The psalmist cries out, “The floods have lifted up, O Lord, the floods have lifted up their roaring!” (Psalm 93:3). Can you relate? The psalmist sees and hears floodwaters—cold, massive, and wild—rising above him, ready to swallow and drown him and to sweep away all that he loves. Do you feel or see mighty waves... Continue Reading →
The Father’s Backpack
I’ve been working through an anxiety curriculum with some friends. During one lesson, the speaker—an abrupt, fast-talking woman—hit us with this rhetorical question: “Is there anything you can do about that (that being the thing worrying us)?” She hit us again: “Then why are you worrying about it?” She moved quickly on. But I keep... Continue Reading →
Trap Doors of Fear
Traversing the corridors of my mind can be risky. Simply thinking about this or that, I can tread upon a trap door of fear. Then my footing--my walk by faith--falls away, and I tumble down into the pit of "What ifs?" But the pit is dark fantasy, a bleak unreality. Because never do I find there a Loving Father. Down where the... Continue Reading →
Pieces of Heart and a Moving Truck
My husband and I recently packed up our house for a move. We packed everything we own - dishes and mops, framed photos and clothes, bedding and towels, kid art and toys, the television and the shop vac - everything - into boxes. I kept finding one more forgotten item, "Oh, that needs a box... Continue Reading →
Will You Dare to Believe You are a Joy to God?
What do you think God feels when he looks at you? Would your life be different if you knew in your bones that when he turns his thoughts toward you his heart fills with joy? The Joy of the Lord is Your Strength Nehemiah contains a mysterious verse: "The joy of the LORD is your... Continue Reading →