"Just one of them days"

By: Monique Smith

Good day friends!

Honestly speaking, today was has not been too great for me. This is me being 100% honest. However, throughout this day I have continuously been trying to stay encouraged and in high spirits, but I am feeling completely overwhelmed. Therefore, I turned to my only source of comfort. The Word. (At times like this, I do like to talk to my friends, and I thought about texting my best friend…but I have no idea where my phone is!) Crazy right! Story of my life today…so I decided to PAUSE and write this devotional.

Situations like this, having the Word of God hid in your heart is very beneficial! Unfortunately, I have been slacking on my scripture memory so I goggled “encouraging scriptures”.

· Isaiah 41:10- He promises to strengthen us in all our difficulties."

· John 14:27- Jesus said, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you; not as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."

· Jeremiah 1:5- "Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you, before you were born I sanctified you."

· Isaiah 55:8-9- "My thoughts are completely different from yours." says the Lord.
And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than you thoughts."

These verses were really hitting today for me. God not only sent His son to die for our sins, not only sent His holy spirit to live inside us, but He PROMISES to strengthen us in ALL our difficulties! To have the strength of God in our back pocket is way more than encouraging than anything I know of! God also leaves us His peace! My God! Thank you! His peace that surpasses ALL understanding!! To have the peace of God is indescribable! God is also extremely wise! He knew that on Monday October 24, 2011, His daughter Monique would feel overwhelmed. He knew that. But he has plans for this. This situation is needed so that He can show me more of His character and remind me of His promises and love for me! Of course, I didn’t understand why I was feeling overwhelmed or why all these things are on my plate right now, but God has a reason for everything and I am more than excited that God chooses to use me in his plan!

(Now instead of crying about being overwhelmed, I’m on the verge of tears of thanks! I am so thankful!)

So just as a reminder, the Word of God is the best encourager you have! Remember that God has sanctioned each situation that occurs in your life, to the later building and empowerment of His kingdom! Don’t allow temporary situations to discourage you or make you feel inadequate! Keep your confidence up and know that you are chosen and loved by the creator of the universe! If He takes care of the little birdies, you KNOW He will take care of you!