Tag: Peace

His Peace Outweighs My Anxiety

Posted on by Mabel


Read: Judges 6:1-16

Anyone who’s struggled with fear and anxiety understands the difficulty of overcoming these emotions. Gideon was a man who experienced great apprehension because he lived when Israel was being oppressed by the Midianites as a result of their rebellion against God.

Conditions had become so desperate that Gideon was threshing grain in a wine press so the enemy wouldn’t think to steal it. It was at this low point in his life that the angel of the Lord appeared to Gideon and told him to deliver Israel from the Midianites. Imagine his stress! He didn’t see himself as a great warrior and felt totally inadequate for the task.

Gideon’s problem was his focus. Despite being reassured that God was with him, Gideon observed the situation through human eyes and concluded that the Lord had abandoned Israel. Then he looked at himself from that same perspective and listed all the reasons why he was not the one to deliver Israel. But the Lord again responded by saying, “Surely I will be with you, and you shall defeat Midian as one man” (Judg. 6:16).

Like Gideon, we too are prone to focus on our own weakness and inability rather than count on what we know to be true about the Lord. We can think of a thousand things to worry about instead of remembering God’s past faithfulness and the certainty of His future promises. 

Persevering through anxiety is easier when we know God intimately, believe His Word, and trust Him explicitly. In the process, we’ll discover that our anxiety is outweighed by His peace.

Prayer: 

Lord I ask you to comfort me and remind me of your peace. I ask of your  forgiveness, for not believing in who you say you are. Encourage me, and remind me each and everyday of your sovereignty and truth. I pray this in Jesus’ Christ name, amen.

Is it Bad to Compare Myself?

Posted on by Mallory

Do you sometimes feel like you are less than enough? My dear friend, I hope this resonates with you today. You are God’s creation; He made you exactly how He wanted to. You are not lacking. You were dreamed up and made uniquely with characteristics all your own.

We always hear “comparison is the thief of joy.” But what if our perspective of comparison is skewed? We try so hard not to compare ourselves to others because all we come up with are negative ways in which we are lacking. Stop hating what you are NOT, and start loving what you ARE!

As humans, comparison is a natural thought process. It is how we relate ourselves and things to reality. If done in a healthy way, it is essential to growth and maturity. Telling ourselves to stop thinking will just result in shame and guilt.

Abandoning comparison would be disregarding the desire to be more like God. We are told to renew our minds to be more Christ-like. We can rewire HOW we think!

Guide your thought process. Abandon envy, jealousy, pride, and self-pity. Call out the godliness others have applied in their lives with humility and grace. Build them up! Thank God for how He made your brother or sister in Christ.  Then pray and apply God’s characteristics in your own life.

Ask Him to shepherd you in those areas in need of maturing and ask for peace in the season of life you are in, with the knowledge that it may differ from someone else. Relate everything not to a person and their differences from you but to God’s character, the truth of His Word and the foundation of what it says about your identity.

We are all different. However, sometimes this knowledge drains us of joy and replaces it with insecurity. Instead, let us allow it to fuel our growth!  We are beautifully and wonderfully made.

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is–his good, pleasing and perfect will.” Romans 12:2

“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Ephesians 2:10 

Pray this prayer with me today: “Dear ABBA Father, thank You for how you lovingly and intricately pieced me together.  When I am feeling worthless and unloved, help me to stand on Your promise that I am beautifully and wonderfully made.  I destroy all lies from the enemy that make me compare and envy others.  I pray that I would be an encouragement and bolster to others that calls out the godliness and identity in them.  Help me to renew my mind constantly and be more like You every day.  Please be my Shepherd, Lord, and help me to grow and mature.  Help me to love You, love others, and love myself as Your creation. Amen. 

Enter God’s Perfect Peace

Posted on by kiara

Jesus is Our Prince of Peace

Our God is not a God of disorder, rushing, chaos, confusion, strife, disfunction or drama. He is our Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6).

Maybe you are already used to seeing or experiencing chaos in your life that you have not yet surrendered the chaos to the Lord to receive His divine peace. Perhaps you have seen enough destruction and disorder in your life (or in your family’s lives) and you want to be free of it. You can have God’s peace at any point in your life. You simply need to invite God into your situation and He will pour out His Spirit and transform your atmospheres.

Where Does Disorder Come From?

The devil is the Father of Disorder and Chaos. He seeks to divide and destroy God’s plans for your life. You need to know which pathways are God’s will for you and which ones are detours that Satan puts in your way to derail you.

One way to know if the opportunities you come across are not from God is to discern whether you feel peace or stress and anxiety.

Matthew 12:25

Jesus knew their thoughts and said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and every city or household divided against itself will not stand.”

Learn to Walk in God’s Will

Stress is an open door to spiritual warfare! The enemy wants us to be in chaos and disorder because it keeps us from our divine calling. God has called us to have a sound mind and to prosper in all that we do.

Stress and rushing things will keep you from keeping a sound mind in Christ and possibly cause you to take wrong turns in your life. Never rush God’s plans for you. When the timing is right, your dreams and passions will come to life. Just listen and wait on the Lord and He alone will tell you when to move.

A sign that you are walking with God and in His will is Peace. Abide in His Presence day and night. Declare scriptures of peace throughout your day, in your home, in your car, even at work. Take the Word of God with you everywhere.

Prayer For Peace

Dear Lord Jesus,

I place myself under your authority, King Jesus. I cover myself with your precious blood and I declare total peace over my mind, heart and my soul. I renounce the spirits of fear and anxiety. I draw a blood line between me and these spirits. They will no longer have permission to rule me in any way. I belong to my Heavenly Father who has given me Spirits of courage, love and of a sound mind.

Surround me with your supernatural peace as with a shield. Fill my home and work environment with your peace. Help me to wait on you and listen for your voice. Holy Spirit, I invite you into my day and ask you to lead me down the right paths in God’s perfect timing. Open the right doors and help me to see them. Let your perfect will be done in my life. In Jesus Name. Amen.

 

Scriptures About Peace

Colossians 3:15

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.

Galatians 5:22

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,

Hebrews 12:1

Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.

1 Peter 3:11

They must turn from evil and do good; they must seek peace and pursue it.

1 Peter 5:7

Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

Philippians 4:7

And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Proverbs 16:7

When the LORD takes pleasure in anyone’s way, he causes their enemies to make peace with them.

Psalm 29:11

The LORD gives strength to his people; the LORD blesses his people with peace.

Isaiah 9:6

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Isaiah 26:12

LORD, you establish peace for us; all that we have accomplished you have done for us.

Isaiah 54:10

Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,” says the LORD, who has compassion on you.

Isaiah 55:12

You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands.

Matthew 11:29-30

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

Click here to download guide: https://goo.gl/YwBE4w

Is it possible to heal from childhood sexual abuse?

Posted on by kiara

Today, people everywhere are struggling through life with damaged emotions and broken hearts. They’ve endured a lot of negative things, causing untold damage that needs to be dealt with. But too often, these hurts are simply swept under the rug in an attempt to make them go away.

Through my own life experiences, and from helping others through this process, I’ve discovered that although God wants to help those who really want emotional healing, there are some very important steps these individuals must take for themselves. If you want to receive emotional healing, one of the first steps you must take is to face the truth. You can’t be set free while living in denial. You can’t pretend that certain negative things didn’t happen to you.

I’ve come to realize that we’re experts at building walls and stuffing things into dark corners, pretending they never happened.

I was four years old when I was sexually abused from a fifteen year old boy. It was a dark memory that I kept suppressed for about twelve years, until I confronted the truth of what happened. For years I made myself believe that it must have been a bad dream or even something I saw on tv by accident as a kid. I finally made the decision to ask my mom about this memory that I couldn’t shake.

Why don’t we want to bring things like that into the open? We’re afraid of what people will think. We’re afraid of being rejected, misunderstood, or unloved by those we care about or that they might have a different opinion of us if they really knew all about us. The feeling of unworthiness and filth is overwhelming. That’s what the devil wants, he wants you to keep quiet. His goal is to make you feel alone and unloved. That is why it is vital for you to speak up and allow light into the darkness.

There’s something about verbalizing it to another person that does wonders for us, but use wisdom. Choose someone you know you can trust. Be sure that by sharing your story with someone else, you don’t simply put your burden on that individual’s shoulders. Also, don’t go trying to dig up old hurts and offenses that have been buried and forgotten.

When I finally worked up the courage to share with someone what had happened early in my life, I actually began shaking and crying in fear. It was an emotional reaction to the things I’d kept buried within me for so long. Now when I talk about my past, it’s as though I’m talking about somebody else’s problems. Because I’ve been healed and restored, my past doesn’t bother me anymore.

Nobody can be set free from a problem until they’re willing to admit they have one.

Do you want to be free of the shame and trauma of your past? Download our prayer guide from Dr. Frank Meadows here!

Even though our problems may have been brought upon us because of something done against our will, we have no excuse for allowing the problem to persist, grow and even take control over our entire life. Our past experiences may have made us the way we are, but we don’t have to stay that way. We can take the initiative by taking positive steps to change things, and most importantly we can ask for God’s help.

I encourage you today to get whatever hurt you have out in the open. Find someone to pray with. Don’t just let them pray, pray yourself for your own healing out loud. Remember the devil wants you to stay quiet. Fight it with God!

Face the truth—it can be the beginning of a happier life!

Help Your Child Cope with Pain and Loss

Posted on by Lauren M

As a parent, it’s painful to watch your child experience hurts and disappointments. Even though you would like to spare your child from difficulty, it’s not possible to keep him/her from the cruel realities of life. During childhood, your child will experience typical losses, such as losing a pet, being separated from loved ones, moving, or being excluded from a birthday party. Sometimes, a child can experience very deep hurts, resulting in great pain and suffering.

If you try to protect your child from all pain and loss, he/she will not be prepared to face difficult situations as adults. It’s better to allow your child to feel emotions and work through pain and loss when the issues are not serious. As parents, you are there to provide comfort and support during these times and help your child develop coping skills that will help in adulthood.

When we think of bigger losses, we typically think of death, illness, and divorce. But there are other types of painful changes experienced by children and families. Any kind of change can create a feeling of loss, but some losses are more intense than others, causing an adult or child to feel grief. Grief, a deep sadness or sorrow, is one of life’s most painful experiences.

When loss occurs, all members of a family are affected, whether directly or indirectly. A child experiences grief as intensely as adults, but often do not have words to express his/her feelings. A child can begin to act out during times of grief, so it is important to observe your child’s behavior and watch for signs of deep sorrow. Even if there are unspoken feelings in the home, children, including infants, can sense deep sadness.

Parents often become consumed with their own needs during the grieving process and lack the energy to comfort and support their child. A child can become the object of adult frustration and tension and grieving can alter the normal functioning of a family. When there is a lack of parent attention, as well as changes in routines and schedules, a child can become fearful of the future.

The Swiss psychiatrist, Dr. Elizabeth Kubler-Ross, identified 5 distinct stages of grief: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. Children and adults go through these five stages in the grieving process, following a loss. The way an individual moves through the stages and the length of time it takes depends on the person.

Below is a chart detailing the most common responses of children and adults to grief. These behaviors are normal, but if they become too intense or last too long, one should seek professional help. It generally takes an adult or child an average of 2 years to recover from a loss. Again, it depends on the individual.

 

It is important to recognize your child’s pain and find ways to support and comfort him/her in times of grief. Below are some suggestions to assist you in helping your child process a loss. • Take care of yourself as a parent.

• Communicate with your child. Instead of avoiding a discussion, provide an honest explanation as to what is happening. Only give information that meets the child’s level of understanding.

• Read developmentally appropriate books that will deal with an issue, such as death, moving, or divorce.

• Provide your child with ways of expressing himself/herself through play, story writing, Play-­‐ Doh, puppets, or drawing.

• Be available to spend one-­‐on-­‐one time with your child. Play, laugh, or share an activity or hobby together.

• Listen.

• Give lots of love and affection, such as hugging, holding, and soothing.

• Keep a stable, predictable environment by keeping normal routines, such as mealtimes, bedtimes, school schedules, or activities.

• Maintain family rituals and traditions, such as a movie night, pizza night, holidays, and birthdays.

• Develop an outside support system by connecting with caregivers, extended relatives or friends.

• Maintain consistent guidelines and limits to maintain a feeling of safety for a child.

• Reduce outside stress.

• Be sensitive and patient. Seek help from a professional who can provide the resources to help your child and family if the grieving process seems abnormally long or intense.

The professionals below can provide help as needed.

Psychiatrist

Psychologist

Professional counselor or therapist

School Counselor

Minister, priest, rabbi

Church, synagogue

Social worker

Service agency

Support groups

Parent Education Groups

Remind your child how much God loves him/her and that He sees and understands his/her sadness. A grieving child needs to be told often that he/she is loved and valued. Assure him/her that you are there to provide protection and security during this time. Your child will need to have abundant nurture and affection from you.

Try Something New

Talk with your child about God’s faithfulness.  Teach your child to go to God’s Word for help.  Pray with your child about the things that concern him/her.  Memorize verses together to remind each another of God’s care.

Verses for Encouragement

God understands our broken hearts.

The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed.

(Psalm 34:18)

God is our help.

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. ( Psalms 46:1)

Do not be afraid.

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.  (Isaiah 41:10)

Don’t worry. Pray.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 

(Philippians 4:6-7)

Conflict: Understand How to Handle It

Posted on by kiara

When I heard that I had a predictable way that I react to conflict, I scoffed. How could an assessment determine how I handle conflict? According to a friend, the Thomas-Kilmann Instrument (TKI) identifies a person’s default conflict response. Because I was skeptical, he challenged me to take it and decide for myself. After I took it, I did not believe the results; so, I started assessing my responses in each conflict situation. Well, I was surprised, because the instrument was very accurate.

Assertiveness and Cooperation
According to Thomas and Kilmann, each person responds to conflict in varying degrees of assertiveness and cooperation. Assertiveness represents the amount of decisiveness, forcefulness, and intensity a person utilizes during conflict situations. Cooperation measures how much assistance, support, and teamwork a person is willing to contribute to conflict resolution. A person can span the gamut from being neither assertive nor cooperative to being fully assertive and cooperative. Based on the mixture of these two attitudes, five different responses are possible: Avoiding, Competing, Accommodating, Compromising, and Collaborating. Most people have a combination of two or three conflict resolution modes.

Avoiding
A person who is neither assertive nor cooperative in conflict situations exhibits an Avoiding response to conflict. This person chooses to remove him/herself from the conflict and let others resolve the conflict.

Competing
A person who is fully assertive with no cooperation exhibits the Competing conflict response. This person wants to win and is willing to do anything to beat the other person.

Accommodating
The accommodating response is used by those who are fully cooperative but have no assertiveness. They want the conflict to go away and are willing to give away whatever is necessary to accommodate the other person.

Compromising
The compromising attitude is utilized by someone who is somewhat assertive and somewhat cooperative. This person is willing to give a little if the other person will give a little.

Collaborating
The collaborator is fully assertive and fully cooperative. This individual wants everyone to win and is willing to work until everyone is satisfied.

The TKI (Thomas Kilmann Instrument)
The assessment is a simple self-test that can be completed online or on paper. It takes about 15 minutes to complete and the results are instant. It is available in many languages. https://www.kilmanndiagnostics.com/catalog/thomas-kilmann-instrument-one-assessment-person.

Questions for Further Thought:
1. When you reflect on how you respond to conflict, what do you believe is/are your primary modes of conflict response?
2. When would your normal response be appropriate?
3. When would your normal response be inappropriate?
4. How do you want God to respond to you when you are in conflict with Him?

 

Download guide here: https://goo.gl/AESNaF

Managing Stress in the Family

Posted on by Lauren M

By definition,  stress is a “state of mental tension and worry caused by problems in one’s life or work.” It can be caused by difficult or very overwhelming circumstances.  Stress is not unique to this generation, but it’s more prevalent today than in former generations. Stress comes from everywhere; outside the family and within the family.

  • Stress can be caused by outside influences such as the economy, world, national, and local events, careers, schedules, schooling, and childcare.
  • Predictable changes, such as those experienced during the holidays, create stress.
  • Unexpected events, such as illness, death, relocation, separation, financial burdens, homelessness, and pregnancy, cause stress.
  • Developmental changes with a parent or child often cause stress. Examples would include a 2-year old exerting independence, teen mood swings, aging, or changes in parent direction.

Each of these stressors can affect the family as a unit and each member individually. Everyone responds differently to stress, whether physically, emotionally, or behaviorally.

Look at the categories of stress above.  List current areas of stress in your life.  Describe your responses to these stressful events.

We often think that children are “adaptable” to any situation and don’t experience stress.  But, children experience a great deal of stress and today’s children experience more than in past generations. It is estimated that one million children between the ages of 5 and 15 now have mental health problems.  If a child experiences long periods of stress, depression and a general sense of anxiety can result.  Approximately, 35% of children suffer from stress-related health problems at some point in childhood.

Each child is affected by stress in different ways.  A strong child reacts more strongly to stress and an easy-going child reacts much less.  Children between the ages of 9-14, are at the greatest risk for stress and its effects.

In your opinion, why do children, ages 9-14, experience the greatest amount of stress?

KidsHealth© recently asked children what caused them the greatest stress.  Kids revealed that they experienced anxiety over grades, school, and homework (36%), family (32%), and friends, peers, gossip, and teasing (21%).

Children who experience trauma are exposed to even greater amounts of stress.  This level of stress, produced by a very difficult or unpleasant experience, has a devastating effect on a child’s development; mentally, emotionally, behaviorally, psychologically, and cognitively.  If trauma continues over a long period of time, the fear associated with a traumatic event changes a child’s patterns of thinking, feeling and behaving.  It is recommended that one seek professional help for a child who has experienced childhood trauma.

In this lesson, however, we will look at children who experience common childhood stress, as indicated by the KidsHealth© survey.  Among the children surveyed, the following strategies were used to cope with stressful situations.

  • 52% play or do something active
  • 44% listen to music
  • 42% watch TV or play a video game
  • 30% talk to a friend
  • 29% try not to think about it
  • 28% try to work things out
  • 26% eat something
  • 23% lose their temper
  • 22% talk to a parent
  • 11% cry

About 25% of the kids surveyed hurt themselves in order to handle stress. Hitting, pinching, or cutting themselves was coupled with other unhealthy coping strategies, such as eating disorders.

Sometimes kids do not know how to handle feelings of stress, frustration, helplessness, hurt, or anger.  Without a way to deal with overwhelming feelings, children resort to desperate methods to express themselves.  Sometimes children see themselves as the one to blame in an existing situation.  In order to cope with the blame, children often feel the need to hurt themselves.

Be alert to the common symptoms of stress in children.  Below is a partial listing of those symptoms.

  • Irritability
  • Increased crying and whining
  • Sleep Problems
  • Acting out
  • Increased fears
  • Stomachaches and headaches
  • Difficulty concentrating or completing schoolwork
  • Withdrawing or spending a lot of time alone
  • Defying authority
  • Overreacting to minor problems
  • Clingy behavior
  • Changes in academic performance
  • Anger, aggression
  • Trouble getting along with others
  • Thumb sucking, hair-twirling, nose-picking
  • Lying

Do you see signs of stress in your child’s life? What do you feel is the root cause of your child’s stress?  How are you responding to your child’s stress?

Sometimes, we respond to our children in the same way our parents responded to us during times of stress.

How did your childhood family deal with stress? Do you handle stress in the same ways?

You cannot shield your child from normal hardships and challenges.  To do so would not allow your child an opportunity to develop healthy ways of coping with stress and dealing with life.

Children want parents to help them during times of stress.  As parents, it is important to listen, spend time, and talk with your child about ways to handle a stressful situation.  It is the responsibility of the parent to teach his/her child healthy ways to cope with stress.

Many of the following ideas will help you support your child in times of stress and build connection. Your child’s greatest protection against stress and its effects is a secure attachment with you.

  • Set aside time each day to play and talk.
  • Be a good listener.  Ask questions.  Avoid the urge to blame, pass judgment or tell your child what he/she should have done.
  • Comment on your child’s feelings so that he/she knows you were listening and understand.
  • Label your child’s feelings so that your child has the words to express anger and frustration appropriately.  Let your child know that feelings are normal.
  • Be available.
  • Give your child time to calm down before talking together.
  • Speak words of encouragement.
  • Practice patience.
  • Reduce crowded schedules and simplify his/her life. Your child may be too busy.
  • Maintain a sense of structure and routines.  Remember, structures create a feeling of safety.
  • Make sure your child gets enough sleep and exercise.
  • Encourage your child to eat nutritional foods.
  • Help your child explore healthy ways of relieving stress.
  • Designate a quiet spot or enroll your child in a stress-relieving activity, such as art, music, or sports.
  • Read the Bible with your child.  Memorize Scripture together about God’s love and care for each member of your family.  Be thankful.  Pray with your child about things that concern him/her.
  • Seek help if your child’s change in behavior persists or if increased stress levels are causing significant problems in home or school.

You can’t fix all of your child’s problems. Instead, your goal is to help him/her learn to be a good problem solver.  You want your child to know how to deal with life’s ups and downs, put feelings into words, stay calm, and be able to bounce back and keep going. You want your child to feel capable of resolving his/her own problems and practice healthy ways of reducing stress levels.

Remember!  You are your child’s greatest teacher.  You are the role model for your child in demonstrating positive ways of dealing with stress in your own life.  It’s difficult to teach your child how to manage stress when you are not able to manage stress yourself.  When you are able to handle life’s stressful moments in healthy ways,  you teach your child how to do the same.

Below are some suggested ways to manage your stress as an adult and thereby, help your child.

  • Get rest, exercise and eat healthy foods.
  • Take time to relax and play.
  • Pray. Read God’s Word.
  • Be part of a support group.
  • Eliminate the unnecessary things in your life. Don’t try to do everything.
  • Set reasonable expectations for yourself and your family.
  • Spend time with positive people.
  • Learn to recognize what you can control and what you can’t.
  • Don’t try to control the actions of others.
  • Recognize anger in yourself and address it.
  • Talk to a trusted friend.
  • Seek professional help, if necessary.

Try Something New

Try a technique to reduce stress in your own life.  Teach your child how to reduce his/her stress using this same technique.

Pray with your child about those things that concern him/her.  Memorize a Bible verse that addresses his/her anxiety.  Show thankfulness for God’s love and His care.      

Verses for Encouragement

Stress is common to people.

Every test that you have experienced is the kind that normally comes to people. But God keeps his promise, and he will not allow you to be tested beyond your power to remain firm; at the time you are put to the test, he will give you the strength to endure it, and so provide you with a way out.  (I Corinthians 10:13)

God is your strength in times of trouble.

I am your safe place. I am your strength. I am with you when you are in trouble. Psalm 46:1

Trust the Lord to help you.

The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.  Those who know your name trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you. Psalm 9:9, 10

God will give you peace in your circumstances.

Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.  Philippians 4:6-7

 

 

About the Poll

The national KidsPoll surveyed 875 9- to 13-year-old boys and girls regarding how they coped with stress. The KidsPoll is a collaboration of the Nemours Foundation/KidsHealth, the Department of Health Education and Recreation at Southern Illinois University — Carbondale, the National Association of Health Education Centers (NAHEC), and participating health education centers throughout the United States. Those centers include:

  • Robert Crown Center for Health Education — Hinsdale, Illinois
  • HealthWorks! Kids Museum — South Bend, Indiana
  • Health World Children’s Museum — Barrington, Illinois
  • Ruth Lilly Health Education Center — Indianapolis, Indiana
  • Susan P. Byrnes Health Education Center — York, Pennsylvania
  • Poe Center for Health Education — Raleigh, North Carolina

Expressing Feelings and Emotions Appropriately

Posted on by Lauren M

When we are born, we are “hard-wired” for basic emotions. These emotions include anger, disgust, fear, joy, sadness, and surprise. Adults learn to control these hard-wired emotions throughout life. However, children need help in learning to regulate these emotions, beginning in infancy.  You help by comforting your child when he/she is feeling overwhelmed by feelings.  When your infant is hungry, cold, fearful, lonely, or overstimulated, he/she can experience intense emotion and anxiety, resulting in stress.  Staying with your baby until he/she is calm is teaching your child how to manage his/her own emotions.

Other feelings, such as humility, forgiveness, hope, compassion, sympathy, patience, cooperation, and gratitude must be learned.  As your child gets older, you will need to teach him/her the words and meanings of these emotions.  In this way, your child will learn how to appropriately express emotions in adulthood and avoid becoming overwhelmed during stressful situations.

Generally, humans deal with emotions by suppressing them, verbalizing them, or acting out with inappropriate behaviors. Just like an overstuffed trash can, harmful emotions that are suppressed will eventually overflow, causing a person to express sudden anger or experience depression. Many illnesses can be attributed to suppressed emotions.

Expressing feelings through words is a positive way to share emotions.  Sometimes, a child does not have the words to describe his/her feelings.  As a parent,  you will need to teach your child the words to respectfully express an emotion or feeling.

Acting out through aggressive, angry behavior is never an appropriate way to express feelings.  Sometimes, there is an underlying problem that a child is unable to express in words, such as fear, worry or pain. Look for the child’s hidden messages.

Because anger is one of the most poorly handled emotions in society, we will take a closer look.  Helping your child handle anger is one of your most important jobs as a parent and one that requires your ability to manage your own anger.

Anger is a very intense emotion that is triggered by an event or interaction between people.  It’s a primitive emotion and is usually a response to pain or fear.

As we saw earlier,  we are hard-wired with this emotion at birth.  It’s a self-defense response and its purpose is to defend or protect us from danger.  If not handled properly, anger can result in broken relationships and guilt.  It is often the basis for depression and anxiety.  It can cause physical illness.  Anger can cause more heartache and destruction in families than any other emotion.

We see anger inappropriately expressed in several ways:

  • Through body reactions, such as facial expressions, sweating, tears, tantrums, or loss of self-control
  • Through verbal expression by means of screaming, cursing, or arguing
  • Through physical aggression, such as hitting, kicking, or throwing things
  • Through passive aggressive behaviors, such as uncooperative behavior, procrastination, forgetfulness, and stubbornness
  • Through depression, resulting in feelings of hopelessness, isolation, and suicidal thoughts

Families have different ways of expressing anger.  How was anger expressed in your childhood family?

Holding anger inside, or pretending that something doesn’t bother you can be very dangerous, resulting in depression,  dependence on drugs and alcohol,  eating disorders and health problems.  Heart attack, stroke, lowered immunity, or suicide are often attributed to suppressed anger.  In many families, the expression of anger was considered to be unacceptable, but we now know, that acknowledging and working through anger in appropriate ways, is better than keeping it inside.

Children, just like adults, can experience anger.  Below is a partial list of common causes for anger in children.

  • Moving
  • Feelings of being misunderstood
  • An overloaded schedule
  • Feelings of being ignored or unappreciated
  • Feelings of helplessness
  • Repeated abuse or unjust treatment
  • Being forced to takes sides in a parental conflict

How can you help your child manage anger in positive ways?

  • Be a role model by expressing your own feelings in healthy ways.
  • Help your child identify his/her own feelings and provide words to express those feelings.
  • Be emotionally available to your child by spending time, using good eye-contact, touching, and focusing on your child’s needs.
  • Listen to what your child is saying.

As you listen attentively to your child, avoid

Denying his/her feelings. Example: “You don’t hate your teacher.”

Minimizing his/her feelings. Example:  “You’ll forget about it tomorrow.”

Talking him/her out of a certain feeling. Example: “There’s no such thing as a monster.”

Ignoring your child’s  feelings.

Reassure your child that he/she can say anything to you, but that it must be said with respect. It’s never appropriate to say mean and ugly words to you.  Give your child time to process his/her feelings and offer your child words to express those feelings.

Let’s look at the following examples.  Help your child use appropriate words to express his/her anger in certain situations.

“I feel angry about that rule.”

“I feel jealous of my brother.”

“I’m mad. The teacher was unfair.”

Use the words sad, disappointed, and frustrated in the sentences below to express feelings in healthy ways.  The first one is done for you.

“I feel sad that my friend is moving away.”

“I feel disappointed_____________________________.”

“I can’t_______________________________________.  I am so frustrated!”

Let’s look at the following examples.  Help your child use appropriate words to express his/her anger in certain situations.

“I feel angry about that rule.”

“I feel jealous of my brother.”

“I’m mad. The teacher was unfair.”

By giving your child words to express angry feelings,  you are training him/her to respond to emotions in healthy ways as he/she matures.

Below are some additional ways to manage anger in your family.

  • Be watchful at the first signs of anger.  Don’t wait too long to address it.  If too much time is allowed to pass, a person loses the desire to work through a conflict.
  • Plan ahead. Anticipate things that could create a conflict between you and your child and find a creative way to avoid them.
  • Allow yourself and your child to calm down before addressing an issue.
  • Speak calmly.
  • Be willing to ask forgiveness if you were too angry in dealing with a conflict.  Ask yourself, “Did I contribute to the problem by reacting in anger?”
  • Breathe and count to 10.
  • Exercise.
  • Encourage your child to write his/her feelings in a journal or draw a picture. This strategy is good for parents too.
  • Pray and ask the Lord for wisdom.
  • Seek help from a professional, if necessary.

Try Something New

Be an observer of your emotions and those of your child. Try to respond during stressful situations in a way that is calm and logical, rather than reactive. Think ahead.  Plan how you will respond in certain situations.

Verses for Encouragement

Learn how to manage your own anger so you can live the kind of life that pleases God.

James 1:20

For man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.

Maintain a calm voice with your child during stressful situations.

Proverbs 15:1

A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.

Work through conflict as soon as possible.  Don’t allow anger to control your life.

Ephesians 4:26

And don’t sin by letting anger control you.  Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry.

The Names of God

Posted on by Lauren M

Elohim-GOD: The strong creator:  In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Genesis 1:1

Jehovah-LORD: The self-existing One: This is the account of the heavens and the earth when they were created, when the Lord God made the earth and the heavens. Genesis 2:4

Adonai-LORD/Master: The Headship Name:  But Abram said, “Sovereign Lord, what can you give me since I remain childless and the one who will inherit my estate is Eliezer of Damascus?” Genesis 15:2

The LORD GOD of GODS: The Mighty One, God, the Lord! The Mighty One, God, the Lord! He knows! And let Israel know! If this has been in rebellion or disobedience to the Lord, do not spare us this day. Joshua 22:22

Jehovah Elohim: The LORD GOD: But the Lord God called to the man, “Where are you?” Genesis 3:9 & 2:4-21

Jehovah Elohe Abothekem: The LORD GOD of Your Fathers: So Joshua said to the Israelites: “How long will you wait before you begin to take possession of the land that the Lord, the God of your ancestors, has given you?” Joshua 18:3

Jehovah El Elyon: The LORD, the Most High GOD: But Abram said to the king of Sodom, “With raised hand I have sworn an oath to the Lord, God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth. Genesis 14:22

Jehovah El Emeth: LORD GOD of Truth: Into your hands I commit my spirit;    deliver me, Lord, my faithful God. Psalms 31:5

Jehovah El Gemuwal: The LORD GOD of Recompenses: A destroyer will come against Babylon; her warriors will be captured, and their bows will be broken. For the Lord is a God of retribution; he will repay in full. Jeremiah 51:56

Jehovah Elohim Tsebaoth: LORD GOD of hosts: You, Lord God Almighty, you who are the God of Israel, rouse yourself to punish all the nations; show no mercy to wicked traitors. Isaiah 28:22, Psalms 59:5

Jehovah Elohe Yeshuathi:  LORD GOD of My Salvation: Lord, you are the God who saves me; day and night I cry out to you. Psalms 88:1

Jehovah Elohe Yisrael: The LORD GOD of Israel: Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, from everlasting to everlasting. Amen and Amen. Psalms 41:13

Elohim: GOD: In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Genesis 1:1

Elohim Bashamayim: GOD in Heaven: When we heard of it, our hearts melted in fear and everyone’s courage failed because of you, for the Lord your God is God in heaven above and on the earth below. Joshua 2:11

El Bethel: GOD of the House of GOD: There he built an altar, and he called the place El Bethel, because it was there that God revealed himself to him when he was fleeing from his brother. Genesis 35:7

Elohe Chaseddi: The GOD of My Mercy: my God on whom I can rely. God will go before me and will let me gloat over those who slander me. Psalms 59:10

Elohe Yisrael: GOD, the GOD of Israel: There he set up an altar and called it El Elohe Israel. Genesis 33:20

El Elyon: The Most High GOD: But they put God to the test and rebelled against the Most High; they did not keep his statutes. Psalms 78:56, Genesis 14:18, Daniel 3:26

El Emunah:  The Faithful GOD: Know therefore that the Lord your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commandments. Deuteronomy 7:9

El Gibbor: Mighty GOD: For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6

El Hakabodh: The GOD of Glory: The voice of the Lord is over the waters; the God of glory thunders, the Lord thunders over the mighty waters. Psalms 29:3

El Hay: The Living GOD: But you must not mention ‘a message from the Lord’ again, because each one’s word becomes their own message. So you distort the words of the living God, the Lord Almighty, our God. Jeremiah 23:36, Joshua 3:10, Daniel 3:26

El Hayyay: GOD of My Life: By day the Lord directs his love, at night his song is with me— a prayer to the God of my life. Psalms 42:8

Elohim Kedoshim: Holy GOD: Joshua said to the people, “You are not able to serve the Lord. He is a holy God; he is a jealous God. He will not forgive your rebellion and your sins. Joshua 24:19

El Kanna: Jealous GOD: You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me Exodus 20:5

El Kanno: Jealous GOD: Holy GOD: Joshua said to the people, “You are not able to serve the Lord. He is a holy God; he is a jealous God. He will not forgive your rebellion and your sins. Joshua 24:19

Elohe Mauzi: GOD of My Strength: You are God my stronghold. Why have you rejected me? Why must I go about mourning, oppressed by the enemy? Psalms 43:2

Elohim Machase Lanu: GOD Our Refuge: Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge. Psalms 62:8

Eli Maelekhi: GOD My King: Your procession, God, has come into view, the procession of my God and King into the sanctuary. Psalms 68:24

El Marom: GOD Most High: With what shall I come before the Lord and bow down before the exalted God? Shall I come before him with burnt offerings, with calves a year old? Micah 6:6

El Nekamoth: GOD that Avengeth: He is the God who avenges me, who subdues nations under me. Psalms 18:47

El Nose: GOD that Forgave: Lord our God, you answered them; you were to Israel a forgiving God, though you punished their misdeeds. Psalms 99:8

Elohenu Olam: Our Everlasting GOD: For this God is our God for ever and ever; he will be our guide even to the end. Psalms 48:14

Elohim Ozer Li: GOD My Helper: Surely God is my help; the Lord is the one who sustains me. Psalms 54:4

El Rai: GOD Seest Me: She gave this name to the Lord who spoke to her: “You are the God who sees me,” for she said, “I have now seen the One who sees me.” Genesis 16:13

Elsali: GOD, My Rock: I say to God my Rock, “Why have you forgotten me? Why must I go about mourning, oppressed by the enemy?” Psalms 42:9

El Shaddai: Almighty GOD: The sound of the wings of the cherubim could be heard as far away as the outer court, like the voice of God Almighty when he speaks. Ezekiel 10:5, Genesis 17:1-2

Elohim Shophtim Ba-arets: GOD that Judgeth in the Earth: Then people will say, “Surely the righteous still are rewarded; surely there is a God who judges the earth.” Psalms 58:11

El Simchath Gili:  GOD My Exceeding Joy: Then I will go to the altar of God, to God, my joy and my delight. I will praise you with the lyre, O God, my God. Psalms 43:4

Elohim Tsebaoth: GOD of Hosts: Restore us, God Almighty; make your face shine on us, that we may be saved. Psalms 80:7, Jeremiah 35:17 & 38:17

Elohe Tishuathi: GOD of My Salvation: The Lord lives! Praise be to my Rock! Exalted be God my Savior! Psalms 18:46 & 51:14

Elohe Tsadeki: GOD of My Righteousness: Answer me when I call to you, my righteous God. Give me relief from my distress; have mercy on me and hear my prayer. Psalms 4:1

Elohe Yakob: GOD of Israel: May the Lord answer you when you are in distress; may the name of the God of Jacob protect you. Psalms 20:1

Elohe Yisrael: GOD of Isreal: You, Lord God Almighty, you who are the God of Israel, rouse yourself to punish all the nations; show no mercy to wicked traitors. Psalms 59:5

Jehovah: The LORD: God also said to Moses, “I am the Lord. 3 I appeared to Abraham, to Isaac and to Jacob as God Almighty, but by my name the Lord I did not make myself fully known to them. Exodus 6:2,3

Adonai Jehovah: Lord GOD: But Abram said, “Sovereign Lord, what can you give me since I remain childless and the one who will inherit, my estate is Eliezer of Damascus?” Genesis 15:2

Jehovah Adon Kol Ha-arets: The LORD, the Lord of All the Earth: See, the ark of the covenant of the Lord of all the earth will go into the Jordan ahead of you. Joshua 3:11

Jehovah Bore: The LORD Creator: Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. Isaiah 40:28

Jehovah Chereb: The LORD the Sword: Blessed are you, Israel! Who is like you, a people saved by the Lord? He is your shield and helper and your glorious sword. Your enemies will cower before you, and you will tread on their heights. Deuteronomy 33:29

Jehovah Eli: The LORD My GOD: The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. Psalms 18:2

Jehovah Elyon: The LORD Most High: Then Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine. He was priest of God Most High, 19 and he blessed Abram, saying, “Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth. 20 And praise be to God Most High, who delivered your enemies into your hand.” Then Abram gave him a tenth of everything. Genesis 14:18-20

Jehovah Gibbor Milchamah: The LORD Mighty In Battle: Who is this King of glory? The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle. Psalms 24:8

Jehovah Maginnenu: The LORD Our Defense: Indeed, our shield belongs to the Lord, our king to the Holy One of Israel. Psalms 89:18

Jehovah Goelekh: The LORD Thy Redeemer: I will make your oppressors eat their own flesh; they will be drunk on their own blood, as with wine. Then all mankind will know that I, the Lord, am your Savior, your Redeemer, the Mighty One of Jacob. Isaiah 49:26 & 60:16

Jehovah Hashopet: The LORD the Judge: I have not wronged you, but you are doing me wrong by waging war against me. Let the Lord, the Judge, decide the dispute this day between the Israelites and the Ammonites. Judges 11:27

Jehovah Hoshiah: O LORD Save: Lord, give victory to the king! Answer us when we call! Psalms 20:9

Jehovah Immeka: The LORD Is with You: When the angel of the Lord appeared to Gideon, he said, “The Lord is with you, mighty warrior.” Judges 6:12

Jehovah Izuz Wegibbor: The LORD Strong and Mighty: Who is this King of glory The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle. Psalms 24:8

Jehovah-jireth: The LORD Shall Provide: So Abraham called that place The Lord Will Provide. And to this day it is said, “On the mountain of the Lord it will be provided.” Genesis 22:14

Jehovah Kabodhi: The LORD My GOD: But you, Lord, are a shield around me, my glory, the One who lifts my head high. Psalms 3:3

Jehovah Kanna Shemo: The LORD Whose Name Is Jealous: Do not worship any other god, for the Lord, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God. Exodus 34:14

Jehovah Keren-Yishi: The LORD the Horn of My Salvation: The Lord is my rock my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. Psalms 18:2

Jehovah Machsi: The LORD My Refuge: If you say, “The Lord is my refuge,” and you make the Most High your dwelling. Psalms 91:9

Jehovah Magen: The LORD the Shield: Blessed are you, Israel! Who is like you, a people saved by the Lord? He is your shield and helper and your glorious sword. Your enemies will cower before you, and you will tread on their heights. Deuteronomy 33:29

Jehovah Makkeh: The LORD that Smiteth: I will not look on you with pity; I will not spare you. I will repay you for your conduct and for the detestable practices among you. “‘Then you will know that it is I the Lord who strikes you. Ezekiel 7:9

Jehovah Mauzzam: The LORD Their Strength: The salvation of the righteous comes from the Lord; he is their stronghold in time of trouble. Psalms 37:39

Jehovah Mauzzi: The LORD My Fortress: Lord, my strength and my fortress, my refuge in time of distress, to you the nations will come from the ends of the earth and say, “Our ancestors possessed nothing but false gods, worthless idols that did them no good. Jeremiah 16:19

Ha-Melech Jehovah: The LORD the King: with trumpets and the blast of the ram’s horn— shout for joy before the Lord, the King. Psalms 98:6

Jehovah Melech Olam: The LORD King Forever: He says to himself, “Nothing will ever shake me.” He swears, “No one will ever do me harm.” Psalms 10:16

Jehovah Mephalti: The LORD My Deliverer: The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. Psalms 18:2

Jehovah Mekaddishkem: The LORD that Sanctifies You: “Say to the Israelites, ‘You must observe my Sabbaths. This will be a sign between me and you for the generations to come, so you may know that I am the Lord, who makes you holy. Exodus 31:13

Jehovah Metsudhathi: The LORD My High Tower: The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. Psalms 18:2

Jehovah Moshiekh: The LORD Your Savior: I will make your oppressors eat their own flesh; they will be drunk on their own blood, as with wine. Then all mankind will know that I, the Lord, am your Savior, your Redeemer, the Mighty One of Jacob.” Isaiah 49:26 & 60:16

Jehovah Nissi: The LORD My Banner: Moses built an altar and called it The Lord is my Banner. Exodus 17:15

Jehovah Ori: The LORD My Light: The Lord is my light and my salvation— whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life— of whom shall I be afraid. Psalms 27:1

Jehovah Uzzi: The LORD My Strength: The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him. Psalms 28:7

Jehovah Rophe: The LORD Our Healer: He said, “If you listen carefully to the Lord your God and do what is right in his eyes, if you pay attention to his commands and keep all his decrees, I will not bring on you any of the diseases I brought on the Egyptians, for I am the Lord, who heals you.” Exodus 15:26

Jehovah Roi: The LORD My Shepherd: The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. Psalms 23:1

Jehovah Sabaoth (Tsebaoth): The LORD of Hosts: Year after year this man went up from his town to worship and sacrifice to the Lord Almighty at Shiloh, where Hophni and Phinehas, the two sons of Eli, were priests of the Lord. I Samuel 1:3

Jehovah Sali: The LORD My Rock: The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. Psalms 18:2

Jehovah Shalom: The LORD Our Peace: So Gideon built an altar to the Lord there and called it The Lord Is Peace. To this day it stands in Ophrah of the Abiezrites. Judges 6:24

Jehovah Shammah: The LORD Is There: “The distance all around will be 18,000 cubits.“And the name of the city from that time on will be: the Lord is there.” Ezekiel 48:35

Jehovah Tsidkenu: The LORD Our Righteousness: In his days Judah will be saved and Israel will live in safety. This is the name by which he will be called: The Lord Our Righteous Savior. Jeremiah 23:6

Jehovah Tsuri: O LORD My Strength: May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer. Psalms 19:14

The Potter: Yet you, Lord, are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand. Isaiah 6:8

Father: “This, then, is how you should pray, “‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name..’” Matthew 6:9

Abba: Daddy: The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” Romans 8:15

God The Father: To Timothy, my dear son: Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. 2 Timothy 1:2

Father Of Our Lord Yeshua The Messiah: We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you. Colossians 1:3

The Father Of Lights: Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. James 1:17

The Father Of Glory: 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. Ephesians 1:17

The Father Of Spirits: Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of spirits and live! Hebrews 12:9

Father of Mercies: Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort. 2 Corinthians 1:3

God: Elohim: Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 2 Corinthians 9:7

Elohay Avotaynu: The God Of Our Fathers: ‘I am the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.’ Moses trembled with fear and did not dare to look. Acts 7:32

Elohay Avraham, Yitzchak v’Yaakov: The God Of Abraham, Isaac And Jacob: ‘I am the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.’ Moses trembled with fear and did not dare to look. Acts 7:32

Elohay Kol HaNechamah: God Of All Comfort: Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort. 2 Corinthians 1:3

Elohay Shalom: God Of Peace: Now may the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep. Hebrews 13:20

Elohay Kavod: The God Of Glory: To this he replied: “Brothers and fathers, listen to me! The God of glory appeared to our father Abraham while he was still in Mesopotamia, before he lived in Harran”. Acts 7:2

Elohay Chaiyim: The Living God: You show that you are a letter from Christ, the result of our ministry, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts. 2 Corinthians 3:3 & 6:16

Elohay Yisrael: The God Of Israel: The people were amazed when they saw the mute speaking, the crippled made well, the lame walking and the blind seeing. And they praised the God of Israel. Matthew 15:31

YHVH Elohim: Lord God: For Moses said, ‘The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your own people; you must listen to everything he tells you. Acts 3:22

YHVH Elohay Yisrael: Lord God of Israel: Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has come to his people and redeemed them. Luke 1:68

YHVH Shaddai: Lord Almighty: And, “I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters says the Lord Almighty”. 2 Corinthians 6:18

Shaddai: The Almighty: “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.” Revelation 1:8

Ha Gevurah: Power: “I am,” said Jesus. “And you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven.” Mark 14:62

HaBoray: The Creator: They exchanged the truth about God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator—who is forever praised. Amen. Romans 1:25, 1 Peter 4:19

El Elyon: The Most High God: This Melchizedek was king of Salem and priest of God Most High. He met Abraham returning from the defeat of the kings and blessed him. Hebrews 7:1

The Divine Nature: Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. 2 Peter 1:4, Romans 1:20

YHVH Tz’vaot: Lord Of Armies: Look! The wages you failed to pay the workers who mowed your fields are crying out against you. The cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord Almighty. James 5:4

The Majestic Glory: He received honor and glory from God the Father when the voice came to him from the Majestic Glory, saying, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” 2 Peter 1:17

The Majesty: The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven. Hebrews 1:3

The King Of The Nations: and sang the song of God’s servant Moses and of the Lamb: “Great and marvelous are your deeds, Lord God Almighty. Just and true are your ways, King of the nations. Revelation 15:3

The Lawgiver And Judge: There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you—who are you to judge your neighbor? James 4:12

The Eternal Immortal Invisible King: Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen. 1 Timothy 1:17

Sovereign: which God will bring about in his own time—God, the blessed and only Ruler, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. 1 Timothy 6:15

Heaven: John’s baptism—where did it come from? Was it from heaven, or of human origin?” They discussed it among themselves and said, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ he will ask, ‘Then why didn’t you believe him?’ Matthew 21:25

A Consuming Fire: for our “God is a consuming fire. Hebrews 12:29

Yeshua Of Nazareth: Then he went out to the gateway, where another servant girl saw him and said to the people there, “This fellow was with Jesus of Nazareth.” Matthew 26:71

Messiah: The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him, “We have found the Messiah” (that is, the Christ). John 1:41

The Son: So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. John 8:36

Only Begotten Son: This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. 1 John 4:9

Beloved Son: And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” Matthew 3:17

Son Of David: This is the genealogy of Jesus the Messiah the son of David, the son of Abraham. Matthew 1:1

The Root And Offspring Of David: “I, Jesus, have sent my angel to give you this testimony for the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, and the bright Morning Star.” Revelation 22:16

Son Of Abraham: This is the genealogy of Jesus the Messiah the son of David, the son of Abraham. Matthew 1:1

Abraham’s Seed: The promises were spoken to Abraham and to his seed. Scripture does not say “and to seeds,” meaning many people, but “and to your seed,” meaning one person, who is Christ. Galatians 3:16

Son Of Joseph: Philip found Nathanael and told him, “We have found the one Moses wrote about in the Law, and about whom the prophets also wrote—Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.” John 1:45

Son Of Man: “You have said so,” Jesus replied. “But I say to all of you: From now on you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven.” Matthew 26:64, Daniel 7:13

Son Of God: But Jesus remained silent. The high priest said to him, “I charge you under oath by the living God: Tell us if you are the Messiah, the Son of God.” Matthew 26:63

Son of the Father: Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and from Jesus Christ, the Father’s Son, will be with us in truth and love. 2 John 1:3

Son Of The Most High: He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David. Luke 1:32

Only Begotten God: No one has ever seen God, but the one and only Son, who is himself God and is in closest relationship with the Father, has made him known. John 1:18

Firstborn: And again, when God brings his firstborn into the world, he says, “Let all God’s angels worship him.” Hebrews 1:6

Firstborn Of All Creation: The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. Colossians 1:15

Beginning Of The Creation Of God: To the angel of the church in Laodicea write: These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God’s creation. Revelation 3:14

Firstborn From The Dead: and from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood. Revelation 1:5

The Last Adam: So it is written: “The first man Adam became a living being”; the last Adam, a life-giving spirit. 1 Corinthians 15:45

Rabbi: Teacher, literally “my great one”: “But you are not to be called ‘Rabbi,’ for you have one Teacher, and you are all brothers. Matthew 23:8

King Of Israel: “Let this Messiah, this king of Israel, come down now from the cross, that we may see and believe.” Those crucified with him also heaped insults on him. Mark 15:32

King Of The Jews: Above his head they placed the written charge against him: this is Jesus, the King of the Jews. Matthew 27:37

The Word: In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. John 1:1

The Word Of God: He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is the Word of God. Revelation 19:13

The Word Of Life: That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched—this we proclaim concerning the Word of life. 1 John 1:1

The Life: Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die”. John 11:25

I AM: “Very truly I tell you,” Jesus answered, “before Abraham was born, I am!” John 8:58, Exodus 3:14

LORD: If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. 11 As Scripture says, “Anyone who believes in him will never be put to shame.” 12 For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, 13 for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” Romans 10:9-13, Joel 2:32

God: In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. John 1:1

The Man: When Jesus came out wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe, Pilate said to them, “Here is the man!” John 19:5

Immanuel: God with us: “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means: God with us). Matthew 1:23, Isaiah 7:14

Master: Chief, Commander: The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Master, Master, we’re going to drown!” He got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters; the storm subsided, and all was calm. Luke 8:24

The Expected One: he sent them to the Lord to ask, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?” Luke 7:19

Savior Of The World: They said to the woman, “We no longer believe just because of what you said; now we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this man really is the Savior of the world.” John 4:42

Savior Of All Men: That is why we labor and strive, because we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all people, and especially of those who believe. 1 Timothy 4:10

The Deliverer: and in this way all Israel will be saved. As it is written: “The deliverer will come from Zion; he will turn godlessness away from Jacob. Romans 11:26

The Prophet: Questioned him, “Why then do you baptize if you are not the Messiah, nor Elijah, nor the Prophet?” John 1:25, Deuteronomy 18:15

Holy One: But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and all of you know the truth. 1 John 2:20

Righteous One: My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father-Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. 1 John 2:1

Prince: God exalted him to his own right hand as Prince and Savior that he might bring Israel to repentance and forgive their sins. Acts 5:31

Prince Of Life: You killed the author of life, but God raised him from the dead. We are witnesses of this. Acts 3:15

Living One: In their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, “Why do you look for the living among the dead? Luke 24:5

Living Water: But whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” John 4:14

Judge Of The Living And The Dead: He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one whom God appointed as judge of the living and the dead. Acts 10:42

Stone: The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; Mark 12:10

Chief Cornerstone: Haven’t you read this passage of Scripture: “‘The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone”. Mark 12:10

Chief Shepherd: And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away. 1 Peter 5:4

Good Shepherd: “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. John 10:11

Shepherd And Guardian Of Our Souls: For “you were like sheep going astray,” but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls. 1 Peter 2:25

The Lamb: In a loud voice they were saying: “Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!” Revelation 5:12

Passover Lamb: Get rid of the old yeast, so that you may be a new unleavened batch—as you really are. For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed. 1 Corinthians 5:7

Lamb of God: When he saw Jesus passing by, he said, “Look, the Lamb of God!” John 1:36

Lion Of Judah: Then one of the elders said to me, “Do not weep! See, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed. He is able to open the scroll and its seven seals.” Revelation 5:5

Advocate, Counsel For The Defense: My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. 1 John 2:1

Light Of The World: When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12

King Of Kings And Lord Of Lords: On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written: King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Revelation 19:16

The Faithful Witness: And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood. Revelation 1:5

The Faithful And True One: I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice he judges and wages war. Revelation 19:11

The Amen: To the angel of the church in Laodicea write: These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God’s creation. Revelation 3:14

Servant: Indeed Herod and Pontius Pilate met together with the Gentiles and the people of Israel in this city to conspire against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed. Acts 4:27

The Bright Morning Star: “I, Jesus, have sent my angel to give you this testimony for the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, and the bright Morning Star.” Revelation 22:16

Sunrise From On High: Because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven. Luke 1:78

The Apostle: Therefore, holy brothers and sisters, who share in the heavenly calling, fix your thoughts on Jesus, whom we acknowledge as our apostle and high priest. Hebrews 3:1

The Great High Priest: Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. Hebrews 4:14

The Author And Perfecter Of Faith: Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:2

The Chosen One: A voice came from the cloud, saying, “This is my Son, whom I have chosen; listen to him.” Luke 9:35

The Mediator: For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus. 1 Timothy 2:5

The Way, The Truth, And The Life: Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6

The Door: Therefore Jesus said again, “Very truly I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep”. John 10:7

The Alpha And The Omega: I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End. Revelation 22:13

The First And The Last: I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End. Revelation 22:13

The Beginning And The End: I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End. Revelation 22:13

The Head Of The Body, The Church: And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. Colossians 1:18

Head Over All Things: And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church. Ephesians 1:22

Heir Of All Things: But in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe. Hebrews 1:2

The Image Of The Invisible God: The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. Colossians 1:15

God’s Mystery: My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ. Colossians 2:2

Horn Of Salvation: He has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David. Luke 1:69

The Power Of God: But to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 1 Corinthians 1:24

The Wisdom Of God: But to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 1 Corinthians 1:24

The Beloved: “Here is my servant whom I have chosen, the one I love, in whom I delight; I will put my Spirit on him, and he will proclaim justice to the nations”. Matthew 12:18

The Bridegroom: The bride belongs to the bridegroom. The friend who attends the bridegroom waits and listens for him, and is full of joy when he hears the bridegroom’s voice. That joy is mine, and it is now complete. John 3:29

The Bread Of God: For the bread of God is the bread that comes down from heaven and gives life to the world. John 6:33

The Bread Out Of Heaven: Jesus said to them, “Very truly I tell you, it is not Moses who has given you the bread from heaven, but it is my Father who gives you the true bread from heaven”. John 6:32

The Bread Of Life: Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.” John 6:35

The True Vine: I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. John 15:1

The Vinedresser: I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. John 15:1

The Resurrection: Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die;” John 11:25

The Builder: For every house is built by someone, but the builder of all things is God. Hebrew 3:4

The Architect: For he was looking for the city which has foundations, whose architect and builder is God. Hebrews 11:10

The Source: From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work. Ephesians 4:16

Eternal: The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms. He will drive out your enemies before you, saying, ‘Destroy them!’ Deuteronomy 33:27

Who was and Is, and Is to Come: “I am the Alpha and the Omega, says the Lord God, who is and who was, and who is to come. The Almighty”. Revelation 1:8

Jesus: Who Saves People From Their Sins: For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16

A Priest Forever: And he says in another place, “You are a priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.” Hebrews 5:6

The True God: Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent. John 17:3

The God Of All Comfort: Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort. 2 Corinthians 1:3

The Anointed One: And there was delivered unto him the book of the prophet Esaias. And when he had opened the book, he found the place where it was written, 18 The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, 19 To preach the acceptable year of the Lord. 20 And he closed the book, and he gave it again to the minister, and sat down. And the eyes of all them that were in the synagogue were fastened on him. Luke 4:17-2

Deep Waters

Posted on by Wes Shinn

By Keiko Chibana-Shinn | Rediscovering Prayer

Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called… 2 Timothy 4:7

Every day we have a choice to make. We can either choose to accept You or deny You, to welcome You in or reject You for the day ahead. God, our Father gives extraordinary gifts to His children. Every good and perfect gift comes from above; from whom the heavenly lights flow into our lives.

There is a battle between two kingdoms: the kingdom of light and the kingdom of darkness. Sometimes the battle is external, sometimes it’s internal, and many times it’s both waging against our hope. Thankfully, we can be reminded that Jesus made a mockery of the effects of sin, doubt, and pride on the cross. Jesus equips us and trains us for every uncertainty that may entangle us into confusion and isolation. It’s time to fight with the power of His might rather than by human strength and reasoning. For His authority is unparalleled to any other in all of time and history.

Jesus fights for you. It’s a good fight because you can hold your peace alongside Him. Jesus has not only won your battle but has the victory over death and every kind of loss. He ripped the devil to shreds when He took upon himself your illness of body, mind, and spirit; all the effects of sin swallowed up by the Light of Life. He fought until the end of His life to gain yours. Now you are free and armed to live in determination to persevere with resurrection power working for you by the Lord’s Spirit.

The Word of God says we are to continually demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we are to take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ (2 Cor. 10:5).

You have the power to choose life or death. Choose to step into your today with a Jesus-perspective. Let us ask Jesus to have His way whether we find ourselves stuck in cyclical patterns of defeatism manifesting in depression, fear, and a divided heart. Fight the good fight and be not weary in well-doing for the recompense is joy in His Spirit. All the days of your life have been ordained by the Maker and Lover of your soul. He spared no cost to Himself to see you raised into an abundant life according to the promise of the life that is in Christ Jesus.

You may feel stumped in the waiting but God is building your character to attain self-control and a sound mind. You may find yourself internally struggling from anxious striving but God is asking you to trust in Him beyond the weight of your worries so that you may rest in Him like never before. You may feel limited in your own means but God is sparing you from further heartbreak. It’s your moment to call upon Him. Wait on Him to recenter you. Be still and know He is God. Jesus is working behind the scenes to bring about the best outcome for the testimony of His appearance to overflow in your breakthroughs that will eventually pour into the generations to come.

Although Jesus maintains the victory it is up to us to take Him at His Word and believe in season and out of season. We were once darkness so the enemy’s intent is to keep parts of your heart and mind in that darkness. But we are now light in the Lord so let us walk as children of light. Press in and trust God to sustain you even when you can’t perceive Him near you. Believe Him to be with you in every step you take, declare and decree God’s promises to be “yes” and “amen”. Weeping may last for the night but His favor lasts a lifetime.

The Lord says to us: Go deeper and further into My Kingdom. Discover the potency of my eternal joy, peace, and righteousness. Advance forcefully into Who I am. Don’t surrender to anything less than what my Spirit reveals. Receive my Kingdom mandate to follow Me and I will increase in and through you. I am your deliverer from the deep waters, your healer, your source of life. Do not slumber in dissatisfaction and in lack for I came to remove the chains to supply you with everything you need for life. My love for you is so great that you cannot conceive the things I have prepared for you, who love Me. Pursue Me with all your heart and you will be found by Me, for my grace is more than sufficient for the journey ahead of you. I take hold of you. Arm yourself under the shelter of my wings today.

Additional Verses: James 1:17; Col. 2:15; Ps. 144:1; Jn. 10:17-18; Ex. 14:14; Eph. 6:10-11; 2 Cor. 10:4; Gal. 5:1; Jn. 16:33; Eph. 5:8; Jn. 8:12; 1 Cor. 15:57: Duet. 30:15; Rom. 5:3-5; Gal. 6:9; Ps. 139:6; Ps. 144:10-12; 2 Ti. 4:2; 2 Cor. 1:20; Ps. 30:5; Rom. 14:17; Matt. 11:12; Ps. 18:16; 1 Cor. 2:9; Jer. 29:14; 2 Pe.1:3; 2 Cor. 12:9; Ps. 91:4

Corporate Values and Team Conflict

Posted on by kiara

Written by: Dr. Kim Jessie, DMin

A Story of Misaligned Values

As he approached, I could see the frustration and concern in his face.  He was having a difficult time with several members of his leadership team, and I was there to help resolve some of the conflict within that team.  Because they had never identified their corporate values, we were starting there.

After he greeted me, I thanked him and reassured him that we would seek to identify and resolve the values issue.  We utilized a simple process that had individuals identify their personal values and then identify the key corporate values.  After a brief explanation of values, we brainstormed as many values as possible that were relevant to the work of their team and wrote these on large pieces of paper.  From this list, each team member wrote down his/her top five values.  Then, each team member was given a different colored marker to put a dot by their top five values on the paper.  From the dots, we could see that seven or eight values rose to the top of the corporate list.  We also realized that several dot colors were loners; in that, only one or two people out of twenty had those values.  These were not bad values; they were just different values.

Importance of Value Alignment

According to Aubrey Malphurs, an effective team has a 70% or better overlap in corporate values.  Less than seventy percent indicates conflict to a point that team effectiveness will suffer because of misaligned values.  As the percentage of alignment decreases, the amount of conflict among team members increases.

The Story Continues

Using colored markers gave us an opportunity to see the misalignment without identifying the individuals.  During a break, one of the loner value individuals spoke with me.  She shared that she was constantly frustrated with the team because she could not get people to see the importance of her perspective for the team’s work.  Having identified the corporate values helped her see that what she valued in her life and work was not valued by many of the team and what they valued was not important to her.  She realized that her presence on the team created unnecessary conflict for herself and for the team; so, she decided she should remove herself from the team.  This was not an easy decision, because she was friends with many of the team members.  She felt that one day she would leave the organization to find a place of work more aligned with her values.

The team leader also spoke with me during the break.  He had watched the individuals indicate their values on the board and had noted the divergence between those giving the team grief and those aligned with the corporate values.  He was surprised at how quickly the exercise identified the value misalignment within his team.  Months later, the leader followed up with me.  The team missed the lady who left, but their team was working at a higher level without her.

Identifying Your Values

Identifying and classifying your values provides you with a framework for understanding your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.  A simple way to identify your values is to list all the principles that are important to you; then, you can define them and prioritize them.  Another process in identifying values is to become aware of what bothers or angers you.  Things that bother you may conflict with your value system.  Once you know your values, you will be more focused on how your work aligns with your personal principles.

Questions for further thought:

  1. What are your top five values? Which is most important?
  2. How do your values align with the values of your family, friends, and co-workers?
  3. How can you help others identify their values?
  4. What is God revealing to you about your values?

To Download this worksheet, click here:

 

The Key to Surviving a Storm: Peace

Posted on by kiara

Storms are part of life.  Everyone faces storms, there is no escaping that fact. Some storms can feel overwhelming and we may wonder how we make it. Storms can make us wonder if we will survive.

The disciples faced a storm that made them wonder if they would survive. Luke 8:22 describes the storm’s intensity that rocked their faith, despite the fact that Jesus was in the boat with them. As they began to cross the lake, the storm began to rage and the boat began to fill up with water. The disciples feared for their lives. Jesus had been sleeping, but the disciples woke Him up. They cried out, “Master, Master, we are perishing!” Jesus arose and rebuked the wind and raging water. The storm ceased, and the weather began to calm.  Jesus then turned to the disciples and asked, “where is your faith?” The disciples were amazed. How could this man command the wind and waves?

A storm can be a literal storm, or it can be a difficulty in life. It can be a sickness, trauma, abuse, or even an attack from those we love. As the storm begins to rage around us, it may feel like we are losing hope. As we begin to focus on the waves and the wind, we forget that Jesus is in the boat with us. But maintaining our focus is key.

The secret to peace in the midst of a storm is preparing our lives before the storm arrives. Just as the disciples did, we too can walk with Jesus, learning about His nature and His character. We can cultivate such a relationship with Him that we learn to trust Him fully. As we surrender ourselves to His Lordship, we can rest in Him, knowing that He is for us and not against us. He is a good and loving God. He already paid a high price for us, why would He not help us navigate the storms of life?

It’s true, storms will come in life. It may try to rock our foundation. But it is possible to have peace in the middle of the storm. Jesus is our peace. He is our strong tower. As we abide in Him, we can abide in peace.