By: Katie Messer
“On the day I called, You answered me; You made me bold with strength in
my soul.” Psalm 138:3 (NASB)
Have you ever felt as though one challenging situation kept following another within your life? Perhaps you even wondered if there was something you could do to make the difficulties stop. Allow this to be refreshment to your heart and soul as you head to class, work, or the great outdoors.
When hard times enter our lives, our tendency can be to isolate ourselves or fake our way through with a smile. Yet, once we are alone, the reality of the weight of the hardship remains and battles with depression or even doubting God’s goodness may ensue. Girlfriend, at that very moment, drop what you are doing and grab your Bible. Get alone with the Lord and pour your heart out to Him. He is ready to comfort you and sustain you in the midst of it all.
“You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book.” Psalm 56:8 (NLT)
Regardless of zip codes, time zone, or even the make-up of our family, each life will experience hurdles and mountain tops, as well as the valleys below. If you are in one of life’s valleys now, may I encourage you from the literal desert of the Middle East (Qatar to be specific) from God’s Word.
“Therefore, I am now going to allure her; I will lead her into the desert and speak tenderly to her. There I will give her back her vineyards, and will make the Valley of Achor a door of hope. There she will sing as in the days of her youth, as in the days she came up out of Egypt.” Hosea 2:14-15 (NIV)
Ladies, much like God rescued Israel from the hands of Pharaoh in Egypt, He rescues us in our individual stories as well! He will turn our Valley of Achor (which means “trouble”) into hope for His name’s sake. Whether the trouble, hurdle, or heart ache you are experiencing is self induced or caused by another source, hide your face in the Lord. Ask Him to provide you with the boldness and stoutheartedness needed to get to the other side of the valley. He will do it. He loves you and deeply values your heart and life (1 John 4:9).
As one who has walked through many valleys in life myself, I testify to you this day, with God you will truly overcome every heartache and difficulty of life. And girlfriend, He will bring you through your hard time too. He is in the business of turning troubled times into places of hope (Hosea 2:15). Claim it. Declare it. And hold fast to the reality of God’s Word.
“For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the LORD. ‘Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)
Ask the Lord what He may be calling you to do. Is there something that scares you that perhaps God would like to address? Is there an unresolved matter that simply needs reconciliation? Are you concerned about your relationships or your loved ones? Take it to the Lord. He will direct you by His written Word, the Holy Bible and by speaking directly to your heart. You are precious and the situations that you are facing within your life are neither “too little” nor “too big” for God’s mighty care. Take them to Him today and allow His peace, that which surpasses the logic and understanding of this world, to penetrate and overtake the fears within your heart. Why? Because He is God and you are precious to Him.
“Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:6-7 (NASB)
Photo Cred: Chelsea Steller
What is love? Is it s’mores on the beach at sunset? Is it a mountain vista overlooking acres of evergreens after a hike? Is it scuba diving through a shipwreck? Kayaking as the summer rays kiss your face? Climbing sand dunes? Skydiving? Author and blogger, Katie Messer, would answer that any interaction with God’s creation points to the infinite love of God. Yet, the place in which she sees God’s love most fully manifested is in the ultimate act of unabashed love by her Lord, Jesus Christ. She thanks God for her God fearing husband and their two children who share in these international adventures. “Mirrors to Window: Change your view to see God’s true romance” is a book of Katie’s own honest testimony of God’s radical rescue and redemption within her own life. “Blooming Beauty” is Katie’s official blog site. Check it out for encouragement in how to see and thank God through all circumstances of life. Why? Because you are worth it to an infinitely loving God.
