Are You Free?

We all want to be free. We don’t want to be entangled, suppressed, and certainly not enslaved.

So, are you free?

The culture has its own ideas about freedom. You should be free to be whoever you want to be. Free to express yourself however you want. Free to partner or act out sexually however you want. Free to watch whatever, eat whatever, chose whatever. Free to do whatever you want. This sounds logical at first, right? No one telling you what to do. Freedom.

But sometimes this kind of freedom manifests itself as chains.

And suddenly, you are under the power of drugs or alcohol. Or you are enslaved to sexual addiction. Or rage is your master.

And you are a slave. This is not freedom at all. You cannot get out. Your lust leads you around like a bull being dragged around by a ring in its nose. You don’t know how to control yourself. You can’t give that thing up even though it’s killing you.

John 8:34-36

³⁴ Jesus answered them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave of sin. ³⁵ And a slave does not abide in the house forever, but a son abides forever. ³⁶ Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.

This, my friends, is not how to be free.

And I would go so far to say that many Christians are enslaved still, even though Jesus Christ is standing there with all the power at His disposal to set them free.

If not enslaved to drugs and sexual immorality, then to food, entertainment, or thrill-seeking.

1 Corinthians 6:12-14

¹² All things are lawful for me, but all things are not helpful. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any. ¹³ Foods for the stomach and the stomach for foods, but God will destroy both it and them. Now the body is not for sexual immorality but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body. ¹⁴ And God both raised up the Lord and will also raise us up by His power.

Just think about it. We say we have liberty as Christians. We’re free to watch whatever movies we want, or eat whatever food we want.

Galatians 5:13

¹³ For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.

But whenever we’re obsessed with something or can’t bring ourselves to give up certain things, we have created an idol. And, as human beings, we were not made to idolize things, but to adore Christ alone. We were made by Him and for Him.

Colossians 1:15-18

¹⁵ He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. ¹⁶ For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. ¹⁷ And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist. ¹⁸ And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence.

Whenever we make created things our idols, this naturally creates a problem. Since we were not made for worshiping created things, we become enslaved when we start worshiping them. It does not fulfill us, it enslaves us. It stifles us. It hurts us.

When I started watching more questionable movies and TV shows, I didn’t feel free. I felt entangled. I felt a heaviness that wasn’t there before.

When I idolized books and writing, I didn’t feel free. I felt suffocated. What if I lost my book collection? What if I moved somewhere I couldn’t bring them? What if God asked me to give up writing? What if my favorite book series isn’t honoring to God? I couldn’t bear giving it up!

I obsessed over these thoughts and felt like I was lugging around chains.

Then, one day, after days, months, perhaps years of praying and wrestling and seeking, the chains fell off.

I realized: Freedom isn’t being able to watch or read or have whatever I want. Freedom is desiring Christ above all else. Freedom is being able to give up anything for God. Freedom is counting everything as loss in light of belonging to Jesus. Freedom is simply not needing these things.

These things no longer had a hold over me.

I felt such a giddy, light, joyful feeling. Nothing was holding me down! My book collection might be destroyed. I might never publish a novel. I might feel convicted not to go watch a movie (because of questionable content) that I’ve been dying to see with my friends. I might feel convicted to give up a favorite book someday. And that was okay! It was just a book. Just a movie.

Psalm 119:45-47

⁴⁵ And I will walk at liberty,
For I seek Your precepts.
⁴⁶ I will speak of Your testimonies also before kings,
And will not be ashamed.
⁴⁷ And I will delight myself in Your commandments,
Which I love.

Now, I’m not diminishing the power of words and art, or God’s specific calling on people’s lives to write books or create films for His glory.

I’m not saying it’s a sin to watch movies or collect books.

I’m just saying that these things shouldn’t be idols in your life. They were idols in my life, and they were weighing me down. Causing anxiety, depression, and unhealthy obsession. Making me feel distanced and disillusioned about God and my relationship with Him.

Hebrews 12:1-2

Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, ² looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

But when I let go. Released my death grip on these things. I saw some as gifts that God had given me. But not necessary for life.

I am free.

Free to do all for the glory of God. Free to worship Him, un-entangled by suffocating devotion to something else. Free to see clearly sin or bad content and steer clear because Jesus Christ is sweeter. Free to disregard exciting-looking things that I know simply will not benefit me or draw me closer to the Lord.

I say this is true freedom. Being a slave to righteousness isn’t chains at all, because you are unhindered by negative emotions like shame and fear, the consequences of sin, and the sickening weight of idol worship.

Romans 6:16-23

¹⁶ Do you not know that to whom you present yourselves slaves to obey, you are that one’s slaves whom you obey, whether of sin leading to death, or of obedience leading to righteousness? ¹⁷ But God be thanked that though you were slaves of sin, yet you obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine to which you were delivered. ¹⁸ And having been set free from sin, you became slaves of righteousness. ¹⁹ I speak in human terms because of the weakness of your flesh. For just as you presented your members as slaves of uncleanness, and of lawlessness leading to more lawlessness, so now present your members as slaves of righteousness for holiness.

²⁰ For when you were slaves of sin, you were free in regard to righteousness. ²¹ What fruit did you have then in the things of which you are now ashamed? For the end of those things is death. ²² But now having been set free from sin, and having become slaves of God, you have your fruit to holiness, and the end, everlasting life. ²³ For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Instead, like an eagle, you fly free to glorious heights. Free to worship and serve your Creator with everything in you. Free to love like He loves. Free to live the life that’s truly best for you. Knowing this: I do all for the glory of Christ. And maybe that doesn’t make sense to you. But somehow it is an awesome truth: Being free to do all for the glory of Christ is freedom, indeed. There is love, and joy, and hope, and security, and contentment, and boldness, and courage, and peace, and good.

Isaiah 40:28-31

²⁸ Have you not known?
Have you not heard?
The everlasting God, the Lord,
The Creator of the ends of the earth,
Neither faints nor is weary.
His understanding is unsearchable.
²⁹ He gives power to the weak,
And to those who have no might He increases strength.
³⁰ Even the youths shall faint and be weary,
And the young men shall utterly fall,
³¹ But those who wait on the Lord
Shall renew their strength;
They shall mount up with wings like eagles,
They shall run and not be weary,
They shall walk and not faint.

So choose real freedom, my friend. Try giving up that thing you’re clinging to and cling to God instead. I think you will find yourself lighter, and happier, and more hopeful than before. ❤

Gaither Vocal Band – Only Jesus

[Verse 1]
Take the things I once called treasures
Take my castles in the sand
Take my shallow store of knowledge
And the future I once planned
Take all vain accumulations
All awards and claims to fame
Take my hard-earned reputation
Trade it all for His dear name

[Chorus]
Give me Jesus, only Jesus
My heart can’t resist His call
For the joy of His sweet sorrow
At His feet I lay it all

[Verse 2]
Take the friends that I once courted
What I hoped they’d think of me
Please restore Your wealth I squandered chasing phantoms foolishly

[Chorus]
Give me Jesus, only Jesus
My heart can’t resist His call
For the joy of His sweet sorrow
At His feet I lay it all
Give me Jesus, only Jesus
My heart can’t resist His call
For the joy of His sweet sorrow
At His feet I lay it all
At His feet I lay it all

Advertisement

My Quiet Time

Good morning, readers and friends! I hope this second Saturday of the new year finds you well. ^_^ Today I wanted to take a little bit of time to share with you what my quiet time looks like.

It is so vitally important to be reading the Word and talking to your Heavenly Father. And just literally having quiet time. Where your mind is at rest and you quiet your heart. When the stress eases away and you can sort through your thoughts or simply be still.

So, make a goal for 2019! Make time for God, and for rest.

***

First thing I do when I wake up to a new day … PRAY. The more I discover prayer, the more passionate I am about it. Prayer is a heart-changer, a life-changer, a world-changer. It strengthens your soul, calms your heart, and shows you the sweetness of communion with God like few other things can.

I want to pray more. So this year I took the leap. I’m getting up at least a half an hour earlier than the rest of my family so that I have quiet time to pray. Now, I do not like getting up early. I am not a morning person. But I knew this day would come. So here I am, getting up before I “have” to … and loving it.

So, talk to God for a half hour or so.

Then I get up, get ready for the day, and usually do my Bible-reading while eating breakfast. I started my second read-through of the Bible in October of last year. So I’m currently in Deuteronomy and Mark. (*whispers* … a little behind, but I’ll catch up!)

I highlight, underline, and write things on sticky notes. Yep, I’m that kind of person. And it’s helpful for me!

Also, I read the NKJV as of now. What translations do you all like to read?

I started a little gratitude journal. So usually jot down some things in there each day.

I’m currently not working outside the home, so after breakfast I clean up the kitchen and do other chores … whatever needs to be done. Many times I put in my earbuds and either listen to music or sermons/inspirational talks/whatever while cleaning.

J.D. Greear, John Piper, Matt Chandler, Dale & Veronica, Priscilla Shirer, Daily Disciple, FarAwayDistance, Paul & Morgan, Girl Defined, Joseph Solomon, Emily Wilson, Coffee Girls … there is a surprising amount of godly brothers and sisters on Youtube who have some amazing wisdom to share.

Of course, I love to read! My goal this year is to read a Christian Living nonfiction for every novel I read. (I go a little more into this on my other blog.) So perhaps during lunch I’ll pull out my nonfiction or novel and do a little reading. Now with nonfiction, I like to highlight and underline. That way I can go back through my books and re-read those bits of wisdom that I had gleaned.

Right now I’m working through One Thousand Gifts: A Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are by Ann Voskamp (which has been amazing), and Hinds’ Feet on High Places by Hannah Hurnard. I’m not sure why I hadn’t discovered this little Christian allegory before! It’s been quite lovely.

A glowing sun-orb fills an August sky the day this story begins, the day I am born, the day I  begin to live. ~ Ann Voskamp

This is the story of how Much-Afraid escaped from her Fearing relatives and went with the Shepherd to the High Places where “perfect love casteth out fear”. ~ Hannah Hurnard

I’m also going through Max Lucado’s Grace For The Moment. It takes so little time to read each day’s devotional, but if I feel like it gets to be just one thing too many, I may put this book aside.

I know a lot of people say they don’t have time to read, but I would encourage you to make time. Not only is reading a chapter or two a day said to greatly help to reduce stress, but you can glean so much helpful & amazing wisdom and information from books! Connect with your brothers & sisters in Christ from all over the world by reading their books, and let them show you what God has been teaching them!

I would like to journal more regularly this year. It’s a way sort through and process things, reduce stress, and record what God is doing in my life & heart! I also enjoy writing letters to my future husband on occasion in a journal. 🙂

These are ways for me to slow down and refocus.

And listening to music! Listening to great songs, worshiping, dancing around the house, lifting up my hands and soul to the Lover of my soul! That’s some time well-spent, I believe. There’s something about good music that can definitely relieve tension and stress. And good lyrics that put my focus back on Christ & glorifying Him. Right where it needs to be.

Well, there it is. That pretty much sums up my quiet time and restful, stress-relieving activities. I’m trying to live my days intentionally, to the glory of God, and these things help so much.

Now, to become intimately part of the local Body of Christ! ❤

TELL ME ABOUT YOUR QUIET TIME!

My God Is Good

Over the past couple years I’ve been on a journey to really seeing myself as a daughter of God. Not just knowing this truth, but receiving and proclaiming it with confidence. I recently wrote a post called I’m an INFJ – Embracing Your God-Given Personality that tells a little bit of that journey.  In the young adult Bible study group I started, we’re studying/discussing God’s love. And I just finished reading a very wonderful book entitled Servant Sons and Daughters: Serving Father God from a Position of Sonship by Anastasya Laverdiere.

So last Sunday, as I stood in church and sang these words (from song – God You’re So Good):

I am blessed

I am called

I am healed

I am whole

I am saved in Jesus’ name

Highly favored

Anointed

Filled with Your power

For the glory of Jesus’ name

You can imagine why I choked up and could hardly sing. Such beautiful words – they spoke right to my heart. They illuminated all that God is teaching me.

Psalm 23:5-6

You anoint my head with oil;
My cup runs over.
⁶ Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
All the days of my life;
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord
Forever.

Friends, nothing much has changed in my life situations. I’m still dealing with anxiety, some depression, and health issues. I’m still in a season of singleness and struggle with feeling alone and wanting to be a wife & mother. I’m still trying to get a steady job, a car of my own, and figure all that stuff out.

But things have changed in my heart. I can say, “I am a daughter of the King”, and it resounds in my soul. I’m learning to claim my identity in Christ. And not just my identity, but my worth, my joy, my purpose, my power in Him.

1 John 3:1

Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God!

John 15:9

⁹ “As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love.

When I think … I am highly favored by God. He has called me to purpose. I am anointed by Him. Filled with His power, for the glory of His name … I can walk forth in true love, unbreakable confidence, pure joy, and overwhelming peace. I can walk forth in power – God’s immeasurable power – for the sake of righteousness. To proclaim the name of my Jesus. To shine light into the darkness. To demolish the Enemy’s lies. To do all the works God has prepared for me. To live life more abundantly!

Philippians 4:7

⁷ and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

John 10:10

I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.

Romans 8:11

¹¹ But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.

Ephesians 1:18-21

¹⁸ the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, ¹⁹ and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power ²⁰ which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, ²¹ far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come.

Psalm 37:5-8

⁵ Commit your way to the Lord,
Trust also in Him,
And He shall bring it to pass.
⁶ He shall bring forth your righteousness as the light,
And your justice as the noonday.

⁷ Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him;
Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way,
Because of the man who brings wicked schemes to pass.
⁸ Cease from anger, and forsake wrath;
Do not fret—it only causes harm.

As I sang this song, even with my struggles with anxiety and health problems and unmet desires, I thought to myself something like: “Shantelle, you are highly favored. God highly favors you. He doesn’t need you, but He wants you even so.”

Psalm 16:5-9

⁵ O Lord, You are the portion of my inheritance and my cup;
You maintain my lot.
⁶ The lines have fallen to me in pleasant places;
Yes, I have a good inheritance.

⁷ I will bless the Lord who has given me counsel;
My heart also instructs me in the night seasons.
⁸ I have set the Lord always before me;
Because He is at my right hand I shall not be moved.

⁹ Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoices;
My flesh also will rest in hope.

Tears and emotion welled up, and the only way my soul can respond is:

God, You’re so good!

I am blessed.

I am called.

I am healed.

I am whole.

I am saved in Jesus’ Name.

Oh my soul, praise the Lord! Praise His holy name! He is so good to me … He sustains me through all, and even lifts up my heart in joy in the midst of trouble!

Psalm 3:3

³ But You, O Lord, are a shield for me,
My glory and the One who lifts up my head.

Psalm 4:7

⁷ You have put gladness in my heart,
More than in the season that their grain and wine increased.

Psalm 63:3-4

³ Because Your lovingkindness is better than life,
My lips shall praise You.
⁴ Thus I will bless You while I live;
I will lift up my hands in Your name.

Suddenly, I see that I AM BLESSED, no matter what’s going on in my life. Suddenly, I start seeing all the unexpected benefits and good things in my life right now that perhaps I hadn’t seen before. Such as …

– I’m so thankful I have time to pour into this blog!

– And for the people who follow me and comment! *hugs all you lovely people* I’m truly blessed that you take the time to read my rambling thoughts and interact with me.

– I’m so thankful for the chance to meet and develop close friendships with other women my age/in my same season of life that I probably wouldn’t have had if I was in a romantic relationship/married.

– I’m eternally grateful for the Bible study I go to with my parents and siblings!

– I’m so excited about and thankful for the high school/young adult Bible study I recently started. (And the fellowship and laughter that are found in both Bible study groups!)

– I’m grateful that I have the opportunity to figure out my health issues right now while I don’t have a family of my own to care for.

– I’m so beyond thankful for this season where I have extra time to just press into the Lord and His love for me. To seek Him. To study His Word. To spend long periods of time in prayer. To know Him more. To establish and delight in my relationship with Him before the time comes along to connect my life with another imperfect human.

Psalm 34:8-10

⁸ Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good;
Blessed is the man who trusts in Him!
⁹ Oh, fear the Lord, you His saints!
There is no want to those who fear Him.
¹⁰ The young lions lack and suffer hunger;
But those who seek the Lord shall not lack any good thing.

What an awesome God we serve. None can compare to Him.

How would it be for you if you could speak these beautiful words over yourself? Blessed. Whole. Anointed. Highly Favored. How would you feel? How would your life look differently than before? How would your view of yourself change? Of your circumstances?

Psalm 31:5

⁵ Into Your hand I commit my spirit;
You have redeemed me, O Lord God of truth.

Psalm 66:5

⁵ Come and see the works of God;
He is awesome in His doing toward the sons of men.

I challenge you, child of the King, know and believe His love for you! And remember the power of the Holy Spirit that dwells in you!

1 John 4:16

¹⁶ And we have known and believed the love that God has for us.

Romans 15:13

¹³ Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Ephesians 3:20-21

²⁰ Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, ²¹ to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

And if you’re not a child of the King, I pray that you seek Him. He poured out His love for all, and if you turn to Him, He is faithful to forgive your sins and give you not just life but life more abundantly!

Romans 10:9-13

⁹ that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. ¹⁰ For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. ¹¹ For the Scripture says, “Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame.” ¹² For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord over all is rich to all who call upon Him. ¹³ For “whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”

So, in closing, I just want to say this …

Hello, world. I’m Shantelle (aka Lady Grace), a twenty-one-year-old unmarried, (technically) unemployed woman who’s still trying to get everything sorted out, life in order, and find purpose.

But I am highly favored by God. Loved. Blessed. I am forever His. And that is more than enough. ❤

Psalm 65:4

⁴ Blessed is the man You choose,
And cause to approach You,
That he may dwell in Your courts.
We shall be satisfied with the goodness of Your house,
Of Your holy temple.

¹¹ You crown the year with Your goodness,
And Your paths drip with abundance.
¹² They drop on the pastures of the wilderness,
And the little hills rejoice on every side.
¹³ The pastures are clothed with flocks;
The valleys also are covered with grain;
They shout for joy, they also sing.

(Note: The torrent of verses from Psalm … that would probably be a result of my reading through Psalm and Proverbs right now. There is so much good stuff in there. I JUST WANT TO SHARE IT ALL WITH YOU. Go read your Bible, friends, it’s AMAZING.)

GOD, YOU’RE SO GOOD

OPEN THE CLOUDS

Soul Songs of 2018

Hello! ❤ Sharing some songs that have touched my soul lately.

I have an interesting taste in music … or, rather, I just like all kinds of different styles! I like songs that speak of faith. I like songs that tell a story. That are raw and emotional and deep and passionate and truth-filled. Songs I can relate to. Songs that I can worship and praise God with as I sing. Songs I can dance to. Songs that pierce my soul. That break my heart. That fill my chest with passion. That send joy and courage surging through my veins. That fill my eyes with tears.

I love songs that speak to me.

***

Live Like That by Sidewalk Prophets

I want to live like that
And give it all I have
So that everything I say and do
Points to You

If love is who I am
Then this is where I’ll stand
Recklessly abandoned
Never holding back

To Live is Christ by Sidewalk Prophets

If I rise, let me rise on you
Not on all of my successes, my esteem or my pursuits
If I lose, let me lose my life
Cause if I belong to Jesus, the flesh is crucified

For me to live is Christ
For me to live is Christ
For me to live is Christ, to die is gain

In Awe by Hollyn

Can’t speak
So close I can feel You breathe
You’re so holy and worthy
You know what I’ve been
Can’t move
So close to You I’m see through
No, not innocent like you
Oh God, I’m sorry

I’m livin’ in awe
You don’t need me at all
But You couldn’t love me more

Voice of Truth by Casting Crowns

But the waves are calling out my name 
And they laugh at me
Reminding me of all the times 
I’ve tried before and failed
The waves they keep on telling me
Time and time again. “Boy, you’ll never win!”
“You’ll never win!”

But the voice of truth tells me a different story
The voice of truth says, “Do not be afraid!”
The voice of truth says, “This is for My glory”
Out of all the voices calling out to me
I will choose to listen and believe the voice of truth

First by Lauren Daigle

Before I bring my need
I will bring my heart
Before I lift my cares
I will lift my arms
I wanna know You
I wanna find You
In every season
In every moment

Call it Grace by Unspoken

Some may call it foolish and impossible
But for every heart it rescues it’s a miracle
It’s nothing less than scandalous
This love that took our place
Just call it what it is
Call it grace
It’s the breath that’s breathing new life
Into what we thought was dead
It’s the favor that takes orphans
Placing crowns upon their heads
It’s the hope for our tomorrows
The rock on which we stand
It’s a strong and mighty fortress
Even hell can’t stand against

King of My Heart by Kutlass

Let the King of my heart
Be the mountain where I run
The fountain I drink from
Oh, He is my song
Let the King of my heart
Be the shadow where I hide
The ransom for my life
Oh, He is my song

Fighting For You by Tenth Avenue North

Start walking with your head held high
The future is bright
Heaven’s gates are open wide
Every trouble that you ever walk through
Peace, my child,
I am fighting for you

Broken Prayers by Riley Clemmons

But you’re not afraid of all the things I feel
So why am I afraid of being real?

You want my tears, every messy word
Every scar and every fear
You want all I have
With no holding back
When I’m hurt, at my worst
You meet me there
‘Cause you see the beauty
In my broken prayers

Your Love Defends Me by Hannah Kerr

Surely my God is the strength of my soul
Your love defends me, Your love defends me
And when I feel like I’m all alone
Your love defends me

Giants Fall by Francesca Battistelli

Don’t you be afraid
Of giants in your way
With God you know that anything’s possible
So step into the fight
He’s right there by your side
The stones inside your hand might be too small
But watch the giants fall

Recover by Micah Tyler

No more fear, no more shame
I can never be the same, since You came
I am changed forever

Control by Tenth Avenue North

Here I am
All my intentions
All my obsessions
I want to lay them all down
In Your hands
Only Your love is vital
Though I’m not entitled
Still You call me Your child

God You don’t need me
But somehow You want me
Oh, how You love me
Somehow that frees me
To take my hands off of my life
And the way it should go

Love With Your Life by Hollyn

You gotta love with your life
Like a fire burning strong
Til’ the night has come and gone
There’s a hope that lives in you
You gotta love with your life
Like a warrior
Fight, lay it on the line
If you wanna see a change
You gotta love with your life

Trust in You by Lauren Daigle

Letting go of every single dream
I lay each one down at Your feet
Every moment of my wandering
Never changes what You see
I try to win this war
I confess, my hands are weary, I need Your rest
Mighty warrior, king of the fight
No matter what I face You’re by my side

I’ll Keep On by NF (feat. Jeremiah Carlson)

But thank the Lord that I serve a God that’s perfect
I do not deserve the opportunity you’ve given me
I never knew what freedom was until I learned what prison means
I am not ashamed, I don’t care if they remember me
My life will always have a hole if You are not the centerpiece
Take me out of bondage, take all of my pride
If I don’t have a Savior, I don’t have nothing inside
Take all of my lust, take all of my lies
There’s no better feeling then when I look in the sky, in Your eyes, it’s amazing

Mine by Hollyn

Nothing in this whole wide world
Could ever take me from your hand
Even if I run away
And I don’t have the strength to make it back home
I know that you will guide me

Cause you are the one who picked me up
Brushed me off and called me loved
You showed me I am yours

You are mine
Jesus, you are mine
I know that I’m unworthy
Completely undeserving
I’m amazed, I’m amazed
That I am yours
And you are mine

Start Over by Flame (feat. NF)

Everybody’s got a blank page
A story they’re writing today
A wall that they’re climbing
You can carry the past on your shoulders
Or you can start over
Regrets, no matter what you’ve gone through
Jesus, He gave it all to save you
He carried the cross on His shoulders
So you can start over

Lovely by Hollyn

Words are bouncin’ round my head
I can’t stop their echoin’
Trippin’ on that negative

But You call me lovely
You say I’m wonderfully made
Your river floods me
Your words feel like a serenade
I love that You are thinkin’ of me
All of those voices fade away
When You call me lovely

Touched by Music

Hey, ladies! What do you think about music? I, myself, am not one who always needs music playing. In fact, sometimes I go for months without listening to anything. On the other hand, I can go through seasons where music is one of my biggest comforts and helps to de-stress. I smile, and cry, and sing along, and worship, (and sometimes dance), and just really ponder the lyrics and how they speak to my current situation – whatever that is.

Right now would be one such season. *smiles* I haven’t been sleeping very well, so those moments where I’m laying awake in the wee hours of morning, I take the opportunity to pray, and put on my headphones and listen to song after song. It touches my heart in an interesting way that can simply be so comforting.

So, all that being said, I want to share some of my favorite songs (at this time in life) and the lyrics that speak to my soul.

***

Even If by MercyMe

I know You’re able and I know You can
Save through the fire with Your mighty hand
But even if You don’t
My hope is You alone

You’ve been faithful, You’ve been good
All of my days
Jesus, I will cling to You
Come what may

*

Hills and Valleys by Tauren Wells

No matter what I have, Your grace is enough
No matter where I am, I’m standing in Your love

On the mountains, I will bow my life
To the one who set me there
In the valley, I will lift my eyes to the one who sees me there
When I’m standing on the mountain, I didn’t get there on my own
When I’m walking through the valley,  I know I am not alone!
You’re God of the hills and valleys!

*

My Hope Is In You by Aaron Shust

My hope is in You, Lord
All the day long I won’t be shaken by drought or storm
A peace that passes understanding is my song
And I sing my hope is in You, Lord

I will wait on You
You are my refuge

*

Good Good Father by Chris Tomlin

You’re a good good father
It’s who you are
And I’m loved by you
It’s who I am

I’ve seen many searching for answers far and wide
But I know we’re all searching
For answers only you provide
‘Cause you know just what we need
Before we say a word

*

Beloved by Jordan Feliz

Head full of questions, how can you measure up?
To deserve affection, to ever be enough
For this existence
When did it get so hard?
Your heart is beating, alive and breathing
And there’s a reason why
You are essential, not accidental
And you should realize …

You are beloved

*

To Live Is Christ by Sidewalk Prophets

For me to live is Christ, to die is gain

*

Just Be Held by Casting Crowns

And when you’re tired of fighting
Chained by your control
There’s freedom in surrender
Lay it down and let it go

So when you’re on your knees and answers seem so far away
You’re not alone, stop holding on and just be held
Your world’s not falling apart, it’s falling into place
I’m on the throne, stop holding on and just be held

Lift your hands, lift your eyes
In the storm is where you’ll find Me
And where you are, I’ll hold your heart

*

The Motions by Matthew West

I don’t wanna go through the motions
I don’t wanna go one more day
Without Your all consuming passion inside of me

Start a Fire by Unspoken

Start a fire in my soul
Fan the flame and make it grow
So there’s no doubt or denying
Let it burn so brightly
That everyone around can see
That it’s You, that it’s You that we need

*

I Am Yours by Lauren Daigle

I see Your fingerprints
The work of Your hands
It’s all in Your hands
I see the evidence
Leaving nothing to chance
The world’s in Your hands …

So I rest in Your promises

I hear the voice of love
Calling me home
To where I belong
It cripples every fear
And the ones who will kneel
Walk away healed

So let the waters rise
I will stand as the oceans roar
Let the earth shake beneath me
Let the mountains fall
You are God over the storm
And I am Yours

*

More of You by Colton Dixon

I made my castle tall
I built up every wall
This is my kingdom and it needs to fall
I want You and no one else
Empty me of myself
Until the only thing that’s left is …

More of You
Less of me
Make me who I’m meant to be
You’re all I want all I need
You’re everything
Take it all I surrender
Be my king
God I choose
More of You
Less of me

*

Ever Be by Aaron Shust

Faithful you have been
And faithful you will be
You pledge yourself to me
And it’s why I sing
Your praise will ever be on my lips
Ever be on my lips

*

This Is Amazing Grace by Phil Wickham

This is amazing grace
This is unfailing love
That You would take my place
That You would bear my cross
You laid down Your life
That I would be set free
Oh, Jesus, I sing for
All that You’ve done for me

*

Thy Will by Hillary Scott & The Scott Family

I know you think
Of things I could never think about
It’s hard to count it all joy
Distracted by the noise
Just trying to make sense
Of all your promises
Sometimes I gotta stop
Remember that you’re God
And I am not
So …

Thy will be done

I know you see me
I know you hear me, Lord
Your plans are for me
Goodness you have in store

*

When the God-Man Passes By by Casting Crowns

When the God-man passes by

The blind will see and the dead will rise

Redeemed will dance and broken wings take flight

You can come just as you are

Let Him have your broken heart

You have never run too far

There is freedom in His scars

*

Soul on Fire by Third Day

God, I’m running for Your heart
I’m running for Your heart
Till I am a soul on fire
Lord, I’m longing for Your ways
I’m waiting for the day
When I am a soul on fire

*

Redeemed by Big Daddy Weave

All my life I have been called unworthy
Named by the voice of my shame and regret
But when I hear You whisper, “Child lift up your head”
I remember, oh God, You’re not done with me yet

I am redeemed, You set me free
So I’ll shake off these heavy chains
Wipe away every stain, now I’m not who I used to be

*

Live Like You’re Loved by Hawk Nelson

And live like you’re know you’re valuable
Like you know the one that holds your soul
Cause mercy has called you by your name
Don’t be afraid to live in that grace

So go ahead and live like you’re loved
It’s ok to act like you’ve been set free
His love has made you more than enough
So go ahead and be who He made you to be

*

Sparrows by Jason Gray

If He can hold the world He can hold this moment
Not a field or flower escapes His notice
Oh even the sparrow
Knows He holds tomorrow

Lean in and it’s hard to miss
Everything can change
When you make it His
Oh He wants to carry it
Carefree in the care of God
When you let it go
You’ll find that He’s enough
Oh you never leave His love

There’s not a single star that’s out of place
There’s nothing broken He can’t remake
If you long for hope when you’re afraid
Oh look at the sparrow
Look at the sparrow

*

Never Too Far Gone by Jordan Feliz

You have run down every road
And you’ve lost your way back home
And you feel so dirty; you know you’re unworthy
Feeling undeserving of any love, but
There’s no distance too far, that I can’t reach you
There’s no place that’s so dark, that I can’t find you
Anywhere that you are, if you need proof
Take a look at these scars, and know I love you

*

Breathe by Johnny Diaz

Breathe, just breathe
Come and rest at my feet
And be, just be
Chaos calls but all you really need …

Is to take it in, fill your lungs
The peace of God that overcomes
Just breathe
let your weary spirit rest
Lay down what’s good and find what’s best
Just breathe

*

You Are Loved by Stars Go Dim

When it feels like something’s missing
If it hurts but you can’t find healing
Just look up, know you are loved

Isolation or Worship?

There are difficulties in this life. We struggle. Some days are harder than others. We each deal with things in our life that have the potential to drag us down.

• Trying to live up to the word’s standard of beauty.
• Thinking you’re only as valuable as you are beautiful.
• Living with the unmet desire to be married.
• Living with the unmet desire to be a mother.
• Facing anxiety, fear, and depression.
• Battling temptations and shame.
• Feeling worthless.
• Feeling purposeless.

Those times when God feels so far away, and you feel so alone and downtrodden by the world … I understand. It can be hard.

So what does a woman do in those situations?

I’ve learned a valuable secret. It’s called …

Worship.

During a time when I was battling with intense anxiety and despair, I went outside and stood beside a lake. I opened my Bible to Psalm Eight and turned my gaze heavenward, “O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is Your name in all the earth…”

I read that whole Psalm aloud. And this curious feeling came – the quieting of my soul; the stilling of my troubled thoughts. I think the Enemy’s voice was drowned out by my worship of the Most High God.

Another thing I did was pray. One night, when my heart was seizing up within my chest and all my fear suddenly looming over me; I prayed out loud. About my terror of the moment – and anything and everything – for over an hour. I just kept praying and praying, because I felt secure in that. The darkness seemed to recede. The peace of God (it could have only come from Him!) descended on me. I prayed myself to sleep.

Hebrews 4:16

¹⁶ Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

Don’t underestimate the power of prayer. The power of Jesus’ name. The power of His Word.

Those are your weapons with which to fight in this battle. Oh, my friends, it truly helped me. I can’t explain to you the peace I felt in those moments.

Here’s another tip …

Community.

So often, in our struggles, we isolate ourselves. I’m here to tell you, DO NOT ISOLATE YOURSELF! Now is the time to open up, my dear. Open up to God. Open up to family. To friends.

I was away from home at that time, but I sobbed over the phone to my mom, and her voice – her presence over the phone – was like a lifeline.

My friends, you wouldn’t believe how freeing it is to share your burdens. To let people speak truth over you and pray for you.

We need each other. To isolate yourself in your struggles is the worst thing you could do.

So find someone to talk to. A trusted family member or friend. And if you don’t have anyone, please contact me. Let me pray for you and be there for you in what ways I can.

Most importantly, you’ve got to let yourself open up to God. Go to Him. Pour out your heart. Surrender to Him. Trust Him.

So open up to people. And open up to God.

And then … worship.

I know every situation is different, and sometimes all you can do is lay there, curled up on the floor, and beg God to hold you. And He will. I truly believe He will, and does.

But worship is healing. Worship fights a battle for you. Worship draws you closer to God.

Romans 12:12

¹² Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.

Galatians 5:22

²² But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace…”

Philippians 4:4-8

⁴ Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! ⁵ Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. ⁶ Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. ⁷ And the peace of God,which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

⁸ Finally, brothers and sisters, 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.

Choose worship. In down times, in dark times, choose to worship. Opening up the Word of God and pouring out praises to your Creator, the Creator, is a powerful thing.

The Enemy can’t stand in the way of that.

Run to your Heavenly Father, and cry out, “O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is Your name in all the earth!”

Don’t isolate yourself.

Have a prayer time.

Worship.

Heal & be at Peace

Psalm 103:1-6 & 11-18

¹ Praise the Lord, my soul;
    all my inmost being, praise his holy name.
² Praise the Lord, my soul,
    and forget not all his benefits—
³ who forgives all your sins
    and heals all your diseases,
⁴ who redeems your life from the pit
    and crowns you with love and compassion,
⁵ who satisfies your desires with good things
    so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.

⁶ The Lord works righteousness
    and justice for all the oppressed.

¹¹ For as high as the heavens are above the earth,
    so great is his love for those who fear him;
¹² as far as the east is from the west,
    so far has he removed our transgressions from us.

¹³ As a father has compassion on his children,
    so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him;
¹⁴ for he knows how we are formed,
    he remembers that we are dust.
¹⁵ The life of mortals is like grass,
    they flourish like a flower of the field;
¹⁶ the wind blows over it and it is gone,
    and its place remembers it no more.
¹⁷ But from everlasting to everlasting
    the Lord’s love is with those who fear him,
    and his righteousness with their children’s children—
¹⁸ with those who keep his covenant
    and remember to obey his precepts.