“Give praise to the Lord, proclaim his name;
make known among the nations what he has done.
Sing to him, sing praise to him;
tell of all his wonderful acts.
Glory in his holy name;
let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice.
Look to the Lord and his strength;
seek his face always.”
1 Chronicles 16:8-11
“I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago. I will consider all your works and meditate on all your mighty deeds.” Your ways, God, are holy. What god is as great as our God? You are the God who performs miracles; You display your power among the peoples. With your mighty arm you redeemed your people, the descendants of Jacob and Joseph.” -Psalm 77:11-15
At church this morning our pastor talked about community.
I got to thinking about just how blessed I am to have a wonderful group of women surrounding me during the highs and lows of life.
This group of amazing gals met together for the first time only 1 year ago. We started meeting bi-monthly for an early morning walk followed by coffee and devotions.
The results of our lives intersecting has been nothing short of miraculous. Fear has been conquered through prayer. Insecurities have been voiced in a safe place. Love has been given and received despite personality differences.
Ultimately, Christ has been on display.
And I for one will never be the same because of what these women have taught me. They are each jewels of a rare and unique value that cannot be compared.
I do not take this privilege of godly friendship for granted. So many look for authentic Christian relationships and get disappointed in their search because it takes a while.
Let me encourage you to keep at it. I was lonely for 3 years before I found this safe place of godly women. It can happen to you too. Just keep looking. And if you don’t find a group where you belong, then start your own group.
It’s not easy. Anything worthwhile requires work. But it is SO worth it.
(Photo Credit: http://www.enkivillage.com/s/upload/images/2014/11/5550e0e8803906479fe5e149ac8745af.jpg)
On this wind-chilled Sunday, this day of rest, I invite you to shift your focus from your pain to His presence. To Pause. To ask for help.
Sometimes, the only way to get back up is to grab someone’s hand that has been where you are. Maybe reach out and give a friend a call today? She just might say the right thing.
Proverbs 15:23- “Everyone enjoys a fitting reply; it is wonderful to say the right thing at the right time!”
I am giving you permission to get up off the floor, to take care of you. One word from the right person could be just the push you need. Ask God who He has placed in your life for you to go to in moments of sadness.
Proverbs 27:17- “Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.”
Asking for help is never easy but is always a good idea. Not one of us can do this life thing on our own. In fact, we are only made strong through the grace of Christ, not by our own striving.
2 Corinthians 12:9- But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.”
Working your fingers to the bone to live up to some expectation that you have put on yourself is never fruitful. In fact, it’s just plain draining. And you’re left wanting more…love, life, peace, etc…
But if you just acknowledge that your Father God knew what He was doing when He created you, that your pain doesn’t mean He isn’t good, that your sin is covered by His blood, and that He wants to fellowship with you, then your life becomes joy-filled even in the midst of suffering.
So, invite a friend over for tea. Go to church and be around the family that God has called you to. Ask for prayer. It’s all gonna be ok.
Proverbs 27:9- “The heartfelt counsel of a friend is as sweet as perfume and incense.”
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