Tag: Peace of mind

“I will never forgive that man!”

I stared at the red-faced man pounding the table. Always before, “Henry” struck me as a quiet, gentle man. Now the veins on his forehead bulged with emotion as he poured out his sad story.

Some years before, he and his wife, “Louella,” invested most of their retirement savings with a trusted business acquaintance who “let them in” on what he promised would bring a great return on their investment .

A few months and a lot of excuses later, the swindler skipped town. The shattered couple hired lawyers who tried for two years to bring the man to justice. Finally their attorneys told them it was hopeless. Henry and Louella ended up paying all court costs.

With only a few years left before his retirement, Henry could not begin to make up their financial loss and Louella’s disability made it impossible for her to hold a job.

Besides, in that small town, jobs were scarce.

Their retirement dreams and plans had to be set aside

I had known this dear Christian couple for a year or so but had no inkling of this. All I could do now was tell him how sorry I was. After awhile I softly brought up Jesus’ call to forgive our enemies.

Henry was having none of it. Once again he turned beet red and said, “No! It almost kills me that Louella and I have to live the way we do. That scoundrel stole the future we scrimped and saved for. People tell me I need to let it go, but I refuse to forgive him!”

Then he got up and stomped away from the table. Clearly, the con man took their money, but Henry’s continuing enmity robbed these two of something much more valuable than dollars and cents.

Their peace.

The cost of maintaining a heart of stone

Later that day I remembered the first time I glimpsed the fallout from unresolved anger. I was a high school freshman when my family moved to a new area and a new church.

One of the first things we observed was how every Sunday the same two families sat in the two front pews, one on the left and the other on the right. After the last hymn and the pastor’s benediction, both families marched out single file, each one staring straight ahead, never nodding or smiling to each other.

When I became good friends with one of the daughters I learned to know and love her parents, especially her smiling, always-had-a-joke-for-me father. But I sensed this was The Subject We Must Not Talk About.

Over time the gist of the story came together. Each brother lived with his wife and children on farms along the same country road. One mile apart. Ten years or so earlier, for whatever reason, these two brothers had a falling-out. Apparently they had not spoken to each other since then. Neither had their family members.

We also learned of the unspoken rule in that community: Invite only one brother (or his family members) to any birthday party or the like. A couple of times the hosts risked inviting both, but not telling either one beforehand. That never worked out well. Hardly anyone talked to anyone and the sense of celebration soon fizzled out.

You may wonder whether anyone tried to speak Bible truth and healing to these two. I know the answer is yes, but each brother answered, “No!”

Their families, whatever they thought individually, were caught in the middle.

The only balm for the pain

I’ve always loved this quote by Lewis B. Smedes:

“To forgive is to set a prisoner free and discover that the prisoner was you.”

All the individuals I described earlier went to church and heard clear Bible teaching every Sunday, but they lived as prisoners. They didn’t have to. Even in situations where the other person will not budge, the one who feels wronged can be free. It starts by giving all that pain to Jesus–then leaving it there.

Sometimes the hurt and heaviness remains , even when we’ve prayed. That signals we need to take the next step: Deliberately decide to let it go.(Repeat as often as necessary.)

We may have every right to feel wronged, but to forgive means we give up that right. (I do not for one moment mean to imply that is easy to do!)

Unless we relinquish “our rights,” even saying, “I forgive you,” will be meaningless.

Healing that lasts

Real healing, lasting healing, comes only through the work of Christ’s Spirit. Sometimes it takes awhile to get to the place of feeling free.

Remember the message of Easter?

(Jesus said) “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” –John 8:36

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” –John 14:27

Jesus took all our pain to the cross. We still live on earth and we’re still flawed human beings. But we are not alone. He walks with us through each day and our every question finds its deepest answer in Him.

Dear reader, I wish you abiding peace in Jesus, every day of the year!

Lovingly,

Lenore

Anger can poison a life. For life.

April 15, 2026
Some of us are stuck in yesterday

We still hear the critical voices of our parents or teachers or the taunts of childhood friends. In times of clear thinking we remind ourselves that’s pointless, but old hurts and doubts still surface and hang around.

Oh sure, we know no one had a perfect childhood. But here we are, still dragging around wrong messages from the past. Why is that?

How can we lighten that load or put it down for good?

Begin by recognizing painful words for what they are

This story is about our friend “Tim,” but it could just as well be about “Tina”.

Tim grew up with an alcoholic dad who delighted in bringing everyone else down. Especially his children. When the kids came home excited because they got good grades or because they had come out on top, Pops would laugh and ask, “Oh, getting the big head, are we?

Every. Single. Time.

The boy became the teenager became the adult. Everyone who knew him considered Tim a success story.

That is, everyone but Tim.

Whenever things went his way at work or his wife told him she was proud of him, Tim still heard his father’s voice taunting him with the same hurtful question.

He felt hopeless and asked himself, would he–could he–ever be free?

Then Tim and his buddy joined the men’s group from church

They quickly felt comfortable and liked the informal discussion of how the Bible still applies to living today. Then came a snack, plus lots of time to just talk–and really connect. Tim slowly felt himself relax.

One week their assignment was to do a self-assessment which they could share or not, no pressure.

They only had to think through one question:

Who am I now? Today?

Letting go of the past

As he thought about his life Tim saw how all his life he worked hard to prove himself–to his dad, he finally understood.

Now he had a good job and he got along well with his co-workers.

Best of all, he and his wife were strong together. The hard times they struggled through taught them they could rely on each other. I love her more today than when I married her. Thank you, Lord!

He thought of their family and smiled. They’re good kids, they’re healthy and they’re doing okay in school. I need to tell them a lot more often that I love them and I’m proud of them.

The question of the week no longer intimidated him.

When his eyes dropped to the Bible verse of the week, 2 Corinthians 12:9, God’s words to the Apostle Paul. Tim felt it could have been written just for him.

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” 2 Corinthians 12:9

Seeing clearly at last

Next time the men’s group gathered, Tim couldn’t wait to share the new understanding he gained of his father:

“For perhaps the first time, I saw my dad with clear eyes. Back then he was a walking disaster. Constantly putting all of us down made him feel better about his own messed-up life.

“Once I understood that, I could let it go. Now when I hear Dad’s critical voice in my head I answer it with today’s truth, which is that I like my life and what I’ve become. I know it’s God’s blessing and from now on I want to live out last week’s Bible verse:”

“Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?”   Isaiah 43:18-19

Enduring truths

Long ago I found a quote which brought me up short. Way back in history, Epictetus, a Greek philosopher who lived from 55 A.D. until 135 A.D., summed it up this way:

“It’s not what happens to you but how you react to it that matters.”

These words can be a power statement that fits each of us, at any stage of life. Whether we realize it or not, we have within us the power to control how we think about what comes into our lives. Whether we’re troubled by painful memories from the past or by uneasiness over present reality, when we change our thinking, we can change our lives.

Still learning,

Lenore

Why Not Live Free?

July 29, 2025
That sounds impossible, doesn't it?

I used to think so, too. Then one day what I considered an inconvenience turned out to be pure blessing.

There I was, stuck in a line of shoppers waiting to check out at a local warehouse store. As usual, the place teemed with shoppers. Most of us were scowling and fidgety, checking our phones as we remained parked in line.

Not the petite older woman ahead of me. She seemed to have all the time in the world and looked around with a half-smile, as if she were slightly amused.

Finally she reached the checkout stand and the checker suppressed a yawn before saying, "Hello! Hope you're in the middle of a good day."

She smiled, then said, "Yes, of course I'm having a good day. I always have a good day."

"Really! How do you manage that?"

"Oh, it's easy. I decided a long time ago that I was done with having bad days. They're nothing more than a huge waste of time.

"I told myself that from then on I would have only good days–and I do, I really do. It took a little practice but now I refuse to get upset, no matter what happens."

The checker looked a bit flummoxed at that, but then said, "Um, that's great. You make it sound really simple."

"Well, I look at it this way: I'm the one in one in charge of my mind, nobody else."

As she put away her wallet and prepared to walk away she said, "I'm not handing that control over to anyone else."

She pointed upward

"Besides," she said, "I know who's watching over me, so I just figure one way or another, whatever happens HE will make everything work out okay."

By then all three of us were smiling.

The checker said, "Thanks, I needed that reminder today. When I get uptight I make myself take a few deep breaths. Then I shrug my shoulders a few times and try to relax."

As the little lady started to walk away, the checker said, "I like your way better. You decide beforehand your day will be good. I think I'll try that myself."

Our "teacher" flashed a parting smile and said, "You do that! Bet you'll be glad you did!"

I watched her while waiting for the checker to finish my order

She looked to be an oasis of serenity as she strolled through the crowd of hurrying people, many of them texting or talking on their phones while shushing their kids.

Her body language communicated that she possessed what I wanted for myself: A calm spirit. Inner peace. Smiles instead of frowns.

As I walked to my car I knew I would remember that encounter. My fellow shopper reminded me of what I had believed all my life, that yes, God is still in control and yes, I do have a will and and I choose how I look at life.

Before I even drove home I promised myself I would follow her example–and why couldn't I? She obviously drew her strength from the same Power Source I relied on, the One who never fails us.

I stuck with that resolution and began learning all over again to remember that each day is a gift from God. My call is to regard every day as a good day even before I began it.

She was right. I like this way much better, too.

Strength for the journey, especially on those "Who cares?" days

The Bible is filled with verses we can use as hand-holds whenever the climb feels too steep. Verses such as these:

This is the day the Lord has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. Philippians 4:6

"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid." John 14:27

"I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world." John 16:33

Growth can take awhile

For me it often feels like a two steps forward, one step back process. I came to understand that's okay because I still move one step closer to my goal.

I have learned over time that my nameless friend spoke deep truth that day. It makes all the difference to decide beforehand that our day(s) will be good That simple move changes us, changes how we see ourselves and our life situation.

Inevitably, how we relate to the people around us changes, too–and that can bring the sweetest reward of all. Every day of every year.

Blessings to you and yours,

Lenore

Here’s the simple secret to having only good days

January 6, 2024
Every one of us runs out of optimism and hope once in awhile.

Or is it just me?

I remember one day of despair as vividly as yesterday. Warm sun coaxed forth spring blossoms and leaves on all sides and life was good, yet that day I couldn't see it or feel it–and I couldn't have told you why.

I drove home along a beautiful tree-lined boulevard, glad no one could hear me screaming.

At God. The same God I've loved and trusted since childhood. The One who said in Scripture his plans for us are good, plans to give us hope and a future. Right then He seemed cold and distant and I felt abandoned–and guilty for even thinking that way.

Do you ever have times like that?

That's why Easter matters 365 days of the year

Easter means we don't have to beat up on ourselves because we blew it. Or questioned. (Or screamed at God.)

How can that be true? Because Jesus paid for all our failures on the cross.

That's not all. He conquered Satan–the devil, the author of despair and failure–when He rose from the dead.

What's more, Jesus came back to earth and showed himself to His followers several times, fully alive and fully human, as all four
Gospel writers recount for us. These sorrowing believers touched His human flesh and were overwhelmed with rejoicing. He walked with them and talked with them and ate regular food with them. Jesus' presence transformed their depression and fear into joy and renewed faith.

Because of Easter you and I can have hope, even in our lowest moments.

Because of Easter God will never turn away from us when we get discouraged or feel we've let down everyone we love.

On our dark days we can clutch onto these promises from Scripture and hold them close to our hearts:

But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us…For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life… Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. -Romans 5:1, John 3:16, Rom. 5:5:8

It's not about how good we are or whether we checked all the boxes. The Good News of Easter is that when we believe in Jesus as our Savior, God looks at us through Jesus and sees us as if we were perfect, like His only Son.

It is all because of Jesus that our Heavenly Father counts us worthy of love, no matter what.

Even "heroes of faith" sometimes get discouraged

The Apostle Paul often is labeled this way because of all the suffering he endured in his life. Yet he was human. Just like you and me, he asked God, "Why?"

For example, he pleaded repeatedly with God to take away his "thorn in the flesh," that mystery problem or medical condition that dogged him.

Each time God answered, "No."

Paul could have given up in despair, but he responded this way:

But [the Lord] said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me." -2 Corinthians 12:9

Whatever it was, that "thorn" troubled Paul all through his life. Every day Paul counted on the Lord's strength, not his own, to get him through.

Paul's humble, teachable spirit enabled the Holy Spirit to use him to spread the Gospel widely and with power. We call Paul's letters "Epistles" and they constitute 14 of the 27 books in the New Testament. We believers still count them precious.

Doesn't this prove that God will not turn away from us if we dare to ask, "Why, God?" Or when we sometimes give in to despair?

Easter means we don't have to stay stuck in our pit of gloom

His grace is sufficient for you and me, too. In our times of weakness we can count on God's promises and by faith, find courage and strength to go on.

Many of us know by experience how these words of Paul still bring strength, whether we say them in our minds or aloud–as often as needed:

I can do all things through him who strengthens me. -Philippians 4:13

Easter is our guarantee that we are not abandoned. Easter is our reason for hope and our comfort in despair.

It's all because the tomb was empty

Our pastor makes sure even the young children know that. Every Sunday when they come forward for the children's message, he asks, "How do we know Jesus loves us?"

Somebody always says, "'Cuz He died on the cross for us."

"Did Jesus stay dead?"

They always answer with a shout, "NO! He rose from the grave! He's alive!"

Then he asks the kids, "So where is Jesus now"

With one voice they answer, "He's in our hearts! He lives in our hearts!"

That's exactly what Jesus told His followers when He came back to be with them for just a little while. Here's Matthew 28:20:

"And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

He is alive! Now. With us, living in our hearts. We're not in this mess alone and despite our failings, he never gives up on us. Never. Never.

Let's consider that light for our dark days!

My friend, may you know the truth of the Apostle Paul's words. They are Truth for you and for me still today–and every day.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.

Lenore

*"B.C." cartoon by the late, great Johnny Hart

Let the Light Shine in Your Heart Every Day

April 5, 2023
Maybe you've noticed this phrase here and there on gift shop plaques and posters and wondered where it came from.

It traces back to a motivational poster printed by the Government of the United Kingdom in 1939 as Hitler's troops were rapidly advancing through Europe and it seemed inevitable that Great Britain would be invaded.

Some months later the Nazi Blitz actually began. A woman I knew was in her twenties at the time and worked in London office. She told of her experiences. "Night after night the Nazis rained bombs on London and other vital towns and seaports and mortars boomed. Every night we headed for the safest place to be, which was in a bomb shelter or in a subway (Tube) tunnel. Truth is, hardly anyone really slept.

"Our lives settled into a dreary, endless routine. When mornings finally came we dragged ourselves up to the streets and picked our way through the rubble, determined to carry on with our work as best we could."

Strangely, Hitler never invaded the British Isles. Even the keenest military experts never could explain why he didn't seize his advantage and put his troops on this island nation.

Brits who believed in God proclaimed with confidence, "It is purely by grace, God's grace."

If we have eyes to see we'll know that explanation also fits our lives

As we comb through our personal history we find times when things "worked out," although we couldn't explain how or why.

At some later point we may discern a sort of pattern we couldn't make sense of at the time. Perhaps we finally spot a connection in what had appeared to be haphazard occurrences. "Ah, coincidences," we say.

My friend, with our loving God and his people there are no "coincidences."

Our bottom line is the same as Christians in all times have found to be true: It is by God's grace. Remember Romans 8:28?

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.

Did you catch that? ALL things

The goods. The bads. The boring hours that tick by too slowly.

The growing and exciting times. The times we waited for a diagnosis and prayed for a miracle.

The will-this-never-end periods. The how-did-it-all-go-by-so-fast years.

ALL of it.

You and I never will understand everything that comes into our lives. We cannot because only Almighty God is all-knowing. Only He knows the end before the beginning.

As Christians we can be sure of this: Our gracious Lord loves us. HE will work all things together for our good. In His time. In His way.

This is true even if it seems that right now, nothing in our life makes sense.

All He asks of us is that we keep putting one foot in front of the other, keep trusting him and live our days in faith.

Handholds for our hearts

Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me.–John 14:1 (ESV)

But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." –2 Corinthians 12:9a ESV

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.                              –Philippians 4:6-7 ESV

Whatever is going on in our lives, in every moment of every day we have all we need.

God still holds the world–and us–safe in the palm of His loving hand. This means you and I truly can Keep Calm and Carry On through whatever comes.

Living it out, too,

Lenore

Advice that Fits Every Situation: Keep Calm and Carry On

March 11, 2023
We seldom think about the messages we send the world, but we should.

I got a shocking reminder of that truth one day when I was out shopping. A smiling white-haired lady who looked a bit like my late grandmother put her hand on my shoulder and said, "Aw, Honey, it can't be that bad."

I stared at her in confusion and said, "Excuse me? I don't know what you mean."

Eyes twinkling, she smiled and said, "Well, I noticed you look like you lost your last friend. I just want you to know whatever the trouble is, you'll get through it and it helps to smile. That's all.

"Now you take care of yourself, Sweetie. Whatever's going on with you, it's just life. Sometimes life is hard, but you can do hard, I know you can. You'll be okay."

I thanked her for caring, still mystified.

Then I passed a mirror–and stopped short. She was right. I did look grim.

Do you ever do that?

That day I realized I probably wore that face more often than I knew. Whether I label it "concentration" or "preoccupied," that face was not a good idea.

First, because pinching up one's face leads to (gasp!) wrinkles.

Second, because what people read on our faces affects their moods.

Third, because if we say we have the joy and peace of Jesus, we'd better look as if we do. Otherwise our words of faith sound empty.

Fourth–and just as important–it's not fair to the people in our world.

As someone said, we owe the world a happy face

Why? Because you and I affect the people around us. Our families. Our co-workers. Strangers in stores.

Each of them is walking around and dealing with their lives and their problems, which may be all they can manage at the moment. Why should they have to dredge up strength to keep from "catching" our bad moods?

If you're a mom or dad you probably know that when we parents crackle with tension our kids walk on tiptoe around us.

And if we live in Tension City our children pattern the behavior as the way to live. Our uptight way of coping with life becomes their "normal."

Yes, but "Nobody knows the trouble I seen . . . "

That old spiritual speaks truth, doesn't it? No one can know or feel exactly what another person is living with. As the song says, nobody knows our hurt and pain but Jesus, who says:

"Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28 ESV

"Heavy laden." Don't we feel that way sometimes?

The NIV translates that verse:

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."

Whether we're feeling overworked and over-stressed, weighed down by cares or stuck in a situation we cannot change, He can give us rest.

It's the only rest that lasts.

Eight hours of sleep or a nap refreshes temporarily, but deep-down rest for our hearts can be found only one place. In Jesus.

Life. It will wear us down, but Jesus lifts us up. Always.

The key is to turn our thoughts and our hearts to Him instead of getting mired in the problem-of-the-moment.

He's the One who carries us through each day on His shoulders, who turns our mourning into dancing.

(Jesus said) "I have said these things to you that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world." John 16:33 ESV

If we keep our eyes on Him we can be at peace, even during the hard times–and our faces will show it.

As that kindly lady in the store put it, "Whatever's going on with you, it's just life. Sometimes life is hard, but you can do hard, I know you can."

My friend, you can do hard, I know you can.

I wish you peace and joy in Jesus, today and every day,

Lenore
Be careful what your facial expression broadcasts

October 17, 2022
WATCH OUT! DISASTER IS COMING YOUR WAY!

Variations on that theme run through every talk show and every news report. Whether it's the latest COVID variant or inflation or the weather, it sounds like everything is bad and getting worse.

Many of us might nod in agreement.

This keeps us running scared and feeling unsettled. We're living out the old cliché, "Waiting for the other shoe to drop," because no one knows what comes next.

Or perhaps what troubles you and wakes you with a racing heart has nothing to do with any headline news. It's way deeper, down to your core. Maybe you can't even remember when the haunting started.

This brings the question: Is it possible to maintain a calm center, no matter what comes?

That's our job as grownups, isn't it? Especially if we're Christians.

Sure, but how?

How do we ditch living in fear? Whatever our challenge, it's always wise to begin with the basics: principles that are true, no matter who we are or what the situation.

Be watchful, yes, but fearful, no

Focus our attention on facts, not rumors, nor on the endless "what ifs"

Do our best to live healthy by eating right and getting plenty of sleep

"Think health" instead of "thinking sick"

Speak peace instead of fear, knowing each time we do we reinforce the peace within us

These simple things make sense 365 days of any year and we have power to carry them out right where we are.

Yes, but … that doesn't sound like enough

I know. When we're feeling shaky inside and can't get to sleep at night we want something tangible. Authoritative. Something we can hold onto.

The truth is, calm that won't quit never comes from "out there." A government official or an "expert" with a string of degrees or even our trusted long-time doctor saying, "Don't worry," only quiets fear for a few hours.

That's because we know the truth: Like us, they're only human and they only know what they know … so far.

We want more. We need more.

So where does that leave us?

How do we shed this deep-down fear that weighs us down?

The "more" we seek comes from within. Each of us constantly fills our minds and hearts with something–and we get to choose what it is. This dictates our day-by-day question:

Will we feed the fear or feed the peace?

It takes no effort to stoke uneasiness. All we have to do is look and listen.

To nurture inner peace costs us something. I'm not talking yoga or meditation or any of those self-help relaxation practices. As useful as they may be, they don't fear-proof our hearts for long.

(How do I know? Over the years I've tried several of those methods.)

Here's what I learned from dealing with my own "hard stuff"

First I had to gather up all the tormenting "what ifs" and stuff them into a box in the attic of my mind. (Yes, they kept creeping out but if I persisted, gradually they stayed put. At least most of the time.)

All day, every day I need to remember who I am. I am loved by God, simply because I believe in Jesus as my Savior. Period. That's what the Bible calls "grace."

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith–and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God–not by works, so that no one can boast. Ephesians 2:8-9 NIV

Did I pray? Of course, and God always, always, always gave me strength and courage to face whatever came.

I drew courage from the Bible, too

For years I have underlined verses that touched my heart and spoke to my spirit. I also jotted down brief references on the blank pages at the back, in case I forget where they are. (These days I also have the Bible on my smartphone and often list my notes there.)

Bible verses like these:

The Lord will keep you from all harm–he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore. Psalm 121:7 NIV

When I am afraid, I will trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not be afraid. …   Psalm 56:3-4 NIV

For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-control. 2 Timothy 1:7 NIV

(The Lord said to Joshua)  "Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9 NIV

(Jesus said) "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." John 14:27 NIV

As time goes by you will discover verses to add to that list

Look for verses that touch your heart because they speak faith and reassurance. Keep them at the ready for whenever you feel fainthearted about your life or about the future.

Let's be clear about one thing. We Christians do not remember and speak Bible verses as some sort of magic charm. Rather, those times when we quake in fear–whatever the reason(s)–such verses remind us who is really in charge and has the power to help us:

"For I am the LORD your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you." Isaiah 41:13 NIV

He is speaking to you, my friend, and to me. In every occasion or dark corner of fear that comes upon us, now or in the future. We are not alone.

What more could we ask?

Thanking God with you,

Lenore
How to shed the fear that keeps crowding in

October 1, 2022
Has it ever seemed to you that every talking head is infected with the same "virus"?

I'm not talking COVID or Omicron here. This one seems confined to the mouth because every other word the speakers utter proclaims new reasons to live in fear.

Even news from halfway around the world affects us. Then come the disquieting reports that hit us where we live. Another warning, another shutdown, another loss of something or someone we thought we could count on. Over and over and over.

Even if we think our life probably won't be affected, an inner fear takes residence inside us. What if that happens to me? Or someone I love?

Logic asks, why should any of us imagine we're exempt? We do, after all, live in the same troubled world.

Christians, too, are susceptible to fear and questioning

Some of know what it's like to be shaken to the core and certainly, none of us is bulletproof. Over time we may begin to doubt even the foundation of faith we've rested on all our lives.

In quiet moments we may ask ourselves questions like these:

Is God really watching over me and those I love?

Have I lived a good enough life to know my salvation in Jesus Christ is truly certain?

If today you're feeling weighed down by uncertainty, it's a good time to go back to what the Bible tells us.

God promises to protect us

His words are sure–and timeless. Take Psalm 121, especially verses 5-8, here from the ESV:

The LORD is your keeper; the LORD is your shade on your right side. The sun shall not strike you by night, nor the moon by night. The LORD will keep you from all evil; he will keep your life. The LORD will keep your going out and your coming in from this time forevermore.

Boil it down to its essence and it's this: God is faithful and HE watches out for us, 24/7. Whatever comes. For all our days.

That's nice–for those who qualify. But what about me?

Start at the starting place: God is love. He loved us enough to make a way for you and me to be his children.

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.   John 3:16 ESV

But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8 ESV

We call that "grace," God's forgiveness, kindness and mercy to us as believers in Jesus. We do not–cannot–do anything to "be good enough."

For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.   Ephesians 2:8-9 ESV

It's God's love and mercy. Period.

Our Christian faith is no wispy theory that dissolves under pressure

We can stay calm, no matter what life dishes out–when we count on Jesus and his strength within us rather than our own.

I like the way The Message paraphrases 1 Corinthians 10:13:

No test or temptation that comes your way is beyond the course of what others have had to face. All you need to remember is that God will never let you down; he'll never let you be pushed past your limit; he'll always be there to help you come through it.

"He will never let you be pushed past your limit." HE never turns away from us.

Truths to help us keep going:

Our loving Father will never let us down

He will never let us be pushed past our individual limits. He made us so he–and only he–knows our precise limits.

He will always be there to help us come through whatever trial or temptation we may face.

Knowing this deep-down equips us for whatever may come. It's as the Apostle Paul said in Romans 8:31:

If God is for us, who [or what] can be against us?

Worrisome newscasts and scary news reports will continue. Scary tests and dreaded medical diagnoses will come into our lives just because we're human beings who live in an imperfect world.

In the midst of "whatever," we can be at peace

Instead of giving in to fear, let's do a mindset makeover, reminding ourselves that HE is the one Source of security that never fails.

How can we know that's true?

Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10 ESV

The One who was here before the beginning of the world and who will be here after the end is with us, every minute of every day.

Trusting, too,

Lenore
How to stay calm, even in times of fear

January 20, 2022
This may sound a bit outlandish, but hang in there and read on. I promise there's a logical connection.

Did you ever notice how quickly we pick up on it when someone criticizes us or seems to judge us negatively?

Praise may inhabit the same sentences, but we miss that.

In one effortless leap, we pounce on the negative and camp out.

The thought lingers like pesky grains of beach sand that refuse to rub off or wash off.

I wonder what she meant by that?

How can he expect me to …?

Who does she think she is?

We brush the offender away, but it returns in the middle of the night, unbidden.

Always, we choose what to do with it

We can keep it, nurse it and turn it into a pet.

We can blow it up until it blots out the rest of our otherwise good life.

If we take either path, this thing will grow into hardness of heart and that becomes as unyielding as a chunk of granite.

Before long we develop a worrisome habit and find intentional slights and hurts lurking in every conversation. It doesn't matter whether anyone else agrees. We know what that speaker meant.

Good advice from a wise friend for how to handle times like this

A Bible teacher once laid out some strategies about this topic to our group.

Hold your perception up to the light and examine it as objectively as you can. Discard what you know is false.

Pluck out any truth you find and weigh its worth. If you need to, swallow hard and face it.

Consider carefully before you speak up, knowing you have no power to change another person's mind.

State the facts calmly, without heat. Without argument.

Apologize when you know you need to, even if it doesn't feel comfortable. Do it for your own clear conscience and your peace of mind.

Decide to leave your wounded pride at the cross–and don't pick it up again.

Pray for a heart of love toward the one(s) who hurt you.

Let's learn from the oyster

Oysters that take in pieces of grit may form pearls of incredible luster over time. Similarly, irritating experiences can produce something beautiful in us.

If we let them.

All it takes is letting go of our pain and leaving it behind at the cross. (Yes, I know that's hard.)

Listen to what Jesus told his followers in John 10:10:

"I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full."

The full life. Peace of mind and heart. Joy down deep, where it lasts and where it matters.

Speaking of Jesus …

It's not that long since Christians all over the world celebrated Easter. Why do we mark this wonderful event every year? Here's why, in a nutshell:

Jesus came. He lived and died, really died. Three days later He burst out of his grave, fully alive, and in his human body He walked and talked to many people. He ate with His friends. By His life and death Jesus made peace between us and God. He came to make us new and set us free from the power of sin in our lives. That's what Easter is all about–and Jesus came for all people.

And that's why we can be at peace, with no need to take offense when someone else sounds critical of us. It doesn't matter and our self-esteem need not be diminished one bit. We have all we need in Jesus.

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whosoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. John 3:16-17 ESV

That's why we Christians rejoice over Easter.

That's why we can forgive others when they unintentionally–or even intentionally–speak thoughtless words that hurt us. In Jesus we can let it go and pay no attention..

Life is too precious to waste on hurt feelings. Let's "grow pearls" instead.

Learning, too,

Lenore
What we can learn from the oyster

May 12, 2021
What are we to do when every day's news breaks our hearts?

We can play "Let's Pretend" while the sun shines. But when we wake with a start at 2 a.m. the familiar chorus of inner taunts and fear kicks in.

What then?

First, let's plug into reality and consider it well. Every media outlet operates by a universal slogan of the news business: "If it bleeds, it leads." Pay attention next time and you'll see that's true. What's good and uplifting is usually one or two minutes pieced in at the end

Second, yes, we can find a lot to worry about, a lot to disagree with. No matter which "side" we're on. Even when we struggle to keep an open mind.

But here's what matters most. The Lord of heaven and earth, the Creator of everything seen and unseen, has not turned his back on us. He watches over us.

How can we be sure? He tells us in His written word, the Bible.

My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth. He will not let your foot slip–he who watches over you will not slumber. Psalm 121:3-4

It's time to equip ourselves so we don't lose heart

It's not a stockpile of guns we need, but a storehouse of promises. Words from the Word.

Words that lift us up rather than weigh us down.

Over the past few years I've discovered anew how much it helps to arm ourselves with Truth. I don't know why this verse particularly speaks to my anxious heart, but I've probably repeated it to myself a thousand times:

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9 NIV

Over and over, day and night, driving in my car or doing chores–or in the middle of the night–that verse quieted my heart and my fears.

The value of Scripture vs. repeating affirmations, mantras and power statements

Talking heads on TV and "name" authors tell us we need to cultivate the habit of regularly repeating positive statements like this to ourselves: "I am strong. I am brave. I will be fine, etc."

It may help. A little.

What helps more is to turn the eyes of our hearts to God's Word and know it has power.

Here's 2 Timothy 3:16 ESV:

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness.

Whether we spend hours in deep Bible study or only manage moments here and there, God's Spirit works through Scripture and changes us.

Living by the news trains us in fear.

Living by the Truth trains us in righteousness.

It reminds us who we are in Christ: God's righteous people, set right with God not because of what we do or think but because of what Jesus Christ accomplished on our behalf.

What helps most is to focus on power beyond our own

First and most importantly, if we believe in Jesus Christ as true God and the Savior from sin:

We needn't fear God is just waiting for us to slip up so He can lower the boom on us.

We needn't view our problems as punishment.

We have eternal life. Now.

For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16 ESV

If we depend on our "higher consciousness" or our "good thoughts" for strength, we'll stay mired in the swamp of fear that pervades our national thinking right now.

If we take God at His word, we can live free.

God hasn't abandoned the United States of America

His hand of blessing and mercy has been on this nation from the beginning. How else could this "Grand Experiment" have survived?

Our Founding Fathers were great men, yes, but they were ordinary human beings. Almost without exception they were Christians and trusted God. For example, George Washington said:

"You do well to learn our arts and ways of life, and above all, the religion of Jesus Christ. These will make you a greater and happier people than you are."

What's needed most is individuals who quietly speak reassurance and faith

Giving in to fear won't make us or anyone around us calmer.

It won't do one iota to make America a stronger nation.

However the upcoming elections turn out, whoever wins, whether final results cause us to applaud or weep, God will not turn away from us or from the United States. Life will go on.

By God's grace–and mercy–we will survive.

[Jesus said] "Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father's care. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows." Matthew 10:29-30 NIV

So let's leave fear behind. May we who believe in God be known as the people who speak courage and peace into fear.

Trusting, too,

Lenore
Let’s stay grounded and choose courage instead of fear

September 23, 2020