Restore Your Heart

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7 Types of Rest - Emotional

Yes, Lord. I do need rest. But what kind?

That’s the question we’re exploring as we look at the third type of rest: emotional rest.

Psalm 46:10 says, “Be still and know that I am God.” Sometimes, making space to be still with God helps us notice what we’re feeling and what our hearts need. 

Today we are going to discuss and answer questions about emotional rest.

1. WHAT IS EMOTIONAL REST?

Emotional rest is making room to acknowledge and express what we’re truly feeling, rather than constantly hiding our emotions or performing for other people. 

It includes creating safe spaces for honest expression, practicing healthy boundaries, and paying attention to where our emotional energy is going.

When we make room for emotional honesty, we can better recognize our needs, communicate more clearly, and care for our relationships without continually ignoring ourselves.

In this episode, we’ll explore practical ways to make emotional renewal part of everyday life.

2. HOW DO I RECOGNIZE EMOTIONAL FATIGUE?

Emotional fatigue can build gradually. You may not notice it until you feel overwhelmed, resentful, unusually irritable, or as though you have nothing left to give.

It can show up as people-pleasing, hiding what you really feel, saying yes when you want to say no, or carrying responsibility for everyone else’s emotions.

Think of your emotional energy like a bank account. Relationships and responsibilities can make withdrawals; supportive conversations, honest expression, meaningful connection, and time to reflect can make deposits.

One clue that your emotional reserves may be running low is finding it difficult to set a boundary—even when you know you need one.

3. WHAT CAN CONTRIBUTE TO EMOTIONAL FATIGUE?

One contributor to emotional fatigue can be the pressure to present a version of ourselves that we think other people will approve of. We may act as though everything is fine, say what others want to hear, or hide our real feelings because we fear disappointing someone.

Sometimes we do this to fit in, avoid conflict, or prove that we’re capable. Over time, the effort of continually managing how others see us can leave us feeling disconnected from ourselves and emotionally drained.

Research on emotion suppression suggests that deliberately hiding or holding back emotions can increase the body’s stress response in some situations. The findings vary, so we shouldn’t assume that every person or every situation will affect the body in the same way. The practical takeaway is simple: our emotions deserve attention, not shame.

It matters how we handle our emotional bank accounts. We don’t have to share everything with everyone, but we do need safe and appropriate places where we can be honest.

4. HOW CAN I SET BOUNDARIES FOR EMOTIONAL HEALTH?

To set boundaries for emotional health, it helps by looking honestly at your current habits. Think of boundaries as garden fences, not walls. A healthy boundary helps define what is yours to carry and what is not; it can protect a relationship rather than shut people out.

First, get to know your emotional limits. Ask yourself: What drains me? What restores me? When do I need quiet, connection, help, or time to think? People differ in their needs, so pay attention to what is true for you rather than assuming everyone recharges in the same way.

Second, communicate clearly. You can express a need without guilt or aggression. You might say:

“I need a little time to think about that.”

“I care about you, and I want to give this conversation the attention it deserves.”

“I’m not able to take that on right now.”

“I need to take care of myself, so I’m going to pause here.”

Third, maintain your boundaries with compassionate firmness. A boundary is not just something we announce; it’s something we practice consistently.

And practice authenticity. Being authentic doesn’t mean telling everyone everything. It means being honest with yourself and choosing what to share based on the context, safety, and depth of the relationship.

Ask yourself:

“What am I really feeling?”

“What do I need right now?”

“What truth am I avoiding?”

A PRACTICAL 7-DAY EMOTIONAL REST EXPERIMENT

This week, choose one small practice that helps you notice and care for your emotional needs.

You might try drawing, listening to or making music, dancing, writing, or another creative outlet. Journaling can help you name what you’re feeling. A safe conversation with a trusted person can also give you space to be heard.

How can you tell whether you might be emotionally tired? Pay attention to patterns: Are you more irritable than usual? Are you saying yes when you mean no? Are you avoiding a conversation or carrying feelings you haven’t acknowledged? These clues aren’t a diagnosis, but they can help you pause and reflect.

Try a brief emotional check-in with God each day. You might ask: What am I feeling? What is mine to take responsibility for? Is there a boundary I need to clarify? Is there a conversation I need to have? Is there someone I need to forgive—or someone I need to ask for forgiveness?

Keep an emotional-rest diary for seven days. Each day, write down what you felt, what seemed to drain you, what helped restore you, and one small step you want to take.

After completing my own seven-day emotional-rest diary, I made several important changes.

Each morning, after praise, thanksgiving, and my daily mental brain dump, I make time for a personal emotional check-in with God. If I’m struggling in a relationship, I ask God to help me take responsibility for my part. Sometimes that means choosing forgiveness; sometimes it means reaching out to make things right. I also consider whether I need a healthier boundary or clearer communication.

This is not about blaming myself for every relationship difficulty or taking responsibility for someone else’s choices. It’s about asking God to show me the part that is mine to carry—and helping me release what isn’t.

One of my regular prayers comes from Psalm 51:10–12:

“Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.”

Emotional rest is both practice and a process. Be patient with yourself as you learn to recognize your feelings, express them wisely, and make room for renewal.

REMEMBER

The third type of rest is emotional rest. Let’s review what we talked about today:

1. WHAT IS EMOTIONAL REST?

Emotional rest is making room to acknowledge and express what we’re truly feeling, rather than constantly hiding our emotions or performing for other people. 

2. HOW DO I RECOGNIZE EMOTIONAL FATIGUE?

Emotional fatigue may not be noticeable until you feel overwhelmed, resentful, unusually irritable, or as though you have nothing left to give.

It can show up as people-pleasing, hiding what you really feel, saying yes when you want to say no, or carrying responsibility for everyone else’s emotions.

3. WHAT CAN CONTRIBUTE TO EMOTIONAL FATIGUE?

One contributor can be the pressure to present a version of ourselves that we think other people will approve of. We may act as though everything is fine, say what others want to hear, or hide our real feelings because we fear disappointing someone.

4. HOW CAN I SET BOUNDARIES FOR EMOTIONAL HEALTH?

Start by looking honestly at your current habits. Think of boundaries as garden fences, not walls. A healthy boundary helps define what is yours to carry and what is not; it can protect a relationship rather than shut people out.

PRAYER

Please join me in this prayer: Father, thank You for the words of Jesus in Matthew 11:28: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” And so, I agree with You, Lord. I do need rest. But what kind?

Today, I accept Your invitation to come. Help me live out the words of Psalm 46:10: “Be still and know that I am God.” Help me make safe space to be honest about what I feel. Teach me to build fences, not walls—to set healthy boundaries while remaining compassionate. Show me what is mine to take responsibility for and what I need to release. Give me courage to communicate clearly, wisdom to seek support when I need it, and grace as I learn new practices of emotional renewal. Lord, teach me to receive

Thank you for joining me, I am excited to be part of your journey. Please share this episode and hit subscribe so you don't miss any new episodes. I can't wait for you to experience God's peace, comfort, and wholeness.

Sheryl Giesbrecht Turner website

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Jesus said in Matthew 11:28, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”

Yes, Lord. I do need rest. But what kind?

That’s the question we’re going to begin answering as we look at the second type of rest: mental rest.

Psalm 46:10 says, “Be still and know that I am God.”

1. WHAT IS MENTAL REST?

Mental rest is the intentional practice of creating space for your mind to slow down and recover. It can help us manage the cognitive overload that builds up through constant stimulation, interruptions, and switching between tasks.

Frequent task-switching can make it harder to maintain focus. One study observed office workers switching tasks roughly every three minutes. You may also have heard the often-quoted figure of 23 minutes to regain focus after an interruption. More precisely, that figure refers to the average time before workers returned to an interrupted task; it does not establish that everyone needs exactly 23 minutes to fully regain attention.

In this episode, we’ll explore practical ways to create more space for our attention and reduce the strain of trying to do too many things at once.

2. RECOGNIZING MENTAL FATIGUE

You may already recognize some signs of mental fatigue, while others can be harder to notice. These signs may include difficulty concentrating, feeling stuck when making decisions, increased irritability, brain fog, or trouble remembering things.

When we don’t make room for mental rest, it can become harder to focus, make decisions, and quiet the sense of mental chaos.

3. WHAT CONTRIBUTES TO MENTAL CLUTTER?

Sources of mental clutter may be part of everyday life. They can include tasks and responsibilities at home, at work, and within our families; conflict or unresolved communication in relationships; disappointment in our interactions—or the lack of them; and unfinished projects or decisions.

Worries about the future and endless “what ifs” can also crowd our minds. So can expectations, internal pressure, perfectionism, and overthinking.

Digital overload is another common source of clutter: emails, social media, and constant notifications. Mental multitasking—thinking about one thing while trying to do another—can add to that overload.

4. HOW CAN I CREATE MORE MENTAL CLARITY?

Start by looking at your current habits. What helps your mind feel clear, and what leaves you feeling scattered? Notice what may need to change, then choose one small practice to try.

One simple option is to set a timer for a brief strategic pause. Stop, take a breath, and bring your attention back to the present moment.

You might also try the 5-5-5 Method: every hour, close your eyes for five seconds, take five deep breaths, and name five things you’re grateful for.

Another helpful practice is a brain dump. Write down the thoughts, to-dos, and worries that keep circling in your mind. Getting them onto paper can help you organize what needs attention instead of trying to hold everything in your head.

Intentional mental decluttering also means focusing on one task at a time and gently bringing your attention back when distractions arise.

A PRACTICAL 7-DAY MENTAL REST EXPERIMENT

This week, choose one strategy—such as a brain dump or the 5-5-5 Method—and practice it each day.

Notice how your energy, clarity, and sleep feel throughout the week. At the end of the seven days, reflect in your mental-rest journal: What changed? What improved? What did you become more aware of?

You can revisit your notes monthly to see what is helping and adjust your habits as needed.

Let me encourage you: keeping a mental-rest diary can be a valuable tool. After I completed my own seven-day mental-rest diary, I made several important changes. Each morning, before I begin my time with God, I write a brief thanksgiving praise report, remembering what I’m grateful for from the previous day. Then I do a brain dump of the day’s to-dos and responsibilities. Once my mind feels clearer, I’m ready to continue praising God and receiving from Him.

Mental rest is both a practice and a process. 

Pay attention to what’s occupying your mind and give yourself permission to make space for what matters. 

A rested mind can be a more resilient mind.

REMEMBER

The second type of rest is mental rest.

Not all tired is the same:

• Body tired
 • Brain tired
 • Heart tired
 • Soul tired

Instead of asking, “How do I get more rest?” ask, “What kind of rest am I missing?”

That question changes everything.

Rest is not something you earn after proving your worth. Rest is part of sustainable living.

The good news is that recovery does not require a total life overhaul. You can build resilience with small, intentional micro-rest habits.

Small, targeted practices done consistently can make a meaningful difference.

Not dramatic. Not glamorous. Just effective.

Exhaustion is not proof that you are weak. It may be a sign that you are depleted.

You are not broken. You may simply need the right kind of restoration.

When the right rest meets the need, resilience can begin to return.

So, what kind of mental rest do you need most right now?

Thank you for joining me, I am excited to be part of your journey. Please share this episode and hit subscribe so you don't miss any new episodes. I can't wait for you to experience God's peace, comfort, and wholeness.

Sheryl Giesbrecht Turner website

Find Sheryl on Facebook

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Let me know what you think!

Maybe you’ve asked: Why am I so tired?

Why don’t I feel refreshed—even after I’ve rested? Why do I feel like I’m running on empty? I’ve been there.

There was a season in my own life when I believed rest had to be earned by doing more and trying to be everything to everyone.

Instead, I became worn out and burned out under constant pressure to produce.

Then I discovered the 7 Types of Rest, and it reshaped the way I understood renewal. The 7 Types of Rest® framework was developed by Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith, physician, author of Sacred Rest, and founder of I Choose My Best Life. As a certified 7 Types of Rest Facilitator, I’m honored to bring this framework to you and explore it through a biblical and practical lens.

I learned that rest isn’t simply about sleep. Different kinds of depletion require different kinds of rest. Jesus said in Matthew 11:28: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”

Yes, Lord. I do need rest. But what kind?

That’s the question we’re going to begin answering as we look at the first type of rest: physical rest. Psalm 46:10 says, “Be still and know that I am God.”

1. WHAT IS PHYSICAL REST? Physical rest includes two types: passive rest and active rest. We’re going to discuss passive physical rest first.

Passive physical rest involves stillness, napping, or sleeping. This type of rest focuses on biological restoration through inactivity, especially during sleep.

I think most of us are familiar with what happens during sleep, but it’s helpful to understand just how active the body and brain are while we sleep.

What happens during sleep?

Sleep cycles through non-REM and REM sleep several times during the night. A complete cycle typically lasts about 80 to 100 minutes, although the length varies.

Non-REM sleep has three stages. Stage 1 is the transition from wakefulness into sleep. Stage 2 is light sleep, when your body temperature drops and your heart rate and breathing slow. Stage 3 is deep sleep—the deepest and most restorative stage—when the body performs tissue growth and repair, restores energy, and releases hormones.

REM sleep usually first occurs about 90 minutes after you fall asleep. During REM, the brain is highly active, dreaming is common, and REM sleep plays a role in learning and memory. Memory formation and consolidation involve both non-REM and REM sleep.

WHAT IS ACTIVE PHYSICAL REST? The second type of physical rest is active rest. There are many forms of active rest, and this list isn’t exhaustive. I want to give you an overview of several practices so you might recognize ways you are already participating in active rest without realizing it.

Active rest can include diaphragmatic breathing, gentle joint-mobility exercises, mindful walking, progressive muscle relaxation, foam rolling, massage balls, gentle swimming or water aerobics, gentle rhythmic movement, and breath-focused stretching.

The goal isn’t strenuous exercise. Active rest uses gentle movement, relaxation, and circulation to help your body recover.

2. WHAT ARE PHYSICAL REST WARNING SIGNS? You may have already guessed that one of the markers indicating a need for more physical rest is how you feel physically.

These signs can include muscle tension, yawning, delayed reaction time, or changes in posture. More advanced indicators can include chronic pain, illness, sleep problems, irritability, or digestive distress.

Some of the milder signals may improve with gentle movement and increased circulation. More persistent or concerning symptoms may require the insight of a medical professional.

3. HOW CAN I GET BETTER SLEEP? It helps to evaluate your current sleep habits and reflect on what may need to change so new habits can be implemented.

First, examine your current sleep environment. Keep your bedroom cool, quiet, and dark. Blackout curtains or an eye mask can help reduce light, and white noise may help.

Avoid screens close to bedtime. Electronic light can interfere with the sleep-wake cycle, so giving yourself quiet, screen-free time before bed can help your body prepare for sleep.

Calming routines before bed can help prepare your body, mind, and soul for passive rest. Practices such as journaling, gentle stretching, reading, or prayer can become part of that routine.

A PRACTICAL 7-DAY REST EXPERIMENT

To implement or adjust your passive rest and sleep habits, keep a seven-day sleep diary. Track the time you go to bed, the quality of your sleep, and factors that may be influencing it. Once you’ve completed the diary, choose one active physical-rest practice to try each day. Implement three new sleep-environment or bedtime-routine strategies.

The sleep diary is a valuable tool. After I completed my seven-day rest diary, I made a huge change: I gave up using my iPhone as my alarm and now use a battery-operated alarm clock.

Using a real clock instead of my phone has freed me from the temptation to look at my phone during the night and has also helped me scroll less during the day.

The first type of rest is physical rest.

1.What is physical rest?

Physical rest includes two types: passive rest and active rest. Psalm 46:10 says, “Be still and know that I am God.” Passive physical rest involves stillness, napping, or sleeping.

Active physical rest includes diaphragmatic breathing, gentle joint mobility, mindful walking, progressive muscle relaxation.

2. What are physical rest warning signs? Physical rest warning signs can include muscle tension, yawning, delayed reaction time, changes in posture, and—when more persistent—chronic pain, illness, sleep problems, irritability, or digestive distress.

3.How do I get better sleep? To optimize passive rest or sleep, keep a seven-day diary of your sleep habits. Instead of asking, “How do I get more rest?” ask, “What kind of rest am I missing?” That question changes everything. Rest is not something you earn after proving your worth. Rest is part of sustainable performance. Small, targeted practices done consistently can change everything.

So, what kind of physical rest—passive or active—do you need most right now?

Please join me in this prayer:

Father, thank You for the words of Jesus in Matthew 11:28: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” And so, I agree with You, Lord. I do need rest. But what kind? Today, I accept Your invitation to come. I want to do what Psalm 46:10 says: “Be still and know that I am God.” And I choose to receive Your rest. Thank You. Amen.

 NOTES FOR EPISODE 39

Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith — I Choose My Best Life

7 Types of Rest® is a framework developed by Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith, physician, speaker, and author of Sacred Rest. 

Sacred Rest — I Choose My Best Life

7 Types of Rest® Framework was developed by Dr. Dalton-Smith to address physical, mental, spiritual, emotional, sensory, social, and creative rest. 

7 Types of Rest Certification

As a licensed 7 Types of Rest Facilitator, Sheryl Giesbrecht Turner incorporates this framework into her teaching through a biblical and practical lens. Sheryl has completed the 7 Types of Rest® Certification for coaches, trainers, and wellness leaders. 

Rest Quiz — 7 Types of Rest Framework

Dr. Dalton-Smith's Rest Quiz

NHLBI — Sleep Phases and Stages

NICHD — What Happens During Sleep?

NICHD — Sleep Factsheet

NINDS — Understanding Sleep (2025)

NHLBI — Healthy Sleep Habits

NHLBI — Insomnia Treatment / Healthy Sleep Habits

Thank you for joining me, I am excited to be part of your journey. Please share this episode and hit subscribe so you don't miss any new episodes. I can't wait for you to experience God's peace, comfort, and wholeness.

Sheryl Giesbrecht Turner website

Find Sheryl on Facebook

See Sheryl's books here

Sheryl on Instagram

Sheryl on X/Twitter

Sheryl on LinkedIn

Sheryl on Pinterest

Let me know what you think!

Maybe you've asked:

Why am I so tired?

Why don't I feel refreshed—even after I've rested?

Why do I feel like I'm running on empty?

I've been there.

There was a season in my own life when I believed rest had to be earned by doing more and trying to be everything to everyone.

Instead, I became worn out and burned out under constant pressure to produce.

Then I discovered the 7 Types of Rest, and it reshaped the way I understood renewal.

I learned that rest isn't simply about sleep.

Different kinds of depletion require different kinds of rest.

And that's what we're going to explore together in this series.

I'll help you identify where you're depleted, recognize patterns that may be contributing to your exhaustion, and develop practical rhythms that can help restore your strength and rebuild your capacity to live from a place of renewal.

First, let's define the 7 Types of Rest.

Jesus said in Matthew 11:28:

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”

Yes, Lord. I do need rest. But what kind?

That's the question we're going to begin answering today.

DEFINING THE 7 TYPES OF REST

When I discovered the 7 Types of Rest®, it reshaped my understanding of renewal.

I learned that true rest engages the body, mind, and soul.

Rest is not a luxury. It's a biological necessity.

While sleep is a vital part of restoration, true rest goes beyond sleep.

Rest is the intentional act of restoring energy across multiple dimensions of life.

Many responsible, capable people quietly carry something they don't always talk about: exhaustion.

Not just being tired after a busy week—but feeling depleted even when you're sleeping, taking time off, and trying to do everything right.

Many people assume the answer is simple: get more sleep.

But what if exhaustion is deeper than that?

Foundations of this concept show the interconnection of the seven types of rest are essential to the whole person's wellness. This important concept discusses how everything from emotional balance to cognitive clarity is affected when each area is addressed.

Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith's research in her TED Talk and book Sacred Rest gives an overview of the 7 Types of Rest:

• Physical Rest — Passive (sleep) and active (stretching, massage)

• Mental Rest — Clearing mental clutter and overload

• Emotional Rest — Safe expression of true and honest feelings

• Social Rest — Balancing draining and energizing relationships

• Sensory Rest — Reducing digital and environmental stimulation

• Creative Rest — Reconnecting with wonder and inspiration

• Spiritual Rest — Connection to something greater and meaningful

2. LET'S DISCUSS THE INTERCONNECTION OF THE 7 TYPES OF REST

These rest types are not isolated. For example:

• Physical rest improves emotional regulation.

• Sensory rest enhances spiritual clarity.

• Emotional rest boosts creativity.

Scientific research shows that rest activates the Default Mode Network in the brain. That is responsible for memory consolidation – 58% retention rate. Emotional processing included 42% more retention. And creative problem solving includes a 37% higher capacity. However, if rest is neglected, the Default Mode Network function declines, leading to mental fatigue, emotional instability, and impaired decision making.

WHEN DEPLETION SHOWS UP

Some people look fine on the outside.

They're productive. Responsible. Reliable. They show up, deliver results, care for others, and keep moving.

But internally?

They feel hollow. Detached. Irritable. Numb. Running on autopilot.

Maybe you know this feeling.

Because when you're already running on fumes, even small pressures feel heavy.

Sometimes burnout shows up in our relationships before we recognize it in ourselves.

Most of us are told the fix is simple: just get more sleep.

Now let me be clear—sleep matters.

Sleep is essential for healing, brain function, hormones, mood, and health.

But sleep alone does not solve every kind of exhaustion.

You can sleep eight hours and still wake up drained.

Why?

Because exhaustion is not always physical.

Sometimes it is:

• Mental overload

• Emotional depletion

• Sensory overstimulation

• Social fatigue

• Creative emptiness

• Spiritual disconnection

I remember getting enough sleep in one season—and still waking up cynical, foggy, and exhausted.

That's when I learned: tired is not one-dimensional.

So if burnout is more than tiredness, what is it exactly?

The World Health Organization defines burnout as an occupational phenomenon resulting from chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed.

That matters because burnout is not weakness.

It is not laziness.

It is not failure.

It is a predictable human response to prolonged stress without sufficient recovery.

Burnout is real. It has patterns. It has warning signs.

And those warning signs typically show up in three specific ways.

THREE DIMENSIONS OF BURNOUT

First: Energy Depletion

This is more than needing coffee. It's profound exhaustion.

Second: Mental Distance and Cynicism

You become detached, negative, numb, resentful, or emotionally checked out.

Third: Reduced Effectiveness

You begin questioning your competence—even while still working hard.

Many people think, “What's wrong with me?”

Often the better question is:

“What has been happening to me for too long without recovery?”

Have you ever taken vacation... and come back still tired?

That's because time off removes demand—but does not automatically create recovery.

If your problem is mental overload, lying by a pool may not be enough.

If your problem is emotional exhaustion, a hotel room may not heal that.

If your nervous system is overstimulated, you may need calm—not just travel.

Recovery must match depletion.

Wrong rest often produces lingering exhaustion.

So the real question becomes this:

WHAT KIND OF TIRED ARE YOU?

Not all tired is the same.

• Body tired

• Brain tired

• Heart tired

• Soul tired

Instead of asking:

“How do I get more rest?”

Ask:

“What kind of rest am I missing?”

That question changes everything.

Thank you for joining me, I am excited to be part of your journey. Please share this episode and hit subscribe so you don't miss any new episodes. I can't wait for you to experience God's peace, comfort, and wholeness.

Sheryl Giesbrecht Turner website

Find Sheryl on Facebook

See Sheryl's books here

Sheryl on Instagram

Sheryl on X/Twitter

Sheryl on LinkedIn

Sheryl on Pinterest

Let me know what you think!

When Your Heart Hurts – Scriptures for Grievers

Sometimes, you simply need someone to remind you that God sees your pain, He understands your heart, and He has not left you alone.

As we wrap up our Grief: When Your Heart Hurts series, I want to give you something you can come back to again and again:

Scripture for your grieving heart.

Today, I’m sharing a collection of Bible verses that speak to grief, pain, comfort, peace, hope, and the presence of God.

You don't have to have the right words.

Let God’s Word speak to your heart.

First, I want to say this: I am so sorry for your loss.

I’m grateful God brought you here so we can walk together through this season of loss.

My prayer is that you will find healing and hope through our time together in this series, Grief: When Your Heart Hurts: Scriptures for Grievers

So today, rather than giving you a lot of answers, I want to give you God’s Word.

“Jesus said, I am the resurrection and the life. He who believe es in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?” John 11:25-26

“He was despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering and familiar with pain.” Is. 53:3

“For we do not have a High Priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses…” Heb. 4:15 a

“My bones are in agony. My soul is anguished. How long, O Lord, how long” Psalm 6:2-3

“He took up our infirmities and bore our diseases.” Matt. 8:17

“When Jesus saw her weeping and the Jews who had come along with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in spirit and troubled.” John 11:33

“Jesus wept.” John 11:35

“The Lord looked down from His sanctuary on high, from heaven, he viewed the earth, to hear the groans of the prisoners and release those condemned to death.” Psalm 102:19-20

“weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.” Psalm 30:5

“But he knows the way I take; when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold!” Job 23:10

“Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope.” I Thess. 4:13

“My flesh and heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” Ps. 73:26

 “My soul is weary with sorrow; strengthen me according to your word.” Ps. 119:39

 “You who are my Comforter in sorrow, my heart is faint within me.” Jer. 8:18

 “Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.” 2 Cor. 7:10

 “Be merciful to me, Lord, for I am in distress; my eyes grow weak with sorrow, my soul and body with grief.” Ps. 31:9

“I cry aloud to the Lord; I lift up my voice to the Lord for mercy. I pour out before him my complaint, before him I tell my trouble. When my Spirit grows faint within me, it is you who watch over my way.” Zech. 2:8

“In their distress, he too was distressed, and the angel of his presence saved them.” Is. 63:9

“I will exalt you Lord, for you lifted me out of the depts and did not let my enemies gloat over me. O Lord My God, I called out to you for help and you healed me. You turned my wailing into dancing. You removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, that my heart may sing your praises and not be silent. Lord my God, I will praise you forever.” Psalm 1-2, 11

“Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion; therefore, I will wait for Him.’ The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.” Lam. 3:21-26

“I, even I, am He who comforts you.” Is. 51:12 a

“The righteous perish, and no one takes it to heart, the devout are taken away, and no one understands that the righteous are taken away to be spared from evil. Those who walk uprightly enter into peace, they find rest as they lie in death.” Is. 57:1-2

“Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.” 2 Thess. 3:16 

“There is a time for everything and a season for every activity under heaven; a time to be born and a time to die…a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance.” Ecc. 3:-2, 4

“The day of death is better than the day of birth.” Ecc. 7:1

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.” 2 Cor. 1:3-4

“Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress. I will not be shaken.” Ps. 62:5-6 

“As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him.” Ps. 103:13-14

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Ps. 34:18 

“As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you.” Is. 66:13

“Be merciful to me, O Lord, for I am in distress; my eyes grow weak with sorrow, my soul and my body with grief.” Ps. 31:9

“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” I Pet. 5:7

“How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and every day have sorrow in my heart?” Ps. 13:2

“But you, Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness.” Ps. 86:15

“The Lord heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” Ps. 147:3

“And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever—the spirit of truth. But you know Him, for he lives with you and will be in you.” John 14:16-17b

“may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Rom 15:13

“In the same way, the spirit helps us in our weakness, we do not know what we ought to pray for, but the spirit himself intercedes for us though wordless groans.” Rom. 8:26

“Those who sow in tears shall reap with shouts of joy!” Psalm 126:5

“I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.” Rom. 8:18 

“Come you who are blessed by my Father, take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world.” Matt. 25:34

“Since then, since you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” Col. 3:1-2

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Phil. 4:6-7

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” Prov. 3:5

“Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice saying, ‘Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe away very tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.’ Rev. 21:1-4

Friend, if you're grieving today, I want you to know this:

You don't have to forget what you've lost in order to find hope again.

You don't have to pretend you're okay.
 You don't have to rush your healing.
 And you don't have to walk through your grief alone.

When you don't have the words, let God's Word speak for you.

Thank you for joining me, I am excited to be part of your journey. Please share this episode and hit subscribe so you don't miss any new episodes. I can't wait for you to experience God's peace, comfort, and wholeness.

Sheryl Giesbrecht Turner website

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Let me know what you think!

Finding Hope While You Grieve

First, I want to say this: I am so sorry for your loss.

I’m grateful God brought you here so we can walk together through this season of loss.

My prayer is that you will find healing and hope through our time together in this four-part series, Grief: When Your Heart Hurts.

Today is Part 4: Finding Hope While You Grieve.

Because here’s something we need to understand:

Only you can grieve your grief.

No one else can tell you exactly how long your grief should take or what your grieving process should look like.

And hope doesn't mean forgetting what we've lost.

Hope means learning to live with the loss while trusting the God who remains.

And we learned to replace the lies we may have believed about God with the truth:

God is a good Father.

God is loving.

God is sovereign.

God is faithful.

And God is trustworthy.

So, how do we grieve in an emotionally healthy way and begin to experience renewed hope in God?

Today, I want to share three essential mindsets. 

Mindset #1 — Move Away From Self-Pity

“Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

1 Thessalonians 5:18

Now, someone might hear that and say,

“Are you kidding me? You want me to be thankful that my person died?”

No.

That’s not what this verse is saying.

We don't have to thank God for the loss.

But we can learn to thank God in the midst of the loss.

Thanking God in the middle of our pain is a choice to acknowledge that He is still God, He is still good, and He is still with us.

Sometimes it feels like learning to dance in the rain.

We can't always change the storm.

But we can choose how we respond while we're walking through it.

When grumbling, bitterness, and self-pity become our constant companions, we can find ourselves stuck in the pain.

But we can begin to retrain our minds by turning our attention back to God.

Even in the middle of pain and darkness, we can say:

“God, I don't understand this, but I choose to trust You.”

“God, I don't like this, but I know You are with me.”

“God, I don't know what comes next, but I know You can be trusted.”

Thankfulness doesn't deny our grief.

It redirects our focus.

Instead of focusing only on what we have lost or what we cannot change, we begin looking toward the God who remains faithful. 

Mindset #2 — Monitor Your Thinking

“We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.”

2 Corinthians 10:5

Think of your mind like an airport.

And you are the air-traffic controller.

A lot of thoughts are asking permission to land.

But you don't have to allow every thought to land and take up residence.

We are in a battle between truth and lies.

Are there negative thoughts that keep coming back?

Sometimes those thoughts have created a rut in our minds and emotions.

The key to changing that pattern is to uncover the lie behind the thought and replace it with God's truth.

Telling yourself the truth doesn't mean ignoring your pain.

It means acknowledging your pain while also recognizing what God says about your situation.

When a negative thought comes into your mind, counter it with truth from God's Word.

And keep practicing.

Practice truth until it becomes your new way of thinking.

You can replace mental lies with strong, hope-filled truth from God's Word.

Here's how it worked for me.

I was the one who found Pastor Paul's crumpled, nearly lifeless body less than five minutes after his motorcycle accident.

For nearly two years after Pastor Paul's death, I struggled with post-traumatic stress.

I would have flashbacks to the moment I knelt beside him and removed his helmet.

He was unconscious, gasping for air and bleeding.

In my panic and overwhelm, I couldn't catch my breath.

I was alone.

I felt helpless.

There was no cell phone service.

There were so many wounds.

I was afraid to move him.

The feelings of being alone, helpless, unable to get help, and facing the possibility that my loved one was dying were real.

My flashbacks included all of those emotions.

It took time for me to process what had happened.

But eventually, I began replacing those painful images with precious truths from God's Word.

Ecclesiastes 7:1 says:

“The day you die is better than the day you are born.”

And Isaiah 57:1–2 reminds us that the righteous enter into peace and find rest.

Those truths didn't erase what happened.

But they gave my mind somewhere else to go.

I began learning to replace the picture in my mind with the truth of God's Word. 

Mindset #3 — Motivate Yourself Toward Healing

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

Romans 15:13

Now, I want to be very clear:

You cannot heal yourself.

But you can position yourself to receive the healing God has planned for you.

Overflowing with hope is the work of the Holy Spirit.

You cannot reach hope or healing without God's help.

So instead of becoming discouraged when you read your Bible and think,

“I will never feel good again,”

try replacing that thought with:

“God, this isn't how I feel right now—but I want to.”

That's a prayer. That's an invitation. That's a step toward hope.

Think about Israel leaving Egypt. They were physically free in one day, but it took years for them to stop thinking like slaves.

Sometimes our circumstances can change before our thinking changes.

That's why Scripture tells us:

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Jeremiah 29:11–12

Remember:

We are not trying to become God's children. We're learning to live like the children we already are.

Every choice to believe God's truth reinforces the identity He has already given us. 

That's why spiritual disciplines matter so much.

Reading Scripture.

Praying.

Worshiping.

Practicing gratitude.

Confessing sin.

Staying connected to Christian community.

We don't do these things to earn God's love.

We do them because they help bring our wandering minds back to what is true.

And maybe you've thought,

“I know the truth, but I still don't feel any different.”

Friend, that's normal.

Our feelings often take a little while to catch up with what we believe.

Our identity in Christ changes immediately.

But the way we think changes little by little—one surrendered thought at a time.

God changes our patterns little by little as we continue walking with Him.

And even physically, this makes sense.

God designed our brains with the ability to learn through repetition.

Every repeated thought strengthens a pathway in the brain.

Think about walking through a grassy field.

The first time you walk across it, you barely leave a mark.

But if you take that same route every day, eventually a clear path forms.

Our thoughts work the same way.

If someone has believed for years:

“I'm worthless.”

“No one loves me.”

“I'll never change.”

Those thoughts can become familiar pathways in the brain.

They may feel true. But that doesn't mean they are true.

They feel true because they've been rehearsed over and over again.

But when we begin replacing those lies with Scripture—truths like:

“I am God's workmanship.”

“Nothing can separate me from God's love.”

“I am forgiven by God.”

At first, the new path may feel awkward because it isn't familiar yet.

But every time we agree with God's Word instead of our feelings, we strengthen that new pathway.

And over time, the new way of thinking becomes easier to walk in than the old one.

God's truth doesn't become more true. Our mind

Thank you for joining me, I am excited to be part of your journey. Please share this episode and hit subscribe so you don't miss any new episodes. I can't wait for you to experience God's peace, comfort, and wholeness.

Sheryl Giesbrecht Turner website

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Grieving With God.

Because here’s something we need to understand:

Only you can grieve your own grief.

And it is so important to bring your questions to God.

You don't have to hide your grief from Him.

You don't have to clean up your emotions before you come to Him.

You can come exactly as you are.

So, let’s look at three questions we may ask while we’re grieving.

Tip #1 — Has God Abandoned Me?

Psalm 22:1 says:

“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”

In this passage, the psalmist is asking, “Why?”

You may be in that same place.

You may be shouting.

You may be shaking your fist at God.

Or maybe you aren't asking why at all.

And either way, that's okay.

You may even wonder, “Do I have the right to ask God why?”

Well, who is to say you don't?

When we're hurting, why is a natural question.

Job asked why.

And the people surrounding Job tried to make sense of his suffering, too.

Because why isn't just a question.

Sometimes it's a heart-wrenching cry of protest.

It's our reaction saying:

“No. This shouldn't be happening.”

“This isn't right.”

When we ask why, we're saying, “I need an explanation. I need answers.”

But here's the difficult part.

When we don't have answers, we can become even more angry.

And then there's another side to the question:

Would any answer really be enough right now?

Would an explanation make the pain disappear?

More than likely, the answer is no.

Answers don't always make the pain go away.

So, keep bringing your questions to God.

Because something can begin to change during a season of transformation.

Your question may eventually change from:

“Why did this happen?”

to:

“What can I learn from this experience?”

or

“How can I grow through this?”

or even:

“How can my life become stronger through what I've experienced?”

Faith is part of this process.

On one hand, you ask why.

And on the other hand, you begin to say:

“I will learn to live by faith.”

Faith doesn't always mean knowing the answer to why.

Sometimes faith means being willing to wait for the answer.

And eventually, you may reach a place where you can say:

“I don't have to know the answer in order to keep going.”

Friend, God has not abandoned you.

It might be a struggle to pray.

Yet God understands your questions:

“Why?”

“I don't like this.”

“Answer me!”

“Where were You?”

“I don't understand. Help me!”

God knows.

God understands.

And He provides the Holy Spirit to intercede for you “with groans that words cannot express.”

Romans 8:26.

You may not have the words.

But the Holy Spirit does.

Tip #2 — Has God Changed?

Hebrews 13:8 says:

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.”

Grief brings separation.

It brings disruption.

It brings confusion.

And it can disrupt our entire life schedule.

Grief affects every part of our lives.

These changes remind us that we're grieving not only who or what we've lost, but also what we may never have.

Our feelings may be all over the map.

They may become more intense.

They may come in recurring waves—almost like waves in the ocean.

One moment you may feel okay.

And the next moment, the grief crashes over you again.

That's why it's essential to ground ourselves in the unchanging nature of God.

Jeremiah 4:19 says:

“Oh, my anguish, my anguish! I writhe in pain. Oh, the agony of my heart! My heart pounds within me, I cannot keep silent.”

I understand that feeling.

During my own season of grief, I learned to keep handwritten Scripture cards beside my bed.

When I woke up in the middle of the night and couldn't sleep, I could reach for those cards and remind myself of God's presence by reading His Word—the truth.

Psalm 63:6 says:

“If I am sleepless at midnight, I spend the hours in grateful reflection.”

And Psalm 94:19 says:

“When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul.”

And Isaiah 26:3 reminds us:

“You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.”

Our feelings can change as quickly as the situations around us change.

That's why we must make an intentional choice to trust God's unchanging nature and His stable promises in His Word.

First Peter 5:7 says:

“Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.”

Friend, God hasn't changed.

Your circumstances may have changed.

Your relationships may have changed.

Your emotions may have changed.

But God has not changed.

He is still faithful.

He is still present.

And He still cares.

Tip #3 — Can God Handle My Honesty?

Yes.

God can handle your honesty.

In fact, honesty brings healing.

The confusing emotions of grief may bring fear, hiding, embarrassment, or insecurity.

But those are feelings.

And sometimes our feelings cause us to believe lies.

Maybe you've believed:

“If I'm honest, God won't accept me.”

Or:

“God will judge me for my negative feelings.”

But if you know Jesus Christ as your personal Savior, you can be honest with God.

You can bring your raw emotions to Him.

You can renounce the lies you've believed.

Colossians 1:21–22 says:

“Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation.”

Friend, God sees you as holy.

You are free from condemnation.

You don't have to hide from Him.

You can exchange your fear, hiding, embarrassment, and insecurity for God's love.

Ken Gire, whose wife and four of his five children were killed in a car accident, wrote about this kind of suffering.

He said:

“In times of upheaval, a voice from heaven says, ‘Be still and know that I am God.’ It doesn’t say, ‘Be still and know why.’”

Isn't that powerful?

God doesn't promise that we'll understand everything.

Sometimes accepting the silence and the unanswered questions may actually become part of our healing.

And honesty with God begins with returning to God.

It continues with confession.

And it is expressed through repentance.

So let me ask you:

Are you ready to be honest with God?

If you are, let's pray King David's prayer from Psalm 51 together:

“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.”

Amen.

Let's Review What We Learned Today

Friend, you don't have to wonder if God can handle your honesty.

He can.

God wants you to heal.

And we cannot do it in our own strength.

But we don't have to do it alone.

God is with us in our grief.

God can handle your questions.

He can handle your tears.

He can handle your anger.

He can handle your disappointment.

You don't have to hide.

You can come to Him exactly as you are.

And in His Word, we find answers to some of our deepest questions:

Does God want me to grieve with Him?

How can I trust that God will still accept me if I'm honest?

Grief isn't something you simply get over.

It's something you learn to carry differently as God walks with you through it.

You may not receive every answer you want.

But you can receive something just as important:

God's presence.

God's peace.

And God's hope.

You can have His peace and hope even in the midst of painful circumstances.

Prayer

I'd love for you to pray this prayer with me:

“Father, thank You for giving me peace in the midst of my ‘why’ questions. Thank You for not changing Your mind about Your love for me. Thank You for accepting me in my raw, honest emotions. Help me release what I cannot change and trust You with what comes next. In Jesu

Thank you for joining me, I am excited to be part of your journey. Please share this episode and hit subscribe so you don't miss any new episodes. I can't wait for you to experience God's peace, comfort, and wholeness.

Sheryl Giesbrecht Turner website

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Sheryl on Instagram

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Let me know what you think!

The Many Faces of Grief.

We need to understand:

Death isn’t the only thing we grieve.

We can grieve relationships.

We can grieve dreams.

We can grieve our health.

We can grieve our past.

We can grieve what we hoped life would be.

And we can grieve seasons that ended differently than we expected.

Grief isn’t weakness. And grief isn’t a lack of faith. Grief is the heart’s response to loss.

And sometimes, the loss we’re grieving isn’t even something that actually happened. Sometimes we’re grieving what we expected to happen.

Expectations — Love ’em or hate ’em?

Yes, me too.

For more than twenty years, I’ve struggled with expecting positive reactions from people, only to become disappointed when the results didn’t match my expectations.

Maybe you’re like me.

Maybe you expect to be treated a certain way.

Maybe you expect a certain amount of attention.

Maybe you expect someone to follow through because they said they would.

And when they don’t, we’re disappointed.

Sometimes we’re hurt.

Sometimes we’re angry.

And sometimes we find ourselves grieving something we thought we could count on.

It helps to step back and ask ourselves, “Why am I feeling this way?”

During a recent quiet time with God, I sensed Him gently whisper to my heart:

“Sheryl, expect to receive from Me, not people. People will always disappoint you. I never will. I am everything you need.”

Wow.

What if some of our expectations could actually become invitations to trust God more deeply?

What if disappointment could become an opportunity to look to God instead of people to meet the deepest needs of our hearts?

That brings us to what I’m calling the three B’s for experiencing “good grief” in the midst of loss.

Proven Tip #1 — Be careful to stay focused on Him.

Isaiah 26:3 says:

“You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you.”

One of the most important things we can do when we’re grieving is keep our eyes on God.

Once my enemy, now my ally, I’m learning to allow my expectations to help keep me focused on Him.

Instead of expecting people to give me what only God can provide, I’m learning to expect—and even excitedly anticipate—receiving from God.

I’m learning to thank God for every disappointment.

And when I choose that response, the disappointment becomes His reappointment.

That doesn’t mean the loss didn’t hurt.

It means I’m choosing to believe God can redeem what hurt me and use it for something I could never have imagined.

No more looking back with regret.

I’m moving forward with resolve.

I’m letting go of unhealthy expectations so I can increase my anticipation of receiving God’s best.

To do that, I must embrace God’s love for me and believe that He is committed to my growth as His child.

Isaiah 43:18–19 says:

“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland.”

Friend, God is not finished.

He can make a way where you cannot see one.

Proven Tip #2 — Be confident in God’s power.

When God closes a door, we can trust Him with whatever comes next.

Sometimes God uses our disappointments as reappointments—moving us into something we never would have chosen for ourselves.

In the middle of a change, we can pray:

“God, thank You for my reassignment. Enable me to pivot and praise You for this new beginning. Give me courage, wisdom, and insight for the next step. Amen.”

2 Timothy 1:7 reminds us:

“For God did not give us a spirit of timidity... but He has given us a spirit of power and of love and of a calm and well-balanced mind and discipline and self-control.”

You may not know what the next step is.

You may not understand why the door closed.

You may not know what God is doing.

But you can know Who He is.

And you can be confident in His power.

Proven Tip #3 — Be certain God is doing something you least expect.

God is doing a new thing.

And sometimes, for the new thing to come, we have to release the old thing.

That doesn’t mean we erase our memories.

It doesn’t mean we pretend the relationship didn’t matter.

It doesn’t mean we stop loving someone who is no longer here.

And it certainly doesn’t mean everything from our past was bad.

Our personalities, our purpose, and even God’s plans for us may have been positively influenced by relationships, dreams, and seasons that ended differently than we expected.

We can honor what was good.

We can learn from our mistakes.

We can cherish beautiful memories.

But we can also release what we thought our lives were supposed to look like.

And when we surrender our plans to God, we make room to embrace His plans.

2 Corinthians 5:17 says:

“Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!”

So let’s push away from doubt, fear, procrastination, and unhealthy expectations.

Let’s release the past so we can embrace what God is doing next.

Philippians 3:13–14 says:

“But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”

Friend, grieving well doesn’t mean forgetting.

It means allowing God to walk with us as we learn to release what we cannot change and trust Him with what comes next.

Let’s Review the Three B’s

Today we talked about how death isn’t the only thing we grieve.

We can grieve relationships, dreams, health, our past, what we hoped life would be, and seasons that ended differently than expected.

And remember:

Grief isn’t weakness. Grief isn’t a lack of faith. Grief is the heart’s response to loss. 

So, how can we experience “good grief” in the midst of loss?

#1 — Be careful to stay focused on Him.

“You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you.” — Isaiah 26:3

#2 — Be confident in God’s power.

“For God did not give us a spirit of timidity... but... a spirit of power and of love and of a calm and well-balanced mind and discipline and self-control.” — 2 Timothy 1:7

#3 — Be certain God is doing something you least expect.

He is doing a new thing.

And when we choose to release what we hoped our lives would be, we make room to embrace His plans for our future.

Philippians 3:13–14 reminds us to forget what is behind, reach toward what is ahead, and press on toward the goal God has placed before us.

Thank you for joining me, I am excited to be part of your journey. Please share this episode and hit subscribe so you don't miss any new episodes. I can't wait for you to experience God's peace, comfort, and wholeness.

Sheryl Giesbrecht Turner website

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Let me know what you think!

 Understanding Grief: Why Does This Hurt So Much? 

Understanding Grief - Tip #1:

1.    Why does grief hurt so much? 

         Grief is disruptive, disorderly. It’s the heart’s response to loss. When we grieve, we have an opportunity to look inward.  Grief isn’t weakness or lack of faith. Grief is the heart’s response to loss. Let me encourage you, grief is normal even though you may feel like you are losing your mind, it’s intense, you’ll feel off balance. Grief is like an uninvited houseguest that stays too long and refuses to leave. David told God exactly how he felt in his cry for help, in Psalm 62:2-3, “My bones are in agony. My soul is in aguish. How long, O Lord, how long?” David wanted his grief to be done. Over. Finished. Grief is a natural part of life. Your feelings are normal. I hope it helps to know other people have felt these same emotions. 

As believers, we can choose to believe God’s word, and let His truth overshadow all lies, doubt, fear, and distrust. In God’s Word we find answers to all of our questions: Does God care? What will happen to me? If God loved me why did my person or my dream die? You can have peace in the midst of all situations. “Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all.” 2 Thess. 3:16

Understanding Grief - Tip # 2. Will this pain ever end?

Grief is a process we must go through. Leaning into grief does not mean staying stuck or wallowing in it. Although we may be surprised by how long grief lasts, it is important to feel what we feel. In the days, weeks, and months after Pastor Paul’s death, keeping a handwritten journal helped me process my grief. Emotions need to be expressed, not pent up. Don’t store them; they always come out, one way or another. We can choose to express our emotions honestly—even with tears. Tears are a gift. Jesus showed us this when He wept at the tomb of His dear friend. Tears help cleanse our systems and are an appropriate response to losing someone who mattered. Grief is not a sign of weakness. When we deeply loved the one who is departed, grief is the price you pay for loving someone. If there were no love, there would be no grief. There is a time and season for your grief. Ecc. 3:4 says, “a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance.”

Understanding Grief - Tip #3: Do the next thing

No matter how long it’s been since your loved one has died, you can choose to follow the “ABC’s of Grief” (GriefShare™).

A — Always be true to your grief. Grieve your own grief. No one can do it for you.
B — Believe you will get to the end. Take the time you need and let grief take you to a deeper relationship with God.
C — Communicate what you need. Be honest with your pain and your emotions. Preach the Gospel to yourself and wait on God to heal you.

“No, in all these things we are more than conquerors though Him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:36, 37

Thank you for joining me, I am excited to be part of your journey. Please share this episode and hit subscribe so you don't miss any new episodes. I can't wait for you to experience God's peace, comfort, and wholeness.

Sheryl Giesbrecht Turner website

Find Sheryl on Facebook

See Sheryl's books here

Sheryl on Instagram

Sheryl on X/Twitter

Sheryl on LinkedIn

Sheryl on Pinterest

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Do you have a difficult time believing God? Or maybe trusting other people? Are you cynical, skeptical, or wary of new friends, churches, or situations? Do you sometimes wonder what is real? What is true? I want to share three promises from God's Word that can help you learn to tell yourself the truth. God's truth is stronger than every lie we've believed. And today, we're going to talk about how His truth can begin to untangle the lies that have kept us stuck. 

Promise #1 — Renew Your Mind Daily I remember a season in my life when I made excuses. I told myself, "I just don't feel like doing it." And honestly, I did absolutely nothing. I was stuck. I didn't know how to get out of the pit. Maybe you can relate. So how do we begin to tell ourselves the truth? We find an answer in Ephesians 4:22–24: "You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self... to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness." I love that picture. Put off the old self. Be made new in the attitude of your minds. Put on the new self. The moment we trust Christ, our identity changes. Second Corinthians 5:17 tells us that we are a new creation. We are accepted. We are forgiven. We are adopted into God's family. But here's the thing— our thinking doesn't always catch up with our new identity right away. That's part of sanctification—the lifelong process of becoming more like Christ. Romans 12:2 tells us to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. God changes our position immediately, but He changes our patterns little by little as we walk with Him. And even physically, this makes sense. 

God designed our brains with the ability to learn through repetition. Think about walking through a grassy field. The first time you walk across it, you barely leave a mark. But if you take that same path every day, eventually a clear pathway forms. Our thoughts can work the same way. If you've believed for years: "I'm worthless." "No one loves me." "I'll never change." Those thoughts can become familiar pathways in your mind. They may feel true. But that doesn't mean they are true. They feel familiar because they've been rehearsed over and over again.

But when we begin replacing those lies with Scripture, we're choosing a different path."I am God's workmanship." "Nothing can separate me from His love." "I am forgiven." “I am chosen.” At first, that new way of thinking may feel awkward because it is not as familiar. But every time we agree with God's Word instead of our feelings, we strengthen that new pathway. God's truth doesn't become more true. Our minds are simply learning to agree with what has always been true. So start with Scripture. Read it. Memorize it. Meditate on it. Pray it back to God. Let His Word become louder than the lies that have been rehearsing in your mind. You are not stuck with every thought that shows up. Your mind really can be renewed.  

Promise #2 — Replace the Lie Maybe you've thought, "I can't control my thoughts." Or, "I can't help the way I am." I understand that. Before I fully committed my life to Jesus, I was living for myself. I was angry. I rebelled against authority. I smoked, drank, used drugs, gossiped, and even cursed the name of God and Jesus. At that time, fitting in with people mattered more to me than pleasing God. But when I became a fully devoted follower of Jesus Christ, everything began to change. Jesus loved me first. He gave His life for me and paid the price for my sin. And because of His love, I began to want to please God more than I wanted to please myself. For the first time, I realized something: I had a choice. I did not have to keep living as a slave to lies or toxic thoughts. I slowly learned to confess my sin, submit to God, and trust Him with my thoughts, my desires, and my life.

In Christ, we have power, freedom, and a new identity. Romans 8:31 reminds us: "If God is for us, who can be against us?" If God is for you, the enemy does not get the final word over your life. In Christ, you are accepted. In Christ, you are secure.
 In Christ, you are significant. Your mistakes do not define you. Your past does not define you. The truest thing about you is your identity in Christ. So what do we do when an old lie rises up? We replace it Instead of: "I am a failure." Say:"I am God's workmanship." Instead of: "I am abandoned."Say:"God will never leave me." Instead of: "My past defines me." Say: "I am a new creation in Christ."This is why we need God's Word.Read it.Pray it.Speak it.Memorize it.Keep it close.We don't renew our minds through our own strength.We cooperate with what God is doing in us through His Word and the Holy SpiritRomans 12:1–2 gives us such a beautiful picture:"Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." We are not trying to become God's children.We're learning to live like the children we already are.

Promise #3 — Practice Truth Until It Becomes Your Default This is where the daily practice comes in.Putting on the new self happens as we keep choosing truth— again and again—even when our feelings try to pull us back into old patterns.And I want you to hear this: It's not about perfection. It's about progress.It's not about trying harder in your own strength.It's about learning to think differently as God's Spirit renews you from the inside out. Sometimes we know the truth, but we still don't feel any different. Friend, that's normal.Our feelings often take a little while to catch up with what we believe.Think about Israel leaving Egypt.They were physically free in one day, but it took years for them to stop thinking like slaves.

We can be the same way.Our identity in Christ changes immediately, but the way we think changes little by little— one surrendered thought at a time.That's why practicing truth matters.

When God brings a hidden lie to the surface, we can look at it and say,"Lord, my belief system doesn't line up with what You say is true."

We can renounce that lie.To renounce a lie simply means we refuse to keep agreeing with it.We reject it.We stop giving it authority.And we choose not to live under its influence anymore.God created our brains with the ability to form habits of thinking.

So if we've believed lies for years—"I'm unlovable," "I'll never change," "My past defines me"—those thoughts can become deeply worn into the way we think.They may feel true.But they aren't necessarily true.They feel familiar because we've rehearsed them so many times.But here is the good news:

As we keep replacing those lies with God's Word, we are training our minds to agree with what God says instead of what our emotions, wounds, or past experiences tell us.

God's truth does not change. But we do.

And over time, as the Holy Spirit works in us and we keep practicing truth, truth becomes our new default.That's part of the beautiful process Scripture calls sanctification—

Becoming more like Christ, one surrendered thought at a time.

And when we come to our Heavenly Father, He doesn't erase our emotions, memories, wounds, or mistakes overnight.We come carrying false beliefs and old coping mechanisms.And little by little, He lovingly teaches us what is true.

God has given us spiritual weapons for a spiritual battle. We are not helpless against the lies. Through His truth, we can recognize them, confront them, and bring those thoughts under the authority of Christ. So let me ask you gently: What lie have you been agreeing with? You don't have to figure it all out at once.Just start with the next honest step.Ask God:"Lord, show me the lie I've believed."Then ask:"What do You say is true?"1. Renew your mind daily. 2. Replace the lie with God's truth. 3. Practice truth until it becomes your default. You are not powerless. You can choose truth—one thought at a time. Take a moment and pray:"Lord, thank You for setting me free from the tangles of my past and my pain. Thank You for showing me how to tell myself the truth. Today, I choose truth instead of lies." And remember the promise of John 8:36: "So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed."

Thank you for joining me, I am excited to be part of your journey. Please share this episode and hit subscribe so you don't miss any new episodes. I can't wait for you to experience God's peace, comfort, and wholeness.

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