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8 Hope-Filled Bible Verses About the Storms of Life
We all face storms in life. If you feel like your ship is about to sink, let’s dig into God’s Word together as we uncover eight hope-filled Bible verses about the storms of life. Bible Verses About the Storms of Life The summer I lived in Alaska, we took a ferry through the fjords near Seward. A cloud of mist shrouded the bay like a crumpled quilt as our small vessel inched closer to a mammoth glacier. Without warning, a chunk of ice the size of a small house broke free from the ancient ice field and crashed into the cobalt sea. Our tiny boat rocked and bobbed like a…
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How to Give Thanks to God in Tough Times
Not long ago, I sat down with an older, wiser woman, and we had an honest conversation about our lives. We talked about how to give thanks to God in tough times, and she shared her wisdom and experience. No matter what you’re facing today, if you can learn to cultivate gratitude in difficult seasons, God will use it to lift your head. Here are a few things my friend offered to me as we sorted this out. I pray they encourage you to keep looking for God’s gifts in your life as well. How to Give Thanks to God in Tough Times 1. Every day, take a moment to…
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Is God Mad at Me?
Smoky wisps of fog wrap their fingers through the goldenrod as I sit by the window in prayer. I’ve been distracted lately, and my thoughts have been far from God. A familiar question runs through my mind: Is God mad at me for neglecting my relationship with him? Summer days are full in these parts. I rarely find a quiet moment in this house filled with life and activity. Life has me stretched thin, and by the end of most days, I’m running on fumes. I imagine you know all about the rhythm of the ragged. Maybe you’ve felt guilty for neglecting your relationship with God, but you’re not sure…
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How to Put Your Hope in Jesus When Life Is Hard
The wind that ripped and tore all day finally calms, and I slip into the valley to walk in the silence. I’m here because I need to remind myself to put my hope in Jesus instead of putting my hope in climbing out of the valley of discomfort. Have you ever faced a valley so deep you wondered how you would possibly climb out of the darkness? Maybe the death of a precious loved one left you reeling with pain. Perhaps your marriage fell apart, your dream died, or you faced a devastating diagnosis. If you’re anything like me, you wanted to put your hope in Jesus, but, mostly, you…
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A Powerful Prayer for Healing Your Hardest Memories
Like a quiet sea at dawn, an orchid ocean of clouds hovers above the northern skyline. Even the oaks stand in awe—their lush summer canopies outstretched in reverence. I look to the heavens and utter a powerful prayer for healing as I think of a friend who’s been dealing with the sting of hard memories. Does any part of your past “sting” when it comes to mind? A stinging memory is sharp. It pricks you and deflates you—like a bee sting or a needle to a balloon. A stinging memory just might take the wind out of your sails or lead you into the pit for a few hours, a…
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When I Am Weak, Then I Am Strong
“That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Corinthians 12:10). The morning after our first child was born I stared at the ticking clock on the white-washed hospital wall and counted the minutes I had slept the previous night. The total came to 55 minutes, which didn’t feel like enough. My abdomen ached from an emergency C-section, I could barely stand up, and little Bekah was less-than-patient with my lack of breastfeeding experience. It felt like a lot. You’ve probably endured a few seasons when life felt like a lot. …
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Why Today Is Going to Be a Good Day
Above a scrim of wispy cirrus clouds, a hawk cries out as it soars upon some unseen current. For the first time since autumn, we slept with the windows open last night. Awakening to a cacophony of birdsong and the melodies of God’s created world feels like a gift given directly from his hand. “Today is going to be a good day,” I whisper. Smiling, I climb from the sheets, make the bed, and think of these eight simple words as I brush my teeth and greet the three children who await me downstairs. I repeat these words as I make the coffee and prepare breakfasts for everyone: “Today is…
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The Power of Trusting God in Hard Times
Layers of altostratus rest above the western tree line like wet towels hastily folded. Splinters of sapphire peer through their sparse creases and remind me of promises for better days to come. Closing my eyes, I remind myself of the power of trusting God in hard times. The darkness will pass. Light is coming for us all. We all need this reminder from time to time. The Power of Trusting God in Hard Times Not long ago, I sat with a friend whose heart was broken. We talked about how to find healing when we’re hurting, and I shared as much insight as I could offer. Whether you’re sitting beneath…
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Three Truths for the Trials and Tribulations of Life
The spring beauties are pushing white petals through the beige of last autumn’s fallen canopy, and I wonder if they’re some sort of sign. Would God really speak through the petals of a dime-sized white flower? In some quiet way, I wonder if he sent these little miracles to remind me that even amid the trials and tribulations of life, hope is still rising. Spring is still rising, even amid late March’s tormenting white flurries. Life is still rising, even when everything around you starts to feel like the worst kind of death. I read Peter’s words as I sit down amid the tiny flowers: “do not be surprised at…
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Life-Changing Scripture About Leaning on God in Tough Times
Dawn breaks beneath a bitter chill today. The sparrows don’t seem to mind. They chatter at the feeder while their Maker dabs the world with tufts of white lace. I watch from my spot by the window as I search for Scripture about leaning on God. Winter is beginning to wear on me, and we’ve only just begun. I have a feeling I’m going to need some strong words to carry me through the long months to come—months when leaning on God will be the secret for pressing forward. You might not be worn down today, but a time will come. A time will come when you need an anchor. …