read HER blog: https://www.danawadecoach.com/post/misappropriating-scripture 
 

The last 3 years have taken a toll on us all. People are grasping for air and peace every day, and no one has been left untouched by the pandemic or the current state of affairs in the world. Mental health problems like anxiety and depression are at all time highs, and uncertainty looms around every corner. Each year has brought about a new set of challenges that keep us all on guard and high alert-personally, politically, globally and otherwise.

 

I can't speak for you but I've noticed in all of this just how much I have been unknowingly relying on myself. Oh I've prayed and thought I had been trusting in God and maybe in many ways I had, but truly what I sense now, is God leading me back to true reliance and trust in Him alone.

 

I've needed to rely on God this year more than I ever have and it has opened my eyes to the ways I've been relying on myself and not God. It has been my experience that we come to these crossroads with him every so often because we all like sheep go astray in ways we aren't even aware.  As the Good Shepherd he loving leads us back to himself, where our eyes are opened and we change our course. In these places, our faith and confidence in him is renewed.  

 

Although this year has been a difficult one for me personally, it has challenged me to trust him no matter where he leads me. So much rapid change is happening in our lives and in the world around causing anxiety, fear and panic. Civil unrest is happening everywhere and making even simple decisions isn't so easy anymore, as we are questioning everything. This shaking that is taking place in us and around us can be used for our good though, as it is causing us to return our hearts, gaze and minds back to God.  He is our only true source of peace and direction dear friends.

 

In my recent searching with him, He reminded me once again that he orders my steps, so let me to encourage you to trust him now as well. Although we are all experiencing change, God has not changed. He is immutable, and his mercies are new every morning-Great is His faithfulness.

 

Nothing takes God by surprise, even when the world is shifting all around us. 

​

I am reminded in scripture, that it is in the dark times that God shows up as only God can-to set things right and in order for humanity. Lately the Lord has reminded me of the need to walk in greater discernment with him during these dark times and I want to remind you too. Walking in discernment requires a leaning in with God with times of prayer, stillness and silence-and that isn't always easy to do in our busy world-do it anyway. 

 

We must discern the times we are living in so we can have an answer for the weak and the weary. We especially must find ways to have one heart and mind-especially in the kingdom of God. We must point people to Jesus, and a closer relationship with the Holy Spirit, while staying humble as the world around us continues to shake, shift and change. None of us have all the answers so we must be willing to find common ground and be there for each other.

 

Walking in discernment will also require us being in the right relationships, so take time to ask God who those people are. There are some people you may not like, but may be a God ordained relationship, so make sure you consult with God about this. These people will walk in wisdom and counsel and will be of great comfort to you in the days ahead.  

​

We must also remember the time honored traditions of scripture that have stood the test of time. These are ancient paths, that lead us to peace.  Prayer, especially contemplative prayer and silence with God, while casting your cares on Jesus will be of utmost importance in the days ahead- don't neglect it.

​

Trusting Jesus not only requires us remembering all he has done, but also requires that we let go of weights and memories of the past that want to trip us up or slow us down. We have a race to run with Jesus and there are just some things from our past that must be cut lose right now, if we are to run this race swiftly.

​

Let me end by reminding you to hold fast to the confession of your faith dear ones, for He who promised is faithful.

​

​

SCRIPTURES TO MEDITATE ON IN PRAYER  

 

Jeremiah 6:16 reminds us... 

​

This is what the Lord says:
“Stand by the ways and see and ask for the ancient paths,
Where the good way is, and walk in it;
Then you will find a resting place for your souls...

​

Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us..

​

"Trust wholeheartedly in the Lord
   rather than relying on your own intelligence.
In everything you do, acknowledge him,
   and he will see that your paths are straight."  

​

​

Hebrews 12:1-2 reminds us..

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses,

let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles.

And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us,

fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith..."

​

Psalms‬ ‭46‬:‭1‬-‭3‬, ‭10‬ ‭reminds us...

                                          "God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble.

So we will not fear when earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea.

Let the oceans roar and foam.

Let the mountains tremble as the waters surge!

Interlude “Be still, and know that I am God!

I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world.”” ‭‭‬‬

​

Psalms 23 reminds us...                                           

"The Lord is my shepherd;
I shall not want.
He makes me to lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside the still waters.
He restores my soul;
He leads me in the paths of righteousness
For His name’s sake.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil;
For You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
You anoint my head with oil;
My cup runs over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
All the days of my life;
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord
Forever."

 

Philippians‬ ‭4‬:‭6‬-‭7‬ reminds us....

“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything.

Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.

Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand.

His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.”

​

Psalms 121 reminds us...

​

"I will lift up my eyes to the hills—
From whence comes my help?
 My help comes from the Lord,
Who made heaven and earth.

 He will not allow your foot to be moved;
He who keeps you will not slumber.
Behold, He who keeps Israel
Shall neither slumber nor sleep.

The Lord is your keeper;
The Lord is your shade at your right hand.
The sun shall not strike you by day,
Nor the moon by night.

The Lord shall preserve you from all evil;
He shall preserve your soul.

 The Lord shall preserve your going out and your coming in
From this time forth, and even forevermore."

 

Remaining prayerful and thankful with God positions us in trust and peace.

Recount with God on a daily basis all that he has brought you through and his peace will settle on your heart and mind.  We must always remember that nothing is impossible with God as we pray and seek him for all we need- he is a rewarder of those who diligently seek him.‭‬‬

 

In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, amen.

​