Life can be hard with its twists and turns. Yet even in our struggles and brokenness, God is near.
When things start to shake us, our Supernatural Stabilizer can keep us from falling apart. The LORD is our firm foundation, the Rock who revives and refreshes us with His living water. His love is steadfast and constant. His power is strong and mighty. His peace is powerful and calming. His faithfulness is secure and steady. We can trust the Rock Eternal forever!
“He has risen!” Mark 16:6
I often hear how important it is to guard your relationship with Jesus. But how in the world do you do that? When I saw this picture I thought to myself that’s the answer! The more I seek Him and find the truth about Jesus in His Word, and talk to Him in prayer, my love for Him deepens. As love deepens, our faith is strengthened and our desire to guard our relationship with Jesus is of foremost importance.
Jesus replied: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” Matt. 22:37
Those focused, piercing eyes are chilling and somewhat scary. That mean look got me thinking about the things of this world that are mean, chilling and scary. If that should happen to you too, let’s turn our thoughts toward Jesus who loves us, fights for us, prays for us and is our Shelter.
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High, will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. Psalm 91:1
Every time I look at this picture I have to laugh. When my day gets stressful and I don’t feel like laughing, this picture of Carl and me guarantees a laugh. I believe God created in all of us the ability to laugh because it’s good for us. Laughter relieves tension, helps put things in perspective and cheers us up. God’s Word says…“A cheerful heart is good medicine…” Prov. 17:22. Let’s ask God to prescribe for us every day a cheerful heart with a double dose of laughter.
When I was going through some tough times in my twenties I reached out to a well-grounded Christian for counsel. I was told to “climb higher.” I was encouraged to go to the highest floor of a very tall building and look out the window. I thought to myself, this is silly, but I went anyway. On that day the sun was shining brightly and the sky was a deep blue and the cars and people were sooo tiny. Seeing all this helped me put my troubles in perspective. My troubles didn’t seem so big. I was reminded that my troubles were in the hands of Most High God. Over the years when times get tough I don’t go to a high building. Instead, my climbing higher involves spending more time with Jesus, persisting in prayer and studying God’s Word. Let’s climb higher together and soar like eagles!
But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles. Isaiah 40:31
Writing 3 books has been a rewarding adventure. I’ve never thought of myself as an author. Spelling is not my strength and the use of a computer makes my hands sweat. But when God calls you to do something way beyond your capabilities He provides you with everything you need for answering His call.
The first book is about daily enjoying a time of prayer with prayer prompts for the entire year. The second book is about the power of praising God in the midst of hardship and loss. The third book is about the peace that grows from knowing the truth from God’s perspective. I want God to get the glory, but I need to let people know where these books are available. I’d like to invite you to take a close look at these 3 books on my website at judyelmer.com or you can check them out on amazon.
“This is my command…be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9
Are you wondering how on earth can you be strong and courageous when you feel tired and afraid? When I’m up against a difficult and scary situation I’m learning that I cannot muster up the strength and courage needed. It just doesn’t work if I alone try to muster up a feeling of energy and fearlessness. But when I go to God and His Word, I find myself resting in His truth. Gracious God promises that no matter what we’re going through and wherever we go, He is with us step by step…no matter what. That promise empowers tired, scared hearts to bold, courageous hearts!
Carl and I wish you and your loved ones a joyous Christmas. In the coming new year may we all rest in the joy of knowing that God has given us everything we need in Jesus.
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Phil. 4:4