“My soul is in anguish. How long, O Lord, how long?” Psalm 6:3 “How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me?” Psalm 13:1 These verses vividly express the pain that sometimes grips my heart. I might hesitate before praying this way if these words weren’t…
Tag: Hope
When Big Things Call for a Big-Brave
In my family, when New Year’s Eve rolls around, in place of resolutions, some of us select a personal “Word of the Year” (WOTY). In the upcoming year, that WOTY is a word to focus on, claim or be a reminder and encouragement as we move forward. After much thought and prayer, my WOTY for…
Remembering Thorns
Ouch! I glared at my pointer finger for getting in the way of the thorn attached to the rose bush. In North Carolina, even though I’m not a fan of summer’s hot humidity and daily mosquito bites, I still enjoy going into the yard to cut flowers to make a bouquet for the kitchen table. …
My Favorite Name
Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel. Isaiah 7:14 (NIV) Immanuel is Your holy name.I marvel at the way You came.God with us in helpless infant form,Only a mother’s love to keep You warm. Expectations of Your coming were high:A King to conquer,…
Wander Not Alone
John replied in the words of Isaiah the prophet, “I am the voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way for the Lord.’” John 1:23 NIV I wander in the wildernessOh my body of flesh and boneHaunted by crushing lonelinessAs despair grips my heart of stoneYet onward and onward I press Oasis in…
Pleasures Forevermore
Recently my eight-year-old daughter asked me if people can be happy without Jesus. I answered her in the moment, but I’ve been thinking about and attempting to refine my answer ever since. Yes, I believe the world is brimming with good things that can bring happiness to all people. Loving relationships, delectable food, satisfying careers,…
God Brings the Rain
Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God. Psalm 42:5 NIV When rain falls like tearsDrenching parched landscapesI know God sees my heart When flowers burst like hopeBrightening winter’s decayI know God is faithful When clouds hide the…
Old Testament Comfort for Current Times
Too often we forget how much the Old Testament can minister to our desperate hearts, and we miss out if we don’t sit with the truths it brings. In times when it is clear that man cannot save himself, I am comforted to know that the serpent’s head will be crushed, that God works what…
Not One Favorite
I have a favorite verse today.Tomorrow ’twill be another.So rich the Word of God does layUpon my heart the answer. For whatever is my urgent need,This daily bread He transmits.If anxiety plagues, I concede,Philippians 4 only peace permits. When sleep eludes in dark of nightPsalm 23 brings the Shepherd’s hope.Rest then comes ’til dawns new…
The Blessing of Beauty
As I sit at my computer building an online jigsaw puzzle and glance out the window at the front yard a sense of peace and contentment settles in my soul. I say a quick prayer of thanks to God for the beauty, both man-made and natural, in this world. When I’m struggling with stress and…
Anchored Voices 