Faith

I was thinking about faith the other day. It has always been a word that sounds so fluffy to me. I realize thats a little crazy considering everything the bible says about faith. But the Christian world has always sugar coated it to me to look so sweet and easy. The fact that few things in my life have really shaken this “sweet” idea of faith doesn’t really help either. Well, I take that back.. it has been shaken before. Anyways- thats not the point, point is- I’m beginning to see how dirty faith is. By dirty I mean, requires work– hard, grungy, scrubbing a bathroom floor that hasn’t been cleaned in 20 years work. Its not just cute little sayings or artwork to decorate a house with. Its rough. I think the Christian decor that has the word faith in it shouldn’t look so sweet and innocent. They should be darker and not so frilly. Just my opinion.

Anyways, I’m seeing more clearly it takes effort to have faith. It takes courage and surrender. It takes trust and love. It’s not always smiles and joy to have faith. Some days its getting out of bed when you don’t want to, telling God- and yourself, you trust His ways to be better than your own. Some days its asking and questioning at his feet but still moving forward. Faith is what gets you up off the ground when you’ve been hit hard. No verse sums it up better than Hebrews 11:1- Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. There are no flowers or bright colors in that. It’s ultimate belief. Its leaning on something you may not see clearly or even at all but somehow trust is there.

How anyone has this kind of faith, I have no idea but by the grace of God. Another thing I’m becoming familiar with- the saving grace of my savior. I think understanding even a piece of His grace is part of what keeps me holding on in faith.

Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. Hebrews 10:23

How sweet it is to be loved by you.

“Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere.”  Psalm 84:10

“The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” Psalms 34:18

“⁵For you, O Lord, are my hope,
my trust, O LORD, from my youth.
⁶Upon you I have leaned from before my birth;
you are he who took me from my mother’s womb.
My praise is continually of you.” Psalms 71:5-6

“Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens. Our God is a God who saves; from the Sovereign Lord comes escape from death.” Psalms 68: 19-20

“But as for me, I will always have hope; I will praise you more and more. My mouth will tell of your righteousness, of your salvation all day long, though I know not its measure.” Psalms 71:14-15

I cannot even begin to tell you how strongly these verses resonate within me. How truly sweet it is to be loved by Him. Praise be to God, the maker of heaven and earth!

10 things I’m thankful for

Allye asked me the other night to write a post about ten things I’m thankful for so I’m going to. I love doing stuff like this and now seems like a good time to.

1. The Lord’s faithfulness and love for me. I am so thankful I can rest in him no matter what happens. He loves me and will always always always be faithful. I love him so much! Psalms 71:5- For you have been my hope, O Sovereign Lord, my confidence since my youth.

2. All of my roommates and my mom. They have taken care of me this past week as I’ve pitifully laid on the couch each day. From bringing me a trash can when I need it, a sonic drink to cheer me up, and always asking if I need anything- they are all amazing! My mom even came up for a night and cleaned things and bought me food. I am so blessed!

3. My job. Thankfully, although I didn’t go to work all week- I still will get paid for most of last week. Thanks to having a real job with real sick days! I will still be able to make my car payment and my rent- and pay for anything I need. Thank you Lord for a good full-time job!

4. The Lord’s word (my bible). It has brought me so much hope and peace during this season. I can’t even begin to express how grateful I am to be able to pick up my bible whenever I need to and find whatever words I need to hear to carry me through.

5.  Veteran’s Day. I am thankful for Veterans and their service to our country. Also, for them having their own day because I get the day off to celebrate them! Celebrate I will!

6. Health insurance. I’m going back to the doctor tomorrow because I’m still not better. I’m thankful because I have health insurance I don’t have to stress about going to the doctor again- and hopefully paying for some prescription meds.

7. More mature, wiser, godly people the Lord has placed in my life. I’m so thankful they are there especially during this season. Their love, support and prayers are such a blessing.

8. Change. As hard and painful as it can be for me, I know it is so good. Change allows room for new opportunities, growth and better things. The actual change isn’t so awesome but what follows I trust is worth it! Romans 8:28- And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

9. Hope.  Psalms 71:14-15  But as for me, I will always have hope; I will praise you more and more. My mouth will tell of your righteousness, of your salvation all day long, though I know not its measure.

10.  Brokenness. Hosea 2:14-15 “Therefore I am no 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… in that day, declares the Lord, you will call me ‘my husband’ “.

I hope my posts aren’t super depressing right now. I don’t mean for them to be. I hope the hope and love I have in Christ amidst the trials and brokenness shines brighter. He is so good.

BTW, you should probably make a list of 10 things you’re thankful for too!

XOXOXO