So good. I have a "Hard Days" playlist. Natalie Grant's "Held" and Lauren Daigle's "Rescue" are 2 of my favorites.
The song "Because He Lives" was my lifeline when I was walking thru Major depression and suicidality, especially when I was consumed with fear and all I could see were bleak tomorrows, believing that my life was completely worthless.
It's an oldie but a goodie:
"Because He Lives / I can face tomorrow.
Because He live / All fear is gone.
Because I know / He holds the future.
And life is worth the living / Just because He lives."
Oh, Heather, I love the idea of a "Hard Days" playlist, thank you for mentioning yours.
When I was walking through some very dark times over many decades ago, the one song that saved my life was "Because He Lives". Our compassionate Abba is so good to us!
I love Twila Paris' song as well. I also have a list I've created with affirmations/God's truth for different circumstances and keep it by my bed. I would encourage others to do the same. Thanks for a great article.
The error most Christians make is that they do not separate their perfect spirit in Christ from their sinful flesh. Sanctification is like listening to your stereo and adjusting the volume on each channel. If the right is YAH (we sit at the right hand of YAH with Yeshua) and the left is Satan, we adjust over time until we only hear right speaker. They are distinct channels and we get to choose the volume of each. Give the left volume and our circumstances overwhelm us but give the right volume and light enters our soul. Read Romans 6 and 7 for scriptural understanding.
GOD bless you, Jenise, and your family. Here's a humble reply to this question.
"On my nightstand, next to my bed, I have a little notebook. I call it my "Book of Affirmations." Jenise
"You planned evil against me; God planned it for good to bring about the present result—the survival of many people." Genesis 50:20 HCSB
THE QUESTION
"Looking for resources on how we live out life expectant of God's blessings and best for us, while also expecting our promised trials and tribulations????" Comment on Facebook by an anonymous
Could the promised trials and tribulations be the expectant life of best-expected blessings for us? Do we mean, are our trials and tribulations and the expectant best blessings the same thing?
Expectant blessings
Promised trials and Tribulations.
What's best for us?
Everyone must ask, is this life of ours "GOD's story or ours?"
Does our life unfold how we perceive it should be or how GOD precisely ordained it to be?
Could what's happening to us in our lives, whether good or bad, ultimately be what is best for us, now and forever?
Is this life our story or GOD's story for us? Is it our destiny caused by us or planned by GOD for us?
THINGS WORKING TOGETHER
Are promised trials and tribulations and blessings all the same? Do they work together for the good?
14. "But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you are blessed."
1 Peter 3 NKJV "13. And who is he who will harm you if you become followers of what is good? 14. (But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you are blessed.) "And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled." 15. But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; 16. having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed. 17. (For it is better, if it is the will of God, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.) 18. For Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive by the Spirit."
17. "For it is better, if it is the will of God, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil."
Having a Look at the question again.
"Looking for resources on how we live out life expectant of God's blessings and best for us, while also expecting our promised trials and tribulations????" Comment on Facebook by an anonymous
Who is the LORD? Is He not Sovereign over all that He has created?
Isaiah 45:5-10 NLT "5. I am the LORD.
There is no other God.
I have equipped you for battle,
though you don't even know me,
6. So the world from east to west
will know there is no other God.
I am the LORD, and there is no other.
7. I create the light and make the darkness.
I send good times and bad times.
I, the LORD, am the one who does these things.
8. "Open up, O heavens,
and pour out your righteousness.
Let the earth open wide
so salvation and righteousness can sprout up together.
I, the LORD, created them.
9. "What sorrow awaits those who argue with their Creator.
Does a clay pot argue with its maker?
Does the clay dispute with the one who shapes it, saying,
'Stop, you're doing it wrong!'
Does the pot exclaim,
'How clumsy can you be?'
10. How terrible it would be if a newborn baby said to its father,
'Why was I born?'
or if it said to its mother,
'Why did you make me this way?" Isaiah 45:5-10 NLT
Yes, LORD, You know what is best. All who patiently wait for You are Blessed.
"Therefore, the LORD is waiting to show you mercy, and is rising up to show you compassion, for the LORD is a just God. All who wait patiently for Him are happy." Isaiah 30:18 HCSB
Let us pray. . .
Our Father in Heaven, we know You always have our best interests in Your plans. How You work all things together is beyond us to understand because You are the Potter, and we are just the clay in Your loving hands. Help us to trust that You have everything in Your control. When trials and tribulations come our way, help us see the bigger picture, how You work all things together for good. Thank You, LORD, for Your lovingkindness, Grace, and Mercy, which will forever keep us in Your care. Help us to persevere in doing what's right in Your sight. We pray this day in the Mighty Name of JESUS. Amen.
James, thank you very much for adding how you'd answer her question.
Good resources in those verses; and a wonderful reminder that we are redeemed for God's story, for His kingdom purposes.
I think of our spiritual siblings in North Korea, Sudan, Nigeria, Pakistan, and in so many more countries and situations in which our sisters and brothers in Jesus suffer for Him on a daily basis.
God's story is for us to share Him with others and invite them to His redemption story, no matter our earthly circumstances, no matter theirs.
Lord, have. mercy on me, and help me to share Your story.
"God's story is for us to share Him with others and invite them to His redemption story, no matter our earthly circumstances, no matter theirs."
This question about "expectant blessings & Promised trials and Tribulations."
And how GOD uses both for His purposes goes much deeper than a short comment could ever explain. I was doing some research on this topic a week ago. And I watched these two videos from John MacArthur and R.C. Sproul. They both give more insight into this question, which is more complex and unfathomable than we can know thoroughly, meaning there isn't a simple answer.
The bigger question is, why does GOD allow so much suffering and evil to happen in our world? May the LORD comfort our brothers and sisters "in North Korea, Sudan, Nigeria, Pakistan, and in so many more countries" who are suffering evil persecution every day, but no matter their trials and tribulations, they must understand the bigger picture, which is GOD's story for us, it's about the blessing of redemption and reconciliation, it's about the value of the Human Soul and the hope of a better future. In conclusion, His plan of Salvation is perfect because He is perfect. Someday, we will understand all these things more completely when we stand before Him face to face. So, until then, we must trust Him because only the LORD is Sovereign. He is a Loving GOD and only does what's best.
"And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul?" Matthew 16:26 NLT
"In the same way, there is more joy in heaven over one lost sinner who repents and returns to God than over ninety-nine others who are righteous and haven't strayed away!" Luke 15:7 NLT
"In the same way, there is joy in the presence of God's angels when even one sinner repents." Luke 15:10 NLT
Redemption: saving, rescuing, converting, clearing a debt, free from sin.
Reconciliation: Restored relationship, made right with GOD, fellowship, Justification.
"Everything is from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation. That is, in Christ, God was reconciling the World to Himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and He has committed the message of reconciliation to us." 2 Corinthians 5:18-19 HCSB.
So good. I have a "Hard Days" playlist. Natalie Grant's "Held" and Lauren Daigle's "Rescue" are 2 of my favorites.
The song "Because He Lives" was my lifeline when I was walking thru Major depression and suicidality, especially when I was consumed with fear and all I could see were bleak tomorrows, believing that my life was completely worthless.
It's an oldie but a goodie:
"Because He Lives / I can face tomorrow.
Because He live / All fear is gone.
Because I know / He holds the future.
And life is worth the living / Just because He lives."
Oh, Heather, I love the idea of a "Hard Days" playlist, thank you for mentioning yours.
When I was walking through some very dark times over many decades ago, the one song that saved my life was "Because He Lives". Our compassionate Abba is so good to us!
Yes He is! Alabado sea el Señor!!!
GOD bless you
Blessings to you. God is faithful. Always.
Amen sis
God bless you, Mark! 🙌🏻
Ty my friend
I love Twila Paris' song as well. I also have a list I've created with affirmations/God's truth for different circumstances and keep it by my bed. I would encourage others to do the same. Thanks for a great article.
Thank you for reading and commenting, Kate!
The error most Christians make is that they do not separate their perfect spirit in Christ from their sinful flesh. Sanctification is like listening to your stereo and adjusting the volume on each channel. If the right is YAH (we sit at the right hand of YAH with Yeshua) and the left is Satan, we adjust over time until we only hear right speaker. They are distinct channels and we get to choose the volume of each. Give the left volume and our circumstances overwhelm us but give the right volume and light enters our soul. Read Romans 6 and 7 for scriptural understanding.
I just finished Romans!
Thank you for reading and leaving a comment!
GOD bless you, Jenise, and your family. Here's a humble reply to this question.
"On my nightstand, next to my bed, I have a little notebook. I call it my "Book of Affirmations." Jenise
"You planned evil against me; God planned it for good to bring about the present result—the survival of many people." Genesis 50:20 HCSB
THE QUESTION
"Looking for resources on how we live out life expectant of God's blessings and best for us, while also expecting our promised trials and tribulations????" Comment on Facebook by an anonymous
Could the promised trials and tribulations be the expectant life of best-expected blessings for us? Do we mean, are our trials and tribulations and the expectant best blessings the same thing?
Expectant blessings
Promised trials and Tribulations.
What's best for us?
Everyone must ask, is this life of ours "GOD's story or ours?"
Does our life unfold how we perceive it should be or how GOD precisely ordained it to be?
Could what's happening to us in our lives, whether good or bad, ultimately be what is best for us, now and forever?
Is this life our story or GOD's story for us? Is it our destiny caused by us or planned by GOD for us?
THINGS WORKING TOGETHER
Are promised trials and tribulations and blessings all the same? Do they work together for the good?
14. "But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you are blessed."
1 Peter 3 NKJV "13. And who is he who will harm you if you become followers of what is good? 14. (But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you are blessed.) "And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled." 15. But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; 16. having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed. 17. (For it is better, if it is the will of God, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.) 18. For Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive by the Spirit."
17. "For it is better, if it is the will of God, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil."
Having a Look at the question again.
"Looking for resources on how we live out life expectant of God's blessings and best for us, while also expecting our promised trials and tribulations????" Comment on Facebook by an anonymous
Who is the LORD? Is He not Sovereign over all that He has created?
Isaiah 45:5-10 NLT "5. I am the LORD.
There is no other God.
I have equipped you for battle,
though you don't even know me,
6. So the world from east to west
will know there is no other God.
I am the LORD, and there is no other.
7. I create the light and make the darkness.
I send good times and bad times.
I, the LORD, am the one who does these things.
8. "Open up, O heavens,
and pour out your righteousness.
Let the earth open wide
so salvation and righteousness can sprout up together.
I, the LORD, created them.
9. "What sorrow awaits those who argue with their Creator.
Does a clay pot argue with its maker?
Does the clay dispute with the one who shapes it, saying,
'Stop, you're doing it wrong!'
Does the pot exclaim,
'How clumsy can you be?'
10. How terrible it would be if a newborn baby said to its father,
'Why was I born?'
or if it said to its mother,
'Why did you make me this way?" Isaiah 45:5-10 NLT
Yes, LORD, You know what is best. All who patiently wait for You are Blessed.
"Therefore, the LORD is waiting to show you mercy, and is rising up to show you compassion, for the LORD is a just God. All who wait patiently for Him are happy." Isaiah 30:18 HCSB
Let us pray. . .
Our Father in Heaven, we know You always have our best interests in Your plans. How You work all things together is beyond us to understand because You are the Potter, and we are just the clay in Your loving hands. Help us to trust that You have everything in Your control. When trials and tribulations come our way, help us see the bigger picture, how You work all things together for good. Thank You, LORD, for Your lovingkindness, Grace, and Mercy, which will forever keep us in Your care. Help us to persevere in doing what's right in Your sight. We pray this day in the Mighty Name of JESUS. Amen.
WORSHIP WITH SAM https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SsnuqDS0rNw
GOD bless you all!
James, thank you very much for adding how you'd answer her question.
Good resources in those verses; and a wonderful reminder that we are redeemed for God's story, for His kingdom purposes.
I think of our spiritual siblings in North Korea, Sudan, Nigeria, Pakistan, and in so many more countries and situations in which our sisters and brothers in Jesus suffer for Him on a daily basis.
God's story is for us to share Him with others and invite them to His redemption story, no matter our earthly circumstances, no matter theirs.
Lord, have. mercy on me, and help me to share Your story.
Hi Jenise, you are so right in saying. . .
"God's story is for us to share Him with others and invite them to His redemption story, no matter our earthly circumstances, no matter theirs."
This question about "expectant blessings & Promised trials and Tribulations."
And how GOD uses both for His purposes goes much deeper than a short comment could ever explain. I was doing some research on this topic a week ago. And I watched these two videos from John MacArthur and R.C. Sproul. They both give more insight into this question, which is more complex and unfathomable than we can know thoroughly, meaning there isn't a simple answer.
John MacArthur: Why Does God Allow So Much Suffering and Evil? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6LFzk1afiD8
R.C. Sproul: What Is Evil & Where Did It Come From? (youtube.com) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hzrC7KuMj6o
The bigger question is, why does GOD allow so much suffering and evil to happen in our world? May the LORD comfort our brothers and sisters "in North Korea, Sudan, Nigeria, Pakistan, and in so many more countries" who are suffering evil persecution every day, but no matter their trials and tribulations, they must understand the bigger picture, which is GOD's story for us, it's about the blessing of redemption and reconciliation, it's about the value of the Human Soul and the hope of a better future. In conclusion, His plan of Salvation is perfect because He is perfect. Someday, we will understand all these things more completely when we stand before Him face to face. So, until then, we must trust Him because only the LORD is Sovereign. He is a Loving GOD and only does what's best.
"And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul?" Matthew 16:26 NLT
"In the same way, there is more joy in heaven over one lost sinner who repents and returns to God than over ninety-nine others who are righteous and haven't strayed away!" Luke 15:7 NLT
"In the same way, there is joy in the presence of God's angels when even one sinner repents." Luke 15:10 NLT
Redemption: saving, rescuing, converting, clearing a debt, free from sin.
Reconciliation: Restored relationship, made right with GOD, fellowship, Justification.
WORSHIP WITH SAM https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hG__fCVz4Ho
GOD bless you all!
"Everything is from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation. That is, in Christ, God was reconciling the World to Himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and He has committed the message of reconciliation to us." 2 Corinthians 5:18-19 HCSB.