There is ALWAYS Something to be Thankful For!

With so much happening in our nation and so much cause for prayerful concern, we must make a genuine effort to continue to cultivate thankful hearts. 

There is ALWAYS something to be thankful for! 

LET'S PRAY:

Lord, even when so much in life and in our nation concerns me, I don’t want to be oblivious to the blessings all around me. Help me to cultivate a heart that recognizes each blessing that remains in my life: The roof over my head. A sweet pet. The sun on my face. Food in my pantry. Family and friends who love me. A smiling person. Laughter! A song that I love. A beautiful breeze or a cozy meal after a long day. Help me to recognize these gifts and others that You lavish on me daily—peace, joy, security, and most of all, Your precious presence. Your presence changes everything—it changes me. My heart is grateful, Lord. Thank you that JESUS is the same yesterday, today, and forever! Thank you for Your faithfulness and kindness. In the mighty name of Jesus, Amen.

When Your Soul Needs Rest #CalmHeart

Lord, when I am exhausted by my heavy loads and overwhelmed by all I’m attempting to deal with, help me to remember that this is not the way You intend for me to live. 

Help me to simply turn my heart away from all that overwhelms me, and come to You and relinquish every heavy burden to You. Thank you for offering me the relief and rest my soul desperately needs. Thank you for refreshing my soul. In Your precious name, amen.

“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy-laden and overburdened, and I will cause you to rest. I will ease and relieve and relieve and refresh your souls." Matthew 11:28 (AMPC)

Find more heart-calming prayers in Julie’s new book, Prayers to Calm Your Anxious Heart:100Reassuring Devotions. Available wherever books are sold. 

He is With You in the Storm #CalmHeart

Lord, however alarmed my heart may feel, help me not to be agitated or afraid. I am grateful that when fear attempts to overtake me, You are there. You, Jesus, are my source of peace. You are sovereign and in control, and I do not have to be upset or afraid. You are my comfort and because You are remain near my heart is brave and calm. In the strong name of Jesus, amen.

 “They were all terrified when they saw him. But Jesus spoke to them at once. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage! I am here.” Mark 6:50

Find more heart-calming prayers in Julie’s new book, Prayers to Calm Your Anxious Heart:100Reassuring Devotions. Available wherever books are sold. 

Peace In Anxious Times

Talk about God's perfect timing. This week I chatted with Martha from the Inside Out radio program about maintaining peace during anxious times. It's a 10 minute interview discussing the discomfort we're all prone to feeling and the presence of God which calms our hearts. 

Click here to listen to the Peace in Anxious Times radio interview.

Below is a blog post I wrote years ago on the topic of seeking God in anxious circumstances. Praying these resources bless your heart. 

Are you stressed, overwhelmed, pushed out of your comfort zone, struggling with worry, or at the end of your rope?

You aren't alone.

Several days ago my hubby and I got hit with some unexpected, not-so-good news that sent me into an emotional tailspin. It was just one more thing heaped onto an already heavy, overloaded plate.

{Come to Me, all you who are weary and heavy-laden and overburdened.}

After sending out a prayer S.O.S. to some family members and close friends, I rushed into my bedroom, closed the door, and hit my knees. The impact marks on my heart lightened up a bit, and I returned to the kitchen to finish preparing dinner--yet I sensed anxiety percolating.

{And I will cause you to rest.}

The next morning my heart and mind were a muddy brew of stress and freakout 3.0 I needed Jesus--His peace, His calming presence, His assurance. So I switched on some good music, took some deep breaths, and called His name. And there He was. My Prince of Peace.

{I will ease and relieve and refresh your soul.}

As I sang and the tears flowed, He gently spoke. And somehow, even though nothing had changed, everything had changed. Because when God speaks, every cell in our bodies responds with overwhelming joy, relief, and peace.

Joy because He loves us. Relief because He cares enough to speak to us. And peace because no anxiety or worry can remain in His presence.

Be anxious for nothing, He said to me. And it was enough.

I'm praying that you will imagine Jesus taking your beautiful face into His hands, looking you in the eyes, and whispering Be anxious for nothing.

Let's turn our high anxiety to high praise for the One who, with a single touch, changes everything.

Be anxious for nothing. But in everything with prayer and supplication

with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension,

will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:6-7

Through my books I love to help readers know God, know Scripture, and know how to pray. Click on the images below to learn more about each book.

             

A Prayer For Election Day

Lord, on this Election Day, we cry for mercy and for You to intervene in our nation. Oversee and orchestrate every detail of our elections today, Lord. Move on the hearts of Your people to PRAY. Move on the hearts of Your people to do their parts and VOTE according to biblical principles. Lead and guide and direct every person at every poll. 

May peace, integrity, honesty, accuracy and truth prevail today. Lord, oppose and prevent all evil schemes, tampering, and dishonesty. God, may Your plans and purposes in and for and through the U.S.A. prevail, today and always. 

Lastly Lord, please change the atmosphere of our country as only You can. Move on hearts. Disarm the powers of darkness and may light and truth overtake every dark place. May the name of Jesus be deeply honored in every town and city in America. And may the reverential fear of Almighty God sweep across our nation. In the strong name of Jesus, Amen. 

Click here to watch my prayer video for Election Day. Subscribe to my YouTube channel for more devotion and prayer videos!