Kiss the Wave
Real, lasting change is harder than we think
Happy February!
If you are like the average American, you may have found your dedication to those resolutions you set in January waning. Me too, friend!
This should come as no surprise to those of us who belong to Christ and know him through his Word. We are keenly aware that our broken world not only causes us to be wicked but also leaves us wounded, weak, and wanting. We should probably know better than to expect that we will be completely different and better people on January 1st than we were on December 31st simply because we have an abundance of resolve and determination. Transformation just doesn’t work like that. At least not according to the Bible.
I’m currently wading through a season of increasingly poor health that will likely involve surgery. It has been hard. Really hard. But God’s faithfulness to me in illness has been bigger and better than I could have possibly imagined. And I am grateful for the tremendous growth and refining I’ve seen in my own life and heart because of my suffering.
What I’ve learned throughout this trying season is that, contrary to the promise of the popular “New Year, New You” trend, the path to true and lasting growth and transformation is often difficult, unpleasant, and painfully slow. Yet, difficult, unpleasant, and painfully slow transformation does not thwart the possibility of having a fulfilling and joyful life. On the contrary, it can be the means by which we obtain it.
This kind of thinking is a totally foreign and upside-down concept to the unbelieving world! How can it possibly be that slow and unpleasant suffering is actually the means by which we gain lasting transformation and true joy?
If you are finding yourself here at the end of February, disappointed that your New Year resolutions didn’t stick and you are still very far from the “New You” you were hoping you would be — do not despair! God promises to complete the good work he has begun in you, but it will take longer than the world told you it would take.
But if my experience is anything to go by, I can promise you, that the difficult, unpleasant, and painfully slow journey will be worth it!
I have learned to kiss the wave that throws me against the Rock of Ages.
Charles Spurgeon
New and exciting things from Encourage My Hope this past month!
BUILD A BIBLE-READING HABIT - I started a Facebook group through the Encourage My Hope page to help foster accountability in daily Bible reading. We share tips, tools, prayers, and encouragement to help keep each other on track with our Bible reading goals! Click here to join us!
BIBLE HABIT POSITIONING SYSTEM - One of the ways to stay on track with daily Bible reading is to evaluate why you want to read the Bible in the first place. If our motives for reading aren’t honoring God, we’re striving to read for the wrong reasons. Check your motives and download the Bible Habit Positioning System by visiting the Free Printable Resource Library here and entering the password: TWOEDGEDSWORD.
ROADBLOCKS TO DAILY BIBLE READING - We all hit dry seasons when our desire to read the Bible seems to wane. Lack of desire is an indicator that something is amiss and we need to figure out what’s wrong. Often it’s our own sinfulness causing the “roadblock”, but other times it’s something else. There are always ways to persevere through a lack of desire — the trick is learning to identify what’s blocking the road. Download the Roadblock Printable by clicking here and entering the password: TWOEDGEDSWORD.
TIPS FOR READING LEVITICUS - A friend rightly pointed out how difficult it can be to read Leviticus as part of a daily Bible reading plan. Even if you don’t have time to study it in depth, there are still tools you can use to help you bring meaning from an otherwise tricky book. I’ve compiled some tips and tools for reading Leviticus in this handy printable on the Resource Page. Password: TWOEDGEDSWORD.
The true and lovely things I’ve enjoyed this past month (none of these are affiliate links, just my honest recommendations):
Note - Inclusion on this list does not equal a full endorsement. Please use wisdom and discernment when deciding which recommendations to try out for yourself.
Books I’m Reading:
The Last Love Note by Emma Grey - this fictional love story contains a profound reflection on the topic of grief
Women of the Word by Jen Wilkin - my #1 book recommendation for Christian women wanting to know their Bibles better — I’m re-reading this for the purpose of leading a book study
Jayber Crow by Wendell Berry - charming, entertaining, deeply moving, and an incredibly insightful look at life and human behavior
Upon Waking by Jackie Hill Perry - my current favorite devotional, Jackie is a brilliant writer and insightful theologian!
In My Earbuds
Music by Jon Guerra - one of my current favorites! I’ve had Canticle by Taya and Jon Guerra on repeat.
Psalms Project — perfect for when my brain fog prohibits reading, my current favorite is Psalm 38.
The Wounded Spirit: Timothy Keller Sermons Podcast by Gospel in Life - my Dad shared this one with me - this sermon is excellent, especially for those who struggle with (or love someone who struggles with) mental health issues.
Fun Things
Water Cup with Straw - if you are a big water drinker (like me), but are neither cool nor rich enough for one of those “other” cups (you know the one), this $15 tumbler from Walmart has been serving me well!
Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza - this game helped us make the best memories as a family when we were quarantined over Christmas. So fun!
Jewelry from the Daily Grace Co. - Beautiful, meaningful jewelry - I purchased the “Rest” necklace.
For the Kiddos
Very Veggie Silly Stories Podcast — the current favorite bedtime podcast — Biblical lessons with all the fun and nostalgia of your favorite Veggie Tales songs and shows
The Garden, The Curtain, and The Cross: Easter Calendar, and Devotional - fantastic for kids ages 5-11. Starts 2 weeks before Easter — so you still have time to order!
Mooses with Bazookas by S.D. Smith — thoroughly enjoyed by the whole family! Laugh out loud funny!
May God bless you as you patiently wait through the hard and the painfully slow for the glorious transformation he has promised to those who love him!
