As a body of believers we need each other to support one another in the trials and storms of life. We are not meant to function alone, walk through life alone, grow spiritually alone or even survive practically alone.
In our day to day lives we often find ourselves balancing countless responsibilities. Whether it’s caring for our families, managing work, or supporting friends, life can feel overwhelming. Yet, in the busyness, we often long for a deeper connection with Jesus—something more than just attending church or going through the motions. How do we truly live like Jesus in our everyday lives?
Gratitude is a powerful antidote for discouragement, disappointment, self pity, and any other scheme of the enemy. I want to encourage you with a few ways in which I am encouraged to lead a life of Gratitude and thanksgiving for all the God has done in my life.
For believers, we’re being filled, renewed, regenerated, with a power that can’t be seen, but that can change things we can see. A power that is perfect, unbeatably strong, completely pure, good and true.
As I walked away, I was so touched and encouraged by God. How in either huge and mighty things or in the small events of everyday life, He is utterly sovereign. God knows each one of us and even the hidden, perhaps “insignificant” details of our lives are not hidden from his sight nor useless to his plans.
Life can be so complicated! Thankfully, we have a wonderful Father God who knows our struggles! He created us, He has sent us His Spirit to be our helper and He has the answers!
…as we put our faith in God and trust His words to us, He is the only one to provide all we need each day and renew our strength for whatever the future may bring.
The encouragement I want to share with you is that with me, we make those moments to ‘Draw near to God’ and then enjoy knowing that ‘he will draw near to you’.
I no longer sit scrolling through Facebook when I’m low, instead I scroll through the word of God and try and keep my eyes fixed on Him, His plans and promise, for only He can sustain us!
Those anchors that give us stability and safety in our day-to-day lives are certainly important. Family, friends, buildings, cars, money, health, governments, etc play a part and help us to feel grounded. However, THE anchor that truly preserves us is our hope in the promises of God!
Are you waiting for something at the moment? Are you too wondering what God is trying to teach or remind you during this time? Do you feel abandoned in the waiting?
I am not very good at doing nothing, in order to feel like I have had a successful day I need to have accomplished a lot. I usually have a mental to-do list, and if that list isn’t completed at the end of the day then I feel like I can’t sit down in the evening and relax properly.
St Thérèse of Lisieux said: "I was between six and seven when I saw the sea for the first time. I could not turn away my eyes: its majesty, the roaring of the waves, the whole vast spectacle impressed me deeply and spoke to my soul of God's power and greatness."
I’m certainly not the world’s best hostess. I’ve eaten a partially raw potato (although fortunately my friend’s was fully cooked). I’ve had a friend be sick when round for tea. I’ve definitely served at least one person food they don’t like. But in every instance, I’ve enjoyed someone’s company, we’ve had a laugh and I’ve gotten to know them a bit more. They’ve felt valued and blessed to be invited, and I’ve felt loved and honoured that they came.
