Tag Archive for: strength

Help in time of trouble

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God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging … He says, Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth. (Psalm 46:1-3, 10)

If I truly believe that God is my refuge and strength, that He is always ready to help in times of trouble, then why don’t I ask? I’m very good about complaining to others about my troubles, but reluctant to go to Him. Where is the logic is this scenario? That’s probably the problem. I don’t think, but just do. I fail to be still and know that I am God.

Wrangling on the political front during a presidential voting year, mass shootings nationally and internationally, rumblings at home within family and friend relationships all lead to unrest. It’s tough to be still when turmoil rages all around us.

Psalm 46 speaks of unrest … earthquakes, mountains crumble into the sea, oceans roar and foam, mountains tremble as the waters surge! I can see where people would fear for their lives and tremble inside and out. Yet, in the middle of all this turbulence, Scripture reminds me to be still. Know that God is in control; He knows what is happening in a very small corner of my life. This speaks comfort, rest for those of us who tend to worry or fret about circumstances.

  • What specifically is troubling you today?
  • In what way can you be still and know that I am God in the midst of your troubling situation?

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Where do You Find Strength?

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“Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior.

The Sovereign Lord is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to tread on the heights.”

For the director of music. On my stringed instruments

Habakkuk 3:17-19

Help is only a prayer away

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Sometimes it’s about admitting our inability to shoulder the burden alone. There will be times of troubles, trials, and temptations. We’ll be disappointed and distressed as we walk this journey called life. Maybe you’re plagued with an ongoing health issue, or a child you love dearly tests every fiber of being in your body. For some, Satan is trying any way possible to place a wedge between you and your spouse.           image002 (Copy)

The question is not if fears and trials come, but when. When these afflictions plague us, know that there is a place to run to for help, a strong tower to shoulder our weak frame.

God’s comforting words appear many times in the Bible, “Do not be afraid, for I am with you.” When God says something, He means it. He is there right alongside us as we go through deep waters. I may not see Him physically, but faith tells me that He’s there regardless of my limited sight.

  • Whom do you seek in times of trouble?
  • When have you felt the mighty hand of God?
  • Can you name your fear(s) and willingly offer them up releasing them to a compassionate God?

We’re offered solace and refuge in Isaiah 41:10/NLT, “Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.”

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Soaring – part III

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Juvenile eagle flying with black bird - photo by Steve Lasher

My responsibility is to wait upon God. From past experience, I know it is wise to rise in the morning and say, I give myself and this day to you, God. You are in charge — not me. I can do nothing without your permission as the Creator & Sustainer of the universe. Use me as you see fit to accomplish your goals today. My desire is to honor and glorify you and not to promote my own agenda.

I must carve out the time to come near to God. Listen to him. It’s too easy to listen to outside noises that clamor for my attention. I am easily distracted from my prime mission. Consistent reading of his love letter (the Bible) to me is crucial. Otherwise, how can I come near and feel at ease in his presence. In this way, I am open to receive what he has specially planned for me for the day.

Why would I not want to rely on this source of direction and comfort? He is great in might, strong in power, and never fails!

“But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint” — Isaiah 40:31.

Soaring on eagle wings

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Juvenile Bald Eagle flying - photo by Steve Lasher

“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. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary,they will walk and not be faint “ – Isaiah 40:28–31.

I love this verse …partially because these verses in Isaiah were also my Mom’s favorite ones too. They speak of power and strength. Hope bursts forth in this chapter giving courage to carry on. I see at least three object lessons here:

  1. It is not in my own strength that anything is accomplished. All comes from a holy, everlasting God. I can make all the plans in the world, but if God does not wish it to happen, it will not. “Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails” — Proverbs 19:21. I can be confident that my future is in good hands.  More to follow in my next post.

Juvenile eagle perched on limb - photo by Steve Lasher

Soar like an eagle

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She wiggles her not-so-tiny body behind my monitor screen as if to say “Hello, remember me?”  How could I forget her? She tip-toes as she hikes her body on top of my desk across all my papers, then pauses over my open book. Several sheets of paper cascade to the floor when I shake my head and answer, “No, Katie, this is NOT a good spot for you to plop!”

In exasperation, she chooses her second favorite spot—behind my computer monitor, under my lamp, beside my pencil container and daily inspirational calendar. Just in case, I’d forgotten about her daily needs of food and an occasional petting and lap sitting.

FYI: my inspiration for the day calendar reads: “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles” (Isaiah 40:31a).

Soaring and gliding—that’s what we were designed for—not free of risks, not removed from all failure…but soaring with a new sense of trust and an inner burst of freedom – Carol Kent.

I don’t know about you, but I’m ready to have my strength renewed and soar like an eagle! I’m ready to hope in the Lord, because I know I cannot handle today on my own.

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Review of “Lioness Arising – Wake Up and Change Your World”

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I was eager to discover the meaning behind the word “Lioness” and how it fit in with females in today’s world. Ms. Bevere’s walks the reader through the concept of a woman’s awesome strength and beauty, and how God purposely places women in key roles in history, the family, and in community.

In the first chapter, Ms. Bevere tells of her dream about a lioness. During this dream, she hears an audible voice, “with the birth of this son, you will awaken a lioness.” I have to admit the dream threw me off a bit. Ms. Bevere’s desire is for each of us to realize our unrealized possibilities. She longs to “awaken something wild, wise, and wonderful in you.” She uses challenging questions to spurn women on to greater heights in order to reach their fullest potential.

Ms. Bevere ended strong with her last two chapters, “Walking with a lion,” and “From a whisper to a roar.”  Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “None of us will ever accomplish anything excellent or commanding except when he listens to this whisper which is heard by him alone.” One of the author’s comments that stood out for me: “Don’t ask others to tell you what you alone can hear. In doing so, you give them power over the God-whisper within your heart. Honor what God whispers, and take the time to listen to what he imparts in excellence to you.”

As women, we have what it takes to succeed—strength, beauty, power, spiritual awareness—in whatever task God assigns us.  

It was difficult for me to keep coming back to complete the book—I’d recommend condensing the book.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the Waterbrook Multnomah book review bloggers program, “Blogging for Books.”

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Tower of refuge

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I am still amazed that my Savior can be comfort, shelter, tower of refuge and strength to all his people all the time. Often, I am more concerned with what he can do for me that I end up asking more and praising less. Regardless of my current circumstances, I need to remember to praise God for who he is.

Prayer:  Thank you, God, for caring enough about me to be my strong tower and refuge when I’m fearful and confused. I know I am yours and that no one can snatch me out of your loving, possessive hand. No one or nothing—not even death or life can separate me from you! 

Ask: Is there a medical issue confusing you and baffling doctors, or do you fight a monthly battle to pay the bills? Do you sense assurance and comfort as you walk through trials and tribulations? Can you praise God for answered prayer in the past and trust him for your future?

Shout to the Lord!

 “My Jesus, my Savior, Lord there is none like you.  All of my days I want to praise the wonders of your mighty love. My comfort, my shelter, tower of refuge and strength, let every breath, all that I am, never cease to worship you. 

Shout to the Lord all the earth let us sing power and majesty, praise to the King, mountains bow down and the seas will roar at the sound of your name. I sing for joy at the work of your hand. Forever I’ll love you, forever I’ll stand. Nothing compares to the promise I have in you.” – Darlene Zschech 

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Thick skin

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“Our greatest glory is not in never failing, but in rising up every time we fail.” ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

The question isn’t if we fail, it’s when we fail. We all fail in one area or another and cannot be good at everything all the time. I have my strengths and weaknesses, and so do you. The problem isn’t in the failing, but in the getting up, dusting off, and starting over again. It’s much easier to give up than to get up, isn’t it? Sometimes it’s a matter of pride. Do I get up again and start all over? Or, would it be easier just to quit and pretend I never started?

If I rise up after taking a stumble (like receiving rejection letters from disinterested editors), Emerson claims this is great glory. I try to reason with myself and say, that’s only one publishing company—there’s many more out there to pursue.

Lord, I pray for stamina and a thick skin to withstand rejection and failing. I know I will fail in some pursuits, but I also know this is part of life.

Is there some project you’ve been meaning to complete?  Or a new craft or skill you’d like to learn more about? What would be the first step to tackle that idea? What’s to stop you today from beginning step #1?

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