Do you ever have little places of discouragement that entangle around your heart? You know in the bigger picture of life things are good. But there’s this little dark place. A little black hole. That sometimes doesn’t feel little.
It hangs like a cloud. Blocking the sun. Casting shadows.
Maybe it’s an argument you and your husband have had one too many times. Your relationship is good but this one topic feels like a black hole.
Or an issue with one of your kids. You have an amazing child. But there is this one behavioral tendency that baffles you. Embarrasses you. Causes you to fear. It feels like a black hole.
Or a reoccurring frustration with a friend. She’s amazing. But there’s this one part of your friendship that darkens the collective good. And you can’t figure out how to address it. Now it’s happening with more frequency and it feels like a black hole.
I know. It’s hard.
But here’s what God keeps showing me… a black hole isn’t a black WHOLE.
The whole isn’t all bad. Yes, there are some issues to address and some tensions to manage but don’t let Satan use this frustration to darken your outlook.
Jesus reminds us, “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)
Ask Jesus to shed His light on your situation today. Look at this from Jesus’ perspective. Use truth to do something positive in this area today. Invest the time to make a little imperfect progress right there.
In the dark place.
That won’t be so dark with a little light cast upon it.
Lord help us to look beyond others faults and love beyond. Mama said I will not refuse a rose cause of it thorns or a diamond for it flaws. There is as much in me that he has put up with as there is in him that I have to put with.
I have stumbled across your books and I’m relating to so much, I’m just purchasing them all and am going to systematically go through them, I think they seem so pertinent to my life.
My issue right now is my marriage. I came across your book on pleasing your husband and we are so far beyond that point, I can’t bring myself to even buy the book because it’s just too late. I tried the Love Dare and just all kinds of things until my husband asked me to stop. We’ve been in therapy for all of our issues, and they are very serious issues, sin issues, mental issues, physical issues, spiritual issues. The therapist is recommending a separation with the intention of working through our problems separately before coming back together. I’m facing the possibility of having to leave our home, we have 3 children, I care so much about them, I’ve worked so hard to fix this, but it’s just unraveled and I just can’t stop it.
I am using all the resources I have to just improve my life, be a better parent, find a way to have peace and let go of trying to control the situation. Have a better relationship with the Lord and learn what he has to teach me through this process. I just have so many concerns about my children spiritually and my husband has undermined me and belittled me to the point where none of them respect me at all.
So, is there any help? Any reason to buy your book? Encouragement?
Thank you..that’s just what I needed to read. My mind is racing with frustration and fears of the unknown and I can’t sleep even tho I know my alarm will be going off at 6:30 am. I pray but it’s so hard trusting that God knows what he’s doing. I feel shame and guilt for not having more faith in His plans and for not leaving all the confusion at the foot of the cross. My brother’s trial for murder starts this Thursday. He has decided to ask for the death penalty and forego all court proceedings. He has accepted Jesus as his personal Lord and Savior and has asked God for forgiveness for the murder. He feels this is the way to accept the consequences of his actions. He does not want to spend life in prison. I am the only one that has anything to do with him. He has burned all his bridges with the rest of the family. My heart is heavy and full of so many questions. I am thankful that no matter what the outcome is, that this is a temporary separation and that I will see him again someday. For that, I am eternally grateful to God that He is merciful to my brother and has forgiven him. Yet, in spite of that, I am still confused as to why it had to take something like this to bring him to Christ. I question why God did not intervene before this? And then I think to myself..”Who am I that I would question the plans that God has for my brother”? For the family who lost their loved one at the hands of my brother? His choice has caused such heartache and grief for so many people..including himself. I guess that’s part of my sleepless night because when I pray I know that this choice can never be “undone” and I have trouble accepting that soon, my brother’s life will end. That’s where Satan is trying to darken my outlook….Trying to cause me to doubt that God is truly in control and that He doesn’t make mistakes?
Dear Diana. My whole heart goes out to you and to your brother. The Bible says that the road to heaven is narrow and full of thorns (for all who walk on it). As hard as this sounds it is still true – one day we will understand everything and have all the answers but now we have to put our faith in the Lord because he knows best. We don’t understand all the reasons (I find myself in that position) and this is what Satan uses to confuse us. Remember, Satan will do everything in his power to break your faith because he hates it.
Last night, I shared some of your books with women who are looking for hope and direction on being a godly woman. Thank you for helping us keep perspective!
Thank you for today’s blog. I enjoy finding ways to share scripture with my friends. This is a great way to do just that. I plan on making a few soon!
Oh I so needed to read this today!!! I have fallen into a black pit in some of my closest relationships and have been rather grouchy. I hate this part lf me!
I would LOVE your Scripture box!
It always helps to have something to read thats encouraging everyday
This is such a simple, beautiful idea!!
I could really use some daily encouragement for myself as I try to deal with a difficult child and just maybe by those encouragement I will be able to pass on to others I’m getting so burnt out on a daily bases trying to work with my seven year that has some delays in her schooling,ADHD and other stuff.I’m such a reactor,I do have your unglued book and going through that at night before bed. Please help from daily mom reactor.
You are writing my story! I have a 10yr old in the same boat and I’m struggle with reacting as well. I am finding it very challenging and wondering how I’m ever going to make it through the teenage years! The only way I get through is relying on the word of God- I try to run the fruit of the spirit through my thoughts. The fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. I try to celebrate when I am succeessful and to ask forgiveness when I’m not. But still I wish I could find a additional resource- something that is a Godly guide to dealing with child that have Add/Adhd.
I absolutely love this idea to give to your friends! But even more, I love all of those verses.
I love your daily words of encouragement they help me get through those days when I am feeling sorry for myself because my plans for my life are not the going the way I planned it. They remind me to say yes to God even on the days I want to say no. God is good.
Lysa, a friend of mine, Lara McDonald from San Antonio, Tx. lost her lil’ Wyatt (7 yrs. old) to a tragic accident four weeks ago today. She has a strong faith in God but she is in the fight of her life every single minute, hour, day now for missing & mourning her little boy. I would be honored to be able to mail her your scripture prayer box. I know in my heart her soul would feel a little more love, peace and tender healing from reading a scripture each day from that amazing box. God bless you and please everyone ~ please pray for Lara and her husband and younger son Logan.
I am so heartbroken for these ladies, Lord. I’ve had a rough day too with a wayward teen. Jesus , You never promised us no heartache, but You did promise us that You are the same yesterday, today and forever. Please bless the marriages, the one with anguish over a brother on trial, the mother who lost her sweet boy and a child struggling to learn. God lost His Son for us. Jesus was on trial for us. Life often seems so hard. Thank You, God, that You understand and love us. And thanks for ladies like Lysa and her ministry.
Thank you for telling me that this little black hole is real. I live inside this hole sometimes and am confused by it.