“He renews my life; he leads me along the right paths for his names sake.” (Psalm 23:3)
 
There are seasons in our lives when we feel tired. The day can feel draining and responsibilities stack up. There are times when we feel tired and even sleep does not help. During these times the care that we need goes deeper than a little rest a renewed life is what will help us. The soul needs restoration. The part of us that carries, hope, faith, and burdens that no one else sees needs a spark.

Worn-out from the mental, physical, and emotional load that each of us carries there is still hope of renewal. God knows exactly what each of us need to refresh our spirits. Renewal comes in many forms sometimes through mediating, through life giving community, or correcting our thinking. Renewal can also come through being told hard truths that shines exposing behaviors and attitudes as a form of love.

With an uplifted spirit we can follow God’s guidance. During these times we might be worried about making the wrong decision, missing God’s will for our lives, or on the wrong path at times. Yet he is leading us where he wants us to go – the right paths. When we follow his lead and direction the paths, we take honor to His name reflecting His goodness and faithfulness.

​There are times that feel uncertain especially when we feel depleted. He is waiting for us to ask Him which way to go. He is with us each step of the way restoring us, guiding us, and leading us. Trust the one who knows which step each of us should take.
 
Heavenly Father, help us to trust you even when we are tired and unsure of which path to take. May you restore us for your name’s sake.
 
Walking with you,
Stacy Watkins

“Therefore, I tell you, people will be forgiven every sin and blasphemy, but blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgive.” (Matthew 12:31)
 
Forgiveness at times can feel hard to do. To forgive someone who has deeply hurt you and caused severe pain and suffering can be difficult. The emotional and physical damage is there it will never go away. Forgiveness is not forgetting or pretending that what happened did not happen. Forgiveness and forgetting are two different things a person can be forgiven however, we still remember the act that was done.

When we choose to forgive someone, we longer mention past hurts with the person however, we can seek help from professional counselors or guidance from pastors. We can focus on healing, try and understand the situation from offender’s viewpoint, let go of grudges, and set healthy boundaries. For forgiveness to happen there should be acknowledgment of the hurt and time to process the emotions. It is okay to allow yourself to feel angry at the person or the situation but, we should not act upon the anger.

Forgiveness should not be rushed but allowance be made to process through emotions and actively commit to forgiveness. There are times when we are triggered and memories of the hurt will resurface; however, there must be an active commitment to forgive the person not to show bitterness or hold a grudge. Forgiveness takes time. The Holy Spirit helps us forgive. The first step is to pray to God over the situation. Depend on God as he changes your heart and develop healthy boundaries.
 
Heavenly Father, may we forgive as you have forgiven us.
 
Walking with you,
Stacy Wakins
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“You said, “Listen now, and I will speak. When I question you, you will inform me.”” (Job 42:4)
 
Information is readily available today. When we need a quick answer to a question we can use AI, Google, or other internet resources. Though these resources do provide answers to some of the toughest questions on our minds cannot be answered by these resources but only through spending deep contemplative prayer. Listening to God to gain wisdom and a better understanding.

There are questions that the heart aches to ask. Questions relating to why a particular circumstance is happening in our lives, Is God evil, or even pertaining to what happens when we die. These questions have puzzled many within the church and many have tried to answer them over the ages. Questions relating to our faith help us workout our faith enabling us to understand God better, a stronger faith, and encourage us in times of crises.

It is not wrong to ask questions regarding faith. The questions we ask also stretch us they allow us to listen intently to the voice of God to hear his answer. Questions bring us into a deeper relationship with God.
The answers from God often cannot be rushed unlike a couple strokes on a keyboard to ChatGPT. The answers from God often take time, an open heart, and an openness to trust him with unfavorable answers.
 
Heavenly Father, there are questions that we have not sure how to ask may you answer the questions deep within our hearts. May we trust you even when answers are unfavorable.
 
Walking with you,
Stacy Watkins