• Finding Comfort In God’s Love When You’re Heartbroken

    Finding Comfort In God’s Love When You’re Heartbroken

    When your heart is broken, it’s easy to feel isolated in pain. Yet, take comfort in this truth: God has a deep compassion for the brokenhearted and is close to those who are hurting. Psalm 34:18 reminds us, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”

    In moments of grief, it may feel hard to turn to God, especially if trauma, abuse, or painful religious experiences have impacted your trust in Him. However, even in your deepest pain, God can handle your honest emotions and is filled with compassion for you. So, speak to Him openly, expressing your pain and struggles. He hears you and is ready to bring comfort, even if your faith feels shaken.

    Finding Healing Beyond Bible Verses

    At times, sharing Bible verses can feel shallow, especially when grief is overwhelming. While Scripture is indeed powerful, I understand that simply reading verses doesn’t always ease the heartache at first. In fact, without empathy, sharing verses might even feel dismissive.

    Because of this, know that friends, counselors, and those who care for you may turn to Scripture as a way to comfort you when they have no words themselves. Truly, God’s Word can be a steady light in the dark, a beacon guiding us through stormy seas. It’s meant to be a source of strength to cling to, not a quick fix.

    Therefore, if you’re grieving, allow yourself to feel those emotions. Scream, cry, journal—let it out. Additionally, reach out to a grief counselor or therapist who can guide you through these emotions while helping you find healing in Scripture.

    Preparing Your Heart for Healing

    Here are two vital steps for navigating heartbreak and healing in a way that honors God:

    1. Prepare for Life’s Heartbreaks

    Heartbreak is an inevitable part of life. Thus, preparing for it means grounding yourself in the deep truths of God’s Word, even before trials come. Regularly seek God in prayer, study His promises, and reflect on the life He calls you to. This preparation helps build a resilient faith that can withstand even the toughest storms.

    2. Develop a Growth Mindset for Healing

    Healing is a journey that requires a growth mindset. Rather than staying stuck in bitterness or a victim mentality, choose to pursue healing no matter what. Dwelling on things beyond our control only deepens despair. Instead, focus on developing healthy coping strategies that empower you to move forward, offering your pain to God as He works to restore you.

    Strengthening Yourself with the Armor of God

    To guard your heart against despair, it’s essential to have a strong foundation in God’s Word. As Ephesians 6 calls us to put on the “armor of God,” it reminds us to equip ourselves with the belt of truth, grounding us in what’s real and lasting. By meditating on Scripture, you strengthen your spiritual armor and build resilience for the challenges life may bring.

    Here are some powerful verses to keep close:

    • Psalm 147:3“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.”
      God promises restoration for those who are hurting.
    • Isaiah 61:1“The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners.”
      God’s heart is for freedom and healing.
    • Matthew 5:4“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.”
      In grief, God’s comfort is near.
    • Revelation 21:4“He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”
      A promise of ultimate healing and peace.
    • Psalm 73:26“My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”
      God’s strength is endless, even when ours is gone.
    • 2 Corinthians 1:3-4“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.”
      God comforts us so that we, in turn, can comfort others.
    • John 14:27“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
      Jesus gives a peace that is unique and enduring.

    Embracing God’s Comfort and Moving Forward

    Finding healing after heartbreak isn’t a quick journey, but it’s one where God walks with you each step of the way. Lean into His promises, let His Word be your foundation, and allow the process of healing to bring you closer to Him. Remember, God’s heart is for you, and He desires to mend every broken piece of your life.

  • How to Keep the Sabbath Holy in Today’s Busy World

    How to Keep the Sabbath Holy in Today’s Busy World

    Do all your days look the same?  Why would God tell us to make one day set-apart?  

    Man, our God is amazing, that’s why!  He knew we would need ONE DAY that was not like the rest. Consider Exodus 20:8-11.

    Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a sabbath to the Lord your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your male or female servant, nor your animals, nor any foreigner residing in your towns. For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but he rested on the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy.

    How do we keep this day set-apart?  One thing my husband and I like to do is to protect this day from normal activities.  We want it to literally be “set apart”! So, on a practical example, having sporting events on this day is a no for us! Every family is different, so lean in to how God is directing you.  

    Some people may say – Why is keeping this day “set apart” important? Well, let’s see what Ezekiel 20:19-20 has to say about it.

    I am the Lord your God; follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws. Keep my Sabbaths holy, that they may be a sign between us. Then you will know that I am the Lord your God.

    By keeping this day, we will KNOW that He is the Lord our God! 

    Church is a MUST! It’s the day we get to join others who love and serve the Living God. We get to worship and learn about the Scriptures together.  

    Remember, God’s grace abounds!!!! We have chosen to have our Sabbath on Sunday, because it feels like the end of the week – the last day!

    Colossians 2:16-17 says:

    “Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day. These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ.”

    Jesus is the one who set us FREE. We are not constrained.  We are covered by GRACE!  So, just aim to serve and love God the best way possible – from the heart! Don’t make it a “checking off the boxes!”

    Time to rest is a great thing. We don’t get to do this much during the week, so it is definitely “set apart”, and something we try to do on the Sabbath! 

    A family outing is a great way to honor God on this day!  

    We get ready for the week ahead, so we are prepared and not rushed Monday morning

    There is so much I could say about this topic!  

    In all, let me say, if you’re not a part of a physical church, please take the time to make this happen.  It’s hard to find a church home sometimes, but one for you is out there. Make sure it’s a scripturally Sound Church! This means, the church reads and studies the scriptures and its entirety!  Jesus Christ is their Lord and Savior, and there is no other way to be right with Hod, except through Jesus dying on the cross, and us receiving the forgiveness He offers. 

    Need some help finding a church, or sorting through life – reach out and we can see how we can help you get connected, and/or sort!

    Don’t let life’s challenges hold you back. Join one our communities striving for spiritual growth, deeper relationships, and purpose-driven lives.

  • Bible Verses That Strengthen Your Faith During Trials

    Bible Verses That Strengthen Your Faith During Trials

    I know it’s probably not among your top list of favorite things to do, but memorizing scripture can slowly but surely become a treasured task when you experience the fruit in doing it.

    I struggled to memorize things, but when I realized that I could experience a new sense of freedom in my walk by hiding the scriptures away in my heart I made it a priority to memorize key passages of faith to start with.

    Memorizing anything might be a challenge for you, but when you realize the discipline of doing so will become a true lifeline. Your walk with the Lord and the spiritual battle that ensues in your life will drastically change. So I want to provide you with a few passages of scripture I’d suggest memorizing as you seek to build confidence in your walk.

    1. James 1:2-4
      “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.”
    2. Romans 8:28
      “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.”
    3. 1 Peter 5:10
      “And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm, and steadfast.”
    4. Isaiah 41:10
      “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
    5. Psalm 34:17-18
      “The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
    6. 2 Corinthians 4:8-9
      “We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not
    7. 2 Corinthians 12:9-10
      “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”
    8. Philippians 4:6-7
      “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
    9. Psalm 46:1-3
      “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.”
    10. Isaiah 43:2
      “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.”
    11. Psalm 9:9-10
      “The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. Those who know your name trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you.”
    12. John 16:33
      “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
    13. Hebrews 12:11
      “No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.”
    14. Joshua 1:9
      “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
    15. Psalm 23:4
      “Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”
    16. 1 Peter 1:6-7
      “In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory, and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.”
    17. Proverbs 3:5-6
      “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
    18. 2 Timothy 1:7
      “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love, and self-discipline.”
    19. Psalm 55:22
      “Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.”
    20. Romans 5:3-4
      “Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.”
    21. Matthew 11:28-30
      “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
    22. Deuteronomy 31:6
      “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”
    23. Psalm 62:5-6
      “Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him. Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.”
    24. 1 Corinthians 10:13
      “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.”
    25. Nahum 1:7
      “The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him.”

    I hope you’ll consider locking away at least a few of these passages to memory so that you will be encouraged and equipped to combat the lies of the enemy.

    Be blessed!