In the book of Joel, verse 21 of chapter 2 reminds us to rejoice despite the hardships we have been through! Taking into consideration the whole context of the writing in Joel, we understand that gladness and joy are a choice…

The instructions to be heard by God are clear. Forgive others. However, we often say contradictory statements such as, “I forgive but I don’t forget.” You might think how is that contradictory when I’m simply putting boundaries up to not be hurt again? But is that really boundaries to demand respect or boundaries to remember your pain…

Immediately after Jesus was baptized, “the Spirit drove Him into the wilderness. And He was there in the wilderness forty days, tempted by Satan… and the angels ministered to Him.” Mark 1:13. It was during this time of fellowship and time alone with God before He begun His journey of performing miracles that has prepared Jesus to depend on personal fellowship with God no matter the highs or lows of serving His purpose. We too can learn to have this child-like dependence on God…

Self blame is a coping mechanism often rooted in trauma. While there are other reasons for self blame, if trauma is your cause, know that there is a strategy to overcome the negative mental habits you’ve built around your pain. Through scripture, we can find both understanding and healing…

We become anxious because we do not live in the now. What if this happens? Then I have to react like this? And if I react like this, then how is that gonna affect the situation? And so on and on the ball of anxiety continues to write the story of the future. Anxiety is vain imagination…

“When you lie down, you will not be afraid; Yes, you will lie down and your sleep will be sweet. Do not be afraid of sudden terror…” Sweet sleep is God’s promise for your life when you follow his commands. Insomnia, sleep apnea and nightmares are not His preferred life for you.

The job of a pruner is to remove dead, broken, diseased or weak branches. So does God with the ugly, unproductive, and broken parts of our heart. However, a pruner also removes branches that grow toward the center or interfere with other branches. In the same way, God keeps order by removing areas of our character that cause disorder and chaos.