Category: Prayer

Astonished

Imagine a person you love deeply to whom you’ve imparted significant wisdom. You’ve had a close relationship and have supported one another through hard times. The bonds between you have been strengthened through shared faith, values, and experiences. This relationship has brought you deep joy and fulfillment and you feel sad when life circumstances cause your close proximity to change. Perhaps you’re picturing a family member who no longer lives under your roof. Or maybe it’s a close friend who’s moved to another city or state.

Despite the distance, you hold them dear and remain in contact. Now, imagine that as time passes, this relationship seems to shift. Issues that you used to view through a similar lens now spark conflict between you. Or maybe the beliefs or values you both embraced seem to be veering in different directions, leaving you disoriented and confused.

Over time, you notice more and more changes in the person you love that cause deep concern. After much prayer, you muster the courage to address what you’re seeing and to remind your loved one of timeless truth you once celebrated together. Gathering your thoughts, you write a letter to share your love for the person and your concern for the choices they’re making that no longer align with the beliefs they once held. It’s not the desire for uniformity that drives you, but a deep love and concern for a person drifting from spiritual freedom back into bondage.

This is the situation Paul faces as he writes to the churches in Galatia to express his deep concern over changes in their beliefs and practices. Paul wastes no time reminding them of his credibility as “an apostle—sent not from men nor by man, but by Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised him from the dead.” (Galatians 1:1, NIV) He opens his letter by offering grace and peace to smooth the way for the correction to follow.

Unable to contain himself after his initial greeting, Paul expresses dismay for the Galatians’ quickness to turn from God’s grace. “I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you to live in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel—which is really no gospel at all.” (Galatians 1:6 & 7a, NIV) Forgetting the foundation laid by Paul’s teaching, the Galatians have been thrown into confusion by people “trying to pervert the gospel of Christ.” (Galatians 1:7c, NIV) He reminds them that the gospel he preached wasn’t made up or created by a man but received “by revelation from Jesus Christ.” (Galatians 1:12b, NIV)

Earlier Paul says, “Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.” (Galatians 1:10, NIV) His questions are rhetorical, but they’re worth considering. If you had genuine concerns for a loved one like I described above, would you address them? Would you be blunt and direct in the spirit of “just being honest”? Or perhaps you’d take the passive-aggressive route by making subtle comments in hopes they’d get the hint. Or maybe  you’d just avoid your concerns altogether to keep the illusion of peace.

Recognizing that a fellow believer we love has veered from biblical truth shouldn’t cause us to become aggressive and accusatory or to throw up our hands in defeat. It should cause us to fall on our knees in prayer. Paul’s example shows that a loving response to people who have been thrown into spiritual confusion is to come alongside them, not to abandon them to distorted thinking. Unfortunately, in our culture of instant gratification we’ve forgotten the value of patience or the wisdom of letting a process unfold. We see something concerning and either attack it head on to bring immediate correction or avoid it, withdrawing in quiet disappointment and judgement.

If you’re picturing a specific person right now, perhaps it’s time to commit to prayer. Here are a few suggestions:

  • Do not address your concerns with your loved one on social media, in an e-mail, or text message. Pray for an opportunity to start a conversation.
  • Ask the Lord to search your heart and reveal any sin that may be affecting your perspective. Be sure the concern you have is rooted in wanting biblical truth to come to light, not proving you’re “right.”
  • Ask the Lord to increase your compassion for the person’s confusion instead of sparking criticism or judgement over wrong thinking.
  • Pray for wisdom about how to come alongside the person, how to ask good questions, and how to listen well.
  • Pray for the person’s heart to soften and their spiritual eyes to be opened.
  • Pray for patience as you wait to see glimmers of change.
  • Pray for the Lord to place other people in your loved one’s life who will water seeds of faith that have gone dormant or to help them recognize where they’ve gotten off track.

If anything other than love is motivating you to speak, wait and ask the Lord to soften your heart. When you don’t see anything happening, don’t give up praying. Trust that the Lord hears your prayers and is working in His perfect timing.  And if the Spirit prompts you, approach the conversation with curiosity rather than condemnation. Find out where the confusion started and what the root issues are. Don’t try to say all the things at once. Be patient and let the dialogue unfold over time. Listen more than you speak. And when you open your mouth, share gently with authenticity from your heart and authority from the Word of God.

Inspired by Live Free: A Study of Galatians by Elizabeth Woodson, Lifeway, 2025. Follow along by ordering your copy here.

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Message of the King: Matthew 5-7

This past week has been a rough one in our nation. Violence and deep ideological divisions have dominated headlines. Unfiltered emotions and opinions continue spewing out through conversations, text threads, social media, and news outlets.  They evoke a range of responses—anger, confusion, fear, anxiety. Rather than letting strong reactions lead us, we can discover deep wisdom for responding to these current events by opening our Bibles.

Not surprisingly, the content we’re walking through this week in Matthew five through seven provides timely relevance.  We’ll see how Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount reveals the stark contrast between the Kingdom of God and the kingdom of the world. In it, He calls citizens of His upside-down kingdom to live from the inside out.

The sermon starts with eight statements known as the Beatitudes. Deeper than a spiritual checklist, the Beatitudes show us “Spiritual poverty is square one. We cannot participate in the kingdom of heaven without recognizing our desperate need for God.”1   The statements Jesus makes aren’t just wisdom to be pondered, but mindsets to adopt and behaviors to practice. They are the antidote to our sinful nature. C.S. Lewis explains, “What Satan put into the heads of our remote ancestors [Adam and Eve] was the idea that they could ‘be like gods’—could set up on their own as if they had created themselves—be their own masters—invent some sort of happiness for themselves outside God, apart from God.”

Lewis continues, “God made us: invented us as a man invents an engine. A car is made to run on gasoline, and it would not run properly on anything else. Now God designed the human machine to run on Himself. He Himself is the fuel our spirits were designed to burn, or the food our spirits were designed to feed on. There is no other. That is why it is just no good asking God to make us happy in our own way without bothering about religion. God cannot give us a happiness and peace apart from Himself, because it is not there. There is no such thing.”2

The Sermon on the Mount shows us how to “fuel our spirits” and to live in a way that builds God’s kingdom on earth. Covering a multitude of topics, Jesus’ primary concern is with our hearts and actions aligning with Him. In essence, He’s calling us to live from the inside out–prioritizing integrity and demonstrating joyful obedience to His higher call. He admonishes us to examine our own hearts and to consider the fruit we bear instead of targeting the faults of others.

The opening lines of Matthew chapter five tell us that Jesus saw the crowds, went up on a mountain, and sat down to teach His disciples. The teaching in the Sermon on the Mount is not intended to weigh us down with rules or to tell us how to find salvation but to show the way to conduct ourselves as citizens of His kingdom and members of His family. Learning to live this way is a lifelong pursuit that requires practice, commitment, and focus.

Let’s take a peek at the upside-down teaching from Matthew 5:3-10 (ESV) and see what it looks like to live from the inside out.

  1. “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Being poor in spirit is admitting that you are sinful and completely destitute spiritually. You acknowledge you can do nothing to deliver yourself from your dire situation. Jesus says that, no matter your status, you must recognize your spiritual poverty before you can come to God in faith to receive the salvation He offers.
  2. “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” Those who mourn grieve over the sin that separates them from the Lord. The Spirit comforts people who are honest about their own sin and humble enough to ask for forgiveness and healing.
  3. “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.” Meekness follows the example of Jesus by having the right or the power to do something but refraining for the benefit of someone else. Those who are meek display humility and gentleness. They aren’t weak but have a clear estimation of themselves and their standing before the Lord.
  4. “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.” People who have an ongoing desire for personal righteousness have deep spiritual appetites. They care more about pursuing and pleasing the Lord than winning the approval and admiration of others. Seeking the Lord and applying His Word to their lives satiates their spiritual hunger.
  5. “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.” Those who are merciful understand that God’s mercy has been extended to them, so they give it freely to others. They demonstrate humility by offering others what they’ve received from the Lord.
  6. “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” The pure in heart seek to be inwardly clean. They value the Lord’s holiness and don’t want sin to hinder their walk with Him. They pursue what is right, good, and true. They confess their sins readily and find refreshment in the Lord’s forgiveness.
  7. “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” Jesus gave His life to make peace between God and sinners, and when we can carry that message of peace to others, we are peacemakers. Reconciling broken relationships brings the peace of Christ into the world. Peacemakers experience inward peace with God and pursue outward peace with others. They seek genuine peace rather than avoiding conflict to create the illusion of peace.
  8. “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Those who are mistreated, oppressed or maligned for doing what honors God show the depth of their love and commitment to the Lord. Rather than seeking the praise of people, they crave the approval of their Heavenly Father.

In the world’s eyes, few of these statements would be considered a blessing. However, as followers of Christ, we don’t embrace the world’s perspective. Jesus describes this in John 15 when He explains “If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world.” (John 15:19a, NIV) Followers of Jesus don’t belong to the world because our citizenship is in heaven: “You are citizens along with all of God’s holy people. You are members of God’s family.” (Ephesians 2:19b, NLT)

Living the upside-down, inside-out life Jesus describes is difficult, especially when the world around us doesn’t value it. There can be lonely moments when we’re the only people intent on honoring and serving the Lord. Being blessed doesn’t always mean experiencing comfort or ease on this side of heaven but the Sermon on the Mount encourages us to take the long view and embrace the lasting truth the Lord imparts to us in it.

A few summers back I wrote fifteen posts on the Sermon on the Mount, following along with a sermon series our pastor titled “The GOAT” (greatest of all time). For a deeper dive on each topic, click on any of the blue links below.

Beatitudes  Full- length version of the eight-point list above

Salt   Responding to Jesus’ call to be the salt of the earth gives us the privilege and responsibility of having a tremendous impact on our world. We must marinate in God’s Word and let His Spirit flavor our lives.

Light Each interaction we have with others provides a chance to make the world a little better and to shine our lights a little brighter. Invite the Lord to show you where you can shine the light of His love and grace.

Law & Prophets Jesus fulfilled hundreds of prophecies concerning Himself that had been written by the prophets in the Old Testament. He also fulfilled the requirements of the civil and moral laws in Scripture by living a perfect life and the ceremonial laws through His sacrificial death on the cross.

Anger Cooling a hot temper is not accomplished overnight. But through prayer, Bible study, and reliance upon the Holy Spirit, ungodly anger can be overcome. Seek to glorify God and watch your thoughts and relationships change for the better.

Adultery & Divorce  Being faithful in our relationships means guarding our hearts (Proverbs 4:23) and taking extreme measures to avoid sin. Despite these teachings in Scripture, most of us have been exposed to the pain caused by divorce. That pain is part of the reason Scripture says God hates divorce (Malachi 2:15-16). Note that it does NOT say God hates divorced people. Nothing could be further from the truth. God’s love and grace are open to us all and there are no second-class citizens in the Kingdom of Heaven.

Yes & No  Next time an opportunity or invitation comes your way, pray first and evaluate whether you have the time and inclination to give it your all. Then, be confident in delivering a clear “yes” or “no” answer and be joyful in the decision you’ve made.

Revenge and Enemies Plot lines about characters retaliating for wrongs committed against them are plentiful. Just do a quick internet search and you’ll find a variety of titles to entertain you and tutor you in the art of revenge.  It’s human nature to want to get even, but it’s not biblical.

Hypocrisy  As Jesus describes giving, praying, and fasting, His message is clear: don’t be a hypocrite. He’s not interested in people who put on masks like actors and pretend to be holy, He wants hearts that are truly devoted to following Him.

Treasure  The only treasure that is 100% trustworthy is found in God’s kingdom. Our pursuit of Jesus enables us to align our priorities with His in ways that are both spiritual and practical. It opens doors for Him to use our time and finances for greater impact and lets us discover the value of lasting treasure found only in Him. And that is “life that is truly life.”

Worry  When fear and anxiety are running our lives, love is repressed. Not being anxious improves our sense of well-being and allows us to express God’s love and grace to others more freely. And isn’t that what our world desperately needs right now?

Judgement The next time you’re tempted to make a quick judgment about someone, stop and think first. What factors might be contributing to their actions and attitudes? Examine your heart and ask God to help you see the person as He sees them. Make time to understand them before being so quick to dismiss them.

Ask, Seek, Knock   Jesus invites us to pray boldly and persistently, but  waiting for God to act can get tiring. And sometimes the Lord’s answers look different than we expect or come more slowly than we want. Read about the six keys that will help you persevere.

True Christianity  Trusting Jesus as Savior and Lord of our lives means daily choosing to walk through the narrow gate. This path is open to anyone who decides to follow Him. It leads to an abundant, fulfilling life that’s unlike anything we can find on the wide road.

A Solid Foundation  In the midst of the tumult, rest assured that building our lives with Jesus as the foundation is the only lasting solution for experiencing peace and hope.

You can follow along with our study by ordering your copy of Tara Leigh Cobble’s Knowing Jesus as King.

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  1. Tara Leigh Cobble, Knowing Jesus as King, Bethany House 2024, 43.
  2. C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity, Geoffrey Bles Publishing, 1952

Fighting Back

Note: For my summer series I’ll be drawing on inspiration from experiences happening during this more unstructured season. Posts may be less regular, but you’ll still find plenty of biblically rooted inspiration, encouragement, and gentle nudging to let God expand your comfort zone.

 Pedaling through verdant fields, past narrow canals, and into bustling towns throughout the lowlands of Europe, one constant always caught my eye—church steeples. They always stood as the tallest points on the horizon or the most noteworthy buildings in town squares. And although many have become more like museums or tourist attractions, they still hold rich biblical symbolism for anyone interested in finding it.

Less than thirty minutes outside of Amsterdam, Saint Bavo’s Church towers above all the other buildings in the picturesque town of Haarlem. Wandering through the cavernous sanctuary felt like going on a treasure hunt as I discovered many objects symbolizing biblical truth. While the vibrant stained-glass windows, enormous pipe organ, and historical artifacts were all impressive, I was most intrigued by the brass hand rail leading down the stairs of the elevated pulpit. It had been shaped into the curving body of a snake ending with the head at the base of the stairs. Puzzled to see a serpent in the church, I learned that it symbolized the enemy slithering away from the Word of God as it is proclaimed from the pulpit.

This striking image calls to mind the temptation of Jesus at the start of His public ministry. While the enemy lures Him to sin, Jesus fights back with Scripture. During the final temptation “Jesus said to him, ‘Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’ Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him.” (Matthew 4:10-11, NIV) Note how Jesus fends off the attacks of the enemy using God’s Word. Sometimes as His followers, we don’t behave like we have spiritual authority or remember we have access to this same power, but Scripture makes it clear we do:

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.  Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” (Ephesians 6:10-17, NIV)

Recently I found myself in a downward spiral of discouragement.  An old relational wound tore open and flooded my mind with convincing lies. The enemy had capitalized on one of my weak spots and was tapping into some longtime insecurities from the past. After two days of wallowing in self pity, I finally fought back using spiritual weapons. Instead of remaining in misery, seeking reassurance from my husband, or trying to numb myself with distractions, I confronted all of the ugly thoughts that had been poisoning my mind.

Sitting alone in my backyard, I wrote until my hand ached, pouring out my struggles to God in my prayer journal. Once I’d purged all my angst and fears, the Lord  comforted me through His Word.  With my heart softened, God also enabled  me to see where I’d let old and unhealthy thought patterns creep back into my mind. I took ownership of the areas I’d sinned, sought forgiveness, and  laid down my lingering pain before Him.  Focused time reading the Bible and praying changed my perspective and reminded me of deep truth that led to restored peace. The serpent slithered away as I buckled on the belt of truth and recognized how I’d been deceived.

I’ve been attacked spiritually before, but I still fell for the enemy’s lies. It wasn’t enough knowing that spiritual armor was available to me, I had to use it. When do you get lured in by the enemy’s schemes? Are you arming yourself with tools God has given you? Maybe the relaxed pace of summer has distracted you from praying and opening your Bible  consistently. Or maybe  you’re struggling with anxious thoughts, nagging fears, or challenging relational dynamics. Has the serpent slithered in and magnified an area of weakness in you?  Instead of feeling defeated, remind yourself of truth and put what you know into practice. Claim your spiritual authority, engage the armor of God, and send the enemy packing. You can take a deeper dive into this important topic right now by clicking here: “The Armor of God.”

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Look Back Before Charging Ahead

Last remnants of the cookies I baked are going stale on the kitchen counter and a pile of clean sheets waits on the bed in my son’s recently vacated room. The holiday season is coming to a close, but regular life hasn’t kicked back into gear for me yet. It’s the perfect opportunity to reflect on the past year in preparation for the one ahead. Will you consider joining me in pondering the three questions below before you get swept in the activity of 2025?

  1. What shaped your character, faith, and worldview?

The things we read, watch, listen to and experience all affect our mental, emotional, spiritual, and relational health so I try to be intentional about what I allow into my mind. Here are few inputs that have shaped me positively in the last year:

Studying the Bible:  I’ve loved opening the Bible and unpacking its truth in a variety of places with different people and groups. Hebrews 10:23-25 is always in the back of my mind when it comes to Bible study: “Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”

How will you incorporate consistent Bible study into your schedule in 2025? Who will you study with this year so you can spur one another on? Whether it’s one person, a small group at home, or a ministry at church, make it a priority to plug in and commit this year. You’ll be glad you did.

In-Person Experiences: I had the privilege of going to Mexico as a leader with our high school youth group and participating in Impact Day at San Francisco City Impact in the Tenderloin. Seeing the Holy Spirit move in these places was powerful and reminded me that there’s no substitute for showing up in person. Trusting God while stretching the limits of our comfort zones is one of the best ways to let Him work in and through us.

Making room in your calendar to say “yes” to a conference, retreat, mission trip, or day of serving always feels like a challenge, but it’s so worth the effort. Will you pray and ask God where He might be calling you to say “yes” to an opportunity to be stretched this year?

Good Books: Among the list of books I read this year, three I’m still thinking about are Dominion by Tom Holland, Jesus and the Powers by N.T. Wright and Michael Bird, and You Are a Theologian by Jen Wilkin and J.T. English. The first gave me a greater understanding of world history and the impact of Christianity on events through time. The second helped me to have big-picture view of power and authority and to consider our culture through the lens of God’s kingdom. The third explained key doctrines and how they impact us personally and corporately.

There is no replacement for a good book. Will you commit to reading or listening to at least one this year that will expand your knowledge about some aspect of your faith journey?

Practical Podcasts: Among the many I listened to, two that consistently expand my knowledge and spur on my faith are Knowing Faith (Kyle Worley, JT English, Jen Wilkin) and Emotionally Healthy Leader Podcast (Pete Scazzero). My biblical knowledge has grown and I’ve discovered useful tools for navigating life, faith, ministry, and relationships.

Inspiring Shows: If you haven’t watched The Chosen yet, add it to your watch list for 2025. It adds color, depth, and relatability to stories in the gospels that brings them to life even more.

Now, consider what shaped your character and worldview this year for better or for worse. What will you add or eliminate for 2025 so that the Holy Spirit can shape you more?

2) Where did you see God at work? How did you grow personally or spiritually?

I’ve grown by seeing the power of the prayer and the movement of the Holy Spirit. I am a person of action, but this year I learned the importance of trusting and waiting for God’s timing and prompting. When impatience or fear goaded me to step into a situation, I stopped and prayed instead. As a result, I saw some incredibly obvious answers to prayer unfold later (especially with my adult sons). At other times, the Spirit prompted me to take action in unplanned opportunities—whether hosting a college group all summer in my backyard or spontaneously praying for people I encountered.

As I’ve mentored young women, coached fellow Bible teachers, and served in Women’s Ministries, I have continued to find the most impactful moments come in small group and one on one connections. Relationships are my priority; programs are simply tools to provide meaningful content for significant conversations.

Now, how would you answer the question above?

3) Where will you focus your energy in 2025?

I want to be used by God to bless others, expand His kingdom, and bring Him glory. I hope to resist the tendency to pray for circumstances to unfold as I think they should. I want to trust God with the unknowns that lie ahead. I pray the Lord will expand my capacity to receive His Spirit and that He will use my time, resources, and gifts to pour into others and point them toward Him.

Before you charge into 2025, take some time to ponder where you’ve been. Reflecting on these questions will enable you to be more intentional in the year ahead. “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.” (Proverbs 16:33, NIV) Happy New Year!

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The Armor of God

Closing in on the final chapter of Ephesians, Paul leaves us with a powerful image to review key points he’s covered. He reminds believers of their true adversary and then shows us all of the spiritual resources we have at our disposal:

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” (Ephesians 6:10-12, NIV)

Prompted by his surroundings in prison, Paul uses pieces of a Roman soldier’s armor as visual reminders of spiritual tools available to believers. As an expert in Hebrew scriptures, he’s also drawing a comparison from a prophecy about the Messiah in the book of Isaiah:

“The Lord looked and was displeased that there was no justice. He saw that there was no one, he was appalled that there was no one to intervene; so his own arm achieved salvation for him, and his own righteousness sustained him. He put on righteousness as his breastplate, and the helmet of salvation on his head; he put on the garments of vengeance and wrapped himself in zeal as in a cloak.” (Isaiah 59:15b-17, NIV)

In this passage Isaiah describes One who will intervene on behalf of sinners to bring justice to humankind. A commentary explains, “The One who is offended by sin, the Holy God, became the intercessor for the people…The offended rescues the offenders…Therefore, God puts on his armor. He is going to battle to save his people. He not only puts on garments of righteousness but also garments of vengeance. And most beautifully, he wraps himself with a cloak of zeal. The Lion of Judah has watched this mess for too long… The enemy now is the greatest one of all, sin and Satan and his spiritual forces of wickedness. These are the ones he is going to conquer like a mighty warrior.”1

Paul brings this notion full circle in Ephesians, celebrating Christ as the intercessor acting on behalf of sinners. When we read Ephesians 6:10-18 we discover that God conquers, then puts His armor on us and equips us for spiritual battle as well. If you’ve read Ephesians 6 recently, you probably recognize the parallels from the Isaiah passage above: “Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” (Ephesians 6:14-17, NIV)

As he closes, Paul reminds believers of all the riches he’s been writing about throughout his letter. Physical armor provides a memorable summary of what he’s written. 

The Belt of Truth encircles us. It protects us from the lies and deceptions of the enemy and provides the core support we need to pursue spiritual maturity. It also keeps us from damaging our relationships with others:

  • “And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation.” (1:13a)
  • “Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ.” (4:15)
  • “When you heard about Christ and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus.” (4:21)
  • “Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body.” (4:25)
  • “For the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth.” (5:9)

The Breastplate of Righteousness protects our hearts from the accusations of the enemy. It reminds us that we wear the righteousness of Christ and can never be condemned or shamed for our sin because Christ has already atoned for it.

  • “Put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.” (4:24)
  • “For the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth.” (5:9)

The Gospel of Peace equips us with the readiness to walk confidently in faith without the hindrance of fear, anxiety, or sin. Being at peace with God also brings peace between believers, regardless of their differing backgrounds.

  • “Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” (1:2)
  • “For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility.” (2:14)
  • “His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace.” (2:15b)
  • “He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near.” (2:17)
  • “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” (Ephesians 4:3)

The Shield of Faith protects us from attacks of the evil one. Through faith in Christ we are adopted as God’s children and given the protection, rights, and privileges reserved for members of His holy and eternal family. 

  • “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—” (2:8)
  • “In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.” (3:12)
  • “I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith.” (3:16-17a)
  • “There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.” (4:4-6)
  • “So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.” (4:11-13)

The Helmet of Salvation protects our minds and allows us to remain clear thinking and sound minded. Wearing it affects how we view all things: ourselves, our circumstances, God, and others.

  • “And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit.” (1:13)

The Sword of the Spirit is the word of God and is the only offensive weapon we have or need. We can discover the extent of our spiritual authority and power within the pages of Scripture. With the help of the Spirit, we can have wisdom and revelation to know God better and to walk in a manner worthy of our calling.

  • “When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit.” (1:13b)
  • “I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better.” (1:17)
  • “For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.” (2:18)
  • “And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.” (2:22)
  • “I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being.” (3:16)
  • “There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called.” (4:4)
  • “And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.” (4:30)
  • “Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit,” (5:18)

Learning each element of the Armor of God provides a simple way to remember the incredible spiritual resources always within our grasp. If you’d like to delve deeper into any of the specific aspects of the Armor of God, click on the links below to access blogs written while I was studying The Armor of God by Priscilla Shirer.

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Inspired by Ephesians: A Study of Faith and Practice by Jackie Hill Perry, Jasmine Holmes and Melissa Kruger, Lifeway Press, 2024

1. Berry Kercheville, “Isaiah 59: God Was Appalled” August 2020

Seated in Heavenly Places

A couple of years ago my son brought a friend home from college to spend Thanksgiving with us. During that week he participated in the rhythms of our family—eating meals with us, sleeping on our couch, helping us prepare for Thanksgiving, and getting to know our extended family around the table. We welcomed his presence, but he was a temporary member of our household for a short season. Because he didn’t share our last name, he didn’t have keys to our house or his own bed. Nor were we paying for his college tuition or planning to give him an inheritance one day. As much as we enjoyed having him, he will never have all the privileges our sons have. 

Being part of a family gives us a sense of belonging and identity along with certain benefits. It gives us legal rights, security, and protection in the earthly realm. But as we read Ephesians, we discover that God gives those with faith in Christ something even better and more lasting: adoption into His eternal household (Ephesians 1:5, 2:19). Included with this adoption is a rich spiritual inheritance and a new position: “But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus.” (Ephesians 2:4-6, NIV- italics added)

If you’ve accepted Jesus, then you’re an adopted child of God; you’ve been brought from death to life and have received salvation by God’s grace. And if that’s not amazing enough, you are also seated with Christ in heavenly realms. We can be physically present on earth but simultaneously engaging the spiritual world.1 When Paul prays that the eyes of our hearts will be opened in Ephesians 1:18, he’s awakening us to the reality of the spiritual world that exists all around us all the time. Let’s explore a few highlights of the incredible privilege of being seated with Christ:

-Christ’s position in the heavenly realms shows His completed work.1 He is seated and at rest after fulfilling all of the requirements He came to earth to accomplish: Becoming a man and identifying with our humanity; shedding blood and dying on the cross to atone for our sins; overcoming death to reveal His ultimate power and authority. After making these sacrifices, the Father “seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come.” (Ephesians 1:20b-21, ESV). His seated position assures us He has finished the work required for our salvation.

-Being seated at the right hand of the Father signifies Christ’s place of highest honor and spiritual authority. “And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.” (Ephesians 2:22-23 NIV) Being seated with Him is “much like being seated at the VIP table of a Presidential luncheon. We have been given the royal privilege of being enthroned with the Son and will one day partake of His glory.”2

-Being seated with Christ in heavenly places means we have access to spiritual privileges and blessings such as redemption, spiritual insight, and forgiveness. We also have spiritual authority and power to defeat forces of evil.* Paul expands on this a few chapters later in Ephesians: “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” (Ephesians 6:10-12, NIV)

-God raised us up “in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus.” Our honored position seated with Christ displays God’s rich grace and deep kindness. Letting this spiritual truth sink in should change the way we see ourselves and how we engage the world around us. Our position in God’s family is secure, but we did nothing to earn it. It is only through the love, grace, and kindness of God that we humbly receive all the rights and privileges He bestows on His children.

Consider the incredible truth contained in these points and how you might respond in prayer. Do you need your spiritual eyes to be opened more so that you can see God at work in the spiritual realm? Is it time to marvel at the incredible sacrifices Christ made on your behalf and to praise Him for His completed work? Perhaps now is the time to be in awe of His spiritual authority and to praise Him for sharing it with you. Maybe you’ll want to ask the Father to help you understand His spiritual blessings  and power so you can access them more. Or perhaps you simply want to thank God for His kindness—for including you in His family and lavishing you with all the rights and privileges of a beloved child.

Was this forwarded to you? You can receive new posts automatically in your inbox by going to www.marybethmccullum.com, entering your e-mail address and clicking “subscribe.”

Inspired by Ephesians: A Study of Faith and Practice by Jackie Hill Perry, Jasmine Holmes and Melissa Kruger, Lifeway Press, 2024.

1. Patrick Oben, “Seated in Heavenly Places  In Christ”

2. “What Does It Mean to be Seated in Heavenly Places? (Ephesians 2:6)” 

*Learn more about your spiritual authority in Christ in my blog “Claiming Your Spiritual Authority: The Armor of God Part 1”

Trying Softer

My younger son’s birthday is right around the corner. Every year as the thermometers rise and we turn the page to August, I think of the summer I was pregnant with him. We had some extreme heat that year and when I was almost full-term, there were days I felt I was being crowded out of my own body. The heat and physical discomfort made me determined to go into labor, so I started taking brisk walks in hopes of kicking my body into gear. I’ll never forget leaving the house one evening while my husband stayed back to put our two-year-old to bed. Sitting beside our pajama-clad son as they waved goodbye at the window, my husband called out “Remember, you’re not going to walk that baby out! He’ll come when he’s ready.” I was determined to prove him wrong, but labor ended up starting days later at a time and place that was not what I would have chosen.

Trying hard makes us feel powerful—like we can force a specific outcome and make circumstances unfold in the timing want. Unfortunately, though, it often causes us to think our effort is the most important factor.

In both parenting and ministry, I’ve learned that trying softer leaves more room for God to work and enables relationships to stay healthier. Taking this posture looks more passive but actually diverts our energy towards prayer and reliance on the Holy Spirit. It invites God to work in His timing and according to His plans. Trying softer means trusting Him to produce the fruit of patience, gentleness, and self-control when we’re tempted to take matters into our own hands and act with impatience, harshness, and impulsivity (see Galatians 5:22). Let’s explore a couple of real life examples to see how this looks

One of the most humbling places I’ve learned about trying softer has been in my role as a mom. My husband and I had always assumed our kids would go to college. As a former high school teacher, I looked forward to helping my boys chart a path that would open opportunities for higher education. However, at the start of his sophomore year, one of my sons began balking at my suggestions. He wanted nothing to do with building a resumé of experiences to showcase on college applications. Positioning himself to earn academic and extracurricular honors wasn’t compelling to him. No matter how I much I reasoned with him, he refused to listen.

Underlying tension simmered between us for months until it boiled over one day when I was peppering him with yet another helpful, albeit unsolicited, suggestion. In exasperation, my son cut me off mid-sentence and snapped: “College is stupid and a waste of money.” Offended and frustrated, I held back from spewing out an emotional reaction. In that moment, I realized trying harder to persuade him would have divided us even further.

Later, after much prayer and discussion, my husband and I agreed to let our son chart his path forward; all talk of college ceased in our household. We held our tongues but continued to pray that God would lead him to discover his passions and pursue the path that was best for him. Although it was difficult, we let go of the notion that college was his only option and waited to see how his plans would unfold.

Two years later, as our son prepared to start his senior year, I summoned the courage to ask about his post-high school plans. To my surprise, he told me he was interested in college and asked if I would help him with the application process. He later admitted to me that the pressure I had put on him to build his resumé felt inauthentic—like I was trying to make him “show well” to impress others instead of letting his genuine interests reveal who he was. He felt like a commodity to which I was trying to add value. It was sobering and convicting to hear his perspective. That fall he applied to four schools, received acceptances to all of them, and ended up choosing a small Christian college I never would have considered for him. 

This past May, my son graduated from that school after four incredible years. He thrived and grew there intellectually, spiritually, and relationally. Never once did I see a grade he received, but we often talked about what he was learning there. He gained valuable insights studying abroad in far flung places like Egypt, Israel, and India. At graduation he wore a cord around his neck signifying he’d completed his degree cum laude. He hadn’t even bothered to tell my husband and me. By easing off, we’d let him navigate decisions, make mistakes, and take ownership of his education. Better still, the change in our approach improved our relationship in ways we hadn’t anticipated.

The wisdom I’ve gleaned about trying softer has also benefitted me in ministry. I love serving and leading, but sometimes my enthusiasm creates a false sense of urgency. My desire to implement a vision and move plans forward can be on a timetable that’s a bit too aggressive. Trying harder to push my agenda or timeline often leads to hasty decisions, hard feelings, and frustrating interactions. 

After several missteps, I’ve learned the value of trying softer by pausing to pray and to give others time to do the same. Planning, serving, and leading in ministry without seeking God first is the opposite of abiding with Jesus. We can do nothing of spiritual significance on our own wisdom and strength. That’s what Jesus means when He says, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5, NIV)

Just like with my son, patience, gentleness and self-control have helped me to try softer and have given the Lord room to work. Instead of pressuring people to make a decision, say yes to serving, or provide information I need, I’ve learned to give them time to respond thoughtfully. Treating others gently frees them to say “yes” or “no” with joy instead of guilt. Relying on the Holy Spirit’s guidance as I lead has created meaningful ministry bonds, lasting friendships, and zero drama.

Where are you tempted to try harder to force your agenda? How might trying softer increase your trust in God and improve your relationships? Consider praying and asking the Lord to show you one place in your life where you need more patience, gentleness, and self-control. Abide in Him and watch the fruit He bears through you.

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Let it Unfold

It’s been almost a year since God answered an angsty prayer by speaking to me in a dream. I’d found myself in a familiar situation—coordinating logistics for my family’s schedule and feeling frustrated that everyone wasn’t in sync. A tense conversation with one of my kids hadn’t ended well and I’d gone to bed discouraged. After tossing and turning for several hours, I fell into a fitful sleep while my brain continued to process a solution to our stalemate. 

My son’s lack of willingness to adjust to my plan was going to cost time and money as well as causing great inconvenience. Before falling asleep, I’d been weighing the different approaches I could use to get him to see the situation from my perspective. Exhausted, I eventually drifted off to sleep when, just before waking, calming words in a dream filled me with peace. I don’t think I heard the Lord audibly, but His message was clear: “Let it unfold.”

Pulling back the covers in the dawn light, I chose to trust God’s gentle voice as I anticipated the day ahead. Instead of trying to convince my son to get on board with my logistically “superior” plan, I held off and opted to let events unfold without intervening. A few months later, when the plans came to fruition, I understood what the Lord had been doing. The plan that, in my mind, had seemed illogical and inconvenient actually turned out to be God’s provision—a needed respite in an unexpected season of intensity in our family.

I view time as a precious commodity and see efficiency as the key to prevent wasting it. There’s nothing I love more than a well-crafted plan that works out exactly as I expect. But in the past year, the Lord has reminded me again and again of that phrase He gave me last summer: “Let it unfold.” When I’m tempted to speak up and step in to fix, suggest, or point out a better way to do something, I’m learning to pause and pray first. In my attempts to help others or improve situations, my proactivity can short-circuit the learning process for someone else. Worse still, it can squelch the Holy Spirit from moving or speaking.

We live in a fast-paced world and most of us don’t believe we have time to slow down and let things unfold, but that’s not the way of Jesus. When I’m tempted to rush or to force my plan on someone else, I’m reminded that Jesus was never in a hurry. He never rushed. Likewise, God never forces Himself or His plans on us. He waits patiently and delights when we choose to follow His ways instead of ours. I love how Jesus says this in The Message (a contemporary language paraphrase of the Bible): 

“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” (Matthew 11:28-30)

Learning to “let it unfold” has been an exercise in restraint for the past year. But as I’ve held back and waited longer than I would have preferred, I’ve watched the Lord move and have witnessed His “unforced rhythms of grace” more times than I can count. Sometimes it’s with one of my adult kids, other times, it’s been with extended family, or people I serve with or lead in ministry. Letting things unfold has helped me avoid unneeded tension with others that often comes with unsolicited advice, unwelcome opinions, and forced decisions. The Lord has shed light on pride that leads me to see my way of doing things as “best.” He’s humbled me and helped me to recognize the beauty of letting others learn through experience instead of being subjected to my “helpful” suggestions. I’m still growing in patience but am seeing the positive results of trusting His timing instead of acting on my impulses. 

What about you? Are you ever tempted to intervene and fast track the learning process for someone else? Do you sometimes want to help others see the value of your perspectives or opinions whether they’re ready to listen or not? Are you quick to offer a suggestion or observation before inviting the Holy Spirit to intercede? Letting things unfold doesn’t mean doing nothing, but it does mean pausing to pray. Sometimes the Lord may prompt you to speak up or step in; at other times He’ll guide you to hold off and wait. Seeking His guidance enables you to be confident that you’re relying on God’s wisdom instead of your knee-jerk response.

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Expanding Intercession

“Does anyone have prayer requests?” I couldn’t begin to count how many times I’ve heard that question while sitting in a circle with other believers. Usually people share about the circumstances of people they love—whether it’s asking for physical healing, emotional support, relational peace, or something else that will affect life in the natural world.

After studying intercessions of many faithful people in Scripture, I’ve been surprised to discover they have a very different emphasis. Take Paul’s opening prayer in Ephesians for example: “I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. 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, and his incomparably great power for us who believe.” (Ephesians 1:17-19, NIV) Paul’s prayer centers on the spiritual realm. He prays for those he loves to receive wisdom and revelation so they can know the Lord better. He prays their spiritual eyes will be opened and they’ll have greater understanding of the power they have through the Spirit.

Inspired by this prayer a few years ago, I started interceding less about circumstances of those I love and more about the eyes of their hearts being opened. While I care about their health, safety, and relationships, I now see that praying for their hearts and minds to be aligned with the Lord will have a more lasting impact (and will actually affect their health, safety, and relationships positively too.) More than anything, I want them to know God deeply and understand the riches they have in Him. It’s been encouraging, gratifying, and sometimes surprising to recognize how God has responded to my prayers over time.

When we intercede for ourselves and others, we have access to a limitless source of spiritual power. Paul’s prayer in Ephesians 3 illustrates this: “I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.” (Ephesians 3:16-19, NIV) The answer to this prayer changes how believers see themselves and others. Once we grasp the depth of God’s love for us and root ourselves in it, we overflow with Jesus’ love. Instead of looking for people to fill us, we’re able to pour out God’s love on them.

Jada Edwards explains, “When Christ dwells in our hearts, we are so grounded in love that we are able to see people in the image of God. This type of love should be something we daily ask God to manifest in us and something we daily pray for others in the Spirit of Paul’s prayer.”1 Edwards invites us to stretch our faith and pray for God’s power to be more evident in ourselves, others, and among all believers. Consider these ideas to expand your prayers of intercession:

-In our personal lives: We can ask the Lord to fill us and satisfy us so completely each day that we’re not tempted to look for any lesser thing or person to quench our spiritual thirst. We can also pray for God to give us His power in practical ways—whether it’s enabling us to offer forgiveness and mend a relationship, to give us contentment while a longing remains unfulfilled, or to experience joy that is rooted in knowing Christ instead of circumstances being the way we want. We can ask God to align our hearts and minds to His will and to let the fruit of the Spirit be evident and bountiful in our lives: “But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” (Galatians 5:22-23a NLT)

-In the lives of others: We can ask God to reveal Himself in ways they can see and feel; to help them persevere and trust Him through trials; to encourage them when they’re struggling; to heal and comfort physical and emotional pain; to provide for tangible needs; to convict them when they’re mired in sin; or to give them wisdom and guidance in making decisions. We can pray for the Lord to help them remain closely connected to Him and to bear fruit that reveals His presence in their lives. “If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.” (John 15:7-8, NIV)

-In the church (local and global): We can ask God to empower us collectively to show His love to the world; to equip us to serve others with wisdom and grace; to bring unity among all believers in our divided world; to meet physical and emotional needs of the hurting through the church; to keep us humble and pure in heart; and to bring the light of hope into the darkness. “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:14-16, NIV)

Every suggestion here has been inspired by Scripture. When we let the Bible inform our prayers, we can be confident that they align with God’s will. Consider expanding your prayers of intercession—look beyond circumstances and pray for hearts and minds to be more attuned to the Kingdom of God. Try using Paul’s prayers when you’re interceding for others. Ask the Lord to open the eyes of your heart and to fill you with His love that surpasses knowledge, then watch the way it overflows from your life.

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1. Jada Edwards, When You Pray, Lifeway Press 2023, 157.

Learning to Lament

“Life often hurts, and we need to know how to pray when it does,” Jennifer Rothschild declares in When You Pray. Maybe prayers of lament aren’t a regular part of your times with the Lord; expressing passionate grief or sorrow isn’t something we do well as a culture. Rather than feeling the depth of our emotions, we expend tremendous energy trying to avoid them. 

We’ve learned to sidestep pain in many creative ways. Here are a few strategies that have become common in our culture:

Numbing: Physical pain in our bodies signals to us that something needs attention. However, if we numb the pain of a toothache without addressing the root issue, the problem grows bigger. Yet many of us do this with our emotions—we feel the unpleasant sensation of pain and we rush to numb it with alcohol, pills, binge watching Netflix, shopping, or something else. Anesthetizing may lessen the pain for a while, but it brings only short-term relief.

Busyness & Distraction: Like waving a toy in front of a toddler crying for his mother, we occupy ourselves with distractions that make us forget emotional pain, at least for a little while. Maybe it’s keeping a full social calendar, scrolling social media, flooding our minds with mental inputs like podcasts or audio books, or throwing ourselves into serving others or working. We often use busyness and distractions to avoid feeling our emotions.

Denial & Avoidance: Sometimes we like to pretend the pain isn’t there. We think that if we don’t acknowledge its existence, it can’t take us under. Like getting caught in a forceful ocean current, we try to resist its power and exhaust ourselves fighting against it. But as a wise pastor once told me, grief waits for us for as long as it takes for us to reckon with it.

Pursuing Pleasure: Taking a vacation, looking for laughs, or deciding we “deserve” to eat with abandon can be coping mechanisms we use trying to counterbalance the pain we’re feeling. Wanting to feel good for just a moment, we justify spending money or consuming calories in an effort to soothe the hurt gnawing inside of us. Often, we end up feeling worse than we did before.

Negative Comparisons: I’ll never forget risking to lament about a painful situation I was experiencing. My confidante responded by saying, “Well, at least…” and then proceeded to share something similar she’d gone through that was much worse. Instead of listening with empathy, she minimized my sadness. I felt foolish and guilty for letting my “lesser” problem affect me so deeply. Trying to make ourselves (or others) feel better through negative comparisons just makes the burden heavier.

Positive Spin: Sometimes we take a hard situation and, instead of processing our painful emotions, we try looking at the bright side. I’ve often tried to console myself and others by focusing only on the benefits emotional hardship could bring. But failing to acknowledge the pain is like covering a wound before cleaning it out—it festers and prevents healing.

Spiritual Bypassing: For a lover of Scripture like me, another way I’ve avoided feeling my sadness is by veering around it. Before even allowing my emotions to surface fully, I’m already trying to find ways to explain away the pain or learn spiritual truth from it. It’s short-sighted to think we can “skip over our pain and just have Jesus ‘fix’ us.”1

We can stave off painful emotions, but ultimately if we don’t deal with them, they leak out of us at times we don’t anticipate. Unacknowledged pain morphs into impatience, anger, irritability, apathy, discouragement, and a host of other negative emotions and behaviors that ripple out to affect others around us.

Rather than avoiding our pain, we need to face it head on and let ourselves feel it deeply. Learning to lament in prayer with total honesty brings great relief and freedom. Try using these steppingstones on the path to comfort and healing.2

1. Address God: Focus your prayer on the One who knows you intimately and listens to you attentively. “Listen to my words, Lord, consider my lament. Hear my cry for help, my King and my God, for to you I pray.” (Psalm 5:1-2, NIV)

2. Pour out your heart: Bring Him your complaints and concerns. Share your raw emotions without holding back. “Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.” (Psalm 62:8, NIV)

3. Request help: Ask God for what you need, but also remain open to His perspective on your situation. “But you, Sovereign Lord, help me for your name’s sake; out of the goodness of your love, deliver me.”(Psalm 109:21, NIV)

4. Express trust. Affirm your faith in God’s character and His Word. (Or ask Him to build your trust in Him if you’re not quite there yet.) “Truly my soul finds rest in God; my salvation comes from him. Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken.” (Psalm 62:1-2, NIV)

5. Praise Him. No matter how terrible you feel, God is still good. Remind yourself of this by expressing adoration for His wisdom, strength, and faithfulness (or whatever qualities of His you appreciate.) Use the Bible to help you if you can’t come up with anything on your own. “Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails  and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior. The Sovereign Lord is my strength;  he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to tread on the heights.” (Habakkuk 3:17-19, NIV)

Lament gives us time and space to identify our feelings and process them in the safe, loving, patient presence of our Heavenly Father. Laying out our emotions allows the Lord to comfort us and guide us, freeing us to move forward instead of being continually weighed down. It’s hard work, but so worth it. The next time you’re hurting emotionally, consider making time to practice lament and let the Lord refresh your spirit.

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1. John Mark Comer quoting John Welwood, Praciticing the Way, Waterbrook, 2024, 88.

2. Jennifer Rothschild, When You Pray session 5, Lifeway Press 2023, 119.