This week was my birthday “week”, and it was SO fun.
As the week comes to an end,
I’m sitting here with a cup of coffee & reflecting on the past 25 years.
A lot has changed with every year, but one thing I still haven’t grasped is how to separate circumstances from the stability of my heart.
If I have clear skin, if my blog has X number of views,
if I’ve spent time with family and friends,
if my wallet feels full,
if I get a new work opportunity,
if the sun is shining,
if everyone comes to my birthday party,
I can easily say, “Wow God is so good! He loves me and I love him!”
But can I also say that when none of the above happen?
_____________________
I have to ask myself, “is my faith dependent on my comfort & happiness?”
In this next year of life,
I want to grow to praise God more in all times,
not just the good times.
Simple enough, but really hard to do.
Great thing God hears me and has the power to change hearts.
“Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances,
for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Cheers,
Hey — I wrote a book about all of this.
Living Open-Handed is the devotional I wrote during a season when I really needed to hear these words myself. If you're in a place where you need to be encouraged by scripture and softened by grace, it might be for you too.
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