Spiritually Unequal Marriage

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Do We Practice Atheism?

I’ve been reading One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp. I’m in the middle of the book and I can say she writes like no other author I’ve read. And I’m…

I’ve been reading One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp. I’m in
the middle of the book and I can say she writes like no other author I’ve read.
And I’m still processing a lot. A couple of days ago I read a single sentence that
messed me up….. in a good way.

So, I want to share it with you and let’s have a
conversation.

 

Page 148 

If authentic, saving belief is the act of trusting, then to
choose stress is an act of disbelief…. Atheism. 

Anything less than
gratitude and trust is practical atheism.

Perhaps the opposite of faith is not doubt. Perhaps the
opposite of faith is fear. To lack faith perhaps isn’t as much an intellectual
disbelief in the existence of God –as fear and distrust that there is a good God. If I don’t emotionally
believe, practically believe, in the goodness of God, am I a believer? Don’t
the believers have to believe? Don’t the saved have to trust the Savior? For yes,
salvation from sins, but this too: the salvation from fear.

—–

My friends, such a short passage but filled up with some things
to wrestle with. So what do you think? Do we more struggle as believers with
trusting that God is good? Do we
practice atheism when we live in fear…

and if we do… how do we move away from fear to belief. Real, life-changing belief?

Whoa… I will be back to chat with you in
the comments. Hugs, Lynn

Comments

44 responses

  1. Jen Avatar
    Jen

    I dont think we practise atheism when we are fearful of something. Nor do I think it is an unbelief in the Goodness of God….cause He is Good ALL the Time & when we are fearful or stressing/worrying about something, even as believers, he uses that to draw us closer to him. To learn to lean on him first and foremost & to bring those worries/anxieties/fears to him, which is contrary to our natural instincts. Leaning on him first is something that as we grow in Christ, becomes more and more natural.
    I think fear…is a result/consequence in a way, of living in a fallen world & even as we walk in Christ, we will never experience the completeness until we are no longer in this world.
    He made each and everyone of us exactly how we are…and yes he wants us to come to Him, seek Him & know Him….but he didn’t make it so that we no longer struggle once we are believers, he didn’t make it so that we are just blindly walking around oblivious to hardships/fears/worries saying “Oh God is so good, we just need to trust Him” during this struggle & not fret…each & every time we are fearful/stressed/worried…we grow closer to Him, I don’t think it is a matter of not believing He can handle it. I think it’s more a matter of continuously Choosing to place Trust in Him & it is something that I think some of us need to do more often then others (how many times does He just blow me away & yet when it happens again, I’m blown away…like I shouldn’t already know/see it coming)
    I dont’ think it is because we are unbelieving, but because we walk in this world (spiritual warfare I think comes into play here…I’m reading the Screwtape Letters right now & am finding it very interesting) & are different from this world…because we are to be the Light in this world, as we struggle, those that do not have Christ in their lives, will see us struggle, question God if you will and ultimately see us be given Peace when we give it all to God…when we get over ourselves & are able to Lean on Him when we are Fearful/Untrusting in a situation…that speaks volumes to those in our lives that do not know Christ and opens the door to share His Love for us with them.
    Like anything, it is part of our journey with Him, some of us will struggle more than others…but at the end when we look back (of course I now have the Casting Crown’s song in my head….Already There) we’ll see how that Fear came into play in the bigger picture, we’ll see how walking in that moment of questioning brought us closer to Him & we’ll show His Glory & Love to the World.

    Reply
  2. Lynette D Avatar
    Lynette D

    I agree with Jen. There are many times people feared in the Bible and God/Jesus never accused them of unbelief. He simply said do not fear. I believe Jesus even feared the cross according to what the bible says about how He sweat drops of blood because He was so distraught; does that mean He didn’t believe in the Father? Like any emotion, what we do with the fear is important.
    For example- I don’t like to fly, even though if I have to I will. When I am in the plane I simply remember the pilot is trained, he knows what he is doing. I also think fear in some ways can be a good thing, such as someone who is being abused. I believe telling her/him to not be afraid is insulting. If we see our kids being abused/hurt/sick etc we fear for their lives and will do what we can to protect or help them. Fear can be a good motivator at times, in that we will do things to protect ourselves. Sometimes we are to use common sense in certain fearful situations.

    Reply
  3. Martha Avatar
    Martha

    I agree with Jen and Lynette. One of my favorite scriptures is Psalm 142:2: “I poured out my complaints unto the Lord; I showed before Him my troubles.” David, a man after God’s own heart poured out his emotions, and if you will look carefully at his emotions, they had a wide range. But, he didn’t stay there. Psalm 74 also talks about how he went into the sanctuary, into God’s presence, again, and got his head on straight. To have negative emotions, in my thinking, is not wrong; what is wrong is what we do when we stay there with them, and not allow God to change us. He told Cain: I see the look on your face, satan is at the door trying to destroy you, but you, Cain, can close the door.” Cain didn’t.

    Reply
  4. Lynette D Avatar
    Lynette D

    Just wanted to add, if we never doubt, do we really have faith? You can’t have doubts if you don’t have faith.

    Reply
  5. Cedney25 Avatar
    Cedney25

    This reminds me of something my preacher said about allowing ourself to be consumed by worry. He said that when we choose to worry/stress/fear we are, in a way, saying that we don’t trust God to be who he says he is. So I don’t feel like worry or fear is practicing atheism but I do think it’s the oppposite of living with complete trust in God. Matthew 8:25-26 is pressing on my heart right now: NLT The disciples went down and woke him up, shouting “Lord save us! We’re going to drown!” Jesus responded, “Why are you afraid? You have so little faith!” Then he got up and rebuked the wind and waves, and suddenly there was a great calm.
    I completely agree that we live in a fallen world and our emotions are a byproduct of that condition but I think that God is big enough to handle all of those emotions. ~Christy

    Reply
  6. Heather Passuello Avatar
    Heather Passuello

    I could not have responded better Jen! I agree with you completely. I just want to add that being an atheist is a choice, like any other. I think sometimes not trusting and stressing out about something is our natural response. God expects it and is there to help us grow in it. Like you said Jen, some people will take longer than others in this area, but it doesn’t make us atheists, after all, we do still believe in God, our faith just needs some stretching.

    Reply
  7. Joanne Avatar
    Joanne

    “Real life changing belief” Key words for me Lynn. I always seem to find my comprehension at the end of reading…anything?
    Personally?….with what I have gone through since returning from Africa and with the loss of my canine child, Hero, I have learned that when the doubts creep in and I entertain them, my trust and belief are weakened. So I plug into the Word, the music, the lessons, the prayers and my faith is strengthened, renewed, restored…without a doubt because He makes Himself known in SPECTACULAR ways and I reflect on them to be close….yet again…and again….and again!
    (insert Church lady shout and then a contented exhale)

    Reply
  8. Lynn Avatar
    Lynn

    Such great comments my friends… I think why this passage messed me up is that I see so many believers crippled from fear. Fears that hold us back from living in His Presence and from trust. Fear that keeps us from stepping into our God given calling. So, I’m troubled in my soul to discern what is fear. What fears are those that are legitimate… ie, fear of touching a hot stove… Or perhaps not so legitimate…fear to get out of bed because I might face a disaster today???
    With everything that I’ve lived through with God, I don’t think that kind of fear is normal nor healthy. And I know once you step out of the fear…. (the what if’s… kind of fears)… Then we step into a new realm of possibilities, joy and adventure with the Savior.
    But, I’m still pondering…
    And I also know that we all face doubts… But, breaking free of doubt and living squarely in the living truth and full belief is when we become agents of his love, healing and the miracles begin to happen.
    Now, as I type this I will tell you it took me years to get to this place. It’s about the journey and learning…. a step by step adventure where you see the faithfulness of God in one thing– where you decided to trust Him… Then that lays down another stepping stone to take the next Big step of faith and trust. And when you see God’s faithfulness faith lays another stone to step ahead once more…. Trust, belief becomes easier.
    But, this kind of journey is looooooong… It takes years sometimes to see God’s faithfulness. At this place in my life, I think of my daughter… After years of praying and walking with her through public education, she chose a Christian University for her college…. Years….. And years of believing God would take care of her soul. Years of praying and praying, trusting and trusting… and praying some more… But, now I see His love and faithfulness in this too… Especially because I was so fearful about this area as a young mother.
    I think one of the most powerful things I’ve heard of late is this…
    We must square away in our mind, heart and soul three things…
    Is God who He says He is?
    Am I who God says I am?
    Is the Word true?
    When we can answer fully, YES,…. My friends, do you know what you can do then????
    This is what Jesus said we can do.
    New Living Translation ((c)2007)
    “I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father.
    Okay… Still pondering and thinking… This whole atheism thing has me twisted up… To think I might be atheistic messes me up.. In a good way… And it helps me to have empathy with those spouses, mine included, who believe in atheism or are agnostic… Hmmmmmm… Be back later… Now please add your own thoughts… I am truly trying to work this out… Love you and so appreciate how we can share our thoughts and work through the deep things of God together. Hugs, Lynn

    Reply
  9. Lynn Avatar
    Lynn

    Amen.. Church Lady shout!! HALLELUJAH!! Girl, what is it about praise and worship music. I can put that one and the entire atmosphere of my house or wherever I’m at, shifts…
    I’m going out to garden now and BLAST IT!!! Hope the neighbors have their windows closed. *grin*. or not…. Love you..

    Reply
  10. Lynn Avatar
    Lynn

    Amen… Absolutely AMEN!

    Reply
  11. Lynn Avatar
    Lynn

    Psalm 73 (New International Version)
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    Psalm 73
    New International Version (NIV)
    BOOK III
    Psalms 73-89
    Psalm 73
    A psalm of Asaph.
    1 Surely God is good to Israel,
    to those who are pure in heart.
    2 But as for me, my feet had almost slipped;
    I had nearly lost my foothold.
    3 For I envied the arrogant
    when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.
    4 They have no struggles;
    their bodies are healthy and strong.[a]
    5 They are free from common human burdens;
    they are not plagued by human ills.
    6 Therefore pride is their necklace;
    they clothe themselves with violence.
    7 From their callous hearts comes iniquity[b];
    their evil imaginations have no limits.
    8 They scoff, and speak with malice;
    with arrogance they threaten oppression.
    9 Their mouths lay claim to heaven,
    and their tongues take possession of the earth.
    10 Therefore their people turn to them
    and drink up waters in abundance.[c]
    11 They say, “How would God know?
    Does the Most High know anything?”
    12 This is what the wicked are like-
    always free of care, they go on amassing wealth.
    13 Surely in vain I have kept my heart pure
    and have washed my hands in innocence.
    14 All day long I have been afflicted,
    and every morning brings new punishments.
    15 If I had spoken out like that,
    I would have betrayed your children.
    16 When I tried to understand all this,
    it troubled me deeply
    17 till I entered the sanctuary of God;
    then I understood their final destiny.
    18 Surely you place them on slippery ground;
    you cast them down to ruin.
    19 How suddenly are they destroyed,
    completely swept away by terrors!
    20 They are like a dream when one awakes;
    when you arise, Lord,
    you will despise them as fantasies.
    21 When my heart was grieved
    and my spirit embittered,
    22 I was senseless and ignorant;
    I was a brute beast before you.
    23 Yet I am always with you;
    you hold me by my right hand.
    24 You guide me with your counsel,
    and afterward you will take me into glory.
    25 Whom have I in heaven but you?
    And earth has nothing I desire besides you.
    26 My flesh and my heart may fail,
    but God is the strength of my heart
    and my portion forever.
    27 Those who are far from you will perish;
    you destroy all who are unfaithful to you.
    28 But as for me, it is good to be near God.
    I have made the Sovereign Lord my refuge;
    I will tell of all your deeds.

    Reply
  12. Lynn Avatar
    Lynn

    Such a great passage. Martha, thank you. I found it in Psalm 73… Verse 17.. And man if you read from 17 to the end…. IT WILL FIRE YOU UP!!!
    Woo Hoo! Bring it Lord… I am sold out for you.

    Reply
  13. Lynn Avatar
    Lynn

    See below… Love you.

    Reply
  14. Lynn Avatar
    Lynn

    Man. Jen. You’ve got some great insight… Makes me truly wrestle with this… Fears and doubts and how the unsaved see believers. I’m really twisted up in my mind and soul today seeking to sort it out. Love you, Lynn

    Reply
  15. Lynette D Avatar
    Lynette D

    I guess for me it shows more faith and honesty to say “I am afraid, but I trust God will work it out for the best and I will step out and do what you want me to do even though I am afraid.” I am not as fearful as I once was about things, it’s been a growing process. I originally came to God out of fear. I guess I am having a hard time with someone saying just because I may have fear and doubt sometimes that I reject God, because that is what atheism really is, rejecting God. If someone accused me of being atheist because I got scared when I found out my spouse had a terminal illness, well, I’d be insulted. To me it’s that sort of thinking that can actually turn people away from christianity.

    Reply
  16. jennifer b. Avatar
    jennifer b.

    I love all the comments. I agree that with the help of Jesus, we can turn away from fear, anxiety and worry. As it creeps in, we need to remember the Word of God. We will never remove all fear from this world. Just like Lynette said, people who are abused will always struggle with fear.
    I look forward to the day where evil is cast down into the pit! And we will all be worshiping God and Jesus!

    Reply
  17. Lynn Avatar
    Lynn

    I hear you. And agree in what you are saying. I guess it come down for me. The difference between unbelief and rejection of Christ.  Hmmmm more to ponder. 
    Sent from my iPhone

    Reply
  18. Lynn Avatar
    Lynn

    Amen. And AMEN. 
    Sent from my iPhone

    Reply
  19. kathy... Avatar
    kathy…

    BRAVO JEN!!!! You got it so right here… Calling it atheism when we have fear just leads to a whole new level of laying guilt on someone who struggles in this area….thanks for your words they were beautiful…
    personally I had a hard time reading her book because it was so flowery and wordy… but that was just me

    Reply
  20. Dineen Miller Avatar
    Dineen Miller

    I think in the light of fear, we have the choice to surrender it and in surrender we experience FREEDOM from that fear and joy to know that no matter what happens, God has it covered. Every encounter with fear is a choice to trust. And I think we delight God every time we choose to worship instead of worry, to praise instead of despair, and to love when we could easily hate.

    Reply
  21. Kindra Avatar
    Kindra

    I just heard about “One Thousand Gifts” yesterday and went right out and bought it. I think Ann is a truly amazing writer with God given talent. She definitely has caused me to reflect and think about things in a new way. As for the question, if we live in fear are we living like an atheist? I think it is human instinct to have certain fears. The question is, what do you do with those fears? If you let them cripple you from living the life God intended, then yes, you are rejecting God and His plan for you. But, if you turn to God to help you work through your fears, sooner or later, He will help you find peace and goodness. To illustrate this, I would like to share a story. I have a family history of breast cancer. I lost my mother to the disease when I was a senior in high school. My family was involved in a breast cancer study and when I was 19 years old, I learned that I carry the breast cancer gene. Statistically, I have over an 80% chance of getting breast cancer in my lifetime. I had to start getting mammograms when I was 25 years old. This was before I had a close relationship with Jesus Christ. During this time, I lived in a constant state of fear. I did self breast exams almost daily as I was convinced that I would find a lump. When it came time for my mammogram each year, my anxiety overtook my life until I got the all clear report back. Today I am 37 and have grown immensely in my spiritual life. I have been able to put my trust in God. I do not live in fear of getting Cancer. I get mammograms twice a year now and am amazed that the anxiety I once felt is gone. I completely trust God and His plan. I am so grateful for the FREEDOM and PEACE God brings to my life!

    Reply
  22. Jen Avatar
    Jen

    Agreed! It is totally a growing process…and God knows that.
    Ah…..I Will Rise just came on as I was thinking of how to word what I want to say……there’s a peace I’ve come to know & anchor to my soul……how true!
    Anyways…..we just chatted about Joy today at my small group….how I kept thinking of this post & as we discussed the corilation between obedience to God & Joy…I was reminded By the ladies in my group, that Joy is a choice…..Joy is trusting & when you are fearful, you are not focused on God….you are focused on the fear, the circumstance, the issue….rather than God….it’s not that you don’t know he’s with you, it’s a shift in focus…and we discussed how we can practically choose Joy….some suggestions were to pray,to be thankful,to focus on God & how he’s already been so faithful & loving to us…..(already mentioned here too) …we read Phillipeans 4-4:14….a TREASURE of direction on what to do. We also read Psalm 23….and we’re asked which verses poke to us most at this moment….for me it was 3….”he restores my soul, he guides me in paths of righteousness for his names sake.” …..sometimes that doubt/ fear isn’t about us…but what Glory we can give to God after we walk through it…..how we can bring others ( our spouses included ) to Him.

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  23. Martha Avatar
    Martha

    You are right, Lynn, it is 73. I didn’t take the time to look it up; I knew it was 73 or 74. Shame on me for not looking it up.

    Reply
  24. Joanne Avatar
    Joanne

    OH LYNN! HOPE THE NEIGHBOURS HAVE THEIR WINDOWS OPEN!!!!
    Good timing to read your comment! I found myself EXTREMELY agitated while preparing supper just now and realized….
    DAVID TURNED MY MUSIC OFF! You better believe it changes the atmosphere!

    Reply
  25. Lynn Avatar
    Lynn

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    No shame. Girl, I’m impressed you knew to add this awesome passage to our conversation. Love you. 

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  26. Lynn Avatar
    Lynn

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    Amen.. Amen.. Amen Jen… I’m so glad you are part of our community. Love you girl 

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  27. Teresa T Avatar
    Teresa T

    My heart goes out to people, like my husband, who don’t have Chistianity to help them with difficulty like fear. Just this week, he was torn up with worry over a difficult project that he leads, especially a meeting coming up. It is affecting his stomach. He noticed that such things don’t bother me. I think it is because when I recognize negative emotions, I can turn it over to The Lord.
    He once said that Chritians think they are better people. (He must have never read the Bible!) I think it is more accurate that Christians are people who are better off…we have an advocate, help, and Comforter.

    Reply
  28. Liz Avatar
    Liz

    Atheism is denying God’s existence. Fear is a response to not seeing/feeling His presence at the moment.
    I think the author was trying to make a point that we have fear, because we aren’t trusting in God(or focused on Him at the moment), and therefore it is like saying He isn’t there=disbelief. Using the term ‘atheism’ was not the best choice, as it is an emotionally charged word that automatically makes us defensive and accuses us of ignoring God’s existence.
    We fear when we realize we aren’t in control, we don’t know what to expect, and that is natural human behavior. Even if we aren’t actively thinking this the moment we are afraid of something–it is essentially denying that we have a good God caring for us, with us, and in control of our lives. But that being said, I don’t believe God frowns on us for fearing, but sees our frail human nature and lifts us up in love and reassurance. Like the story of Peter walking on the water, he looks around at the waves and wind taking his eyes off Jesus, and begins to fear and sink- but Jesus reaches out to him immediately and pulls him up and lovingly says you of little faith, why did you doubt? As soon as he fears Jesus is right there saving him and reassuring him, I am here. It is in our weakness and fear that we cry out for, seek and find God– in that it is a good thing.
    Perfect love casts out fear…” (1 John 4:18). When we realize God’s perfect love for us, we realize there is no reason to fear. I don’t think that is a once in a lifetime lesson, but a continual one here on earth. But when we choose to focus on God’s perfect love for us, instead of whatever storms we are facing, it will cast out our fear and give us the peace the surpasses understanding.

    Reply
  29. Pat Avatar
    Pat

    Wow, great conversations ladies. I totally agree!!!! It is privledge to be part of this group. You all are such loving women who serve The Lord!!!! I believe that is one of the first things the enemy does is attack our mind on the goodness of God. You all have a blessed and fantastic weekend. Hugs:)))

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  30. Beverly Avatar
    Beverly

    Ann Voskamp is an amazing wordsmith, perhaps one of the best of our time. As she strings plain words into phrases and sentences and paragraphs, she moves the reader to new levels of feeling, thought and action. Sometimes her writing is so dense with meaning that it takes me time to process it. She challenges us to be more Christ-like not in small steps but in big leaps. (like in her journal post at http://www.aholyexperience.com/ about Africa). But I am truly puzzled by the use of the word atheism in the quote you shared today. I think she is challenging us to trust more. But my salvation is not endangered when I allow fear to creep into my life. My joy is definitely endangered. I know that Christ is who He says He is. I know His blood shed on the cross has the power to wash away every sin I have committed and will ever commit, including fear. I know that when I asked Him into my heart and to take away my sin, He did. And I know my name is carved in the palm of His hand and cannot be erased by anything I do or anything I fear. I am His!

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  31. Joanne Avatar
    Joanne

    I read the sentence “Christians think they are better people” as if he sees us as better. Kinda like you said Teresa. I pray everyone who does not believe will be broken as I have experienced and know it is the only way to truly feel and discover a relationship with jesus. That said, not everyone will. I am praying for my husband’s salvation and hoped through the loss of our beloved pet hero that this would be the beginning, it doesn’t appear so now….BUT GOD is still at work and I trust, pray and believe He will continue to work! I cannot understand why unbelievers let themselves suffer when all they have to do is try God. Simple try. I’ll pray this could be a spark that ignites something deep in your hubby’s soul Teresa!

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  32. Joanne Avatar
    Joanne

    AMEN Kindra! In the hands of God! ((HUG))

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  33. Joanne Avatar
    Joanne

    Wonderful comment Jen! Been hearing Psalm 23 repeated lots for me so I smiled at your mention here too! I have quite the story on “Joy” but I will share that for me, God planted it like a bubble inside me to experience for a second before it popped. I felt it just enough to know how I WAS feeling was poorly compared to whatever was in that bubble and I wanted more of it. Long story short, today I have it more but when I do lose it?…God plants that bubble inside my soul again as a reminder that it has popped and I need to blow more bubbles! I am thankful He helped me recognize the difference!

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  34. Lynn Avatar
    Lynn

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    Amen. Joanne, you give away the Holy Spirit to so many. It doesn’t surprise me that you run low and need to be refilled… That’s a good thing… Love you. 

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  35. Lynn Avatar
    Lynn

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    Amen. Bring salvation Lord. Bring it Amen. 

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  36. Lynn Avatar
    Lynn

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    Amen.. I think that is what Ann is trying to do as well. She is stretching us to glimpse how fear takes us away from His Presence. I think her writing is also so deep and beautifully crafted. It takes me a couple of passes at times to work through what she is saying. And last night… I think I saw the moon like she did. And this Sunday night it’s supposed to be spectacular. I may need to head off to the wilderness to watch it rise. Love you Bev. Take care and be blessed as you travel to Mexico. Adore you. Lynn 

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  37. Janet ? Avatar
    Janet ?

    Wow! such wise words, Sumites. As I type, I’m still trying to take all this in. I see God working in all of us and I see His glory in all of it. SPECTACULAR! 😉 (giggle-stole from Joanne – hope you don’t mind, I love this word)
    When fear or worry creeps in, I run to my Father and I shout out “HELP!” But, I do feel helpless for my prebeliever husband who gets so wrapped up in his anxiety when all he has to do is reach out to Jesus. I rely on God everyday to renew my strength otherwise, I’m a target for the enemy!
    Martha and Lynn, thank you for Psalm 73 – one of my favorite verse is 26 “My flesh and my heart may fail,but God is the strength of my heart
    and my portion forever.”
    I love this community – wonderful group of ladies. ?

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  38. Lynn Avatar
    Lynn

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    Heart you …. Love you much. 

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  39. Joanne Avatar
    Joanne

    Each & every time we are fearful/stressed/worried…we grow closer to Him! Amen to that Jen. You have put into words beautifully of what I feel to be living in my life presently. My word…I could not even find these words but live it!? Amazing!

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  40. Sarah Avatar
    Sarah

    ALL-
    If you think “One Thousand Gifts” is an awesome read, try finding the audiobook which is read by the author. It makes all the difference in the world hearing her voice speak her eloquent words. i was able to download mine from our local library Overdrive program.

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  41. Gillian Avatar
    Gillian

    Ooh, what a great little nugget 🙂

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  42. Gillian Avatar
    Gillian

    . So what do you think? Do we more struggle as believers with trusting that God is good? Do we practice atheism when we live in fear…and if we do… how do we move away from fear to belief. Real, life-changing belief?
    Personally, I think fear is one thing, and getting bogged down w worry and stress is another… Yes, it could be a big deal, finding a house or watching a loved one suffer, but I think it still comes down to deep down, when it’s our friend, mom, child, husband etc- do we really trust God, do we really trust, on the hard times- that He is good- not to say that I’d you have doubts or questions or even worry and stress that you are a practical atheist- but at the same time, I’ve experienced first hand the freedom ( from worry stress anxiety) that can be found when we truly do choose to live by our faith and not by worldly fear and worry. ( trying to praise and thank God, in ALL things)
    I think for me it comes down to being all HERE. Those moments when i just stop suddenly and the world becomes so small- the place where I look out of my own eyes and am just blown away by what I see around me, where I am, the blessings I have, this all this is actually REAL! Not just some daydream that some of my days often blur into, but the real hard reality! Then everything I believe, I know about God and His love come flooding back and I just look out in awe. Those are the moments when I really believe, The reality I so often barely dare to believe!
    And when I struggle I try to think back to one of them, or else just God’s faithfulness and providence in the past…

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  43. Gillian Avatar
    Gillian

    I see what you’re saying… It’s ok, normal to be afraid, at least initially ( and probably from time to time) but i think it’s what we do with it, if we believe that God is who He says, in control and good, then do we act on that belief, despite our fears?? Do we choose to trust Him by rejecting those doubting thoughts that come up and living by our faith- or do we allow them to take over, as if God can’t fix THIS ( which in a sense is rejecting God, we’re putting Him in that box again) . . . When the rubber meets the road, deep down do we really still believe ?

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  44. Gillian Avatar
    Gillian

    I saw the moon stuff on FB and wondered of it had to do with the book and chasing beauty 🙂 I saw the moon after reading it too, wonderful God moment!

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