When depression squeezed the joy from my soul.
When my mind has swirled with doubts.
When I woke up to the shock of finding my Dad, lifeless on the floor. When my husband wanted to leave only 18 months into our marriage. When anxiety’s voice has overwhelmed my thoughts.
When two pregnancies took everything out of me, and then some. When my dog bit a stranger and we were faced with putting her down. When I’ve felt numb to motherhood.
When unrighteous guilt and shame begin to fester.
When I don’t know what direction I should go next.
When darkness attempts to consume me.
I cling to God.
I cling to God because before the darkness ever sought to overtake me — I got to know Him in the light.
This world we live in is a sea of turbulent water and if we don’t hold onto what is steady, sure and secure, we will be sucked under. But that steadiness, that surety and that security don’t come to us while standing on the sidelines. They take intentional time and effort to cultivate. These things are forged in the faithful pursuit of a relationship with our Heavenly Father.
We pursue Him by meeting with Him in His Word.
We pursue Him by conversing with Him through prayer.
We pursue Him by engaging in community with other believers
We pursue Him through surrendered hearts of worship
When it comes to spending time in God’s Word, be careful not to fall into the trap of making this a task you tick off your to-do list. I’ve fallen victim to this and it leaves God’s Word feeling lifeless and dull; which is a blatant lie fed to us by the enemy because he wants to keep us away from knowing, believing, accepting and walking in God’s best for us.
Through the pages of Scripture, between all those lines — He speaks to us.
He teaches us.
He shows up for us.
He reveals Himself to us.
He tells us who we are to Him. He tells us who He is to us.
Those words in Scripture came down to us from the Creator of the universe, the One who sits on the throne and holds the world in place. This awesome and Mighty God, leaned down and whispered truths into the ears of prophets, disciples and apostles through the power of His Spirit with the intent of it splintering through the darkness of the ages into the hearts of a hopeless and lost generation. Our time with God is precious and it’s in those quiet moments with Him where we are strengthened and built up in our faith. We are given our spiritual armour to put on so when the battle comes, we are ready to fight; even if fighting simply looks like holding on.
Growing up, I remember something my Dad always quoted (I’m not sure whose original quote it was) but it has always resonated with me. He would say, “You can interrupt me when I’m praying, because I’m speaking to God; but don’t interrupt me when I’m reading the Bible, because that’s God speaking to me.” He understood the magnitude and depth of what God’s Word is to us and how important it is for us to fully embrace and rest in this unspeakable privilege we have of reading the Words of our Maker.
“For the word of God is living and effective and sharper than any double-edged sword, penetrating as far as the separation of soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It is able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” - Hebrews 4:12 (CSB)
Holdfast to God in His Word; so when the doubts arise, the questions beckon you to stray and the anxieties and troubles of this life seem overbearing — you will know the truth and you can use that truth to silence the lies of the enemy.
Allow the Word’s of Scripture to sift you, to challenge you, to convict you, to shape you, to rearrange you. Give God’s Word the time and space to sink deep into your soul; so when the darkness seeks to overtake you, you too can cling to God because you got to know Him in the light.
Blessing and much love, Krista (:
Currently it needs a facelift and I’m working on an exciting new program for those who struggle with anxiety, but if you’d like you can check out my website: www.aletheiamentoring.com.
If you’d like something a bit more personal I do send out a monthly Newsletter on the first Monday of each new month, which includes a memory verse, short devotion, updates and free resources. If you’d like to be added you can email me krista@aletheiamentoring.com
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