Fresh Starts

thank you

2012-05-28T12:20:12Z

When you’re facing a mountain (of work or waiting or relating) that you can’t imagine climbing, say thank you. Anything that gets you to I-can’t is a gift, because from there it’s only a short step to God-can.

“[M]y heart may fail, but . . I have made the Lord my refuge.” Psalm 73:26, 28

“We cannot fall out of His safety.” George Macdonald

care-free

2012-05-27T12:44:50Z

When worrying feels as natural as breathing and you can’t imagine stopping, start small. Choose to live one care-free hour (or minute), and then do it again.

“[W]orrying means we do not believe that God can look after the practical details of our lives, and it is never anything but those details that worry us.” Oswald Chambers

“[D]o not worry about your life. . . .” Matthew 6:25

strong and courageous

2012-05-26T14:18:27Z

When you’re feeling weak and overwhelmed, remembering that you’re not alone and you’re not in charge changes everything.

“We are not the lonely, orphaned creatures we let ourselves suppose. . . .” William R. Huntington

“Be strong and courageous and act. Do not fear or be dismayed, for the Lord . . . is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. . . .” 1 Chronicles 28:20

abounding

2012-05-25T12:42:47Z

Taking an honest look inside can be discouraging until you remember two important things: you can’t change yourself; and God can – beyond your happiest imaginings.

“[P]raying with joy . . . that your love may abound more and more. . . .” Philippians 1:4, 9

“’Abounding’ is used of a flower going from bud to full bloom.” Lexicon of Biblical Usage

what if

2012-05-24T12:36:42Z

What if you looked in the mirror every morning and saw somebody God longs for?

“[I]t is [God’s] nature to long for us.” Julian of Norwich

“My people are bent on turning from Me. . . . How can I give [them] up. . . ? My heart churns within Me, and all My compassion is aroused.” Hosea 11:7-8

safe and sound

2012-05-23T12:43:32Z

Do-not-fear sounds like nice but impractical advice until you realize that God isn’t kidding. You really will go through deep waters, and you really don’t have to be afraid, because he really is with you.

“When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. . . . Do not fear, for I am with you.” Isaiah 43:2, 5

Father, remind me today, when I’m over my head, that I am safe and sound with You.

hard times

2012-05-22T12:21:17Z

In really hard times, everything in you feels like God has disappeared. Sometimes it’s only clear in hindsight that God is more reliable than your feelings.

“Why do You stand far off, O Lord? Why do You hide Yourself in times of trouble?” Psalm 10:1

“God is not a deceiver, that he should offer to support us and then, when we lean upon Him, should slip away from us.” St. Augustine

vacation

2012-05-21T12:06:31Z

When you live for yourself, there’s no rest for the weary. No matter how much attention or affection or fame {or whatever} you get, you’ll always need more. No wonder Thy-will-be-done feels like vacation.

“Your Father knows what you need. . . . Therefor, pray this way: ‘Our Father, . . Thy will be done. . . .” Matthew 6:8, 10

“Self-will is poison to the soul.” Dr. James Houston

the kindness of God

2012-05-19T13:09:09Z

When you see your ugly side, you can try to shame yourself into changing, or you can bask all the more in God’s kindness (which changes you).

“Have patience with all things, but chiefly have patience with yourself.” Francis de Sales

“[T]he kindness of God leads you to repentance.” Romans 2:4

wonderful moments

2012-05-18T12:51:42Z

The most miserable days are the ones you spend trying to get your own way (or feeling sorry for yourself because you can’t).

“The really wonderful moments of joy in this world are not the moments of self-satisfaction, but self-forgetfulness.” John Piper

“[B]eing content with what you have. . . .” Hebrews 13:5