It’s a dreary, gray morning here today. After a summer of drought, it’s been awhile since we’ve had many rainy days like this. The house is dim and quiet—a nice setting for peaceful reflection, or better yet, staying tucked in bed with a good book.

But gray days like this can also feel heavy or lonely. If you’re reading this and your heart feels overcast, I’d like to share a simple, encouraging thought: the sun will shine again.

As I watched rain stream down my window like teardrops, I thought how often a day like this has left me down and discouraged. It’s funny how much our moods can change with the weather. Sunlight is so naturally cheerful, isn’t it? And we often take it for granted until a cloudy day comes.

Feelings can be fickle, especially for us women. A bad hair day, an offhand remark, or even precipitation can send our emotions off on a rollercoaster. Faith helps remind us what our feelings often forget: that the sun will shine again. God has not moved and His promises have not changed—even when our hearts are heavy.

Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.—Hebrews 13:8

Last year, I came across a lesser-known hymn by A.H. Ackley titled The Sun Will Shine Again. Though he is most well-known for the Resurrection hymn He Lives, Ackley wrote hundreds others. On this dreary day, listen to these comforting words:

Whatever life may bring you Is tempered by His love,You are the child of His unfailing care;Then do not be discouraged,But trust this Friend above,And make your wants and wishes Known in prayer

Just as another hymn says, “All that Thou sendest me, in mercy given”—Ackley echoes that truth in saying “Whatever life may bring you is tempered by His love.” These writers knew something of the wisdom and providence of God. All that He does is measured out in mercy and love. And like a friend, we can trust Him.

The refrain continues:

The sun will shine again, The sun will shine again,The cloud that hides it now Is God’s designing;Tho’ day be dark as night, Keep looking for the light,For just behind the cloud The sun is shining.

Even the clouds are His design. Even the burden, even the delay. It is all His design.

It’s been awhile since I’ve flown on an airplane, but I recall no matter how gray and stormy it is on the ground, once the plane breaks through the cloud cover and you’re 35,000 feet in the air—the sunlight is brilliant. The sun hadn’t stopped shining, it was just hidden from earthly view.

I’ve often admired those sorts of people who can always “look on the bright side” and somehow find a silver lining in everything. I’m not naturally good at that, but I’m learning. Because the truth is, the sun is still shining behind those clouds, we need only to look for it. Keep looking for the light.

It sounds cliché to say you can’t have a rainbow without the rain. Even though I know it’s true, oftentimes in the middle of a storm, there can be no hope of a rainbow. Sometimes it feels like the gloomy gray will never end and I confess, sometimes I just want to “waller” in my feelings. But the truth of God’s goodness and love doesn’t depend on my mood.

Ackley ends the hymn with this:

Then smile at all your troubles, Take heart because you knowThat God is on his throne And all is well;Let Jesus give you courage, His confidence bestow,Your ev’ry doubt and fear He will dispel.

Smiling at troubles is a choice. I do not contend that it is an easy one. But prayer helps us make that decision. We can find strength for our weary hearts, and joy and gladness. Like David, we can encourage ourselves in the Lord.

So on this gray morning, I hope I can remind my own heart as much as yours:

It’s all in His control.He knows what He is doing and His way is perfect.God loves you.Ask the Lord to help you look beyond the clouds.And rest on this promise—the sun will shine again.

Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.—Psalm 30:5

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What does it mean to “glorify”?

I was pondering this word the other day for a rather unusual reason—a pop bottle. Not just any pop bottle, and no, not a “soda” bottle or a “Coke” bottle—but a very distinct...green glass bottle.

As the saying goes here in Kentucky, ‘Ginger ale dreams of becoming Ale-8.’ Where I grew up, we have this regional soft drink, and in my experience, you either love it or hate it. Unlike most ginger ales, it contains caffeine and a crisp flavor.

For a long time, the green glass bottles had the slogan “For Bracing Pep” on them, and even earlier than that was the phrase “It Glorifies”. In doing a little research, I came across a 1992 LA Times article that explained “[Ale-8’s] founder sought to hype the drink’s invigorating qualities.” It wasn’t just a refreshing beverage, it made you sparkle.

One day, as I sat in my Central Kentucky kitchen, enjoying a frosty Ale-8 (with a bag of Grippo’s barbecue chips, of course), I was contemplating vintage ads I had seen for the beverage and began thinking...how can a pop “glorify” anything?

The dictionary meaning of glorify is to elevate, magnify, to make something appear to be splendid or worthy of praise. In today’s world, we glorify a lot of things—success, appearances, even busyness. But the Lord calls us to something higher.

For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s. —1 Corinthians 6:20

Whoso offereth praise glorifieth me. —Psalm 50:23

It’s easy to think about giving God glory when we are praising Him in song, whether at church or just humming in our car. Or perhaps when we receive an answer to prayer and exclaim “Praise the Lord!”—that certainly feels like giving Him glory.

But how can we give God glory in all of the whatsoevers?

Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. —1 Corinthians 10:31

We glorify Him not only in worship, but also in the everyday things:

When we pray over our children as we fold their laundry...When we choose to have patience with a difficult loved one...When we speak a kind word instead of complaining...

We can do all to the glory of God.

To glorify Him is to live, not in a way that draws attention to ourselves, but in a way that reflects Him. When we demonstrate His kindness, mercy, patience, and compassion to others, we make the Lord shine.

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in Heaven. —Matthew 5:16

That old Ale-8 slogan promised a sparkling pep that would eventually fade as quickly as the fizz in the bottle. But when our lives are surrendered to the Lord, He can fill us with a joy that won’t go flat. When we radiate with His love, we can make our Savior look splendid to a lost and dying world.

So I find myself asking—if a soft drink can boast ‘It glorifies,’ how much more should we, the redeemed of the Lord, glorify Him? Lord, how can my actions shine a little more sparkle on You and less on me?

May it be said of us, not just as a slogan, but as a testimony:She glorifies.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit lightinthemargins.substack.com

Do you ever feel like what you do to serve in your church is small or insignificant? Maybe you do laundry for the church nursery, straighten hymnals, or clean fingerprints off a glass door, and it feels like nobody notices. I’d like to remind you today that every act of service is important to God.

Several months ago, while reading the book of Numbers, I was struck by the careful order God gave to the Levites, the tribe set apart for the service of the Tabernacle. Each branch of that family had specific tasks assigned to care for the dwelling place of God. Buried among the long lists of names and duties is a reminder that God has an order and purpose to all that we do for Him.

After the children of Israel fled Egypt, God gave Moses detailed instructions for assembling the Tabernacle. As they journeyed through the wilderness, God provided a portable dwelling place for His presence. Every part had to be assembled in a precise order—the Holy of Holies, the vail, the inner and outer court, all designed and planned by God.

To care for these tasks, God appointed the tribe of Levi. Levi had three main branches to his family tree: his sons Kohath, Gershon, and Merari. (Amram, the father of Moses and Aaron, was a Kohathite.) I won’t bore you with all the details, but I would encourage you to read Numbers chapters 3 and 4 to see how the duties were assigned.

The Kohathite’s service was “about the most holy things”—the Ark of the testimony, the vail, the table of shewbread, the golden altar and more. On moving day, their responsibility was to cover the furniture and put the staves in. They had to be careful in their work. God had commanded no one was to “touch any holy thing, lest they die.” They carried the sacred furniture on their shoulders. (Numbers 7:9)

The family of Merari were in charge of the framework—the boards, bars, pillars and sockets. They were given four wagons and eight oxen to help bear their load. (Numbers 7:8)

And then came the Gershonites—the curtain bearers. The boys who carried the cords and coverings. An important job, but perhaps a little less visible.

Of course, someone had to handle the holy furniture. Someone had to assemble the walls. But someone also had to care for and fold those curtains.

I can’t help but wonder how each group felt about their assignment. I like to imagine how I might feel if I were in their place. Did the Kohathites struggle with pride because their work seemed more important? Our job is special, don’t you see? If we make one wrong move and touch so much as a leg of that table —poof— God will strike us dead! And you boys and your wagons and oxen, why, we carry all that furniture on our shoulders. We’re stronger and more important than you.

Did the family of Merari like to brag about how the whole Tabernacle might fall apart if it wasn’t for them? Why if we hadn’t kept up with every socket and bar there wouldn’t be a place to worship God!

And what about those Gershonites—did they ever feel that their task was small and insignificant? Aw, all we ever get to do is fold and carry fabric. I’m as strong as one of those Kohath boys, I could carry the table of shewbread once in awhile. Why do I always have to be stuck on curtain duty?

Yet every piece was necessary. Every job was important. Without the curtains, the boards would be exposed. Without the boards, there would be no place to hang the curtains.

In church today, it’s easy to fall into a trap of measuring our value by our visibility. The ones who sing a special, teach a class, or play an instrument seem to carry the “holy things” while others are quietly folding curtains—teaching toddlers, emptying trash, moving stacks of chairs.

But the same God who designed the Tabernacle and assigned duties to each family of the Levites also designed the church. And He sets us in the order wherein He is pleased.

But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him. —1 Corinthians 12:18

We can’t all bear the holy things. We can’t all be responsible for the boards and bars. Someone has to be a Gershonite and fold the curtains.

There is no room for pride and likewise, no reason for discouragement.

Whatever place of service the Lord has for you, He provides strength and grace enough to perform the task, just as He provided the carts and oxen for Merari and Gershon.

Even still, there may be some women reading this who feel even less than a curtain bearer. You may be in a season of life where all you can do is care for an infant, wipe little noses, or clean a home that seems to get messy again the moment you turn your back. Your service may not be in a classroom or a choir loft—it may be in your kitchen and laundry room instead. None of your work is unimportant to the Lord.

With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men: Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord... —Ephesians 6:7-8

In 1847, missionary Adoniram Judson was married to his third wife, Emily Chubbuck Judson, and she took charge of his five small children. They had not been married a full year when she wrote these lines in her journal—

“January 5. It seems to me as though I do nothing but get up, turn round, and then go to bed again! I expected to...go to work in ‘true apostolic style.’ ...though my work is not what I expected, Thou canst bring great results from little causes. It is all of Thy ordering.

January 10. This taking care of teething babies...is really very odd sort of business... But the person who would do great things well, must practice daily on little ones; and she who would have the assistance of the Almighty in important acts, must be daily and hourly accustomed to consult His will in the minor affairs of life.”

Though her tasks seemed repetitive and mundane, Emily Judson recognized there was something sacred in the small tasks. Her “little causes” were no less valuable than her husband’s preaching. Without her to care for his home and children, Adoniram Judson could not have completed the task God called him to do.

The same is true for us. Every small task can be done in service to Him.

Whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men. —Colossians 3:23

We may never carry the Ark, but we can carry the cords and curtains. We can serve with a willing heart and do the small tasks that help hold the work together. Every unseen act of faithfulness is part of the same great calling. Whether in our homes or our churches, we can create a place for God to be glorified.

So keep doing the small, mundane tasks.Keep sending small notes of encouragement.Keep baking cookies and rocking babies without applause.

Keep bearing the curtains.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit lightinthemargins.substack.com

It can be easy to have that initial burst of faith when grief or trials come. But what do we do when our faith flickers as the days of grief wear on? When our confidence in God wants to cave under the weight of disappointment? Are there moments we stop praying because the silence feels final? Do we quietly give up hope because the answer is just taking ‘too long’?

Recently my Pastor preached about having hope to get through the difficult seasons when our faith wants to faint. He pointed to Job 19 as a turning point where Job, though in the midst of a trial, was able to grab hold of hope and declare “I know that my Redeemer liveth.” (Job 19:25)

As he spoke, I thought how beautifully his message dovetailed with this passage I had been meditating on throughout the week.

And, behold, there cometh one of the rulers of the synagogue, Jairus by name; and when he saw him, he fell at his feet, And besought him greatly, saying, My little daughter lieth at the point of death: I pray thee, come and lay thy hands on her, that she may be healed; and she shall live. —Mark 5:22, 23

Anytime that Jesus seems “too late” in acting always catches my attention. Mark chapter 5 is full of such stories—a chapter full of storms, interruptions and delays.

A desperate father

Jairus is a ruler of the synagogue, likely a man of respect and composure. But here we see him, falling at Jesus’ feet, worshipping Him and begging Him to come touch his daughter who lay “at the point of death.” The account in Matthew says that she was “even now dead.” (Matthew 9:18)

Truly, the situation is desperate. Time is of the essence.

On the way, the Lord is interrupted by another—the woman with an issue of blood who reaches out to touch His garment for healing. In the background of this beautiful miracle, I wonder if Jairus was growing impatient. Please, Master, hurry! We don’t have time for this delay!

Then, before they can reach home, a messenger comes with devastating news—“Thy daughter is dead: why troublest thou the Master any further?” (Mark 5:35)

Defeating words

I wonder what went through Jairus’ mind when he heard those words. His daughter is dead. Jesus took too long. The desperate situation is now hopeless.

“Why troublest thou the Master?” The word “trouble” means to annoy or bother...to inconvenience.

When do we sometimes feel like a bother to someone?When we think our situation isn’t important...When we feel unworthy of that person’s time...When we assume they have “better things to do”...

Why would anyone think that about the Lord Jesus Christ?

And yet—how often do we act as though we are bothering Him?How often do we decide it’s too late? ‘This has taken too long’—‘what is the point in praying?’Do we feel like He is too busy, that our need is too small or too hopeless?

Why do we act like we are bothering our Lord and Savior?

Satan causes us to doubt when things feel delayed—just like the hymn says,

“Many times Satan whispers, ‘There is no need to try,For there’s no end of sorrow, there’s no hope by and by.’”

There’s no need to try.Why troublest thou the Master?

Deliverance from fear

Jesus heard the messenger’s words as well. I wonder if he could sense the fear and doubts bubbling up. Could He feel the hope leaving Jairus’ heart? Immediately—before Jairus could even respond, He turned to him and said “Be not afraid, only believe.” (Mark 5:36)

That’s the beautiful thing—not only did Jairus seek the Lord when the trouble began, but as soon as the fear began rising, he had remained close enough to continue listening for His voice. And in that moment, Christ spoke louder than the fear and said “Be not afraid.”

He says that to us, as well, in His Word—

What time I am afraid, I will trust in Thee —Psalm 56:3

In God have I put my trust, I will not be afraid what man can do unto me. —Psalm 56:11

Again and again in Scripture, He says “fear not.”

To Daniel: “O man greatly beloved, fear not: peace be unto thee.” —Daniel 10:10

To Jeremiah: “Thou drewest near in the day that I called upon thee: thou saidst, Fear not.” —Lamentation 3:57

To Joshua and Solomon: “Be strong and of a good courage.” —Joshua 10:25, 1 Chronicles 28:20

And Paul reminds us:

God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. —2 Timothy 1:7

Fear, worry, and anxiety can be a constant hum in the background of our minds. But that is not where God wants us to live. He calls us to believe, to trust, and have confidence in Him.

Fear steals our peace, but Jesus restores it:

Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. —John 14:27

Faith that kept walking

When Jesus reached Jairus’ house and said to the crowd that the girl was only sleeping, the crowd laughed Him to scorn. They mocked the idea that anything could be done. He cast them out. And then He performed a miracle, raising Jairus’ daughter back to life.

I see three kinds of faith in this story:

* The strong faith of Jairus, seeking the Lord and listening for His voice even when all hope seemed lost.

* The shrinking faith of the messenger who said “don’t trouble the Master” when the situation seemed impossible.

* And the scoffers lack of faith, as they mocked and ridiculed the very idea of a miracle.

Which faith do we have when the difficulties drag on? When the Lord ‘tarries His coming’? When the prayers have gone unanswered far longer than we expected?

I want to be like Jairus—to seek the Lord when the difficulty comes, to walk with Him despite delays, and remain close enough to hear Him say, “be not afraid.”

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit lightinthemargins.substack.com

As a young girl, I can vividly remember watching my dad, a state trooper, polishing his uniform buttons. To me, they looked like gold, so shiny and yellow. Only they weren’t made of gold—they were brass.

That image came to mind one day as I was reading 2 Chronicles.

Solomon’s Shields of Gold

King Solomon was very wealthy. The Bible tells us “the weight of gold that came to Solomon in one year” was 666 talents of gold. By modern-day estimates that is over $2 billion—in one year!

In 2 Chronicles 9, as well as 1 Kings 10, we’re told that Solomon had three hundred shields made of beaten gold, stored “in the house of the forest of Lebanon.” These shields, made of three hundred shekels of gold each, would be valued today at about $240,000 each—totaling around $72 million!

I don’t know if these shields were ever used in battle, or if they were just symbolic of King Solomon’s glory, representative of God’s blessing and the king’s wealth.

But by Chapter 12, they’re gone.

Rebellious Rehoboam

After King Solomon died, his son Rehoboam came to power. He wasn’t a good king. You may recall, he was the one who rejected the counsel of his elders and consulted with the young men instead—those friends who advised him to tell the people “my father chastised you with whips, but I will chastise you with scorpions.”

Once Rehoboam had established his kingdom and strengthened himself, he “forsook the law of the Lord” and judgment came.

Shisak, King of Egypt, “came up against Jerusalem, and took away the treasures of the house of the Lord, and the treasures of the king’s house; he took all: he carried away also the shields of gold which Solomon had made.” (2 Chronicles 12:9)

Agh, poor Solomon. I would cringe to know what our ancestors might think of what happened to their priceless treasures. Maybe a great-great-grandmothers hand-made quilt being used as a moving blanket… or Grandmas crystal bowl serving as Fido’s water dish?

But the lesson I see here isn’t about preserving family heirlooms. It’s about what Rehoboam did next.

2 Chronicles 12:10 says “Instead of which [the gold shields] king Rehoboam made shields of brass...”

Brass vs. Gold

(In my Bible margin I have scribbled—symbolism, brass vs. gold. I’ve told you most of these reflections start as scribbles!)

So I began to study— what is the difference between gold and brass?

Brass is “molten out of the stone” according to Job 28. It is an alloy—a man made mixture, usually copper and zinc. Bronze is another example— you won’t find these on the periodic table because they’re not naturally occurring metals. Brass has to be manufactured, and is poured into molds. You could easily mass-produce several brass objects quickly, making them all alike.

Gold, on the other hand, is a naturally occurring, pure metal. Even a raw gold nugget is beautiful, but through the refinement process it can be purified and even more radiant. Pure gold is soft, malleable, and can be beaten into shape. Creating gold objects takes time and care, and each unique piece would bear the fingerprints of the Maker.

Brass tarnishes easily but it can be polished and shined to look like gold, just as I thought my dad’s brass buttons were.

But brass will never be gold. Brass is a cheap substitute.

Superficial Shine or Intrinsic Value?

The glory of Solomon’s shields was that they were made of beaten gold—unique, handcrafted, radiant.

Rehoboam settled for brass shields. He settled for appearances over substance.

I’m reminded of a costume jewelry ring I wore as a little girl. It looked like real gold, but after a short while, my finger turned green. Despite appearances, it wasn’t gold at all—it was brass or some other cheap imitation. Rehoboam’s shields were like that—shiny enough to impress from a distance. But up close, they lacked true value.

Our Shield of Faith

As Ephesians 6:16 instructs, we are to raise our shield of faith—not a cheap imitation shield.

Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. —Ephesians 6:16

As Satan hurls his fiery darts at us: grief, fear, lies or disappointments, he would love for us to carry a brass shield. Impressively shiny but manufactured and lacking value. Something that just looks like faith from the outside.

When trials come, I don’t want a polished, impressively shiny substitute. I want a shield of gold — a valuable faith shaped out of the hammering of trials, purified by fire. I want a faith that is rich, pure, and priceless.

Rehoboam replaced gold with brass. But God’s promise in Isaiah is the opposite:

For brass I will bring gold, and for iron I will bring silver… —Isaiah 60:17a

I’m so thankful that God can take what is weak, tarnished, or man-made and exchange it for something pure, refined and valuable.

Don’t settle for a faith that will tarnish.Don’t settle for substitutes or appearances.Let God refine your faith into something lasting, rich, and pure.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit lightinthemargins.substack.com

I don’t know about you, but I love a good deal. I went to a yard sale several weeks ago and saw a foldable children’s picnic table. I had seen them in the store and had considered purchasing one for my girls, but at $50, I just couldn’t justify the price.

When I asked the man how much, he casually replied, “Coupla bucks?” I was dumbfounded. “Two dollars?” I asked. “Sure,” he said. SOLD! I hoped my face was not giving away the thrill I felt inside. My payment made, the table folded up and in the back seat of my car, I slipped away as though I had just stolen the crown jewel.

“It is naught, it is naught, saith the buyer: but when he is gone his way, then he boasteth." (I like to call Proverbs 20:14 the ‘yard sale verse.’)

We only pay for things when we believe they're worth the cost. Amusement parks will charge five dollars for a bottle of water. Five whole dollars for water—outrageous! But as you might notice, a lot of people are willing to pay for it, ridiculous as it may sound. Why? Because on a hot day, with ‘no outside food or drink permitted,’ that five dollar water suddenly seems worth the price.

Other times, like my picnic table, things are priced lower than you would expect. The seller just doesn't see value in an item and marks it cheaply. I like Vera Bradley brand purses and bags and recently found a backpack at the thrift store. Most of the time, being name brand, they are priced high and a large piece like this would be tagged $25. To my pleasant surprise, this one was only eight dollars. But on closer examination, I could see why—it was dingy, dusty, and partially covered in cat hair. Still, the zippers all worked, the inside looked great and there were no major tears or flaws. So I took it home.

After a half hour or so of scrubbing and rinsing, I could tell I had a diamond in the rough. The grime was coming off and after a trip through the washing machine, I needed only to wait for the dryer to finish the work and I had a lovely, new-to-me, name-brand bag.

So what's the point? It isn't about bargain-hunting escapades.

There's something satisfying about getting more for less. A good sale on groceries, a yard sale bargain—nobody wants to pay more than they have to. That's why coupons and loyalty rewards are so popular. You get to redeem them—exchange something small for something of value. “Would you like to redeem your points for this reward?” “Earn cash back to redeem on your next purchase!”

And that word “redeem” has a rich meaning. Redemption is a beautiful picture in Scripture:

For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God; Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: —Romans 3:23, 24

In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; —Ephesians 1:7

Not only did God create you, He also gave His Son to redeem you. He saw so much value in you that He was willing to pay the highest price of the shed blood of Christ on Calvary. He didn’t get a discount or wait for a better deal. He willingly gave His life to redeem you to Himself.

Sometimes we have difficult days when we feel a bit worthless, don’t we? Could I encourage you with this thought? Like the overpriced water at the amusement park, God thought you were worth the price. Likewise, like the picnic table or the dingy purse—others may not see your worth, but God does.

God commended his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.—Romans 5:8

Even in our dusty, dingy, grimy state—He was willing to redeem us, even though the price was high. He didn’t wait for us to clean ourselves up—He died for us while we were still in our sins.

That is where your worth comes from—not from your performance or appearance, but from the everlasting love of the One who redeemed you.

Psalm 139 says: O Lord, thou hast searched me, and known me...there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O Lord, thou knowest it altogether...How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! How great is the sum of them! (Psalm 139:1, 4, 17)

If you ever doubt your worth, remember: to the One who knows you best—the One who knows even your words before you speak them—you are precious to Him. So precious, in fact, that He thought you were worth laying down His life for.

I hope this was a blessing. If you would like to read more, visit lightinthemargins.com or subscribe. I try to send an encouraging thought each Thursday morning.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit lightinthemargins.substack.com

Audio recording of my testimony given September 18, 2025 at Clays Mill Baptist Church’s Ladies Conference. I am very thankful to have had this opportunity. To God be the glory!

If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work. —2 Timothy 2:21

But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. —Philippians 4:19

And he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver: and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the LORD an offering in righteousness. —Malachi 3:3

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. —Romans 8:28-29

God Moves in a Mysterious Way William Cowper

God moves in a mysterious wayHis wonders to perform;He plants His footsteps in the seaAnd rides upon the storm.

Deep in unfathomable minesOf never failing skillHe treasures up His bright designsAnd works His sov’reign will.

Ye fearful saints, fresh courage take;The clouds ye so much dreadAre big with mercy and shall breakIn blessings on your head.

Judge not the Lord by feeble sense,But trust Him for His grace;Behind a frowning providenceHe hides a smiling face.

His purposes will ripen fast,Unfolding every hour;The bud may have a bitter taste,But sweet will be the flow’r.

Blind unbelief is sure to errAnd scan His work in vain;God is His own interpreter,And He will make it plain.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit lightinthemargins.substack.com

Have you ever heard the phrase “living rent free in your head?” It's what people say when something takes up way too much space in their thoughts without adding any value.

For example, when you keep replaying an awkward conversation and obsessing—what should I have said? How else could that have gone? Maybe you text your best friend and invite them to overthink with you and analyze someone’s facial expressions or what they really meant. Wearily, that friend may ask you ‘why are you letting this live rent free in your head?’

Or, more simply, maybe your team lost a big game and three days later you’re still grumbling about that bad ref call—you’re letting it “live rent free.”

I had such an experience a few days ago. I went to bed replaying a situation over and over, wondering if I could’ve changed the outcome. I’ve also wrestled with frustrating thoughts about things that I can’t change at all. I told my husband that I knew I was wrong to keep obsessing, but I just couldn’t seem to break the spiral of my mind. I was letting these thoughts “live rent free” in my mind and drag down my whole day.

And that's exactly where Satan wants me.

If my thoughts are consumed with frustrations, I'm not thanking God. If I am overwhelmed with worry, I'm not praising God. And if I am filled with bitterness and have an unforgiving heart, I'm not walking in the Spirit.

Satan loves it when we are filled with anything that would distract us and keep our minds off of Jesus Christ. I need to evict these “rent free” thoughts, and I have a great example from Scripture on just how to accomplish this.

In Nehemiah 13, after the walls of Jerusalem were rebuilt, Nehemiah had to leave for Babylon. While he was gone, Eliashib the priest became allied to Tobiah. Tobiah! A man who had conspired to fight against Jerusalem and frustrate the work of rebuilding... was now allied with the priest?

Not only had Eliashib and Tobiah become friends in Nehemiah’s absence, but Eliashib had “prepared for him a great chamber” in the house of God. He allowed him to move in to the very place where they had stored up provisions for the priests. Eliashib was quite literally allowing Tobiah to live rent free in the temple.

What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? —1 Corinthians 6:19

When we accept Christ as our Savior, the Holy Spirit moves into our hearts. And as a saved child of God, we are called to walk in the Spirit. Unfortunately, as Paul so often mentions, we still have to live in our flesh.

For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. —Galatians 5:17

Our flesh is contrary to the Spirit and still responds to Satan’s whispers. Like Eliashib, our flesh can be allied with the Devil. If we aren’t vigilant, Satan will set up house in our thoughts, causing us to obsess and worry over the slightest things. In time, all the good things of God can get shoved out, the way Eliashib tossed out the priest’s provisions to make room for Tobiah.

Slowly, Satan moves in a couch of discontentment here, adds a rocking chair of worry there, hauls in a table of bitterness. Carnal “furniture” that grieves the Holy Spirit according to Ephesians 4:30-31.

And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: —Ephesians 4:30-31

So what did Nehemiah do when he returned to Jerusalem and learned there was a squatter in the temple? He threw Tobiah out! When Nehemiah discovered what Eliashib had done, it grieved him and he “cast forth all the household stuff of Tobiah out of the chamber.” (Nehemiah 13:8) It was eviction day! Not only did he move Tobiah out to the curb, but Nehemiah cleaned up the room and brought back in “the vessels of the house of God” with the offerings and frankincense.

This is similar to what Paul calls us to do in our thought life. 2 Corinthians 10:5 tells us to "cast[] down imaginations, and every high thing that exalted itself against the knowledge of God, and bring[] into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;"

These thoughts, though they feel like a simple worry, frustration or personality conflict, are not in line with the truth of God. Why should I worry and obsess over something when I can’t see the whole picture? Why should I allow my limited perspective to exalt itself against the infinite knowledge of God? There is nothing to be gained by replaying these thoughts in my head and they must be dealt with severely. I can’t politely ask them to leave, or learn to live with them. I must evict them!

When I sense that Tobiah (Satan) is living rent free in my head, I need to stop, identify the thoughts, and terminate the tenancy the way Nehemiah kicked out Tobiah. I should cast down the imaginations, lies, bitterness or anger and then refill the room with thanksgiving, Scripture, prayer, and praise.

The phrase “living rent free” is meant as a joke, but spiritually this is no laughing matter. We don’t have to allow Satan to set up his furniture and move in rent free. We can refuse to replay conversations, rehearse frustrations, or dwell on bitterness. Doing so will only crowd out joy and thanksgiving. The Lord purchased this temple with His precious blood—why give Tobiah any room? Let’s put away, cast down, and clear out all that would grieve the Holy Spirit.

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. —Colossians 3:16

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There are times I wish people would just cut to the chase. No pretense, platitudes or polish. Just say what you mean.

That’s one thing I love about the Lord and his Word— He doesn’t mince words. His language is exact. He plainly told Adam and Eve not to eat of the fruit and was quite clear— “thou shalt surely die.”

The Bible doesn’t mince words with us, either. “Be sure your sin will find you out.” (Number 32:23) “Be not deceived; God is not mocked.” (Galatians 6:7) And— “without faith it is impossible to please Him.” (Hebrews 11:6)

That verse in Hebrews, “without faith it is impossible to please Him,” has always made me a little uneasy. I’ll admit I am a bit of a people pleaser. With family, friends, and especially those in leadership, I strive to be pleasing.

Not everybody has this tendency and to be honest, I sort of envy them. Some seem to march to the beat of their own drum and have an unshakable confidence that they’re doing everything right— whether you approve or not.

But as Christians, we should desire to please the Lord. After all, He so graciously gave us this life and an eternal home in Heaven. I think it’s the least we can do to ask: Lord, what do you want from me? How can I please you?

And so we come to that verse in Hebrews. Pleasing the Lord requires faith. Faith—the evidence of things unseen. Trusting in promises. Trusting words from a supernatural Book.

I wrestled with this quite a bit when my mother was sick.

On one hand, I would read verses in John like, “if ye shall ask any thing in my name I will do it…” (Jn 14:14) Or in Matthew: “with God all things are possible…” (Mt 19:26) People would come up and tell me they were “praying for a miracle” for my mom. Praying for “complete healing.”

Of course, I prayed for those things too… or did I?

When I saw mom in pain and suffering, I just wanted mercy for her—whatever that looked like. Whether it was healing or homegoing. Was I lacking in faith because I wasn’t specifically and persistently praying for her miraculous healing?

I asked my Pastor directly about this. Was I wrong to not believe that God would heal my mom? I told him I feared I lacked faith because the situation seemed so hopeless. I said I was surrendered to whatever God’s will was, but that I feared God was not pleased with me— fearing that I lacked faith that He would perform a miracle.

His response was simple and straightforward: Faith is trusting God to do as He desires, not as we desire.

That conversation came back to mind recently as I was reflecting on mom’s illness. I began meditating on the rest of the verse: But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is…

That phrase— “believe that he is” feels a bit grammatically awkward doesn’t it? That He is … what?

And as I thought on the verse, the answer came, that He is … God. The I AM. That He is all the things that He says He is.

He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. His Word tells us in Proverbs 8:17: I love them that love me and those that seek me early shall find me.

When mom was sick, my mind was always swirling with the unknowns. I couldn’t see the path ahead. I couldn’t predict what life was going to be like two months, two weeks, or even two days from any given moment.

You may find yourself in a similar place— facing uncertainties, not being able to clearly see the next step, and needing a measure of faith larger than you’ve ever needed before.

When I encounter these situations, do I acknowledge the fact that God is God? Do I acknowledge the fact that His ways are higher than mine? Do I acknowledge that His plans and purposes are far greater than I could ever imagine?

And when I walk through difficulties, do I seek Him early on in those trials? Do I look for His hand? Do I seek His will?

I often remark that I don’t write from the mountain top. I can’t write from a position where I feel as though I’ve attained and dole out aged wisdom. But I can see now how I have grown in the last year.

“Without faith it is impossible to please him” no longer feels like a measuring stick that I’m falling short of. Now when I read that verse, I feel an invitation to trust Him more.

I couldn’t see that before. I thought that faith meant demanding more effort from myself, as though the more fiercely I believed, the more likely I could see my prayer answered.

But now I can see: there is faith in the waiting. Faith in the surrender. Faith in pouring out your heart to God and trusting that no matter what He does, it will be the right thing.

This one was a little tender—thanks for spending a few moments with me. If it was a blessing, would you consider sharing it with a friend? Maybe someone else could use a little encouragement today too.

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This past summer our family visited Gulf Shores, Alabama, and we had access to a quiet stretch of the beach. At least, it was quiet at dawn. One morning, our family was out enjoying the crashing waves, feeling almost as if we had the entire ocean to ourselves—when another family showed up. They planted their umbrellas, propped up their beach chairs, and promptly turned on a Bluetooth speaker. Loudly. Ugh. So much for our peaceful paradise.

Our world is just... noisy. Cars, cell phones, smart watches, televisions, iPads, talking toys—so many things compete for our hearing. And that can make silence too much to bear. When the power goes out, especially on a cold winter night, you realize how loud the hum of the refrigerator was. Silence can make us anxious.

So what do you do…when God seems silent? When you pray and pray and never seem to get an answer— not a yes or even a no, just… silence?

The disciples in the boat experienced a sort of silence from God. While the storm was raging around them, Jesus wasn’t just quiet, he was sound asleep! Silent. Still. And what was their response? Panic. “Master, carest thou not that we perish?!”

The children of Israel had a similar panic in Numbers 17 when, even after God showed His power by causing Aaron's rod to bud and establish his authority, they cried: “Behold we die, we perish, we all perish.” Talk about dramatic.

Silence feels like inaction. I see this in my children all the time. They will call to me from another room and I, silently, will begin walking towards them. If I don’t announce my coming, they’ll cry again, “Mommy!” I think to myself, ‘I heard you, child, I’m on my way. I just didn’t tell you.’

Sometimes I wonder if God is “on His way” to answer a prayer but I am too impatient. At times I look for God to answer me in the miraculous. Like Elijah, who looked for God in the wind, the earthquake, and fire—I expect earthquake answers sometimes. Last September I somehow pinched a nerve in my neck that caused my right thumb to go numb for weeks. “Oh, Lord,” I cried— “fix this now! Make this pain and numbness go away!” I wanted quick relief, not three months of slow-moving physical therapy.

When we walk through a difficult season and are met with silence from God, it’s hard for us to be still and accept the waiting. When all is quiet and nothing seems to be moving, our minds fill with doubts. Silence causes us to overthink, worry, and assume the worst. Satan pushes us to rush ahead and seek for answers. “You’re being left out! You’re falling behind!” he whispers.

But God is not afraid to move in quiet ways. Christ himself didn’t hesitate to respond with silence.

When Pilate demanded of Christ: "Hearest thou not how many things they witness against thee?" The Bible says that Jesus "answered him to never a word." (Matthew 27:14) Mark 15:3 describes how "[t]he chief priests accused him of many things: but he answered nothing."

Still, silent waiting is hard. So what can we do?

Psalm 4 says: “be still...put your trust in the LORD.” Isaiah says: “in quietness and confidence shall be your strength.” (Isaiah 30:25)

Still...Quiet...Trusting...

Moses and Caleb tried to still the children of Israel in their moments of panic. (Exodus 14:13, Numbers 9:8 and 13:30) Naomi instructed Ruth to sit still and wait for Boaz's decision. (Ruth 3:18) Being still and quiet does not always equal passive inaction. Sitting still requires trust.

Likewise, silence from God does not always equal inaction. Sometimes God needs us to calm down first and seek His still, small voice.

Pray. Wait. Trust. It's not just something to slap on a t-shirt. It's a decision of surrender to God.

Let me challenge you to unplug—literally. We fill our discomfort with content. We reach for our phones in the waiting room, check Facebook at stoplights, listen to our playlist on every walk. Instead, let’s practice just being quiet before the Lord. Find a verse and meditate on it throughout the week. Don't just rush through a prayer list of things you are worried about and panicking over. Stop assuming that silence is rejection. Trust that God heard your prayers, and maybe what feels like silence is an opportunity. An invitation from the Father to sit still long enough to know Him, not just hear from Him.

In closing, I’d like to share a prayer with you that I recently read by Susannah Spurgeon, and hope it will encourage you:

“I thank Thee for my waiting times… When Thou seemest slow to answer prayer, it is but to make me more eager for the mercy, or to teach me to ask with greater confidence, or that Thou mayest gather up Thy blessings in order to bestow them ‘exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think.’”

Waiting, she wrote, can be resting. It renews strength. It gives hope a foothold. And if I may add, waiting grows our faith. Faith that doesn’t panic in the storm. Trust that is comfortable with silence.

My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from him. — Psalm 62:5

He heard you. He’s still in the boat or He may be on His way. And He does all things well.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit lightinthemargins.substack.com