I once was lost but now I'm found

I'm afraid. I'm not sure what I'm afraid of, but I am. Is it the uncertainty of life? Perhaps it is how far the light seems to be. Maybe I'm afraid of how lonely I feel. Or is it that I'm afraid of being afraid? Regardless, you are a faithful God - your promises are trustworthy and true. When has there ever been a time when you have not fulfilled your promises? Never. So Annie, there is no need to fear - the Lord your God is with you wherever you go! He loves you, and He desires for you to seek His strength, and He will protect you under His wing. Do not be afraid! Do not be dismayed! The darkness is scary, but He shines light in the darkness. Live in strength, shelter under God's mighty power, and have faith in God's neverending grace in providence.

You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.  - Psalm 16:11 Lord God, In the midst of the turmoil and darkness in my heart, help me stand in your presence and show me the multitude of things you have blessed me with. Remind me of the many things I can rejoice in, and most importantly, remind me of your amazing grace. 

God, make it stop. Please.  It hurts too much. 

Annie, I know the pain is hard to bear in this very moment, and it seems like the world is crumbling in because of it. I know it feels like this will never end and that God has not heard your cries for help. I know you feel helpless, hopeless and alone. I know it hurts a whole lot, and however much you wish it were gone, it just won’t go away. I know the pain has made you wish that life would end in this very moment so it would all just stop. But Annie, God hears you. He loves you, and knows just how painful it is. He is weeping with you as you lay here, squirming and crying in pain. No-one knows better the pain you are feeling but Christ himself who endured the painful reality of death on the cross, bearing all of your sin and guilt - bearing all of God’s wrath. Never forget this reality. And guess what, it didn’t end in suffering - He rose! Nothing compares to the hope this brings - hope of resurrection with Christ, a new creation! So even though this pain seems like it’ll last fo...

Last week felt very long, and neverending. In much of the week, I was unmotivated, wanting to curl up into a ball, and just avoid the world and the people in it. I still feel that way. It feels like I'm in a dark, dark tunnel, surrounded by voices of self-doubt/loathing, and I can't see the light at the end. I'm scared. But the Lord Jesus Christ will sustain me to the end. There is no need to fear the darkness, for you are not alone. God's spirit will guide your paths to the glory soon to be revealed to you. Be still, wait patiently, and know the God is God. God, who shines light into the darkness. God, who has redeemed you and made you His child. Fear not, Annie! 

Hey Annie, Do this when you begin to complain and spiral into self-pity: Remember God’s grace towards you in Christ - a love so great nothing can compare. Remember that He redeemed you despite your rebellion, he forgave your sins, he gave you the Holy Spirit and he gave you the promise of eternal life. Remember how God has blessed you immensely with a loving family (both actual and in Christ), best friend (whom I’m ever thankful for) and boyfriend. Remind yourself of God’s faithfulness in your life - how He’s worked in and grown you; the points He has challenged and spoken to you. Seek God, and ask Him to reveal to you how He is using your pain and suffering for His glory. Recognise that he will, even though it might take a while to realise how. Remember that this is not forever even though it seems like it will be for now. Open God’s word!

The pain is hard to bear today. But it's alright, because, with as little faith as a mustard seed, God works powerfully. He is sovereign and trustworthy, this isn't going to be forever, and the new creation is going to be SO good. Therefore, trust Him!