Category: <span>thoughts by Debbie West</span>


How gracious he will be when you cry for help! As soon as he hears, he will answer you. Although the Lord gives you the bread of adversity and the water of affliction, your teachers will be hidden no more; with your own eyes you will see them. Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.Isaiah 30:19-21


Many of us are very good at what I call the ‘What-if‘ Game. “What if the situation turns out this way? What if it goes that way?” We plot and we plan. We play the options over and over again in our heads, rehearse what we will say and think of all the possible ways the others involved might react. We might even be confident in our ability to sway other people to our way of thinking in order to get what we want.

The Israelites fell into this trap. When their enemies came, the Israelites ran. It seemed the sensible thing to do. They counted on their ability to run faster than their enemies. The prophet Isaiah warned that if they relied on their own abilities instead of on God’s, they would not be able to outrun the enemy.

God told them through Isaiah that rest and reliance on Him were the answers to their problems. The moment they turned to God and confessed their need for Him was the moment He spoke.

King David wrote, “Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.” (Psalm 20:7) The Israelites didn’t have to be stronger or smarter. They just had to listen to their Creator. God’s protection and guidance was theirs and is ours today if we will be still, resist the urge to figure it out ourselves, and instead wait for the Teacher’s voice.

Lord, help me resist the desire to rely on my own wisdom and abilities. Give me your peace in every situation and give me the strength to wait on your instruction. Amen.

Be conscious of where your mind goes today. If you find yourself playing the ‘What-if’ Game, direct your thoughts back to God and His Word. To help you do that, you could put the following verse on your phone or write it down somewhere handy:

Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.” Psalm 20:7

By Debbie West
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We demolish arguments and every pretention that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.”  2 Corinthians 10:5


If I don’t think about everything that makes me anxious, what am I going to think about?” I asked my counselor. I had to laugh at hearing myself ask the question out loud. But for someone like me, who spent a great deal of mental energy worrying about things, I wanted to know what my life would look like if God could really change my mind.

Part of growing in Christ is thinking like Christ.

Scripture is full of references to changing the way we think in order to mature in our Christian walk. Yet after accepting Christ as my Savior, I struggled for years with anxiety, fear, and depression.

The answer for me was realizing that I had never really thought about what I thought about. I didn’t know why one small disappointment spun me downward into a pit of depression. Once I prayed and asked God to show me where my thinking was veering off the right path, I began to see how my deep-seeded beliefs about myself were fueling my anxiety.

We all grow up with a certain belief system. Christian or not, our experiences, family of origin, and disposition inform our worldview. If we believe something contrary to God’s Word, like we’re not good enough, then anything that reinforces that lie can send our thoughts into a self-defeating cycle.

Taking the time to meditate on God’s Word and reflect on our own thoughts can help us “take our thoughts captive” and turn them to be more like Christ.

Lord, help me be more aware of the path my thoughts take throughout the day. By your Spirit, will you help me take any thought captive that does not please you and turn it around? Amen.

By Debbie West
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Further Reading

• Take Every Thought Captive – by Max Lucado

Staying on God’s Path – by Julie Lairsey

A Self-Imposed Fog – by Kathy Cheek


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All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.1 Peter 5:5

What do you do when you hear that someone was hurt by something you did?

I heard through some friends that another friend was upset with me. When they told me the reason why, I rolled my eyes and thought, “Seriously? That’s ridiculous! I was trying to help!”

Have you ever had a similar experience? Despite your best intentions, have you ever upset someone else? It’s likely we all have. So as a Christ-follower how do we handle it?

It’s easy to get defensive and express our frustration with the other person. But, in Scripture, God calls us to humble ourselves toward each other. The indignation we might feel is merely pride, which rubs against our relationships and is contrary to grace.

Now, God does not call us to be doormats or to be manipulated. The difference is, when we are humble, we choose to value other people as much as ourselves.

In the situation with my friend, I apologized in front of the group in case I’d done anything to overstep my bounds. Another member of the group said to me privately, “You didn’t have anything to apologize for. She was being overly sensitive.” I nodded. “Maybe so. But she is struggling right now and my relationship with her is more important to me than being right.”

When dealing with the Body of Christ, we have to take the attitude of our Savior Jesus who knew His rights as God, but chose to humble himself to be in right relationship with us.

Lord, guide me in my relationships with others. You said that the world will know we are your followers by the love we show to each other (John 3:35). Help me to set aside my pride and to act in humility. Amen.

By Debbie West
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Further Reading

• Stronghold of the Godly; Humility  by Francis Frangipane

Humility – Devotional by Phil Ware

How Christ Modeled Humility –  by Charles Stanley


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“…. give us this day our daily bread.” Matthew 6:11


You know the saying, “You don’t ask, you don’t get?” God makes it clear in His Word that He wants us to ask Him for the things we need. When Jesus told His followers how they should pray, He included a request for “daily bread.” In other words, God wants us to come to Him for the daily necessities of life.

I think it is very easy for us to forget where our resources come from. Most of us are very independent when it comes to making a living. We work to earn an income so we can buy food, clothes, and a roof over our head. We may work long hours away to provide for our families. Sometimes we get so focused on our own efforts that we overlook the reality that God gives it all.

Jesus’ earthly brother James, wrote in his letter, You quarrel and fight. You do not have, because you do not ask God. (James 4:2) Could our lives be less hectic and our emotions be more balanced if we asked God every day to provide what we needed? The children of Israel were commanded to only gather manna (their bread) for the day. When they tried to store it up, it rotted.

Relying on God takes practice. Seeking Him daily through prayer and asking for what we need for the day means we must trust Him to provide. As we learn to trust in His daily provision, the anxieties of our own efforts are lessened.

Lord, give me this day what I need to serve and work. I trust you to do what you have said you will do and give me what I need today. Amen.

By Debbie West
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Further Reading

•  How to be sure God Listens to your Prayers

•  Foundational Core Truths about Prayer  

•   How did Jesus Pray?


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“And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you.”  Romans 8:11

Jesus’ death and resurrection did more than secure the eternal destination of those who believe in him. It paved the way for believers to live a better life here on Earth.

I’ve been a follower of Christ for many years, but I still struggle to find the abundant life he promised (John 10:10). I’m selfish, judgmental and impatient. My relationships suffer because I work too hard to gain control. I’ve tried to change my behaviors, but I eventually return to the same old patterns. Sometimes I wonder if God’s promise of a more joyful life was meant for everyone else.

But then I read the Apostle Paul’s words in Romans 7:18b:

For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out.”

So if even Paul struggled to live fully as a Christian, how is this abundant life accomplished?

I read on and found the answer:

Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord! (Romans 7:25)

After he ascended to Heaven, Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to be our guide and comforter (John 14:26). This Spirit that lives in all believers is the same Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead (Romans 8:11). That’s a whole lot of power!

My own power is inadequate to make the changes I want to see in my life. But the amazing power of the Spirit in me can transform me into someone who looks and acts more like Christ. As a result, I can live the abundant life he promised.

Lord, there are some things in my life I wish I could change. Help me let go and give me peace as I yield to your Holy Spirit’s work in my life. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Instead of just focusing on the behavior you’d like to change, ask the Holy Spirit to show you a specific attitude that needs changing. Invite God to change that part of your heart.

By Debbie West
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Further Reading

•  How to Spend a Day With the Lord

•  Hearing God’s Voice – a Study by Charles Stanley

•  Salvation Explained


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Whenever you are arrested and brought to trial, do not worry beforehand about what to say. Just say whatever is given you at the time, for it is not you speaking, but the Holy Spirit.”  Mark 13:11

I saw a T-shirt online this week that made me laugh because I think it applies to me. It read, “Wait a minute, let me overthink this.”

I’ve come to realize that I spend a great amount of time preparing to do something and less time actually doing it. I am so afraid of saying or doing the wrong thing that I over-analyze or talk myself out of doing anything. But when I do something, I often ruminate on it over and over again. The desire to be perfect can be paralyzing.

Jesus spoke to his disciples about what would happen to them as believers. He knew they would be persecuted for their faith. But Jesus encouraged them by promising they would not be alone. When they were asked to defend their faith, the Holy Spirit would give them the right thing to say in the moment they needed it.

I don’t think it is a mistake to know Scripture in order to promote the Gospel to others. But we can’t dismiss the work of the Holy Spirit in moments when we speak to others about Christ’s salvation and his work in our lives. If fear of saying the wrong thing overtakes us, we could possibly neglect the most important work of the Gospel — telling those who are lost about God’s love.

No matter if we are defending our faith or we are sharing God’s Word with someone far from him, the Spirit inside us will guide our words so that, as Mark recorded, “..it is not you speaking, but the Holy Spirit.”

Lord, help me not give in to fear when speaking about you. Give me confidence in the Spirit’s ability to give me the right words to say at the right time. Amen.

By Debbie West
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Further Reading

•  Making a Difference

• Insights into Broken Relationships and what “the fellowship of his suffering” means.

•  Salvation Explained


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If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.1 Corinthians 13:1


One day in the summer of 2003, I stood on a street corner in New York City debating with a young man about why I thought the Bible was real. I was in Manhattan with a group from my church. We were there to promote a new church in the city by passing out subway maps and other literature.

This man who stopped to talk to me proclaimed himself a student of religion. He had studied many holy books and wanted to know my thoughts on the difficulties he saw with the Bible being authentic.

At the end of our conversation, I felt proud that I had intelligently countered his arguments. But looking back now, I am bothered by the realization that my knowledge probably did little to bring him closer to a relationship with Jesus Christ. We parted, both of us still entrenched in our own understandings.

Having background knowledge of our faith is important, but if we don’t love people the way Jesus did, then, as Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians, we are just noise.

What if I had asked about his family? What if I had asked to pray for him? What if I had encouraged him to open his heart to a love that is bigger than his understanding?

Second-guessing myself is never helpful. However, in the future I want to focus my attention less on winning a debate and more on showing God’s love to those who need to see it.

Lord, break any fear that You see in me. Holy Spirit, teach me how to love the people around me the way You do. In Jesus’ name, amen.

By Debbie West
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Further Reading

•  I Corinthians 13 ~ What is Love?

•  Love for a Lifetime by Karen Woodard

•  Salvation Explained


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“Why, Lord, do you stand far off? Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble?” Psalm 10:1


I sat in my car in the church parking lot, ready to tell God every angry feeling I had toward him. But how could I? Good Christians don’t get mad at God, right? That is what I had believed all my life.

Since childhood, I had followed the rules. I thought I had done everything right. But God had not given me the things I wanted. The night I sat in my car, I was almost 40 years old and still not married. I was in a job I hated. I didn’t like myself. I was miserable.

But God was working in my heart and mind. He was breaking through the self-righteous attitudes that kept me in bondage. For months, he had been chipping away at the wall of perfectionism I had built to protect myself. In reality, that wall only brought loneliness and fear.

Tears flowed and all of the insecurity, frustration and anger I had stuffed down my entire life would not be stuffed any longer. “Why did you make me this way?!?!” I said out loud, “I’m so mad at you! I’ve tried to do everything the right way and I’m so unhappy!”

I’ve never heard an audible voice from God, but at that moment I felt a voice in my spirit say, “Finally! Let’s move on.”

I was confused. “You haven’t answered my question!”

No,” he said, “But you have finally been honest with me. Now we can get to work.

Though I didn’t get answers that night, I felt a big weight lift off of my shoulders. It started a season of growth that changed my life.

Psalm 10:1 is just one example of King David having an angry conversation with God. By the end of the psalm, David is praising God for his faithfulness. God can handle our anger, disappointment and frustration. Honesty opens the door to true freedom in our relationships and in our journey with God.

Lord, help me always be honest with myself, others and you, even when it’s ugly.

Anger is often a masking emotion. It usually masks fear, disappointment or any number of other emotions. Regardless, it’s never good to stuff your emotions. If you feel angry, find someone who you can talk to. If you don’t know anyone, find a counselor who can help you sort through your emotions

By Debbie West
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Further Reading

•  He Guides Us

 God Knows Everything

•  Salvation Explained


thoughts by Debbie West Thoughts by Women

“Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe.” Proverbs 29:25


Ten months ago I was diagnosed with depression. Stress, over-commitment and lack of sleep sent me into a downward spiral. My body was in a state of constant tension and my mind could not power down. I had a hard time just dealing with daily life. God allowed me to go through a deep valley where I had never been before and the perfectionist inside me had to admit to herself and to Him that she did not know how to get out. I needed help.

Through counselling, I’ve discovered that I have an unhealthy need for others’ approval. I want to be known as the woman who has it all together. Some counselors call it co-dependency. The Bible calls it the “fear of man.” It is an ever-present trap in our world. It keeps us dangerously busy trying to earn our worth.

The motives for our busyness are not wrong. We want to be the best wives, husbands, parents, employees or church members we can be. The problems come when we find our value in all the things we’re involved in, not in who we are in Christ. In many cases, as in mine, our busyness also affects our mental state and physical health.

Through God’s restoring power in my life, I have more peace and less anxiety. I’ve learned that He loves me as I am, imperfections and all. He will guide me if I take the time to be still and listen to His voice.

God, my life is busy. Show me where I need to say “no” in my schedule so that I can say “yes” to spending time with you. Amen.

Thought: Today, schedule 15 minutes to be alone with God. Thank Him for the blessings in your life, and thank Him for the lessons you’ve learned in the valleys as well. Ask Him what He wants to say to you that you may have been too busy to hear.

By Debbie West
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Further Reading

•  Pressing the RESET button on our lives 

•   Keeping Yourself in God’s Love – even during painful times in your life

•  Salvation Explained


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“Bring my sons from afar and my daughters from the ends of the earth — everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made.” Isaiah 43:6-7


I remember talking to one of my ministry leaders at church a few years ago about service. He explained to those of us who had volunteered for the worship team about his belief that we were more than volunteers. We were called to serve in that position.

I squirmed in my seat a little and said, “But to me, serving means sacrifice, and I don’t feel like I’m sacrificing. I don’t have to lead worship on Sunday. I get to lead worship.

He said, “But you make sacrifices of your time to prepare for Sunday morning. You have to memorize lyrics and get your heart ready to lead people in worship. It doesn’t feel like a sacrifice because you are operating in your giftedness and calling.”

Like a piece of art reflects the heart of the person who made it, we reflect the heart of God. We do it best when we serve with joy in an area where we use our unique gifts, talents, and temperaments. Some of us are great teachers. Others are great administrators. Still others understand technical issues and can solve complex problems. Maybe we do that thing for a living, or maybe we simply do it for our neighbors, our coworkers, or those in need. Whatever it is, never consider it unimportant because it doesn’t quite feel like a sacrifice. Thank God that you can glorify Him by fulfilling that for which He created you.

God, thank You for creating me with unique gifts, and show me how I can glorify You through those gifts. Amen.

By Debbie West
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Further Reading

•  Now that I am a Christian, What’s Next? – Printable PDF file

•  God’s Plan – A Study on God’s Destiny for Me?

•  Salvation Explained


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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 4:12-13

“God, when is it going to be my turn?”

I’ve asked that question more times than I can count. I’ve watched over and over as people close to me have gotten married and started their families. I’ve cried and wondered what was wrong with me. My heart has been broken over relationships I thought might be the one for which I was waiting.

I spent many years struggling with being single. My mind and my heart seemed constantly restless. Then, somewhere along the road, it got better. As I pursued and obeyed God, He opened my eyes to the blessings I have right now.

The Apostle Paul knew what it was to live a life he never planned. Paul was educated as a Pharisee (a very learned Jewish leader of the time). He was well respected, even feared. Paul was also a Roman citizen with all the perks that came with that. He was a powerful man in the early days after Jesus’ crucifixion. Acts 7:58, 8:3, 9:13-14

With all that he had going for him, one encounter with Jesus on the Road to Damascus changed everything. He went from privilege to hardship. He embraced a completely different life and learned how to be content, no matter what. His peace came through the strength Christ gave him.

We all struggle with life’s circumstances. Very few of us have the life we imagined when we were young. But, like Paul, we can find our peace in knowing that God is in control and that His plan for us is perfect.

Lord, I am struggling. I want to be okay with my present circumstances but I can’t get there. I admit I want something else. Show me how to be at peace. Amen.

By Debbie West
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Further Reading

God’s Sufficiency Exceeds Our Need – by Sylvia Gunter

God Provides for His Own

•  Salvation Explained


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‘You of little faith, why are you so afraid?’” Matthew 8:26

It was St. Patrick’s Day weekend and I was halfway through my second triathlon. Fifty-mile-per-hour winds whipped across North Texas in winter’s final appearance of the season. Throughout the cycling portion of the event, there were times when the best I could do was brace myself against a wind gust that threatened to blow me to the curb. My clothes, still damp from the swim, made the temperatures feel even colder.

As I began the second loop of the course, the wind picked up even more. I gripped my handlebars tighter. I thought about pulling over into the fast food joint on the next block and calling it a day. But I pushed on and kept going.

Through clenched teeth I started to pray, “Lord, you are God of the wind. You calmed the Sea of Galilee in the storm. Have mercy on me and stop this wind!”

And just as I had articulated the last word of that prayer, the wind blew harder. “Not funny, Lord!” I said.

I can look back and smile on that experience now. I believe God showed me something important in that moment. “I’m not going to take it easy on you, Debbie,” He said. “An easy life makes a weak person. Just trust me. I’ll get you through and make you stronger.”

In my battle with depression and anxiety, He has done just that. He has strengthened my mind and my faith. So don’t despise the storm. Let Him make you stronger through it.

Lord, I like things that are easy. But I also know that it’s during difficult experiences when I have the chance to get better, stronger, and closer to the person You want me to be. Help me not to avoid or despise the storms in life, but to hold on to You and learn the things You want to teach me. Amen.

Whether you are in a storm, coming out of a storm, or going into one, consider that part of the purpose may be to make you stronger and to prepare you for something in the future. Stop and thank God for the lessons from the storms.

By Debbie West
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Further Reading

•  How to be fill with the Holy Spirit
•  Elma’s Story – Nothing Left To Give in my Marriage
•  Salvation Explained

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“Lord, you alone are my portion and my cup; you make my lot secure … surely I have a delightful inheritance.” Psalm 16:5-6

I get anxious, really anxious, when I try to make sure I know how to act. I wonder, “What will I say if someone asks me this question?” I plan, “If this person does this, then I need to do this.” I go over dialogue in my mind. I think about the exact tone in my voice I need to use to get my point across. Just like a favorite scene from a movie or TV show, I imagine how smart I will sound.

Please don’t judge me.

Though this internal rehearsal seems like a harmless personality quirk, I’ve learned that for me it is a much bigger issue. In my journey to know God and follow Him, rehearsing the future can be a symptom of pride and distrust. It enforces the lie that I control the future, not God. Not to mention what rehearsing the past can do for my emotional health. Going over past conversations in my head, hoping for a do-over is counter-productive, at the least.

God promises throughout His Word that He has got our future under control and has amazing plans for us. He knows our past and can use it for great things. Our focus needs to be in the present. Here. Right now. This moment.

Today, I can enjoy His presence anxiety-free and experience His blessings, while leaving the future and the past to Him.

God, I ask that Your Spirit in me would guide my thoughts. When I start to rehearse, help me take each thought captive and make it obedient to You by enjoying this present moment and leaving everything else to You.

By Debbie West
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Further Reading

•  Life Can Bring Joy out of Sorrow by Norma Becker
•  Fully Surrender to the Lord
•  Salvation Explained

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His pleasure is not in the strength of the horse, nor his delight in the legs of a man; the Lord delights in those who fear him, who put their hope in his unfailing love.
Psalm 147:10-11

Our culture loves sports. We cheer for those who can run the fastest, jump the longest, or catch a ball with skill. We honor athletes who make difficult feats look easy. We erect statues to them. We have halls of fame to honor their accomplishments. Many pay lots of money each year on merchandise representing their favorite team and player.

What about those of us who are not as skilled in sports? Does that make us less worthy? I dream about crossing the finish line in an Iron man competition. Chances are I’ll never have the time to train or the mental stamina to complete that massive goal.

Athletic goals are wonderful, but God values something more deeply. As great as it is to train, compete, and to honor those who accomplish great goals in the sports realm, I’m comforted that He primarily looks at the heart.

God created our physical bodies to run and play and do the work He has given us to do. I believe God enjoys seeing us use our bodies the way He made them to function. But He delights in a heart that is devoted to Him. He exalts those who humble themselves and yield to His plans. He honors those who spend time with Him in order to just get to know Him. Life is a marathon, but with God we can finish the race (Hebrews 12:1-2).

Lord, help me grasp the truth that your greatest delight is not in what I can do, but in my devotion to you. Amen.

Thought – Our culture is not so different from Biblical times. The people of the Bible were often guilty of overlooking the qualities of a person’s heart and seeing only the physical appearance or abilities. Read 1 Samuel 16 and see how God chose a king based on the heart, not on appearances.

By Debbie West
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FURTHER READING

•  Wisdom and Knowledge of God
•  God Provides Companionship

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“I am confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.” Psalm 27:13

It’s easy to get discouraged when we look at the world around us. There is so much poverty, violence, immorality and just plain rudeness. The news is filled with discouragement. The streets are filled with angry drivers. Some of our workplaces are filled with impatient customers.

Some days it’s hard to find something good to hold on to. It’s comforting to think that a day will come when we will be in Heaven and away from the troubles we have here on Earth.

As nice as it is to look forward to that day, God also promises to bring us good days now. David expressed his confidence in the fact that he would see God’s goodness while he still walked on Earth. This was the key for David: he knew his hope of seeing “goodness in the land of the living” was being intimately connected with God. He longed to dwell in God’s company and He knew that God would love and protect him.

We, like David, can walk with God daily and experience His goodness in our lives. Meditation on His word, time spent in prayer, desiring to do things His way and a confidence that He wants to bless us, are the keys to experiencing His goodness now. God is still incredibly good when the world feels ugly, and He wants us to taste and see His goodness daily.

Lord, I wait confidently for Your goodness in my life. Even if I can’t see it now, I believe it is coming. Amen.

Change your focus. Decide to believe that good things are on their way. Say this out loud: “I will see the goodness of the Lord“.

By Debbie West
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