“I will remain confident of this I will see the Goodness of the Lord. “

Even for a Believer, life will present problems and strife. Things that occur in our communities, in our homes, in our world, and even within us can get the best of us if the focus is on the wrong things. Anything that we focus on becomes magnified. This can make problems seem bigger … if we are only focusing on the problems. This manifests anger, worry, doubt, frustration, and a sense of being overwhelmed. A person who feels these emotions and dwells on them will eventually lose hope.

But what if we turn those thoughts around, making this principle work in our favor? So, instead of keeping our eyes only on things happening around us, we can make the freedom-giving decision to keep our eyes on Jesus. We are overcomers in God! Even when we feel sad, doubtful, and afraid, shifting all focus to our loving Father will immediately bring clarity and peace.

Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” (2 Corinthians 3:17)

Turning any negative thoughts to thoughts that reflect the goodness of the Lord will magnify what the Lord is doing, has done, and will do. This completely changes our outlook, which will positively effects our everyday choices.

You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.” (Isaiah 26:3)

A mind that keeps Jesus at the center is able to clearly see, hear, and sense God and His good works all around, even when things seem chaotic to the natural eye. Relying on God more than we rely on what we feel or see allows us enjoy every day life. The more you focus on God, it’s true that circumstances may not change, but you sure will!

Additional Verses to Further Study Focusing on God’s Goodness and Enjoying God’s Freedom:

Look straight ahead, and fix your eyes on what lies before you. (Proverbs 4:25)

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7)

The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working. (James 5:16)

 Prayer Starter:

 “Lord, I acknowledge all you have done in my life. Keep my mind focused on you no matter what I go through. I choose to rest in you, which fills my heart with hope and thankfulness”

 Wishing you all a great week!

O God, we meditate on your unfailing love
    as we worship in your Temple. (Psalm 48:9)

Talking to God allows us to give our burdens to him, which frees us to be energized, focused, and refreshed in spirit. Because of God’s faithfulness and unfailing love, we know that we never have to carry around heavy burdens. We have a God who lightens the load and is always at works on our behalf.  [Read more…]

God wants us to enjoy life and part of that is having big dreams and setting goals. It is God who places dreams and specific plans into our hearts. We can pursue dreams without fear because we are in partnership with God!

God is the one who brings those dreams to pass, as we faithfully seek Him. When attempt to work all of the details out on our own, we become tired, equally frustrated, and are almost always unsuccessful. When we allow God to iron out the details as He directs our path, we will not fail!

God is within her, she will not fall; ” (Psalm 46:5)

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For thus said the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel, “In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and in trust shall be your strength.” (Isaiah 30:15)

Stillness and resting in the presence of the Lord is an important part of self-care for a Christian. It’s easy to feel selfish for taking the time to relax, but as we seek more intimacy and stillness in God’s presence, we are strengthened. Times of rest and relaxation are a good thing! They allow us to hear the Lord’s voice clearly. God took time to rest after creation was complete. Jesus often went off alone to spend time in prayer during His time on earth.

Giving our worries, problems, issues, and concerns to Him frees us to live a life that is balanced and joyful. We know that God knows, hears, sees, and is working on our behalf!

To be productive, rest and relaxation are necessary. We find rest in God’s promises and are strengthened in spirit when we are quiet before the Lord, study, and meditate on God’s word. Below I’ve listed some verses to read as you seek stillness and rest in Him this week. I hope you enjoy! [Read more…]

Self-love is important in our walk with God. Taking care of yourself is a way of showing appreciation to God for His gifts.

“For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.” (Psalm 139:13-14)

Loving yourself allows you to see yourself in the same way that God sees you. In God, we are worthy, special, and have potential! So when we view ourselves in the proper light, we make wise decisions that better our lives, as well as the lives of others around us, all for God’s glory.  [Read more…]