09/08/2026
I started reading a new book today....
I have learned a long time ago that one of the things God uses in my life, especially when I am stressed and overwhelmed, is my love of reading.
Growing up, books were the friends I desperately wanted and felt I needed to navigate big emotions or just stressful situations. I typically read mostly Christian fiction that would point me back to Christ. I could bury myself in one for hours and when I would come up for air, I felt better equipped to handle my problems while I held on to the promises I had just been reminded of. I didn't really know how to search the Scriptures yet to know how to navigate certain things, but I believe the Lord was still using it to draw me closer even then.
What I have learned over the years is that sometimes taking a step back and giving myself a moment to consider my options can help, but now as an intentional Christian, I have learned the benefit of a practiced and prayerful pause even before I default to reading -one where I turn to God first.
Sometimes it comes in the form of tears cried in silence.
Sometimes it's just a simple "God, I can't, but I know you can."
Sometimes I remember a psalm and I read it and just spend time in prayer.
Sometimes I listen to hymns and the words they use to bring me back to the places I've been and where God has carried me through.
And you know what? I can say that every time I feel and respond this way, the burdens I carry feel lighter and there is a peace that settles over me.
The last couple of days have been heavy for different reasons: things going on in the world, everywhere I go seeing people unhappy, burdened, and angry at the world around them, family relationships that are heavy, responsibilities of being a spouse and mother and taking care of my home, friendships, this business and the upkeep, and even the Lord's calling on my life to write- it all is weighing on my mind.
Can the Lord really use me to make a difference?
What if I fail or mislead someone?
What if I make the wrong decision?
Did God really call me to do this?
What if....
But what if I started declaring a different and more sure statement instead of an overly anxious doubt.
God can make a difference in me so I can be used by Him to make a difference for Him in the world around me.
I may fail or mislead someone, but God NEVER will.
I can make a wrong decision, but God will order my steps when I seek Him first and regardless of me, His will is always accomplished. I can't ruin His plan, He's already accounted for me and my flaws.
God called me to be set apart and entirely His. If He has called me to do something specific then He will qualify me when I rely on His strength to carry the necessary tools for my calling.
Burdens aren't necessarily a bad thing. The cross we are meant to carry is to remind us of what's really important and what is not.
Hold fast to the truths in Scripture, they are one of the greatest comforts God gives us.
But stay close to the Lord.
Don't just read your Bible.
Get to know who God is.
His character never changes it just deepens with intimacy as understanding grows.
His relationship with us is personal for a reason.
He knows how to communicate and love us through our hardest seasons.
He knows what will hurt us and grow us.
Burdens are lifted when we allow Him to help us carry it.
No load is too heavy for Him.
Pour your heart out to Him.
He already knows what you're going through.
He just wants to draw you closer this season.
Don't let the principalities, powers, and rulers of darkness of this world win by shutting you down.
Trust the Father, your Burden Bearer, and lean not on your own understanding.
He loves you and is waiting to carry you through this season.
I needed this reminder today and I pray that it finds someone else who needs it too 🙌🏻💕
