Feeling Worthless?

There are many reasons people feel they are worthless. I know in my own life there have been times when I have carried the feelings of worthlessness. At those moments of utter disappointment and sadness I run to the Lord who picks me up, dust me off and shows me that I am not worthless. He helps me find my worth in His Word or at church from some sweet saint. Some times God will bring the perfect book into my life for me to read and reprogram my mind to undo all the harm done. Other days, it will be a sweet card in the mail, an unexpected visit or a kind word from someone. 

Dear Lord, I want to always be an encouragement to those around me and never destroy their spirit with my words.

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11

This picture was taken after the afternoon rains on July 2014.

Sanballat Syndrome

But it so happened, when Sanballat heard that we were rebuilding the wall, that he was furious and very indignant, and mocked the Jews.  Nehemiah 4:1

Sanballat set out to discourage and defeat the Jews. He made fun of them, mocked them and then went to battle against them. He even had Jews from within the camp that were helping give him information to help him overcome them. He became obsessed with their defeat because he was filled with so much hatred and despised them.

Does that sound like anyone in our own life? Unfortunately there are people within our families, communities and even churches that suffer from the Sanballat Syndrome. They have made it their quest to set out, mock, destroy and conquer others. They may not have an army with shields and swords but they have many other destructive tools. Gossip, slander and sarcasm are used to destroy one's spirit and reputation. Not acknowledging people or treating them as if they have no value is another method.

God protected the Jewish nation from Sanballat and God will protect us too! Some days it feels as if we are being defeated but no matter how things may seem always TRUST GOD!

 This picture was taken in the Everglades, May 2013.

Happiness or Joy

Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Romans 12:12

What is the difference in happiness and joy? ~ Happiness comes when circumstances are good and joy can come in good and difficult circumstances.  It is God who gives us joy even in the midst of something difficult. 

How often have I heard someone say, "I just want to be happy!" They begin to pursue what they believe will make them happy but most of the time pleasure seeking in the wrong places.  Some pursue sports, hobbies, traveling, dancing, shopping, home improvements, wealth, status, alcohol, food and drugs. These will fail except for a brief moment!

We cannot find true joy just by seeking pleasurable excitement. The best and longest sustained joys come from pursuing things God's way and His working in our life.

Jesus slept in the boat during a terrible storm. 

We need to learn how to sleep in the storms too. 

God wants us to let Him take control during our storms of life!

This picture I took of my sons youngest daughter at a festival November 
2012 as she watched her sister and cousins riding the swings.