“Seeing that a Pilot steers the ship in which we sail, who will never allow us to perish even in the midst of shipwrecks, there is no reason why our minds should be overwhelmed with fear and overcome with weariness.” ~John Calvin

Sometimes there are moments in life where it feels like the world is crashing in around you. Last night was one of those moments for me. I’ve been struggling with insomnia and night terrors for a little over two weeks now. Memories from the past, claw at my mind, tempting me into despair. Usually, with PTSD, there are triggers that you can identify and work through, but this time the feelings caught me completely off guard.

I am so very blessed God united me with a man that is intuitive, patient, and kind. He has used my husband in these moments to speak scripture to the deepest parts of my heart and mind. After we put our kids to sleep, he sensed that I was hiding behind the “I’m fine” mask and prayed over me. Together we opened up scripture, and I was quickly reminded of the One who is greater than all the things we fear or face.

“The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him (Psalm 28:7).”

“Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom (Isaiah 40:28).”

“From the ends of the earth I call to you, I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I (Psalm 61:2).”

“The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged (Deuteronomy 31:8),”

“You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance.  I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you (Psalm 32:7-8).”

Are you feeling anxious, discouraged, or overwhelmed today? Is there a giant you are facing that has you stressing out? Do you look around at those surrounding you and it seems like they’ve got it all figured out, while your life feels so chaotic?  Don’t despair! Instead, I encourage you to Meditate on God’s goodness. Nothing is too difficult for our God!

“Ah, Sovereign Lord, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you (Jeremiah 32:17).”

 “I am the Lord, the God of all mankind. Is anything too hard for me? (Jeremiah 32:27)”

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit (Romans 15:13).”

Thank you, Father, for being our firm foundation when life’s waves come crashing in. Thank you for your protection and deliverance when times are tough. You are my strength and shield. You never grow tired or weary. Fill my heart with your comfort, my body with your strength, and my mind with your peace. In Jesus name, Amen!

Is there special scripture that you turn to when feeling overwhelmed or discouraged? I’d love for you to share it with us in the comments section below.

God bless,
Tina

Feeling tired or weary?

Life throwing punches at you and it’s getting harder to roll with them?

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest (Matthew 11:28).”

“He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak (Isaiah 40:29).”

I don’t know about you, but it’s been one of those weeks for me… The enemy has been tossing lemons, and I’ve never been a fan of lemonade (*sheepish grin*).

If I’m going to be completely honest, with myself and with you, I know the error of my ways. I started my week off trying to extinguish “fiery darts” on my own (Ephesians 6:16). I suffer from bouts of insomnia and this week was a doozy. In an attempt to catch up on sleep, I started skipping my quiet time in the morning with the Lord.

It’s amazing how different your attitude can change in just a few days separated from the vine (John 15:5). Praising the Lord for this reminder and His forgiveness and grace!

Where have you been looking for rest and strength?

“When I was brought low, He saved me (Psalm 116:6).”

“Truly my soul finds rest in God; my salvation comes from him (Psalm 62:1).”

My encouragement for you today is to find hope and stability in The Lord. Set time to be with him alone, and make sure it’s always your first priority! If you fall out of the habit, or your find your heart growing cold, confess these things to Him. Our Father is gracious and will be waiting with welcoming arms.

Lord, I thank you for being a constant in my life. Forgive me for the times I disconnect from you and attempt to navigate this broken world on my own. Help me to stay connected to The Word and always look to You as my source of rest and strength. In Jesus name, Amen!

*original photo credit: Rhonda Rossi
(photo edited & shared w/ permission)