Family Blog

3 Simple Reminders of Who God Is

Sometimes we get so caught up in the day to day tasks of life, that we forget simple truths about who our God is. We fall into a mindset of focusing on life’s struggles–neglecting what we’ve learned about God’s goodness.

So today, we want to take some time to remind you (and us!) about God’s character so that we’re better prepared to walk through life with hope and love.

1. God Created Us. First and foremost, we need to remember that God created us. He designed our innermost being and therefore knows us better than anyone else. This means that He is the best person to turn to in times of trouble because He is sovereign and just.
2. God Will Never Leave Us. It’s also important to remember that God will never leave us. We all face trials in life: we lose our job, we get into arguments with our spouse, we mess up as a parent, we find out a friend is sick. But no matter the situation, we have to keep in mind that God is always with us–working things together for our good!
3. God Will Always Love Us. Above all, we must always keep in mind that God loves us. No matter how far we’ve strayed from him, no matter what we’ve done, and no matter how guilty or shameful we feel, God will never stop chasing after our hearts.

What are some other truths about God that we need to be reminded of? Share your thoughts in a comment below!

The Power of Your Mind

Have you ever heard that saying, “What is down in the well comes up in the bucket”? In other words, what we feel in our hearts eventually comes out of our mouths–good or bad.

For some of us, this is a comforting thought because our minds are full of good things. We have love for our neighbors, admiration for our spouse, and care for our children.

But for others, this is an uncomfortable thought because our minds are darker than we’d like to let on. We are constantly battling jealousy over our neighbors, bitterness towards our spouse, and frustration towards our children. We can’t imagine if what was down in the well came up in the bucket! So how can we take the first step to changing this?

Philippians 4:8 says, “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable — if anything is excellent or praiseworthy — think on these things.” This is God’s instruction to us. If we want to speak kindly, then we must think kindly. When you begin to judge or doubt or lust, chase those thoughts out of your mind! Instead, focus on what is true and honorable and pure.

So this week, we want to challenge you to reset your mind and fill your heart with good things!

How to Press on Through Failure

You’re going to fail in life; it’s inevitable.

You’re going to upset your client. You’re going to disappoint your boss. You’re going to forget your friend’s birthday. You’re going to offend your spouse. You’re going to break a promise to your kids. In life, failing is inevitable.

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But the story doesn’t end there. Your moment of failure isn’t your final moment. Instead, it’s up to you to stand up, dust yourself off, and keep moving forward.

God’s word encourages us in Philippians 3:14 which says, “…one thing I do: forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me.”

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So don’t let your past keep you in chains. Ask forgiveness, pick yourself up, and press on!

What to Do When Life Doesn’t Go as Planned

Are you disappointed with the way your life is turning out?

Maybe you had a very specific plan for how you wanted your life to go. Maybe you hoped to be married. Maybe you hoped to have kids. Maybe you hoped to own your own business. Maybe you hoped to be free of debt. Maybe you hoped to own your own home.

We all have hopes and dreams. But oftentimes, life doesn’t go as planned.

So what do we do when we look around and realize that our lives are not where we hoped they’d be? Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”

In other words, we’re called to trust God despite unforeseen or discouraging circumstances. And we must remember that change is always possible when our faith is in Christ.

How to Stay Content

Contentment is not an easy thing to experience in today’s culture.

We face commercial after commercial after commercial, enticing us with the latest trends and fashions and gadgets. There’s always something new vying for our attention, promising to (finally!) make us happy.

So how can we remain happy and optimistic and content in our lives despite the culture we live in?

Philippians 4:12-13 says, “I have learned the secret to being content in any and every situation: whether well-fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.”

In other words, we need to stop chasing after what we don’t have. We need stop believing that more money or more love or more affirmation will make us happy. And instead, we need to rest in who God is and the strength we have in Him. Because this is a blessing that will never be taken from us. Then, and only then, will we find true contentment.

Why You Don’t Have to Figure it Out

Over the years, it’s inevitable that we learn. We grow and change and figure things out. We understand what’s good for us and what’s not, what’s healthy and uplifting and what’s unhealthy and harsh.

And in the back of our minds, we begin to believe that one day we’ll have it all figured out. So we strive for that day, hoping that eventually no more mistakes will be made.

But here’s the truth: we’re never going to have it all figured out. Never. Life is one long season of learning, and we will continue to learn lessons each and every day. And while this may be discouraging to hear, it’s actually a blessing in disguise. Why?

Exodus 14:14 says, “The LORD will fight for you, and you have only to be silent.” In other words, God doesn’t want us to have it all figured out. He doesn’t want us to have it all together. Instead, He wants us to be able to rely on Him and His perfect grace.

So don’t worry about figuring it all out. Simply lean into God and know that He will continue to fight for you.