hard for me because I felt so abandoned and unworthy of anyone’s love. But Jesus grabbed my hand and over the course of these past few days have been telling me “look I LOVE you and nothing you do or don’t do will alter that in anyway” he loves me, and that’s all I need
As a college student, I often struggle with giving my future to God. I have to trust Him that He has the best plan for my life. It can be difficult trusting in Him and relying on His promises. It’s refreshing to know that I’m not the only one who struggles with trusting in God.
This day has reconnected me.. It gave me what God was needing me to get. I will fear no more! I will walk through the valley of the shadow of death, and I will fear no evil!! For my God is with me!!! And his rod and staff shall comfort me!! I FEAR NO MORE!!
I first learned what “dross” meant in a Disney movie, but I love it here: “The flame shall not hurt thee, I only design / Thy dross to consume and they gold to refine.”
Anything He’s really removing from us was only ever dross to start with. Let us come out shining, Lord, and reflecting You.
I once again am blown away with these hymn writers’ faith. They have such a deep and powerful faith in Christ which even years later, after newer music styles have come into play, is still ever inspiring and encouraging.
My life all too often is paralyzed by fear. All the “what if’s” and all the questions that I just can’t seem to find an answer to. As a person who is an organizational and planning freak, unanswered questions and things in the unknown terrify me. I want to know that I will be okay. If one part of my life is an unknown I will fret about it – losing sleep & motivation – because I’m wrapped up in anxiety.
I too had a rough childhood where my trust was shattered and as a result, I to this day have issues trusting people. But I so very often find my distrust in people slipping over and clouding my trust in God. Why is that? He has shown He is faithful and that He is loving time after time in my life. I look back and see all the ways He has walked me through terrible things and never once has left my side. So why, after I know He is good, do I still find it hard to fully trust in Him? How I long to have such a deep trust as these hymn writers. To be able to stand and say no matter what, “It is well.”
One word that will change your life. Trust. That’s the journey I am walking this year – to trust. As I was praying about the New Year and what God wanted to show me, it was trust that came to me over and over again. He wants to show us all that He is good – His love unconditional and relentless – and that we can trust in Him. Because, “In every condition, in sickness, in health; In poverty’s vale, or abounding in wealth; At home and abroad, on the land, on the sea, As thy days may demand, shall thy strength ever be. Fear not, I am with thee, O be not dismayed, For I am thy God and will still give thee aid.” Lord, I pray that we all will grasp the beauty and the promise in those words, and that we will begin to trust in You with everything.
Thank you for your transparency! It was a blessing❤️
I love this song. Especially the last verse: “The soul that on Jesus has leaned for repose, I will not, I will not desert to its foes; That soul, though all hell should endeavor to shake, I’ll never, no never, no never forsake”. I love it. I do. And I know it is so true! But I still fear. And doubt. And fall apart. And struggle SO MUCH with trust. And then I have to repent. And get my mind and heart re-focused on my God. Who He is. And what He has promised. Again. And again.
I do the same….I doubt so easily and for some reason have trouble remembering Gods promises…but he is always faithful anyways!
When we admit our fear, that is when God shows. I am writing this to remind Me, not tell others. I am in a job where betrayal and lies are expected. Loyalty is what is needed. I almost feel like John Gotti sometimes. When disloyalty or dishonesty suspected, the person or organization is severed from relationship. We live in an almost paranoid state. This is largely due to past hurts, but also protection needs. It is exhausting! How many times have we let it go too far, how many times did we cut people out before we should have? How often do we pray before the relationship. Have I become my grandfather who cuts relationship with the grocer because of a bad look? Are the reactions due to my great fear or has God allowed us to see these things and cut them out? I struggle greatly every moment of my life in this. What do I say, how do I say it? When and to whom do I share confidence? Did I give too much away or not enough? When is there freedom vs licentiousness?
TRUST: The Refuge Up-above Stands True
I thought that my faith in the lord’s plan was the strongest part of my walk with Christ- but only on rocky waters am I truly tested of my trust in Him. I love you, Lord, and I will practice trusting in Your word and Your will.
I needed this devotion. :-) I have a hard time trusting people because of past hurts and a lot of time it translates over to God too. I needed the reminder that He is always there.
The difficulty this brought you to write this, harvested great prospective and clarity to others. The other day I was trying to convince myself that I am loved and valuable. However, in all honesty my life displays that already without the need for any convincing. The enemy tries to take our reality away from us. The reality is that we are all chosen in God and loved tremendously. Once we are confident in believing Gods word, confidence will show in other areas of our life. Believing in God is also believing in ourselves, because it is He who is in us.
Thank you for that word. I have been struggling with knowing that God will be with me for forever and that he will never leave me. I feel alone sometimes and this word spoke to me. Thank you again!
Again I feel like this message hit home, I too am struggling with betrayal from others around me! Being a kind hearted person I think I’ve struggle with the pain of deceit in more ways than one! But I am trusting in Our Lord and learning to let him fight my battles instead of worrying about it myself! Amen and thank you for this!
I thank God that He has used you to speak to me today. Although I am well aware that I can be consumed by insecurity at times, it shrinks to a small sinful secret in my heart yet is so powerful that I am often blinded by it. Thank you for bringing this into view for me today!
Woke up in the middle of the night feeling fear and decided to read the next devotion, wow! Timely indeed! Thank you Lord that we never have to fear!
I felt the same way, troubled with fear and doubts decided to read the next devo. God’s word is real, his promises are real. I pray for comfort and peace.
Such an on time word and exactly what I needed! Thank you.
Thank you for sharing!
wow this honestly is amazing we had a discussion at church tonight with a friend who is literally going through the exact. same. thing. and its just amazing to be able to have this to share with her
Rachael thank you for being honest. While I don ‘t have your trust issues I have the opposite problem – I am too trusting. Sometimes that can be more paralyzingly painful that no trusting at all. Btw I am not some naïveté nope I ‘m 57 years young . God bless you
What you wrote describes my fears perfectly. Thank you for writing it. Just praying God helps me to really grasp this and know how to move forward out of my fear.
Raechel, thank YOU for allowing God to use you to write this! That was exactly what I needed to hear after not being diligent with my daily relationship and time with God this last week & the trials He is purifying me through. He is always on time every time!
Thanks to the writer for her obedience and honesty in writing this post. The fear that I carry everyday does deal with people. In how people view me. I forget that the Lord is with me every step of the way. May I hold on to the truth of the Lord being with the black community Even in the thickness of all the tension surrounding Fergerson.
Today is all about trusting God, and little did I know today was the day I would need it. So awesome to see how Good and Faithful my God is.
Loved the Isaiah selection. Very good to hear.
Love this ❤️
“At home and abroad, on the land, on the sea,
As thy days may demand, shall thy strength ever be.”
A beautiful promise as i transition from backpacking missionary to American wife.
This was one of my most fave devotions! Love all the old hymns
I loved the honesty in this one and it truly spoke to my heart. I really needed to read this today, so thank you for sharing your heart and listening to God’s nudging :)
Definitely needing to take courage today and trust in my firm Foundation!
Wow, so powerful! I needed this! Thanks for sharing your heart!
I most def. needed this today. I have lived in fear the past serval years of my life. I am insecure, angry, and a afraid. I have blamed my friends for their happiness BC of my insecurity, and my husband for my anger. Most importantly I have blamed God for all of it. I continuously ask Him,” why me?” ” why can’t I be happy and good things happen to me?” When in reality, I should be saying ,” thank you Father for facing this with me.” Thankful God speaks through others in just the right time!
thank you. I also live in crippling fear many days. it keeps me from living Jesus’s way. Thankful I found this app on instagram.
Thank you for sharing!! As He likes to do, The Lord has used vulnerability to bless and encourage His other children. Thank you for being obedient to His voice. :)
A minister once shared that fear is False Evidence Appearing Real. Satan knows that fear is paralyzing and he's really good at twisting the truth and even telling us flat out lies to pull us into the trap of fear. So thankful that God delivers us from that! So thankful that He does not give us the spirit of fear but of power, love, and a sound mind! II Tim 1:7
Raechel, I can totally relate with the same fears! What an incredible thing that God has done with your obedience through SRT. So many life speaking words and the beautiful gospel propelled into our tech savvy world, so easily available to many! Just wanted to encourage you to continue to trust Him and what He is doing here even if it involves being vulnerable. His opinion and relationship is above all else and drawing closer to Him is much more rewarding than the false protection facade giving into our fears provides! Keep up the amazing work!
Thank you for this . I often have tough times trusting people. This helped me realize not to be afraid. I need to put my faith in trust in Gods hands and live with safety and joy fullness .
Two modern worship songs that remind me of this theme are “Oceans” by Hillsongs United and “Never Once” by Matt Redman. Both songs reiterate our need to trust God fully and God’s faithfulness to His children.
As I shared from day 1 of hymns, I am constantly filled with fear from choices and events of the past. We are all amazing, and it is part of our nature to feel fear and hold on to it. The fact that we fear can be good, as it shows us a path we can strive to follow and we have Someone amazing to help us along the journey. He will meet us where we are
Thank you. I , too, believe out trials and sufferings give us a greater opportunity to witness. More things that the lost can relate to. But it requires that we witness, which is a fear of mine. Thank you for sharing your fears. I will face mine as well and with our God leading the way, we don’t need to be afraid. :).
Thank you for your obedience to God and sharing your heart. We all struggle with fear and I can truly relate. Instead of whining to God or asking him to take my fear away I, too, need to repent for my lack of trust and obedience to him. Thank you for this message today.
Thank you so much for listening to His still small voice asking you to share these words. You have no idea how much I needed to hear this today… so much of what you wrote resonates with my soul and reached me right right where I am right now. What a blessing to me
Thanks so much sharing! It’s really relatable-I have been struggling with the exact same! God is so much bigger than our fears!
Amen amen amen! How wonderful is it to know that our God always goes before us and what a great question to ask ourselves…what are we so afraid of? Thank you for such a wonderful message and a very important one at that. God bless you
Vulnerability is beauty undefined. I personally think it’s okay to doubt and be afraid. But to always know that God has you in his arms is always reassuring and a blessing to know. I’m constantly afraid that what goes on my life God could never forgive me of. That I just don’t deserve to revel in his grace. But Jesus makes that possible. His love is never ending
Thank you for this.
Just wanted to say that this is EXACTLY what I needed to hear today, thank you for obeying Him and touching our hearts today :)
Thank you so much for your vulnerability. As a writer, I resonate with your feelings of inadequacy and anxiety. I'm with you in the journey of speaking truth to my soul. The truth that God is always with me. When I feel most anxious, I breath in "God is with me" and breath out "I am at peace." It really and truly helps.
Raechel, you just know my heart by divine intervention
Thank you for sharing. I can imagine it being very hard, but you were honest and faithful to what He asked, and thank you for that. Also, it is helpful to know others too have days of such incredible need for Him in our utter weakness. Why I think it's only me…maybe because Facebook and the like magnifies publicly that which used to just be thought privately…everyone else is SO much better off than I…
Staci, I think you are right. Social media contributes to the fear that we are not good enough. It is so important to seek truth and wisdom in God’s word first. We need to firmly establish our identity in Him before social media tries to define who we are, lying to us about reality.
Thank you Amanda for sharing, I too have been going through a odd week of second guessing my ability to do my job correctly, am I good enough? I get soooo over whelmed out of the clear blue this intenseness will envelope me and I too will not be able to do my Godly talents He has equipped me with because of this over whelming doubt….. But, after reading the words of your devotionals yesterday and crying over the keys of my office lap top on my lunch break – I felt better… Thank you girls for what you do through Jesus…. And thank you for sharing your ❤️ Love ya’ll
Love your devotionals. Since you are writing to women, could you please stop addressing us as “you guys”? Thanks.
I like the you guys and y’all – it feels more personable.
I do, too! <3
Thank you so much for being so candid and vulnerable. I feel like God gave you the strength to post that just for me today.
I have been extremely hurt by my past employer for the past 2 months. Not only were they employers but professing Christians and friends. They fired me and have betrayed me and I don’t know what I did wrong. They have turned their backs on me and hurt me more than I can explain. I didn’t know where to look in His Word for strength and encouragement today because I have been so overwhelmed but He brought me to this devotion and I am so grateful. Thank you <3
Sending you grace and peace Jamie.
Right now, as I said the other day, I am working through this hole in my heart. Verse three of the hymn is perfect. “I’ll strengthen and help thee and cause the to stand…” Some days I find it hard to get out of bed from sadness but between my dog and God—I’m standing up. Thank you SRT for this study.
Thank you for your openness! This is an odd season I am in too. I have issues with trust, but mine right now is more with sexual and lust. What I do is justify my actions of "this isn't really THAT bad", I'm avoiding sex and what harm is it other than just fun with another person? No. I know this other person is not who God has for me so why do I keep seeking attention, physical closeness, desirability? I am maintaining a certain level of "purity" but not of good conscience. I know this and have still entertained it though. These are my sins, and they are sins because, like you, I am not putting my faith and hope in Christ! I do not need to seek after those that are physical desires because the root desires all come from acceptance and humility in Christ! My God loves me, desires me, holds me, accepts me, is reliable, dependable, trustworthy, my fighter, companion, deliverer and Savior!
To put your trust in God, and FULLY give it to him is what always will set us free from any sin. Because sin makes us doubt our Lord's abilities and we take matters in to our own hands. EVERY category of sin is rooted in selfishness and not giving that area to God and trusting in his abilities. Praise to God that he is able to handle all of our mess!!! Thank you Jesus!!!!!!!!!
Raechel, thank you so much for sharing. I understand that sharing, or even just verbalizing, our deepest darkest secrets is sometimes extremely difficult. I commend you for doing that with readers around the world. The good thing is, I can guarantee that there are others that are right along with you. I identified with a lot in your writing as well. Thank you for your honesty, and allowing readers to realize they aren’t in this alone. Keep up the good work, and continue to trust that God will get you through each day.
In Donald Miller’s “a million miles in a thousand years, ” there’s a part where he discusses that the story of the forest is greater than the story of the tree. We are part of a bigger picture. Our life, though significantly planned out by God, is only a tiny portion of what his plans are for mankind. Know that whatever our lives bring, He wins in the end. Have faith and confidence that you are playing out your part, and that you are never alone.
Thankful for this message. What a joy it is to know that our foundation doesn’t rely in our imperfect humanity, but in Christ. He loved us so much that he sent his son to die for me. We should have confidence in a love as amazing as this!
I am in love with this study
Loving this study!
Such a sweet sweet reminder! Fear can be so crippling and easily steal the joy given by our Father. Praying that our awe of God is much bigger than our fears. Thanks for sharing Raechel :)
Allie, thanks for joining us today! Praying with you that God would be bigger than our fears! Love to you!
xoxo-Kaitlin for She Reads Truth
So important today after a sleepless night of worry about my baby to be born soon! Even though I was telling myself to trust, my mind couldn’t let it go.
Beth, praying you have a sound sleep full of trust tonight! Love to you!
xoxo-Kaitlin for She Reads Truth
Thank you for being so vulnerable with us. I think the power of vulnerability is freedom for those who experience similar feelings. Thanks for freeing us up to be vulnerable with you and inviting us to grow in faith alongside you. :)
Definitely needed to read this today! I struggle with this fear of trusting people and myself everyday. I know that my insecurity is also from unspeakable betrayal that I was put through as a child and through other small betrayals as an adult but I am learning to trust more and more everyday. I lost God for awhile (dark place for me) but I know he never lost me! So powerful to think about. Puts pure joy in my heart!
Thank you Raechel for sharing this with us! It must’ve been really difficult! But I also have a hard time dealing with people. But I wanted to point out that God never says to trust people. (We are to only trust in God.) He wants us to LOVE people, which I struggle with when I let their sin become bigger than their overall character. But because we’re forgetful creatures, we need to be reminded over and over that the hurts and pains are just temporary. That it doesn’t last forever. Jesus dealed with so much more than he ever deserved, and we must carry the cross if we want to follow. So, sisters, let’s continue to fight on and I pray that we wouldn’t be discouraged by what the world has to offer, but instead extend our hearts out to those who are still lost or new to the Kingdom and share His overflowing Love❤️
Thank you for sharing! It's amazing how when we finally admit to our fears we find out that most everyone is the same fearful mess (me most of all). This was so brave of you. And I so needed it…..
Raechel, you are definitely not alone – and not judged, either! The hymn really got me where it says God gives the “dross” to refine. It’s only through our pain that we can come to know Him on a deep level. And God never promised we won’t have fires to pass through, but he does promise to do it with us. The scripture and hymn today are so encouraging!
Thank you! For your honesty. Your words this morning touched me and reminded me of my own fears. The Lord is leading me to do several things at this time. I am currently in school at Liberty University online and I find myself crippled with fear when ever a writing assignment comes up, usually every week. My fear is that I am not good enough and that I will fail. I fear that I’m not smart and I have nothing good to say. I am also fostering an 18 year old and have my own 9 year old son and fear I am not capable of doing so. I fear that I not smart enough or good enough to be a foster mom. Then there is a mothers ministry/ youth group I have started I fear that it am not organized enough and that I don’t know how to talk about the things I want to talk about and maybe I look like a big joke doing this. So many fears cripple us from time to time. This encouraging word begs the question what are you afraid of? And then answers us with God telling us He will never leave us nor forsake us. Your words today along with scripture reminded me not to be afraid to be strong and courageous and that he will never leave us nor forsake us. Again thank you I needed this today!!!!
Love this. Thank you for your vulnerability with us, Raechel. This is such a beautiful hymn and encouraging reminder of the Lord's faithfulness and love.
Trusting people is something that I am struggling with still today, even now in this moment! I am very private about personal things that are going on in my life. and when I do finally open up to people I always wonder if they are going to run and tell other people. I have found myself becoming very angry towards someone in particular that I know I don’t trust, but I should because we live together. I have asked God constantly how am I suppose to deal with this situation and I just don’t understand at all!
Thank you for your honesty. It has been an incredibly hard past couple of months, which has left me with shattered trust. I am having to re-learn that God is faithful and that I can trust him, and your word today spoke volumes.
Moriah, praying with you, friend. Asking that He would point you to His sovereignty and compassion, so that you may trust in His care. Love to you!
xoxo-Kaitlin for She Reads Truth
Thanks for sharing this!
I needed this! Thanks so much for sharing Raechel.
You're welcome. Thankful for you, Christina. xo-Raechel
I'm someone else who has trust issues and sadly for a while it even effected my relationship with God. Little by little He showed me that He can be trusted and what a weight off our shoulders that we have a God who is always there and a God who draws us near to be in such a relationship with Him! God has taught me that there is nothing too messy in my life that He can't fix, trust being one of many. Some times I have found myself so blocked off from people or so afraid of getting hurt and He brings to my heart the question why? Why am I so blocked off? Why am I so afraid of this? God is for me, so why on earth am I letting something so small control my life? Once the evil one knows your weaknesses , he just has a field day with them. Thank God we have a Father in Heaven who is SO much bigger than our "issues". So Much Bigger than our fears! God can fix anything <3
This was just what I needed to hear, thank you! I’ve been going through a really rough season of life (as have many of my friends) and the reminder that this hymn brings just struck a deep chord with me. “When through fiery trials thy pathways shall lie, My grace, all sufficient, shall be thy supply; The flame shall not hurt thee; I only design Thy dross to consume, and thy gold to refine.”
Thank you She Reads Truth leadership and Raechel for these great studies on hymns. I am pondering every word of each hymn and listening them 3 or 4 times. I am not familiar with all of them, but want to soak in this part of our heritage. Powerful, anointed words. Thank you Lord for inspiring us to pen words straight from your heart.
Rhonda, so glad to hear what God is teaching you through this study! I have definitely been listening to the hymns over and over this week, too! We love having you!
xoxo-Kaitlin for She Reads Truth
Thank you so much. You have been used to pinpoint so clearly my lack of faith in the hard places Jesus has seen fit to call me. I am rejoicing in the shelter of His wing, thankful for His promise to never leave nor forsake. Come, Lord Jesus.
Thanks for sharing, Alli! Praying with you, friend. Come, Lord Jesus!
xoxo-Kaitlin for She Reads Truth
Thank you so much for this. I struggle w/debilitating fear, anxiety, paranoia, etc, etc on & off. Sometimes to the point I think I am emotionally or mentally ill. Our old enemy, the devil, uses this to beat me down. These kinds of thoughts cross my mind: how can God ever use me, as long as I am this way? I am 57 yrs old. I ain't gittin' any younger. At times, I feel completely hopeless. So much so, I just don't want to be here anymore. Not that I would ever consider suicide. I just want to go home. Your post encouraged me though. For God is using you, in spite of what you struggle with. And that means He can use me, in spite of mine too. THANK YOU for your honesty.
No matter what we go through, we have nothing to fear. Not overwhelming waters and rivers, not the fiery trials. Not sadness and despair. Not loneliness. Not failure. We have NOTHING to fear, because God is our firm foundation, and He walks with us daily.
Yes! Love this, friend. Thanks for sharing encouragement with us today!
xoxo-Kaitlin for She Reads Truth
Thank you for your honesty- this has been my LIFE lately. Anxiety. Staying in bed or finding excuses to cancel things because the call is “too great” and I am “not enough”. Gridlock fear before my feet even hit the floor in the morning!! Yesterday I had started to feel like no one in this world understands & kinda like I’m even messing up this whole Christianity thing because I should feel the peace that passes all understanding, right?? He is with me even when that peace isn’t visible thru the fog of anxiety and fear. He’s there, & never won’t be.
Thank you for making me feel less alone.
Thanks for speaking up, Kylee. Hearing you and others respond with "me too" makes sharing less scary – makes us all feel less alone! xo-R
thank you for this honesty and vulnerability. I too am at a place where I struggle deeply with other people and sometime wish I could just relate to God alone. But He created us to be with other people and called us to be a body together in the church so I must go and do that. Haltingly, yes, but He goes with me (and before me and after me) and my confidence lies (or should) in Him, not other people. Praying for all my sisters here today who are in the same battle.
Amen – yes, friend. Thank you. xo-R
As I read this in all its raw honesty, I was filled with love and compassion… and recognition. Of myself in these words. My own fear. Fear of rejection. Of disapproval. Of being hurt. And realization of how this holds me back from living God’s best for me.
Beckey
http://reallyreallyrealhousewives.blogspot.com
http://www.etsy.com/shop/queenbsbusywork
Love this, Beckey – thanks for sharing. xo-R
Thank-you for your vulnerability! It's easy for me to act like I have it together. I know it in my head, but do I live it out from the heart? My life is too short to be putting up walls. Jesus, help our lives to be transparent. Help us to go to you every time we are struggling. Fix our hearts to be open about our junk so we can deal with it and grow with you!
I'm so comforted by the truth in your words. I have recently acknowledged and started a battle against social anxiety. Who I was on the inside wasn't aligning with who I was showing others. The questions, "what am I afraid of?" cannot be answered rationally. I realized that I have struggled with this for many years, I just couldn't come to terms or label it. As soon I as surrendered this to God, He immediately began helping me chisel away the walls of insecurity, self doubt, and anxiety. He has challenged me, put me in situations beyond my comfort level. These situations though, have given me the greatest freedom. I'm starting to feel "normal" again. Honestly sisters, I could never have done this without our Father. He understands us completely. Whatever you may struggle with, surrender it to Him and ask daily that He will equip you for the battle. Be strong and courageous.
Kayla, what a beautiful expression of grace. I love that He has shown you freedom even in uncomfortable situations! What a good, good father He is. Thanks for sharing!
xoxo-Kaitlin for She Reads Truth
Beautifully said. Raw words and hearts are so much more attainable than the perfection we think we must show everyone. Thank you for sharing.
Raechel, thank you for your transparency. I have been there. I have been the non-functioning puddle on the floor, overwhelmed by my callings as a mama and a school teacher. And I have suffered terrible guilt wondering why I can't trust Jesus enough to "get over" my fears. Oftentimes it feels that other women have such a strong, unshakeable faith, they wouldn't understand. Thank you (and Amanda too, who has also shared openly on SRT about her anxiety) for letting me know I am not alone.
Thank you for being vulnerable today. I know that in our vulnerability we can find freedom. The Lord is working through your bravery. I also find it very hard to trust others and am called to write, and I have found myself gridlocked, like you, often. I fully trust the Lord and have felt his Spirit holding my hand through some unthinkable trials, but I still have a difficult time when it comes to sharing and saying what needs to be said or writing what needs to be written. I’ve finally started committing myself to writing two days a week and even if I’m afraid I still write on those days. It has been quite freeing, yet terrifying at times. Keep your chin up and focused on the Lord, you are doing an amazing thing here at SRT!
Maria, what bravery! It takes a lot to write, even on the hard days. Praying for you and excited for the impact your words will have on His Kingdom!
xoxo-Kaitlin for She Reads Truth
I needed this today. I have trust issues as well, and am in the midst of many life changes. All wonderful, but all incredibly frightening. And deep down I know I should not be afraid because of the blessings that God is laying out before me.
thank you for being so real and open. its hard to put things out there for all to know and see. thank you also for this message, I needed it so much today. God bless
Thank you for having the courage to share this today. I’ve been feeling really afraid recently with a situation and have had things from my past come up that make me feel extremely insecure. I’ve allowed the enemy to make me think I have to fight on my own and that I’m not changed when that could not be further from the truth. The Lord will NEVER leave nor forsake us, that means not for one breath will we have to face trials and insecurities alone. We are loved and protected and have the power of God and His Spirit on our side intervening for us and restoring the strength that we need. Thank you Heavenly Father for this truth, for this supportive community of women who love and seek you, and that you will never leave us and never forsake us, you will be with us always. Forgive me for doubting this truth and trying to do it on my own, allowing fear and insecurity to paralyze me and tear me down. You are all powerful and I know that You are more than enough. Help me and other sisters in Christ believe this! Amen
Marissa, thank you so much for sharing this! I love how you said, "not for one breath" will He leave us alone! I'm grateful for that truth today!
xoxo-Kaitlin for She Reads Truth
Thank you for sharing. I believe God meant for this issue of fear to be tackled today, I literally wrote a post title Fear Not a few days ago that I posted today and talked about carrying a weighted backpack around, seriously. Let God's words pierce our hearts and change us to make us more like Him. http://mynewfavoriteoutfit.blogspot.com/2014/11/f…
I applaud you you for putting your issues out there. I too struggle with trusting people because of past experiences.
Oh, I needed to hear this this morning.
I have anxiety and depression, and so often, I am trapped, “the opposite of free”, held hostage in my own home by fears that are truly so small.
I fear that if I cannot be perfect, I cannot present myself to the world. I crumple into a ball of fear and shame and heartache at the idea that I am not good enough.
But God has shown me time and time again that he loves me just the way that I am. He is with me, and he protects me. I only need to trust in his promises.
KaraJade, I’ve been there before. Hold fast and trust in the Lord. He will redeem you and show you your race.
KaraJade, thank you so much for your vulnerability today. I, too, often find myself being "the opposite of free." I'm grateful that He continues to show you His love and acceptance, and I'm praying that we would continue to have steadfast trust in His promises!
xoxo-Kaitlin for She Reads Truth
Thank you for sharing and being so vulnerable. I needed to hear it. I’m not so happy in my job and want to quit but I know my Lord will guide my path when it’s time to leave. In the meantime I know there is a purpose and I will stop worrying . Thanks again for your honesty- it’s amazing how He will use it for His name :)
Every day of this week has been so very touching, a firm but tender reminder of different Truths I can cling to in faith. Today is no different. I think I fully expect to suffer at the hands of people, but expecting it and putting myself in a position to experience it are two completely different things. My mantra of the past many years has been "simplicity," not adding on so many activities that I become overwhelmed or exhausted in the serving, not setting myself up to become unfaithful in service… not placing myself in an environment of drama and interpersonal pain. I just want to live a simple, uncomplicated, dedicated, intentional life. And while that is not a bad goal, it often does not leave me open to trusting God with circumstances that are potentially any of those things I'm avoiding. "Those things" set me up for failure, relational angst, becoming self-reliant, etc., etc., etc. Even now I can think of a situation where I'm protecting myself from the pain that could come if I embrace or dive into it. I don't trust the people involved… but do I trust God despite them? Do I trust God to work in and through my obedience? Do I trust Him to bring something good out of opening myself up in this way? And even as I take a big, deep, cleansing breath of nervousness, I thank you, Raechel, for opening yourself up to us, for trusting us with this very personal struggle. And I pray that God would build your, my, each SRT lady's faith to volumes beyond that of a mustard seed. "In every condition….When through the deep waters….When through fiery trials…. [HE will strengthen, and help us, and cause us to stand], Upheld by [HIS] righteous, omnipotent hand." In Jesus' Name.
Thank you. Thank you for writing this and being vulnerable. Trust issues, swirled through with doubt, fear, and anger have been plaguing me for awhile now. The scripture references today are just wonderful. I’m loving these old hymns, but wanted to share that the modern song that came to mind when I read this was Kari Jobe’s ‘I am not alone.’ Just beautiful. Thank you Lord for SRT and this community of women!
Oh my, you were talking straight to what I have been going through. There was a reason God was nudging you to write this because so many of us are right there with you. Isn't God amazing and timely? God bless you for taking the step and saying what many of us cannot say.
He is so amazing and timely, Mary! Thankful for that truth, especially today! We love having you!
xoxo-Kaitlin for She Reads Truth
…I needed this very much this morning. I have always been a worrier. To the point i could just sit down and cry from the fear of the "what ifs". I have been battling the fear of not being good enough in all aspects of my life. I pray and try to turn it over to God but the fear creeps back in.
Today I am taking my oldest to the Dr. to set up a surgery for sometime in the next month. I'm scared. It is a simple surgery but still the fear of something going wrong has me wanting to just cancel or run away. But I know my God has this and he can and will protect him.
Thank you so much for sharing your heart with us today. I lets me see I am not alone in my fear and insecurities. Prayers for all my sisters today, that God give us strength to fully trust in him. xoxo
Praying for you, your son, and the doctor as you face this surgery, no matter how simple it is! God took me through a period of crippling worry many years ago where He basically sat me down and had me go word by word through Philippians 4:6-8. I had to ask of every situation about which I was tempted to worry. every fear I was tempted to embrace: Is it true? (if it hasn't happened yet, then no, it is not!) Is it honorable? Is it right? Is it pure? (It most certainly isn't if I'm holding on to it in place of God!), etc, etc. It was a training. As soon as I realized I was seizing up on the inside from fear and "what if," I had to sit down with this passage and these questions and go through each and every one. I found out if I was rejoicing and seeking to make HIM known to all around me, fear could not have a place in my heart. If it had a place in my heart, it had a place on my face, and it took the place of the peace of God that surpasses all understanding. I absolutely do not share this as a quick fix, but the Lord placed it on my heart as I read your post, and the fears that surround the welfare of our children may be more crippling than the fears for our own persons at times. I hope the Spirit will encourage your heart through what He showed me so many years ago. Blessings!
What a perfect response! There’s such power in the word of God!
Thank you so very much for this. such a blessing xoxo
Oh Raechel, I know how difficult that was! I spoke at a ladies retreat this weekend and did something similar…I hadn't planned to use it in my sharing but I know the Lord spoke Friday night and told me to "confess" a mistake I had made this past week. A very embarrassing mistake that showed me something in my heart. I could have hurt someone very deeply, could have caused that person to share it with many others and hurting even more people. But you know what? That soul showed mercy. That soul acted as Christ should act and forgave. Forgave and didn't share! I was so overwhelmed with many emotions. She gave as Christ gave, I was forgiven, but yet I still had this "heart issue" that had caused the pain in the first place.
Friends, it was so difficult to even get it all out on Saturday but by His grace I did and trust me, we ran out of Kleenex! I found out at the end that many needed to hear it. Many were holding wounds of mistakes that they had made, God had forgiven them, but they couldn't forgive themselves and the enemy was having a field day with their guilt.
God knew. He always does! Amazed at His patience with me, His east to the west forgiveness and overwhelming love for us!
Thank you for sharing…we all have similar "secrets" of fear, guilt, inadequacy, or "mistakes" like mine.
Blessings friends, what are we so afraid of???
♥
I completely get the fear of the writer…in my position at work, in my education journey, when I talk to people I fear that I don't have the words to convey my thoughts….I am not smart enough…I am ill equipped for what I am trying to do….that is when I trust in myself….when I trust in the Lord I can do all things…..Amen
I too am guilty of thinking about or voicing "worst case scenarios" when it comes to my fears…you know the what if this happens or what if that person does that. When I have a conversation about my fears with my Lord I always find Him asking me, "What if it doesn't happen? All that time and effort worrying…My child, I've got this!" "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness" (2 Corinthians 12:9a NIV).
Thank you for She Reads Truth. These studies have brought a wonderful new direction to my devotion time.
I often wonder about my/our(?) human tendency to imagine the worst rather than on our toes dancing with anticipation. I sing at a nursing home and the last visit we shared”tis So Sweet To Trust in Jesus.” as we were packing up I started to sing it quietly … and it spread around the room until these dear women were singing it aCapella as we left. tis so sweet …
Dori, don't you really love our older generation? W e can learn so much from them and I know they truly appreciate your time and effort you take for them.
Thank you Abba Father for speaking encouragement to me to keep going. Thank you for using this precious writer to speak to my heart. Thank you for the gift of hymn lyrics to sooth my worry and build my strength. You will never leave or forsake me but are using these trials to refine us like silver and gold. I love you, Amen.
Nicole, I love and echo your prayer. Raechel, God bless you for sharing what He pressed on your heart to say. God is using your struggles to help me with mine!
I am so thankful for your openness, your honesty here. Your words hit home with my heart. It's amazing how we can overcome emotionally crippling circumstances only to find, sometime later, that the scars we carry are actually open wounds that make us shrink back in fear anytime something comes close to it. Sometimes the lasting effects of a trying time are worse than the initial actual event to begin with, because as you, Raechel, indicated it's like carrying actual baggage around that just gets heavier and more worn. Worse yet, sometimes, your wounds heal, truly heal, only for the enemy to throw them back up years later, and those well healed places rip open again.
Seems I am somewhat there myself. Not entirely sure what this season is about, but there is still much to my plate and my insecurities are being revealed. Some days it just feels like there is such a battle waging. I KNOW it will end, it's just that this middle portion is always so tough, BUT God reminds me He can fight it for me when I am worn. He has reminded of an image He shared when I was in a terribly painful season, one where I felt alone and uncherished, I didn't trust anyone to help in the battle. God revealed a large, beautiful country table in the middle of a dreamy open field. The table was set exquisitely, with candles, fine chine and silver. It was overflowing with a bounty of amazing foods and Christ stood at the table, pulling out a chair for me. Surrounding this table was a large battle, bloodied warriors on both sides, fighting terribly, but never touching or nearing the table and Jesus was unmoved by the waging war around us. The image represented Christ's love for me, His desire to woo me and show how valued and special I was/am to Him; That I can find nourishment in Him, that I could trust Him to fight my battle for me, and that even in the midst of such warring I could find peace and refreshment. He brought several scriptures, one being 2 Kings 6:17 – " Then Elisha prayed and said, 'O, Lord, please open his eyes that he may see.' So the Lord opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw, and behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha." He was not alone and neither was I. God was ready to nourish me, to refine me in it, to fight, not just with, but FOR me. He not only had a place at His table for me, it was THE place and He provided everything I needed….HE WAS/IS the water and bread and I, we, can trust He and His army to engage in war on our behalf, we need only accept our seat at the table. ~ B
Awesome!
How amazing is the imagery that you have provided for us, thank you for sharing this with us sister. God bless!
There are several verses there that I have never heard! Why did the church take those out just for the sake of brevity!? They are dripping with beautiful gospel truths!
Thank you raechel for your honesty and willingness to Trust us with your junk (of which I share)
Yes, there is so much goodness to discover in these verses, Ruthanne! We love having you!
xoxo-Kaitlin for She Reads Truth
Does this EVER need to be pounded into my head. He can be trusted. He will never leave nor foresake me. What am I so afraid of??
whoa! This hits home. I may have to reread this a few times to fully grasp. Thanks for the transparency and honesty.
Me too….I have already read it twice
Fear not, for I have redeemed you;
I have called you by name, you are mine.
2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you;
When you walk through fire you shall not be burned,
and the flame shall not consume you.
3 For I am the Lord your God,…..
For a while now these words have been a comfort, a strength builder, an ' I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me…' kinda plaque on my heart…
I sit here now, remembering a time in my life when my earthly father, said, And pretty much lived those words on mine and my brothers behalf…He protected us, He guided us, He so so loved us, He passed on opportunities, because he could not bare to be without us, or away from us…He would have, walked through fire for us, he would have,I am sure, given his life for us, He has been there for us through thick and thin….and now, in the autumn of his life, aS age lays claim to his body and mind, as time moves in all sorts of directions to him, as his memories fades, yet, PRAISE God..He still knows me and recognizes my voice on the phone, he told me this morning, he prays for me, and my children….still caring for us….even when life is confusing…and unsure….still there for us…this is my blessing of an earthly father….
How much more God…how much more would the One who breathed it all into being…the One who knows us and calls us by name, how much more His promise to be with us no matter what, no matter the who, what,where or how, He will be with us…He will be with us no matter what pain, what hardship, what hurt, misunderstanding, the fear…HE will be with us…because He, our God has spoken….Amen..
Standing on HIS promises today….Happy Thursday Sisters…be Blessed…x
How much more? So true Tina. Those earthly fathers are rare treasures, such incredible blessings, mine was as well, but God is so much more….I can't begin to fathom. ~ B
Amen! how great is it to have such a loving earthly father. I can definetely relate to this with my mother, my mother is such a great women she would do anything in her power for her kids and she reminds us of this daily. She does things for me that no other person would, she is there in the good and the bad and how great is it to think that if my earthly mother would do all this for me how much more would our God do for us. How comforting is it to hear this today, specially since I'm dealing with so many uncertainties in my life at the moment. I know God's name will be glorified at the end of the day, because he loves me and he wants the best for me. Glory be to him!
I can completely relate in all ways! I can't tell you how much She Reads Truth means to me and how its become part of my daily bread and study of the word. Thank you for being vulnerable with yourself, this is such an encouragement to me and all other She's reading :)
Sweet Chelsea! We love having you here so much. Thanks for your sweet words! We are grateful that God is using She Reads Truth to encourage you!
xoxo-Kaitlin for She Reads Truth
Thank-you, perfectly designed for me at this time, thank you!x Praise Jesus!
Thanks for joining us, Shannon! We love having you!
xoxo-Kaitlin for She Reads Truth
Me too