Tag: faith

Pursued by Goodness

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“God is good, all the time” he said, his ebony eyes shining.

“All the time, God is good” he continued.His voice was buoyed with hope, echoing around the packed church hall, then resonating in my heart.

I listened to this  African child speaking truth and my own eyes brimmed with emotion. For this child had been born into poverty in a land ravaged by war. Yet, he was declaring the goodness of God.

We may not experience extreme suffering and conflict, but sometimes life takes unexpected, unwanted turns. Difficulties, stresses & strains come our way. And life doesn’t feel good. Life doesn’t seem good.

Three years ago a phone-call burst into my day, interrupting a relaxing time on holiday. This led to a cancer scare and major surgery. Afterwards, a stressful return to work triggered spiralling mental illness,which cumulated in another admission to hospital.It felt like a whirlwind had wrecked my normal everyday life and it hurt.

Recovery was painfully slow and heralded an end to my much-loved career. There followed an ongoing season of disappointment, adapting to my new normal. Life felt heavy. Life was not as I’d anticipated or planned!

Yet I have learned, God is good when life is not.

A prophet wrote long ago:

‘The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him’

‭‭(Nahum‬ ‭1‬:‭7‬ ‭NIV‬‬)

Our God is good and He is an ever-present help in our dark chapters. He cares about us & what we’re going through.

The apostle Paul wrote these words in the New Testament:

‘And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.’

‭‭(Romans‬ ‭8‬:‭28‬ ‭NIV‬‬)

If we love God, then all things-

Uncomfortable things,

Unexpected things,

Unfair things,

Difficult things,

Demanding things,

Absolutely everything!

All things that we encounter are crafted together by our Creator God for our ultimate good.

Psalm 23 is perhaps the most famous Psalm in the Bible- often read solemnly at funerals and quoted to bring comfort when life hurts. The last verse says:

‘Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the Lord forever.’

‭‭(Psalms‬ ‭23‬:‭6‬ ‭NLT‬‬)

Our God is a faithful, good Shepherd who is worthy of our trust as He leads us through this journey of life. And His goodness and mercy are like sheepdogs pursuing us relentlessly – protecting and guiding our precarious life.

Our God is the ultimate source of good. He knows us best and loves us most, and He is at work in our everyday life for our good and His glory.

Today, whatever hard things are surrounding you, pause and catch a glimpse of God’s goodness pursuing you relentlessly all of your days. Even in the difficult days- especially in the difficult days remember:

God is good when life is not

{Today and always}

‘Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.’

‭‭(Psalms‬ ‭107‬:‭1‬ ‭NIV‬‬)

Blessings,

Ruth x

Whatever!

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Sometimes Bible verses become too familiar, even over-familiar. Then their truth simply washes over us, rather than seeping in deeply to affect our heart & mind.

For example, this verse has been adapted into childrens’ songs, & I’m sure many of you have learned it as a memory verse:

‘I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.’

‭‭(Philippians‬ ‭4‬:‭13‬ ‭NKJV‬‬)

But what does that mean in our day to day life? Maybe we need to read it in a different translation or paraphrase to grasp its truth:

“I can do all things [which He has called me to do] through Him who strengthens and empowers me [to fulfill His purpose—I am self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency; I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him who infuses me with inner strength and confident peace.]”

‭‭(Philippians‬ ‭4‬:‭13‬ ‭AMP‬‬)

We can rely on God’s strength within us to get through the trials of life!We may be facing insurmountable mountains or trudging through dark valleys- but we can know our Almighty God’s help & strength. We can be confident & courageous as we press on. 

We can be sure & steadfast in Him:

‘Whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am’
(Philippians 4:13-MSG)

We can do all things in Jesus’ strength.

Difficult things. Unexpected things. Things we face at home, or in our work. Things we encounter in this turbulent world.

We do not need to fear. We can place our trust in God- whatever happens.

‘When you go to God,
He will infuse you with
The strength you need
To do that which He has asked you to do!’
(Patsy Clairmont)

Blessings,

Ruth x

Autumn assurance

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It feels like the seasons switched from summer to autumn overnight. The temperature has dropped & auburn leaves are swirling downwards.

It might be a changing season in your life too- a different role, a new situation or an unexpected set of circumstances.

It’s so good to know that through all changes, our God is constant, dependable & present:

‘For the Lord your God 

is living among you. 

He is a mighty savior. 

He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears.

He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.’

‭‭(Zephaniah‬ ‭3‬:‭17‬ ‭NLT‬‬)

Our God is Lord- the Creator Yahweh, Mighty & Almighty- the God of Angel Armies. And He is with us- step by step, moment by moment, through every season of life.

Our God is our Saviour, as Zephaniah reminds us. He saves us from sin- & ourselves.

God delights in us & we are beloved & blessed. His great love calms our deepest fears & dispels our anxieties.

And if we’re still enough, we will hear His gentle lullabies over our lives. He holds us in His arms & declares His love.

We can be eternally grateful {today & always}

‘Praise the Lord! 

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good! 

His faithful love endures forever.’

‭‭(Psalms‬ ‭106‬:‭1‬ ‭NLT‬‬)

Blessings,

Ruth x

Circle of calm

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Once upon a time we may have banished worries from our life, but they tend to barge back in unexpectedly & uninvited- hijacking our brain space & diminishing our mental bandwidth. Then overthinking & overreacting invades our days again

When this happens {& it will!} it is such a blessing to stumble upon verses like this:

‘When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy.’

‭‭(Psalms‬ ‭94‬:‭19‬ ‭NIV‬‬)

Or as The Message paraphrases it:

‘When I was upset and beside myself, you calmed me down and cheered me up.’

‭‭(Psalms‬ ‭94‬:‭19‬ ‭MSG‬‬)

Our imaginations go into overdrive conjuring up fearful outcomes & precarious situations. Our anxieties can feel relentless & heavy to carry. Yet, God is bigger than our worried heart!

For, true calmness isn’t found on-line in an app or on the pages of a book- but in God’s abiding presence. In him we find a cornucopia of deep peace & understanding, comfort & consolation.

God can create a circle of quiet calm in our heart & mind from the spiral of anxieties. He quells our fears in this tempestuous world. And he can make every tangle & twist beautiful in its time (Ecc 3:11)

The prophet Isaiah wrote these soothing words:

‘You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.’

‭‭(Isaiah‬ ‭26‬:‭3‬ ‭NIV‬‬)

When disappointments hurt,

When the unexpected happens,

When our heart breaks ,

When we feel crushed & overwhelmed,

When our foundations are shaken,

We’ll find God right there- in the middle of our troubles, heartache & despair.

And we can declare:

“It is well with my soul!”

Breathe in His presence- Know God & the peace only He can give. And deep joy & gladness will dispel the turmoil of life!

Blessings,

Ruth x

*Selah*

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We’re encouraged to keep a gratitude journal & urged to count our blessings! The emphasis is on focusing on the positive- the good things surrounding us.

And actually these sentiments have been backed by research. Harvard concluded ‘Giving thanks can make you happier’ Listing everyday pleasures & tiny joys can foster positivity & improve energy & boost our mood. 

An attitude of gratitude is beneficial:

‘Gratitude can transform common days into thanksgivings, turn routine jobs into joy, and change ordinary opportunities into blessings.’

(William Arthur Ward)

If we are grateful for good coffee, beach walks, instaperfect meals, close friends & our cherished family, then how much more thankful should we be to God? 

After all, ‘Every good and perfect gift is from above’ 

‭‭(James‬ ‭1‬:‭17‬ ‭NIV‬‬)

In the Old Testament, as the Israelites battled with the Philistines, the prophet

Samuel set up a stone & called it Eben-ezer, meaning ‘so far the Lord has helped us.’ (1 Samuel‬ ‭7‬:‭12‬ )

This rock was a sign of God’s unwavering faithfulness. Samuel remembered how God in His mighty power had helped until this point & so He was more than worthy of their trust in the days ahead. In the future, the Israelites could stop at this Eben-ezer stone & remember with thankfulness God’s gracious acts.

David wrote:

‘But then I recall all you have done, O Lord; I remember your wonderful deeds of long ago.’

‭‭(Psalms‬ ‭77‬:‭11‬ ‭NLT‬‬)

Recall & remember God’s works.

Selah is a word scattered throughout the Psalms.It’s a musical term that means a reflective pause. In our busy lives we too can pause & reflect with gratitude to the God of all our days.

We can literally express our gratitude in a journal, or a prayer or share our thankfulness with others.

We have so much to thank God:

*For His amazing artistry displayed in creation

*For God’s never-ending grace & relentless love.

*For His grand plan of redemption in which He did not spare His One & Only Son, as the offering for our sin

*For His tender mercies & everyday blessings

*For His deep peace & constant presence

*For the warm embrace & inspirational challenge of His Word

He has helped us through trials & tests, problems & pressure, diagnoses & difficulties, stresses & strains. He has guided us in the past & we can entrust our future to Him. 

We live under the extravagant generosity of our Creator God each & every day.

Blessings are ours

because we are His

We are:

Flawed yet forgiven

Redeemed & restored

Beloved & blessed

So pause & ponder with grateful hearts- Who God is in greatness & majesty, & what He has freely given, with grace & goodness.

‘For you are great and do marvelous deeds; you alone are God.’

‭‭(Psalms‬ ‭86‬:‭10‬ ‭NIV‬‬)

Blessings,

Ruthx

Just trust

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It’s that time of year to choose a word for the year. Which one will you choose? I chose trust.

Just trust!

‘Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.’

(Proverbs 3:5-6 NLT)

I choose to trust God as this year unfurls.

We can choose to trust God to deal with our past, to cope with the present & to rely on for the future!

We can trust Him for everything, for He is our Rock to lean on:

‘Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.’(Psalms 62:8 NIV)

God is good & He cares for us as we trust in Him:

“The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him.’ (Nahum 1:7 NIV)

We can trust God with all that we’ve got:

‘Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don’t try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he’s the one who will keep you on track.’

(Proverbs 3:5-6 MSG)

Just trust

This year

& always!

Blessings,

Ruth x

Help!

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We can get overwhelmed quickly. Such a lot can be going on around about us & in our hearts & minds.

‘In this world you will have trouble.’

(John 16:33)

There’s no doubt there will be trouble, yet we have God’s promises to lean on:

‘For he has said,

“I will never leave you nor forsake you.”

So we can confidently say,

“The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?”’

(Hebrews 13:5-6 ESV)

God is our Helper!

There’s nothing God & you can’t do together

Whatever we’re facing, God’s got this!

We can pray to God about whatever we’re facing:

‘Nothing is too great for Your power,

Nothing is too small for Your love’

(Corrie Ten Boom)

‘Prayer connects our overwhelming anxiety to God’s overcoming power’

(Lysa Terkheurst)

Our help comes from the Creator God:

‘I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.’

(Psalm 121:1-2 ESV)

Our Helper is our strength:

‘God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.’

(Psalm 46:1 )

‘We can simply want our situation solved — when God simply wants to be our answer.’ (Ann Voskamp)

Our Helper will go with us:

“The Lord said, “I will go with you and give you peace.””

(Exodus 33:14 CEV)

‘Even when we don’t have the capacity to calm our hearts and minds because of the chaos around us, God’s promised peace holds and carries us. (Lucretia Berry- incourage)

May we know the peace of God, & His help today & always.

Blessings,

Ruth x

Who am I?

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These are unprecedented days, when it feels like earth’s axis has shifted & our planet is holding its breath. We struggle to function normally & find stability.

We must look beyond ourselves to our Creator & His love for us:
‘Define yourself radically as one beloved by God. This is the true self. Every other identity is an illusion’
(Brennan Manning)

‘For the Lord your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.’
(Zephaniah 3:17 NLT)

If we trust God as our Saviour, we can find hope & peace. For these days & anyday.

‘Not because of who I am
But because of what you’ve done’
(Who am I-Casting crowns)

‘You are one in whom Christ delights & dwells, & you live in the strong & unshakable Kingdom of God’
(James Bryan Smith)

‘I am chosen
Not forsaken’
(I am who You say I am)

‘You say I am loved when I can’t feel a thing
You say I am strong when I think I am weak
And You say I am held when I am falling short
And when I don’t belong, oh, You say I am Yours
And I believe’
(Lauren Daigle-You say)

‘I’m no longer a slave to fear
I am a child of God’
(No longer slaves)

‘See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are.’
‭‭(1 John‬ ‭3:1‬ ‭ESV‬‬)

I am Abba’s child & I can rest in that truth- today & always.

Blessings,

Ruth x

Run to the Tower

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We were at Glendalough today. We had some of St Kevin’s Coffee, walked past God’s Cottage to the boardwalk around the lower lake & gazed up past the tree line to the Spinc where we walked last time.

But the sight I love best at Glendalough is the Round Tower- built in the Middle Ages & still standing tall!

This tower & others like it remind me of the verse in Proverbs:

‘The name of the LORD is a fortified tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.’
(Proverbs 18:10 NIV)

He is the Tower we can run to when life hurts as these verses remind us:

*’GOD is bedrock under my feet, the castle in which I live, my rescuing knight. My God—the high crag where I run for dear life, hiding behind the boulders, safe in the granite hideout; My mountaintop refuge, he saves me from ruthless men.’
(2 Samuel 22:2-3 MSG)

*’For God alone my soul waits in silence; From Him comes my salvation. He alone is my rock and my salvation, My defense and my strong tower; I will not be shaken or disheartened.

Trust [confidently] in Him at all times, O people; Pour out your heart before Him. God is a refuge for us. Selah.’
(PSALM 62:1-2,8 AMP)

*’God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.’
(Psalm 46:1 NIV)

*’The LORD is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him’
(Nahum 1:7 NIV)

If you read the verse from Proverbs again, it’s the NAME of our God that is the strong Tower to run to.

‘Your Name is a strong and mighty tower
Your Name is a shelter like no other’
(Paul Baloche)

Years ago when the kids were younger, life was more balanced &amp & work was contained,friends & I gathered round the book ‘Lord I want to know you’ by Kay Arthur .It was a devotional study on the names of our God- Jehovah, Yahweh,the great unchangeable I AM. I still feel encouraged when I think back to the deep truths of God together:

Jehovah Jireh (Gen 22:8)The Lord who provides- all that we need

Jehovah Tsidkenu (Jer 23:6)-The Lord our Righteousness – who cleanses our sin- our deepest need of all

Jehovah Nissi (Ex 17:15)- The Lord is my banner- my leader & protector in battle

Jehovah Raah (Psalm 23) – The Lord is my Shepherd -who leads us through life

Jehovah Rapha (Gen 20:17)- The Lord who heals-& restores

Jehovah Shalom (Judges 6:24)-The Lord is peace -in stormy times

Jehovah Mekoddishkem (Exodus 19:6)-The Lord who sanctifies you – & cleanses our sin

Jehovah Shammah (Ezekiel 48:35)- The Lord is there – at all times

He is there. Always there when we need Him. Our invisible Tower of refuge , whether we recognise Him or not.

He is there, even when life seems too dark to see the Tower:
‘Let the one who walks in the dark, who has no light, trust in the name of the LORD and rely on their God.’
(Isaiah 50:10 NIV)

We can rely on Him for He has said:
“Don’t be afraid, I’ve redeemed you.
I’ve called your name. You’re mine.
When you’re in over your head,
I’ll be there with you.
When you’re in rough waters,
you will not go down.
When you’re between a rock and a hard place, it won’t be a dead end-
Because I am GOD, your personal God, The Holy of Israel, your Savior. ”
(Isaiah 43:1-3 MSG)

When we are tired & weary, we must keep running toward the Tower.

We can run to the Tower, & know this truth:
‘You are my strength; I wait for you to rescue me, for you, O God, are my fortress.
But as for me, I will sing about your power. Each morning I will sing with joy about your unfailing love. For you have been my refuge, a place of safety when I am in distress. O my Strength, to you I sing praises, for you, O God, are my refuge, the God who shows me unfailing love.’
(Psalms 59:9, 16-17 NLT)

We can run to the Tower & cry from our heart:

‘Hear my cry, O God; Listen to my prayer. From the end of the earth I call to You, when my heart is overwhelmed and weak; Lead me to the rock that is higher than I [a rock that is too high to reach without Your help]. For You have been a shelter and a refuge for me, A strong tower against the enemy. Let me dwell in Your tent forever; Let me take refuge in the shelter of Your wings. Selah.’
(PSALM 61:1-4 AMP)

Pray, in the words of that ancient Irish hymn:
‘Be Thou my battle Shield, Sword for the fight;
Be Thou my Dignity, Thou my Delight;
Thou my soul’s Shelter, Thou my high Tow’r:
Raise Thou me heav’nward, O Pow’r of my pow’r.’

Amen!

Blessings,


Ruthx

The last photo

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I wish I could post the last photo-but it was only allowed to be taken if I promised not to. I wasn’t allowed to take a photo of their first day back at school in the Autumn, but we made an agreement back then that I could take a photo of their last day at school together (before both finished for study leave & one leaves school forever)

I nearly forgot- but realised just in time that Friday was that last day. My teenagers dutifully stood side by side on the front step- as they have done many times before wearing their school uniforms. The moment was digitally recorded & I promised again that there would be no sharenting.

This significant event almost passed without acknowledgement.

As we walked along Knockinelder Beach that evening, we talked about how parents mark their childrens’ firsts

*First tooth

*First steps

*First shoes

*First word

*First birthday with cake & candle

*First day at school

*First wobbly ride on the bike sans stabilisers

We applaud these first milestones & the happy memories that coincide.

But the lasts go unrecognised.

There was a day when I picked up & carried my children for the final time and then never lifted them up again.And I have no recollection of that moment.

Or of other finales:

*The last bed time story

*The last pair of Doodle shoes or red check summer dress

*The last McFlurry between school pickups

The lasts sweep by because we don’t grasp the significance of the moment.

Of course the lasts & firsts are part of life & as our children grow there’s different firsts to celebrate eg first time driving

I don’t cope well with change & can get sentimental about the cute memories of the past (yet I’m very proud of the two teenagers that I’m blessed to call mine!)

It’s grounding to know that God is beyond all of our firsts & lasts. He is Alpha & Omega. He is the Ancient of Days- present from before He created time.

He is before & after all:
‘From life’s first cry to final breath’
(Getty)

We read the anchoring words of Psalm 90 in church last Sunday:

‘Lord, you have been our dwelling place in all generations.
Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever you had formed the earth and the world,
from everlasting to everlasting you are God.’
‭‭(Psalms‬ ‭90:1-2‬ ‭ESV‬‬)

Our life is like a droplet in the oceans of eternity.

God can help us to make the most of our time, to redeem it & make it count.

‘Teach us to realize the brevity of life, so that we may grow in wisdom.’
‭‭(Psalms‬ ‭90:12‬ ‭NLT‬‬)

Carpe Diem- Seize the day!

Blessings,

Ruthx

PS You might also like Memos to myself & Captured Time