Four years ago, I was in a funk! It was a difficult time and things just did not seem to be going as planned. I found myself extremely discouraged and discontent. It was nothing earth-shattering—no grave illness or life-altering circumstance. And I had many REALLY good things in my life for which to be thankful. And yet, I felt stuck. Stuck with little hope that things would change. Stuck with a case of the blahs, and a bad attitude to go with it! I had resigned myself to the situation and my pity party was underway. Summer was approaching and everywhere I turned everyone else’s life seemed to be going to well (and we know this is never as accurate as we tend to see it in our own heads). Nevertheless, with all the talk and Facebook and Instagram posts on the excitement of summer plans, trips to the beach, cruises, and “beautiful, perfect-looking” lives, my pity-party was in full swing!…continue reading
Antidote for the “What If” and “If Only”
When our thoughts begin to wander the path of “what if…” and “if only…” in a situation, it brings about discouragement, discontent, despair and doubt. It causes us to doubt God’s love and power in our lives. When the “what ifs” and “if onlys” assail your thoughts and threaten to strike fear and steal your joy and peace, remind yourself of the truths of God’s Word — who He is and what He has done for you! Rest secure in His presence.
What then are we to say about these things?
If God is for us, who is against us?
He did not even spare His own Son
but offered Him up for us all;
how will He not also with Him grant us everything?
Who can bring an accusation against God’s elect?
God is the One who justifies.
Who is the one who condemns?
Christ Jesus is the One who died,
but even more, has been raised;
He also is at the right hand of God
and intercedes for us.
Who can separate us from the love of Christ?
Can affliction or anguish or persecution
or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?…No, in all these things we are more than victorious
through Him who loved us.
For I am persuaded that not even death or life,
angels or rulers,
things present or things to come, hostile powers,
height or depth, or any other created thing
will have the power to separate us
from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord!—Romans 8:31-39
In the midst of life’s battles, don’t rehearse, replay and analyze the “what ifs” & “if onlys”. Rehearse God’s character, faithfulness and the truth of His Word.
When you’re in a difficult circumstance and you find the “what if… and “if only…” questions flooding your thoughts, stop and remind yourself, “He Is__________!” Pause to consider who God is—His character [attributes] and ways—and find a passage of Scripture that speaks of that attribute or name of God. Reframe your thinking in that moment by reminding yourself He IS!
Rejoicing in Him!
©2010 Susan Cady, susancady.com
Get Real! Expectations
Do you have dreams, desires, and expectations that have yet to be fulfilled? Are there disappointed longings in your life? Is there a specific request you have been waiting patiently for God to answer? Is there something you are groaning and yearning for? Do you feel like a plane in a holding pattern…circling…waiting to land? Have your unfulfilled expectations and waiting bred the dreaded 3 D’s? Discontentment, Disappointment, and Discouragement.
All too often, our faith tragically fails to flourish because instead of learning to be content regardless of our circumstances, we endlessly strive to rearrange and manipulate the details in our lives, in order to bring about a “temporary joy”― one that never lasts and never fully satisfies. We’re not satisfied with contented dissatisfaction. —Cherie Hill
We’ve all had disappointments in life — circumstances and people have let us down. I’ve certainly had my share. There are things I have struggled with for years, circumstances and relationships that I’d hope would change or improve. So what are we supposed to do with all these disappointed longings? Are they normal? Is there something wrong with us?…continue reading