Musical Accompaniment

Well hello world :)

I'm still having a bit of trouble discerning God's will for me, and trying to do as He in every situation, but I've rediscovered some great verses of encouragement that have really helped me.

Keep on loving each other as brothers. Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it...God has said, "NEVER will I leave you. NEVER will I forsake you." So we say with confidence, The Lord is my helper, I will not be afraid. What can man do to me? - Hebrews 13:1-2, 5-6 NIV

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 transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. -Phillipians 4:6-7 NIV

Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way consider it an opportunity for great joy! For you know, when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing. James 1:2-4 NLT

All these verses emphasize not only turning to God in times of trouble, but rejoicing in them! I don't think that's always easy, but neither is the discipline that the Lord gives us. We are not unlike the people of Judah and Israel in Jeremiah, who turn from Him and create idols to worship instead. However, we have the majestic sacrifice of Jesus to erase our sins and offer us freedom when we turn to Him.

Unfortunately, it is ingrained into our culture, to worship ourselves, romance, money, and shiny things (haha). We are given the promise of eternal freedom and salvation, and of the greatest Love we could ever experience, and we turn instead to our follies and whims to satisfy us. All it takes is a venture into the "Self-Help" section at Barnes and Noble to realize that nothing we are doing is making us happy, or anywhere near "perfect and complete." So where are we supposed to turn to find this satisfaction and completion? Duhh...we seek God, and He shows us how boundless His love for us is! We grow in faith by spending time with Him, turning our eyes to His face, and basking in His beauty and love by walking the path He has set out for us.

So worship Him. Praise Him for all that He has given to you, and for the love so great that He died for you. Give thanks that He loves you enough to discipline you and help you to turn away from that which takes you away from Him.

Whatever it is that is bothering you, or hurting you, take five minutes and spend time with Him in His Word and in prayer. It will turn you around, and you won't be able to do anything other than stand in awe of the Lord :)

On the playlist currently:
What I'm Looking For by Jonny Diaz
Let My Words Be Few by Phillips, Craig, and Dean
My Jesus by Todd Agnew
Yes Lord by like everyone...but my favorite is Casting Crowns version
I'd Need a Savior by Among the Thirsty (though it's not actually out yet...boo!)
Love is Here by Tenth Avenue North
Times by Tenth Avenue North (shout out to Whitney for recommending this!!)
Yesterday by Jonny Diaz
and More Beautiful You also by Jonny Diaz

Rocking out to Christian music in the car and on the treddy and just walking around campus is a total smile-inducer!