Start Here

I’ve read a lot of posts on Facebook lately in which friends have shared that they are feeling overwhelmed, discouraged, or confused.

Many times when I read posts like these I think,

“I wish I could sit and talk to this person or that person.”

“I wish I could look into their eyes and tell them what I’ve learned as I have faced my own difficult days.”

I’ve definitely learned this along the way, “Life isn’t easy.”

Honestly, it can be extremely painful.

So, what do you do when you’re deep in a valley?

What do you do when you look up and  find yourself questioning everything about who you are or where you are in life?

As I read through the Old Testament, I see person after person who reached a point where they felt just like this.

They found themselves hiding in caves, fearing for their lives.

They found themselves being pursued by enemy after enemy.

I’m sure in the darkness of the night they often wondered,

“How did I get here, and how do I get out of here?”

Time after time, these men and women eventuallyreached a place where looking up and crying out was their only option.

Seeking God was their answer.

Finding Him was their secret to moving on to a better place in life.

It’s no different today for  us.

We enter valleys.

We feel attacked.

We feel alone.

We feel defeated.

We struggle with insecurities, doubts, and fears.

Where do we go for help?

Where do we turn for guidance?

I have found myself deep in the pit of depression several times in my life.

I have found myself needing answers to questions no one on this planet could possibly answer over and over again as I have walked through dark days and darker nights.

And just like David of the Old Testament and so many other men and women who loved God but struggled through life, I have found that there is only one place to start if I want to find my way back to Him when I feel lost or discouraged.

I start with His Word.

I start with time just with Him.

Being in the presence of God with only His Word beside you does something to your life.

It strengthens you more than physical food.

It encourages you more than the very best friend.

It comforts you more than the best counselor money can buy.

It transforms you more than any makeover specialist ever could.

God’s Word is alive, and I believe it more and more every day of my life.

I can’t live without it.

It is the Bread of Life.

Today, if you are feeling anything but full of joy and hope, start your day with Him.

Let Him speak into every corner of your hurting heart.

I memorized Romans 15:13 when Nick was sick and I still pray it into my life and the lives of those I love every single day,

I’m praying this verse for you today.

May God fill your Wednesday with His Hope, His power, His peace, and His joy!