The King Forever Reigns

The 2020 election is being billed as the most important election of our lifetime. It’s supposedly an election that will change the course of our country, the course of history, and the course of our children’s futures.

Talk about a lot of pressure.

I’ve already voted, and, for me, the choice was an easy one. I voted for religious freedom and liberty. I voted for my son’s life in the years to come. And naturally, I want my candidate to win.

But I know that whoever wins this election, my King is still on the throne.

but to the Son:

Your throne, God,
is forever and ever,
and the scepter of your kingdom
is a scepter of justice.

(Hebrews 1:8, CSB)

Jesus is the ultimate King, and He is always at work with His plans for our ultimate good and His glory—even when it’s difficult for us to see that. In fact, we may not know what God is up to until we’re with Him in eternity. I’m so thankful that my life and my son’s life do not depend on the President of the United States. Our salvation comes from the Lord alone.

God reigns forever. He is the God of justice, and He has already defeated evil. Jesus sits at the right hand of the Father in the Kingdom. And one day, He will come again with the new Jerusalem!

But based on his promise, we wait for new heavens and a new earth, where righteousness dwells.

(1 Peter 3:13)

So on election day, and on every other day, I will wait for the Lord. I will ask God for His peace that surpasses all understanding, for strength and courage, and for ultimate joy in Him.

Thank you, thank you, thank you, Lord.

Peace in a Pandemic

I published a version of this post in January 2019. I needed to re-read these words today—I hope they’re an encouragement for you, too.

Peace.

Peace with my body and health.

Peace in my marriage.

Peace within family and friendships.

Peace financially.

Peace with our jobs.

Peace at home.

Peace in my heart.

Peace with God.

This peace is the opposite of fear, worry, and anxiety. It’s the opposite of turmoil and war. Peace takes work. It takes trust in the Lord and faith in His plan.

The word “peace” occurs more than 400 times in the Bible. Yes, 400.

Try finding “fear” or “anxiety” that many times. Hint: You won’t. And when you do see “fear,” it’s likely referring to the fear of God, a holy reverence and awe of Him, not a feeling of danger.

My pastor once delivered a sermon where he referenced Ephesians 2, and it has really stuck with me. He said Jesus Himself is our peace—and that God actually created peace. Meditating on that helps bring me peace. Our God is not a God of worry and anxiety but of peace.

“For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, by setting aside in his flesh the law with its commands and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace, and in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility. He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near.”

— Ephesians 2:14-17

God sent his son, Jesus, to defeat sin and Satan. He destroyed the dividing wall of hostility between us and God, and He offers new, eternal life to everyone—simply asking we confess that we need Him and that we believe in Him. The cross that Jesus died for us on reconciles us to God and puts to death the hostility. It can no longer overtake us or rule us. It’s done for good.

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

— Isaiah 9:6

But Jesus is not.

He rose again and is now seated at the throne in heaven. He came and preached peace to all the ends of the earth. Peace is His mission. Peace is His message, and this is the peace that I want to guide my life.

For so many of us, 2020 has been the opposite of peace. It’s been a year full of worry, anxiety, doubt, and fear. You might be afraid of COVID or getting sick this season. I can relate. My anxiety has shifted off of my body and food—praise God!—as He has brought significant healing into that area of my life. But when I’m not spending as much time in the Word, in prayer, or in community, the anxiety can crop back up in new ways. I’ve worried about my family’s health. I’ve faced anxiety around my parenting, marriage, home, and finances. Even around my passion for writing.

I’ve had a panic attack once before, and I don’t want to face that again. I want to take time away from the fear-inducing things of this world and focus on the peace of Christ.

I pray this peace will rule in my heart as I have been “called to live in peace. And always be thankful.” (Colossians 3:15) Gratitude truly does change my perspective. When I focus on my blessings, my fear quickly dissipates. When I remember all The Lord has done for me, how He’s given me a new identity and a firm foundation in Him alone, then the stressors of this world become small. Then all I want is to live for Him and to be more like Him.

I love the story of Jesus calming the storm in Luke 8:22-25:

“One day he and his disciples got into a boat, and he told them, ‘Let’s cross over to the other side of the lake.’ So they set out, and as they were sailing he fell asleep. Then a fierce windstorm came down on the lake; they were being swamped and were in danger. They came and woke him up, saying, ‘Master, Master, we’re going to die!’

Then he got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waves. So they ceased, and there was a calm. He said to them, ‘Where is your faith?’

They were fearful and amazed, asking one another, ‘Who then is this? He commands even the winds and the waves, and they obey him!’”

As I read this passage, I noticed the note I had written in the margin a long time ago: Often we go through storms to experience more of God and more of His glory. He uses the storms to strengthen our faith and trust in Him. But He’s always present in the storm and all-powerful over it.

I imagine God has been waiting for me to come to this point, saying to me, Where is your faith? (Luke 8:25) I have created you for such a time as this. (Esther 4:14) Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you. (Jeremiah 1:5) I know the plans I have for you, and I will give you hope and a future. (Jeremiah 29:11) Now trust in me with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. (Proverbs 3:5) Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will hold on to you with My righteous right hand. (Isaiah 41:10)

God is saying those words to you, too, my friend. Listen to His truth and trust in His peace.

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If you want to talk more about Jesus Christ and faith, shoot me a message. I love meeting new people, whether virtually or in person, and gabbing about life. 

And if you'd like to know more of my story, you can read my testimony here.

Truly, He makes beautiful things.

When Things Don't Go Your Way

I started this morning in a real mood. Do you know the kind I’m talking about? I felt like immediately things weren’t going my way, and that before the sun was up, it was going to be a long day.

It’s amazing how the silliest little things can set us off track. Like I’m just looking for a fight, looking for something to push me over the edge.

Yikes.

What do you do in those moments?

I’m sad to say that I let myself stew for a while. I let myself feel annoyed, frustrated, angry. I even let out a few tears. I was honestly feeling sorry for myself. And for what? For the fact that the morning hadn’t gone exactly my way? 

Life wasn’t meant to go our way. In fact, Jesus tells us that He is the way, the truth, and the life. When I’m caught up in my own way, I need to remember Christ. I need to confess my frustration, my pettiness, my anger. I need to surrender it all to my Father above, who is always ready to forgive me and love me through my brokenness.

This week marked the start of a new Bible study with my church on the book of Jonah. We’re going through Priscilla Shirer’s book, so aptly subtitled “Navigating A Life Interrupted.” A quick summary:

Interruptions. They're aggravating. Sometimes infuriating. But how we handle interruptions actually tell us more about ourselves. What do we do when God interrupts our lives? Many times, like Jonah, we run! Priscilla redefines interruption and shows that interruption is actually God's invitation to do something beyond our wildest dreams. When Jonah was willing to allow God to interrupt his life, the result was revival in an entire city.

This year has brought more interruptions and unplanned circumstances than I could have ever anticipated. We’re all navigating a global pandemic as well as unrest in our country. This year, my husband and I have been sharing one car. I’ve honestly been feeling bitter about it, even though I know we are still so fortunate and privileged to have it. Also this year, the various groups and activities that my son and I were involved in have changed to virtual—hardly the same as in-person when you're trying to make friends and have a little bit of adult conversation. And one of the biggest surprises of my year was a falling-out with my best friend. I’m still not sure what went wrong in our relationship. So, yes, I’m familiar with interruptions.

And I’m sure you are, too. Health problems, financial difficulties, job changes or disappointments, broken relationships, unmet desires and expectations.  

Interruptions—whether good or bad—are nothing new. Throughout the Bible, we see men and women face unexpected situations. Noah was asked to build an ark before God sent a flood over the earth. A teenage Mary was asked to be the mother of Christ, and she humbly obeyed. Jesus told Peter and Andrew to leave behind their fishing nets because he would make them “fishers of men.” Saul—persecutor of Christians—is confronted by God and becomes Paul, one of the greatest missionaries of all time.

As believers, it’s so comforting that we have this “great cloud of witnesses” who’ve gone before us, and the Holy Spirit within us to encourage us.

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us…”

— Hebrews 12:1

The question is: What are we going to do with interruptions? What are we going to do when life doesn’t go our way? Or even when we’re given good things but they’re unexpected? 

Satan wants to use them to bring us down by making us question God. He wants us to have a negative attitude and long for control apart from God. The enemy’s subtle tactics will slowly but surely distract us, disable us, and ultimately divide us from God. 

We need to be willing to fight for contentment. We need to fight for our joy and trust that God is for us, no matter what our circumstances look like. 

I’m preaching this to myself as I write it here. Are you with me? 

The song below from Bethel Music is on repeat in my home these days. I need the truth of the Gospel constantly in my mind when the world wants to tell me the opposite. It’s the only way I can have joy and peace. So, “from the moment that I wake up, until I lay my head, I will sing of the goodness of God.”

7 Ways to Stay Connected Right Now

If you’re like me, you’re probably craving connection right now. Pandemic life is strange, but this looks like it’s going to be our new normal (at least for a while). So how do you stay in touch with friends, meet new people, and get out safely? Here are seven easy ideas. And I’d love to hear what you’ve been up to and how you’re staying connected! Leave me a comment below.

1. Check out your local church.

Our church reopened a few months ago, and we’ve been so thankful. Worship services are definitely different than they used to be, especially without a children’s ministry. But there’s simply no replacement for being around other believers on a Sunday morning. If you haven’t yet found a church in your neighborhood, I’d recommend checking out churches near you in the Acts29 Network, SBC, and Redeemer Church’s City to City Network. Most of these churches stream services live on Sundays and record sermon podcasts each week.

Your church might even be offering home Bible studies where you can safely meet with others in person. Many churches also have life groups or community groups, as well as various support groups. And don’t forget about Biblical counseling—a great way to connect when you’re feeling anxious, depressed, overwhelmed, or just need a bit of extra support. 

2. Register for MOPS or BSF.

These organizations were integral in helping me maintain a sense of normalcy last year as a new mom. MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) and BSF (Bible Study Fellowship) both have groups throughout the country. Depending on where you live, you might even be able to meet in person.

3. Go outside.

Fall is upon us, and there’s no better time to get outside. We’ve loved playing tennis, taking walks, and going to the playground. My sister actually started a tennis “club” with three of her girlfriends—a free, safe, and easy way to stay connected. (Plus, who doesn’t love the endorphins from exercise?) Ask a friend to join you outdoors or look into local sports leagues to hone your competitive side.

4. Join the gym.

If using an elliptical while wearing a mask sounds like your worst nightmare, take heart! Many group fitness classes are moving outdoors this fall. Our local recreation center has dance, yoga, HIIT, and other classes in various parks. See what your gym has to offer. This is a great way to stay active and meet new people.

5. Sign up for LO Sister.

Is there anything Sadie Robertson can’t do? Girlfriend shares the word of God in a way that’s full of passion and fire. I love it. She also has a heart for connecting women with other women, which led her to create the Live Original Sister online community. It’s for women of all ages and walks of life, with a focus on sisterhood, relationships, and mentorship. Check it out here.

6. Make a VidHug.

My cousin introduced me to VidHug—the 21st century, COVID-era way to give a hug. To start a VidHug, you can send a link to family and friends, asking them to record a short video with their message for the receipt. Happy birthday, happy anniversary, congratulations, you name it. Once they submit their videos, VidHug turns them into a beautiful montage for you to share. It’s easy and fun, especially if your friends are long-distance. We’re hoping to make one of these for my grandma when she turns 95 next month.

7. Call a friend and send snail mail.

Last but not least, call a friend or mail a letter! Two of the oldest ways to connect with people are still the best. Hearing a friend’s voice is always better than texting. And you’ll make someone’s day by sending a card or letter. If you want to design your own cards, you can usually find cardstock and colored pencils at Target or Walmart for less than $5. Dollar Tree and Trader Joe’s also have adorable options that are always $1.

Have fun staying connected!