What is rest?  For some it seems elusive.  And for some, it may even be avoided.  I’ve heard it said, “I’ll rest when I’m dead.”  For others, trying to “rest” may be difficult, with a noisy world and an even noisier mind. I think we all have a picture of what rest is.  Maybe for … Continue reading "Psalms: True Rest"

According to the Random House Unabridged Dictionary (2018), a lament is, “an expression of grief or sorrow.” The Psalms are full of songs of lament, where the Psalmist is crying out to God in sorrow, grief and regret.  Feeling alone, persecuted, lost, angry, grief-stricken and more. Maybe you’re lamenting something or someone right now – … Continue reading "Psalms: To Lament"

We will all make mistakes, and at times feel guilty about what we’ve done, and the choices we’ve made.  When we cross over from feeling regret and remorse for something we did into shame then we have a deeper issue; the feelings can make us sick emotionally and even physically. Guilt is appropriate and urges … Continue reading "Psalms: Guilt & Shame"

How good is your memory?  Quick – think of the clothes you wore for the last seven days – including undergarments.  Remember? Yes – okay, you won!  Skip to the next paragraph.   For the rest of us, how about the last five days?  No?  Three days? No?!  Do you know what you’re wearing now?  Hopefully the answer … Continue reading "Psalms: We Need to Remember"

“There are times in our lives when our peace is based simply on our own ignorance.  But when we are awakened to the realities of life, true inner peace is impossible unless it is received from Jesus.” – Oswald Chambers, My Utmost for His Highest (1935). I love this quote, because I believe it captures … Continue reading "Psalms: Finding God in Our Anxiety"

How many questions did you ask Google today?  If you’re like me, you may have lost count.  It could be things as simple as the price of a brand of vitamins, and how to take a screenshot on a new phone; in other words, nothing too deep.  But it all points to the fact that … Continue reading "Psalms: Unanswered Questions"

One of the first and most important things I was told upon becoming a Christian was that Scripture never contradicts Scripture, rather Scripture confirms Scripture.  So, if I am reading a verse and find another verse that seems to say something different, it means that I need to study further to understand the context in which … Continue reading "Psalms: Forgiveness is Hard"

As therapists, we don’t shy away from emotions. We appreciate and even encourage emotional expressions. I can tell you wholeheartedly that I enjoy watching movies with lots of displays of relationship and family dynamics, and expressions of emotion. Displays of anger, particularly when expressed verbally, are powerful and typically give you a view into a … Continue reading "Psalms: Don’t Fear Anger"

The grass withers, the flower fades: but the word of our God shall stand forever.  – Isaiah 40:8 According to Andy Haley from stack.com (last updated September 23, 2015), did you know these things happen every day in our bodies? You get shorter (gravity). You gain weight. Your hormones fluctuate. Your heart rate changes. You’re … Continue reading "Psalms: Hope in the Darkness – Depression"

Is there someone you love who now hates you? You know, without a doubt, that they want to see your demise?  They want to see you torn down, destroyed or heartbroken? You’re not alone. I invite you to look at Psalm 3 (which was written over 3,000 years ago by the way). Regardless of their age, … Continue reading "What is it about the Psalms?"