A FRESH START

My hope is that during this time, for those that know the Lord, we would not long to return to normal but return our hearts to a fresh new understanding of what He beckons our lives to reflect. As our modern day idols are stripped away, I hope we don't remorse and complain about the lack of something that we set our hearts upon; when our hearts should be set apart for God. Truly if our hearts are set upon Him, then there is remarkable strength and peace not found in the natural.

If the "Joy of the Lord' is truly our strength then as believers we should reflect that to His heart by grounding our hearts in gratitude and thankfulness despite our circumstance. As Jesus commands, "Give thanks in all circumstances" 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Our lives need to look radically different than the world around us. Complaining is easy, even popular in these days, but we are to live counter culture. Praising in the storms of life takes great strength and you have that strength living in you.

My heart is heavy for those in great need, those that lost their jobs, their businesses, loved ones and even their lives. However, my heart is also heavy for those of us that might miss out on what God wants to do in our hearts during this storm. Are we waiting for things to get "back to normal' or are we reflecting on how our lives could be more aligned with HIS WORD AND HIS WAY.

Will we walk out of this storm grateful to return to the "things of this world" or will we walk out with repentance and humbleness as our victory flag.

Perhaps as Jesus said, "peace to the storm" he is also calling us to have "peace in our hearts" . . . our attitudes reflecting our immense trust in an unshakable God by living unshakeable in our lives today.

Generation after generation, in Old and New Testament, there is displayed a falling away from God and his commandments time and again. Every time it leads to hardships and separation. However in the same manner, every time God returns full of His grace and His promises to restore to those he loves. It is not enough for us to just ask Him to heal our lands without humbling our hearts.

2 Chronicles 7:14 (KJV) "If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land."

I have full faith that God will restore and heal our lands and when He does this may He get all the glory. I pray that all those who call upon His name would do so with humility and faith-filled prayers.

The Lord led me to this passage in Isaiah to speak into this season:

“I live in the high and holy place

with those whose spirits are contrite and humble.

I restore the crushed spirit of the humble

and revive the courage of those with repentant hearts.

For I will not fight against you forever;

I will not always be angry.

If I were, all people would pass away—

all the souls I have made.

I was angry,

so I punished these greedy people.

I withdrew from them,

but they kept going on their own stubborn way.

I have seen what they do,

but I will heal them anyway!

I will lead them.

I will comfort those who mourn,

bringing words of praise to their lips.

May they have abundant peace, both near and far,”

says the Lord, who heals them."

If we can be honest there are things that need to change in our lives; and yes many in mine. Our focus and attention has been thrown off course in this world filled with distractions. Take this time to inquire of the the Lord, and ask Him to give you eyes to see those things we need to leave behind in this storm and not carry anymore when He brings a fresh new start into our lives!

Be blessed and trust that God is faithful and ALWAYS good!!