Encouragement (Page 19)

I hate living through stressful times. My mind spins possible endings that cause more distress. I feel like I can’t catch up, no matter how hard I try. My sleep is off and I am grouchy. I look for a quick fix instead of trusting in God for lasting peace. Romans 8:28 is, “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.” (Holy Bible, New Living Translation, 2015). Once I reach the other side of a trial, I find God has created good out of my mess.Read More →

Deep down, I want to eat when I feel like it. When I feel like eating, I am not hungry. Instead, I want food to soothe my emotions. I desire food because it looks yummy. I miss grazing on chips and snacking while watching TV. Other times, I want to keep eating, even though I am full. Matthew 16:24 is, “Then Jesus said to his followers, ‘If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me.’” (Holy Bible, New Living Translation, 2015, emphasis added) God has shown me I can lose weightRead More →

I have walked in a fog for the last few weeks. My brain focused on everything wrong in my life. I felt tired and drained. Instead of cleaning my house, I watched TV or surfed the internet in my spare time. Feeling down, I was tempted to reach for food. Even though my eating was better, my depressed mind convinced me I had gained weight. Since I did not like these feelings, I reached out to God. He showed me He cares about everything going on in my life. 1 Peter 5:7 is, “Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares aboutRead More →

Ever since I was forced to wake up one hour earlier for Daylight Saving Time, I wander like a zombie in need of a nap. I snooze my alarm multiple times before I finally get going. I have less time in the morning, so I spend less time with God. Skimping on my time with God, worsens my tired mood. Things that I would normally blow off annoy me. Matthew 11:28 is, “…Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. (Holy Bible, New Living Translation, 2015). God wants to give me rest. He doesRead More →

Life happens and things work out differently from how I want. Sometimes, I can trust God and believe He will make something good come from pain. I find it easier to turn the “big deals” of life over to God. Small issues throw me off track. Traffic I had not planned on makes me late. I cannot find the bill I put in a special place. I get tired, and don’t want to do what God has called me to do. Exodus 15:2 is, “The Lord is my strength and my song; he has given me victory. This is my God and I will praiseRead More →