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One Strategy to Change Your Life

Posted in Appreciation, Blessings, Encouragement, Praise, Prayer, Renewing the Mind, Uncategorized, Worry, tagged anxiety, Benefits of Praising God, Faith, Habit-stacking, Praising God, Prayer, Psalm 69:30, Worry on May 9, 2024| 38 Comments »

How would you finish this statement?

Nothing we do is more powerful or life-changing than _____________.

Some would suggest taking better care of ourselves, or setting goals that include a plan for completion, or training our minds to focus on the positive. And the argument could be made that all of these actions create beneficial influence in our lives.

But according to author Stormie Omartian, “nothing we do is more powerful or life-changing than praise”[1]. Others would likely agree with her, having cited numerous benefits themselves:

Prayers of adoration calm any fear, lift the spirit, and fill us with indescribable joy [2].

Praising God reduces our cares, levels our anxieties, and multiplies our blessings [3].

Continual praise is what changes the emotions, lifts the darkness, offers hope, frees the mood, and blesses God so that evil is driven out. It changes everything [4].

When we choose to practice adoration anyway in the midst of whatever we are feeling, our words lift us over that barrier and into a deeper connectedness with God [5].

But how could simple words produce such life-changing results? Psalm 69:30 offers a clue:

“I will praise the name of God with a song;

I will magnify him with thanksgiving” (ESV).

To magnify God is to make larger our view of him and his attributes, which lessens our view of the problems we face. The more often we focus on God, the more our faith thrives, and that in turn leads to less worry and fretting.

For example, see if these statements don’t boost your confidence in God for what you’re facing right now:

Praise God he is all-sufficient, all-knowing, and all-powerful. He has everything under control (Isaiah 55:11; Romans 11:33-36; 1 John 3:20b).

Praise God he is forever faithful, always working out his overall plan, always fulfilling his purpose (Lamentations 3:22-23; Job 42:2).

Praise God he is continually gracious and good, full of love and compassion (Psalm 145:8-9).

The longer we gaze at him, arrayed in such glorious attributes, the less insurmountable our problems become.

And with an unknown Puritan of old we too can affirm:

“When I think upon and converse with Thee, ten thousand delightful thoughts spring up, ten thousand sources of pleasure are unsealed, and ten thousand refreshing joys spread over my heart, crowding every moment with happiness” [6].

That is the power of praise.

But the enemy of our souls is well aware of this power. He’ll do everything he can to keep us from developing the habit of praise. What might help?

Habit-stacking. Have you heard of it? The practice involves adding a new habit to some action that’s already a fixed routine.

For example, we might add more praise to our days while making the bed in the morning, completing some household chores, commuting to and from work, walking from place to place, waiting for the microwave, chopping fruit or veggies.

What routines are established in your life? Which ones lend themselves to spending a few minutes praising God for who he is and what he’s done?

Another possibility for adding praise to our lives comes from C. S. Lewis: “Make every pleasure into a channel of adoration.” He suggested several ideas to get us started: a beautiful mountain valley, delicious food, a great book, or a piece of music [7].

And you know what happens as we praise God for these blessings?

One’s mind runs back up the sunbeam to the sun [8].

Isn’t that lovely imagery?

And is there any better place for our mind to be?

[1] Values for Life, 160.

[2] Kristine Brown (https://www.ibelieve.com/christian-living/prayers-of-adoration-to-fill-your-heart-wonder.html).

[3] Suzanne Dale Ezell, Values for Life, 160.

[4] Arnold Prater, Bonding with God, 78.

[5] Sara Hagerty, Unseen, 151.

[6] From The Valley of Vision, Puritan prayers and devotions compiled by Arthur Bennett, 1975.

[7] Quoted by Timothy Keller in Prayer: Experiencing Awe and Intimacy with God, 197.

[8] C. S. Lewis, Letters to Malcolm: Chiefly on Prayer, 89-90.

Art & photo credits: http://www.pickpik.com (2); http://www.canva.com; http://www.freeimageslive.co.uk; www,pxhere.com; http://www.canva.com.

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Antidotes for What Ails You

Posted in Blessings, Encouragement, Faith, God's Faithfulness, God's Power, God's Provision, Perseverance, Renewing the Mind, Uncategorized, tagged anxiety, comfort, Discouragement, Faith, Hope, Isaiah 41:13, Psalm 145:14, Psalm 147:3, Psalm 94:19, Spiritual Strength on March 7, 2024| 29 Comments »

We’ve all had days when discouragement, inadequacy, hurt, or fear want to plague our spirits. And we find our own weak efforts do little to ease the distress.

BUT!

Praise God he provides the antidote for every malady of the soul.

What follows is a list of ways he accomplishes that healing and binding [1]. I pray these declarations may be just the antidote to strengthen your inner being:

When we worry; he reassures.

When I worried about many things,

your assuring words soothed my soul.

—Psalm 94:19 GWT

When we stress, he soothes.

“Would you drown your cares? Then go, plunge yourself in the Godhead’s deepest sea; be lost in His immensity; and you shall come forth as from a couch of rest, refreshed and invigorated.

“I know nothing which can so comfort the soul; so calm the swelling billows of sorrow and grief; so speak peace to the winds of trial, as a devout musing upon the subject of the Godhead.”

—Charles Spurgeon

When we stagger; he steadies.

Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you;

he will never let the righteous be shaken.

—Psalm 55:22 NIV

When we struggle; he strengthens.

“With the goodness of God to desire our highest welfare, the wisdom of God to plan it, and the power of God to achieve it, what do we lack?” — A. W. Tozer [2]

When we falter; he lifts up.

The Lord upholds all who fall

and lifts up all who are bowed down.

—Psalm 145:14

When we fail; he forgives.

“With [God], each day—each moment—is a clean slate” — Aliza Latta [3].

When we forget; he reminds.

For I, the Lord your God, hold your right hand;

it is I who say to you,

“Fear not, I am the one who helps you.”

—Isaiah 41:13 ESV

When we doubt; he affirms.

Dismantle doubts with declarations of truth from God’s Word, truths that remind us: his character is flawless, his actions are righteous, his power is unlimited, his love is unfailing, his faithfulness unending [4].

When we regret; he forgets.

I will forgive their sins and will

no longer remember their wrongs.”

—Hebrews 8:12 GNT

When we hunger; he fills.

Blessed [joyful, nourished by God’s goodness]

are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness

[those who actively seek right standing with God],

for they will be [completely] satisfied.

—Matthew 5:6 AMP

When we’re bent; he repairs.

“God is mercifully shaping our lives into what is useful and beautiful” — Eugene Peterson [5].

When we desire wrongly; he directs rightly.

For it is God who is working in you,

enabling you both to desire

and to work out his good purpose.

—Philippians 2:13 HCSB

When we’re uncertain; he guides.

“Happy are those who place their hands in that of the Great Guide. He will bring them all the way and when he has brought them home to glory and has opened their eyes to see the way by which he has led them, what a song of gratitude will they sing unto God! Lord, lead your poor blind child this day, for I know not my way” — Charles Spurgeon [6].

When we’re discouraged; he inspires

He would have us know: “Nothing under My control can ever be out of control. Everything you need I know about in every detail. Remember, I am able to supply, to guide, to start, to stop, to sustain, to change, to correct in My time and for My purposes” [7] .

Again and again he provides the antidote for every need of our souls.

Our part is simply to receive.

[1] “Binding” in Psalm 147:3 intimates holding together while an injury heals. God often allows time in combination with his antidotes to accomplish healing, fostering inner strength and perseverance in the process (James 1:2-4).

[2] Knowledge of the Holy, 70.

[3] www.incourage.com, 1-19-19

[4] Exodus 32:4; Psalm 145:17; Job 36:22-23; Psalm 117:1-2; 100:5

[5] Run with the Horses, 79.

[6] Faith’s Checkbook, March 23.

[7] Based on statements made by Chuck Swindoll in Intimacy with the Almighty, 73.

Photo credits: http://www.negativespace.com; http://www.dailyverses.net; http://www.heartlight.org; http://www.dailyverses.net; http://www.pexels.com; http://www.canva.com.

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Against All Odds

Posted in Encouragement, God's Faithfulness, God's Presence, God's Provision, God's Refuge, God's Strength, Hope, Perseverance, Suffering, Uncategorized, Worry, tagged anxiety, Handling stress, James 1:2-4, Mariana Snailfish, Philippians 4:11-13, Philippians 4:6-7, Proverbs 12:25, Psalm 23:4, Psalm 27:1, Psalm 34:10 on September 23, 2021| 25 Comments »

More than 1,000 miles east of the Philippines lies the Mariana Trench, the deepest point of earth’s oceans—so deep it reaches into the earth farther than Mount Everest reaches into the sky. That’s more than 36,000 feet, or close to seven miles.

Not even today’s sophisticated submarines can submerge to that depth without imploding from the pressure of 15,000 pounds per square inch–the equivalent of a full-grown elephant standing on your big toe.

But in 2014 oceanographers constructed a cube-shaped basket, attached it to cables, and dropped it into the depths of the trench. The descent took four hours.

They left the basket in place for twenty-four hours, to gather data by camera and hopefully collect samples of life—if it existed at all in such inhospitable conditions.

At the end of twenty-four hours, they used acoustic signals to release the weights that had caused the basket to fall. With the help of flotation devices, it then rose to the surface. Against all odds, here is what the scientists found in the trap:

The new species of fish, about eleven inches long, received the name Mariana Snailfish.

Video revealed their activity in the depths—swimming, tail-swishing, foraging—what you’d expect from healthy fish. They appeared to be perfectly content, unfazed by the bone-crushing pressure of the water around them.

So how do they survive?

God has especially equipped them. For example, instead of bones snailfish skeletons are made of cartilage that can withstand pressure. These fish also produce certain fatty acids that help cell membranes stay flexible. Even at the molecular level, the muscles of the Mariana Snailfish contain certain enzymes that help them flourish at the bottom of the ocean.

In addition, scientists believe the following characteristics also contribute to their survival: big stomachs, transparent skin, thinner muscles, and incompletely closed skulls.

Just as the Mariana Snailfish can withstand extreme physical pressure, we can endure extreme mental, emotional and spiritual pressure—with God’s special equipping.

First, he’ll gladly help us develop resiliency—the ability to handle significant sources of stress. The snailfish manifests several characteristics in the physical realm that can be applied in the spiritual.

A Big Appetite

The large stomach reminds us that those who have a big appetite for God’s truth in the Bible also tend to be survivors; they’re strengthened to withstand the pressures of life.

Abraham Lincoln was just such a person, enduring great pressure from politicians, the press, and the burden of civil war. He had this to say about scripture:

Transparency

This quality reminds us to be transparent about our concerns–before God and a few good friends. Just telling someone else about our stresses has been proven by researchers to reduce anxiety—a truth scripture has taught all along.[1]

It’s worth noting that just as the Mariana Snailfish lives completely at peace in the midst of physical pressure, we can live completely at peace in the midst of emotional stress as God frees us from worry and trusted, grace-filled friends support and encourage.[2]

Flexibility

These fish are also examples of flexibility—deep down at the cellular level. You’ve probably heard the maxim, “Blessed are the flexible for they shall not be bent out of shape.” The flexible person will look to God for the adjustments needed to handle the pressures of life and search out his guidance for how to cope.

The great missionary to China, Hudson Taylor, would have us remember:

If we allow the stresses of life to accomplish the latter, they will not only be survivable, they will be accompanied by the deep contentment of nearness to God.[3]

Notes:

[1] Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

[2] James 1:2-4; Philippians 4:6-7; Proverbs 12:25

[3] Philippians 4:11-13; Psalm 23:4; Psalm 27:1

Sources:

Art & photo credits: http://www.wikimedia.com; http://www.flickr.com (3); http://www.rawpixel.com; http://www.pxfuel.com and http://www.maxpixel.com; http://www.piqsels.com; http://www.maxpixel.net.

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Get Ferocious!

Posted in Appreciation, Encouragement, Faith, Worry, tagged 1 Thessalonians 5:18, anxiety, Fear, Gratitude, Isaiah 41:10, Worry on October 29, 2020| 10 Comments »

If you happen to visit the Cincinnati Zoo tiger exhibit at just the right time, you’ll get to watch the enormous cats walk right past the observation glass. Then you’ll realize how massive they are, with heads the size of beach balls and paws the size of saucers. Our zoo’s Malayan species aren’t even the largest.

The Siberian tiger wins that distinction, growing to eleven feet from head to tail, and weighing as much as 660 pounds. Their canine teeth are longer than any other predator—up to three inches in length.

Experts say if a Siberian tiger and grizzly bear ever battled one another, the tiger would win. They are stronger, more muscular and agile, more active and aggressive than any other mammal. Tigers epitomize fierceness, intensity, strength, and power.

You may be wondering, why all the tiger talk? Because they can teach us a thing or two about getting ferocious ourselves. And what do we need to get ferocious about? Our fears. These days we have plenty to worry about:

The COVID death rate, perhaps to rise again during the winter months
The financial future of family and friends who’ve lost jobs or businesses
The future of those American cities plagued by violence
The upcoming election—likely contested—and its serious implications for the future of our nation
Troubling situations on the world scene

But how do we get ferocious against such fears? Here’s a strategy that might not readily come to mind: GRATITUDE.

To some that might seem silly. Gratitude sounds like a pretty weak strategy against fear. And who would choose the adjective ferocious to describe gratitude?

But Ann Voskamp firmly states from her own experience: “It is impossible to give thanks and simultaneously feel fear” (1). Why? Because thanksgiving teaches us to trust.

So how do we get ferocious with our gratitude? By fierce attentiveness throughout the day, pouncing enthusiastically on every small blessing that presents itself:

Sunbeams turning floorboards into burnished gold
Raindrops-become-rubies on a backyard bush

A close encounter with one of God’s creatures—a soul-delight if ever there was one
Discovering family members among the contacts of the day—members of the family of God, that is—and sharing a word of blessing

Those are examples of what we could call grizzly-bear-gratitude—fiercely seeking out moments of joy even in the midst of trouble or pain. I suppose we could compare such a search to a bear’s quest for honey, even amidst bee stings!

And then there’s ferocious-as-a-tiger gratitude—the toughest, most intense kind of gratitude there is, but the most impactful over fear. Are you ready to get really ferocious? Thank God for those troubling and painful situations.

“When we thank God for sorrowful intruders,

frustrating circumstances, or maddening relationships,

we are indicating to God that we trust him

to work out in our lives that which is best for us.”

–Valerie Bell (2)

When we exercise that kind of fierceness, fear will slink away.

* * * * * * * * * *

Thank you, O God, for giving us the wherewithal to battle fear. May we become ferocious fighters knowing that, even while traversing the darkest valley, you are working out your perfect purpose through it, and the other side is radiant with your glory.

(Isaiah 41:10; Psalm 23:4; Romans 8:28; L. B. Cowman (3)

Notes:

One Thousand Gifts, Zondervan, 2010, p. 203.
A Well-Tended Soul, Zondervan, 1996, p. 105.
Streams in the Desert, edited by Jim Reiman, Zondervan, 1997, March 14.

Photo credits: http://www.wikimedia.com (Paul Everett); http://www.wikimedia.org (Greg Hume); http://www.wikimedia.com (Rolph Dietrich Brecher); Nancy Ruegg; http://www.pxhere; http://www.wikimedia.org; http://www.pixaby.com.

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Under/Over the Circumstances

Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope, Uncategorized, Worry, tagged anxiety, Dealing with worry, James 1:2-3, Philippians 4:6-7 on March 26, 2020| 31 Comments »

While perusing old photos, I came across this one, taken when our middle granddaughter was a toddler.

E. loved to be buried under those pillows, then explode out of them like a jack-in-the-box. She’d stand tall with arms stretched toward the ceiling, and look up at me with triumph—all while giggling with delight.

It occurred to me: what if all those pillows represented our fears about the coronavirus? Our worries for family and friends? Our anxiety about losing income? Our uncertainty of how long self-isolation might continue? Our apprehensions about the economy and the added debt we’re accruing?

Altogether these concerns may appear to be a heavy, insurmountable burden. But just like E. under her pillows, we can cast off our anxiety, stand tall, and look up in triumph.

How?

We can cast off worry with prayer and gratitude.

When the realization dawns that we’re buried in worry, our best tactic is to follow Paul’s instructions in Philippians 4:6-7. You’re probably familiar with these verses already. Now might be a good time for us to post them around the house–even memorize them:

Did you notice the word thanksgiving sandwiched in the middle there? Now why would God consider that important?

Because gratitude expresses trust in him. It’s an affirmation that God is always at work, bringing hope out of despair, joy out of sadness, and peace out of turmoil (1).

It’s not that gratitude takes away our difficulties, but it does transform us for the better in the midst of them (2).

We can stand tall in Christ’s strength.

Let’s admit it. We’re weak. But the omnipotent One of the universe is our Heavenly Father. And what has he promised? First, he never assigns an overload, and second, his strength equips us for all circumstances (3).

With such firm promises as those to bolster our confidence, we do possess the wherewithal to stand tall.

We can look up in faith.

Way up–to Jesus. And where does he sit? In the highest place, at the right hand of God (4).

He is:

Shepherd and Overseer of our souls (1 Peter 2:25)
Head over every power and authority (Colossians 2:10)
Ruler over all (Colossians 1:17)

Our circumstances can change overnight. One day we’re free to come and go as we please; the next day we’re self-isolating except to pick up necessities or handle emergencies.

But Jesus is our never-changing Hope. If we habitually make him our focal point, we’ll never walk in the darkness of ignorance and fear (5).

“Worry looks around but faith looks up.”

—Barbara Johnson (6)

Years ago, I heard Dr. Howard Hendricks (7) tell about this exchange:

He asked one of his students how he was doing, and the young man replied, “Well, under the circumstances, I suppose I’m doing alright.”

Dr. Hendrick’s response must have caught the student off-guard.

“Under the circumstances? What are you doing under there?”

Those words have stayed with me through the decades, reminding me that under the circumstances—buried beneath fear and apprehension—is not where I belong, as a believer in Jesus, and it’s not where I want to live either. I’m guessing you feel the same.

Let’s determine to put our energy into casting off our burdens with prayer and gratitude, standing tall in Christ’s strength, and looking up consistently with faith.

And then let’s add a flourish of joy—just like E. with her squeals and giggles as the pillows tumbled.

* * * * * * * * * *

I praise you, O God, for the joy of your comforting presence, your residing power enabling us to persevere, your hope-filled promises, and the joy that results from contemplating your magnificence. Thank you for providing the way to triumph through our Savior and your Son, Jesus. AMEN.

(Psalm 16:11; James 1:2-3; Psalm 119:162;

Psalm 92:4; Psalm 126:3, 1 Corinthians 15:57)

Notes:

John 15:7; Psalm 42:11; Psalm 126:5; 2 Thessalonians 3:16
David Vryhof, https://www.ssje.org/monasticwisdom/gratitude/
Psalm 55:22; 1 John 5:5; Philippians 4:13
Philippians 2:9; Hebrews 1:3
Hebrews 12:2; John 8:12
Joyful Journey Daybreak, Perpetual Calendar, May 20
Professor at Dallas Theological Seminary, author and speaker (1924-2013)

Art & photo credits: Nancy Ruegg; http://www.dailyverses.net; http://www.heartlight.org; http://www.uihere.com.

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From the Inside Out

Impressions Becoming Expressions

Posts Tagged ‘anxiety’

One Strategy to Change Your Life

Antidotes for What Ails You

Against All Odds

Get Ferocious!

Under/Over the Circumstances

Nancy Ruegg

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