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Joy, Faith Confront Stalkers Weariness, Discouragement
Joy. Got any? The Lord and I were having a conversation about the future. He noticed I felt a bit disheartened. (He’s good at that—knowing the thoughts of my heart.) A while back, I’d asked, “What’s next?” He’d laid out an action plan, specific steps that would lead to a desired place. “I don’t understand,”…
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Low Self-esteem–a Condition with a Solution
Low self-esteem is a condition that has a solution. Last week I said low self-esteem is the result of thoughts, temperament, and treatment. And I suggested memorizing these truths: I am fearfully and wonderfully made. I am here on purpose. I won’t compare my weakness with someone else’s strength. I do some things well. I…
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Low Self-esteem Is a Humanity Thing
Low self-esteem is a humanity thing. I believe most people struggle with this—some of us more than others. Low self-esteem results from thoughts, temperament, and treatment. I’ve discussed the importance of taking control of our thoughts, but what can we do about temperament? We’re born with personality traits that continue developing as we grow. During…
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Self-esteem Is a Fragile Thing
Self-esteem is a fragile thing. Let’s talk about it. What is esteem? I consulted two friends (Webster’s Ninth New Collegiate Dictionary and my computer Thesaurus) for synonyms, intending to discuss my struggle with low self-esteem, explain how I overcame it, and give a how-to package with a pretty bow on top. But my victory in…
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Negative Thoughts Will Rob Your Joy
Negative thoughts will rob your joy, your hope, your life. They’ve stolen a large part of mine. I have a confusing personality—a strange combination of extrovert and introvert. The part people see is outgoing, friendly, talkative. The hidden part is shy, withdrawn, insecure. Those who know me well may find this hard to believe but…
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Crisis Praying…How David Prayed in a Cave
Crisis praying is serious praying. David the giant-slayer found himself in one crisis after another. Fleeing from jealous King Saul, he hid in a cave and prayed his heart out. I learned from his experience recorded in Psalm 142. His cave-crisis praying began with crying out to God. He ran to God. “I cried unto…
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Prayer…a Constant Conversation with My Father
Prayer is constant conversation. Paul gave this instruction. “Pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17). How are you doing with that? Do you keep a continual conversation going? Prayer is about relationship. This needy child comes to a loving, generous Father in total dependence. The sweeter our relationship, the more comfortable I feel climbing into his…
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Pray with Confidence Knowing Your Best Friend Hears
Do you pray with confidence? Some people know how to do it. I’ve listened in awe to prayers that lifted me into God’s presence. But I’ve never been a good public pray-er. I pray constantly. I just don’t pray eloquently. Public prayers should be eloquent, right? I struggle to keep my focus on the Lord…
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Rejoicing by Decision
As you welcome another day, are you rejoicing? If you don’t feel like rejoicing, possibly you’re carrying yesterday’s stuff. Some days I have trouble moving past yesterday’s disappointments, and I find no reason to rejoice. The Psalms overflow with rejoicing. “I will be glad and rejoice in your love” (Psalm 31:7 NIV). “Then my soul…
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The Wilderness…Where Do We Go from Here?
Wilderness…have you spent time there? Years ago my husband and I took an unforgettable vacation, driving from Tennessee to California and visiting popular tourist sites along the way. We crossed desert areas—miles of brown loneliness. Fighting anxiety over what might happen if our car broke down in the unbearable heat, I felt huge relief and…