Girls To Grow

5 Easy Principles from Proverbs to Help Us Communicate Well

February 12, 2020 by Tracey Leave a Comment

Do you like to talk? I tend to think of myself as a fairly quiet person, but my husband may feel otherwise! 🙂

Regardless, most of us use a bunch of words every day. Those who are closest to us often get the benefit (or detriment!) of many of them.

This came to mind on Monday as I was reading Proverbs 10. I’ve read it often, but this time I noticed how many verses in this one chapter deal with our speech. I figured this topic must be important if it got this much attention!

Whether it’s in marriage, parenting, or friendships, our words have power. I found a few principles in the verses below that can be helpful to us. I’ve not mastered these guidelines that I’m sharing, but I definitely want to do a better job at them!

Here are five easy principles from Proverbs to help us communicate well with others.

Check out these five communication principles from Proverbs 10 that will help us communicate more effectively within our families.

1. Make sure that our words are refreshing and life-giving.

Verse 11: The mouth of a righteous man is a well of life: but violence covereth the mouth of the wicked.

We want people to feel better – not worse – after talking to us! I’m reminded of Proverbs 18:21 which tells us that death and life are in the power of the tongue. The words we speak should energize and invigorate people. If someone comes to us down and discouraged, what we say can give them new energy and strength.

The opposite of this could be criticism or using words that wound. Sometimes if we’ve been offended, it’s natural to try to hurt the other person with our words. Or maybe we get frustrated with their behavior and are critical of our husband or one of our children. If we want to be that righteous man, we must choose to either keep quiet or speak kindly.

After a discouraging day at work, our husbands need us to use our words to build them back up. When our teenager’s missed out on an opportunity she really wanted to pursue or had a friendship breakup, she needs our words of support. She may not always act that way – and may even use her words to drive us away – but she needs us to continue to pursue and encourage her.

2. Speak words of wisdom.

Verse 13: In the lips of him that hath understanding wisdom is found: but a rod is for the back of him that is void of understanding.

Speech that is discreet and prudent shows that we are wise. Here we need the Holy Spirit’s help so we can discern what to say at times. We want to be careful not to purposely offend with our speech, but to be tactful and considerate.

Verse 31 also fits in here. The mouth of the just bringeth forth wisdom: but the froward tongue shall be cut out.

Just like the fruit tree brings forth fruit, so we can produce wise words as we learn to be “just” and walk with Christ. I’m also reminded of the Proverbs 31 woman who is described as opening her mouth with wisdom and having the law of kindness in her tongue. I would love to be described that way!!

3. Don’t talk negatively about other people.

Verse 18: He that hideth hatred with lying lips, and he that uttereth a slander, is a fool.

At times I struggle with all of these, but this one may be the most difficult to abide by. When we find someone else who shares our less-than-favorable opinion about another person, it’s easy to just dissolve into tearing that person down. Maybe it’s all true…but it takes us back to that old saying, “Is it kind? Is it true? Is it necessary?”

Even more seriously, we don’t want to be guilty of passing on rumors or sharing false, damaging information about others. Let’s stop the gossip train before it gets started!

4. Recognize the value of silence.

Verse 19: In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise.

I was talking to another mom recently about a situation involving our kids that we were frustrated with. I think both of us felt like we should march up to the authority involved and address them about it. But then my friend saved the situation by saying, “I’ve never regretted what I didn’t say in these moments.” She was absolutely right. That advice can keep me from speaking hastily or harshly and later being sorry that I reacted that way.

Let’s listen more than we talk. Remember Proverbs 17:18? Even a fool is considered wise when he keeps quiet.

5. Choose words that are appropriate and applicable to the current situation.

Verse 20: The tongue of the just is as choice silver: the heart of the wicked is little worth.

We’ve likely all been in situations where someone said just the right thing at just the right time and was a blessing to us. We may have also encountered people who ramble on and on (maybe about themselves) and what they said was of no benefit to anyone.

Verse 32 touches on this as well. The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable: but the mouth of the wicked speaketh frowardness.

It’s important, too, to leave the past in the past when dealing with our families. Don’t bring up that old argument with your husband or remind your child about how they failed the last time. Let’s stick to the present and speak in a way that helps us all move forward together.

Our words can be truth-centered, grace-filled, and honoring to the Lord as we seek His help to follow these principles.

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Grace for The Gaps in Our Parenting

January 23, 2020 by Tracey 4 Comments

With our daughters now 19 and 17, I’m nearing the end of my active parenting years. While I’ll always be a mom to our girls, very soon I won’t be speaking directly into their lives on a daily basis. (With our 19-year-old at college out-of-state, our younger daughter gets all the benefit of my attention now, for which I’m sure she’s grateful…ha ha!)

As I look back over the past years, I see some areas where I think I’ve done okay. I’ve done none of it perfectly for sure. Yet I’m pleased that I passed along a love of reading books. Both girls make their beds most mornings. They can drive a car and balance a checkbook and clean a bathroom.

But what about the more important things? Have I challenged them enough to develop their character? Have I emphasized spiritual values and modeled disciplines that will affect their success in the future? I’m sure those things haven’t always gotten the time and attention that they deserved.

I’ve missed some opportunities. Teachable moments have drifted away without me claiming them. I was too busy doing the daily stuff of life – or just caught up in my own world – to focus on them.

So when I sit and worry about how I’ve messed up as a mom and feel badly about all the parenting opportunities I missed, I cling to this truth.

God’s grace will fill in the gaps.

I’ve made mistakes and failed as a mom many times over. But, to the best of our knowledge, both of our daughters have accepted Jesus as their Savior. Therefore, the same Holy Spirit that lives in and works on me does the same for them. They have God’s Word to lead and guide them well beyond anything I’ve tried to teach them.

And this verse gives me a lot of comfort.

“Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:” ~Philippians 1:6

You see, these children aren’t mine anyway. God simply gave them to my husband and me to steward for Him. Certainly, I’m accountable to do my best with that responsibility. But our children are a work in progress. And they are God’s work.

While He has graciously allowed me to parent them, ultimately He is in control of accomplishing His purpose in their lives. Whatever lessons we failed to teach or principles we didn’t fully convey, God will continue to work in their lives. My prayer for my girls’ future can be that God will fulfill His Word and perform His work in and through them.

On the flip side, if I’m tempted to take credit when I see our daughters make a right choice, I must stop and remind myself that the successes, too, are only possible because of God’s grace. It’s not my fabulous mothering skills that finally paid off. No, rather it’s a reminder that God can work in spite of my failings.

So if you’re discouraged about any parenting failures today, take heart. Our God is gracious. He loves our children more than we do. And He can and will work in their hearts to make them exactly what they need to be.

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A Life Well-Lived

January 16, 2020 by Tracey 4 Comments

My dad passed away on Monday, January 6, 2020.

It obviously wasn’t the way any of us planned to start the year, but it was all in God’s timing. My father was saved as a young adult, and we are fully confident that he went straight from here into the presence of God. Never is heaven more real than when someone we love dearly now resides there!

Our family was overwhelmed by the love and support shown by the many who knew and loved him. As the pastor of a church for 46 years, he certainly influenced a large number of people. But even more deeply than that, it was the impact he had as a person. He treated everyone he interacted with as though they were the most important person in the world.

Not only in life but now in his passing, my dad was a testimony and a motivation to me to live this one life well. There are many ways in which I want to be like him, but here are three that came to mind. Hopefully, they can be a reminder to all of us to use the time we’ve been given with purpose and intention.

1. Continually seek wisdom.

I loved the verse my brother used at the funeral service.

“And God gave Solomon wisdom and understanding exceeding much, and largeness of heart, even as the sand that is on the sea shore.” ~1 Kings 4:29

Dad was wise because he spent substantial amounts of time in God’s Word. He was a humble man who knew he needed God’s help if he was going to be successful as a husband, father, and pastor.

I and many others benefited from that wisdom. Especially when it came to parenting issues, I was quick to ask how he might handle a certain situation. And the same wisdom that was available to him is there for us as we seek it in the Bible and pray for God’s guidance.

2. Be compassionate.

In the verse above, it says Solomon had “largeness of heart.” That would definitely describe my dad! He was always concerned about others and what they might be going through and wanted to help if he could.

My tendency is to be focused on myself. I need eyes to notice the needs of people around me and then respond quickly. The Holy Spirit can help me to “Bear…one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.” [Galatians 6:2]

3. Live for eternity.

I have no doubt that my dad heard “Well done, thou good and faithful servant!” He cared more about pleasing God than anyone else.

This week I was convicted as I read Mark 8:33 which talks about savoring the things of men more than the things of God. Perhaps we all have a tendency to focus on the here and now rather than viewing our thoughts, words, and actions from an eternal perspective. We’ll never regret time we spend in prayer, God’s Word, and reaching out to others.

There were hundreds of people at the visitation and funeral service last week to honor his memory. But they came because of what he did – which was care about people in order to introduce them to his Jesus whom he loved so much.

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For the Woman Who Feels Like She’s Never Enough

December 23, 2019 by Tracey 6 Comments

Often our inadequacies stare us right in the face.

Wife, mother, daughter, sister, friend, employee, church member…the list is long. We have many roles to fill, many things we’re expected to do, to schedule, to handle.

And no matter how well we keep all the balls up in the air, at some point, one’s going to drop. And we can so easily get down on ourselves because we’ve failed again.

If you’re like me, you might jump to the assumption that I’m not loved because I’ve messed up.

Yes, I tell myself, I have to perform in order to be worthy of love. It’s important that I get it all right.

But that’s now how it works, at least not in God’s economy.

Because God loves us whether or not we spent thirty minutes reading our Bible this morning. His love isn’t based on our not missing a church service for the past three years. And He loves us even when we worry first and trust Him second.

Because if God’s love was based on our performance, it wouldn’t be love.

Does God want us to read our Bibles and go to church and totally trust Him? Yes, because He knows it will help us grow in our faith and ultimately be a better, Spirit-filled person.

But He loves us whether or not we do those things.

I had a conversation about this with my husband recently. Since our talk, I’ve written the following in my journal each morning.

I am loved because God loves me.

End of sentence. No if’s, and’s, or but’s.

What did I do to deserve that love? Nothing. What can I do that will cause Him to love me more? Nothing. What will make Him love me less? Nothing.

“Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.” ~1 John 4:10

“But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)” ~Ephesians 2:4-5

I’m not enough. You’re not enough. The woman at church with the perfect hair and adoring husband and obedient children – she’s not enough, either.

No matter how many good deeds we do or how often we pray or the sum of money we give, we will never be enough.

But we don’t have to be enough to be loved by God.

I just am. You just are.

Loved by God.

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He’s the Lord of Our Ruined and Empty Places

November 26, 2019 by Tracey 7 Comments

Way back in January, I decided to choose an audio program to help me listen to the whole Bible in a year. I chose the Bible in One Year 2019 plan in the YouVersion app on my phone. It includes a portion from Psalms or Proverbs, then a New Testament and Old Testament passage each day. I usually listen while I’m getting ready in the morning – putting on makeup, doing my hair, etc.

I’ve been in Ezekiel lately, and I’ll be honest, there are days it’s hard to focus. But one morning last week, I heard the following verse, and it caught my attention.

“Then the heathen that are left round about you shall know that I the Lord build the ruined places, and plant that that was desolate: I the Lord have spoken it, and I will do it.” ~Ezekiel 36:36

The Israelites had been through some tough times. They mostly brought these difficulties on themselves because they followed false gods and refused to obey God’s commands. Yet in this passage, God promises to restore what has been lost.

While we live in a totally different culture than those Israelites, we, too, face troubling things – some of our own making, others not. So today, do you have any ruined places in your life? Are there parts of your life that feel desolate?

Maybe it’s a dream you’ve held on to for a long time that’s finally collapsed. Perhaps you’ve been hurt emotionally and are having a hard time recovering. It could be that some area of your life has been devastated and you don’t think it will ever be repaired. When you look around, there’s only a pile of rubble left.

What about desolate ground? Are there relationships that used to be sweet that aren’t anymore? Maybe a place where you used to be flourishing is now empty and barren. As you look ahead to 2020, your outlook is dreary and bleak. For some reason, you could feel isolated and abandoned.

If any of those thoughts resonate with you, do you know what we can find in this verse that Ezekiel penned?

Hope.

God is the builder of ruined places. If it were left up to us, we’d only flounder around and make a bigger mess of things. But our all-wise God says that He will build the ruined places. And we know we can trust Him to do it well.

“Many there be which say of my soul, There is no help for him in God. Selah. But thou, O Lord, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head.” ~Psalm 3:2-3

Then I love the thought of God planting in ground that was seen as desolate. He can take what is abandoned and barren, and cause new life to grow. Will it be exactly what was growing there before? Maybe, maybe not. It could be even better. It could be that what was there before was not best for us. The old growth needed to be uprooted so that a new thing could grow.

“The Lord is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him.” ~Lamentations 3:24

What God chooses to do is always as a testimony for His honor and glory. He rebuilt and replanted for the Israelites so that the heathen around them would know that He had done it.

If you’ve lost hope today, take heart. The God we serve can rebuild from the ruins, and make something that’s even more glorious. He can cause beautiful things to regrow from ground we thought could never be used again.

“Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.” ~Romans 15:13

3 Prayers to Pray As We Learn to Let Go of Our Teenagers

November 12, 2019 by Tracey 5 Comments

It’s a good thing that letting go of our children is a gradual process. First, we walk them into kindergarten. Later, we drive them to their first sleepover, and eventually, they take off for a week at camp.

Our oldest daughter has been away at college for almost three months now. I confess that I’m still in the process of learning to let her go. Over the weekend, my husband and I were discussing a decision she will be facing at some point, and he said, “You do realize how little control you have over this situation, don’t you?”

Well yes, yes I do, but that doesn’t make it easy! However, I’m so thankful I have him to keep me grounded about these things. And I realized the truth of what he said – that I was fretting over things I couldn’t control. When that happens, I know it’s time to take it to God in prayer.

I’ve written before about praying God’s Word over our children and about journaling prayers for our children. As I thought about how I wanted to apply that to this process of letting go, I took three of my favorite – and very familiar – verses, and wrote out prayers from them.

1. Philippians 4:6-7

“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

These were the first verses that came to mind because I KNEW I was worrying over a particular situation. Here’s my prayer (or at least the general idea of it. The one I actually wrote out has a few specific details that I’m not sharing here.)

Dear Lord, Help me not to worry about this decision our daughter is making. Thank you that I can bring it to you in prayer. I’m also thankful that she is learning to be independent. Please give her wisdom and discernment as she handles this situation. Most of all, may you be honored and glorified with the outcome. Give me your peace regarding this area of my daughter’s life, I pray.

2. Proverbs 3:5-6

“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.

In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”

These verses have been such an encouragement to me through much of my life.

God, I trust you to work in my daughter’s life and to do what you know is best for her. I may not understand your ways, but I believe that you love and care for her even more than I do. May she seek your will and allow you to direct her steps. Help her to follow the commands in these verses and know the peace and joy that come from trusting you.

3. Romans 8:26-28

“Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.

And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.

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

Sometimes I know exactly how I need to pray about something. But there are other situations I’ve faced in life in which I haven’t been totally clear on how I should pray. But the Holy Spirit knows the mind of God, and He can intercede on my behalf.

Heavenly Father, I’m not even sure how to pray about this situation in my daughter’s life. May your Holy Spirit guide me in how to pray and direct my prayer. You know far better than I what is best for her. I ask that your will would be done. Thank you for the assurance that you can work all things together for her good and for your own honor and praise.

We will always be parents and hopefully will continue to have influence in our children’s lives. But as they take steps toward independence, may we be faithful in turning our concerns over to God in prayer and trusting Him to do His work in them.

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8 Easy Thanksgiving Bible Verses to Teach Your Children

November 1, 2019 by Tracey 4 Comments

November is here!! We’re heading into the final stretch of this year.

With the Thanksgiving holiday ahead, many of us focus on cultivating grateful hearts this month. No matter what our circumstances are, we all have so much to be thankful for!

If you’re like me, gratitude is an important trait I want to make sure our children are developing. One way to do this is by helping them memorize Scripture verses about thankfulness. This can open the door to family discussions about these verses, especially in a season where everyone seems to emphasize being thankful.

Below I’ve listed eight Bible verses that talk about thankfulness. You’ll notice that several of them are from the book of Psalms. Apparently, David has a lot to teach us about being grateful!

Most of these verses are short enough that your child can learn them fairly quickly. In fact, you might want to make it a family project. You could choose a verse a week to learn between now and the Thanksgiving holiday. (If you want suggestions for helping your child memorize Scripture, check out these ten ideas.)

Check out these eight simple Bible verses you can teach your children during this Thanksgiving season.

Here are eight easy Thanksgiving Bible verses to teach your kids.

1. “I will praise the name of God with a song, and will magnify him with thanksgiving.” ~Psalm 69:30

What a great reminder that praising God often involves singing! Maybe part of encouraging grateful hearts this month could include singing songs as a family. This verse also points out that our purpose in giving thanks is always to glorify God.

2. “Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms.” ~Psalm 95:2

Both this verse and the next one emphasize us being thankful when we enter into God’s presence. It can be uplifting to begin personal and family prayer time by thanking God for specific blessings in our lives.

3. “Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.” ~Psalm 100:4

Thanksgiving naturally leads to praising God. When we give thanks, it shouldn’t be a generic expression of gratitude, but specifically directed to God.

4. “O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good; for his mercy endureth forever.” ~Psalm 107:1

We can always thank God for His specific character traits like goodness and mercy.

5. “Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” ~Ephesians 5:20

We’re to be thankful for everything. We may not always feel like giving thanks, but we can choose to do it anyway.

6. “And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.” ~Colossians 3:17

Whatever we do should be done in His name, for His glory, and with a thankful heart.

7. “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” ~ 1 Thessalonians 5:18

There’s no verse more convicting than this one. It is God’s will for us to give thanks in everything, from the normal days to the really difficult ones. That’s hard, but it can be done with the Holy Spirit’s help.

8. “By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.” ~Hebrews 13:15

I love the phrase “fruit of our lips.” How neat would it be if giving thanks just naturally flowed from our mouths!

However your day has started, there’s no time like right now to start being thankful. Not only could our children benefit from memorizing these verses, but we as adults could, too!

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3 Truths About God from Psalm 91 to Encourage Us Today

October 23, 2019 by Tracey 4 Comments

God’s blessings are many in my life these days. I’m so grateful. My family is in good health, and our needs and many of our wants are being met.

Yet even in the midst of good times, I can struggle. Emotional, mental, and spiritual battles aren’t necessarily seen on the outside. And many friends are going through hardships that have me praying to God on their behalf.

I’m still doing my study through Psalms in which I’m writing down specific things I learn about God from each chapter. I came to Psalm 91 last week and started digging into verse 4.

“He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.“

We can find comfort and consolation in this verse!! I’m sure I won’t do it justice, but here are three thoughts to encourage us.

God protects us.

As birds protect their young from harm, so God protects His children. No matter what threatens us, He is there. Whether it’s an illness, a financial problem, or a broken relationship, God is able to shelter us and keep us safe.

His power allows His care to extend into every area of our lives. His mercy and tenderness cause Him to draw us close to Himself. There’s no better place to be when life’s storms are raging.

MacLaren’s commentary on this verse says “…protection consists, not in averting the blows, but in changing their character.” I love this thought because we know that God’s protection doesn’t mean we’ll never suffer. But through every struggle, He is right there beside us and can use it for our good.

God is our refuge.

We can find safety and security when we run to God. When I’m missing my daughter and loneliness creeps in; when I get a bad medical diagnosis; when some aspect of the future worries me, I can find the haven I need in Him.

I’ve found that it’s usually the hard times, the difficult trials that drive me closer to God. He is always available as our refuge, but it’s up to us to flee to it. When doubt and temptation assault us, His presence is exactly what we need. It is where we will find the peace that can seem so elusive.

The verse says that while we’re under His wings, we can trust. We may not understand all that is happening around us, but we can trust in His grace.

God’s faithfulness surrounds us.

It encircles us on every side. It is the shield that protects us from danger.

Because of the truth of who God is, we know we can trust Him. Since He is faithful, we don’t have to wonder if He will really come through for us this time.

His faithfulness is our defense against the enemy, Satan. When he tries to get us to doubt God, we can stand on the truth that His Word has never and will never fail us.

Whether you’re in peaceful waters or riding out a storm, meditate on what we learn about God from this verse. He will protect you, be your refuge, and surround you with His faithfulness.

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What Elisabeth Teaches Me About Disappointment

October 15, 2019 by Tracey 4 Comments

Have you been disappointed lately? I was reflecting on some disappointments I’ve experienced and recalled writing about this one when it happened. It was several years ago, but I still remember it vividly. (It involves a long travel delay and our 25th wedding anniversary.)

We’re never too old or too mature to experience unfulfilled hopes and unmet expectations. No matter our age or stage, life continues to deliver disappointments.

That sounds really dreadful (!), but hopefully we can learn some lessons from the story of Elisabeth, wife to Zacharias and mother to John the Baptist, in Luke 1. If disappointments are going to come anyway, hopefully we can grow through them!

I admit to making some assumptions here. Scripture never specifically says that Elisabeth was disappointed. But it would make sense that in the midst of a culture that placed a high value on producing children – especially sons – and continuing the family line, Elisabeth experienced disappointment when she didn’t bear a child.

Children were seen as a blessing from God. Barrenness was seen as a curse or a punishment. At least at some point, I can see Elisabeth feeling like she’d failed at her primary responsibility.

Our disappointment may not be related to having a family…or it may. I’ve been there myself. But regardless of the nature of our disappointment, I hope we can take to heart some of the lessons below.

Suffering disappointment doesn’t mean we’re out of fellowship with God.

“And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless.” ~Luke 1:6

Elisabeth’s barrenness didn’t come about because she was living in sin. Scripture says she was righteous and blameless. Obviously she wasn’t perfect, but she sought to follow God and obey Him.

This reminds us that some difficulties we experience are just part of life. All are God-allowed – and certain disappointments can be a result of our own foolish decisions. Regardless, God knows and cares about each one.

Humility is often grown in the soil of disappointment.

“And they had no child, because that Elisabeth was barren, and they both were now well stricken in years.” ~Luke 1:7

Years and years went by with no son or daughter for this Godly couple. How difficult it must have been to see their relatives and friends growing families, yet realizing as time went by that that likely wouldn’t be their story.

If everything is going great and all our needs and wants are met, we can be tempted to slide over into self-reliance and pride. A humble spirit comes a lot more easily when we’re in or have been through a situation that we can’t control.

In the midst of disappointment, keep on praying.

“But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John.” ~Luke 1:13

We have no idea how many times Zacharias and Elisabeth had prayed for a child over the years. But we do know that in His own time, God chose to answer that prayer. Not only did He answer, but Elisabeth became the mother to the greatest prophet born of women. [Luke 7:28]

Continue to have faith through a season of disappointment.

As far as we know, Elisabeth didn’t get the angel experience that Zacharias did. Likely she found out from Zacharias sharing the story in writing since he was unable to speak after his encounter with the angel. Yet in spite of her receiving the news second hand, we don’t see any indication of a lack of faith. Perhaps seeing what had happened to Zacharias due to his unbelief led her to accept the news right away!

If God fulfills our desire and alleviates the disappointment, recognize His hand and thank Him for it.

“And after those days his wife Elisabeth conceived, and hid herself five months, saying, Thus hath the Lord dealt with me in the days wherein he looked on me, to take away my reproach among men.” ~Luke 1:24-25

God chose to give Elisabeth a son and she acknowledged it as a gift from Him. What had been a reproach would be no longer. She rejoiced in God’s notice of her, and gave Him glory for this display of His power.

Whatever your situation, rejoice in the good news of others.

“And it came to pass, that, when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost:

And she spake out with a loud voice, and said, Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb.” ~Luke 1:41-45

Elisabeth’s news was uber exciting! She was way past child-bearing years, but she was finally going to have a baby. Then here comes her young cousin Mary with the news that she is going to bear the Messiah, the long-awaited Savior!

What is Elisabeth’s response? She rejoices with her. If there were any feelings of being overshadowed, we don’t see them. She is only full of excitement for what is going to take place in Mary’s life.

It can be easy (at least speaking for myself) to outwardly rejoice in someone else’s good news while wishing on the inside that my own situation was different. But with the Holy Spirit’s help, we can be genuinely happy for the other person as we trust that God is in control and working what is best for us in our own lives.

When disappointments come, may God give us the grace to walk through them in a way that brings honor and glory to Him.

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In the Midst of Change, Here’s Who God Is to Me Today

August 21, 2019 by Tracey 6 Comments

Why would I be talking about change today? Because our younger daughter started 11th grade on Monday. And this weekend we’ll drop our older daughter off for her freshman year at college.

This will be a big life change for us. But whether we’re experiencing a major change or a minor one, we tend to want something comforting and familiar to hang on to. Situations like these are when all that I know about God theoretically needs to become really practical in my life.

What I believe about God colors everything. And there’s only one way to know what to believe about God and that’s by learning about Him through His Word.

Recently I started going through the Psalms and writing down characteristics of God I found there. Since I’m adjusting to change this week, I’ve chosen a few of the ones that are encouraging me to share with you.

God is omnipresent.

“Am I a God at hand, saith the Lord, and not a God afar off? Can any hide himself in secret places that I shall not see him? saith the Lord. Do not I fill heaven and earth? saith the Lord.” ~Jeremiah 23:23-24

God is here at home with me, and He will be there, nine hours away, with our daughter. When either one of us is hurting or lonely – or happy and excited! – He will be there to guide us through all of those moments.

While I may think that my physical presence offers her protection or makes her immune to hard things, it doesn’t. But God’s presence can provide all she needs.

God is sovereign.

“Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me, Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure:” ~Isaiah 46:9-10

God knows and does what’s best. He will accomplish His purposes in our daughter’s life and in mine. Only He can write the story that will result in a life that brings glory to Him. She is in far more capable hands with Him than she is with me! All that happens to her is orchestrated by God.

God is good.

“O taste and see that the Lord is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.” ~Psalm 34:8

God is good. Because I know this to be true, I can trust that what happens in our daughter’s life is ultimately good…even when it looks hard from here. And I know that it’s best for me to step back and see what good things God will do in our family as we move on into the next stage of life.

God is faithful.

“Know therefore that the Lord thy God, he is God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations;” ~Deuteronomy 7:9

Every promise that God has made He will keep. I won’t be as available to help our daughter as I have been in the past, but God will be faithful to her. We can both grow in our faith by learning to trust and rely on Him more.

God is our refuge.

“He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.” ~Psalm 91:1-2

In spite of knowing all that is good about our daughter leaving home, I’m going to have moments when I need a place of safety, shelter, and comfort – more in an emotional sense than a physical one. God can give me those, along with peace in the midst of these changes.

God is love.

“The Lord hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee.” ~Jeremiah 31:3

God loves me and my daughter. As much as I love her, His love is even greater. He empathizes with my situation. After all, didn’t God make the greatest sacrifice of all when He sent His Son to die on the cross for our sins? That same amazing love extends to each one of us.

What characteristic of God do you need to be reminded of today? God is so much more than I’ve listed here. He is holy, righteous, and just. He is all-powerful, all-knowing, and unchanging.

Whatever trial you’re in – a broken relationship, illness, a financial burden, or just a season of life change like mine – God can meet our every need.

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