• Devotions

    The Blank Page

    “I just want to start with a blank page.”

    An expression like this can stir up an array of emotions.

    It can be an exciting prospect for some, the notion of starting new.

    But for others, the mere idea of taking ink to a fresh sheet of paper incites pangs of anxiety.

    Or maybe you are like me.

    The excitement and anxiety are like two parallel streets that are so close together, you are not certain which one you will turn down..

    Today, the road I have chosen is Anxiety Avenue.

    I tend to take detours here when my focus is not clear.

    Clearly on the Author of my life, that is.

    My thoughts go back and forth like a teeter totter, with my shoulds and can’ts.

    The weight of my own insecurities pushes me up and down again and again.

    In those moments, the ones I have more of than I wish to admit, I forget that God has already set out a path for me.

    My short-term memory has nothing to do with my 50 plus years, but my own need for a plan and immediate answers.

    Just like the children of Israel, brought out of slavery in Egypt, I forget seeing the miraculous works of our Creator.

    I see only the blank page before me.

    The unknown.

    Not the history behind me or my faith in the God who has already set a path before me.

    The history that shows me that my God never fails me.

    What can you do when you only see the blank page?

    Remember these scriptures:

    1. “By faith we understand that the entire universe was formed at God’s command, that what we now see did not come from anything that can be seen.” Hebrews 11:3 NLT                                                                                                              

    God started with a blank page.  Our Creator spoke the world into existence.  If He can do that, our faith tells us that He can create a path for us as well. Even if we cannot see our future, God already does.  

    1.  “For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.” James 1:3 NLT

    God is shaping us into who He created us to be.  The shaping of character does not happen overnight. We need to have endurance for what lies ahead.  This tests our faith, but we need to remember that the Author of our lives is giving us opportunities to grow.

    1. “Because of Christ and our faith in Him, we can now come boldly and confidently into God’s presence.”  Ephesians 3:12 NLT

    God knows if we are feeling anxious or excited about our future.  He invites us to draw close to HIm and to share our hearts.  We should never be afraid to go sit at His feet.  Go boldly to Father God and ask for wisdom and guidance.  He never withholds Himself from His children.

    Friends, tuck these verses into your heart as a daily reminder of His love for you.

    I do not know what test you are facing right now, but my prayer is that you do not focus on the blank page, but on the One who holds the pen.

    “I pray that from His glorious, unlimited resources He will empower you with inner strength through His Spirit.  Then Christ will make His home in your hearts as you trust in Him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep His love is.”  Ephesians 3:16-18 NLT

  • Devotions

    First Thoughts

    My first steps in the morning are typically toward a large cup of black coffee.

    My first thoughts of the day?

    Well, I would like to say that everyday they rise up to Him with a song of praise or a prayer of gratitude.

    But honestly, that is not everyday.

    And especially these times, when school openings, business closings and the physical and mental health of those around me is constantly in question, my first thoughts tend to be all over the place.

    Maybe you are in that season, too.

    Some days these thoughts swirl around in my mind like a cyclone, picking up anything it can scoop up in its grasp.

    The neverending saturation of news, others opinions, and general chaos loom around me before I have had my first sip of motivation for the day, twisting my first thoughts away from Him.

    So each morning, before I put my feet on the floor and head towards the coffee pot, I need to make a choice.

    Where will my first thoughts go today?

    Friends, as easy as it sounds to choose door number one or door number two, I can say with complete honesty I struggle with this daily.

    My worries and fears sometimes get the better of me.

    And yet, when I choose to let my first thoughts rise to Him, my days always go exceedingly better.

    My perspective of what lies ahead changes.

    I am no longer focused on the world, but on His promises.

    Here are a few verses that help me stay grounded and not swept up in the cyclone of despair.

    1. “He remembers His covenant forever, the promise that He made, for a thousand generations.” 1 Chronicles 16:15 NIV    

    Our God is a covenant keeping God.  The promises He made to His people thousands of years ago still covers you and me today.

    1. “My comfort in my suffering is this: Your promise preserves my life.” Psalms 119:50 NIV God sees us as we struggle.  He knows our daily challenges.  And yet it is our relationship with the Almighty and His promises to be with His people that reminds us we are never alone in our suffering.
    1. “The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you.  He will never leave you nor forsake you.  Do not be afraid, do not be discouraged.” Deuteronomy 31:8 NIV 

    Most of us are worried about what lies ahead.  But our heavenly Father goes before us.  If He is already in the days ahead, we can embrace the promise that He is waiting there for us and preparing the way.

    What verses give you grounding?

    Focus on these words.

    Let them penetrate your heart and your mind.

    My prayer is that your first thoughts rise to the One who gave us life.

    Could that be your prayer for me as well?

    Less worry, more peace.

    Not our perspective, but His promises.

    “Look to the Lord and his strength;

        seek his face always.”  1 Chronicles 16:11 NIV

    May each of us find strength in Him today.

    Amen.