How to Thrive in a Topsy-Turvy World
Last week, I sat at a table with 9 strangers, yet I felt loved, accepted, and understood.
Gathering with women to study the Word of God is like covering yourself with a warm blanket in a blizzard. All around you the icy blast of the storm rages, but inside you are safe. You are secure. You are sheltered.
I’d forgotten how the Holy Spirit embraces you as you look another woman in the eye and say “Me, too.” I need Jesus.
The sister seated to my right spoke with quiet confidence about how she found strength to step forward during a difficult season by seeking wisdom in Scripture. She picked up a pen and turned God’s promises into prayers, which she scribbled out on the pages of a notebook she’d purchased at the dollar store.
“You can’t find firm footing in a swamp, but life rooted in God stands firm.” (Proverbs 12:3, MSG)
We opened our Bibles to Matthew 13 and listened to a lesson on sowing and reaping. The teacher encouraged us to examine the condition of our hearts:
Is my heart hardened to God’s Word because of heartbreak and disappointment?
Is my heart barren from a shallow life full of busy distractions?
Is my heart cluttered by cares that consume me with worry and anxiety?
As I looked at the woman with her dollar store notebook, I thought I want what she has. She is thriving in this topsy-turvy world.
How’s your heart, friend? Maybe like me you suddenly feel like a trip to the dollar store might just help you save your life. We need to write His Word on our hearts.
How to Thrive in a Topsy-Turvy World
Tend to Your Heart
Plow out bitterness, selfishness, and ingratitude. Plant love, joy, and peace.
“Sow with a view to righteousness, Reap in accordance with kindness; Break up your fallow ground, For it is time to seek the Lord Until He comes to rain righteousness on you.” (Hosea 10:12, NASB)
Take time to Hydrate
Whatever you plant won’t thrive without the water of the Word applied to your heart every day. Soak in Scripture.
“The Lord will guide you continually, giving you water when you are dry and restoring your strength. You will be like a well-watered garden, like an ever-flowing spring.” (Isaiah 58:11, NLT)
Tackle the thorny hedges
A hurried life twisted with worry and doubt will topple over if you don’t deal with what’s troubling you. The enemy wants to strangle your faith and suffocate your joy. You need to uproot prickly anxious thoughts. Let the light of His love fill up every place the enemy has tried to plant fear.
“…let us strip off and throw aside every encumbrance, unnecessary weight, and that sin which so readily, deftly, and cleverly clings to and entangles us…” (Hebrews 12:1, AMPC)
This year, I want to stop neglecting my heart and pray:
Lord, plow deep in me.
Want to join me? To help you get started, I’m sharing a copy of My Pray Big Prayer Calendar with you. Sign up today as a member of the Wildfire Faith Community and grab a copy in our Faith Fuel Library. Print out your copy and start each morning inviting God to strengthen your step and breathe fresh wind into your weary spirit. Pick up a dollar store notebook like my friend from church and pour out your heart on its pages.
I’m going to start every day on my knees using this #PrayBig Calendar.
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As we weed out worry and break up bitterness in our hearts, God’s Word will take root and help us to grow strong in wisdom and grace. When this world tries to shake us, we will stand strong. Pray God’s Word and find firm footing.
Hearts rooted in Truth will thrive in this topsy-turvy world.
Hearts rooted in Truth will thrive in this topsy-turvy world.
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