When Your Heart Needs a Pep Talk

A couple days ago, I read this post from http://www.liesyoungwomenbelieve.com/and I thought that I would share it.

Enjoy! 

-Autumn 

My heart is way too good at being sad. Bogged down. Bummed out. Frustrated, annoyed, wearied, and so done with everything.
I’m really good at feeling extra insecure about all kinds of things. My hair, my makeup, the way I get tongue-tied when I’m nervous about talking to someone.

Jesus lavishes the beautiful rays of His love all over you.

It doesn’t take long for me to feel lonely, especially when I feel like I’m so introverted that I just don’t know how to make friends the right way. I wonder if people actually like me, if they just smile at me because they’re supposed to, and if they think I’m fun to be around.
Sometimes I feel defeated before I even get out of bed in the morning. The stress of what a day holds overtakes me, and my stomach turns into knots. I’d rather just pull the covers over my face and hide.
And my heart feels like it’s a 100-pound weight, keeping me down, not letting me feel free.
I’m not the only one who’s ever felt like this, who’s ever felt darkness overtaking them. We all wrestle with our hearts, because the enemy shouts words of defeat and sadness and darkness and ugliness. But he doesn’t have to win. We can’t let him win. Because we have the One who’s more powerful than the darkness.

Jesus is the resting place for our souls.

So sometimes, our hearts need a pep talk. Mine needs one almost every day. I’m weak, sinful, and desperate for the joy of my Savior to shine into my aching heart. Because it’s Him we’re really aching for.
Here’s a gospel-power-filled pep talk, from my wearied heart to yours.

Jesus Loves You

Jesus Christ loves you unconditionally. He doesn’t show love one day and remove it the next. No, it’s always there, and it always will be. That’s who He is. The Lover of our souls; the One who lavishes the beautiful rays of His love all over you.

Jesus Wants to Know You

He wants to know you. You, with all your messiness. Because He wants to heal you from it, little by little, piece by piece. He knows the ugliness in your heart, but He’s not backing down. He whispers to your heart, “I’ve set you free. Live in my glorious light.”

Jesus Is Good

And even when you mess up again, He won’t withdraw His goodness. So keep running to Him. Run with abandon to the King of kings who offers freedom from the brokenness of ourselves. He’s good, and He’s kind, and He’s the resting place for our souls.

Jesus Is Your Friend

He’ll be your best friend, even when you feel alone. Don’t let the enemy convince you of your insecurities. Your identity? It’s not the insecurities rushing around inside you. No, your identity is in Christ. You’re His. He claims you. Let that sink in . . . and let that make you sing!
So take your sad, wearied, broken-down heart, and lay it at your Maker’s feet. He doesn’t just put those pieces together again. He makes a whole new creation—and it’s glorious.
Breathe deep. Smile. Because the Redeemer of this aching earth is at work. There’s beauty around you—and He doesn’t want you to miss it.
Step out into the sunshine, and let its rays radiate onto your face, and know that His love is shining on you, too.
And when you start to feel sad again, run to Him, and let His saving power wash all over you again.
He’s made this day, and it’s going to be good.

Promises to Live By

Here are some verses to run to, when your heart needs a pep talk.

“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. ‘The Lord is my portion,’ says my soul, ‘therefore I will hope in him.’” (Lam. 3:22–24).
“Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name! Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s” (Ps. 103:1–5).
“Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth! Serve the Lord with gladness! Come into his presence with singing! Know that the Lord, he is God! It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name! For the Lord is good;his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations” (Ps. 100).

What gospel truth do you need God to shine into your heart today?
~From Lies Young Women Believe.

Study To Show Thyself Approved Unto God

At my church, I am involved in many children's ministries. One of my favorite things about working with kids is that when they genuinely care about someone, they aren't afraid to show it. Sometimes, they send home a paper they colored, a poem they wrote, or just a little handwritten note. They never fail to make it clear how much they appreciate and love you. 

There's just something so unique about a person taking the time to write down a heartfelt note that makes you truly feel loved. It doesn't have to be poetic, romantic, or pretty, just truthful and sincere. 

The Bible is God's letter to us. It was written by people that God handpicked to have the special task of writing the most important letter of all time. God revealed himself through written words so that we could read those words again and again, to gain an even deeper understanding of who He is and His love for us. 

 

II Corinthians 12:9 - And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

Recently, a co-writer on this blog (Autumn) sent me the verse above. I read it through several times, just thinking about what it meant. What a blessing that God sends us little messages through friends, family, church family and others when we need them most. 

There are so many encouraging messages throughout the Bible. God tells us over and over again that He is sufficient for us. His grace, love and strength will get us through any trials that we go through. Although we aren't perfect, God still took the time to write notes to us in many different places. 

Joshua 1:9 - ... 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.

No matter what we go through, God will ALWAYS be with us. 

Psalms 37:4 - Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.

Psalms 28:7 - The LORD [is] my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him.

Psalms 34:4 - I sought the LORD, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.

Philippians 4:13 - I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

Although there are so many incredible love notes throughout the Bible, we are all guilty of neglecting and rejecting God's words. We start reading the Bible out of obligation instead of yearning for more. Instead, we listen to sermons, Christian Radio, pod casts and recordings ABOUT the Bible without really studying it for ourselves. We might even feel like all we do is learn about the Bible, when in reality, we haven't actually opened a Bible in weeks. 

We have the opportunity of living in a time when we have everything on our phones, our computers, or on google. These resources are amazing when they help us study God's word, but not when they replace the Bible. 

For example, imagine that you're trying to learn a formula in Algebra. All that your teacher has given you is a paragraph on how to use the formula. Without the formula itself, the "how-to" would be useless!

It might take more time, it might not be as easy to understand  and it might take more effort on our part, but God took the time to write the Bible for us. The least we can do is take the time to read it. 

Remember: reading what someone else has to say about the Bible can never have the same impact as studying God’s word for yourself.

Ask any questions you may have at Girls Inspiring Girls.