Photography & Thoughts || May Sunset // Mind Trials
Hi, all! I hope you are all having a lovely evening (or day). This week, I would like to share with you some recent sunset photos I took, as well as some thoughts that I pray will encourage you who are struggling.
Of all the things that make life difficult, one of the hardest is that which goes on inside the mind. Everything can be peaceful and easy on the outside, but inside is a tumultuous battleground. Often, we are trying our best to keep our troubling minds from others. Few know what we are going through, and even then they may not understand.
My personal mind battle has been a struggle with anxious thoughts, which began in early childhood. They take on a variety of forms, but the most troubling are those that have to do with my faith. Am I really saved? Is God angry with me? If I don't say all the right words, will God hear my prayer? Some of these thoughts take truth from the Word then twist them into doubts and fears.
As with all trials believers face, God will use this for His glory and His child's growth. Doubts can drive me to the Bible to search out the truth or just find comfort in a Psalm. When dealing with situations where I want to panic, I have been learning how to reassure myself with the Lord's strength, a difficulty for one not naturally self-confident! In past times, I have had to swallow my pride and talk things out with trusted friends when my usual confidante (Mom) wasn't around.
The Psalmist said "When my anxious thoughts multiply within me,Your consolations delight my soul." (Psalm 94:19). Though sometimes we don't feel like it, we can know that He is right there beside us - this is faith. "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God." (II Corinthians 1:3-4)
Have you ever had to deal with troubling thoughts?
Has the Lord taught you through these?
for He Himself has said, “I will never desert you,
nor will I ever forsake you,”
Hebrews 13:5b
These pictures are so pretty! <3 great post!
ReplyDeleteEllie
www.uniquelyyou1.blogspot.com
Thanks a bunch! :D
DeleteYou have truly taken some breath taking sunset photos! You are very lucky to live by the coast. We can only see the coast when we go to Destin Florida:) since we live in Missouri. I love seeing the sunset It is so peaceful. Yes, many times and when I give them up to God he always gives me strength. Thank you for an inspiring post:) Stephanie
ReplyDeleteThanks so much Stephanie! Each part of the country has its own beauties; I am happy to live so near the ocean though!
DeleteI'm glad you enjoyed this post. May the Lord bless you with a restful weekend. :)
Wonderful post, Paige. I really appreciate your statement about faith;though we may not feel God is here with us , we can know He is here with us. The verses from Corinthians 1 are what we heard in our sermon last week. God is truly the Father of mercies! Isaiah 43:1-3
ReplyDeleteGod bless you!
:) Susanna
Thank you Susanna! Oh, it's so neat to hear scriptures in close succession - it helps them stick in our brains I think. :)
DeleteHave a lovely weekend my friend!
The photos are beautiful. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. The mind can be quite the battlefield at times!
ReplyDeleteThank you muchly! :) It can indeed - thankfully, it is another area where Christ has the victory.
DeleteLovely photos, Paige! :) I definitely struggle with anxious thoughts a lot but the Lord always has a reassuring word, either through Scripture or a friend, to calm my heart. :)
ReplyDeleteThank you Amanda! I'm not glad for your anxiety but glad to hear of another person who struggles with the same thing. It is a unique opportunity to let the Lord comfort us and grow in Him!
DeleteEek! I deleted a comment from Dani but was able to copy and paste from my email:
ReplyDeletePaige, the photos are absolutely lovely. Thank you for sharing so open and honestly your struggles. Many of my friends who grew up in the church with me have wrestled with the very same trial - you're not alone in this struggle. When our lives lack a dramatic repentance story, I think we find it difficult to pinpoint our salvation and to find confidence in it.
One thing I have been encouraged to remember is that the providential circumstances of my life - being born into a Christian home, receiving a God-centered education, growing up under the preaching and teaching of God's Word - these circumstances are no less extraordinary and miraculous as the circumstances that blinded Paul on the road to Damascus.
This fact does not eradicate all doubt, but it does help me to see God's sovereign hand in my life and my salvation.
I hope you have a blessed day!
Dani xoxo
a vapor in the wind
Thanks a bunch Dani! :)
DeleteYes, you are so right about those of us who grew up in church and were saved at a young age. It is a huge blessing but not without its struggles.
Thank you for your encouraging words; They are much appreciated.
Have a lovely week!