Dear friends, I’m trusting this finds you all well. I’m sure some of you are full of
joy at this time, relishing the mountain tops, others are close to despair trapped
in the valley, and probably the majority of you are, like me, somewhere in the
middle.
On those difficult days when we seem to be walking through treacle it often
seems to trigger the “negativity” response. We become self deprecating and
hyper critical, losing sight of anything about ourselves that is good; but, for
every single negative thing we can say about ourselves God has a positive
answer. The following is a list I came across of God’s responses to our
negativity.
You say: It’s impossible.
God says: All things are possible. (Luke 18:27)
You say: I’m too tired.
God says: I will give you rest. (Matthew 11:28-30)
You say: I can’t go on.
God says: My grace is sufficient. (2 Corinthians 12:9; Psalm 91:15)
There is a verse specific to our every need in the Bible. Sometimes we just need
a little help to locate it. There is nothing we can feel, fear or experience that
God does not know about, or care about.
You say: I can’t figure things out.
God says: I will direct your steps. (Proverbs 3:5-6)
You say: I can’t manage.
God says: I will supply all your needs. (Philippians 4:19)
You say: I’m afraid.
God says: I have not given you a spirit of fear. (2 Timothy 1:7)
As Bible Journalers we have a ready resource to turn to when we need a little
nudge or reminder of God’s love and plans and purposes for our lives. As we
focus on a verse, or verses that touch our hearts and draw, trace, paint or write
our response we are drawn closer into the presence of God, we are lifted out of
the darkness towards the Light.
You say: I am always worried and frustrated.
God says: Cast all your cares on me. (1 Peter:5-7)
You say: I don’t have enough faith.
God says: I’ve given everyone a measure of faith. (Romans 12:3)
You say: I feel all alone.
God says: I will never leave you or forsake you. (Hebrews 13:5)
For me Bible Journaling helps me push through mere words to the heart of
things, it simplifies the message and reveals and reminds me of God’s
omnipotence. I don’t need to have a deep theological understanding of every
nuance, I need to be able to turn to my Heavenly Father with every ounce of my
simple, childlike faith, knowing that He created me, He knows me, He loves me
and He has my life in His hands.
Proverbs 3:6 says “Seek His will in all you do and He will direct your paths.”
George Muller said “It is comforting to know that not only the steps but also
the stops of a good person are ordered by the Lord.” Our route master guides
our paths in the light of eternity, He knows our every step and He’s always
there, leading, guiding, redirecting, picking us up and dusting us off when
required. Let’s enjoy the journey!
