The promises of God: Something to hold onto when the storms of life rage

I am in the midst of a storm. Life as I've known it has come crashing down around me. Things that have been for so long have been torn apart and are seemingly broken beyond repair. I feel broken and weary. Every day, I go through a myriad of emotions. One minute I feel at peace, and assured that all will be well. The next minute, I'm sobbing and crying out to God, and feeling every single break in my heart.

I have been given promises, of healing and restoration and glory. But some days, those promises are so hard to keep in mind, when everything around me seems to contradict them. It is so easy to take my eyes off my Savior, and look around at my circumstances, and wonder if maybe things will remain broken.

But, even in this, there is a purpose, a divine purpose for my good and His glory.

How can we hold on in the midst of a raging storm, that breaks everything around us, and be assured that all WILL be well?

Jesus himself was broken for a divine purpose. He was betrayed by those he loved, ministered to and healed. He was denied by one of his disciples. Lies were told about who he was and his ministry. His body was physically broken, before and as he hung on a cruel wooden cross. And the purpose of this was so that we may be healed and live in wholeness.

But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed. Isaiah 53:5

Every stripe on his back, the holes in his hands, the wound in his side. It was all for our healing. He took on the heavy weight of the world's sin and bore it on the cross, so that we wouldn't have to. So that when we feel heavy and burdened, we can find rest and healing in him. He left the glory of heaven, to become a man, destined to die a horrible death, for our good and to bring glory to his father, and to give us life more abundantly. (John 10:10)

And he has given us promises to cling to, when the storm rages.

He has promised never to leave us or forsake us.

Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6

He has promised shelter from the storm

He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.

Psalm 91:1

He has promised restoration

And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.

1 Peter 5:10

He has promised that he is there for us and to strengthen us and be our help

Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10

He has promised rest

Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Matthew 11:28

He has promised to supply all our needs

And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.  

Philippians 4:19

He has promised peace

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.

John 14:27

He has promised deliverance

When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all. He keeps all his bones; not one of them is broken.

Psalm 34:17-20

He has promised forgiveness

 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9

And he has promised his love

Whoever has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me. And he who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and manifest myself to him.”

John 14:21

When life hurts us and everything starts to fall apart, and it feels like a mighty storm is raging, that will take everything from us and obliterate it, we can be assured in the beautiful word of God, that we are never alone, that he is always with us, and he never changes. In the midst of uncertainty, he is the constant that will sustain us and bring us through into light, and healing and glory.

These promises belong to those that belong to the Lord. If you're not sure you belong to him, or you're sure you don't and want to amend that, I ask you to pray this prayer and step into his love, forgiveness, and promises:

Lord, I know I need you. I know I don't now belong to you, but I am coming to you now, asking you to adopt me into your family, and to forgive me of my sins and wash me clean. I believe you are the son of God, I believe that you made the greatest sacrifice of all, when you sent your son to die for me. I ask you to come and take up residence in my heart, and be the savior of my life. I ask this in your name, Amen.

If this post ministered to you, or you prayed the prayer above, stop by the facebook page (link in the sidebar) and leave a comment under one of the posts, so others can benefit from and rejoice in your testimony.   

Seated in heavenly places: Contentment through the storm

 ... for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

Philippians 4:11-13

It's hard to be content, when money is tight and the bills are due, or we have a million things to get done and our bodies decide it's time to be sick, or when people reject us, relationships end, jobs are lost, loved ones die, or the car gives up the ghost.

One of the favorite things I've heard at my church is the phrase BUT...God. I may not know where the money for the bills is going to come from BUT God said in his word that he will supply all my needs according to his riches in glory (Philippians 4:19), and God keeps his word. I may be worried and anxious about my health or my current circumstances BUT God said through his beloved son not to be anxious for anything, but in all things come to him in prayer (Philippians 4:6), and seek his kingdom first, and everything I need and desire will be added to me (Matthew 6:31-33). I may be facing heartache and loss and my whole world may be turned upside down BUT God is near to the brokenhearted (Psalm 34:18), he heals them and binds up every wound (Psalm 147:3). And when the cares of my heart are many, he comes to reassure and console (Psalm 94:19).

He is Emmanuel, God is with us. And he really lives up to that name. When you get the knowledge of his presence, deep down in your heart, it will bring you contentment, even in the midst of a raging storm that's rocking every single part of your world. He sticks closer than a brother (Proverbs 18:24), he never leaves us, never forsakes us (Hebrews 13:5), never disappoints, he always has time for us. And not only does he stay right by your side, but he works everything, good, bad, and in between, for your good. He turns your ugly, raging storm into still waters (Psalm 23). It may not happen over night, or when you really want it to, but as you wait on him and draw near to him, he will draw near to you (James 4:8) and bless you with contentment, peace, joy and comfort, because he turns every circumstance, no matter how ugly it is, into a heavenly place (Ephesians 2:6).  

Burdens

Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. Galatians 6:2

Have you ever had a burden so heavy on your heart that it feels like there's a brick on your chest? Or that you're dragging yourselves along? There is one who understands the weight of an exceedingly heavy burden. He bore the burden of the cross, carrying it almost half a mile to Golgotha. But even Jesus, being the divine Son of God, needed help in carrying this burden. Simeon was selected to help him on his arduous journey. The bible instructs us to bear each other's burdens, and in so doing we fulfill the law. And the greatest commandment of the law is to love one another. When we bear the burden of others with love, we fulfill the foremost calling that God has placed on our lives. Our primary calling isn't linked to our gifts and talents. Our primary calling is linked to God himself. And when we fulfill this calling, of aiding each other with love, of suffering when others suffer, we fulfill another calling, to emulate Jesus and his ways. (1 Peter 2:21)

See how much the father loves us, that he encourages us to bear the weight of each other's suffering, and then offers himself, to bear the weight along with you and your circle of support. He surrounds us in earthly comfort and support, and then gives himself as well. He never desires you to bear the weight alone, and he understands that the human capacity to help carry the weight is limited. So he gives you a limitless strength, that can never be measured, and never runs dry: His own. He daily takes up our burdens and carries them, and gives us his strength, when we feel like we have none (Psalm 68:19). And when we feel like we're too weak to be co-laborers with him, in bearing our burdens, he will give you rest and carry you AND your burden, and he'll never complain or let you fall. Because his strength is sufficient and in our weakness, his power is perfected in us (2 Corinthians 12:9).

And when we surrender all our burdens to him, and lay them down at his feet, this also ensures our victory, in whatever we're facing. (Psalm 55:22) When we surrender control to the Almighty, he will lift you up, carry you in your weakness, fight the battle for you, and lead you by the hand into victory and glory (1 Peter 5:6-7).

Dear Lord, help us to place our burdens at your feet and leave them there, so that you may work in our lives and repair what is broken. So that your glory may shine brightly through our lives, and our trials become our testimonies. For, we know that everything works together for our good, for those that love you. And help us to remain confident that we will indeed see your goodness, no matter how things may look presently. Thank you, Lord, for daily taking up our burdens and carrying them, and that when we are weak, you are strong. Amen.

The Brokenhearted

He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds Psalms 147:3

Is there anyone on this earth that hasn't experienced a broken heart? Is there one person that hasn't been betrayed, lied to, cheated on, abused, put down, or cast out?

In the midst of our pain and tears, God is there to console us. He sees and accounts for every tear drop (Psalm 56:8). He feels every ache of our heart, and hears every prayer we pray. He knows every pain we feel, because he bore all our pain on the cross. (Isaiah 53:3) He was betrayed by his friends, he was lied about, beaten, bruised and broken, and in the middle of his painful death, he still cried out to his father in heaven, to forgive them. The first step to healing from a broken heart is forgiveness. To say “Lord, I lay it all down before you, and I forgive them. I release them from my mental prison of hurt and anger, and now move forward into your blessing and healing.” The bible tells us to forgive (Matthew 6:14) and pray for those that have wronged us. It's not an easy thing to do, until you consider that praying for our enemies and blessing them with our forgiveness releases blessings over us. (Luke 6:36-38)

No matter the reason for our broken heart, whether it was betrayal, offense, or losing a loved one, we can take comfort in knowing that our heavenly daddy is right there with us, holding us close, and whispering “I am here, my child, and I know, for I feel every heartache, and cry every tear. I won't let you go. Cling to me and I will heal all your brokenness, and turn it into something beautiful. I will give you joy for your mourning.” (Isaiah 61:3)

Lord, I ask that you touch every person reading this that has suffered a broken heart. I pray that you wrap your comfort and peace around them, and send your ministering angels to guard them and encourage them in their time of brokenness. I also pray that you would surround them with the right people to offer them comfort and support. In your name, I pray. Amen.

How to Put On The Whole Armor of God

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints.” Ephesians 6:10-18


The belt of truth:  Be honest and forthcoming in all your dealings.  Confess your sins to the Lord, even the ones you're afraid to admit, and he will forgive you and wash you clean. (1 John 1:9) He will tie around your waist, a belt of truth.  It says in his word, that he is the way, THE TRUTH, and the life. (John 14:6)  We achieve truth in our life when we come to him, we achieve relationship with God when we come to his son, and confess all our sins to him.  When we bring our blemishes and uncleanness before The Son, He intercedes for us with the Father,  (Romans 8:34) thereby making a way directly to the Father.  Confessing our sins bridges the gap between us and God.

Breastplate of righteousness:  Righteousness comes by faith. (Romans 3:22)  Faith is defined in the bible as the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.  (Hebrews 11:1) Our faith proclaims that Jesus is Lord and Savior, and the redeemer of our sins, he sits at the right hand of the Father.  Our faith says that we are heirs to the kingdom of God. (Romans 8:17) We are more than conquerors (Romans 8:37), no matter what life throws at us, no matter our circumstances, our past, our weakness or our failings.  We are sons and daughters of the King.  We were bought at the price of Jesus' blood, and through his blood we are justified and made clean in God's sight.

Shoes of readiness given by the gospel of peace:  Peter says to be ready always to give an answer for the reason of your faith. (1 Peter 3:15) We receive this readiness, when we hear the gospel.  Why do we believe?  Because we have faith.  Why do we have faith in an unseen God?  Because he is very much seen, working in our lives, when we have ears to hear, and eyes to see.  When our hearts and minds are open to receive his word, and to receive his blessings and miracles.  What is the gospel?  Gospel means Good News.  The good news is, that Jesus died on the cross, was broken and bruised and beaten and took on the heavy weight of the world's sin, so that we might live, not because of anything we did, but because he LOVED US before we even knew him (1 John 4:19), and his grace of forgiveness and redemption is a free gift to us, that Jesus paid the price for, so we wouldn't have to. (Ephesians 2:8-9)  And not only live, but live in wholeness.  Wholeness of mind, body, and spirit.  The good news is, that when we receive Jesus as Lord and Savior of our lives, and surrender our lives to him, he will come in and start repairing all brokenness, he will restore all that's been lost, every year that darkness engulfed your life, he will restore to you.  (Joel 2:25) Every thing the enemy tried to use to kill you, defeat you, or maim you, God will take and turn around to bless you, heal you, and to bless others.  And as Jesus defeated death, hell, and the grave when he rose again, so he gave us authority over death, hell and the grave.  (Matthew 10:1)The enemy is rendered powerless and defeated.  No matter what he tries to throw at you, you can now stand boldly, and remind him of his future, and remind him of his defeat.  You can stand and shout: “I am a daughter/son of the Lord strong and mighty, and you cannot wreak havoc in my life, because you are defeated, and in Jesus' name, you have to flee from me right now!” And he will trip over himself to get away from you.

Shield of Faith:  When we have faith, believing in Jesus as our Savior and King, with full knowledge of our warrior status in Christ, and knowing that no weapon the enemy has in his arsenal can succeed in harming us (Isaiah 54:17), when we fully know that we CANNOT LOSE with Christ at our side, it becomes a shield that withstands every attack of the enemy, no matter how bad it may seem.  Our victory is not based on our circumstances.  Our victory is based on the fact that God is who he says he is, ALWAYS, and on the fact that WE are who Christ says we are.

Helmet of Salvation:  There's a reason it's the helmet of salvation.  It covers our mind.  Knowledge of our salvation, that we are redeemed, justified, and washed clean of our sin by the precious blood of Jesus, guards our minds from the lies of the enemy.  When he comes to whisper in your ear, that you're weak, that you can't do this, that you should just give up, when he whispers and tells you that God doesn't love you, or that you're disgusting and unworthy, we have only to look him straight in the face and say  “I am not weak, because I am a child of the Lord, Strong and mighty, and he is able to do all things, and I am able to do all things through Christ, who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:13) I will not give up, because, though a righteous man falls 7 times, he gets up and keeps going 7 times. (Proverbs 24:16) Or 50.  Or 100.  God DOES love me, because he sent his only, precious son to die a bloody death on a cross so that I might live, because he SO loved the world, that he made the greatest sacrifice possible (John 3:16), and I am worthy of his love, because all my sin, all my shame, all my failure has been nailed to the cross, washed clean, and eradicated by his blood.  He sees me as clean, beautiful and precious.”  Get that knowledge, deep down in your heart and it will transform your thinking.

Sword of the spirit:  God's word, the bible.  Every day, read it, study it, consume yourself in it, and it will seep into your thoughts, it will be written on your heart.  (Jeremiah 31:33) So that no matter what the enemy tries to tell you, you can fight back with the word of God.  He says you're weak, you remind him you're strong through Christ,  he says you're defeated, you remind him you're a conqueror, he says that he's going to win, you remind him that HE is defeated, and that his future is to spend eternity in a bottomless pit, he says you're unloved, you remind him just why Christ died for you, he says you'll only ever be the person you were in the past, you remind that you are a new creation in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17).

Praying:  We often forget that prayer is also a weapon.  As the pastor at my church said, we do not pray as victims, we pray as victors.  This doesn't mean we can't take all our pain, sorrow and anguish to God, but when we ask for him to act in our lives, and to help us, we pray from a strance of boldness and strength.  “Lord, I feel defeated, like I can't go on, like the past will never let me move on, like I'll never heal, like I'll always be a failure, like I'm unworthy of love, like I'll never find love, etc....but your word says, that I am not defeated, but I'm a conqueror, that the past is no more, because it was washed away when you died on the cross, it says that you are greater and bigger than anything I might face, or any circumstance (Jeremiah 32:27) , so Lord, I come and ask you to help me to have a knowledge of who I am, through you.  Help me to know, in my heart, without any doubt, that I am loved, I am worthy, I WILL heal, I will overcome, because you are Emmanuel, God is with us, and I am no longer alone, no matter how it may seem...”

It may seem I'm repeating a  lot of the same things over and over again, but every piece of armor and every weapon works together, as a whole.  Righteousness comes by faith, faith comes by hearing the word of God (Romans 10:17), we use the word of God to counter the lies of the enemy, and in prayer, every weapon comes together to defeat the enemy.

Anxiety: Sitting at Jesus' feet

As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”
“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:38-42

I think this scripture is an illustration of our lives today. We are so busy and stressed and anxious, that we forget to just sit and BE. He encourages us to move away from the cares of our lives, and sit at his feet, fix our eyes on him, and just be still, and listen. Some of my most profound revelations and the greatest comfort have been received in times of stillness.

We live in a world filled with anxiety. Anxiety about work, bills, money, loved ones, ourselves. But when we come and sit at his feet, we are never alone in this anxiety. In his word, he encourages us to cast all our cares and anxieties on him. (1 Peter 5:7) (Psalms 55:22) When we are not strong enough to bear our burdens, he is more than strong enough. We need not be crushed by the cares of this world. He will always be there, right by our side. And he will always come when we call. He will daily take up our burdens and carry them. (Psalms 68:19) And when we feel exhausted and like we can't go on, he will carry us. (Isaiah 46:4) His arms are open wide, offering comfort, safety, love and protection. In a world filled with anxiety and hardship, it is an inexpressible comfort to know that there is someone greater, who is bigger than anything we might face. And he will always come and face those problems with you. (Isaiah 35:4) He will contend with those that contend with you. (Isaiah 49:25) He is our ever-present fortress, our deliverer, our vindicator, our shield and protector in times of need. He is waiting for us to come to his throne, rest at his feet, and just be with him in that stillness, where he will whisper words of comfort and encouragement, and hold us close until the stress and anxiety melt away.

Love.

And one of them, a lawyer, asked him a question to test him. “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?” And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.” 
Matthew 22:35-40

 It is about love. God's first and greatest commandment is to love. Jesus didn't hang out with prostitutes and criminals, and sit around telling them how disgusting and shameful they were. He spoke to them of love and forgiveness and accepted their affection. One word that should be stricken from the Christian vocabulary is the word abomination. Too often it is directed toward people. “Love the sinner, and hate the sin” is not a biblical concept. LOVE, period, is. (1 Peter 4:8) No one was ever reached by telling them what an unnatural abomination they were. They were reached through and by love. Jew, Gentile, gay, straight, black, white, etc. God's love is extended to all. His voice cries out to all. And he hears our cries for love and healing and acceptance.

 “Take heart. Get up, he is calling you.” (Mark 10: 49) While others rebuked Bartimaeus, Jesus responded to the blind man's call, and asked him what he wanted Jesus to do for him. “Rabbi, let me recover my sight.” and Jesus said to him: “Go your way, your faith has made you well.” He hears your cries, and sees your hurt, and his response is “Take heart. Get up, I am calling you.” “Come. I have heard your cries, come to me, and I will heal and restore that which was lost.” The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. (Psalm 145:18) “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls, for my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30)

 Too often the scriptures are used to instill fear and tear people down. This ultimately leads to people fleeing in the other direction. The bible is meant to be a weapon against Satan and his lies, not a weapon used to bash people over the head, or to instill fear in their hearts. God is calling his people to follow Jesus' example. To hear the cries of the lost, afraid, brokenhearted, and to respond to that call with compassion, encouragement, and love. Calling them to gentleness, lowliness of heart, calling them to LOVE.