Thoughts along the Journey…
Post Archive
- Growing in Grace
- Attributes of God
- Encouragement
- Trusting God
- Comfort
- Faith
- Obedience
- Christmas
- Hope
- Witnessing
- Dependence
- Prayer
- Christlike Character
- Purpose
- Gratitude
- Bible Study
- Joy
- Relationship with God
- Salvation
- Life in Christ
- Advent
- Focus
- Peace
- Psalm 23
- Surrender
- Fruit of the Spirit
- Love
- Grace
- Provision
- Sanctification
- Thanksgiving
- Waiting
- Culture
- Patience
- Singleness
- Contentment
- Discipleship
- Forgiveness
- Rest
- Writing
- Apologetics
- Burdens
- Church
- Education
- Holy Spirit
- Persecution
- Perseverance
- Revival
- Spiritual Warfare
- Christian Heritage
Affliction or a Merry Heart?
In Proverbs 15, there is an interesting contrast between the “afflicted” and those with a “merry heart.” At first glance, it might seem that the verse is dealing with circumstances, things beyond our control that have such an influence on our emotions. But a closer look reveals a deeper truth about being a child of God in a world where circumstances don’t always go our way.
When God Says “Return”
No one likes to be stuck in a difficult situation. It is natural to want God to get us out of adversity. And yet, sometimes it is in the midst of those situations that God does His deepest work in us.
Givens and Not Givens
Everyone deals with longings for things they don’t have, or with things in their lives they wish they didn’t have. What we do with these “givens” and “not givens” of life will determine whether we are miserable or peaceful and fulfilled.
My Refuge
It is easy to run to our close friends or family when faced with life’s difficulties or uncertainties, while forgetting that God Himself wants to be our refuge.
Keeping Focused in Troubling Times
We live in troubling times, there’s no doubt about that. It is crucial that we keep our focus on God and what He says is true about our circumstances.
Trusting God Through Affliction
When we are experiencing affliction of any kind, it can be easy for our view of who God is to become distorted. So how can we stay close to God during a trial? Psalm 119:75-76 shows us the trusting response of a heart close to God through its time of affliction.