Where do we turn when we need hope?

For the last couple years I have been working on writing a devotional. I figured writing a 60,000 word manuscript would be difficult. It takes time and space to get it put all together.

 

What I didn’t anticipate was the level of difficulty that has come with the editing process. Grammar and punctuation haven’t been much of a stumbling block. Plus, there are even applications these days that can help with that type of thing. What has been hard to get past is the critical voice in my head.

As I read back through my writing, I have this voice that keeps berating me, telling me the words are awful, pointless, already been written better by someone else, and that they will never help anyone. I know it’s not true. If God calls us to something, He will equip us for it. Still, the doubts come and slow me down.

Maybe you struggle with those voices of fear and doubt, too? Thankfully, it doesn’t have to stay this way.

 

In Psalm 34: 4-5, 8 the psalmist writes:

I sought the LORD, and He answered me and delivered me from all my fears. Those who look to Him are radiant, and their faces shall never be ashamed. Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him!

I love the word picture of a radiant face that is pointed upward, unashamed. It gives me an image of going outside after days of rainy weather to finally see the sunshine, to turn your face towards it’s warmth with a smile on your face. You bask in the radiance that the sun gives, it’s rays beckoning you to lift your face upwards. 

 

God’s word can do that for our soul, too.

When we have days on end of rainy weather in our lives, we don’t have to let it stay that way. This psalm calls us to taste and see that the Lord is good and that we are blessed when we seek after Him for our refuge. Find a psalm today that echos how your heart is feeling and pray it out loud to God.

My prayer for you is that God would silence the thoughts of fear, doubt, and shame. 

 

Instead, may we only hear the direction of His voice. 

Even if His words are ones of admonishment, they are encouraging, because they lead to a closer, better, higher walk with Him.

You can pray this prayer, too. For when those discouraging voices try to shame you. May you hear only His voice and find comfort and love that only He can give.

Keep pressing on, friend.