by wendy | Jul 1, 2020 | Encouragement, Encouragement For Your Heart, Focus on God, Godly Relationships, Trusting God
I had an opportunity this week to develop my trust in the Lord a little more. Someone in my life presented a request/demand that seemed like a possible threat to our family’s peace. As these situations usually are, the correct way to handle it is complicated and a bit fuzzy. Suddenly, that person seemed like an enemy. As I began to toss the situation and our defense around in my mind, it didn’t take long before I was angry and all of my peace was missing in action.
I reached out to several of my trusted friends to pray for us about the situation. Asking them to pray was a good thing, but in the ask I also began to explain – and my explaining quickly became complaining. As I was explaining/complaining to my PIP (Partner in Prayer) our signal got cut off and I had about 10 minutes before I was able to reconnect. During that intermission, God brought Psalm 37 to mind and began to show me that I was fretting over the situation instead of trusting Him! When I was able to call my PIP back, I confessed that to her and asked her to pray for each party – and that peace would prevail.
Here is what I have learned from Psalm 37 about how God wants us to handle these situations:
“Do not fret because of those who are evil or be envious of those who do wrong; for like grass they will soon wither, like green plants they will soon die away.”
Psalm 37:1-2
The word “fret” used here means to burn or to kindle in the original Hebrew. That certainly seems to describe my disposition when I feel threatened. As I described earlier, I roll the thoughts over and over in my mind until they become bigger and I become angrier. The fretting causes me to kindle that anger until it becomes a raging fire within me. How could peace possibly survive in that kind of environment?
This passage also reminds me that I am fretting over a temporary situation. While it may seem to be the most important thing in the moment, this is what distracts us from our purpose (worshipping God) and our mission (shine light to the dark world and encourage others).
“So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”
2 Corinthians 4:18
God wants us to trust Him to handle our difficult situations and relationships so we can focus on our important work.
“Trust in the Lord and do good.”
Psalm 37:3
When we fret over people and difficult relationships, we are attempting to usurp the power of God. Fretting (rehearsing our defense in our minds) assumes that we have the power to fix things. Only God has the power to change hearts and minds – and He is able to do it in a way that brings peace and preserves relationships.
“The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.”
Exodus 14:14
As believers, we have a clear mission – encourage others – and specific directions on how to avoid the pitfalls of distraction due to difficult relationships.
“Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else.”
1 Thessalonians 5:15
Godly relationships do not always include 2 godly people. When we choose to implement God’s ways into any relationship it becomes godly. Use wise boundaries to protect your heart from chronic abuse and choose to trust God in every situation. Only He can see into the heart of each one and He always knows the right way to go!
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:6-7
by wendy | Jun 26, 2020 | Encouragement, Encouragement For Your Heart, Focus on God, Trusting God
When I need encouragement, there is no place I can go that will strengthen me like the Word of God. When I read His truth and promises, the lies of the world are exposed and I remember that His power is made perfect in my weakness. Even in the rare cases when I cannot access a Bible, I can pull from my memory to remind myself of the truth I already know. Preaching to myself is just this – reminding myself of what God has already said to my heart through His word.
“I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.”
Psalm 119:11
Here are 7 ways to strengthen yourself in the Lord through His Word:
Read The Word
Follow a reading plan, use a devotional guide, or just begin in a book of the Bible and go from there – there is no wrong way. One of my most common practices is to read back through the Scripture from my Pastor’s Sunday sermon several times throughout the week.
Listen to The Word
Listen to an audio version of the Bible or Scripture set to music.
Write The Word
Write verses on index cards to make a flip book or in a journal. Choose a verse and write it several times on cards to send to friends.
Wear The Word
Invest in a t-shirt or bracelet with a favorite verse. Purchase an extra to use for a gift.
Speak The Word
Repeating Scripture out loud has power on its own, but it also enhances memorization.
Sing The Word
Singing songs with Scripture helps to commit it to memory.
Share The Word
Look for opportunities to share the Scripture you are learning.
by wendy | Jun 24, 2020 | Encouragement, Encouragement For Your Heart, Focus on God, Trusting God
To celebrate our 13th wedding anniversary this week, Jerry and I travelled to West Virginia to do a little “adventuring” and to visit friends. Along the way we stopped in at Grandview National Park and walked along a trail to see a magnificent view of the New River Gorge. The view was indeed grand, but my favorite sight was actually on a side trail that we discovered after the main attraction. Tucked deep into the forest alongside a path was a huge heart-shaped rock. As soon as I spied that stone, I was reminded that I need to step off the beaten path frequently to be reminded that my life – and love – must be based upon The Rock – the Living Stone.
As you come to him, the living Stone—rejected by humans but chosen by God and precious to him— you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.
1 Peter 2:4-5
Peter tells us that when we come to Him – Jesus – the Living Stone – we become like living stones as well. Coming to Jesus makes us strong in Him – like Him.
My friend, Heather, and I recently exchanged devotionals and Scriptures to remind ourselves to be strengthened in the Lord. Heather remarked that as she reviewed, she felt renewed. The Word gave us strength, hope, and joy.
For in Scripture it says: “See, I lay a stone in Zion, a chosen and precious cornerstone, and the one who trusts in him will never be put to shame.”
1 Peter 2:7
Sometimes it is difficult to trust. Much of life is like our hike to the “grand view” always looking for the big thing, the clear view, the obviously marked path. But our strength is renewed when we wade through the weeds and go deep looking for the Living Stone. Our strength is found when choose to stand upon that Rock.
“Now to you who believe, this stone is precious.”
1 Peter 2:7
Paul reminds us in Romans about Abraham strengthening himself in the Lord. He believed what seemed impossible because he reminded himself about the other promises God had fulfilled in his life. He preached to himself and it strengthened his faith.
“Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised.”
Romans 4:20-21
Looking for the easy way never makes us strong. Strolling down a wide path to a clear view is pleasant, but does nothing to increase our faith. We must be intentional about stepping off the beaten path of life and seeking the Living Stone by reviewing His word, His truth, and His promises. And then we must stand upon that Rock renewed, strengthened, encouraged!
They are like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built.
Luke 6:48
by wendy | Jun 8, 2020 | Encouragement, Encouragement For Your Heart, Focus on God, Trusting God
“You sure have been testy lately.”
The comment jabs like a knife into the already tender wound of my own weakness. I am testy – but I don’t want to be told. I want to be heard, seen, validated, comforted. Don’t they see that my testiness is a sign of my emptiness? I’m given out, spent, weary.
All this past week I have listened – listened to the hearts of other women – listened to my own heart. We seem to have a theme – we are tired. We have spent the last several months caring for the emotional health of our families, dealing with the uncertainty of life itself, juggling new roles that have been thrust upon us in the pandemic, and wondering about the fears that we have inside ourselves. It’s not really that we are in it alone – many of us have wonderful partners, supportive families, fabulous friends – but we process things differently, grieve differently. The emotions of change, and fear, and grief, and uncertainty take their toll.
In her book “One Thousand Gifts,” Ann Voskamp says,
“Hurry always empties a soul.”
Voskamp p.67
— As does grief, anxiety, fear …
It’s time to pause.
I know it feels like the world has been on pause – and it has – but this is a different pause. This pause is about encouraging yourself, finding strength in the Lord, renewing your spirit, and getting filled up so you can continue to pour out.
“Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.”
Isaiah 40:31
“Yes, my soul, find rest in God, my hope comes from him.”
Psalm 62:5
This pause is biblical.
God tells us to rest – to be still – to listen – to be quiet. God tells us to pause! He designed our bodies and our hearts for rest. This really shouldn’t be surprising since it is hard to seek God’s presence while running a sprint. We have to slow down – stop even – in order to seek Him, to hear Him. to experience the fullness of His abundance.
“Be still before the Lord.”
Psalm 37:7
“In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength.”
Isaiah 30:15
This pause is filling.
Oh the abundance – the boundless riches – that He longs to pour into our souls.
“I pray that out of his glorious riches, he may strengthen you with power through his spirit in your inner being … that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.”
Ephesians 3:16,19
May I pause to be filled – so I can pour out yet again.
Selah
by wendy | May 13, 2020 | Encouragement, Encouragement For Your Heart, Trusting God
“See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field … will he not much more clothe you?”
Matthew 6:28-30
It’s difficult to find confidence in these days. Confidence implies knowing – certainty – peace of mind – but God reminds us that our confidence should be in Him – not in ourselves and not in the world.
We find encouragement (courage) when we remember that we have a God who is above all of creation, yet He chooses to step down into creation using His power and authority to act on our behalf – serving us in His love.
God often encourages us to remember how He serves us.
“I will remember the deeds of the LORD; yes, I will remember your wonders of old.”
Psalm 77:11
“Blessed is the one who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in him.”
Jeremiah 17:7
We can have confidence in Him when we:
Remember that He provides for us.
It’s easy in the good times to acknowledge God’s provision, but when difficulty comes we must choose to remember. Look back at the ways He has provided for his people throughout history as well as the ways He has provided personally for you. We can trust that God will provide because we have seen him do it! Make a list of the times in your life that God has provided – post it where you can see and read it often.
“He provides you with plenty of food and fills your heart with joy.”
Acts 14:17
“Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness and all these things will be given to you as well.”
Matthew 6:37
Remember that He protects us.
We may not always see God’s hand of protection, but we can trust that He does protect us, both from other people and from the evil one. Think back to the times in the past when you have recognized God’s protection – spend some time praising and thanking Him for his protection.
“So we say with confidence, ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?'”
Hebrews 13:6
“The Lord is faithful and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one.”
2 Thessalonians 3:3
Remember that He heals us.
God heals us in so many ways – physically, emotionally, spiritually. Ultimately, God’s healing will be eternal as we join Him in heaven with perfect bodies and unending rest. Here on earth, acknowledge the ways God has healed and is healing you.
“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.”
Psalm 147:3
“LORD, my God, I called to you for help, and you healed me.”
Psalm 30:2
Remember that He comforts us.
It is one thing to have a God who provides practical things for us like food and clothes – but we have a God who does more than just provide – He cares and comforts us. God is not cold and distant – He is compassionate and loving. Spend some time asking God for his comfort and allow him to hold you close to his heart (Isaiah 40:11).
“Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and our God and Father, who has loved us and given us everlasting consolation and good hope by grace, comfort your hearts and establish you in every good word and work.”
2 Thessalonians 2:16-17
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort.”
2 Corinthians 1:3
Remember that He sustains us.
We can rest in the fact that it is not all up to us. We don’t need to keep up a brave front – we only need to trust in Him to sustain us. We can rest, we can sleep, we can tend to our work, we can do the things God is calling us to because He is the one who makes the sun rise and set. How can you rest today, remembering that God sustains you?
“My God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:19
“He himself gives everyone life and breath and everything else.”
Acts 17:25
Remember that He forgives us.
In the ultimate act of service, God made a way to cover the price of our sins. His love gave all to save us. I can have confidence in the future because of that gift – no matter what else happens in the world. Forgiven. Saved. Secure. Forever.
“I am writing to you, dear children, because your sins have been forgiven on account of his name.”
1 John 2:12
“God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins.”
Colossians 2:13
When we think about the Encouragement of Action, our thoughts should immediately rest upon God. He is the King of Service. God doesn’t just say He loves us – He shows us His love by serving us – and He models what love should look like for us.
“Praise the LORD, my soul, and forget not all his benefits – who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.”
Psalm 103:2-4
We can have confidence when we remember that God serves us because His serving us never depends upon us. He serves us for two reasons – because He loves us and for His glory. And we can serve others for the same reason – because God loves us and for His glory!
God serves us and we serve others – and in that serving we become a reflection of God who serves and blesses infinitely (2 corinthians 12:15)
“Stand at the crossroads and look
by wendy | Apr 23, 2020 | Encouragement, Encouragement For Your Heart, Focus on God, Prayer, Trusting God
“Things Above” Artwork by Wendy Custer www.cornercopiafarmandstudio.com
Why is it that my mind never chooses peace? Instead, it chooses to think the worst, wrestle with fear and doubt, and grasp for control. Peace does not come naturally – I must pursue it!
“The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.”
Romans 8:6
Paul uses the word govern to describe 2 mindsets – the mind set on the flesh (self, human nature, sinful desires) and the mind set on the Spirit (godly thinking). Where we choose to focus, there will our thoughts follow. James 4 tells us that fights and quarrels among people comes from the desires that battle within us, so it should not surprise us that those desires also keep peace from our minds.
The key to pursuing peace is to choose which mindset I will allow to govern or rule in my mind. In Colossians we are told to “Set your minds on things above.” (v. 2) and to “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts.” (v. 15) Both of these directions begin with words that imply it is up to us to change our minds, but this change requires divine intervention and the power of God.
How can we pursue this power?
First Pray
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”
Philippians 4:6
Instead of submitting to anxiety, we submit our thoughts and concerns to God, inviting Him to intervene with His power and peace. This is a choice – an action designed to turn us from the powerlessness of ourselves to placing our trust in the all-powerful God. In response to this trust, God gives us His peace – confidence in His power and rest for our anxious minds.
“And the peace of God which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:7
Second Change what you think about.
“Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things.”
Philippians 4:8
Once we have submitted our thoughts to God in prayer and He has given us peace, we have another step to follow. We must change our minds by moving our focus from fear to faith. When we choose to partner with him through prayer, He will stand guard and keep the anxious thoughts from sabotaging our peace, but we must continue to partner with Him – not allowing those thoughts to sneak in the back door. We must be steadfast to walk in that trust.
“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast because they trust in you.”
Isaiah 26:3
A steadfast mind chooses to return to God over and over, trusting that He can do all He says He will do. This takes practice – training our minds to to think godly thoughts – preaching to ourselves. And when we train, we become strong.
“In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength.”
Isaiah 30:15
Peace can prevail in our minds when we continually turn to prayer and change our focus. Trouble will continue to come, difficulty will always find us, but Peace wins out when we trust in the Lord and never cease to pray.
“Surely the righteous will never be shaken … They will have no fear of bad news; their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the LORD. Their hearts are secure, they will have no fear.”
Psalm 112:6-8
