I don’t like to be in pain. In any way. And if I’m not careful, this aversion to pain can lead to me grabbing at anyone and anything to fill the deep ache in my soul.
Maybe you can relate.
When you’re lonely and you see your ex-boyfriend post a picture with a new girl — laughing, holding hands, and looking like the happiest they’ve ever been — your flesh will want to grab at something. It’s hard not to comfort yourself by texting another guy to grab a little attention and make yourself feel better.
When you’re listening to other moms talk about all the progress their children are making in reading and your child can’t even identify letters yet, your flesh will want to grab at something. It’s hard not to throw out a statement to one-up the bragging moms in an area where your child is excelling.
And all these things we’re tempted to grab at? They won’t fill us the way we think they will. In the end, they only make us feel emptier. But how do we tell our flesh no when we are desperate for relief?
I have discovered that the more we fill ourselves from God’s life-giving love, the less we will be dictated by the grabby-ness of our flesh.
One of the most beautiful descriptions of the fullness of God is found in Paul’s prayer for the Ephesians:
“For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge — that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.” (Ephesians 3:14-19, NIV)
My favorite part of Paul’s prayer is him asking that we have the power to grasp the fullness of the love of Christ … for then we will be filled with the fullness of God.
If we grasp the full love of Christ, we won’t grab at other things to fill us. Or if we do, we’ll sense it. We’ll feel a prick in our spirit when our flesh makes frenzied swipes at happiness and we’ll pause.
In this pause lies the greatest daily choice we can make. Am I willing to tell my flesh no, so that I can say yes to the fullness of God in this situation?
And this isn’t about us putting on a brave face and hoping for the best when we feel powerless. We have the power through Christ, who is over every power, including the pull of the flesh.
When we have Christ, we are full — fully loved and accepted and empowered to say no.
This is true on the days we feel it, and it’s still true when we don’t feel Jesus’ love at all. If we live rooted and established in His love, we don’t just have knowledge of His love in our minds, but it becomes a reality that anchors us. Though winds of hurt blow, they cannot uproot us and rip us apart. His love holds us. His love grounds us. His love is a glorious weight preventing the harsh words and hurtful situations from being a destructive force. We feel the wind but aren’t destroyed by it. This is the “fullness of God.”
There is power in really knowing this. This isn’t dependent on what you’ve accomplished. Or on another person loving you or accepting you. Nor is it because you always feel full. You are full, because Christ brought the fullness to you.
Yes, I am fully loved, fully accepted, and fully empowered to say no to my flesh. Speak that truth in the power He’s given you. Believe that truth in the power He’s given you. Live that truth in the power He’s given you.
That’s how we tell our flesh no. That’s how we live fully prepared in the fullness of God.
If this post spoke to your heart, I’ve love to share my book, Uninvited with you! Today, I’m giving away 5 copies. To be entered to win, simply leave a comment below with the scripture verse you cling to in hard moments.
This was really good – hard to tell flesh no- it’s just what I have been reading about – make no provision for the flesh – but then like you said just stay full of Gods love whether you feel full or not!! ….. He keeps those in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on Him !!!!
Right now I am living through the loss of my 22 year marriage and I’m struggling to learn the lesson of telling my flesh no. I have found comfort in Psalms 121. My help will come from the Lord.
Thanks so much for this encouragement!
Jude 1:24-25
“Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy, to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time[a] and now and forever. Amen.”
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. (Jeremiah 29:11 ESV)
Thank you- You have a way of distilling and clarifying and naming our actions into what they truly are. Running to Him for all fulfillment is a necessary, daily challenge and discipline. Recently I’ve been meditating on Psalm 103 to lead me into deeper communion with and dependence on Him.
In times of doubt and those times I feel powerless, insecure and unable to be victorious, I recall 2 Corinthians 12:9 And He said to me, “My Grace is sufficient for you, for my strength is made perfect in weakness.” Most gladly therefore will I glory in my infirmities that the power of Christ may be seen in me.
Paul goes on to declare, when I am weak, then I am strong, meaning during times of weakness, He can be strong in the Lord, which is what I pray for my life and those I love. Knowing God’s grace will always be enough, is powerful!
Psalm 28:7 the Lord is my strength and my shield, my heart trusts in Him
Thank you so much. One of my favorite verses is Jeremiah 32:27, which says ” Behold I am the Lord the God of all flesh, Is there anything too difficult for Me? (No)
When my son was born 14 weeks early because I was at death’s door…
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.”
Jeremiah 29:11-13
PROVERBS 3:5-8
My go to is Proverbs 3:5-6. I may not understand what God is doing or why He is allowing me to go through so much pain and disappointment but I must trust His unfailing love and presence in my life. He is my hope and strength to keep going.
The Ephesians verses you wrote are some very ones I have committed to memory. I have a copy of your book and am looking forward to coming to your day meeting in Chadd’s Ford, PA in September. I would love to have another copy for my daughter in law who I am bringing. God bless, Jsnet
Thank you for today’s email as it came at a very appropriate time for me. I struggle with the relationship between my Mither and myself. It is filled with anger, resentment and anxiety by both parties. I normally binge after spending time with my 88 yr old Mother, whom I love as my parent but do not personally like. I feel like my entire life she had nothing but disappointment and resent for me. I am her second of two daughters. And although I have grown to be independent and successful despite her, I feel like a failure. My weight has been a constant struggle since childhood. My Mother was a model, and therefore weight was and always be an issue. Today I read your email and found comfort in it rather than food.
Thank you again
Thank you for today’s email as it came at a very appropriate time for me. I struggle with the relationship between my Mother and myself. It is filled with anger, resentment and anxiety by both parties. I normally binge after spending time with my 88 yr old Mother, whom I love as my parent but do not personally like. I feel like my entire life she had nothing but disappointment and resent for me. I am her second of two daughters. And although I have grown to be independent and successful despite her, I feel like a failure. My weight has been a constant struggle since childhood. My Mother was a model, and therefore weight was and always be an issue. Today I read your email and found comfort in it rather than food.
Thank you again
This was exactly what I needed to read today. Having a child that has autism, I feel just like that mom-at 6, my child can’t even get dressed, or go to the bathroom. and my verse is “You are fearfully and wonderfully made”. I simply have to remember she is who God created her to be, and that is enough.
2 cor 12: 10 “That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”
Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love
Ephesians 4:2
I cling to the following verse. It’s 1 Corinthians 10:23.
Everything is permissible – but not everything is beneficial.
I have a choice. I choose to say no to my flesh and stand in love and strength in God.
For nothing is impossible with God. – Luke 1:37 this is on my wall in my bathroom. Funny place? Not really, I see it every time I go in, which some days can be often. And as I cry out to Him, I get that loving reminder so desperately needed in that moment. And He enables me to hope, again.
My anchor verses are 2 Corinthians 12:9-10.
With my husband having gone through Chemo recently my favorite verse is “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”, we all need God’s love but we need his strength too.
It is hard to say no sometimes to the flesh but thank you for the reminder and encouragement that we need to live in the fullness of God. One of my go-to verse is Psalm 91.
With my husband recently having gone through Chemo, my favorite verse is, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” we all want God’s love but what we need is his strength.
A lot of my struggles come from the need to be accepted by others. I make their approval more important then resting in knowing that God loves me just the way I am.
Galatians 1:10
Obviously I am not trying to win the approval of people, but of God. If pleasing people were my goal, I would not be Christ’s servant.
2 Chronicles 20:15,17 “Do not be afraid or discouraged… You will not have to fight this battle…
A woman, I did not know. But from my church, emailed these verses to me as I was with my husband while he was in hospice care. I can’t tell you what a difference these words meant while on that journey.
Lysa,
I needed this word today. I made a point to wake up before my kids and read something. God had this for me. I’d say you summarized the struggle of my soul perfectly. Desperately grabbing on to anything I think will satisfy when I feel pain. Being committed to feeling safe and feeling comfortable instead of transformed by the Holy Spirit. Here’s my verse I’m clinging to these days as I go through a cross country move away from home.
“Whom have I in heaven but you? I desire you more than anything on earth. My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; he is mine forever.”
Psalms 73:25-26 NLT
Thank you!!!
It’s hard to stay away from our flesh when we’ve been hurt. But God will always be with us and help us. My go to verse is Isaiah 41:10. “Do not fear for I am with you. Do not be dismayed for I am the Lord your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
Jeremiah 29:11, knowing that God has a plan for me to prosper, not to harm and to give me a future and a hope helps me focus on the big picture and know that God is in control and wants His best for me.
Lo-I am with you always even unto the end of time.
Thank you Lysa– I daily(sometimes hourly!) have to hold my tongue from complaining about something I didn’t get. Or something that was overlooked. Jesus is my all in all—- and He sees me fully.
For God has not given us a spirit of fear but of power and of love and of a sound mind 1st Timothy 1:7
This was just what I needed to hear this morning as I was up all night wrestling with rejection. I grabbed at ice cream before bed. It didn’t help! My verse is Phillipians 4:13 – “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.”
The Lord will thought for you, you need only to be still. Exodus 14:14
Oops…😊the Lord will FIGHT
I have this verse as the screensaver on my phone! 😃
Jeremiah 29:11 is my cling to verse, along with Romans 8:28. The promise of a perfect plan for me that is worked for my good is ultimate peace through Him.
Psalm 27:10 When my father and mother forsake me, Then the Lord will take care of me.
I’m not an orphan! I’m the daughter of the King of kings and Lord of lords! He will lead me the rest of my life!
Thanks for this reminder. I was deeply moved and encouraged by “Uninvited”. It uncovered struggles in my life that I didn’t even realize needed to be seen.
Thanks for your wonderful posts … They are so relevant to what I need at the moment!! God is so good!!
I love Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight.
I would love to have the book Uninvited! Thanks! Lila
Well spoken, and I read it at a moment where my flesh and spirit were wrestling with something I wanted to grab onto rather than for something I needed, which was to simply say no and trust God to help me through it.
“There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.” I Cor. 10:13 KJV is the verse that reminds me my issue is common, God knows about it and is there to help me (not just when I *feel* like He is, but always), and won’t let it be so bad I can’t handle it with Him. That being said, I’m reminded I can do ALL things through Christ!
I want to cling to Jesus and be full of His love. I want His full empowerment to resist the things of the flesh. Thank you for this encouragement Lysa!
Psalm 46:10 Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!
Instead of frantically trying to figure out life and be in control of each situation I find myself in, I have to regularly remind myself that God asks me to trust, to be still. And really it is a command, because God knows our tendency is to do things on our own. I praise God that He is sovereign, He is holy, He is always with me, and He will never leave me or forsake me…because even when I am faithless, He remains faithful because He cannot deny Himself!
Romans 8:28
Oh, Lisa! Thank you so much for this. When I’m in pain, feeling discouraged, under appreciated or pushed aside I go around looking for “support and understanding” from my friends, repeating my story over and over. Thank you for this clear and beautiful perspective…this truth.
Hebrews 4:15, 16 “For we do not have a High Priest Who is unable to understand and sympathize and have a shared feeling with our weaknesses and infirmities and liability to the assaults of temptation, but One who has been tempted in every respect as we are, yet without sinning. Let us then fearlessly and confidently and boldly draw near to the throne of grace (the throne of God’s unmerited favor to us sinners), that we may receive mercy (for our failures) and find grace to help in good time for every need (appropriate help and well-timed help, coming just when we need it).” Woah! What a Coach and Leader! He “gets” me totally AND He can be trusted because He, unlike me, never gave into sin or any sort of temptation, He, alone, can help me and walk beside me on this painful, at times, journey! Thank you Jesus! Thank you ladies!!
Psalm 121 ::. I lift up my eyes to the hills– where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.
Thank you so much for this encouragement. I need to be reminded often to fill myself with the love of God.
My verse I turn to in anxious or fearful times is Isaiah 41:10 —
For 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.
Repeating this verse calms me, as does reciting Psalm 23.
Thank you for reminding me to be full of Jesus instead of worldly things. I have been in a battle with food (and have the entire collection of Made to Crave and I am doing it AGAIN) my adult life and this is the encouragement I needed today. THIS TIME around….I WILL BE making a change….all because I UNDERSTAND the true meaning of Craving God!
Thank you for all you do.
My heart is broken. I know God has a plan but I can’t see it for the trees.
“Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:14
Looking forward to reading your new book, Lysa!
This devotion spoke to me…. I am recovering physically from back surgery and finding my spiritual self in need of healing too. The pain and disruption in my life is so much more than I anticipated…..I lost sight that the Lord had me and wouldn’t put me through anything I couldn’t handle or shouldn’t happen….so many things went wrong at the hospital and after getting a blood clot as well….that I felt so low forgetting whose child I am.
I have seemed to turn a corner these last few days.
My go to scripture is Isaiah 40:31 (NIV)…
but those who hope in the Lord
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.
It always reminds me what I can do when I stick with God!!
Blessings!
I love this and I definitely needed to read it this morning! I am going to read myself this phrase, “Yes, I am fully loved, fully accepted, and fully empowered to say no to my flesh” whenever I’m feeling my flesh taking over. Thank you, Lysa, for letting God use you the way that you have. You are a blessing to many!
Great words! Romans 8:28 is so encouraging to me.
Also It is freedom to say no.
Rooted for God’s love, How powerful knowledge that
We all must know…
Jesus changed everything.
I’m so thankful!!
May God bless you and your ministry!
I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ the glorious father may give you the spirit of wisdom of revelation so that you may know him better
Eph. 1:17
Beautiful! Thank you for sharing these words of encouragement. You really opened my eyes to understanding the importance in know the power in this. “Yes, I am fully loved, fully accepted, and fully empowered to say no to my flesh. Speak that truth in the power He’s given you. Believe that truth in the power He’s given you. Live that truth in the power He’s given you.” Right now I am thinking, “Wow! and Amen!”
Thank you for that morning reminder that GOD IS……love and so much more. He is everything we need. In the moment, I can be assured as I cling to His Word – Isaiah 40:8 (KJV) “The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever.” This morning the birds are singing, a new flower is blooming, the grass is growing (that’s a good thing), all this after a heavy rain and wind last night. As you shared – “Though winds of hurt blow, they cannot uproot us and rip us apart. His love holds us. His love grounds us.” Yesterday is past and today we can……because GOD IS.
Been going through four years of recovery from TBI and brain surgery….God has been with me and I am thankful, yet yearn to be what I was. There are two verses I cling to – one “Be still and know that I am God” and “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”. That last one has gotten me through a great many hour + long MRIs. The former? Has gotten me through life since my pastor preached on it in NY a little before 9/11.
I would love a copy of your book – continue being a blessing to us ladies and shining His light so bright. It inspires me and I am sure, so many others to pick up our lights and shine them in the crevices and crawl spaces of life that we are surprised to find ourselves.
Isaiah 26:3
3 Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.
I stand on this everytime I get to feeling less & my anxiety tries to creep in –
FM
Thanks for reminding me to stay focused on Him and let Him be in control…On a really rough journey right now, my husband committed suicide in August, though God has been there every step of the way it is still hard to not run a head, let the flesh try to fix things. Need clarity in the next steps of my life He has for me. There are several I cling to depending on what I am facing, but here is one I have gone to lately:
Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; he will neither fail you nor abandon you.”
Deuteronomy 31:8
I cling to both an OT Scripture & a NT Scripture as encouragement to live according to the “spirit” and not my flesh:
Deuteronomy 28:13 (NKJV)
13 And the Lord will make you the head and not the tail; you shall be above only, and not be beneath, if you heed the commandments of the Lord your God, which I command you today, and are careful to observe them.
Romans 8:5-8 (NKJV)
5 For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. 6 For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. 7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be. 8 So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God.
I love today’s scripture Sarah Walton shared with us in our Proverbs 31 Daily devotional:
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.” 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (ESV) Oh how this hits home today. My daughter is expecting her second child in October. We got the news that her 20 week ultrasound revealed that our baby’s heart “seems” smaller on one side. We know who holds this baby’s heart. We know all things work for the good of those who love the Lord. We are in desperate need of prayer for our little one. We go for a more thorough ultrasound on June 9. May God receive all the praise and glory for the outcome belongs to Him. Love, Peace and Grace to all of you.
Saying no to myself is a daily struggle. Trusting in Him who holds everything takes the struggle away.
And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly, love mercy and walk humbly with our God? Micah 6:8
And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. Romans 12:2 ~~~ my Confirmation verse
I am going through a sudden heart wrenching break up with a man I thought I was going to spend the rest of my life with. I am so looking for things to grasp but know that only God’s love and drawing closer to Christ will get me through this. Your post was much needed today as I’m struggling with my fleshly desire to reach out to my ex (that is the first i’ve even written ‘ex’) as I know we are both struggling through this very difficult time.
Deuteronomy 33:26-27a
“There is no one like the God of Israel
He rides across the heavens to help you,
across the skies in majestic splendor.
The eternal God is your refuge,
and his everlasting arms are under you.”
Phil 4:13 I can do all things through Him who gives me strength.
I often feel that my prayers are not right or good enough! Not eloquently worded. I cry when I pray out loud. That maybe my problems are not “bad” enough. Thank you for your devotions and teachings.
I can do all things through Christ , which strengthens me . I also cling to the vesrse that With men it shall be impossible , but with God All things are possible to him whom believes .
Perfect. Just what I needed to read today. Thank you Lord!
But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”~2 Corinthians 12:9-10
Thank You! my Favorite Promise is Jeremiah 29 Vs 11
I am soo glad that Abba Knows the plans He has for my plans not hurt me but to GIVE MY A FUTURE AND A HOPE I cling to that promise and know that it is TRUE AMEN!!!
Hebrews 4:15-16 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
Been struggling for awhile now with many things. Some days it’s hard to even read scripture or the devotions, but every time I do it speaks directly to me. Thank you so much for your faithfulness. Jeremiah 29:11
Dear Lisa,
I beat myself up. I can so relate with “desperate for reassurance” the “TWIRLING” .
Thank you for your words of wisdom. It is positive and a great reminder. I emailed it to my daughter and friends because we need to remember how much we are LOVED.
Thank you!
Thanks for today’s encouragement, Lysa. Hebrews 11: 1 Confident faith!
He only is my rock and my salvation, My stronghold; I shall not be shaken.
Psalm 62:6
Thank you Jesus for Lysa & this perfectly timed post! I struggle with addictions and have recently joined a Celebrate Recovery group. I will keep this post handy to reread it daily to have the power of Jesus’ love over the lusts of my flesh. I am a new creature in Christ and Christ will provide the way to escape from temptation!
2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefor if any man is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold new things have come.
1 Corinthians 10:13. No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, that you will be able to endure it.
I love you Jesus & I love you Lysa!
The scripture I go to during the hard times is Phillipians 4:13, “I can do all things through Him who gives me strength” Sadly, I’ve had to rely on that scripture a lot lately.
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me! Philippians 4:13
Good morning,
I would love to receive a copy of your new book. We need to be reminded at times daily of being in his love and being that loving person. Thank you so much for sharing.
Ecclesiastes 11:7
Light is sweet; how pleasant to see a new day dawning.
Thank you, Lysa, for this on time devotional! My favorite go to verse when things get tough is 2 Corinthians 12:9 “……My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.” It reminds me that God is all-powerful and I don’t have to do anything in my own strength. When I am weak, HE is strong!! Blessings to you!
Today is my Daughter in law’s birthday. I would love to give her a copy of this book. Three years ago, Ashley was pregnant with her second child. They went for the “routine” gender reveal. God had different plans. Ashley and Michael were told that their son had Spina Bifida. The Dr’s had nothing but gloom and doom to tell them. Again, God had different plans. We relied on Him and His Word to get us through the unknown. One of my favorite verses: For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen Michael and Ashley with power through his Spirit in their inner being, so that Christ may dwell in their hearts through faith. And I pray that they, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge — that they may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.” (Ephesians 3:14-19, NIV).
I can’t stop there because the Lord definitely gave me this . The next verse was Psalm 40:1-3 I waited patiently for the Lord to help me,
and he turned to me and heard my cry.
2
He lifted me out of the pit of despair,
out of the mud and the mire.
He set my feet on solid ground
and steadied me as I walked along.
3
He has given me a new song to sing,
a hymn of praise to our God.
Many will see what he has done and be amazed.
They will put their trust in the Lord.
YES, Kolton was born with Spina Bifida. Yes, he walks with braces, but praise God, Many are seeing what God has done!!! Even the Dr’s are amazed!!
You spoke right to my heart today. I receive your emails but rarely read them. Today’s devotional really spoke to what I had been facing for months. I was beginning to forget my identity in Christ through the situations I had been facing. This was such a refresing reminder. Thank you for allowing yourself to be used by the Holy Spirit. x
Your article is so deep and uplifting at the same time. Praise God you are endowed with the wisdom of the Holy Spirit which makes you perceive life in His Light and in His Power. Personally the verse from the Word of God which sustains me in times of trial and turmoil is ‘The Lord is my shepherd I lack nothing. In green meadows He puts me, near water where I can rest He leads me and He feeds me. Even if I pass through a dark valley, I will not fear any damage because He is always with me.”
My life verse: Isaiah 41:10 – Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.
I have victory over the enemy!
I like this one as well
“Even to your old age I will be the same, And even to your graying years I will bear you! I have done it, and I will carry you; And I will bear you and I will deliver you.” Isaiah 46:4 nasb
Thank you for this timely message.
This email could not have come at a better time – I’m struggling with sugar cravings and have been told recently by my doctor that I cannot exercise for 2 weeks….so in place of exercising I’ve been eating junk! The one verse that I usually go to is “Everything is permissible but not everything is beneficial” at this moment I cannot remember where it is in the bible. Thank you for this email today!
Thank you for this post. I needed to be reminded that I don’t have to feel full to be full of Christ’s love!
Lam 3:22-23
Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.
~Christine
Invited
John 16:33
I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.
Jeremiah 29:11-13
Definitely what I am battling right now. My favorite verses are Proverbs 3:5-6 where I am reminded to Trust in the Lord in everything, and He will give me the desires of my heart.
Thank you much for words today! The situations you described parallels where I’m at now in life, except instead of an ex-boyfriend it’s an ex-husband and his new girlfriend and except of minor children, its two children that have graduated and start on a new journey with out needing me. Feeling a little lost and empty at times but I know God is faithful and he will carry me through.
Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV)
5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; 6 in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.
Oh how I identify with this post. While it can be SO difficult, the verse I found in Hebrews, 13:5 seems to be where my heart finds respite. Not because of money, but because being content with what I have or where I’m at in my season of life/living geographically is where I struggle. “First world problems” seem to allow me to lose sight of the end goal and God’s purpose for me.
So true! Thank you for the reminder of first world
problems
When my heart feels small and struggling. I claim my life verse from Ephesians 3:20-21… now to HIM who is able… to do exceedingly more…in my life… thru HIS power… and for HIS glory..:.
She is clothed in strength and dignity and laughs without fear of the future.
Hebrews 10:23
Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess for he who promised is faithful!
What a great and timely post. The Lord is teaching me to keep my eyes on Him and trust He knows what’s best for my young adult son. I tend to want to fix things in my own flesh when I need to remember He is God and I am not and only He is Sovereign over all things.
Deuteronomy 31:6 Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.
Thank you so much for this devotion!
One of my go-to verses is Jeremiah 29:11-“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
My fav scripture is Psalm 107:20
For He sent forth His Word to heal them, lifting them out of a pit of destruction.
The Word of God heals! I’m living proof.
I always love when God puts just the words I need to hear in front of me. However, to answer your question, my favorite quote, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding” Proverbs 3:5-6
When I am weak he is strong.
God has not given us the spirit of fear, but of LOVE, POWER and a sound mind. my favorite verse.
Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the Plans I have for you declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.” I’m so thankful for this reminder of who my God is and how He works in my life everyday to create hope and to give me a future in Him.
Be still and know that I am God
I’m beyond thankful that I signed up for these emails. They are the first thing I read before beginning my work day. This verse has helped me through many difficult moments:
“Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, surely I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10)
I pray Phil. 4:13 – “I can do all things through Christ which strengthen me.”
I am encouraged that He will give me the needed strength when I look to Him in ALL things.
Thank you for your amazing posts with eencouraging reminders!
Thank for your sharing this wonderful truth this morning about God’s love. I have been suffering with health issues for 4 years as well as other trials at the same time. I have had to cling to God and His word to get through this. He is faithful and carries me through every day. It’s a great reminder to hear that He loves me and His love is bigger than my suffering. One of the many promises I cling to is ps. 46:10.” Be still and know that I am God”. Have a blessed day.
Yes, I confess. In the chaos of Facebook at night, I really did unfollow my childhood neighbor. Not only was I uninvited to her political party, but I was labeled with all sorts of in appropriate descriptors . Had I read the Uninvited book, I may have been able to avoid this. If I read it now, I may be able to avoid “unfollowing” old “friends” next time . Thanks for the offer. (Why do I feel guilty about unfollowing someone who obviously does not want me “following” her? —–sigh——).
Dear Lisa
You don’t know me but I feel as though you do because you speak so directly to me and feel what I feel… and then guide me to do the next right thing and I thank you and I thank God for you and the wisdom he channels through you and your vulnerability. I just wanted you to know that! “Uninvited” touched my heart deeply and is growing this 56 year old up!! I have shared it with many…
Thank you so much for just who you are!
And for who you’re encouraging me to be in Him.
May you continue to be blessed with gorgeousness in your heart and soul!
Maggie.
Awesome post today. It’s always comforting to read about the life challenges of others that simulate yours. However it is uplifting and empowering to read the directives on how to overcome those challenges. I stand on Psalms 91 because it lets me know that my entire life is safe from all forms of hurt harm and danger.
I struggle to keep my mind on God when the things of this life are swirling around me. Your reminders everyday are such a blessing. I have this verse posted in my office so I see it everyday. Phil 4: 12-13 “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and all situations, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.” I love this saying: Things turn out the best for the people who make the best of the way things turn out. It really puts things in perspective.
So thankful for the amazing gift I have in Jesus. When Satan reminds of my sin and I’m faced with discouragement I remember this promise and know there is nothing impossible with Him.
“There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” Romans 8:1
Thx Mrs. TerKeurst, for all your encouragement and all that you do. I find in hard spaces one of my favorite Scriptures to cling to is…Col 2:7
‘Let your roots grow down into him and draw up nourishment from him, so you will grow in faith, strong and vigorous in the faith you were taught. Let your lives (life) overflow w/thanksgiving for all he has done.’ Yes, I like to dig deep because it’s in the drawing from God that I am nourished and strengthened in faith to the FULL until I overflow in thanksgiving for who God is and what he’s done (is doing). My prayer for us all is that we’d dig deep, grow in faith. As we are strengthened to stand on the promises of God may we all be overcome with peace and FILLED with God’s resounding JOY! 🌺
Philippians 4:6-7, Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God which transends all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds I Christ Jesus.
I very much needed this daily reminder that my flesh is so dang weak. Just last night I grabbed…. Thank you for caring so much about us that you share these thoughts with us! My go to verse is:
Truly my soul finds rest in God; my salvation comes from him. Psalm 62:1
Isaiah 41:10 “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, yes, I will uphold you with the right hand of my righteousness.”
In my hard moments, I cling to Jeremiah 29:11: For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. Knowing and constantly reminding myself when things get tough that God has a plan for me and that it is a good plan is so comforting. It reinforces my trust in the Lord that He is good.
Thanks for this post, Lysa. It really spoke to my heart!
One of my favorite verses I turn to is John 16:33 – “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
I really needed this reminder today… thank you! <3 Here is one I turn to:
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
Philippians 4:6-7
2 Corinthians 12:9
And He said to me,”My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” -Ephesians 2:10
I know its an odd verse to cling to in hard times, but for me it helps me to understand that God created me for a purpose. The hard times that I may be experiencing are all a part of my sanctification process. God doesn’t like to leave me where I am; He is stretching me, growing me and challenging me to fully trust Him, so that I will be more effective for Him. To be able to do “the good works” for Him that He had in mind for me to do when He created the world! To know that I am to play a small part in His plan for furthering His Kingdom here on earth is reason enough to feel strong amongst the hardest moments!
Since I was a teenager one of my go to verses during tough times is Romans 12:12 “be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, and faithful in prayer.” As a teen I wrote it on my bedroom wall for encouragement. Recently as an adult one of my girlfriends gave me this verse to hang on my wall (it’s now in my bedroom again!). Little did either of us know I would have an early miscarriage just weeks later, having a visual of that verse in my home once again has been so special to me.
Thank you for that today! It is so good to be reminded we (I) are truly accepted by the Father through Jesus….he PAID the price….it matters not whether acceptance by others is there reminding us how great we are…..I have power through His acceptance of me!! Makes that deep breath I take a little fresher!! Proverbs 3:5-6…Trust Him……lean not unto my own understanding…..acknowledge Him…..He will direct me. It’s so powerful!!
Great devotion!
One of my favorites that I cling to is: Isaiah 41:13
For I am the Lord your God
who takes hold of your right hand
and says to you, Do not fear;
I will help you.
In times of need or heartache or anxiety, I cling to 1 Peter 1:6: “So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead. Even though you have to endure many trials for a little while.” To me, this is a wonderful reminder that the Lord is good and has good things planned for my life
Thank you for this post! So often I don’t act as though I can access the POWER I have been given through Christ! This reminder was very timely! The verse that literally saved my life when I was most suicidal is Jeremiah 29:11 … I chose to believe that God did, indeed, have plans for me and that they were for my good, to give me hope and a future, which I didn’t see in the circumstances in my life at the moment. God is SO good … loves in such individual ways and knows our deepest needs and just how to provide for them!
This so fits with my current bible study of idols, things I put in my life before my relationship with Christ – unfulfilled at every turn until I turn to him.
Eph 3:20 Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us,
21 to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen.
Proverbs 3:5-6 – Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge HIM and He will direct your path.
Psalm 37:4 – Take delight in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart.
Thank you for being so transparent, Lysa!!!
Romans 8:28
Sooo good Lysa!!!! This is particularly helpful with a struggle I am working on right now. I am going to put the Ephesians verse and the quote “When we have Christ, we are full — fully loved and accepted and empowered to say no” on my mirror to remind me every day. Thank you so much!
Hi! I’m Meagan! I’d love a copy of invited! Also, my verse I cling to is Isaiah 26:3 – I will keep in perfect peace if my eyes are fixed on him!
I cling to Isaiah 51:3 For the Lord will comfort Zion in her captivity; He will comfort all her ruins. And He will make her wilderness like Eden, And her desert like the garden of the Lord; Joy and gladness will be found in her, Thanksgiving and the voice of a melody.
My family has been under attack for some time but this is a promise I was given 2 years ago when I knew I would need to stand with God and claim safety for my marriage and family. I’m sooooo blessed to be on a journey of faith and look forward to this promise being fulfilled totally.
I LOVED this!!
“Be still & know that I am God” ~Psalms 46:10
I just purchased your study guide “Finding I Am” I am so excited to start this study. I just found your website this morning and your daily word was just what I needed. Thank you for your encouraging words. I hope to read Uninvited when I finish this study.
Psalm 141:8 But my eyes are upon You, O God the Lord; in You I take refuge, do not leave my soul destitute.
All is Well is my favorite saying.
Your writing touches me in many ways.
Jeremiah 29:11 “I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. Plans for your welfare and not for your harm.”
Oh I would love to win!! Such a great devo today!!!
Psalm 121:1-2
I lift my eyes to the mountains – where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth.
Wonderful devotion! I think this book would be very helpful to a friend of mine that is in a dark place in her life. Thanks for your encouraging words, Lysa!
Proverbs 3:5-6 is a great reminder to me when I am facing troubles or making a life altering decision.
Lysa, This scripture has brought me comfort on days when not only my flesh is hurting, but my soul as well. Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory. Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
Psalm 73:23-26 NIV
http://bible.com/111/psa.73.23-26.NIV
Thank you so much. I really needed this at this moment. I have to cling to Christ. He will strength me, and carry me. Thank you!
My cling to verse is Psalm 121:1-2 “I look up to the mountains— does my help come from there? My help comes from the Lord , who made heaven and earth!” (NLT)
Thanks for this message of God’s love for us. I love hearing it over and over again.” Love comes from God”. 1 John 4:7 b
This is such perfect timing. This last week, I have had 5 different readings about healing. I have not been able to talk to God, read the Bible or a devotion for over a year and a half. This week alone, I have been overwhelmed with titles and messages that are being directed to me. Thank you. As I weep and thank God for second chances. I will baby step back through the pain and anger and cling to this verse.
Isaiah 40:31 New International Version (NIV)
31 but those who hope in the Lord
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.
The scripture that really ministers to me in moments of distress is
Psalm 121:1-2. I lift my eyes to the mountains-where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.
Because I have hills all around it fills my heart, calms my soul and helps me to refocus on the truth.
“And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.”
1 Peter 5:10 NIV
The verse I cling to in hard times is “Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.”
Psalm 42:11
It reminds me that there is such a stronger force on my side than the adversity that surrounds me. It will bow at his name! Jesus…..Jesus……Jesus…..Thank you Jesus! Although my soul may feel hurt and broken, He is the ULTIMATE Savior and Healer.
Remain faithful to The Lord with steadfast purpose. Acts 11:23
This verse encourages me to push in and to press on – To feed the Spirit and starve the flesh. I live for Christ and not my circumstances. I put my faith about my feelings, not my feelings above my faith. When I meditate on, and am reminded of, God’s steadfastness, I find strength in His to be steadfast myself. Apart from Him there is no good.
I struggle A LOT to feel God’s love and have it fill me in my life, so that I don’t grab at “false fullness”. I continue to need help in this area, especially with food. In hard moments, I try to remember my memory verses, and lately my go-to verse is “Because the Sovereign LORD helps me, I will not be disgraced. Therefore, have I set my face like flint, determined to
do his will. And I know that I will not be put to shame.” ~ Isaiah 50:7 [NLT]
This is such a insightful post…I can see myself here on more than one occasion! My go to verse is Joshua 1:9
“Be Strong and Courageous, for the Lord is with you wherever you go!”
Would love a copy of your book!
Thank you, Lisa for your inspiration!
“We have troubles all around us, but we are not defeated. We do not know what to do, but we do not give up the hope of living. 9 We are persecuted, but God does not leave us.”
2 Cor. 4:8/9
I go to …
But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the surpassing greatness of the power will be of God and not from ourselves;
2Cor 4:7
Proverbs 3:5-6
“Trust in the Lord with ALL your heart and lean not on your own understanding.
In ALL your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path.”
That is one of my favorites as well.
Jeremiah 29:11 – “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ says the Lord. ‘They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.'”
My husband and I are currently doing a bible study with our best friends, and one of the topics we just discussed is living in the Spirit versus living in the flesh. So, this post really speaks to me at this very moment in time…I think He is trying to tell me something! 🙂 I need to focus on trusting in HIS plan for me when my flesh is encouraging me to attempt to alter that plan.
When I am most troubled I cling to Jeremiah 29:11. It helps me remember that God has already given me a better ending to any situation.
“I” have WORKED on my need of approval for many years and THIS is a fresh Word that He is repeatedly sending to me and it’s truth is resonating! “There is a well worn path to our hearts that leads us away from God’s love” (Mark Schelske) Your devotion today is eloquently speaking this same truth. The need for approval is an IDOL, for an idol is “something that represents or holds power, or security, or belonging or provision”. I desire to experience the FULLNESS of His love and never a counterfeit need for approval, which only temporarily holds that space or fills that void, only to need refilling again and again. My verse is “Those who cling to worthless idols forsake faithful love”, Jonah 2:8 Thank you for your ministry. It has helped me many years. I sit at my own “farm table” as I write this…I rarely comment but today I just had to. Thank you!
Aline Wyles
“I” have WORKED on my need of approval for many years and THIS is a fresh Word that He is repeatedly sending to me and it’s truth is resonating! “There is a well worn path to our hearts that leads us away from God’s love” (Mark Schelske) Your devotion today is eloquently speaking this same truth. The need for approval is an IDOL, for an idol is “something that represents or holds power, or security, or belonging or provision”. I desire to experience the FULLNESS of His love and never a counterfeit need for approval, which only temporarily holds that space or fills that void, only to need refilling again and again. My verse is “Those who cling to worthless idols forsake faithful love”, Jonah 2:8
I truly appreciate this and totally identify with the truth of it. One of my favorite scriptures that encourages me in my faith is in Numbers 23:19 “God is not a man that he should lie…” Just always reminds me of all the things I cannot count on, God is the One I KNOW I can count on.
Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Isaiah 43:19
For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you no see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers n the dry wasteland.
**not
Luke 12:24 has been the verse that has brought so much comfort for me lately through this storm. I recently lost my 3rd baby to miscarriage, found out I may be suffering from an autoimmune disease so I’m going through a bunch of testing, and recently broke up with my boyfriend. My life has been completely turned upside down. But instead of turning to the bottle like I used to do I’m clinging to God through this storm. If he can provide for the birds I have Faith he can help me out of this darkness of hurt and pain.
The verse I cling to is Psalm 51:10…”Creat in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” He is so faithful and gives me more chances than I deserve!
I think your book sounds like one I need to read right now.
The content of your message about telling your flesh no, and being anchored in the love of God is so appropriately beautiful.
My anchor verse is, 2 Timothy 1:7 NIV
“For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.”
I love the other versions that use ” a spirit of fear” in place of timid also because
I am realizing that fear and love cannot coexist, and that includes the days that I cannot”feel” God’s love.
Shalom,
Marla Imhoff
I am praying specifically for a prodigal, that He will set her feet upon a rock, steadying her steps and establishing her goings. That He will put a new song in her mouth, a song of praise to our God. Clinging to this verse for her.
Isaiah 41:10 “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.”
Thank you for this reminder of the love I have in Christ. I needed to be reminded today.
Thank you for this post! It spoke to my heart and I’m sharing it with my teenage daughter, too.
My go to verse when feeling afraid, alone, desperate…
“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.” Is. 41:10
Like many others on here, I cling to Jeremiah 29:11
My two year old son was born with a severe heart defect and has had two open heart surgeries and will be having his third this summer. I have found myself many times wondering “why”. This verse always grounds me and brings me back from being angry. He has a plan. He knows the future. He knows why I was blessed with this miracle child and He knows the great things that will come of it.
Romans 15:13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.
My favorite go to verse in times of trial is Isaiah 40:28-31 especially verse 29 “He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength.”
Isaiah 40:31
I am going through the darkest valley of my life right now. Please keep me on prayers, so I truse God no matter what…
Thank you once again Lysa. You are spot on. I am a pastor alongside my husband who is also a pastor and believe me, ugh, my flesh wants to lash out at the hurtful things people do and say. So good to hear that there are others who struggle with these same issues.
My favorite verse is Jeramiah 29:11. For I know the plans I have for you says the Lord. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you hope and future. I have been through so much in my life and I cling on to this hope that God will never leave me nor forsake me. I love reading your blog and would love to have your book. I listen to you on Klove. My name is Sunny Tallant. Look forward to hearing from you!
Saying no to the flesh is an every choice. One of my go to verses is Isaiah 26:3
You will keep him in perfect peace who’s mind is stayed on You,
because he trusts in You.
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid, do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9
My go to foundational scripture is Isaiah 50:7.
Because the Sovereign LORD helps me, I will not be disgraced. Therefore have I set my face like flint, and I know I will not be put to shame.
I lived a life of shame over choices and decsions I made when I was very young and this scripture helped me way back then and still does all these years later.
I recently read your bio/story and was so moved by it as we share a very similiar story and to see what God has done and is doing in your life is giving me so much joy and hope! Thank you!! I know He has a BIG plan for my life and I am living in His will and your daily blogs help me tremenedously!!
Lysa, I’m new to your blog and website. I am a small group leader and today we just started the Made to Crave sessions. I LOVE what I’ve heard and done so far. Thank God for pressing the information on your heart and your talent in presenting it. The scripture I cling to is Romans 8:39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. I would love to check out your new book, Uninvited.
Jo
I am on overcomer in so many ways…yet I struggle in one area of my life.
Healthy food choices …I hear wisdom calling and yet I’ve failed so many times.
This post spoke to me.
Thank you!
Would love a copy of Uninvited to give away! Read the book last year & it was a great help!
I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. ~ Philippians 4:11-12
This verse has gotten me through many trials and I painted it on the floor of my bedroom, under the carpet, so that it’s there for someone else to find someday!
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understandings.”
Proverbs 3:5
I wasn’t raised in church and I have only been a Christian for about five years now. I have been told and taught so much of what the secular world believes that I sometimes have those thoughts taking over. Other times, I struggle with seeing things through God’s eyes instead of my own. This verse always helps to remind me that I have to forget everything that I think I know on my own, and look for His truth in the Word.
Psalms 46 10 be still and know that I am God. When things are going bad are mine gets cluttered with so many things but if we can just get still and here’s some words from God. We can come heart. And just know that he’s going to work things out for our good. Because no good thing will he withhold if we are walking with him.
Psalm 27:1-14
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?
When the wicked advance against me to devour me, it is my enemies and my foes who will stumble and fall.
Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then I will be confident.
One thing I ask from the LORD, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple.
For in the day of trouble (today) He will keep me safe in His dwelling; He will hide me in the shelter of His sacred tent and set me high upon a rock.
Then my head will be exalted above the enemies who surround me; at his sacred tent I will sacrifice with shouts of joy; I will sing and make music to the LORD.
Hear my voice when I call, LORD; be merciful to me and answer me.
My heart says of you, “Seek his face!” Your face, LORD, I will seek.
Do not hide your face from me, do not turn your servant away in anger; you have been my helper. Do not reject me or forsake me, God my Savior.
Though my father and mother forsake me, the LORD will receive me.
Teach me your way, LORD; lead me in a straight path because of my oppressors.
Do not turn me over to the desire of my foes, for false witnesses rise up against me, spouting malicious accusations.
I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.
Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11
This is the verse that gets me through it all. I need the constant reminder that no matter what I go through, God had a plan for my life!!
Romans 8:38-39. No one and nothing can separate us from the love of God our Father. All praise and glory to Him no matter the circumstances!
Psalm 73:25-26
Whom have I in heaven but you? I desire you more than anything on earth
My health may fail, and my spirit grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart
he is mine forever.
In hard times I cling to the following verse from Isaiah: For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.
Isaiah 41:13 NIV
http://bible.com/111/isa.41.13.NIV
I can identify with the flesh being so strong when I’m in difficult situations or feel rejected by a loved one. It is when I look to Jesus and realize His love and care for every detail in my life that I find comfort. I memorized this verse from Hebrews 12:2 that focuses on what is mindful in hard times. “Looking to Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy set before Him, endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Jesus understands my fear and hurts of my heart as He has felt similar pain at rejection and persecution. I trust Him to guide me into His green pastures to enjoy His presence and sense His peace to endure through any hardship.
Thank you for this reminder. Today I feel distant from God.. no matter how much I read, speak, and sing HIS WORD. Three years ago I met my weightloss goal. I lost 202 pounds. I am entering my 2nd year of maintenance but feel I am losing ground. I became very sick March 2016 and have trouble eating many foods. Bottom line is I’ve gained 30 pounds because I can’t eat many veggies and many foods make me sick. I pray and do the best I can but am very discouraged. I don’t want to regain. I’m not eating huge amounts or really not eating wrong foods… But gaining weight. Your message reminds me God is here with me and based on Romans 8 both Jesus and Holy Spirit interceding for me.
Isaiah 41:10
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.
The Lord has been speaking to me regarding this new walk he has me on… Sober minded, living for Christ first, seeking all He has for me and my daughters. My scripture on this journey I am clinging onto is Jeremiah 29:11 ” For I know the thoughts I think of you days the Lord, plans to prosper You and not to harm you, plans for a hope and a future.
You will keep him in perfect peace,
Whose mind is stayed on You,
Because he trusts in You.
Isaiah 26:3
1 Peter 5:7, “Give all your worries to Him because He cares for you.”
Philippians 4:6-7
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.
Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
James 1:4 NIV
http://bible.com/111/jas.1.4.NIV
It is a daily choice! One that I have to remind myself to make constantly. I often forget but thank God for His mercy & grace!! Romans 8:28 is the one verse I always go to. ALL THING WORK TOGETHER FOR MY GOOD, to those that love Him and are called according to His purpose!! Zero works!! All by grace!! Praise His Name!!
That was beautiful!! I would Love a free copy of your book! My favorite go to Bible verse is James 4:8. Draw Nigh to God and He will draw nigh to you. Thank you! Katy Herrington.
I need to read this book. Thank you for your word today!
My comment is not really a verse but is a line in one of the songs my church sang-I have made you two small in my eyes oh Lord forgive me. And I have believed in a lie that you are unable to help me. But now oh Lord I see my wrong . Heal my heart and make yourself strong and with my eyes and with my song oh Lord be magnified. Oh Lord
be magnified.
Be
I can do all thing through Christ who strengthens me
I can do all things, through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13
I have been wanting to read this book for months!
The verse I constantly turn to is Psalm 121:1-2, “I lift my eyes to the hills – where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth.
You always have a way of speaking to me as if God is speaking to me. One of my cling to verses is one from your study I AM.
“Even to your old age and gray hairs I am He, I am He who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.” Isaiah 46:4
I say it out loud every day because some days, I struggle to make it through.
Thank you for sharing from the Lord and being His vessel.
Thank you for sharing. This is something thats so important to remember. not seeking approval or satisfaction from anything or anyone but God. Thank ypu for the opportunity for the book as well!
Isaiah 41:10
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.
My Fave!
Philippians 4:8 “…whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is lovely,,,,think about such things” helps me when things are hard, I would really love to be able to read “Uninvited”
I’ve been leading a group through the Made to Crave study so this post fits in perfectly with what we’ve been discussing and paying about. Thank you for these strong words which help me refocus. My verse is from Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. “
This is the first time I’ve been to this page. I don’t know how I came across it, I just did. I don’t come from a religious family, I don’t belong to a church. I have just had this feeling that I need to look further. Thank you for your words today. I don’t know any scripture so I can’t tell you which one helps me. But I am hoping to learn some.
Seek Him and He will fill you! I recommend her “Finding I Am” Bible study. My LifeGroup just finished it this week. It is an easy to read and easy to follow. I was raised in church (mom played the piano for years). But my Biblical knowledge was almost zero. This Bible study doesnt cover the entire Bible but it really reinforces who Jesus was and is, His role and God’s role, and even our role. Mine is written all in (alot) but I would be more than glad to send you mine if you are unable to buy it. Yeah, its that good! email me hartiganclan@hotmail.com with your address if you would like it.
So kind of you, Michelle!
Carrie, that is how I ended up turning my life over to God. The starting point was a website I don’t know how I got to. Best coincidence of my life by far! 😇 If you can and want to, read Lysa Terkeurst’s book Uninvited. You can find it at your local library, too, for free! I will be praying for you. Smiles
Thank you, exactly Perfect for today. Thank you Jesus xox
Weapon verse I use:
Jeremiah 29:11
“For the I know the plans I have for you” declares the Lord. “Plans to prosper you & not to harm you. Plans to give you hope & a future”
Wow, can I relate. As my soul finally began to find rest today I thought about where I had been, mentally. I realized that although my body had desperately needed some time away, my soul needed it Much more. As I began to exhale I realized where I had been & felt thankful that my husband had encouraged me to take a breather.
After calling my mom and sharing with her the satisfaction of my recovering soul, I began my New journey to be a blessing to my elderly neighbor only to find that she had gone back to bed after only a brief hiatus from the bed.
Moving right along, I discovered my orphaned goddaughter who desperately needed to hear my encouragement that NO ONE needs ‘everything’ they want. I ministered the word to her and her extended family of my recently recovered contentment. I shared with them that I had found myself satisfied not with ‘stuff’, but with my unimportant, somewhat painful, & certainly imperfect life.
To make a long story somewhat longer, I have many scriptures that I draw encouragement from. However, my favorite is found in the book of John. It states, in my own words, that in this world, we will most definitely have turmoil, dissatisfaction, and unpleasant circumstances, but that we should hold on to our peace keeping in mind that we have it,peace, that is, because JESUS has overcome the world, or according to the Amplified version, taken away its power to harm us.
In HIM,
Sarita
Thank you for your words. I’ve learned to cling to Proverbs 3:5-6 during difficult times. This verse reminds me I am not going to understand everything, but if I will always lean on God and trust Him, He will direct me, guide me.
In the last eight weeks, I feel the Lord leading me in the last third of l.ife. He broght me trough a serious illiness which lead me to make the decision to give up my one room apartment and into a care center/nursing home.
Of course, there has never been any doubt in mind that this was where I would end up .Born with cerebral palsy in 1939, my parents told me my life would be difficult.
Yet, this life has been and still is worthwhile, not only from my prospective, but others as well. God continues to provide the opportunities to speak to others about people with disabilties.
For, “I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me.” Phil 413
I can do all things through God who strengthens me
When times are tough, I cling to Jeremiah 29:11: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
I pray I can live my life day by day with the fullness of God. Accepting love from others, but not depending on that love to sustain me. If I am full of God I know I can face the day.
I know I’m not one of the 5, but finding this was such a God thing…and I wasn’t even looking for it. I’ve been struggling with this very issue. I’m not glad for the pain of rejection that other people feel, but I am glad for the openness expressed here and the commitment to follow Christ in the midst of difficult situations. Thanks!
The verse I cling to in hard moments is “Be anxious for nothing but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God -Philippians 4:6” I constantly have trouble letting go of my worries and anxieties.
Dealing with medical issues often leaves me feeling powerless. Although I know that I have the power through Christ and that he knows all things, I find myself needing reminding. It can be very difficult not to turn to the flesh and try to “figure things out” This scripture speaks to me during this difficult time-
Philippians 4:6-9
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.
Jeremiah 29:11
I just did an interview with a man and there was something about his eyes that just drew me into him. I even dreamed about him as the loneliness inside me yearned for relief. I prayed and asked God for grace and to help me with these feelings. I just happened upon this post and knew right away that this is for me. You’ve given me the right tools to say no to the flesh by the Spirit who gives me strength.
Thank you!
Thank you for your honesty and admitting that you hate ‘pain’. Why do I run from anything that hurts me or makes me feel ‘less’ or inadequate? I’m not a young woman anymore – I have refused to surrender this gluttony-issue to Jesus for 31 years. YES, He promised me freedom in 1986 and I refused – and I have wandered in my own wilderness ever sense. I want to walk into freedom – but I am so afraid.
don’t afraid to hold the hand of Jesus that holds tight to the end trust him he his hands is stronger than the storm and anything around you .just don’t afraid to give your life to him and to look up to him for your future he is a stronger refuge for all of us if we only trusted him. prying for you!!!
Psalm 37:4
My flesh is making frenzied swipes at happiness in the form of flirting with the idea of an open marriage. It’s something my husband wants, and my flesh is enticed by, but I also long to please the Lord. I struggle with being willing to tell my flesh no, especially if it means potentially upsetting my husband. I am praying that we can both get to the point of saying yes to the fullness of God in this situation, but I fear I won’t have the strength to do it alone.
don’t afraid to say yes to walk on the fullness of the lord ,ones you decided you will find your self that you are not alone read your bible how the Israelites tart walking in to the deep sea and Gods power is more powerful than what you are afraid praying to let your husband walk with you to the end .sorry for my poor English its my second
Friend please don’t open a crack in your marriage for Satan to enter! I have known people with an open marriage which have lead to hurtful affairs, which have lead to divorce!
Please seek Christian counseling to get back to building the core relationship between you & your husband. A great group to help you with this is Marriage Helper (Joe Beam & his team).
Prayers 🙏🏻
I just wanted to encourage you, and tell you I’m praying for you. Saying NO to the flesh isn’t easy, and its a day-to-day (or sometimes minute-to-minute) struggle. Know that ultimately, only the Lords approval truly matters, no man can stand before him.
And the devil took him up and showed him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time, and said to him, “To you I will give all this authority and their glory, for it has been delivered to me, and I give it to whom I will. If you, then, will worship me, it will all be yours.” And Jesus answered him, “It is written,
“‘You shall worship the Lord your God,
and him only shall you serve.’” ~Luke 4:5-8
Remember Jesus was tempted too, so run to him. Temptation will not last, its just as fleeting and temporary as the enemy.
I hope this helps. Keep fighting and running to the Lord!!
Lisa, you are such a blessing. I have your daily emails and I hear you on KLOV. Thank you for sharing your heart and what the Lord shows you. I know in today’s Devotional you were talking about heart pain. I have physical pain, and it spoke to me in that. I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia and anyone that knows about it, understands. But God, is healing me! Thank You, Lord! He gives us the wisdom of the Dr.’s to help us. And the most powerful is His Word, and what we speak over ourselves. Thank you, again for letting God use you.
Dear Lysa
I cried horribly when I read of your situation. I too am faced with situations that I never thought I would be in. My husband was committed to God, to me and our family. Why would I have reason to doubt his faithfulness? Satan has attacked him in such a way that he is blinded by some veil that only God can remove, but for whatever reason God is NOT removing it. I have been in a class with other women in my situation and found hope, but am losing hope in the man I dreamed would be my prince for all time.
I read your book Uninvited this past November after learning of my husband’s infidelity the year before. I feel as if I am called by God to stick with him, as if he has an illness and I need to love him through it. My husband feels my love and knows what is right. He gives me GREAT advice! I am committed to my husband. I have explained this to him over and over, but I get hurt over and over by his lack of honesty. I hurt with you and understand your pain and the tough decision that was made on your part. You have my utmost respect and prayers.
Good afternoon, sister. I haven’t read through your blog yet, knowing of your work only from the radio… But I read about your marriage, and I just want to say how very sorry I am for your pain, and that you have my prayers.
I went through a very similar situation, I think, but without the knowledge of God. I fought for ten months to save the relationship… Only to be betrayed again. The experience truly broke my heart… But through it, I found Him working in my life, and in fact recognized that He had truly been with me all along.
In fact, one day, in tears, I begged for a sign of my own, if he could be so merciful to help me see… And I got it. So I *know* He is there for you, and will always be… But as humans, it’s sometimes hard for us to hear him when we hurt so much. I’m sure you have plenty of support folks in your life, but I felt like I needed to say something… Perhaps simply adding one more voice in the wilderness to help reassure you, for all the pain you will feel… You are loved. It’s not your fault. It is not our job to understand, or judge those who have wronged us… Down those paths lies bitterness and anger. But hold love in your heart, for God and for your fellows… Always work to let go of the anger, giving it no place to root in your soil.
God bless and keep you and your family through this trying time.
Matthew 6:33. I homeschool & this verse takes my anxiety away. If I seek God’s kingdom first (in all things) everything else comes. It is so true. My favorite thing is teaching them God’s word & through that the other learning come. Even Chemistry & Algebra 2😣. God is so faithful & when we are focus on His glory the rest seems to fall in place or not be so important. Love & are praying for you.
Lysa, I am so sorry that you have been living with the pain of an unfaithful husband. I have read your book Uninvited and it has helped me deal with the feelings of rejection I have had. You openness and honesty about the heartaches the Lord has seen you through has given encouragement and hope to so many people, including myself. I am praying for you, and thank you for your courage and faith in Christ. I know God will bring you through this and give you something beautiful for the ashes.
You Lysa are my hero. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Your words through books blogs Twitter and wherever else have blessed my heart and helped heal me from some deep wounds. God is faithful! Gods anointing has been and still is on you. God did not arrive unprepared to the battle, he knew what every day would bring ahead of time and prepared for it…and he is for you. I am praying for you and stand with you in the spirit as a sister in Christ.
Tracey
“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct they path”.
Thank you for sharing this most painful season. I would very much like a copy of your book.
I had the blessing of leading my ladies small group in the Uninvited bible study. I had no idea that 5 months later I would find myself breaking off a 7 year relationship with someone because they had been unfaithful and I had seen it on Social Media. I’m 3 weeks out of that breakup. Seeing now that God had delivered me from it. I know that I know that I KNOW God delivered me from that relationship. If God had not been preparing my heart through Uninvited, I think I would have been more shattered. Not that it doesn’t hurt, it does! However, God…He’s been healing. Psalm 46:10 has been my verse Be STILL and know that I am God.” Thank you for being transparent. It has ministered to me. Praying for you and your family Lysa
Dearest sister in Christ,
I wish I were sitting across from you! I’d take your hands in mine and tell you, there IS light at the end of this dark tunnel! I’m 3 years post divorce from a 22 year marriage and God has so abundantly blessed me through those darkest moments with people like YOU pouring into my soul! I wish I could give you a bit of what you’ve given me! You will remain in my prayers and thoughts and THANK YOU for sharing your private struggles! It always helps others! YOU ARE THE PRECIOUS DAUGHTER OF A FAITHFUL KING and HE will sustain you and get you through this until you come out the other side sharper than before and ready for the amazing life HE has planned for YOU!
God bless always!
Lisa, I remember the day I bought your new book last summer when we were at Wilmington beach and left the hotel to find Barnes and nobles book store with my 8 year old boy, and read it all night and my since buying a book is not common at my home ( we get our book from library) but the memory is in to my little boy and he loves it to go to Barnes and noble to buy book and to be mommy and his time alone.yes , I understand now how you write your book with unthinkable pain to be a healing for us may God bless you (sorry for my trouble English)
the scripture verse I cling to in hard moments is
“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful ,I know that full well. “Psalm 139:4
Thank you for being so open and sharing. For allowing us the opportunity to pray for you as your teachings have carried me thru so much time and again. Thank you for pointing out a failed marriage does not define whom we are in our relationship with Christ. May Gods love, all of our prayers and your faith in God carry you thru this heartbreaking time. Thank you for continuing your heartfelt ministry for all of us to gleem from your wisdom
Romans 12:12 rang in my mind as I walked through my divorce. “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.”
The verse that the Lord has given me this long season of suffering is Joshua 1:9 “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
Lysa, your writings have spoke directly to my heart & my struggles!
You see I too have been “standing” for my marriage. It’s now been over 2years since my husband left me & our 3 young children and its been 3 months since he got his divorce. Infidelity & addiction also plague my husband.
I too felt God calling me to stand for my marriage & my flesh wanted so badly to flee so many times. I joke now but I most definitely was a flight risk! God’s call on me was so strong it was like I could literally feel him holding me in place. I could almost hear him sayinv to me to “stay here, this is where I need you.”
Then last fall of 2016 God gave me a vision to keep my eyes completely focused on Him and to let go of my husband, that He would take care of my husband and I’m to keep my eyes focused on God. This was also the time that my husband started pushing the divorce through.
God is so faithful, even when free will goes against His promises He still comforts us through the storms.
I am so sorry that you too have been going through this stormy season! Thank you for your courage to share your personal struggle! There are many who “stand” along side you fighting this battle…everyday standing for their marriages!
Prayers to you and your family 🙏🏻
Oh Lysa….I have not had the privilege of meeting you in person…..but i am a huge p31 girl! the ministry that you and your team started has basically got me so connected with my Savior. i too am in a struggle of the loss of my marriage….of 37 years this august. same scenario….but with a few other twists and turns on my husbands part. infidelity…and a host of other issues. throughout this process i chose to take the road of righteousness…standing for righteousness and not allowing this wickedness to continue in my life. so before the end of this summer….after much work and trust in the promises of God i have realized that this marriage is a “necessary ending.” i know that God will continue to help all of us as He will continue to help you. i am a wimpy fickle girl who has learned so much from your words and the words of your team through first5 and many other resources from p31. your honest and open message is already being used by God. i know that you will produce something with the help of Jesus to strengthen yourself and strengthen us. i am praying for you as you are so going through the most betrayal a marriage partner can experience! continue to trust in the One who shines brighter than ten thousand suns! He knows your heart and He is way out ahead of you and i and all of us that call Him Lord. you are not alone! i will continue to pray pray pray.
I’m posting here because I just read your heart wrenching and no doubt, horrifically painful post about where you are at currently with regard to marriage (June 13 post) and wanted to offer support and a genuine “I”m so so sorry for the pain.” I’m asking God to protect, provide and give you immense peace and deep friendships in this heavy heavy season. You are such a beautiful soul and person (you still got it sister!) and your reliance on God and the truth is an amazing gift to all who have the opportunity to know you both on line and in person. I feel like the Christian community can at times be ultra harsh and fantastically healing and supportive. I certainly hope you receive the latter with the grace and kindness you have given others! I am for you all the way!! Warmly, Ann
2Cor4:8 We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; 9 Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;
Know you are loved and prayed for, sweet sister. In the midst of our heartache, we have a Heavenly Father.
Deus te abençoe! Salmos 28:7 🙏❤
Lysa, u are a beautiful child of God. Don’t let the devil destroy your walk or ministry. That was his intent. Hold ur head high & fight! Prayers for you!!!! Was reading your book when I found out the news. My heart ached, but satan kills & destroys if we let him. He won’t win this! U r strong!
Psalm 23:1
“The LORD is MY shepherd I shall NOT want”
My heart aches for you dear Lysa as I go through this same thing now and it is far from a wanted thing in my life… mine has become my life verse and it’s Jeremiah 29:11. “For I know the plans I have for you says the Lord. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you a hope and a future.” There is a hope and a future if we trust in the Lord. That may be the very hardest thing we can do when we want to be in control of these situations, but if we can let go and let God, all will be well… love you and am praying for you.
Lisa, thank you for your transparency. I will definitely be praying for you as God brings you to my mind in the days, weeks and months ahead. Proverbs 3:5 & 6 have become verses I cling to every day as we walk in a fallen world. I am made more aware each day that this world is not our home but we are just passing through. Our final home is Heaven and what a glorious day that will be when we are re-united with the One Who loved us so much He carried us most of our lifetime here on earth. May we as Christ-believers stand firm until that day.
Lysa, my heart breaks for you and understands in part what you are facing. I too found myself alone after 29 years of marriage because of my husband’s unfaithfulness. Even a time of counseling and coming back together for a while during a period of over six months could not save my marriage. While I know it was also breaking God’s heart, I now experience a special closeness with God that I did not have before. I had come to the complete realization that I can go through nothing that Jesus has not experienced. Some may question that statement since Jesus was not married, how could He experience the pain that goes with divorce. The greatest pain in a divorce is knowing that the one who said they loved you and the one you may still love has rejected you for another. Jesus understands rejection. When He took my sin upon Him on the cross, His Father turned his back on Him. Mark 15:34. “And at the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani? which is, being interpreted, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?” Yes, Jesus understands and loves you and so do so many others. Praying for you in a special way.
This news makes my heart ache. Your words of wisdom heard on KLOVE are outstanding. I have sent a number of friends to your website for encouragement, and will continue to do so. I will be praying for you and your family to stay focused on the Lord. Positive things are already happening as a result of your painful news. A friend posted the following link which brought this to my attention. I plan on sharing it with other leaders…
https://www.theedgescollective.com/home/2017/6/19/fighting-for-my-wife?utm_campaign=shareaholic&utm_medium=facebook&utm_source=socialnetwork
And if your server is set up to block an actual link…
TheEdgesCollective.com and go to the June 19 post, “Fighting For My Wife.”
Lysa, I was privileged to attend the Abundance conference in September 2017. And had a front row seat. I can’t imagine how you were able to speak to us, going through what you were going through. See, I’ve been there. I know the pain. We would have celebrated a 50th anniversary in 2 years. As a young newly divorced mom I took a cue from Solomon and prayed for wisdom. God was faithful in guiding the raising of my family alone. I was scared to death. My verse: Joshua 1:9 “Have I not commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage. Be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.” I realized He was with me every step of the way, surrounding me with his arms of loving protection. My 2 children learned to trust the Lord through our shared prayers and seeing our Heavenly Father answer and provide over and over. He will help you through the pain and after awhile you’ll be able to breath again. I would add a promise, Lysa, I Samuel 12:23,24: “Moreover as for me, God forbid that I should sin against the LORD in ceasing to pray for you: but I will teach you the good and the right way; (24) Only fear the Lord, and serve him in truth with all your heart: for consider how great things he hath done for you.” We, your sisters in Christ will pray for you.
Philippians 4:13-I can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens me. I alone can face no difficulties but with Christ, I can face anything. I am NOT alone.
Philippians 4:13-I can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens me. I alone can face no difficulties but with Christ, I can face anything. I am NOT alone.
Be still and know that I am God!!
Connie
2Timothy 1:7
“For God hath not given us the spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind”.
I am a guy, Christian, divorced 10+ years, in christian service at least on a small scale. Three times divorced, so I don’t hold myself up as a role model – but can serve in helping fellow brothers in Christ handle setbacks and struggles.
As such, it is important to me that I be authentic about my own struggles and commitment to a belief that God’s promises and presence is real.
Your book, Uninvited has been of great encouragement to me. I found it via an internet topic search. I have since heard more about you, through others who have followed you for years (including my daughter-in-law, the sweetest person I know) . My inquiry to know more about you, led me to do some internet research. In summary, I wanted to say, keep up the good work, be strong in the Lord. I am only half way through your book, but having someone bare their soul so openly in the love of Christ has made me feel less alone, and see God’s purposes in the pain and struggles of being a single (divorced) Christian.
But those who suffer he delivers in their suffering;
he speaks to them in their affliction (Job 36:15) and
In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world (John 16:33)
When my sister was murdered and raped by her step father of 20 years, I found myself in a very dark place of questioning, anger towards God and just sheer disbelief. These are scriptures I just keep repeating. Thank you for your honesty and transparency. Praying for your heart and for your children and grandchildren <3
Dear Lisa, This is in reference to your divorce post. I will be simple. Your words were my very own. I cried through the whole thing. I recently went through the very same. I also forgave willingly according to God over 7 years ago. It never stopped. His draw to the other woman replaced me in our marriage. I forgave over and over and over again. But this past event; I could not do it one more time. Like you, I finally saw that I was in the way. That I was not his Savior and that I needed to let him go. How I cried when I read your words. So much the pain and feelings as a Bible loving, God loving woman I am. How can I do this to my family? But it took months and almost my health to finally understand; I was not the one doing this. That in the end, I am not Jesus. And I am only human and only capable of so much pain. But I want you to know that God is faithful. God has send a man of great love for God into my life. He lifts me up daily and we pray constantly and share our love for the Lord. As if, God knew all along what was coming and He had already prepared something great for me. I can not tell you how I cried for you because I understand. I felt like I failed God. This was indeed a crisis of my faith. I felt like a total liar, failure, hypocrite. It took months for me to be restored by staying close to God not matter how far I may have felt. No matter how ashamed and guilty I felt. I was the one making the choice for divorce. What kind of Christian am I? But after trying to restore a marriage that he never honored; I knew God was telling me it was ok……..to finally……let go. I pray the Lord restores all that you have lost. In Jesus name. Amen God loves you more than this!!!!!!!!! I had to take lots of time to remember this. I pray you remember it today.
GOD Bless You. I am in a almost affection less marriage But GOD kept US and Blesses Me even though My hubby is too fragile to be more than that. I thank GOD for him and keep plodding along letting go of my ideas of a picture perfect marriage… PTL someday soon will be healed and a power marriage … Thank you for showing we can be real regardless in JESUS name
Oh my sweet sister in Christ!! I was just in your shoes two and half years ago. My husband of ten years, left behind me and our two children. Abuse and adultry was just the tip of the iceberg. I can tell you that that feeling is unlike none other. How I made it through to where I am now is only from the hands of Jesus. He healed my heart and made me whole again and I know he can do that same for you. Although I wish I could tell you it gets better before it gets worse would be a lie. It is like when you are divorced you walk around with a big ol flashing sign on your head. I was betrayed by church leaders, friends, and family by nothing of my doing when I needed them the most. Cling to God, cling to your children, and cling to the people who pick you off the floor for those are the ones you will remember. Pain is temporary but Gods purpose is far better than what we see. I’m a happy newlywed with more than I ever imagined life could be. God brought me through and he can you too. I’m praying for you and your children. In Christ , lindsey
Sharing my personal journey when my husband left. I pray the words and posts bless and help those who are going through adultery, divorce, abandonment, etc.
http://www.abeautifulbetrayal.com
I read your post with sadness in my heart for you because ten years ago your post could have had my name in the place of yours. I tried to save my forty year marriage after so many episodes and the Lord told me to put more focus on my own happiness and the outcome became clearer. It is so difficult to let go to the love of your life but it is more difficult to carry the pain.
Isaiah 41:10 has helped me.
I took your class on The I Am and absolutely loved it and hope to attend another one in the future.
Keep your head up and continued to walk with our Lord Jesus.
I’m reading Uninvited right now and am deeply saddened by your story. It gives me hope though too how the deep love of our Savior covers us and any injustice done to us. Praying you will know and feel God’s love I your darkest days ahead.
Matthew 10:29-31
He watches over and cares for little sparrows…what an amazing Father. He loves us even more. Wow!
Thank you for sharing your life with us, as Jesus has shown us to walk together. For where there is light there can be no darkness. There is something about sharing our life with others that is calming and just surrendering ….with a peace that surpasses all understand. My heart goes out for your family and the battle you face…..but because of God you don’t have to battle alone. We love you so much!
2 Corinthians 4:17 For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison,
This is what I cling to. It is so comforting, so beautiful, and so beautifully said. Life is just too real to bear sometimes. I find I must concentrate on those scriptures that dim it just a bit and bring the final promise into sharper focus.
I left a bad marriage 29 years ago. I knew God didn’t want me to marry this arrogant, ungodly man at the time, but at the time the man was speaking more loudly to me than was God. It was the first of many mistakes from which I was to learn that if God is telling you something, listen. Heed. Obey. If He tells you not to marry the man, don’t marry the man. Now I am married to a kind, wise, and patient man, but my happiness is tempered; my daughter does not follow the Lord. Praying for that.
Lysa, I am not sure which is worse – knowing for certain your husband was unfaithful, or knowing in your bones but not having any sort of confirmation. He would never admit to it. That’s a hard thing. It messes with your mind. But admitting to wrongdoing takes a modicum of integrity, so…
I had the same anguish about leaving the marriage I was in, but like you I had to get out. I had a pastor who said, “I cannot cousel you to a comfortable divorce.” But the choice was plain. I knew God did not intend for me to live in that much pain and all that poison. Because He loves me. I’m His. And because you can’t help anyone when you’re consumed and beaten down. You can’t glorify.
We’re called upon to do everything we can to save our marriage. But after all the talk and promises, after all the counseling and advice-seeking, when you turn to your beloved and say, “Are you really going to let this all fall apart around us and watch our children suffer because you’re selfish? You’re not going to lift a finger to prevent this catastrophe?” and he replies, “Yep. Pretty much,” well. I figured it was time to call it a day. Pearls before swine. You HAVE to have something to work with.
Just keep drawing near to God.
Psalm 51:10-12King James Version (KJV)
10 Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.
11 Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me.
12 Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.
Hello Lysa, I didn’t know who you were until the news of your decision to divorce. I commend you for your bravery. It is not an easy decision for a woman in ministry but unless someone has walked in your shoes, it will not be understood. I had to make the same decision as you. You have the biblical right to do so and you did all you can in your power to save the marriage. We cannot change our spouses and we cannot force them to love and be faithful. I experienced infidelity for years and he refused to give up the mistress. So I had to divorce him. I made the right decision for myself and my kids. I pray for God to heal you, restore you and bless you, and He will!
Lysa, you continue to inspire. Your real. raw. redemptive. leads us all closer to our Abba. He will wrap you in His arms. He will right the wrongs. He will restore ALL that the enemy has stolen and the years the locust have eaten. In His beautiful perfect timing.
Cling to His promises. Nothing else matters. I have walked this path … fought with every breath for a marriage of 18 years. My testimony. His words scrawled in sharpie marker literally all over the walls in my bedroom. He is faithful. His word will not return void.
For years before he left, I had spoken Proverbs 31 over my life. In the midst of the hardest season of my life, a divorce, I stopped. Who in their right mind continues to speak Proverbs 31 in my situation? My Abba nudged me again. Whispering gently, he asked me what I was going to believe … the storm that surrounded me or His infallible word. With tears, I opened up the well wormed pages and began again … I am a wife of noble character, my husband has full confidence in me …
Lysa, don’t listen to what others may think of you. Let them call you crazy for radically believing ALL the promises God has put on your heart. NEVER let them go. Keep your eyes locked on Jesus in the midst of the storm. Step out of the boat beautiful. You are going to walk on the water.
Lysa, I am devestated for you that you are going through this. I feel that I know you like a friend – that is how special your gifting is – and I wish I could just give you a massive hug. I am currently reading Uninvited and it has been a life saver for me. You have blessed so many people through your ministry and now it is our turn to lift you up, protect you and cover you in prayer. God bless you sweet sister xxx
A few years ago at the age of 52, I went through a similar situation, which ended in divorce after 27 years of marriage. Together, God and I tried to keep the marriage together, but ultimately, God said enough and released me from the turmoil. I’ve been in women’s ministry for over 30 years and have dealt with the mindset of others that I should have “stayed and fought for my marriage.” I know that I know God showed mercy to me and allowed me to move on. My heart breaks for you as I understand, but with God, there is always a tomorrow filled with blessings, life, and joy. Trust me on this…you will laugh again! Blessings of comfort, restoration, and peace to you and your children’s hearts.
The verse that perennially brings me strength from Jesus is ” I am the way, the truth, and the life.” He lives through his word. I am sure he truly lives through me.
Oh Lysa, How deeply sorry I am for you. How hard this must be to have to live out in a public way. I too am recently new to this club no one wants to join…betrayed spouses. I can tell you that although this is deeply personal to each one who experiences it, it has become a MASS epidemic among Christians. The sadness and grief among so many is almost unreal. As you walk through this journey, please don’t shy away from speaking about your healing journey. There are women committing suicide because they feel so hopeless. Please speak for the legions of women who have been betrayed and abandoned by their life partners in Christ. They need healing and need to hear from God during this crucial time in their lives.
Lysa,
Thinking of you and praying for you. You touch so many lives by your ministry. I love hearing your honest thoughts and your beautiful heart! Thank you for all that you do!
I’m writing this not because I’m proud of it but because God put it on my heart to write it after hearing about a young couple who had been married 10 years with 2 children facing a divorce because of infidelity– I wanted to write the beautiful wife & tell her – it’s not you!
I tell you this because I know- I was not the one who was cheated on– I am sad to say I was the cheater.
So I understand I’m telling you in this in hopes it will help you understand (not because I am proud of it)
It’s them – I know because it was me – I was missing something inside I tried to fill it with so many things and it just seemed easier to start and search for something new then to face the reality of what was missing in me –
The last time I walked away, thankfully I turned to God because I honestly had nowhere else to go.
It wasn’t the first time it was a pattern that I had developed over almost 20 years- so I went to church I prayed harder than I ever had, I attended a Bible study I read the book purpose driven life, and I read God’s word every day and my life begin to change.
I probably wouldn’t have the courage to write this except for now it’s been 15 years since that very low point in my life. Please don’t think that all I was a self-centered person because honestly I wasn’t – my bad choices started at about 20 because I searched to find love –
I needed someone to love me – I needed to fill that hole inside me –
The details don’t really matter but to give you an idea of my past- the first time I was married I only stayed married nine months – the second time I got pregnant with twins so
I stayed married about 2 1/2 years – the reasons I left are numerous but the main reason was me
I was trying to fill a hole inside to find a perfect life! It took me almost another 15 years to realize that only God can fill that whole and nothing is perfect but He takes our brokenness & makes it beautiful!
I had two wonderful boys that I built my entire life around and love them beyond words –
I wanted them to have the childhood I did not. I was very involved in everything they did- I was team mom, I started a business for them so I could take off for their games and spend time with them. I tried to be the “perfect” mom and tried to fill my for hole by that creating a “perfect” life – family vacations ,always being there to support my children and my family in every way I could – I even got married when they were 5 to try to complete my “perfect family”.
But I wasn’t happy – no one knew it because I’ve believed if I could convince them I was happy I would be–
Not understanding it doesn’t work that way.
This time it lasted seven years, which was a record for me, I generally lasted only 1 to 2 years and left but since I wanted to create the perfect family for my sons- I tried harder than I ever did before – not that the person was any different than my previous choices but that didn’t really matter it was me.
So my after my fourth divorce I had fallen in love with an amazing man- very different from anyone I had ever loved about before – we were just friends for over a decade and he was the kindest person I ever knew yet I never thought of him in anyway except as a friend-
Until one day I realized I couldn’t pretend anymore and my marriage was over I wasn’t happy!
There was with only one small problem with my new “perfect love” he was married.
So I went back to church -I turned to God I didn’t understand how I could be so in love with someone that I couldn’t be with- why would God allow this?
That’s when God open my eyes that’s when I realized it wasn’t about him-
it wasn’t about anyone -it was about me and feeling that need for love and to be loved with God.
The way God worked in me for the next 2 1/2 years was amazing – I found what I was missing
I found Gods love that was what was missing in my heart He taught me to Trust Him & to feel His love- that was what I truly needed.
After 2 years I actually told the man I loved – who truly was my best friend -I couldn’t be the “wrong” person anymore – if he had to be with his family I understood- I loved him enough to let him go.
You see I realized I was his “escape” with me he could forgot all his obligations & just enjoy carefree time- but that’s not reality –
I was so grateful for him because I realized I truly did love him because his happiness meant more then my own- the only people I had felt that way about were my sons.
Look up 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 this one helped me understand what love really was.
God gave me such strength through scripture – I had been searching His word for answers and I found them. I had for the first time in my life the strength to be alone because I knew I was not alone God was with me & always had been I just had to turn to Him and ask.
God changed my life from that point on – it was not perfect I had trials & struggles but I never let go of God and seeking Him in His word- so struggles made me stronger & I am still working to become the person He made me to be.
My advice to you is seek God- do not rush decisions God will show you His plan-
I heard this scripture at my nephew, Kyle, funeral service- I had read it before but I had never really understood it till then- now over a year later I have seen so much evidence of its truth I could write a book!
Romans 8:28 (NIV)
28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who[a] have been called according to his purpose.
Life is still not perfect nor do I ever expect it will be but God took everything- my many blessing & especially trials and made good from it all – so now every day I begin my day at His feet searching His peace – my go to scripture for the past decade plus-
Philippians 4:6-7New International Version (NIV)
6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Please know you are in my prayers- so many of us are trying to escape our difficulties & challenges in this world -using alcohol, drugs & other “escapes” but until we come to God and give it to Him
We do not find peace-
I just wanted to share my story with you in hope’s it will help –
with love & prayers-
Janice
You were writing a bible study while going through this trial? You are a professional bible study author. I’m trying to wrap my head around this. When I am having difficulty in my marriage I find it hard to consentrate on anything! Were you in Israel at the time? I know it is never one sided. The Bible is very clear on the subject of divorce. Separation seems like a must!
Praying for you and your husband. All things are possible with God.
To : KM
None of your business! This is a personal thing that she so bravely shared. The details are not our business. We just need to pray for Lysa and her family, healing and peace.
Well said! EB
Well said EB!
Lysa,
My heart breaks for you because I have walked that same path, lifting you and your family up in prayer. the things that I’ve been through the last few years has been an absolute nightmare and though still struggling I am so thankful for My Lords love & strength. Because of his abuse I had to leave and it has been rough because I am visually impaired. The Lord is my strength, rock and encouragement and so I keep pressing on. Praying you wil keep looking up & find strength and peace in the Lird.
Lysa,
I sat reading your post as I have for some years now when they come through.
I am trying to get my act together with this writing thing! and by simply reading your post on your husband, it made me realize how connected I am to Proverbs 31 ministries. This is so just by how open you have always been to all of us women. For years, you were the lady I always came back to for blogs, books, studies, blurbs on the radio, you name it!
Only God knows why, but you were the one.: ) So just wanted to let you know, though we don’t know each other in person, my heart was so sad for you because I know you through your ministry. So I will pray for you…
And I will get up off my tush and will start writing again too! xoxo Janel
I am heartbroken for you as I am going through a similar thing as well. My husband(an unbeliever) left at the end of March to live in Vegas and has taken lots of $$ with him. He has refused to come back, send money, or do counseling. I have been cheated on in the past and know the pain. I will have to start a divorce as I have tried all I can and my husband has abandoned me. When things like this happen it gives me little hope that there are good men out there and that marriage can be forever. I’m just trying to remind myself that God will make good out of this evil. If I could ask for prayers as well because I have never felt so much pain.
Praying.
I’m in awe of God’s timing. I decided last night to walk away from God…run from every pain in my soul, But GOD is the keeper of my soul. My best friend sent me a text telling me about a book she is reading; uninvited. The title alone brought me to my knees. I wept deeply. My reactions to not being invited, are gripping! It’s awful. Satan dies pickpocket our purpose. I just started seeing a counselor because my mom died this year so I thought I needed to talk with someone about my grief. God has used this time to bring out the “uninvited” heartache. I had no idea how to handle these moments of severe heartache in my daily life. What is wrong with me, I thought. I was severly rejected as a child and both parents abandoned me. I ordered your book and can’t wait to let God walk me thru it. I am so thankful for your obedience to our Father. Thank you for the olive branch. My heart aches, but God is faithful to heal. Thank you Lysa. Praise to our Savior.
My verse…I am wonderfully and fearfully made. 🙌🏻
❤️ Kept by the blood of Jesus. Praying for you and your family.
Awe, Lisa, I am so sorry for you and your family. You are so loved by many women in the Christian community and a large part of why you are so loved has to do with your transparency. I have not experienced infidelity in my marriage, but there is that fear always in the back of my mind. We have entered into midlife and that seems to be the critical time that most of us, men and women, are tempted into a false relationship. My dad had an ongoing affair for several years and my mom dealt with much of what you are going through. I feel for your daughters. I know the pain of watching my mother hurt so badly that she would be screaming as the tears ran like a river down her face. I know how the stress effected her body and how much time and money she had to spend to build herself back up. I also know the pain of the rejection I felt as a twenty something woman knowing that my dad had abandoned our family and preferred to be elsewhere. He was living under deep deception and there was nothing we could do but pray for God to move in his heart and to thwart the plans of the enemy for him, for us and for future generations. After several years, my dad did come back to Jesus. God did move upon his heart in a profound way and he responded to the grace that had been offered. My parents were able to see their marriage restored and throughout the journey, healing took place in their lives. They are now in year 58 of their marriage. I hope and pray that is your story Lisa. I know that no matter what takes place that you are in the palm of our Heavenly Father’s hand and that His plans for you and each of your children and grandchildren are “good and not for evil”. I know He will be faithful to you and you will receive great beauty for your now ashes. He lead you to marry Art and each one of your children are “fearfully and wonderfully made”. We bless what God did in the past and look forward to what He will do in the future on your behalf.
Hey Lysa,
I see on the blog you are receiving support. It also looks like you are under attack by Christians who think a divorced woman is synonymous with a scarlet woman. The church is generally pretty crappy to divorced women, and single moms. 22 years ago my pastor/husband emptied bank accounts, and left our 4 children and me for a woman he had been counseling. He refused accountability under the elders of the church he was pastoring. I thought nothing could match the grief and hurt and anger I felt over the divorce. I grieved for the innocents of the church at risk of being hurt by his actions. So very few knew what happened and the church helped my parents pack us up and we returned home – 1500 miles from there. I could not imagine anything more difficult or hurtful. I looked for help through Dallas Seminary, Focus on the Family and a woman’s ministry to pastor’s wives. NO ONE would talk to me. And sadly, he is still a pastor.
But God is good and faithful and filled so many gaps as I home schooled my children. I saw them walk with the Lord and marry believers. I thought all was well and life was good. I didn’t have the desire to see my ex fall down and be eaten by worms … anymore. Indeed, I didn’t think about him at all. Then my son’s mother in law took it on herself to see that my son had a relationship with his father. She invited he and his wife to visit. In the course of 3 days she determined he was as pure as the wind driven snow and I was the evil black hearted witch. When my son’s son was born, he named him for my ex. It felt like a dagger to my heart more than anything ever had. It still does. And though I have prayed and tried my best with God’s help to do what is right and visit…the mother in law got a hold of me and though she claims to be a Christian, she verbally shredded me and laid all the fault of my failed marriage at my feet. She basically laid all the blame for any problems my son and his wife had ever had, including a C-section I was not present for, on me … She was more vicious with words than anything I have ever heard. I was so devastated I came within an inch of taking my own life that night.
That was a year and a half ago and it still grieves me so much. The betrayal and hurt is a thousand times more than the divorce ever was. I have two precious grandchildren I will never know who will grow up believing me to be the scum of the earth.
I know others face similar pain and I know God has a purpose and plan and has not abandoned me. But my heart still is broken, shattered beyond repair over this heartache.
I don’t sit around and wallow in it, despite what these words sound like — at 55 I went back to school to do something for me. As a divorced woman, I always felt my Bible College degree was worthless so I have returned to school to be a nurse. The studies give me focus and new ways to help others. So many young moms and single moms in school. I enjoy being in the trenches with them even though Chemistry about killed me!
So my heart goes out to you. Especially as I see the Christian community turn against you. Christians are the ones who shoot their own wounded. Thankfully, God is bigger and more faithful than His church.
Dear Lysa,
You are in my prayers. God has used the testimony of your weaknesses over and over to glorify Himself and encourage women who have read your work, myself included. Please do not quit now. It is through the cracks in the clay pots of our lives that His light shines through. Hang on, (if only by your fingernails) and know that it really is Him who holds you. I wish I didn’t know how you may be feeling, but my husband behaved similarly 19 years ago and the heartbreak can be crushing. You are loved by God and admired as His follower by many. Know that many sisters in Christ are holding you up in prayer and weeping with you. God does bless His people. May He give you the eyes to see His blessings in the midst of this storm.
Much Love in Christ,
Julie
Lysa,
I am staring at your blog with my mouth wide open and stunned doesn’t describe what I am feeling. I am more than sorry for you and your precious family. The identical, except for the substance abuse, happen to me. What I realized is that he has Narcissistic Personality Disorder and upon researching this topic has helped ease the devastating feeling I still, after 3 years, have. I will pray that God will wrap his loving arms around you and provide you with all the reassurance that you will ever need. Love Hugs and Prayers
I just finished your “Finding I Am” at my Women’s Bible Study at church. Wow, did God speak to my heart through this study. I could see your pain and feel sympathetic to what you were going through as I have gone through valleys over the years. Yet, God is so faithful to get us through those valleys and shadows and He does lead us to a better place. I know that God will continue to use you through your ministry and maybe with your divorce, you will only be used to help other women even more who have struggled with their marriages. Thank you for leading me through this book of all that God can be and will be to me.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HwErYu4UwYU
I loved this video, and have been reading BEST YES lately. Thanks for being so transparent. It’s often hurtful when we lay ourselves out there, but there are others who need your words. I think our God has something unexpected up ahead for you, not just a good thing, but a GOD thing. Prayerfully, in your darkest night, He will gently reveal His purpose for all the pain.
Oh, dear Lysa. My heart is with you. I have read your June post which brings tears to my eyes as I have been through the same pain. God’s solution to the mess was beyond anything I could have imagined. Thank you for your transparency. “Those who wait upon the Lord…” Prayers sweet gal.
Hebrews 11:1 – Faith is being sure of what you gone for, and certain of what you do not see.
All of Hebrews 10-11 is a great reminder of the faithfulness of God.
Be still and know that I am God
I opened blog read
PRAYING
Im sorry that you and your family going through this you have such kindness, love I know you have so many people that love you helping you and your family our praying
praying
I opened blog read what you wrote
I’m praying for you and family i know you have a lot people who love you and our helping you and family go through this and our praying for you
Your kindness and Love helping other
Hello Lysa,
I was browsing for reading material for the summer and I found your book “Uninvited”. I am not one for reading Christian books because a lot of them sound so sanctimonious, but something drew me to your book and since I am off for the summer and reading is one of the things I love, I bought it. It was such a comfort to me. You see, my husband of 43 years and I are recently divorced, he sent me an email last year and said that he wanted to live my himself and soon after asked me for a divorce and three months later he married a young woman about the same age as our oldest daughter. He met this woman and her children during a mission endeavor in an under privilege area in our city. It started off with helping the children then the next thing I knew he was saying this woman was his closest friends, I saw what was happening and I even tried to help her as well, but she became so dependent on him and he loved it.
I prayed and asked for guidance but he became so useful to her that he started doing things with her children that he never did with ours. I kept all of this to myself with the exception of our children who noticed it as well. Let me deviate a bit. My husband was a great financial provider but 20 years ago he had a heart attack and three weeks later he had a stroke. I was home schooling at the time and my life was turned upside down. He became more verbally abusive than before with the exception of when people from the outside came around. During that time of his illness and recuperation, I lost weight, I started losing my hair and I developed an ulcer because of all of the stress. By the grace of my Heavenly Father he recovered and went back to work. Every one of his doctors complimented me on how he progressed so quickly. I learned everything about the heart and cardiovascular system and how to help him succeed during his recovery. He was stunned that everyone noticed but him. He has subsequently had two more heart attacks and colon cancer. Because of all of his medical problems I became this strong woman capable of running our home and training our children who all have college degrees, made the dean’s list and have wonderful jobs and families. I even went back to school and finished my degree, he had a problem with that as well.
Even though I stood by him no matter what he was the one with the insecurities. I grew up he did not. He did not tell me himself that he had remarried he sent our children a text with the information and they decided through a conference call that our daughter would be the one to tell me. The Saturday after I learned about his marriage, I came home after food shopping and I walked into my apartment and a voice said to me,” don’t worry you are free now, free indeed.” I began to cry because I felt the pain, embarrassment and anger leave my body. I had a game plan and it was dependent on the only man that has always been there for me, my Heavenly Father.
We, women tend to look for support, love and adoration from men. We are taught this but if you take the time and learn as much as you can about yourself, read scriptures along with the Holy Spirit your eyes will be opened and you will love yourself and depend on God then when your life partner shows up you will know it.
Love yourself, Lysa and look to the scriptures, pray with out ceasing. I recommend reading the last chapters of Job when God come to Job and asks him why he felt the need to question HIM. He will never leave you, he built you to love Him and to be strong and courageous. Be careful of the naysayers or know it alls because they are showing their insecurities. I hope that you have family and friends that will hold you up during this time; walk away from those that try to blame you. Take the time to grieve. You are in my prayers.
Psalm 54:4(NIV)
Surely God is my help;
The Lord is the one who sustains me.
Dear Lisa,
I just finished a plan you wrote titled ‘The Unglued challenge’
It was awesome and for the first time I had to search for the source and know more about the writer.
I got here and got really broken by what you are going through in your marriage. 25 years is no joke!
I would like to encourage you to be still and know that God is working everything out for your good.
When I feel overwhelmed with life’s circumstances, i get comforted with God’s promises in Isaiah 60.
I am convinced and confident that God will show up for you in ways you never expected.
God bless you!
I wish My walk with The Lord had been much deeper when I had divorced. While my divorce was similar to your reasons, I didn’t know how to fill the void. It took many wrong turns to get me to a much healthier and happier version of me. I needed God to get there, and once I realized that my life changed tremendously.
I had the opportunity to attend last years P31 conference and it was amazing. You inspire me with your words and writing every year. I have no doubt that the words I was looking for to help heal me 10 years ago (that you are sharing now) will help so many women.
Thanks Lysa and Prayers for you!
You are an amazing daughter of the Almighty king, who He delights in! May you know you are truly loved and precious to God. I know He will walk with you and continue to work through you. Thank you for your ministry, and your love for so many.
What an inspiration reading this was for me. A deep breath is what I’ve done after reading this. I love it and wish to read more. God Bless you.
Hi Lisa,
Through browsing, I came across your blog. I don’t think this was accidental, I believe God led me to your blog. I pray for you and your family. I am in a difficult place right now with my husband of 45 years. We live separately in different bedrooms, haven’t had intimate relationship in over 8 years. Hardly communicate with each other about our problems. I don’t know if there is a woman or not, but he doesn’t touch me or show any affections towards me. I have prayed, had counseling and now I’m at my wits end, I have to leave. We are talking about going to counseling, but I know it’s not in his heart to do it. We’ve had marital problems for most if our 45 years, but for various reasons we stayed together in an unhappy and unhealthy relationship. At my age of 63, I no longer wish to live in an unhealthy marriage. The scripture I rely on is Psalms 32:8 I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go, I will counsel you with my eye upon you… I am relying on God’s counseling and i feel that He had released me to move on. God bless you and your family. Thanks for sharing your life’s trials, you really blessed me.
Thank you over and over again for sharing your heart. You have been so encouraging to so many. I work at Lifeway and we have a section right now with your Uninvited studies. Your picture is there and I have tried to be consistent in praying for you and your family each time I walk by that section of the store. I figured in praying for you I could give back just a little 😀 Since you have encouraged me so much with your books. Thanks again for all you do.
Ephesians 3:20 (NIV) – Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us,
Psalm 51:10, 12 (NIV) – Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me…Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me..
I have several that I turn to. The verse in Ephesians helps me to know that I serve an a God that is way bigger than I can even imagine and I should never put limitations or borders on my prayers. The Psalms let me know that this man (after God’s own heart) was just as broken as I am, but David brought that brokenness to God. He confessed his sins with a lamenting heart and our King restored him.
If this can happen to you it can happen to anyone and it scares the crap out of me. I can’t tell you how sorry I am for all you’ve been through. You’re honesty is beautiful, just like your heart. Some ladies from church and I want to hear you so badly in Hershey that we are selling candy bars to get there. Please know how much you are loved and how loved you make others feel. I will see you at Women of Purpose, I’ll be the one cheering loudest.
“Filling ourselves from God’s life-giving love” is such a beautiful concept. Not only will it help us overcome our own flesh; but it will help unite the body of Christ. We will never unite by organization, doctrine, or even religious practices. The unity Jesus prayed for in John 17 can only come about from heart unity. I recently found a book that shows how such unity can practically come about. It’s called “ONE: Unfolding God’s Eternal Purpose From House to House.” by Henry Hon. It can be found here: http://amzn.to/2wxD705
“Behold I am with you always until the end of the age.” -Matthew 28:20
I purchased “Uninvited” for my daughter because of struggles she is currently having. Before I give it to her, I have decided to read it myself to see if it is worthwhile. She is an excellent writer herself, so a bit choosy in her reading choices. In the process of reading it, I have found myself resonating with some of it as well. Ironically, your book IS INVITING and friendly, yet deep and thought-provoking. I am about half-way through, so I decided to check out your blog. Thank you for your honesty, but most of all God’s truth.
Saying no to my flesh
Be still and know that I am God.
Dear lysa,
I’m sure so many people reach out to you. But I want to tell you how God used you to show me His love during the darkest days of my life a year ago. My husband told me after 18yrs of marriage and two beautiful children that he didn’t want to be married anymore last August 2016. It was completely out of the blue and completely devastating. It spun me into a traumatic shock and then found out he was having an affair with a friend of mine. I couldn’t eat or sleep for weeks. One morning I had been lying awake for hours begging God to please let me sleep and finally around 4:45 am I gave up and turned the tv on. The tv turned on and I was ready to try to numb out my pain with whatever noise was on. As I stared into the tv the channel turned by itself(I know it was not anything less than God turning the channel) and right in the camera was a preacher looking right at me asking me if I was feeling rejected and abandoned this morning. It was as though he was looking right at me crying in my bed. He then said I have someone for you to listen to who has a message of hope and healing even in the middle of the hurt. And then there you were talking about your pain and brokenness. Just letting me know that God is enough and He sees me. It was profound. And real. And it saved me that morning. I cried and thanked Jesus for seeing me and not leaving me alone.
And so, I wanted you to know that you helped me in my darkest hour and I am praying for your heart in the middle of your marriage ending. I know the pain of broken marriage and betrayal. And thank you for sharing God’s love through it.
In His love,
Robin Chambon
So heartbroken for you and your children. Psalm 30:5 b says; “…weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.” When I lost my first husband after 27 and a half years, I was devastated. And then when a man I was engaged to broke up after 2 and a half years, I was crushed again! I really wondered whether I would ever laugh again! But joy came from the Lord! And it will come for you too! You will realize it when you hear yourself laughing, or acting silly! “For a righteous man (or woman!) may fall seven times and rise again, but the wicked shall fall by calamity.” ( Proverbs 16) God doesn’t say anything about the wicked rising! but He WILL pick you up!
Lysa,
This was not just a great read but a rethought on my past. First we have to make sure we have tried it all so down the road conviction of a “divorced Christian” doesn’t destroy us. Surely Paper were written for such as you have gone through as God knew we are far from perfect and there would be times. Just have to make sure we are not rationalizing, ” well God loves me and does not want me this unhappy…maybe He does to clarify our hearts and minds. Sadly we may never know this true answer, even when we end up in a very bless and happy new marriage. Strangely I just listen to an old Dr Stanley talking about taking on new partners and having young children to go through that. We have to be so careful to whom we in trust our children with, whether you are a divorce man or woman with the kids and yes men do get custody now days, well 40+ yrs ago.
Again enjoyed your post. God Bless and praying you will follow with patience His lead!
I am just reading your posts, sorry to hear all you been going through.
Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh, is there anything too hard for me? Jeremiah 32:27 Praying for you.
Your openness and honesty in sharing is always a blessing and encouragement to my heart. You are in my prayers.
“You are not set aside, you are set apart”. (Uninvited, page 112).
Lysa,
As I breathe in these simple words, I feel such a profound release of pain and question this evening. Sssooo many times, I’ve wondered why my lot has been to sit and peer through a looking glass which others have been blessed; yet by toil and difficulty, by grace and humility, I still yearn for honorable wishes and desires that He Himself has placed so passionately in my heart. I’ve always known He walks with me, since an early age of 9, and while I’ve always realized His presence, I may not have recognized His Plan. Tonight, while I know not any epiphany of next steps, I feel closer to Him than I’ve ever known in 49 years; which is rather profound in itself as He has always been the strength of my weakness in every tear I’ve cried. Maybe a soul lost in the desert for 40 years, I can now ready myself to be the woman He purposefully breathed life Aug 9th 1968.
I’m certain that you have heard these words many times, but YOU bless the Lord’s kingdom with wisdom He surely has granted YOU to bestow encouragement to so many; one of which, me, at a time I very much need to hear His Holy Voice.
He speaks to me in the gentle breeze, He speaks to me in the piercing sunlight, and He has spoken to me through your book, Uninvited, in ways I can only thank you from the deepest aches of my heart. God Bless you Lysa, and your family. It is my sincerest hope that He may grant you a blessed recovery of health, and every heartfelt desire of your spirit! You are among my most steadfast prayers. An admiring friend in Christ …