Sometimes we approach the New Year with feelings of joy and excitement, looking forward to a fresh start and new beginnings, hopeful about what’s ahead. It feels like a chance to begin again and try something different, better, or to see more victories. Other times the dark clouds of dread, fear, and worry hover over us with gloom and doom. Or our hearts are filled with deep sorrow and loss. Our hearts and minds begin to fill with thoughts, questions, and uncertainties, wonde

“The God of glory thunders.” (Psalm 29:3b) How beautiful this image is of our God and His power. How much we need this reminder when everything around us and within us is just too much. God is much bigger; God is greater than our greatest need. He is all-powerful and able, and He is merciful and just. He holds us in the palm of His hands, and loves us. “The voice of the Lord is powerful, The voice of the Lord is majestic.” (Psalm 29:4) Oh, to be held in His keeping and care i

“But as for me, I trust in You, O Lord, I say, “You are my God.” My times are in Your hand.” (Psalms 31:14-15a) There is a sense of relief that comes when we release this burden into God’s hands. Our times are in His capable, caring hands. Whatever happens, we know that He’s in charge, and will help us through it. There are so many things in this life that can make us apprehensive, or flat out feel like we’re running scared. Fleeing from the unknown or uncertain, or simply ju

“As the deer pants for the water brooks, So my soul pants for You, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God; When shall I come and appear before God?” (Psalms 42:1-2) The note above this psalm says, “Thirsting for God in trouble and exile.” Theses verses have taken on a new meaning for me after having read that. I see and understand better what the psalmist was feeling and thinking. Sorrow and suffering leave such a deep hole in us, causing us to thirst for God’s pr

Have you ever felt like your view of God was blocked? Like you couldn’t see Him? Maybe something happened that left you feeling like it was impossible to find your way back from it. Something that shattered your trust and left you feeling far from God, not knowing how to come to Him. It can be hard to believe again. It takes a work of the Holy Spirit to bring the depth of comfort and healing we need to turn us around, especially when things are so raw. God patiently begins he