“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you” (Philippians 4:8-9).

Although we may be in what many, if not most, would consider challenging times, I think now more than ever we would benefit from pausing, taking a step back and letting our hearts and minds be reminded of some very important things.

Like all situations, we have an opportunity to choose how we will respond in any given situation. We have been given decision-making abilities and the opportunity to choose how we will conduct ourselves and what we will choose to believe and hold onto to get us through.

Like with anything of importance, we do best when we have the proper outlook and tools at our disposal. So, I’m asking you in these challenging times to rise to the challenge, grab your paper and a pen, and be prepared to exercise your mind and heart as we dig deep and remember.

First Challenge:

1. Make a list of all the blessings you have today.

Think of everything you have that is a blessing in your life and write it down. And, as you write, never forget that all good things come from God. Without Him, we would have nothing. He is our source for everything, and we’re only blessed because of what He’s done on our behalf.

This is your “Thankful List.”

Second Challenge:

2. Make a list of all the ways God has seen you through in your life.

Think of all God’s done for you and all the prayers in the past that you’ve seen answered.

This is your “Answered Prayer List.”

Third Challenge:

3. Your final challenge is to make a list of all the wonderful things that are waiting for you when you are eternally home in Heaven with the Savior forever!

God’s Word shares so many wonderful promises and paints a picture so beautiful that our minds can’t comprehend all that truly awaits us.

This is your “Bright Future List.”

Once you’ve made your lists, look them over and be encouraged! Keep them someplace where you can look at them often. Let these lists be reminders that God has never left you or forsaken you. He has been and will forever be faithful to you.

Remember, no matter what you go through, God wants you to be positive. He wants you to be at peace and to place your total trust in Him. He holds you in His hands and has never let you go. He wants you to be joyful, thankful, and trusting. He wants to refine you so that you will be more like Him. He desires that you have rest and refreshment. And, He continually wants you to remember His promises, His answered prayer in your life, and all He’s done for you.

I hope you’ll take the challenge and make your three lists!

Before concluding, I wanted to share something written several months ago. I hope it brings encouragement and lifts your heart today.

Praying you all are well and safe and that God will bring peace to all our hearts so we can continue shining for Him through all our circumstances.

My Anchor :: By Holly Spate

Heavenly Father,

You are the anchor of my soul
You hold my days, each planned and known
The breath of life You wash me new
When storms start raging, I’ll cling to You.

When the winds in life get ever stronger
And the waves roar louder still
I’ll remember all Your promises
And hold tightly to Your will.

When I can’t see past the darkness
I’ll let You be my eyes and hold me tight
Resting safely in Your presence
Through the darkest of the night.

And if confusion starts to settle
Or my faith begins to fade
I commit to cling ever closer
Holding tight the anchor that saves.

I’ll claim Your precious promises
Taking rest in Your perfect peace
For Your love it never falters
But forever rescues me.

You are my safe harbor
My friend on stormy seas
The One I trust and cling to
My life, my everything.

My Savior, God Almighty
Redeemer, King of Kings
My forever constant
The One who anchors me.

spate.holly@gmail.com

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (John 14:27).

“Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:29-30).

Jesus spoke these beautiful words. He gave each of us these precious promises. But, are these words of truth words that we truly live out in our daily lives? Do we truly take them to heart? Do we truly put feet to them and walk them out in our own lives? Are we living examples of these truths to those around us?

I’ll admit, I struggle with simply “letting go and letting God.” My heart can be torn in so many directions. My mind can race with worry about the future. I can easily forget to walk in faith because of what I see in the news. I know the truth, but I don’t always rest in the truth. I strive to have peace in the chaos, and joy in the journey, but many times fall short.

The beautiful words Jesus conveyed are not always front and center. I can get off task. I can battle my emotions; and at times, my emotions win. I can easily forget to focus on Him and those things worthy of my attention that He desires my heart to focus on. In other words, like most Christians, I struggle. I struggle to find a consistent place in my mind, heart, and life where I can be at peace…complete peace. I’ve had peaceful experiences and have been at peace when things weren’t going as planned in my life, but I haven’t yet mastered the art of being at peace in all circumstances.

I would love to be in the frame of mind Paul was when he wrote this verse:

“I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:11-13).

There’s a peace in knowing I’m saved. There’s a joy inside my heart when I think about a bright, eternal future. There’s a sense of deep gratitude for my family and all my blessings. When I take it all in, I’m fairly content. But, I’d love, like the apostle Paul, to honestly say I’m content in every situation. Yes, I’d like to genuinely be in that place consistently, but I’m just not there… yet. I’d like to have peace no matter what, but I still struggle.

And now, with the corona virus reaching what appears to be the entire globe and affecting people far and wide, we need more than ever to be even more mindful of the promises God’s given and the peace He has promised. Everything we go through in this life will either strengthen the peace we have or shake it to the core.

No matter what season we’re going through in our lives, as believers, we can continue in a place of peace because we are safe in the arms of our heavenly Father who is in complete control of our todays and tomorrows. The peace He brings enables us to truly live in a state of peace regardless of the chaos and darkness all around us.

It is His peace which passes all understanding that enables us to shine God’s love and light in the darkest night. It is His peace which brings strength to a soul that’s weary. It is His peace which calms the heart and brings hope in uncertain times. It is His peace which enables us to step boldly into the unknown in full assurance that we never walk alone. It is His peace, when put into practice, that is a witness to those around us. And, it is His presence which reminds us to hold fast to truth and to the beautiful and amazing promises He’s given to all who have put their trust in Him.

Let’s never forget that when the whole world seems to be spinning out of control, our great and Almighty God is forever on the throne. Nothing escapes His attention… nothing is outside His control. We can experience the peace we’ve been promised if we will continue to turn our eyes, minds and hearts toward the Savior.

In the midst of the darkness and uncertainty in our world today, holding to God’s peace is crucial. Remembering His commandments is critical. Resting in His promises is essential. Keeping His Word close to our hearts is imperative.

Life can be a rollercoaster, but, as believers, we can experience persistent peace and have thankful hearts because God is the One leading. Thankfully, He is never surprised at what comes our way. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. His love never fails and He promises to carry us and provide calm as we live out each day.

He is our blessed hope. Let’s cling to Him, shine for Him, spread the good news about Him, and find our peace in Him. And, while doing so, let’s never forget that His best for us as believers is still to come!

spate.holly@gmail.com