thoughts by McKenna Viette Archives - Daily Thoughts about God

Published October 13, 2022

Finding Stillness

“Be still, and know that I am God…” Psalm 46:10

Lately, I’ve been feeling the impulse to push away bad news of any kind.

But after reading headlines regarding ongoing pestilences, wars, and human suffering, it seems excessive to simply ignore what is going on. Certainly, this world needs our prayers and assistance. Didn’t God call us to do more than bury our heads in the sand?

Absolutely. Jesus told us multiple times throughout Scripture how we are to care for each other. Therefore, it is vital to be aware of what’s going on, but crucial to remain steadfast in him.

In Psalm 46, we are taught that God is our refuge and we can have hope for the future. While the entire chapter consists of reminders of God’s might and of descriptions of what we can withstand when God is our focus, the key to peace is near the end of the chapter.

The last verses end with reminders of how God alone is our safe place; we are also given a beautiful call to action that reminds us that even, in the middle of turmoil, we can experience peace. God simply prompts us to be still—stop talking, questioning, and arguing, and just listen.

He prompts us to know — stop doubting and have faith.

Finally, what does God prompt us to know? That he is God. He is the Almighty Refuge who is in control. He will guide us, protect us, and lead us to everlasting life.

Lord, it is so easy for me to get consumed by fear when the world seems to be falling apart. When my heart and mind are overwhelmed, help me to be still and to remember that you alone created this world; nothing in it is beyond your control!

Today, pause often to be still before God and remember who he is, responding with worship, praise and thanksgiving.

By Mckenna Viette
Used by Permission

This Vibrant Hope

This broken planet offers sorrows of every kind. After being hit over and over with tribulations, how easy it would be to lay down and give up!

“I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people.” Ephesians 1:18

Several weeks ago, I was sitting in my supervisor’s office, discussing some new clients and filling out paperwork. A loud thump suddenly ricocheted off the glass window outside. Sadly, we discovered two hummingbirds had hit the window. Unwilling to see their tragic end up close, I waited inside while my supervisor and co-worker went to pick them up.

Moments later, they returned: the hummingbirds were still living! We threw together some old t-shirts in small plastic buckets—a makeshift hospital—and placed the delicate creatures inside. After several minutes of recuperation, they returned to their home in the sky.

The story of the hummingbirds reminds me that hope is a necessary component for survival. If my co-workers hadn’t brought the hummingbirds inside and offered them the promise that life was still a possibility, would they have had the will to keep living?

For us, our default response for us is to grow hopeless. This broken planet offers sorrows of every kind. After being hit over and over with tribulations, how easy it would be to lay down and give up!

In Ephesians, Paul prays that the eyes of believers’ hearts would be opened so we might know the hope that awaits us: a life of heavenly glory with our Savior, Jesus Christ. Let us be reminded that, while the trials of this life may still knock us over, the hope we have in Jesus Christ will comfort us until he enables us to stretch our wings once again.

“Those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength. They shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.” (Isaiah 40:31 NKJV)

Heavenly Father, sometimes this life knocks me off my feet. When I grow weary and hopeless, give me the comfort and strength that only you can give, to rise and press on until I’m face to face with you.

Today confess any unbelief, doubt, or hopelessness you have been holding on to. Ask the Lord to enlighten the eyes of your heart, to help you see past any lies of the enemy that cloud your perspective. Surrender to the Holy Spirit and ask him to empower you today.

By Mckenna Vietti
Used by Permission

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Reinventing Our Plans

“So he, trembling and astonished, said, “Lord, what do you want me to do?” Then the Lord said, “Arise and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.” Acts 9:6

Many of us begin a New Year planning resolutions — a word that can feel more like “reinvention.” Perhaps we plan to read more, join a gym, or spend more time with the Lord. We make lists, set goals, and ask others to help hold us accountable. While resolutions are not a bad thing, we usually make them more about ourselves and what we want, rather than what God may want for us.

The apostle Paul was a man who, prior to becoming an apostle, felt compelled to stamp out the name of Jesus completely. Certainly, he believed he was doing everything right! However, during the journey to Damascus, God spoke to him in a way that completely rearranged his plans: “So he, trembling and astonished, said, ‘Lord, what do you want me to do?’ Then the Lord said, ‘Arise and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.’” (Acts 9:6). This moment in Paul’s life changed his entire purpose for living. Rather than stamping out the name of Jesus, he was called to proclaim it!

Sometimes, following God’s plan may feel like our lives are being wrecked. He may call us to a place we never imagined, or to something completely opposite of what we wanted.

This year, instead of focusing on how you can ’reinvent’ parts of your life, invite the Lord to renew you. Let go of your plans, and give him control.

Lord, I invite you into every part of my life — not just the parts I want you to fix, but every part that needs fixing, even the parts I can’t see! Help me to go where you are leading, even if it looks different from my own plans! I surrender control to you.

Seek to walk in God’s presence, attentive to the Spirit’s voice. What is he putting on your heart? Will you trust him and obey, knowing he is giving you all the resources needed to do so?

By Mckenna Vietti
Used by Permission

Embracing Life

Rest in the promise that his plans are not our own; they are far better!

“Many are the plans of a person’s heart, but the Lord’s purpose prevails.” Proverbs 19:21

I read a quote the other day by John Piper that goes like this: “Occasionally weep deeply over the life you hoped would be. Grieve the losses. Then wash your face. Trust God. And embrace the life you have.”

I will admit, the last suggestion is the most difficult for me to follow. I have a habit of staying in my grief. I find losses and broken dreams difficult to bear, but somehow even harder to let go. Dreams are not a bad thing — especially those dreams we deem as holy and given to us by the Lord. But even then, that doesn’t always mean they are part of God’s will for our life. I have personally left the remains of broken dreams in the gutters and the sidewalks of my life. What I’ve learned is to not give up on dreams or stop dreaming and planning, but to continue to play and build.

Proverbs 19:21 says, “Many are the plans of a person’s heart, but the Lord’s purpose prevails.” How this truly describes so many of us! When we are young especially, we have so many dreams for our lives: things we want to accomplish, goals we would like to meet, people we want to know, places we want to visit. But sometimes, the Lord’s plans can be wildly different from our own. Watching our dreams crumble before our eyes can be devastating; however, our God is a God of restoration and promise. He never takes anything away without replacing it with something good!

Heavenly Father, I come before you today with my plans and dreams, some of them broken, some of them half-built. Help me to surrender to whatever your will might be for my life, knowing that everything you do is for good and that my life has incredible purpose!

Rest in the promise that his plans are not our own; they are far better!

By McKenna Vietti
Used by Permission

Your Mundane Matter

“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand.” Ephesians 2:10

I used to think living completely for Christ would mean my every day would be marked by countless ministry opportunities. I thought serving overseas or working for a church would mean I could lead others to Christ, plant churches, and even teach God’s Word. While it is still in my heart to do those things, I’ve learned an incredible truth that should manifest itself in the life of every Christian: we do not have to be in the ministry to do ministry.

In Ephesians, Paul writes to the church of Ephesus that “we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them” (2:10). This verse should prompt Christians to want to do good works for Christ (serving, teaching, and loving others), but also remind us that these works can be performed wherever we are.

Although the mundane days rarely feel exciting, we have to remember that they truly are important. There is strength in monotony. The works that feel less than thrilling are often the hard and holy things that are beautiful in the eyes of God.

When you start to feel as if your work isn’t important, remember that as a child of God, you were created for good works. Your life is a living example to those around you, and no task is unimportant.

Heavenly Father, thank you for the opportunity to serve exactly where I am. Thank you that I don’t have to be hundreds of miles away or even working in a church in order to live completely for you. Let your light shine through me today and onto others who need you most.

Remind yourself often that you are God’s masterpiece and that God has planned out the good he wants you to do today. Ask him to keep your eyes open to the love you can shed abroad all through this day in his Spirit’s strength.

By Mckenna Vietti
Used by Permission

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How Long, Oh Lord?

Published January 18, 2021

How Long, Oh Lord?

“Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for; the conviction of things not seen.” Hebrews 11:1

It was a quarter past four in the morning as I drove the thirty-five-minute commute to my job. The thought that repeated itself over in my head might have been the same one David cried in the thirteenth psalm. How long, Lord? How much longer? Like so many others, I was in a position where I believed no solutions could be sought. It didn’t matter how many tears were shed, how many prayers I prayed, how many conversations I had with loved ones. It seemed I would be forever stuck in my situation.

During this prayer time, however, I began to realize that my main problem wasn’t really my situation; it was my lack of faith.

The writer of Hebrews tells us that “faith is the assurance of things hoped for; the conviction of things not seen.” In other words, having faith is believing something we cannot know for certain will happen. Faith is a choice. We do not always feel it. We can’t always see it. Our circumstances may prove otherwise. However, we can know whether or not our faith is real by the choice to keep going and remain faithful, especially when we feel otherwise.

As we find ourselves emerged in this holiday season [new year], our cry may be, How long, Oh Lord? Whether your cry emerges from a painful past, financial strain, loneliness, or some other trouble to which you see no solution, remember that the mountain can be moved.

Rest in the promise that our God is faithful.

Lord, let my faith be bigger than the mountains that loom in front of me. Help me to remain faithful to you because you, oh Lord, are faithful.

Remind yourself of God’s wisdom, goodness, love and grace whenever the weight of your circumstances begin to bear down on you.

By Mckenna Vietti
Used by Permission

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Letting God Lead

Published December 18, 2020

Letting God Lead

“And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, ‘This is the way, walk in it,’ when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left.” Isaiah 30:21

Recently I found myself talking with a friend on this very topic. She felt as if God was telling her that a new season was coming, but she didn’t know what to do in the meantime. Was she supposed to rest? To work? To wait?

In return, I shared with her that God had seemed to be saying the same thing to meg! Unlike her, however, I found myself trying to make things happen before their time. As a result, I exhausted myself trying to make my own plans work out.

It’s often very easy to try and make things go our own way. When it comes to the plans I have for myself, I like to act as if I can control what’s going to happen. When things don’t turn out the way I want them to, however, I’m left feeling discouraged.

That’s why it is so important for us to spend time in prayer and in God’s Word, listening for what he is telling us. When it comes to future plans, decisions, or new seasons, God most certainly has a say in what’s to come! It is our job, not to try and control, but to listen to what he wants for us.

It is easy to get distracted by the things we want. But our focus must be on the Lord. Through prayer, studying his Word, and meeting with other Christians, we might discover what he is saying to us.

Heavenly Father, it is so easy for me to try to take control of things instead of just letting you lead! Help me each day to lay my dreams and plans down at your feet, for your ways are far better than all I ask or think!

Seek to remain aware of God’s presence and power within you as you go from task to task, inviting God to lead you step by step.

By Mckenna Vietti
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Wandering Desires

Published November 9, 2020

Wandering Desires

“Better is the sight of the eyes than the wandering of the desire: this is also vanity and vexation of spirit” Ecclesiastes 6:9 (KJV)

Is your heart prone to wandering?

King Solomon wrote in Ecclesiastes 6:9: “Better is the sight of the eyes than the wandering of the desire: this is also vanity and vexation of spirit.” At the time the king wrote this passage, he had come to the conclusion that life was meaningless. Although he had essentially everything anyone could want — wealth, relationships, a beautiful home — he still found himself disturbingly discouraged and depressed with life.

Many of us might relate and even agree with how the king felt. You, too, might feel bored or even depressed about how your life is going. Maybe you’ve been waiting for a better job. Maybe you’re fed up with financial strain. Maybe you’re tired of being single. Maybe you’re looking at others’ lives and comparing them to your own.

When we go deeper into his words, however, we find that he’s saying it’s better for us to hold on to what we have than to desire something we don’t or may never have. When we are prone to wandering, we grow uneasy with our present circumstances. This affects our overall joy and satisfaction. Wandering desires always produce crossed and disappointed feelings, leaving us with a downcast and vexed spirit.

Therefore, let us fix our eyes upon God. By keeping our gaze heavenward, our soul can truly rest in him. We can learn to be content in the present season, trusting that whatever lies ahead is far better than what we leave behind.

Heavenly Father, it’s so easy for me to get distracted by all the things I don’t have and start wandering! Please remind me today that you alone are enough and I can find complete contentment in you.

Today, thank God often for the many blessings surrounding you, rejoicing in his unfailing love.

By McKenna Vietti
Used by Permission

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Ambassadors for Christ

Published October 24, 2020

Ambassadors for Christ

“Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ…” 2 Corinthians 5:20

All too often, we can get caught up in doing life — going to school, advancing in our careers, spending time with family and friends, and participating in church events and activities. However, sometimes we can come away from a seemingly “full” life feeling just the opposite. What is missing?

A simple answer can be found in 2 Corinthians 5:20. Paul tells us that as believers, we are ambassadors for Christ. As ambassadors, we are representing Christ to a world that otherwise may not know him. This is an incredibly important and powerful job, and something that should ignite a fire in our hearts.

And yet, it is so easy to focus on what we are doing for Christ rather than on all he can do in and through us by his Spirit.

Jesus calls us into a deep love relationship with him and others rooted in grace and faith. He invites us to keep him in the center of our thoughts, efforts and actions. He wants us to embrace all we are in him. He calls us to trust him to live his life through us, so that we accomplish his calling for our loves is the power of the Spirit.

When we embrace the call to reflect Jesus to the world by trusting him to live in us by his Spirit, our lives will change in a powerful way as we experience the glory of a purpose-filled life.

Heavenly Father, I pray today that I would remember who I am in you. Help me to make the most of every opportunity to truly represent you in a world that desperately needs you. Amen.

By McKenna Vietti
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The Secret to a Joyful Life

Published September 4, 2020

The Secret to a Joyful Life

“give thanks in all circumstances….” 1 Thessalonians 5:18a

Recently, I found myself in an uncertain season of life. I was in a position I didn’t necessarily want to be in, although I felt that God had led me to where I currently was. Yet, the whispering of doubt grew into a thunderous voice that eventually blocked out any peace that could shine some hope on my situation.

When I finally quieted myself, I began to hear the repetitive message of gratitude. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 says, “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances.” In three short sentences, Paul gives us the secret to a joyful life — rejoice, pray, and give thanks.

In order to rejoice, we must be grateful. In order to be grateful, we must pray — openly thanking our Father for what he’s given us. In order to be joyful, we must be grateful.

I have found this truth to be completely transformative. I have managed to find peace and joy by giving thanks to the Lord for every good gift. There is a peace that has overwhelmed me because I have learned gratefulness produces joy.

How much more could we be transformed into joyfulness if we thanked him not only for the good gifts but for everything? What if we thanked God for the trials, heartbreaks, and losses?

When we choose to see God in every circumstance and thank him for the opportunity to grow, our faith follows suit. When we are grateful, we have no choice but to be joyful.

Heavenly Father, thank you for your love, your sacrifice, your grace that you so freely give. Help us to see you even more clearly, not only through the good but through the hardships. Teach us to give thanks in every circumstance so we may be transformed to bring glory to your Kingdom! Amen.

Nehemiah 8:10 states, “for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” What does that mean to you?

By McKenna Vietti
Used by Permission

Finding Stillness

“Be still, and know that I am God…” Psalm 46:10

Further Reading

This Vibrant Hope

This broken planet offers sorrows of every kind. After being hit over and over with tribulations, how easy it would be to lay down and give up!

Further Reading

Reinventing Our Plans

Further Reading

Embracing Life

Rest in the promise that his plans are not our own; they are far better!

Further Reading

Your Mundane Matter

FURTHER READING

Follow Us On:

How Long, Oh Lord?

“Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for; the conviction of things not seen.” Hebrews 11:1

Rest in the promise that our God is faithful.

FURTHER READING

Follow Us On:

Letting God Lead

“And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, ‘This is the way, walk in it,’ when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left.” Isaiah 30:21

FURTHER READING

Follow Us On:

Wandering Desires

Is your heart prone to wandering?

FURTHER READING

Follow Us On:

Ambassadors for Christ

“Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ…” 2 Corinthians 5:20

FURTHER READING

Follow Us On:

The Secret to a Joyful Life

“give thanks in all circumstances….” 1 Thessalonians 5:18a

FURTHER READING

Follow Us On:

Category: <span>thoughts by McKenna Viette</span>

“Be still, and know that I am God…” Psalm 46:10

Further Reading

This broken planet offers sorrows of every kind. After being hit over and over with tribulations, how easy it would be to lay down and give up!

Further Reading

Further Reading

Rest in the promise that his plans are not our own; they are far better!

Further Reading

FURTHER READING

Follow Us On:

“Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for; the conviction of things not seen.” Hebrews 11:1

Rest in the promise that our God is faithful.

FURTHER READING

Follow Us On:

“And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, ‘This is the way, walk in it,’ when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left.” Isaiah 30:21

FURTHER READING

Follow Us On:

Is your heart prone to wandering?

FURTHER READING

Follow Us On:

“Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ…” 2 Corinthians 5:20

FURTHER READING

Follow Us On:

“give thanks in all circumstances….” 1 Thessalonians 5:18a

FURTHER READING

Follow Us On: