Biblical joy isn’t pretending everything is okay. Psalm 5:11But let all who take refuge in you rejoice; let them shout for joy forever. May you shelter them, and may those who love your name boast about you.  There was a point in my life (and, honestly, I still struggle with this, sometimes), that I thought…

Centuries separated us, but not the God who held us. Hebrews 13:8“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” I love art museums. I love getting lost in the various paintings that are older and worth more than I could ever imagine; I love sitting on the little benches with a journal and…

God’s love isn’t a full-time job. 2 Thessalonians 2:13“But we ought to thank God always for you, brothers and sisters loved by the Lord, because from the beginning God has chosen you for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and through belief in the truth.” Some of us are lucky to not have to know…

Learning what to lay down in the presence of God. Psalm 55:22 (CSB)“Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you; he will never allow the righteous to be shaken.” When I imagine my perfect life, I imagine a four bedroom home with three bathrooms, neighbors that bake sourdough bread every Sunday, and…

Jesus consolidates our baggage. 2 Corinthians 12:9“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is perfected in weakness.” I have done a lot of bad things. I came to Christ when I was 22 after a deployment to Kuwait (a long story for another day). By then, I had lived a life filled with…