Always Present

Throughout life, we create a wrong perception about what it means to be under God’s protection. We are taught that divine coverage will deliver us from all bad situations, and nothing bad will happen to us.

However, throughout life, we live many things that bother and sadden us. We suffer disappointments, betrayals, and injustices; we feel physical and heart pain, and it seems that everything that could go wrong happens to us.

In these moments, we question whether God is really with us; we question whether we are under his protection and blessing. The whole scenario indicates that we are living alone, and no one cares for our steps.

Before concluding we are alone, we must dive into the Word of God and comprehend how He acted in the lives of his beloved children.

In the Book of Genesis, we see how God was with Joseph throughout his life, the young man faced the envy of his brothers, slavery, and prison. In every place he was, God showed him his grace. Joseph ended his life as the second most important man in Egypt, responsible for saving the nation during the time of famine.

In the Book of Exodus, we see how God cared for the people of Israel in the desert, providing them water, food, shade during the day, and light and warmth during the night. The people were led to the Promised Land, where they enjoyed abundance in everything.

In the Book of Daniel, we see how God saved Daniel’s friends in the blazing furnace, He sent an angel who protected them. Daniel was thrown into the lions’ den and was also protected by an angel sent by God. Daniel and his friends were respected and admired by the king of Babylonia.

All these stories have something in common: God rescued the people amid their disgraces. Everything seemed lost, but God saved them and led them to blessing. The Lord was with each of His children in their worst moments.

Therefore, we must cling to this same faith, believing that God is with us even when everything is chaos and seems like our end. The Lord is by our side, strengthening us and guiding us towards victory.

Isaiah 43:2 (NIV)

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.

Never Forget

 

Modern life provides us with many challenges daily; there are many tasks, appointments, notifications, calls, messages, and e-mails, so, all want our attention the entire time. And amid this chaos, where is the word of God and his commandments?

It is not uncommon to leave reading and meditation for later. We always say that we are busy at that moment and can’t stop for biblical reading and prayer. In part, that’s true, there are moments where nobody can stop what they are doing.

However, we can’t allow the ocean of tasks to drown us and kill our spiritual life and relationship with God. Although there is a lot to do, we must “reserve” a time in our agenda for the Lord; a moment of peace and calm where we’ll be alone with God.

Someone can start with a little while, maybe ten or fifteen minutes a day, in a private place. If it’s possible, with relaxing music to calm the mind down; seek an encouraging text in Psalms or advice in Proverbs. Reflect on the text and talk to the Lord with all your heart. Don’t worry about nice words or saying something wrong. The most important thing is to open your heart before God.

I’m sure this moment will transform your day and life. You’ll have created a personal, direct, and continuous connection with God. Do your best and see the transformation.

Jeremiah 29:12-13 (NIV)

Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.

Remember Your Best Days

 

All of us have good and bad days. Moments where everything runs perfectly without any trouble, and moments where everything is out of control, we don’t have peace, and nothing works.

I don’t know why these bad days are the only ones we often remember. I’m not joking; this is real. If we start recompiling our happenings, we’ll remember more the displeasing situations than good ones. Our minds seem to have a special room for disgraces, mistakes, hurts, disappointments, misfortunes, etc.

What are the consequences of storing these memories?

We get used to thinking and hoping for the worst of everything and everybody; we can’t hope for anything good in our destiny. Whenever we are waiting for an answer, we are assured the reply will be negative. We can’t trust anyone because we suppose they will hurt us. We feel incapable, ordinary, defeated, and abandoned.

All these negative emotions sour our lives and limit our vision. In fact, we can’t do anything good because we decide that we don’t deserve it, and it won’t happen.

It’s time to shift your mind. Replace your sad memories with happy ones; instead of remembering what you didn’t get, remember all the gifts that God already gave you. Don’t give room in your heart to those who have hurt you; remove them and replace them with those who love and care about you. Forget the sadness of one failure in your past and meditate only on the lessons you’ve learned.

With these simple decisions, you can grow and become all the Lord has created you to be: a blessed, strong, awesome, and victorious son of the Most High God.

Psalm 77:11-12 (NIV)

I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago. I will consider all your works and meditate on all your mighty deeds.