Psalms to Pray When You Need to Be Hopeful

The Bible says that it's okay to pray with honest emotions as we trust God to give us everything we need. That's a beautiful reason we can be hopeful always. #HopefulinGod #HopeintheBible #Faith #Prayer #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings

Is it hard for you to be honest with God?

Do you struggle to pour out feelings of impatience or frustration?

Are you able to tell Him when you’re losing hope because your problem persists and you wonder if things will ever change even though you’ve prayed and prayed and prayed?

I love that God loves us so much, He included the honest struggles of those who followed Him throughout Scripture.

One of my favorite examples is David, who openly cried out to God when he was afraid, worried, lonely, angry, disappointed, uncertain, restless, outraged, or heartbroken.

And yet, he never stayed there…

He also praised, adored, worshipped, exalted, and received what he needed to be hopeful.

Maybe like me, you have several things for which you’ve prayed again and again … things that are important to your heart but you’re starting to wonder if God’s is responding with a “no” rather than a “not yet.”

Yes, I too have days when I feel disappointed and discouraged.

And it used to be hard for me to share those feelings with the Lord.

But the more I read and pray Scripture, the more I’m learning that God wants me to honestly tell Him when…

I’m discouraged.
I’m frustrated.
I’m anxious.
I’m afraid.
I’m worried.
I’m impatient.

Why?

Because He already knows anyway and when I’m open and honest before Him, I’m reminded that He loves me just the way I am.

And because of His compassion and love, God wants us … you and me, to trust that He will answer our prayers in His way and His time. He wants us to trust that He will give us everything we need while we wait … including hope.

So today, I’m writing honest prayers based on the words of the Psalmists asking the Lord to help me remain hopeful as I wait … trusting His unfailing love and perfect care. I’m excited to have you join me.

Psalms to Pray When You Need to Be Hopeful

I cried out, “I am slipping!”
but Your unfailing love, O Lord, supported me.
When doubts filled my mind,
Your comfort gave me renewed hope and cheer.
Psalm 94:18–19

Father, at this moment when hope seems like it is fading into the distance. I feel like I’m sliding into despondency. Lord, I so desperately want to keep my focus on You but the longing in my heart beats so loudly it’s hard for me to think about anything else.

I know the enemy is at work, speaking words of hopelessness and doubt. So, I’m running to You. I’m trusting Your unfailing love and asking You to encourage me and hold me. I need You, Lord. Please restore my hope, strengthen me and give me everything I need to live through this trying time.

Why am I discouraged?
    Why is my heart so sad?
I will put my hope in God!
    I will praise Him again—
    my Savior and my God!
Psalm 43:5

Thank you for this reminder, Lord. Sometimes I can focus on the fact that I’ve prayed and prayed for what seems like forever … and still I wait. And yes, when I do, I feel sad and discouraged.

Your Word tells me to trust You to know and do what is best in my life. It tells me to look at the ways You have protected and helped me in the past as I look to the future in faith with hope.

So, I will praise You in this storm. I will wait in faith today and if I must continue to wait another day, week, or longer … I will count on You to give me whatever I need to put my hope in Your wisdom and love.

I waited patiently for the Lord to help me,
and He turned to me and heard my cry.
Psalm 40:1

Father, It feels like I’ve been waiting forever. I confess that I don’t feel very patient right now. I want my faith to be greater than my doubt but right now I feel weak and vulnerable.

I believe You are greater than my feelings. I need You. This season of waiting has gone on for so long. Please help me keep my eyes on You. Help me trust that You are working in my life on this situation even when I cannot see.

Hear my prayer. Restore my hope as I place my trust in Your unfailing love.

The Lord hears His people
when they call to Him for help.
He rescues them from all their troubles.
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted;
He rescues those whose spirits are crushed.
Psalm 34:17–18

Father, I am overwhelmed and I need You.

These words of Dave, comfort me and give me hope. Even in this moment, You hear the cries of my heart. You hold me close when I’m crushed and brokenhearted … You forgive me and lift me up.

You are my rescuer and the source of my hope. Thank you! I will trust Your promise to give me everything I need when I SEEK You and follow You with all my heart. (Luke 12:31)

So, I will faithfully ask, seek, and knock. I will continue to run to You with honest emotions and trust Your love to comfort and strengthen me today, tomorrow, and forever.

But I trust in Your unfailing love.
I will rejoice because You have rescued me.
I will sing to the Lord
because He is good to me.
Psalm 13:5–6

Thank you, Lord! By Your grace, You have given me everything I need to trust Your perfect love that never fails and never ends. Your Word says that You are LOVE. (1 John 4:8) And LOVE is patient and kind. It forgives, endures, and never gives up.

Thank you for Your patient love. Thank you for never giving up on me. Thank you for Your goodness and grace.

Today, I will praise Your holy name. I will surrender to Your will. I will trust Your love. And I will live with hope … by Your grace and for Your glory. And I will count on Your promise to give me everything I need to live with hope again tomorrow. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Friend, I know what it’s like to pray and pray and wait and wait and feel like I’m losing hope.

Something has changed for me in recent years.

You see, I’ve been asking God to answer a very specific prayer for a very very long time. One day, as I was crying and explaining to Him that the wait and the hurt were just too great … I felt Him gently whisper, “You have no idea how I’ve spared you.”

And it changed everything.

You and I can only see what’s right in front of us. God sees the whole picture … past, present, and future.

I will always hope and pray that one day I will receive a heavenly “YES” to my heart’s desire, but I’m learning that the focus of my hope is not the thing for which I hope but in the One who gives me hope.

God is showing me that I can be hopeful because of who He is and because even if He asks me to wait or if His answer to my prayer is “no” … He will give me everything I need to endure in faith.

You and I can endure whatever He allows because…

Praise the Lord! Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! His faithful love endures forever.
Psalm 106:1

He will not leave us to endure alone and although He may not always answer our prayers the way we want, we can be hopeful because He will always answer them out of His goodness and love.

Thank you so much for joining me today.
And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.

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When You Need to Be Bold with Wisdom – Pray

2 / 28 / 202 / 28 / 20

When you and I want to boldly speak the truth and live with faith we God's help and wisdom. Here are verses to pray, asking God to help you be bold and wise. #Wisdom #BeBold #Faith #Prayer #Hope #PrayforWisdom #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings

Our grandson loves math.

I get it! I love math, too.

We were talking about his love for math the other night and he told me it’s his favorite because it is logical and consistent.

Then he said, “Words are harder … with language you have to figure out things like there, their, and they’re. It’s confusing.”

I then told him about working on this post about being bold and how I was learning that there are different definitions for the word and that boldness can be both a good thing and a foolish thing.

And then he said, “And in writing, bold is thick. So people could basically think you’re telling them to get thick … or fatter.”

Is it any wonder we struggle to understand each other?

Boldness is defined as having the courage to act or speak fearlessly, despite real or imagined dangers.

And that’s why being bold can be good but it can also be foolish. Without wisdom, you and I can speak or act too quickly and bring about disaster for ourselves and the people around us.

I want to be bold with wisdom!

I want the courage to boldly speak the truth and live my faith but I can’t do either wisely without God’s help.

I need the Holy Spirit…

To help me know the truth.
To give me the wisdom to know what to say and do.
To guide me and help me know when and how to speak or act.

Those things take the faithful study of God’s Word to know His truth and prayer to ask Him to give me wisdom and guidance.

So once again, I’m going to the Word and I’m praying … I’d love for you to join me.

When You Need to Be Bold with Wisdom – Pray

Because of Christ and our faith in Him, we can now come boldly and confidently into God’s presence.
Ephesians 3:11

Lord, how can I begin to thank you? You know everything about me … inside and out. You know that I’m a foolish mess who desperately needs Your help and counsel. And lovingly invite me to boldly and confidently come to You in prayer with any concern and every need.

Thank you! Your gracious love overwhelms me. When I am weak; make me bold. When I am confused; give me wisdom. When I lack confidence; remind me of Your unfailing love.

Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong.And do everything with love.
1 Corinthians 16:13–14 (NLT)

Father, I want to be bold for You … but before I can be bold for You and for Your truth, I need to need to know You. I need Your truth imprinted on my heart and in my mind. And I need to be lead by Your love.

Please guard my heart and watch over my thoughts. Help me focus on all that is true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, and admirable. Help me think about things that excellent and praiseworthy. (Philippians 4:8) Help me focus on the truth that makes me bold and by Your grace, help me boldly and lovingly share Your truth in all I say and do.

And please pray for me. Pray that truth will be with me before I even open my mouth. Ask the Spirit to guide me while I boldly defend the mystery that is the good news—for which I am an ambassador in chains—so pray that I can bravely pronounce the truth, as I should do.
Ephesians 6:19–20 (VOICE)

Lord, I pray that You will move in me and create an overwhelming desire to SEEK You first in my life … that Your truth may be with and within me. I want to always be ready to boldly act and speak in ways that will inspire and encourage everyone I meet to want what I have. I want them all to know and love You … to know how much You know and love them.

Lord, I ask that You will pour Your love into my life and fill me up to overflowing that I might courageously pour Your love out to others. Open my eyes, my heart, my mind … that I might love like Jesus.

When I called, You answered me. You made me bold by strengthening my soul.
Psalm 138:3 (GW)

Oh, Father, I love that I can come to You at any time from any place. And wherever I am, whatever my need … when I cry out to You, You hear and answer me.

Today, I’m asking You to strengthen me and make me bold. Place a hedge of Your protection around my soul. Be my hope and my encouragement. When the days are long and the journey is hard, please give me all I need to boldly live in faith one moment at a time.

This is why I have never stopped praying for you since I heard about you. I ask God that you may know what He wants you to do. I ask God to fill you with the wisdom and understanding the Holy Spirit gives.
Colossians 1:9

Lord, this is my prayer … that You will help Your children know what You want them to do. Give us all a passion for Your Word and work in us a desire to humbly surrender our stubborn wills to You.

Your Word says, “If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.” (James 1:5) We need Your wisdom. I need Your wisdom.

I need the wisdom to know when to be bold for You and when to be still and let You do what only You can do. I love You, Lord. I surrender this day to You. By Your grace, help me and use me for Your glory. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

It can be hard to be bold.

It’s even harder to be bold with wisdom.

It’s often easier to either sit on the sidelines or boldly share the popular opinions of the world.

But you and I are called by God to be bold with wisdom.

Paul said it this way…

God has chosen what the world calls foolish to shame the wise. He has chosen what the world calls weak to shame what is strong.God has chosen what is weak and foolish of the world, what is hated and not known, to destroy the things the world trusts in.In that way, no man can be proud as he stands before God.God Himself made the way so you can have new life through Christ Jesus. God gave us Christ to be our wisdom. Christ made us right with God and set us apart for God and made us holy. Christ bought us with His blood and made us free from our sins.
1 Corinthians 1:27–30 (NLV)

And my friend, through Christ Jesus by the power of the Holy Spirit, you and I can trust God to give us everything we need to be bold with wisdom.

Thank you so much for joining me today.
And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.

It would bless me so much if you’d take a moment to subscribe to Counting My Blessings so you never miss an update!

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Prayers that will Help You Live Free of Anxiety and Worry

2 / 21 / 202 / 21 / 20

It's a blessing God has given us that we can take our worries and cares to Him in prayer and live free of anxiety ... He even gives us the words in Scripture. #Prayer #VersestoPray #DoNotFear #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings #GodisLove #Hope

I think we’ve all had times when the notes on tomorrow’s planner page have resulted in a restless night of worry and anxiety.

A Doctor’s Appointment – for Yourself or Someone You Love.
A Meeting with Difficult Person.
A Huge Project Deadline.
A Major Grade-deciding Exam.
A Shortage of Money for a Major Need.
A Job Interview.
Too Much to Do in Too Little Time.

Jesus said…

So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries.
Matthew 6:34a

And we know it’s true. We know He’s right.

But it’s hard, isn’t it?

I love that Jesus doesn’t just give us platitudes that fall outside of His human experiences and emotions.

He understands.

In a conversation with His disciples, shortly after He entered Jerusalem for Holy Week, Jesus predicted His suffering and death.

And then He said…

“Now my soul is deeply troubled. Should I pray, ‘Father, save me from this hour’? But this is the very reason I came! Father, bring glory to your name.”
John 12:27–28a

“My soul is deeply troubled.” I don’t believe He said that lightly.

He’d always known that He would come to earth to give His life for yours and mine. And yet, as the hour approached … the process of this sacrifice made Him anxious.

He wanted to glorify the Father through His self-sacrificing love and obedience … yet, He still cried out and asked the Father for a different way to accomplish His mission.

“My Father! If it is possible, let this cup of suffering be taken away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.”
Matthew 26:39

I don’t believe He ever wavered in His decision because His love was and is so huge but in that moment of emotion, He set an example for us.

Take your emotions, all your emotions, to the Father in prayer.

I love that Jesus willingly experienced worry, anxiety, and fear as part of His human experience to show us what to do when we are worried, anxious, and afraid.

Pray and give it to God!

Which is what we are doing today. We’re taking our worries and anxieties to the Lord … laying them all at His feet.

Whatever is worrying you today … will you join me and together we will take it to the throne of grace…

Prayers that will Help You Live Free of Anxiety and Worry

You can throw the whole weight of your anxieties upon Him, for you are His personal concern.
1 Peter 5:7 (Phillips)

Father, I humbly come to You admitting that I need Your help. This weight of concern feels heavy. I feel alone. Thank you for reminding me today that You are with me.

Your Word says You know the tiny details of my life. You even know the number of hairs there on my head. (Matthew 10:30) I am Your personal concern and it’s okay that I can’t handle it on my own. Please help me. Give me Your peace. Strengthen me.

I pray to release my worries to You that I might live free of anxiety today.

When my worry is great within me, Your comfort brings joy to my soul.
Psalm 94:19 (NLV)

Father, I love Your Word! Thank you for telling me about people who walked and talked with You and still experienced the worries of life. You understand life and You know and understand me. None of my feelings shock or surprise You. You know when I’m worried. I don’t have to hide my feelings and concerns with You … in fact, You invite me to bring them to You in prayer so that You might bring comfort and joy to me. Thank you!

“Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me.
John 14:1

Jesus, Thank you for becoming one of us and for showing us how to live through life’s pain and problems in ways that glorify the Father. I want to trust You and live free of anxiety and worry. So, I’m coming to You and asking You to help me carry this burden (Matthew 11:28)

I’m asking You to give me the courage and strength I need each day and the rest I need each night. I believe You will help me again today, Lord. Thank you for the countless times You have helped me in the past.

“I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.
John 14:27

Lord, You give me hard to understand peace. (Philippians 4:7) A peace that covers and protects my heart and mind as I focus on Your promises that never fail. Thank you, for giving me the gift of Your Spirit. He is faithful to remind me of all You have done for me and help me focus on Your eternal promises that will not fail.

Nothing can separate me from Your love. (Romans 8:38) Not one thing on my list of worries. Nothing that makes me anxious. Absolutely nothing can remove me from Your loving care and provision. You said that when I SEEK the Father’s Kingdom above all else … He will give me everything I need.

Lord, I believe. Please help me overcome my unbelief. (Mark 9:24)

So here’s what I’ve learned through it all: Leave all your cares and anxieties at the feet of the Lord, and measureless grace will strengthen you.
Psalm 55:22 (TPT)

Yes Lord, here’s what I’ve learned … well, at least it is what I’m learning. I can bring everything to You. Every care and concern. All of my worries and anxieties. I can lay them at Your throne of grace and receive grace and strength.

Measureless grace! It never runs out. It never ends. It is a continuous undeserved blessing that assures me of Your promises to give me Your strength and peace.

So, I’m bringing this problem to You trusting Your grace, mercy, and love, assured that whatever tomorrow brings You will give me everything I need. Thank you, Lord.

Live Free of Anxiety

I think one of the hardest things for me to do … is to pray about my worries and then actually let go of them.

Maybe you can relate.

It seems like it’s always the same pattern…

My mind spin with anxiety.
I get frustrated with myself and want to let it go.
I pause and pray.
And then before I’m even fully aware of it … I start spinning again.

Especially in the middle of the night when I’m overly tired and the day ahead feels overwhelming.

The thing I’m writing to help me remember and wonder if you need to remember, too … is that the Lord welcomes us every single time we come to Him with our prayers. Even our repeated prayers to surrender our anxieties and concerns.

The important truth I believe with all my heart is that God wants us to repeat the following as often as necessary…

God loves you. He wants to help you. And He wants you to live free of anxiety and worry.

So, take whatever is hanging heavy on your heart today, give it to God, and focus your thoughts on His love and all the times He has given you exactly what You needed to get through all those things that caused your anxiety in the past.

He is with you and because He is with you, you never have to carry your worries alone.

Jesus promised…

“Be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
Matthew 28:20

And by His grace, He will give you everything you need to live free of anxiety today.

Thank you so much for joining me today.
And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.

It would bless me so much if you’d take a moment to subscribe to Counting My Blessings so you never miss an update!

Subscribe to Blog via Email

You can also…

Leave your prayer requests…

and stop to pray one or two of the requests listed.

Check out our new Facebook Page/Group – #WWGGG – What Would Give God Glory. We’d love for you to join the movement!

And always remember – I LOVE hearing from you! So, please take a minute to say ‘hi’ by leaving a comment.

If this article blessed or helped you today — would you share it with someone? Send it to a friend, family member, coworker, or share it through the links below…

I’m asking God to bless you today!

When You Need to Pray for Freedom and Happiness

2 / 7 / 202 / 6 / 20

As children, we dream of the freedom we will enjoy as adults but as adults, demands and responsibilities can make freedom and happiness feel very elusive. So, I'm praying and asking God for His help. #WWGGG #Prayer #Freedom #Happiness #CountingMyBlessings #BibleStudy

Do you remember being a child and longing for the freedom you believed you’d finally have once you became an adult?

Then you grew up and discovered that you enjoyed way more freedom as a child than you have now. There are more demands on your time, more expectations, more work … more everything.

Freedom seems like a wishful dream and happiness, well there are days when our exhaustion and lack of freedom make happiness feel elusive as well.

But the Bible says…

If the Son makes you free, then you are unquestionably free.
John 8:36

So, what is the complete freedom you and I can have through faith in Jesus?

It is:

Freedom from the guilt and shame of sin. Romans 8:23–24
Freedom from slavery to sin. Romans 6:16
Freedom from the lies we tell ourselves. 1 John 1:8–9
Freedom from trying to earn God’s favor and grace. Romans 11:6
Freedom from the power of Satan. James 4:7
Freedom to choose our own path. Galatians 5:13
Freedom to follow Jesus. Colossians 2:6–7
Freedom that lasts forever. 1 John 5:13

The freedom that Jesus gives us is freedom from the penalty and guilt and shame of sin. It’s not freedom from responsibility but…

By God’s grace, it is the freedom to live fully and serve joyfully. It is the freedom we have with God’s help to know what to do in order to enjoy life with love, joy, peace, patience, etc…

But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,gentleness, and self-control.
Galatians 5:22–23

And as far as I’m concerned, if I can face my responsibilities with the Spirit’s help because of the freedom I have in Christ Jesus; well, that sounds like happiness to me.

So, I’m praying and asking God to assure me once again that with His help, I have the freedom that gives happiness. I’m asking the Lord to help me stop trying to SEEK stuff and please people but to surrender my all to Him that I might fully embrace the freedom and joy of His promises today and every day.

I’d love for you to join me.

Prayers for Freedom and Happiness

Jesus said to the people who believed in Him, “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
John 8:31–32

Lord, please help me know and trust Your truth that leads to freedom. My heart’s desire is to be your faithful and obedient disciple. The world tries to tell me that following Your commands is restrictive … enslaving me to a set of rules. The truth, Your truth, tells me that sin, guilt, and shame are the things that hold my heart and mind in bondage.

Help me remember that I live under Your love and that frees me to love You and others and to live with strength, courage, joy, and peace. Yes, Lord, Your grace is sufficient. By Your grace, help me surrender each day and live faithful to Your teachings for Your glory. Amen.

In my distress I prayed to the Lord,
and the Lord answered me and set me free.
The Lord is for me, so I will have no fear.
What can mere people do to me?
Psalm 118:5–6

Father, what an amazing blessing to be able to bring the burden of my failures and brokenness to You in repentance … trusting Your promise to forgive me. Your Word proclaims “through Jesus, there is forgiveness of sins.” (Acts 13:38) Through Jesus, my fear is gone and my hope for the future is secure. Jesus alone is the freedom I need. He is the freedom that gives me happiness. Thank you, Father.

Sin is no longer your master, for you no longer live under the requirements of the law. Instead, you live under the freedom of God’s grace.
Romans 6:14

Father, by the power of Your Spirit, You give me the strength I need to set safe boundaries and fight temptation. You give me all I need to follow You because I want to not because I have to. You have given me free will, the ability to obey or reject Your Word … because You want me to receive Your grace, mercy, and love with gratitude and joy.

And I do. I love You, Lord! I praise and worship You.

For the blessing of living under Your grace frees me to love You and others … and Father, a life full of love is a life full of happiness. Thank you!

God sent Him [Jesus] to buy freedom for us who were slaves to the law, so that He could adopt us as His very own children.
Galatians 4:5

Lord Jesus, how can I begin to thank you for suffering my punishment for me. You accomplished what I cannot … so that I might be forgiven, redeemed, and rescued. You made it possible for me to be called the Father’s very own child.

A child who can approach the Father at any time, who can rest secure in the Father’s love, trust His care and provision, live with the strength and courage He gives, and enjoy the peace that passes understanding and hope that will not disappoint. Thank you, Lord Jesus, in and through You … I have everything I need.

You thrill me, Lord, with all You have done for me! I sing for joy because of what you have done.
Psalm 92:4

Yes, Lord, You thrill me! You have set me free. You give me everything I need each day. Because of all that You have done for me, I am called precious, beloved, cherished, holy, and victorious. I am forgiven. I am loved. I am free! And that’s all I need to be happy!

Thank you for the gifts of freedom and happiness. Your love overwhelms me. Please help me, live with gratitude in ways that show the world the blessings of knowing and loving You. By Your grace and for Your glory. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Friend, freedom and happiness are possible.

The freedom you and I have in Christ makes us free to live our lives the way God intended.

We are free to live under His grace, mercy, and love … knowing we are forgiven and claimed as His very own children. We can trust that we really do have everything we need to live with courage and strength in victory one day at a time.

I don’t know about you, but I believe if all of me could believe all of that 100% of the time … I would enjoy the happiness I want.

So, that is my prayer and I believe that by God’s grace, His truth will become more and more true in my life as I rest in His Word and trust His love.

I’m praying that for you, too!

Finally, a quote from C. S. Lewis says it better than I can…

If a thing is free to be good it is also free to be bad. And free will is what has made evil possible. Why, then, did God give them free will? Because free will, though it makes evil possible, is also the only thing that makes possible any love or goodness or joy worth having. ~ C. S. Lewis

Thank you so much for joining me today.
And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.

It would bless me so much if you’d take a moment to subscribe to Counting My Blessings so you never miss an update!

Subscribe to Blog via Email

You can also…

Leave your prayer requests…

and stop to pray one or two of the requests listed.

Check out our new Facebook Page/Group – #WWGGG – What Would Give God Glory. We’d love for you to join the movement!

And always remember – I LOVE hearing from you! So, please take a minute to say ‘hi’ by leaving a comment.

If this article blessed or helped you today — would you share it with someone? Send it to a friend, family member, coworker, or share it through the links below…

I’m asking God to bless you today!

5 Verses to Pray When You Doubt Your Value

1 / 23 / 201 / 24 / 20

If you doubt your value today because someone has failed to love you well or you are lacking something you need to be lovable ... I'd love to pray with you. #DoubtSelf #Unlovable #GodLovesYou #VersesandPrayers #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings

I believe we all want to be emotionally healthy … and there are several things required to make that desire a reality.

Those things are a need for love, security, and significance.

The need to be valued!

And I believe we are hardwired by God with this need for two very important reasons…

He is love and He loves us.
He wants us to know and experience His love because we are precious to Him.

The Lord has placed a craving within us that He alone is able to satisfy.

We can chase after people, possessions, power, professions, and popularity and never feel the love, security, and significance we so desperately want.

And maybe, we’re not supposed to.

It’s especially difficult in our relationships with people, isn’t it?

We want to be loved. We need to be loved.

It’s how we’re made.

So, we seek love from people … longing for perfect relationships with spouses, children, parents, siblings, and friends. Oh sure, we try harder with some than with others. But we all have someone or several someones whose love we will do almost anything to get and keep.

But there’s a problem…

People will never love us perfectly no matter how hard we try or what we do. People will let us down. And truthfully, there will be times when we will let them down as well.

So, if you and I seek our value from the approving love of other people … you will always doubt your worth and so will I. If we’re trying to find self-worth in any temporary thing this world has to offer … we will always be left wanting and disappointed.

So, I’m going to the Lord today and asking Him to help us KNOW how much He loves and values us. I’m asking Him to remind us that we are precious to Him. And I’m asking Him to assure us that when it comes to the perfect love we need in order to be emotionally healthy … His love is more than enough!

If you doubt your value today because someone has failed to love you well or because you believe you’re lacking something you need to be more lovable … I’d love for you to pray with me.

5 Verses to Pray When You Doubt Your Value

Even before He made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in His eyes. God decided in advance to adopt us into His own family by bringing us to Himself through Jesus Christ. This is what He wanted to do, and it gave Him great pleasure.
Ephesians 1:4–5

Father, it’s hard for me to get my brain around this promise.

You say I was on your mind before You spoke creation into being … before You made a grain of sand or a star in the sky. You say You chose me in Christ Jesus to be Your child and that You wanted me so much it gave You great pleasure.

It gave you pleasure to sacrifice everything to make me Your own. Pleasure. Father, that is unimaginable impossible to explain love.

Implant this on my heart that I might never doubt my value again. I am Yours and that makes me precious and treasured … and loved.

Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things He planned for us long ago.
Ephesians 2:9–10

Father, I’ve heard it said that no accomplishment could make You love me more and no failure could make You love me less.

Who loves like that?! People can be so quick to reject and slow to forgive.

But You made me and call me a masterpiece. And You not only didn’t reject me but You forgave me completely and made me a new creation through Jesus. Not through what I have done but through what He has done for me.

How can I ever begin to thank you? I can’t thank you enough but I can live to bring You glory and love You with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength.

I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love.
Romans 8:38

Father, it’s clear to see the enemy is alive and at work in our world. We experience attacks on our health, our homes, our careers, and our relationships.

But Your Word says “NOTHING” can ever separate me from Your love. Nothing the enemy does. Nothing I’m afraid he’ll do. Not even if he turns the powers of hell against me. YOU LOVE ME ALWAYS AND FOREVER! And You take care of me. Even when today is painful and difficult … I trust that You are at work in and around me. I am Yours. I am safe. I am valued and loved.

Cast all your cares [all your anxieties, all your worries, and all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares about you [with deepest affection, and watches over you very carefully].
1 Peter 5:7

Father, I love this promise. You have the deepest affection for me and watch over me carefully and nothing can change that.

You invite me to bring all my worry and anxiety to You. I wonder how often I unnecessarily carry a burden that You want to carry for me. I’m sorry Father, please forgive me and help me remember You are worthy of my complete trust. You are faithful to keep Your promises. You are my loving Father, who calls me Your precious pearl. I am overwhelmed by Your love.

The faithful love of the Lord never ends!
His mercies never cease.
Lamentations 3:22

Father, I am the beneficiary of Your faithful love every day. I am covered by Your grace and mercy. I am safe in Jesus … not just today but forever and always. You call me Your child. Your friend. Your masterpiece. Your beloved. You call me precious. You call me valued. You call me LOVED!

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Amen.

Friend, I’m emotional. I look at life through a lens of emotions and sometimes the way I think about myself is determined by the way someone has treated me or something they’ve said to me. I can sometimes base my value, on any given day, on the way I feel physically, the number on the scale, or the imperfections I see in the mirror. And yes, I can even occasionally allow my circumstances to distort my thoughts about my value and worth.

But all of those things are lies of the enemy.

Anything that tempts you to doubt your value … anything that makes you question God’s love is A LIE!

Look at the above verses inserting your name in the blanks.

Even before He made the world, God loved __________ and chose __________ in Christ to be holy and without fault in His eyes.

For __________ is God’s masterpiece. He has created __________ anew in Christ Jesus.

Nothing can ever separate __________ from God’s love.

He cares about __________ [with deepest affection, and watches over __________ very carefully].

The faithful love of the Lord [for __________] never ends! His mercies never cease.

Nothing can change His love for you. No words, thoughts, or circumstances. No flaw, failure, or frustration. NOTHING!

When the enemy tempts and taunts you, when circumstances are hard, and when you doubt your value…

Remember.

GOD IS LOVE! And HE LOVES YOU!

You are perfectly precious to Him.
You always have been and you always will be!

Thank you so much for joining me today.
And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.

It would bless me so much if you’d take a moment to subscribe to Counting My Blessings so you never miss an update!

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You can also…

Leave your prayer requests…

and stop to pray one or two of the requests listed.

Check out our new Facebook Page/Group – #WWGGG – What Would Give God Glory. We’d love for you to join the movement!

And always remember – I LOVE hearing from you! So, please take a minute to say ‘hi’ by leaving a comment.

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I’m asking God to bless you today!

5 Verses to Pray When You Need to Live Happy

1 / 9 / 201 / 9 / 20

It's impossible to live happy 100% of the time. With God's help, we can rest in His truth and trust His promises having everything we need to live with hope. #Faith #Hope #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings #LiveHappy

I know it’s impossible to live happy 100% of the time.

Bad things happen, people are cruel, relationships end and happiness fades.

And even when you and I are trying our best to do everything “right” … a choice made by someone else has the ability to turn our happiness into pain.

Yet, I still believe God wants His children to be happy … not entitled, not indulged, not spoiled rotten, but happy. Good parents don’t give their children everything they want. They allow them to live out the consequences of their poor choices. They don’t give them cake and ice cream at every meal nor do they take them to Disneyland every day.

But that doesn’t mean they don’t want their children to be happy.

They do!

They just care more about the long-term happiness of the children than they do about their momentary pleasure.

I don’t know about you, but I can act like a pouty indulged child sometimes … moments when I focus on what I want more rather than on what I already have.

I want to be more like Sadie.

Our Cavapoo, Sadie, was sick earlier this year and due to that illness, she will have to be on prescription dog food and treats for the rest of her life. No tastes of “people” food or bites of her former favorites.

Every meal and every treat tastes exactly the same every day … and it will forever!

But Rev and I get the giggles every time we feed her. You would think she was getting a gourmet steak dinner the way she dances around the room completely delighted with life!

If only I could be more like Sadie and less like the Children of Israel…

The people grew impatient with the long journey,and they began to speak against God and Moses. “Why have you brought us out of Egypt to die here in the wilderness?” they complained. “There is nothing to eat here and nothing to drink. And we hate this horrible manna!”
Numbers 21:4–5

God had rescued them from slavery and was providing for them each day but rather than choosing to count their blessings and live contented and happy, they grumbled and complained.

So, I’m going to God today and I’m asking Him to help me count my blessings and focus on the fact that He is a generous and loving Father.

Will you pray with me?

5 Verses to Pray When You Need to Live Happy

“God loved the world so much that He gave His one and only Son so that whoever believes in Him may not be lost, but have eternal life. God did not send His Son into the world to judge the world guilty, but to save the world through Him.”
John 3:16–17 (NCV)

Father, You not only knew my greatest need but You provided Jesus to meet that need. I was lost and broken by sin, selfish and without hope. And even after You saved me from slavery to sin, I can still be like the grumbling Israelites. But still, You forgive me again and again.

Your love overwhelms me! If You never gave me another thing, the gift of Jesus would be enough! Through Him I have life. Through Him I am free.

Happy is the person
    whose sins are forgiven,
    whose wrongs are pardoned.
Happy is the person
    whom the Lord does not consider guilty
    and in whom there is nothing false.
Psalm 32:1–2 (NCV)

Father, You forgive me! You forgive my grumbling and complaining. You forgive my selfishness and foolishness. Because of Jesus, I can bring all of my guilt and shame to You and receive the blessing of unconditional love and forgiveness. You don’t see my guilt and shame. You see Your Son in me making me clean and redeemed.

Happy is the person whose sins are forgiven! Thank you!

Give me understanding and I will obey Your instructions; I will put them into practice with all my heart. Make me walk along the path of Your commands, for that is where my happiness is found.
Psalm 119:34–35

Father, by Your grace and with the help of Your Spirit, please help me SEEK to know, trust, and obey Your will. Give me wisdom and understanding to know what to do, when to do it, and when to stay out of the way and leave it to You.

I will study Your Word to know Your commands. I will follow wherever You lead me – trusting that You will always go with me, giving me whatever I need one day at a time. And having what I need each day … that is where true happiness is found. Please help me remember and appreciate all I have in You that I might live happy for Your glory.

And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love.No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 8:38–39

Father, Your love is my source of joy and happiness. That is Your will for me. And this promise, that nothing, absolutely nothing, can separate me from Your love gives me peace and everything I need to live with hope.

I am Yours no matter what I’m worried about or what frightens me. I am Yours no matter what happens. Thank you, Father. In You, I am secure today, tomorrow, and always and that is the perfect reason for me to live happy. By Your grace, help me keep my eyes on You.

Be happy in your faith at all times. Never stop praying. Be thankful, whatever the circumstances may be. If you follow this advice you will be working out the will of God expressed to you in Jesus Christ.
1 Thessalonians 5:16–18 (Phillips)

Father, forgive me for failing to celebrate my faith each day. It’s so easy for me to get distracted by stuff and people and circumstances. Once again, I come to You in prayer, thanking You for Your grace, mercy, and love. You have walked with me through painful and difficult times. You have forgiven me and given me strength and indescribable peace. Thank you!

Please help me live happy in ways that give You glory. Help me be so happy in You that others want to know You … my source of peace and joy! In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Something I’ve realized lately is that many of my attitude issues have to do with my perspective.

Before you get the wrong idea … you need to know that my life is far from perfect. I have relationships that are not even close to what I’d like them to be. I have family members struggling with difficult health issues. I have aches and pains that gnaw at me. And plenty of additional things that nip at me trying to get me to settle in to worry and anxiety.

But God…

Two of my favorite words … words that speak a life-changing truth for people of faith.

But God:

loves.
forgives.
delivers.
strengthens.
comforts.
cares.
provides.
guides.
helps.
renews.
transforms.

God gives us hope.

And the hope He gives changes everything!

When you and I have hope, we can count on the truth that whatever is happening in our lives today, whatever is not perfect, whatever is painful, whatever is missing … God is able to give us everything we need because He is faithful to keep His promises.

Promises like…

My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; He is mine forever.
Psalm 73:26

And…

Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and He will give you everything you need.
Luke 12:31

Everything includes all we need to live happy!

God bless you! Have a wonderful day in the Lord!

Thank you so much for joining me today.
And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.

It would bless me so much if you’d take a moment to subscribe to Counting My Blessings so you never miss an update!

Subscribe to Blog via Email

You can also…

Leave your prayer requests…

and stop to pray one or two of the requests listed.

Check out our new Facebook Page/Group – #WWGGG – What Would Give God Glory. We’d love for you to join the movement!

And always remember – I LOVE hearing from you! So, please take a minute to say ‘hi’ by leaving a comment.

If this article blessed or helped you today — would you share it with someone? Send it to a friend, family member, coworker, or share it through the links below…

I’m asking God to bless you today!

Praying for Hope in the One Who Really is Christmas

12 / 20 / 1912 / 20 / 19

Christmas is just days away and as I read through and lift up the prayer requests left on the Blessing Counters Prayer Page, I can’t help but notice how families seem to have two areas of pain and concern that rise to the top … especially at this time of the year.

Finances and relationships.

It’s funny how we get it into our heads that this year we need to do everything we can to make our memories perfect. And for many of us, that means all of our loved ones blissfully gathered together around an amply piled Christmas tree.

Now, I’ll be one of the first to admit – that loving relationships are important and part of God’s desire for us. And I’ll also admit that this time of year makes our broken relationships even more painful. And I know that giving gifts at Christmas is one of the ways we express that love.

I’m also aware that many of the problems people are praying about are greater than gifts and gatherings. It’s just that the Christmas season tends to make us even more aware of what’s lacking in those areas of our lives.

And I wonder if we aren’t all tempted to put a bit of our Christmas focus on what’s less important. I wonder if we expect people and things to fill a hole in us that only God Himself is able to satisfy?

What if we’re hoping God will fix our circumstances … forgetting that He has already given us everything we need in and through Jesus to fix everything in our lives forever.

So, I’m pausing from all the planning and preparations and praying for HOPE. I’m praying to let go of the less important to focus on the One who is the hope of Christmas … Jesus!

Praying for Hope in the One Who Really is Christmas

Let your unfailing love surround us, Lord, for our hope is in You alone.
Psalm 33:22

Father, my prayer is that You alone might be my source of hope. The hope You give is the confidence that I can trust Your promises. Jesus is the fulfillment of every promise You have ever made. He is the Living realization of Your love and through Your Spirit … Your unfailing love surrounds me.

You show me through Your Word and the details of my life that I am secure when I place my trust in Jesus, the promise and source of my salvation.

“Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David!
Luke 2:10–11

Father, I try to imagine what that night must have been like. The night the Word in flesh took His first breath of earthly air. The night Your Garden promise was fulfilled.

As I celebrate Jesus’ birth in a few days, please settle my heart and mind on Your grace, mercy, and love. Help me focus on the Savior, the Messiah, the Lord … the One who gave up everything to give me hope I can count on. Hope that is the assurance of Your grace, mercy, and love.

Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.
Matthew 11:28

Oh Father, how I love these words of Jesus. It’s so tempting to worry about our finances and relationships. This world is broken and too often it robs me of my peace and contentment … things You want for me. Things You invite me to bring to You. Things You want me to bring to You. Things You offer to help me carry.

Thank you! I bring You every concern and burden and ask You to replace it with hope … by Your grace and for Your glory.

God also bound Himself with an oath, so that those who received the promise could be perfectly sure that He would never change His mind. So God has given both His promise and His oath. These two things are unchangeable because it is impossible for God to lie. Therefore, we who have fled to Him for refuge can have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us.
Hebrews 6:17–18

Father, Your promises are sure and unchanging. I can count on You and trust Your Word. I can rest secure in Jesus … the Way, Truth, and Life. So, I run to the safety of Your embrace confident that I can place my hope in You … not just for today, but for the New Year, and for the rest of forever.

Yet I still dare to hope when I remember this:

The faithful love of the Lord never ends!
His mercies never cease.
Great is His faithfulness;
His mercies begin afresh each morning.
Lamentations 3:21–23

Father, I will hold this promise close to my heart whenever I am tempted by doubt and fear. I will remember with hope…

Your unfailing love is perfect and lasting. Your mercy covers every part and every moment of my life. Your grace makes it possible for me to know with certainty that my problems are temporary … that Your grace is sufficient to give me hope when life overwhelms me.

I will hold on to the hope I have in Jesus, the promised One who is the Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End … the One who came to earth to live the perfect life I am unable to live and suffered the death I deserve that He might rise again to give me life forever with You.

That is grace and mercy. That is Jesus. That is HOPE in the One who is Christmas! My thanks and worship and praise are Yours forever and always. Amen.

I’m Praying for Hope for You

If you’re feeling overwhelmed and stressed by expectations you are putting on yourself or disappointed by your circumstances or the choices of others, know that this is my prayer for you today…

I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in Him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Romans 15:13

May your celebration be blessed by the One who is Christmas.

You see the meaning of the word Christmas is Christ’s Mass. He is the reason we celebrate. He is the gift that will last forever. He is the source of our hope!

Thank you so much for joining me today.
And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.

It would bless me so much if you’d take a moment to subscribe to Counting My Blessings so you never miss an update!

Subscribe to Blog via Email

You can also…

Leave your prayer requests…

and stop to pray one or two of the requests listed.

Check out our new Facebook Page/Group – #WWGGG – What Would Give God Glory. We’d love for you to join the movement!

And always remember – I LOVE hearing from you! So, please take a minute to say ‘hi’ by leaving a comment.

If this article blessed or helped you today — would you share it with someone? Send it to a friend, family member, coworker, or share it through the links below…

I’m asking God to bless you today!

5 Verses to Pray that will Help You Stop and Behold

12 / 13 / 1912 / 12 / 19

There’s a word we don’t use very often anymore.

Behold!

Even in the more recent translations of the Bible, the word behold has been replaced with words like … look, see, and watch.

But I think beholding something is so much more than simply looking or seeing. We hurry past things we see every day and I can watch an entire show while texting, online shopping, or perusing social media.

Because like everyone else, I’m typically multi-tasking in a rush to get things done.

So, this simple word grabbed my attention. Because to really “behold” something means to stop and gaze … to fix my eyes and my attention on something.

Beholding is so much more than just glancing as I hurry by, it’s actually pausing long enough to allow the object or idea to touch me.

You and I are so accustomed to life happening fast – especially at Christmastime … that I’ve decided I need a pause. So, I’m challenging myself to take some time to Stop and BEHOLD GOD’S BLESSINGS!

I’m praying and asking God to help me fix my attention on the things He wants me to behold … beautiful blessings of His grace, mercy, and love that change everything at Christmas and every other day of the year. Oh, and on and on into forever, too!

5 Verses to Pray that will Help You Stop and Behold

Behold, the eye of the Lord
is on those who fear Him,
On those who hope in His mercy.

Let Your mercy, O Lord, be upon us,
Just as we hope in You.
Psalm 33:18,22 (NKJV)

Father, thank you!

In this crazy busy time of the year, it’s so easy for me to get distracted by the activities and my long list of self-imposed things I tell myself I need to do. Please forgive me and help me behold Your blessings. Help me focus on the things that matter to You. Help me SEEK YOU FIRST in spite of life’s demands and distractions.

Because no matter what is going on in my life … I can count on the blessing that You are watching over me. I love you, Lord! I trust Your love and I put my life and my hope in Your grace and mercy.

“Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.”
Matthew 1:23 (NKJV)

Father, these simple words always grab my heart. The miracle – a Son, Your Son … He could have been born anywhere to anyone. Jesus could have left the glories of heaven and entered into the luxuries of earth. He could have joined the rich and powerful. But your plan of love from the beginning chose a humble virgin from a modest family.

And by the power of Your Spirit through Mary, the Word became flesh. God became Man, taking on human limitations to do what we were unable to do for ourselves. You sacrificed yourself to give us life! The best news in the world is … “God with us.” Lived among us. Died our death. And rose to give us life forever. Thank you! Thank you!

“Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people.For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying:

“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”
Luke 2:10–11, 13–14 (NKJV)

Oh, Father, I want to pause and behold this sight. I want to picture what it must have been like to be one of the shepherds standing in that field on a typically quiet night when suddenly the angel proclamation became a massive heavenly choir praising You for Your holy gift.

May I live each day in anticipation of the day when I will personally behold Your glory filling the skies. Fill me with humble faith that I might live surrendered to You today and trust Your forever promises for the future.

[Jesus] said to them, “Why are you troubled? And why do doubts arise in your hearts?Behold My hands and My feet, that it is I Myself. Handle Me and see, for a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see I have.”
Luke 24:38–39 (NKJV)

And Father, when life is hard and doubts arise please help me pause and behold my risen Savior, Jesus. Help me remember all He has done for me. Help me remember His promises and follow His teachings and examples. Help me behold His sacrificial love that changes everything.

Because of Jesus’ death and resurrection … I am forgiven and free. I am redeemed. I am Your child. I am treasured. I am loved. And I have an eternal future filled with hope.

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.
2 Corinthians 5:17 (NKJV)

Father, Because of Jesus, You are making me a new creation. I have Your Spirit with and within me. Because of Jesus, I am blessed with “love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” (Galatians 5:22–23)

Because of Jesus … my past is behind me, my guilt is gone, and my future is secure. I am able to live each day confident that through Your all-sufficient grace I have everything I need to live with hope today, tomorrow, and forever. In Jesus’ name, I am Yours. Thank you! Amen.

Our hope, my hope rests on God’s promise of a perfect eternal future in His presence. So, I want to stop one last time today to BEHOLD His Revelation Promise!

“Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.”

Then He who sat on the throne said, “Behold, I make all things new.” And He said to me, “Write, for these words are true and faithful.”

And He said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End.
Revelation 21:3–6

I’m stopping to pray that the thought of beholding what we have received through God’s gift of Jesus, the Alpha and Omega, blesses you today and every day for the rest of your life.

God bless you as you stop and behold!

Thank you so much for joining me today.
And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.

It would bless me so much if you’d take a moment to subscribe to Counting My Blessings so you never miss an update!

Subscribe to Blog via Email

You can also…

Leave your prayer requests…

and stop to pray one or two of the requests listed.

Check out our new Facebook Page/Group – #WWGGG – What Would Give God Glory. We’d love for you to join the movement!

And always remember – I LOVE hearing from you! So, please take a minute to say ‘hi’ by leaving a comment.

If this article blessed or helped you today — would you share it with someone? Send it to a friend, family member, coworker, or share it through the links below…

I’m asking God to bless you today!

10 Things to Thank God for Every Day

11 / 28 / 1911 / 28 / 19

Thank God for who He is and for all He does. Thanksgiving may be over but for those who follow Jesus ... every day is a day to thank and praise God. #Thanksgiving #PraiseGod #BibleQuotes #ThankGod #WWGGG #Blessings

I’m keeping it simple today…

There has been a lot of talk over the past days about being thankful.

We’ve counted our blessings and listed the good things we enjoy. We’ve feasted with family and friends and now, the day after it seems like it’s time to move on to all-things Christmas.

But before we do, I want to take a few more minutes to stop and simply thank God for who He is and all He does for us heart, mind, soul, and strength…

10 Things to Thank God for Every Day

Thank God for being our Burden Bearer – He is faithful to help us carry every burden and will strengthen us to endure every challenge when we surrender our lives to Him.

Give your burdens to the Lord, and He will take care of you. He will not permit the godly to slip and fall.
Psalm 55:22

Thank God for being the Great “I AM” – His goodness is beyond measure. His power is beyond understanding. His grace is sufficient for every circumstance.

How kind the Lord is! How good He is! So merciful, this God of ours!
Psalm 116:5

Thank God for being Mighty and Powerful – Throughout time God has demonstrated His power and might and He is mighty and powerful enough to help you and me with whatever difficulty we face.

Sing a new song to the Lord, for He has done wonderful deeds. His right hand has won a mighty victory; His holy arm has shown His saving power!
Psalm 98:1

Thank God for being Righteous – He is the “One who is right!” Everything He does is perfect and holy.

Your righteousness, O God, reaches to the highest heavens. You have done such wonderful things. Who can compare with You, O God?
Psalm 71:19

Thank God for being Merciful and Kind – Everything He has done from creation through Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection and all He will continue to do from today and into eternity … comes from a heart of loving mercy.

The Lord is compassionate and merciful, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love.
Psalm 103:8

Thank God for being Sovereign King – Rulers and leaders will come and go but God reigns supreme over all creation … that was true yesterday, it is true today, and it will be true forever and always.

The Lord is king! He is robed in majesty. Indeed, the Lord is robed in majesty and armed with strength. The world stands firm and cannot be shaken.
Psalm 93:1

Thank God for being Present – He is always with you and me. He knows every need and hears every prayer.

Lord, even before I say a word, You already know it. You are all around me—in front and in back—and have put Your hand on me.
Psalm 139:4–5

Thank God for being your Provider – What an amazing blessing it is to know that He provides everything we need. Not everything we want but everything we need!

The Lord is my Shepherd; I have all that I need.
Psalm 23:1

Thank God for being your Forgiver – What an amazing blessing to know that no sin is too great … through God’s grace given through Jesus, we can be confident that when we go to Him in humble repentance, we are forgiven!

Though we are overwhelmed by our sins, You forgive them all.
Psalm 65:3

Thank God for being the perfect Promise Keeper – Every word of God has proven true. They always have and they always will. God faithfully keeps His promises — ALWAYS! What a blessing to know we can trust Him completely.

For your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom. You rule throughout all generations. The Lord always keeps His promises; He is gracious in all He does.
Psalm 145:13

A Thank You Prayer

Thank you, Lord!
  You have heard my cry for mercy.
O, Lord, my strength and shield.
    I trust You with all my heart.
Thank you for helping me,
and for filling my heart with joy and thanksgiving.
(Psalm 28:6–7)

Lord, thank you, You are so good and ready to forgive,
  thank you for Your unfailing love that covers me
when I come to You for help.
(Psalm 86:5)

Teach me Your ways, O Lord,
    that I may live according to Your truth!
Please help me and grant me purity of heart,
    that I may honor You.
And I will praise You with all my heart, O Lord my God.
    I will give glory to Your name forever!
(Psalm 86:11–12)

Amen.

Welcome to Our Last Faith ‘n Friends Link Party
here at Counting My Blessings
If you are a Christian blogger I’d love to have you join the
Blessing Bloggers Facebook Group
where we have a weekly thread for sharing blog posts
and social media help and encouragement.

Our goal in the Blessing Bloggers Group is to…
Share, Encourage, Connect, and Pray

We can’t wait to see you there!
Of course, I hope you’ll continue to visit me here.
By God’s grace, I will still be posting here every Monday and Friday!

And now…

This Week’s Friday Favorites
Highlight Posts of the Week!

How to Fight Holiday Overwhelm
with Christian Meditation

by Sarah Geringer
@ Finding Peace in God’s Word

Self-Care for the Holidays

by April
@ Healing in Heart

Faith ‘n Friends Link Party

I’m so glad you’re here!

And I’d love to connect with you on social media!

I'm finding #Friendship and #Inspiration at #Faith 'n Friends #LinkUp Come join the fun!

Deb Wolf
Facebook / Twitter / Pinterest

No More Rules Link Party

Add 1-2 of your favorite faith/life posts.
Then just make friends and have fun.
You know they love it when you stop by and say “hello.”

Thank you so much for partying with us!

I’d love it if you would invite your friends to join us.
I visit every linked post and share many of them on social media.

May your week be blessed with faith, love, and friendship!

Don’t forget to leave your prayer requests…

and pray over the list left by our friends.

And join our new Facebook Group –
#WWGGG – What Would Give God Glory.
Click on the link to learn more!

I always enjoy hearing from you! Please take a minute to say ‘hi’ and share your thoughts in the comments below.

Have you visited the Faith ‘n Friends Link Party Board on Pinterest? It’s a great place to catch up with past posts you may have missed here at the party and/or save them for a future read! If you’d like to become a contributor to my Pinterest Group Boards – email me at deb@debwolf.com with a link to your Pinterest home page.

And if this article blessed or helped you today — would you share it with someone? Maybe a friend, family member, coworker, or through the links below…

Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an update.

Subscribe to Blog via Email

Thank you and God bless!

Verses that will Inspire and Encourage You to Glorify God

11 / 14 / 1911 / 14 / 19

To remind myself how very much I need His Spirit's help to glorify God the way He wants, I gathered a list of verses and prayers to help. #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings #GiveGodGlory #GlorifyGod

What does it mean to glorify God?

Henry Blackaby wrote:

“Will God ever ask you to do something you are not able to do? The answer is yes–all the time! It must be that way, for God’s glory and kingdom. If we function according to our ability alone, we get the glory; if we function according to the power of the Spirit within us, God gets the glory. He wants to reveal Himself to a watching world.”

And every day, I can think of countless things I am unable to do on my own. Things the Bible says God asks of you and me … things I know would be impossible without Him also giving us the counsel, courage, and comfort of His Holy Spirit.

And just to remind myself how very much I need His Spirit’s help, I decided to make a list of things the Bible says I should do … things that will glorify God.

So, from A to Z here’s a list of…

Verses to Encourage and Inspire You to Glorify God

Abide in me as I abide in you. Just as the branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in me. John 15:4 (NRSV)

Father, please help me remain connected to You through Your Word, prayer, and the power of Your Spirit.

“Be still, and know that I am God!” Psalm 46:10 (NLT)

Lord, please help me sit at Your feet, know Your heart, and trust Your will.

“Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28 (NLT)

Lord, please help me bring every concern and problem to You in prayer … knowing You will give me everything I need.

Take delight in the Lord, and He will give you your heart’s desires. Psalm 37:4 (NLT)

May I delight in You, Lord … loving You with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength.

Live in harmony with each other. Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don’t think you know it all! Romans 12:16 (NLT)

Father, please give me all I need to love others in ways that glorify You.

My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them away from me. John 10:27–28 (NLT)

Lord, it can be hard to follow You when the road ahead appears challenging. Please help me trust You to go before and behind me to keep me safe. With Your Spirit’s help … I will follow wherever You lead.

Grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To Him be glory both now and forever. Amen. 2 Peter 3:18 (KJV)

Father, grace is a gift I don’t deserve and I definitely don’t deserve all that You have given me in and through Jesus. Please help me grow in wisdom and knowledge that I might grow closer to Him and live for Your glory.

Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. Ephesians 4:2 (NLT)

Lord, please keep me humble and kind … remembering that all I am and all I have is a gift from Your loving hand.

Joyful are people of integrity, who follow the instructions of the Lord. Psalm 119:1 (NLT)

Father, please help me trust and obey You always … even when I don’t believe anyone is watching.

I take joy in doing Your will, my God, for Your instructions are written on my heart.” Psalm 40:8 (NLT)

Lord, may trusting and obeying Your will be my joy and not an obligation or burden.

I know the Lord is always with me. I will not be shaken, for He is right beside me. Psalm 16:8 (NLT)

Father, may I rest in the knowledge of Your sweet presence today and every day.

You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength. Mark 12:30 (NLT)

More than anything, I want to love You with all that I am, Lord. Please help me by the power of Your Holy Spirit.

Show mercy, just as your Father shows mercy. Luke 6:36 (NLT)

Father, may I glorify You by extending the same mercy to others that You have so lovingly given to me.

You have begun to live the new life, in which you are being made new and are becoming like the One who made you. This new life brings you the true knowledge of God. Colossians 3:10 (NLT)

Father, thank you for the new life you have given me in Jesus. May it shine Your light and give You glory.

If you love me, you will obey my commands. I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper to be with you forever— the Spirit of truth. John 14:15–16 (NLT)

Oh, Lord, I want to obey You but I stumble and fall on my own. Thank you for the gift of Your Spirit. Please help me rely on His strength each day.

I will praise the Lord all my life; I will sing praises to my God as long as I live. Psalm 146:2 (NCV)

By Your grace and with Your help, I will praise You now and forever.

Let all that I am wait quietly before God, for my hope is in Him.
He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress where I will not be shaken. Psalm 62:5–6 (NLT)

Quiet is hard in this world, Father. It’s hard to slow down and wait in faith when the world is shouting at me. When I can’t, I will trust Your all-sufficient grace to give me strength and hope.

Each of you must repent of your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Acts 2:38 (NLT)

Father, I am so sorry. You have shown me countless times that Your way is better than mine. Please forgive me and give me all I need to trust You and obey.

Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need. Matthew 6:33 (NLT)

Lord, this will be my prayer every day the rest of my life … that You will help me SEEK You above all else.

Commit everything you do to the Lord. Trust Him, and He will help you. Psalm 37:5 (NLT)

When I SEEK You first, Lord … I can trust You to guide me and help me through Your grace, mercy, and love.

I am in them and You are in me. May they experience such perfect unity that the world will know that You sent me and that You love them as much as You love me. John 17:23 (NLT)

Father, please help me glorify You by doing all I can to honor Your prayer for unity among Your children. Forgive us and help us to love like Jesus.

But thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 15:57 (NLT)

Thank you for the victory we have in Jesus! Help me live in victory today … free of the past and confident of the future.

So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. Ephesians 5:15 (NLT)

Father, please give me the wisdom I need to live each day for You.

I will exalt you, my God and King, and praise Your name forever and ever. Psalm 145:1 (NLT)

Lord, You are the X … the Christ (Χριστός) and I will exalt You and lift Your name high forever.

But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace-loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and the fruit of good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere. James 3:17 (NLT)

May I be humble, Father … willing to yield my will to You and to others out of love.

“I am the A and the Z,” says the Lord God, the one who is, the One who was, and the One who is coming, the Almighty. Revelation 1:8 (MSG)

Lord Jesus, You are eternal … present before creation and You will reign forever and ever. May I live every day by Your grace and for Your glory. Amen.

A Heart Prepared to Glorify God

Whenever I’m inclined to be a little self-righteous and Pharisaical, all I have to do is pray through a list of verses I know God wants me to obey. I’m always humbled when His Spirit affirms the ways I know the Lord wants me to demonstrate my love and trust for Him and my love for others.

On my own, I will consistently fail because as Blackaby wrote, when we “function according to our ability alone, we get the glory” or maybe another way of saying it is … we take the glory.

But when you and I humbly surrender to the power of the Holy Spirit in our lives, we not only receive the counsel and courage we need to more consistently trust and obey God’s will but we are able to humbly admit our failures and share God’s grace, mercy, and love to a hurting world.

And that, my friends, is one of the best ways to Glorify God!

This Week’s Friday Favorites

Highlight Posts of the Week!

Because of Jesus,
My Home is Overflowing with Thankfulness

by Tiffiney Holmes
@ Welcome Home Ministry

One Simple Truth to Help Your Heart Feel Grateful

by Betsy de Cruz
@ Faith Spilling Over

AND the…

Faith ‘n Friends Link Party

<div align="center"><a href="https://countingmyblessings.com/" rel="nofollow" title="Counting My Blessings"><img src="https://countingmyblessings.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Link-Party-Button-Pic.jpg" alt="Counting My Blessings" style="border: none; height: auto; width: 200px;" /></a></div>

I’m so glad you’re here!

This is a place to share faith, make friends, and have fun.

I’d love to connect with you on social media!

I'm finding #Friendship and #Inspiration at #Faith 'n Friends #LinkUp Come join the fun!

Deb Wolf
Facebook / Twitter / Pinterest

No More Rules Link Party

Add 1-2 of your favorite faith/life posts.
Then just make friends and have fun.
You know they love it when you stop by and say “hello.”

I would really appreciate it if you would
Grab my Link Party Button above and link back to CMB.

Thank you so much for partying with us!

I’d love it if you would invite your friends to join us.
I visit every linked post and share many of them on social media.

May your week be blessed with faith, love, and friendship!

Don’t forget to leave your prayer requests…

and pray over the list left by our friends.

And I’d love for you to join our new Facebook Group – #WWGGG – What Would Give God Glory. Click on the link to learn more!

I always enjoy hearing from you! Please take a minute to say ‘hi’ and share your thoughts in the comments below.

And if this article blessed or helped you today — would you share it with someone? Maybe a friend, family member, coworker, or through the links below…

Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an update.

Subscribe to Blog via Email

Thank you and God bless!

5 Prayers for the Holidays (Soon to be Upon Us)

11 / 7 / 1911 / 7 / 19

The holidays are full of both excitement and anxiety. I love these prayers for the holidays. They are the hope & attitude adjustment I need. #Prayer #Hope #Holidays #Hospitality #WWGGG

It’s November! What?!

We’re less than three weeks away from Thanksgiving and it always seems like Christmas follows in a blink after that. And for most of us, we can’t help but think about what that means for us and for the other people with whom we’ll interact over the holidays.

Because there are always emotions attached to the way we look at the holidays. Emotions attached to past memories and emotions connected to our current relationships.

Praise God, He understands our emotions, loves us, and invites us to bring all of those amped up feelings to Him in prayer so He can help us.

I’m so excited that my friend Sue Donaldson, of Welcome Heart, is sharing wisdom concerning many of the ways our thoughts, attitudes, and emotions can affect us over the weeks ahead. And I love that she’s doing it by taking it all to the Lord in prayer.

So, please make her feel welcome and don’t forget to say “hello” and bless her with a comment.

5 Prayers for the Holidays
(Soon to be Upon Us)

How we feel about the holidays-soon-approach may have everything to do with how we were raised, whose turn it is to host, or how badly the turkey turned out in 2008 which is now the stuff of family legend, no (stuffing) pun intended.

Here are 5 Scriptures and prayers for the holidays to ready our minds and hearts for seasonal festivities. May this be the best year yet all because God invites us to know Him deeper and follow Him better.

PRAYER FOR EXPECTATIONS

Expectations are great in their place but their place may only be in my imagination. I get into trouble when I expect someone to read my mind and do and say exactly as I was thinking they would do or say.

My favorite Scripture that helps me balance my best-laid plans and the reality of the moment…

“My soul, wait silently for God alone, For my expectation is from Him.”
Psalm 62:5 (NKJV)

Father, I give you all my hopes and dreams for the holidays. Please grant the ones that glorify you most and which grow me best into Your likeness. May I allow You to be in control. And when things don’t turn out exactly as I thought they might, may I let it go and rest in You. Thank You and Amen.

PRAYER FOR COMMUNICATION

Whether or not your family is a talkie-bunch, how we communicate can make or break a holiday event. I was anxious about how I might talk with an almost-relative who I knew I would be seeing soon. A friend counseled me: “Brag on her son when you see her.” That was great advice and smoothed over any awkwardness. You don’t need to make things up to be nice, but you can always be kind with your words.

Paul wrote…

“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”
Ephesians 4:29 (NIV)

Lord God, I want to use my words for blessing (not cursing!) this holiday season. I will see some people I don’t know well nor see very often, and only You know what’s going on in their lives. May I look for ways to say kind things and believe the best about another even if they say something offensive to me. Help me respond rather than react, and if I know I’m getting impatient, may I give myself a time-out until I spend time communicating with You. Thank You and Amen.

PRAYER FOR PEACE

God’s presence brings peace so I wonder, “Why don’t I always feel peaceful?” It’s a matter of the mind. Preparations for the holidays can fill my mind so much so I leave God on the perimeter and start wringing my hands in worry instead of folded in prayer to the One Who can actually do something about my anxieties. Jesus understood our proclivities to stew in the details of how much stew to make for how many guests as He recalls His Father’s loving care…

“So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs.Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.”
Matthew 6:31–33 (NLT)

Father God, I’m so glad you are in the details. Remind me every day that You’ve got it all under control even if I don’t have it on the list or, God forbid, I lose those precious lists. Thank you that You know what I need and what my guests and family needs. Teach me how to seek Your kingdom above all else. As I set each table may I set my mind on things above. Thank You and Amen.

PRAYER FOR FORBEARANCE

I love that old-fashioned word. Think: patience. My sister heard this great definition: “Forbearance is putting up with more than you are due (or that you THINK you are due!)” The funny thing about forbearance is that we want everyone else to “forbear” with us but forget to forbear with everyone else, depending on how much coffee we’ve had or how little sleep we’ve managed. It can be tricky to rub shoulders and hips in close proximity in a kitchen meant for one and now there are five, and you just wish everyone would go away for thirty minutes so you could get yourself together. Instead, we are called to forbear…

“Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”
Colossians 3:13 (NIV)

Dear Father, I have no excuse for not exercising patience with others. After all, You are amazingly patient with me. Grant me the grace to forgive, the cognizance to hold my tongue, and the humility to keep my huffiness at bay. May I love lavishly and find You at every turn of the shopping aisle and what space is left at the kitchen island. Thank You and Amen.

PRAYER FOR CELEBRATING

Holidays are for celebrating! I love a great tradition that brings joy and sweetness to friends and family. However, my love for Christ and my purpose to make all my life all about Him gets lost in the trappings of tradition and wrappings of “we-must-do-it-this-way-again-because-that-is-what-we’ve-always-done.” I’m fairly certain flexibility–not cleanliness–is next to godliness.

When I remember Who I treasure and surrender each event to God–no matter how small, commit each task to His favor–no matter how simple, I can celebrate with abandon: my family and friends, the music, food, decor, the dark nights and special lights, the fire in the fireplace or a simple candle.

I want my heart’s cry to be like the Psalmist’s…

“Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”
Psalm 73:25–26 (ESV)

Oh, God, I love You so! I celebrate You and what You purpose through my life. May I not be trapped by my traditions. I offer them all to You. Show me how to celebrate You best and foremost. May your love and sacrifice sink deep into my bones so that when people come into my home they know that they have been with Jesus. Now that’s something to celebrate! Thank You and Amen.

Sue Donaldson and her husband, Mark, live in San Luis Obispo, California. Sue taught high school English, part of the time in Brazil with Wycliffe Bible Translators. She and her husband, Mark, have raised 3 semi-adult daughters who keep them at the bank and on their knees. Sue loves connecting people to one another, to God, and to His Word, and has been speaking for the last 20 years or so with long pauses for babies, diapers and soccer pasta parties. She blogs at Welcome Heart.com – Ordinary Hospitality, Extraordinary God.

Sue’s books include:

Come to My Table: God’s Hospitality and Yours
Hospitality, 101: Lessons from the Ultimate Host, a 12-Week Bible Study
Table Mentoring: A Simple Guide to Coming Alongside

This Week’s Friday Favorites

Highlight Posts of the Week!

Answer Me When I Call
Psalm 4

by April Schwarz
@ Fishy Mom

How to Experience Peace While You Wait

by Debbie Wilson
@ Refreshing Faith

AND the…

Faith ‘n Friends Link Party

<div align="center"><a href="https://countingmyblessings.com/" rel="nofollow" title="Counting My Blessings"><img src="https://countingmyblessings.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Link-Party-Button-Pic.jpg" alt="Counting My Blessings" style="border: none; height: auto; width: 200px;" /></a></div>

I’m so glad you’re here!

This is a place to share faith, make friends, and have fun.

I’d love to connect with you on social media!

I'm finding #Friendship and #Inspiration at #Faith 'n Friends #LinkUp Come join the fun!

Deb Wolf
Facebook / Twitter / Pinterest

No More Rules Link Party

Add 1-2 of your favorite faith/life posts.
Then just make friends and have fun.
You know they love it when you stop by and say “hello.”

I would really appreciate it if you would
Grab my Link Party Button above and link back to CMB.

Thank you so much for partying with us!

I’d love it if you would invite your friends to join us.
I visit every linked post and share many of them on social media.

May your week be blessed with faith, love, and friendship!

Don’t forget to leave your prayer requests…

and pray over the list left by our friends.

And I’d love for you to join our new Facebook Group – #WWGGG – What Would Give God Glory. Click on the link to learn more!

I always enjoy hearing from you! Please take a minute to say ‘hi’ and share your thoughts in the comments below.

And if this article blessed or helped you today — would you share it with someone? Maybe a friend, family member, coworker, or through the links below…

And don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an update.

Subscribe to Blog via Email

Thank you and God bless!

Simple Prayers that will Help You Praise God in the Storm

10 / 10 / 1910 / 10 / 19

It's hard to praise God in the storm when I just want Him to stop the chaos. So, I've written prayers so I'm ready to praise Him even when life is hard. #Prayer #Faith #PraiseGod #Blessings #Hope

I can sing my heart out along with Casting Crowns anytime I hear – Praise You in this Storm.

And I’ll praise You in this storm
And I will lift my hands
That You are who You are
No matter where I am
And every tear I’ve cried
You hold in Your hand
You never left my side
And though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm

Or with Mercy Me when I hear – Bring the Rain.

So I pray…

Bring me joy, bring me peace
Bring the chance to be free
Bring me anything that brings You glory
And I know there’ll be days
When this life brings me pain
But if that’s what it takes to praise You
Jesus, bring the rain

I’ll admit, I’ve often had tears streaming down my face as I sing along because the truth is … sometimes it’s hard to praise and worship in the middle of the mess.

And it’s even harder to surrender the mess when I just want God to take it away. My heart wants to accept whatever it takes to bring Him glory but my stubborn humanness just wants it to go away.

When life is hard, my prayers include way more pleas than praise.

It hit me this week, that in those moments it would be so helpful if I had prayers of praise and worship ready to lift up when my heart hurts and soul aches … when I want to praise God in the storm.

And I thought you might find those prayers helpful too.

So, I’d love for you to join me as I pray…

Simple Prayers that Praise God in the Storm

“You are worthy, O Lord our God, to receive glory and honor and power. For You created all things, and they exist because You created what You pleased.”
Revelation 4:11

Father, when I look at the beauty of Your creation, I’m overwhelmed. You spoke and earth, sea, and sky came to be. Sun, moon, and stars filled the sky in perfect formation. Plants and animals filled the earth showing us Your creativity. Colors and forms beyond anything we could imagine came into being at Your command.

Then You created me and You even created people for me to love. Then when we made a mess of what You made … You gave us Your healing mercy and grace.

Thank you, Lord. I will lift Your name all the days of my life. You alone are worthy of my worship and praise for Yours is the kingdom, the power, and the glory forever.

Let all that I am praise the Lord; with my whole heart, I will praise His holy name. Let all that I am praise the Lord; may I never forget the good things He does for me.
Psalm 103:1–2

Father, life is hard and I’ve prayed and prayed. When I concentrate my attention and energy on my problems, I’m frustrated and discouraged. But when I remember all You have done for me in the past and cling to Your promises to provide for me now and in the future … I can face today with hope and peace.

Thank you, Lord. Life is hard but You are able! When I face the impossible I can trust You to give me everything I need. So, I will praise You. I will tell others of Your goodness and grace and I will live today for Your glory.

O Lord, You are my God. I will praise You. I will give thanks to Your name. For You have been faithful to do great things, plans that You made long ago.
Isaiah 25:1

Father, when I think of Your faithfulness, I am overwhelmed with gratitude and praise. Just a few verses later, Isaiah wrote — “You are a refuge from the storm and a shelter from the heat.”

You invite me to run to You in the middle of the storm and You promise to be my place of safety. Lord, I know You may not choose to change my circumstances but I believe You are forever faithful to give me everything I need to endure through. My days do not come as a surprise to You and with Your Spirit’s help, I can live each one for Your glory.

I prayed to the Lord, and He answered me. He freed me from all my fears. Those who look to Him for help will be radiant with joy; no shadow of shame will darken their faces.
Psalm 34:4–5

Father, this verse is so personal to me. You allowed me to live through one of my greatest fears and taught me that You are truly greater than my worst concern. You have and continue to forgive me … replacing my pain with the joy of Your presence.

David wrote, “Taste and see that the Lord is good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in Him!” And all I can say is, “Amen!”

In the beginning the Word already existed.
The Word was with God,
and the Word was God.
He existed in the beginning with God.
So the Word became human and made His home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen His glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son.
John 1:1–2,14

Father, I just want to thank and praise You for Jesus! The Word – who was with You at creation and promised by the prophets. The Word – who became fully human and lived a perfect life … full of inexhaustible love and truth.

And Your Word says, that because of Jesus, I can truly know You. Jesus Himself said, “No one truly knows the Son except the Father, and no one truly knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal Him.” So today, I simply want to thank and praise You for allowing me to know and love You through Jesus by the power of the Holy Spirit.

I surrender my all to You. In the storm or when skies are clear, I will trust Your love, worship and praise Your holy name, and live each moment for Your glory. Help me by Your grace and the power of Your Spirit. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

One of the things I love about the Bible is reading the accounts of people of faith who were able to praise God in the storm.

I’m also thankful for the accounts of people like me, who at times cried out in fear before they felt God’s peace and strength … before their pleas became praise.

So, I will keep these prayers close at hand, always ready to praise God who is with me even in the worst of storms.

When life is hard and I want to praise God in the storm!

This Week’s Friday Favorites

Highlight Posts of the Week!

How the Holy Spirit Inspires Christians to Serve Him

by Valerie Murray
@ Cord of 6

7 Practical Ideas for Engaging the Scripture When Days are Busy

by and @ Deborah Haddix

AND the…

Faith ‘n Friends Link Party

<div align="center"><a href="https://countingmyblessings.com/" rel="nofollow" title="Counting My Blessings"><img src="https://countingmyblessings.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Link-Party-Button-Pic.jpg" alt="Counting My Blessings" style="border: none; height: auto; width: 200px;" /></a></div>

I’m so glad you’re here!

This is a place to share faith, make friends, and have fun.

I’d love to connect with you on social media!

I'm finding #Friendship and #Inspiration at #Faith 'n Friends #LinkUp Come join the fun!

Deb Wolf
Facebook / Twitter / Pinterest

No More Rules Link Party

Add 1-2 of your favorite faith/life posts.
Then just make friends and have fun.
You know they love it when you stop by and say “hello.”

I would really appreciate it if you would
Grab my Link Party Button above and link back to CMB.

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May your week be blessed with faith, love, and friendship!

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and pray over the list left by our friends.

I always enjoy hearing from you! Please take a minute to say ‘hi’ and share your thoughts in the comments below.

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5 Verses to Pray that will Help When You are All Used Up

9 / 26 / 199 / 26 / 19

When you are all used up, depleted, and exhausted by life...you need help. Jesus says, "Come to me and rest." These verses and prayers go to Jesus for help. #Prayer #Exhausted #Hope #Blessings

Do you ever feel used up and depleted emotionally?

Times when you get to the end of the day and you are all used up and the thought of getting up and doing it all again tomorrow feels like more than you can take?

I have friends who are dealing with…

physical and/or mental illness
emotional trauma
major life changes
rebellious children
grief
loneliness
stress
problems that seem to never go away

And so many who are simply exhausted because their to-do list is waaay longer than the amount of time they have available.

If any of that describes you … you’ve come to the right place today.

I’m taking my “all used up” feelings to the Lord. I’m taking my circumstances and emotions and laying them at the throne of grace. Then I’m going get away with Jesus to a quiet place and rest with Him.

And I’d love for you to join me…

5 Verses to Pray that will Help When You are All Used Up

Let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive His mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.
Hebrews 4:16

Father, thank you for inviting me to come to You with everything. What an amazing gift to know that I can enter Your throne room because Jesus has made it possible. The words before this verse bring peace to my weary soul … [He] “understands our weaknesses, for He faced all of the same testings we do, yet He did not sin.”

Jesus lived the perfect life I am unable to live and endured the punishment I deserve so I can come to You and receive. All because of Jesus, I receive Your mercy, grace, and help.

Thank you! I need You today. I need Your mercy to cover the things I’ve done and the things others have done to bring to this place of feeling all used up. I need Your grace to fill me with hope and remind me that this is a season to walk through not a permanent situation. And I need Your help Lord as I work to put one foot in front of the other and live today. Please give me all I need to live this day for Your glory.

The apostles returned to Jesus from their ministry tour and told Him all they had done and taught. Then Jesus said, “Let’s go off by ourselves to a quiet place and rest awhile.”
Mark 6:30–31

Father, I love this moment in Your Word. The apostles had to be so full of emotion. They had experienced the highs and lows of ministry … the overwhelming blessings and exhausting challenges.

And Jesus in all wisdom says, “Come off by yourselves. Let’s take a break and get a little rest.”

I need time to get away with You and rest. Please help me see where I can make choices that will give me that time I need. Please give me wisdom to know when it’s okay to say “no” to life’s demands. And please fill my heart and mind with peace, strength, and encouragement as I sit quietly and Your feet and rest in Your presence. Thank you, Lord Jesus!

Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.
Matthew 11:28

Jesus, I am weary and at moments this burden feels like it is more than I can endure. And You say, “Come to me.” Your promise to “give me rest.” And you do that by helping me carry this burden. You promise that when I walk with You my burdens are easier to bear.

You don’t promise to remove them … You promise to help me carry them. And when I remember the times you have helped me in the past, I am strengthened and encouraged. You have never left me alone in the past. You have always been with me, even in my darkest moments.

So, I’m coming to you again today. I need You to help me carry this weight and give me the rest I need to move ahead in faith.

Let all that I am wait quietly before God,
for my hope is in Him.
He alone is my rock and my salvation,
my fortress where I will not be shaken.
Psalm 62:5–6

Father, please forgive me. I can get so busy and overwhelmed by my circumstances and feelings that I forget to wait quietly before You. I stubbornly try to do things my own way, charging through life as my thoughts dart from one problem to another and my hope begins to fade.

But Lord, my hope is not in things of the world. My hope is in You. My hope comes from You. It is a gift You give to me through Your Spirit. The One who reminds me that You alone are my Rock and my Salvation! You alone are my firm foundation … the Savior on whom my hope is built. And by Your grace, I will not be shaken by the circumstances of my life. As I live through this season You are allowing, I will remember that I am not alone. The One who holds the stars … holds me.

Give all your worries and cares to God, for He cares about you.
1 Peter 5:7

Father, I give it all to You! My worries and cares. My burdens. My overwhelmed emotions and my “all used up” exhaustion. My pain and heartache. My fear and anxiety. Everything! I bring it to You. I will live today under Your care.

I will live with hope! I will stand on faith! I will trust Your love. In Jesus precious holy name. Amen.

Friend, I’ve realized that when I feel all used up … it’s usually because I’m trying to do it “all” on my own.

It’s when I’m worried about people and things and situations over which I have no control.

The blessing is we know the One who is in control. When I surrender the things over which I have no control to Him in prayer, and trust Him to do what only He can do … He fills me with everything I need.

And I believe by His grace, He will give you everything you need as well!

And if you need some specific tips of things you can do to turn things around when you’re exhausted, check out – This is for You – the One Exhausted by Life.

This Week’s Friday Favorites

Highlight Posts of the Week!

5 Ways to Find Quiet in a Noisy World

by and @ Rebecca Hastings

How to Trust God When You Feel Betrayed by Him

by and @ April Knapp

AND the…

Faith ‘n Friends Link Party

<div align="center"><a href="https://countingmyblessings.com/" rel="nofollow" title="Counting My Blessings"><img src="https://countingmyblessings.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Link-Party-Button-Pic.jpg" alt="Counting My Blessings" style="border: none; height: auto; width: 200px;" /></a></div>

I’m so glad you’re here!

This is a place to share faith, make friends, and have fun.

I’d love to connect with you on social media!

I'm finding #Friendship and #Inspiration at #Faith 'n Friends #LinkUp Come join the fun!

Deb Wolf
Facebook / Twitter / Pinterest

No More Rules Link Party

Add 1-2 of your favorite faith/life posts.
Then just make friends and have fun.
You know they love it when you stop by and say “hello.”

I would really appreciate it if you would
Grab my Link Party Button above and link back to CMB.

Thank you so much for partying with us!
May your week be blessed with faith, love, and friendship!

Don’t forget to leave your prayer requests…

and pray over the list left by our friends.

I always enjoy hearing from you! Please take a minute to say ‘hi’ and share your thoughts in the comments below.

And if this article blessed or helped you today — would you share it with someone? Maybe a friend, family member, coworker, or through the links below…

And don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an update.

Subscribe to Blog via Email

Thank you and God bless!

5 Prayers that will Help When You Want to Focus on Jesus

9 / 12 / 199 / 12 / 19

It's hard to focus on Jesus when circumstances are hard and life is crazy but the Bible says it's the way to have peace, strength, and the change you want. #Faith #Prayer #Jesus #Blessings

I don’t know about you, but one of the hardest parts of walking in faith for me is keeping my focus on Jesus.

It’s easy for me to get tossed around by my circumstances and my thoughts about those circumstances. Like the disciples, I can get so frightened by the storms that I fail to remember I have the One who calms the storm with me.

I can hear Jesus say…

“Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?”
Mark 4:40

And I realize it’s because even though the Lord has revealed His power countless times (His power to calm storms and/or to strengthen and calm me), I can still let life’s concerns distract and unsettle me.

I take my focus off Jesus and deny myself the blessings He wants me to have … blessings He wants to give me.

Today, I’m going to the Bible and praying God’s Word, asking for help to focus on Jesus and receive the strength and peace I need when the storms blow in and rock my boat.

I’d love for you to pray with me…

5 Prayers that will Help When You Want to Focus on Jesus

“Be still, and know that I am God!
I will be honored by every nation.
I will be honored throughout the world.”
Psalm 46:10

Father, when the enemy uses the noise of this world, the lure of negativity and controversy on social media, and circumstances in my life to distract, discourage, and distress me … please help me. Please forgive me for the times I’ve joined in on the noise and negativity. Forgive me for the times I’ve agonized over the way things might be without trusting You to give me everything I need to live today with the way things are.

Please help me to “be still and know” You. Help me remember the many times You have met my need in the past. The times You have calmed the storm and delivered me. And the times You have allowed the storm to continue but given me strength and peace. You are Lord of all – worthy of all my worship and praise. Thank you!

Let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith.
Hebrews 12:1b–2a

Father, Forgive my stumbles and weaknesses. Forgive me for the times I’ve gotten off track because of fear, worry, and doubt. You have plans and purposes prepared for me as I run my race. Please help me. Give me the endurance I need to keep moving along the path. Help me keep my focus on Jesus, the One in whom my faith is found.

Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.
Philippians 4:8

Father, Please help me focus my heart and mind on You and on Your truth as You have revealed it through Your Word. You tell us what is true, honorable, pure, lovely, and admirable. Please forgive me for the times I have listened to and entertained distortions of Your Word. By the power of Your Spirit, please help me.

Father, I love You! By Your grace, help me SEEK You first. love You with all I am, and focus my heart and mind on that You have made excellent and praiseworthy!

My child, pay attention to what I say.
    Listen carefully to my words.
Don’t lose sight of them.
    Let them penetrate deep into your heart,
for they bring life to those who find them,
    and healing to their whole body.
Guard your heart above all else,
    for it determines the course of your life.
Proverbs 4:20–21

Father, may I make time with You a priority in my life. May I sit at Your feet through the study of Your Word and may I prayerfully talk with You throughout each day. Lord, may Your truth be so imprinted on my heart and mind that I rely on them when the enemy tempts me and the world unsettles me.

Father, there are so many things I could do better that would guard my heart. I could carefully limit my time on social media and show more discernment in the things I choose for entertainment. Please help me make wise choices on the teachings I absorb, the books I read, and the things I hear and observe. By the power of Your Spirit, help me make decisions that are pleasing to You.

Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.
Romans 12:2

Father, I give my life to You. I surrender my heart and mind and ask You to transform me into the person You want me to be. Mold me. Change me. Focus my heart on mind on You that I might know and follow Your will for me. Your Word says that when I seek You first … You will give me everything I need. What an awesome and amazing blessing! Thank you! Help me, in the name of Jesus, trust and obey Your good, pleasing, and perfect will for my good and Your glory. Amen.

Sometimes I wish God’s transformation was more like flippin’ a switch than remodeling a house. The process of knocking down walls, tossing the junk, replacing and rebuilding with new … is slow and tedious.

It takes patience.

Once again, I’m thanking God for His patience and persistence with me as He works to change me. I’m praising Him for the gift of His Spirit who helps me focus on Jesus and receive peace and strength when I’m impatient and discouraged.

God’s grace is sufficient. It is well with my soul.

This Week’s Friday Favorites

Highlight Posts of the Week!

How to Rise Above Sinking
Circumstances as a Christian

by Diana Abe
@ Diana’s Diaries

Good News and God News About Love

by Karen Friday
@ Karen “Girl” Friday

AND the…

Faith ‘n Friends Link Party

<div align="center"><a href="https://countingmyblessings.com/" rel="nofollow" title="Counting My Blessings"><img src="https://countingmyblessings.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Link-Party-Button-Pic.jpg" alt="Counting My Blessings" style="border: none; height: auto; width: 200px;" /></a></div>

I’m so glad you’re here!

This is a place to share faith, make friends, and have fun.

I’d love to connect with you on social media!

I'm finding #Friendship and #Inspiration at #Faith 'n Friends #LinkUp Come join the fun!

Deb Wolf
Facebook / Twitter / Pinterest

No More Rules Link Party

Add 1-2 of your favorite faith/life posts.
Then just make friends and have fun.
You know they love it when you stop by and say “hello.”

I would really appreciate it if you would
Grab my Link Party Button above and link back to CMB.

Thank you so much for partying with us!
May your week be blessed with faith, love, and friendship!

Don’t forget to leave your prayer requests…

and pray over the list left by our friends.

I always enjoy hearing from you! Please take a minute to say ‘hi’ and share your thoughts in the comments below.

And if this article blessed or helped you today — would you share it with someone? Maybe a friend, family member, coworker, or through the links below…

And don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an update.

Subscribe to Blog via Email

Thank you and God bless!

Verses that will Help You to Pray Every Day

8 / 29 / 198 / 30 / 19

The Bible tells us to never stop praying and pray about everything. These prompts, verses, and prayers that will help you want to pray every day. #Prayer #Bible #Faith #Blessings

I love praying Scripture.

Each morning, I sit with my Bible and journal … writing the verses the Lord uses to speak to my heart. Then I write the prayers those verses inspire.

At the bottom of each journal page, I have a section where I list the prayer needs of friends and family as I stop to lift them up before the Lord.

The greatest struggle I have when I stop to pray every day is knowing what to pray for myself. Oh sure, I shoot quick bullet prayers to the Lord throughout the day but actually stopping to pray over my life is hard for me.

I faithfully and easily ask God to help me seek Him first and love Him with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength.

But to pray every day for everything … for the “stuff,” the needs and anxious thoughts that distract me and the things I dream, those are often hard for me to put into words.

And I wonder if you might understand the struggle.

So, I’ve looked for verses to encourage us to pray without ceasing about everything. (1 Thessalonians 5:17 and Philippians 4:6) And I’m writing prayers I believe will help when it’s hard to find the words.

I’m so glad you’re here to join me…

Verses that will Help You to Pray Every Day

♥ Give Thanks

When my needs overwhelm me, I want to remember to begin my prayers by being thankful!

Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart.
Colossians 4:2

Father, You are loving, faithful, and good. Your mercy and grace touch every part of my life. Thank you for Jesus, for being with me, for forgiving me, and caring for me. Thank you for blessing my life today with __________.

♥ Grow in Faith

My greatest prayer this year is to be a SEEKER through His Word and prayer. What a blessing to know that He wants to give us all we need to trust and follow His will each day.

Let your roots grow down into Him, and let your lives be built on Him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.
Colossians 2:7

Father, help me know and love You with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength. Teach me Your promises and work in my heart and mind to surrender my all to You, faithfully trusting Your perfect will. Today, I’m struggling in this area of my faith, ___________. Please pour out Your Spirit and help me.

♥ Increase in Wisdom

The world wants to give us a distorted version of wisdom. I want and need godly wisdom to guide me and I love that the Lord invites us to ask and promises to give us the wisdom we need.

Joyful is the person who finds wisdom, the one who gains understanding.
Proverbs 3:13

Father, please give me the wisdom I need to make godly decisions each day. When I rely on my own wisdom or the world’s confusing messages … life is harder and I struggle to find joy. But You promise to give wisdom to those who ask … please help me, guide me, and give me all I need to trust and obey.

♥ Things that Worry You

Sometimes it feels like the world is changing at lightning speed and the number of things to worry about is increasing exponentially. I love that I can be honest and take every worry to God in prayer.

Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done.
Philippians 4:6

Father, life is busy and changes seem to be happening around me constantly. Today, I’m worried about __________. Your word tells me not to worry but some days my circumstances seem overwhelming. Thank you for all the ways You have helped us in the past and please give me everything I need to trust You today.

♥ For Courage and Strength

I am neither courageous nor am I strong. I love that I can come to God and ask Him to help me face each day with courage and strength.

Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.
Isaiah 40:10

Father, I’m really struggling with __________ today. What-ifs frighten me. It’s hard for me to do what I have to do. You tell me not to be afraid because You are with me … that You will hold me up and give me the courage and strength. I need You. Please help me.

♥ For Your Daily Needs

I love that we can come to God with everything and anything. Big or small, basic or out of the ordinary … God wants to come to Him with child-like faith in prayer about everything.

“And don’t be concerned about what to eat and what to drink. Don’t worry about such things … Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and he will give you everything you need.”
Luke 12:29,31

Father, Please help me trust you with all my needs. Help me discern the difference between my needs and my wants. Help me seek You over everything else in my life and trust that You know what is best for me. Today I need Your help with __________. Please give me the wisdom and help I need to do to accomplish all You want for me today.

♥ For Your Hopes and Dreams

I love that God plants seeds of hope and gives us dreams to serve Him and use the gifts and talents He’s given us. And I love that He wants us to talk about our those hopes and dreams with Him.

Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.
Ephesians 3:20

Father, I’m excited and nervous about __________. You have shown me possibilities and I’m not sure the best ways to pursue them. Please guide me by Your mercy and grace. Show me the best path for the future. Open doors that are good for me and shut tight those that are not.

Father, thank you for inviting me to come to You in prayer. Thank you for Jesus … whose sacrifice makes it possible for me to enter the throne room with my gratitude, worries, needs, hopes, and dreams. Please forgive me for the ways I have fallen short of Your will for me. Guide me. Help me. Make me more like Jesus. By Your grace and for Your glory. Amen.

May your days be blessed with the Lord’s presence as you turn to Him and pray every day.

This Week’s Friday Favorites

Highlight Posts of the Week!

To Be Seen Known and Loved

by Stephanie
@ InstaEncouragements

Spiritual Renewal is Possible

by Jana Carlson
@ Wield the Word

AND the…

Faith ‘n Friends Link Party

<div align="center"><a href="https://countingmyblessings.com/" rel="nofollow" title="Counting My Blessings"><img src="https://countingmyblessings.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Link-Party-Button-Pic.jpg" alt="Counting My Blessings" style="border: none; height: auto; width: 200px;" /></a></div>

I’m so glad you’re here!

This is a place to share faith, make friends, and have fun.

I’d love to connect with you on social media!

I'm finding #Friendship and #Inspiration at #Faith 'n Friends #LinkUp Come join the fun!

Deb Wolf
Facebook / Twitter / Pinterest

No More Rules Link Party

Add 1-2 of your favorite faith/life posts.
Then just make friends and have fun.
You know they love it when you stop by and say “hello.”

I would really appreciate it if you would
Grab my Link Party Button above and link back to CMB.

Thank you so much for partying with us!
May your week be blessed with faith, love, and friendship!

Don’t forget to leave your prayer requests…

and pray over the list left by our friends.

I always enjoy hearing from you! Please take a minute to say ‘hi’ and share your thoughts in the comments below.

And if this article blessed or helped you today — would you share it with someone? Maybe a friend, family member, coworker, or through the links below…

And don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an update.