Wisdom & Hard Decisions, By Elizabeth A.

Wisdom & Hard Decisions

By Elizabeth A.

Lately, I've been struggling with making decisions. I want to do this, but God might want that. Or I think God wants this … but, no, maybe He doesn't. It's really frustrating, and hard, and I just want to settle on something.  

Sometimes I think God will answer me by giving me a direct answer, or giving me a sign, but after asking one of my friends to pray for me and seeing a few verses, I realize it's not just about God telling me what to do -- God gives us wisdom.  

In James 1:5, God says 'If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.' (NIV) 

I think that shows how incredible God is; that He doesn't just want to tell us what to do and give us all the answers, but He wants to give us wisdom, so that we can learn and grow and understand His ways for ourselves!  

A good example of how much God values our asking for wisdom is Solomon. King Solomon was told he could have anything he wanted (ANYTHING: wealth, power, the destruction of his enemies, etc.), but he asked for wisdom. God was so pleased, that He not only gave him wisdom to be a just, good king, but He also gave him 'both riches and honor, so that there shall not be anyone like you among the kings all your days.' (1 Kings 3:13, NIV)  

And it can be exactly like that for us, too. When we face tough decisions, and we don't know what to do, God will give us wisdom if we ask. I don't know what you're facing; if it's big, or small, or just something you're curious about, but don't forget that even when you doubt your decisions, God will come through.  

If you ask Him for wisdom, He promises you that you will have it, and you can be sure that whatever you decide, God always 'works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.' (Romans 8:28, NIV)  

In that way, you can have faith that God is there, that He respects your decision, and that He is so glad that you asked Him to help you! I definitely want Him to show me wisdom in all of my life decisions.

What To Do When You Feel Scared & Alone, By Elizabeth A.

What To Do When You Feel Scared & Alone

By Elizabeth A.

“Because he has loved Me, therefore I will deliver him; 
I will set him securely on high, because he has known My name.  

“He will call upon Me, and I will answer him; 
I will be with him in trouble; 
I will rescue him and honor him. 
“With a long life I will satisfy him 
And let him see My salvation.” - Psalm 91:14-16 (NASB)   

When we feel like everyone else has let us down, or when life becomes too hard, God wants us to know that He is there to answer and rescue you from whatever you are battling.  

I encourage you to read the rest of Psalm 91; it tells us exactly what God will do for the ones who love Him. He will even "give His angels charge concerning you, to guard you in all your ways."

Don't be afraid to ask Jesus for help, because He will answer you and help you. Whatever you are battling, or whatever is hurting you - be comforted, He is right there.  

He cares about you so much, that He even directs His angels to protect and help you (just you). You are a special creation, the daughter of God, and nothing will ever separate you from His love.  

So whenever you feel alone, scared, or hurt, turn to Psalm 91, and let His love soak you through and through, to assure you that you are NEVER alone, and ALWAYS under His wings. 

Spending Time with Him by Elizabeth A.

Spending Time with Him 

By Elizabeth A.

  One of my New Year’s resolutions this year was to set a time each day that I spent with Jesus. I realized that I wasn't spending enough time with God. I wasn't listening to what He had to say, I was letting my feelings take control, rather than holding on to what His word said, and I noticed that often I had a negative attitude about lots of things.  

 Sometimes it got to the point of desperation, and I would turn to God in tears, asking Him to forgive me for my unfaithfulness. Then I would begin to pray and read my Bible again, and it always gave me a new joy and refreshment. But it wasn't enough; after a time I began to drift away again, and soon I developed a sort of cycle; going around and around, feeling His love and then crying afterwards.  

 But God does not want us for fair-weather friends; He wants us to love and spend time with Him as we would with our best friend. He also does not want us to have to be on the brink before we find refuge, 

 "Let the beloved of the LORD rest secure in Him, for He shields him all day long, and the one the LORD loves rests between His shoulders." - Deuteronomy 33:12 

 God desires for us to rest in Him; to be safe and secure always, not only when we feel broken. I made the decision that this year I would make talking to Him a regular part of my morning, and now I can live every day influenced by His words.  

 Remember, God is always there. He will always be there to show you His love, and to lift you up when you have fallen. Have fun spending your day with Him!