Rooted with Rachel

Lately, I have found myself in a cycle of rehearsing negative narratives in my heart and mind. It has taken me to a place where I did not want to go. I knew something had to be done or I would be stuck here forever. Maybe you resonate with this. Perhaps you too have found yourself spiraling into the negative on autopilot and you don’t know how to break the cycle. Or maybe you are clueless as to why you are feeling so “down” lately. It could be that the negative narratives you are unknowingly replaying in your heart and mind are keeping you stuck in a place of discouragement. How do we disarm those negative narratives? What can we do to move out of that dark place of discouragement into brighter days? Today, I want to share with you two ways to disarm shame and push back the darkness.

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Have you ever looked at a sunrise and you couldn’t help but think about God—the Creator of every sunrise? Or stood before the vast ocean and your mind goes directly to how he holds back those waves and sets their boundaries, saying, “You may come this far, and no further”? Creation is speaking to us constantly. Psalm 19 tells us, “The heavens declare the glory of God.” But so often, we miss the sacred sermon because we are too busy to listen. If we are distracted with other things, we will miss the sermon creation is crafting. Recently, I came across a very interesting fact that once again proves that creation speaks…

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How would you describe the state of your soul right now? Is it calm and quiet? Weary and restless? Anxious and worried? When our souls feel disturbed and turbulent, we usually try and ease are anxious souls with food, drink or other empty remedies. None of these can calm and quiet our anxious souls. Very rarely do we ask ourselves WHY are we feeling this way, what is at the root of our fractured soul? What do you need to be weaned off of? What is keeping you from being content?

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Are you finding it difficult to think of reasons to praise God right now? Maybe you're going through a trial or grieving a loss, and you just can’t seem to find your footing. How can we praise when our souls feel empty and cold?

It’s so easy for our view of God to become skewed in a world that paints an inaccurate picture of him—one that doesn’t align with what Scripture says. That’s why it’s so important to go to the Bible and learn God’s character through his Word, rather than relying on our interpretation of circumstances or the world’s perspective. When we base our view of God on our surroundings, we risk creating a version of him that isn’t true.

God has given us a clear picture of Himself in Scripture. When we know him through studying the Bible, we begin to interpret our circumstances through the lens of his truth.

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

I cannot begin to tell you how timely this psalm has been for me!! I pray God has used it in your life as well. Today is our final day in Psalm 121. We will look at the last two verses and then I will share with you how this psalm has helped shape my prayers not only for myself, but for my family and for others as well. As we look at verses 7-8, we are left with four powerful truths that help shape our prayers.

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May is a month of transitions — graduations, children moving from elementary to middle school or from middle school to high school, people relocating, and many life changes. How do you weather these transitions when everything feels uncertain or constantly changing?

Last week, we explored God as our Vigilant Protector and saw how He keeps us in a deeply personal way. Today, we will focus on God as our Faithful Keeper, who covers and watches over us in every season of life.

Whether it’s life transitions, growing children, moves, or moments that feel overwhelming, Psalm 121:5–6 offers three promises that apply to every season.

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

When your world feels dark and silent, do you ever wonder if God is still paying attention? Do you ever feel like you are unseen in your pain? Because help is deferred, you conclude that God is disinterested in your life — or worse, he has forgotten you. I think we would all say we have had these thoughts. Our hearts know better, but sometimes when the pressures are so great and the rescue is delayed it can cause us to look elsewhere for help. How can we remind ourselves that we have a wakeful watcher when our world is crumbling around us?

Last week, we looked at Psalm 121:1-2. We saw how tempting it is for us to go to people, places, or things for help instead of setting our gaze higher on the Maker of heaven and earth. The rest of this psalm seeks to answer that question in practical ways. How is the Maker of heaven and earth our help? Why should we keep our eyes lifted above the hills to the one who made the hills? Psalm 121:1-2 showed us the Source of our Help. Today’s verses describe our Source of Help as a Vigilant Protector.

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

Do you ever feel like you just need a change of pace? Maybe your time spent with God and his word seem fruitless or hurried and you feel the need to slow down. You long for something that will be more meditative, more contemplative. We live in a world that is in fast motion. We get information at our fingertips constantly through social media and the news; so many things are bearing down on us. Our minds and souls were not meant to carry this much.

I feel this too, and I am planning on using this summer to slow the pace and spend time in the psalms. I want to sit with them. I want to go line-by-line. I want to waste my time meditating on these truths. So, I’m starting what I’m calling “Summer in the Psalms.” It will be a series spent in different psalms throughout the summer. I don’t know how many we’re going to do, but we are going to walk through them slowly. If you want to join me on this journey through the psalms this summer, then tune into the Podcast Holistic Highlights, my Substack or YouTube to follow along.

Going Up

Today, we will look at our first psalm in the Summer in the Psalms series: Psalm 121. This psalm is part of a collection of psalms called the Psalms of Ascent. It begins with Psalm 120 and goes all the way to Psalm 134, fifteen psalms total. They are known as the “Pilgrim Songs”because the Jewish people would use these as they would journey “up” to Jerusalem to celebrate one of the festivals (Passover, Feast of Weeks, or Feast of Tabernacles). Exodus 34:24 states the command to make this journey three times a year.

This path was a well-worn path for many of the patriarchs long before these psalms were compiled. Abraham was the first to go up to Jerusalem when he went to offer his son Isaac as a sacrifice according to the command of God. God intervened and provided a substitute, sparing Isaac’s life. Jacob was next as he traveled to seek a wife and God revealed himself to him in a vision of a ladder extended to heaven. He exclaims, “How awesome is this place! This is none other than the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven.” David purchased this plot of land and built an altar to the Lord. Later, Solomon, his son would build the temple on this same piece of land.

In the New Testament, Jesus made this journey many times with his family and other pilgrims, most likely singing these songs as they traveled. One of those trips was the one on which he was left behind at the temple (Luke 2:41-46). Jesus would later travel this same path when he made his triumphal entry through the Beautiful Gate on a donkey. He was fully aware that the welcoming crowd would soon turn on him and call for his crucifixion. Our distress is joined with all the other pilgrims who have gone before us. Likewise, our deliverance is found in the one who walked this path before us.

The psalms of ascent are separated in three sections:

* Psalm 120-124 Distress

* Psalm 125-129 Confidence in God

* Psalm 130-134 Communion with him in his house

This pattern reminds me so much of our walk through this world into eternal communion with our Savior who journeys with us.

These psalms literally ascend as the pilgrims would physically ascend the hill into Jerusalem. Many Jewish writings even suggest that the priest would walk up each of the fifteen steps into the temple singing these songs on each step. They have a very prominent place in Jewish culture, but also in our lives as pilgrims on a journey.

The Psalms of Ascent served as a reminder to the Jewish people of their journey out of exile and so for us it’s a reminder that this journey called life can be hard and at times overwhelming, but we have a well-worn path before us and a well-seasoned Savior by our side. We need seasons where we are able to slow down, savor God and the simple truths found in Scripture. The psalms are a perfect place to waste time in. So let’s begin.

Where Does My Help Come From?

Psalm 120 begins in a very low place, a cry of holy discontentment and Psalm 121 — which is our first Psalm for this summer — continues that movement as it expresses the search for help along this hard and uphill journey.

We are just going to look at the first two verses this week: Psalm 121:1-2:

I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.

It’s fascinating that the second step we take up the ascent would begin with a question of where our help comes from.

Psalm 121 is perhaps a well-known psalm for many. Maybe you’ve even memorized it. I never really noticed it until I begin studying it that the first line of this psalm just seems odd to me. Psalm 121:1 says, “I lift up my eyes to the hills, from where does my help come from?” I guess I never asked the question before of the text. What does that even mean? I lift up my eyes to the hills? Does it just mean he is looking at the physical terrain or is there something more to it? The psalmist asks a question in verse one and then answers his question in verse two.

My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.

In that time, the hills or mountains were called the high places and it was where idol worship took place. So, with that in mind, the psalmist is saying I have lifted my eyes to the hills and have found no help. He is acknowledging the fact that maybe he’s gone to these things and sought help from people or idols or locations and found them powerless to help. The only help that he will receive is from the One who made the hills and the mountains. The Maker of heaven and earth. The One who rules over all. We are never safe until we look to God alone. He frees us from fears that are irrational and rational.

As the pilgrims ascended the hill toward Jerusalem, this question rings out: Where does my help come from? If it’s not in the hills or high places, if it’s not in idols or people or places, then where does it come from? Perhaps they wondered if they would find their help in the city, in Jerusalem or in the high places erected by their forefathers for false worship, or maybe even their own loftiness was where they hoped to find rescue, but none of these can help. We must look higher than these earthly substitutes to find where our help comes from. It comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. Every other pursuit will prove pointless.

Do you feel helpless right now? Does your situation cause you to seek help in all the wrong places? As we lift up our eyes to the hills, let us lift our gaze a little higher to the Maker of heaven and earth. The Maker of the hills is where our help is found.

Joy in Action

Here are some practical ways to “slow the pace” this summer.

* Sit with each word of the verse. Pay attention to which word God’s Spirit is highlighting in your heart. Sit with that word. Form it into a prayer and put it into action.

* Did you know that looking up while covering one eye can actually be used as a sensory distraction for someone battling anxiety? It only gives temporary relief, but isn’t it amazing that our Creator has so wired our bodies to regulate by looking up? Next time you feel anxious, cover one eye and look up and remind yourself where your help comes from.

* Memorize these two verses and use them as a breath prayer whenever you feel anxious, needing to make a decision, disciplining your children, or caught in a mental battle. Remind yourself of this truth that the God who made the stars sees you and helps you. You do not have to carry it alone.

Christian Life Coaching

As a Christian life coach, my heart is to help you grow in the God-given confidence that comes from knowing who you are in Christ. True confidence isn’t about striving or self-promotion—it’s about humbly submitting to God, trusting His plans, and walking boldly in the identity He’s given you. As you draw near to Him and resist the lies of the enemy, you’ll begin to see transformation not just in how you see yourself, but in how you show up in the world. Together, we’ll uncover what’s holding you back, align your steps with God’s truth, and walk forward in faith—anchored, equipped, and empowered by His Spirit. Begin your journey today.

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

Have you ever thought about how many times you may have missed a breakthrough because you gave up too soon? You gave up on yourself. You gave up on God. You gave up on someone else. What does it really look like to brave a breakthrough? That’s the topic of today’s episode.

Today we are talking about breakthroughs. Not just the “I had a good day at work” kind of breakthrough. I’m talking about the kind of breakthroughs that change the course of your life forever. The kinds that are God-orchestrated and faith-infused. I want to offer you three ways to brave a breakthrough, but first, let me start with a simple definition:

A breakthrough is something that changes the course of your life going forward and ensures that things will never be the same for you again.

Let that sink in. It’s not just a moment—it’s a marker.

Something shifts inside you. You stop repeating the same cycles. You start walking in freedom, clarity, and purpose.

Brave a Breakthrough

Here’s the thing about breakthroughs: Breakthroughs demand bravery. Because they require you to stop settling. Stop settling in your health, in your mindset, in your spiritual walk. Maybe you’ve been saying things like,

* “This is just how I am.”

* “I’ll never be able to change my habits.”

* “I’m not good enough to walk in that calling.”

Listen, I know it’s hard. I’ve been there and realize I will continue to face many more moments where I will have to make a decision to stop settling, to choose courage instead of comfort. Many of my breakthroughs happened when I realized how I am allowing fear to drive me. You can’t change your life without changing the story you are telling yourself. There comes a point when you have to choose to believe the truth or the lie. You have to choose faith over fear.

In 2 Timothy 1:7, Paul says,

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind.”

That same power helps you break through the lies you’ve believed, the habits that drain you, and the shame that keeps you stuck.

We must choose to believe the truth that we have been given power, love and a whole mind instead of listening to the voice of fear.

Whatever area you are seeking a breakthrough in — finally committing to move your body daily, eat with intention, or walk in confidence into a calling — you’re not doing it alone. God is with you in the journey.

So, I want you to think about where you need a breakthrough today? Is it in your health journey, your spiritual walk, a relationship or a mindset shift?

Joy In Action

Here are three ways to brave a breakthrough:

Surrender Fully to GodSometimes the breakthrough comes not from striving, but surrendering. Lay it all at His feet—your plans, your timeline, your fears. Trust that He’s working even when you don’t see it. “Be still and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10)

Shift Your MindsetSome breakthroughs require deeper pressing in. Sometimes fasting can help quiet the noise and tune your spirit to hear God clearly. Speak God’s Word over your situation. Scripture is a weapon. When you declare His promises over your life, you're aligning your reality with heaven. Pray boldly, expectantly, knowing He is the God of the impossible and speak truth over your situation.

Start with Fierce FocusSometimes it’s hard to know where to start. If you are finding yourself there and you have been waiting for a breakthrough, practicing fierce focus on foundational truths, can often get us through to the other side. Foundational truths like: “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want” can infuse us with courage when our minds aren’t capable of thinking on much else than the simple truths found in Scripture.

If you’re ready to take the next step, reach out by following the link in the notes—I’d love to walk this out with you.

Remember this: A breakthrough often hides behind persistence.

Stay strong. Stay surrendered.

Christian Life Coaching

Are you ready to take the next step and brave your breakthrough? As a Christian life coach, I can help you move from feeling unsure to confidently stepping into the next season of your life or task. Through personalized coaching, I’ll provide encouragement, practical tools, and biblical wisdom to help you overcome self-doubt and align with God’s purpose. Together, we'll focus on building the confidence you need to embrace new challenges and trust that God is equipping you for every step of the journey. Begin your journey today.

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

The Easter outfits are all put away. The Easter baskets are empty and the candy is almost gone (or maybe it’s already completely gone!) The food has all been consumed. The high point of the Christian calendar has come and gone. How do we live in the reality of the resurrection on Easter Monday?

Today, I have been reflecting on the word “remember.” I think back on all the happenings that would’ve taken place during Jesus‘ last days on this earth. We are forgetful people and it’s easy for us on Easter Monday, to forget who we are, to forget what the resurrection means for us as we walk into another week with all of our responsibilities, jobs and people needing our undivided attention. It’s hard to remember what all was accomplished in the resurrection on Monday morning. So, how can we remember the resurrection on Easter Monday?

In Luke 24, we see the women who discovered the empty tomb early on that morning long ago being asked to remember when the angels say, “He is not here; He has risen!”

On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women came to the tomb, bringing the spices they had prepared. They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. While they were puzzling over this, suddenly two men in radiant apparel stood beside them. As the women bowed their faces to the ground in terror, the two men asked them, “Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; He has risen! Remember how He told you while He was still in Galilee: ‘The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and on the third day rise again.’” Then they remembered His words. - Luke 24:1-8

They are prompted to remember what he said to prepare them for what was to come. So they begin to think back on all the ways Jesus told them what was going to happen to him concerning his suffering, his death and his resurrection. Suddenly, their eyes were opened and they remember. It all makes sense to them and they remember what he said. Now they are seeing and will learn to live in the reality of what he meant as they stood in that empty tomb.

We are a forgetful people. But let us not forget this: Remember the resurrected Christ.

Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, the offspring of David, as preached in my gospel. - 2 Timothy 2:8

As we walk into a new week and step into Easter Monday and the days to follow, let us not forget resurrection hope. The Holman Christian Standard version says, “Keep your attention on Jesus Christ as risen from the dead. (2 Timothy 2:8)” When we face all the things that are to come whether it’s hard things or circumstances or people needing us, may we walk into this next week remembering Jesus Christ, risen from the dead. Maybe the Easter baskets are being put away and everything is over, but IT’S not over; it’s just beginning.

When things get hard, when things are difficult, when life happens here are three ways from Hebrews 12:2 to walk through life remembering the risen Christ.

looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

We learn to “look to Jesus” the Author and Perfecter of our faith who for the joy that was set before him did these three things: endured the cross, despised the shame and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. We remember Christ resurrected by applying these three things into our everyday lives.

He is the “Author and Perfecter of our faith,” that just means he is the First and Last, he is the Founder and Finisher of our faith. No matter what you walk through in the coming days, no matter what circumstances happen to you, he will finish his work because he started it. So we can rest and trust in this truth as we apply these three things to our lives. We look to Jesus and the joy set before us as we walk into the coming days with confidence and resurrection hope.

* We endure the cross, just as Jesus endured his cross by looking to the joy ahead. Not only do we remember his resurrection, but we look forward to his return as we endure our cross whatever that may be. It might be just circumstances that are really difficult for you right now. It may be something that you’re dealing with or a sin you are battling in your heart. It could be that you are suffering for the name of Christ. Whatever it is, you endure your cross as you look to Jesus remembering his resurrection and his return; holding on to the future joy to come.

* We despise the shame, just as Jesus despised the shame that came with all that was involved in his suffering and death on this earth. All the shame he experienced, all the shame that was thrown on him on the cross — our shame —we look down on that shame which was completely taken care of at the cross. It is no longer on us. So if we are experiencing shame because of what someone said or maybe as a result of our own sin, we confess and remember our shame was paid for, it was taken care of on the cross. That means, we despise whatever shame we may feel for standing with Jesus because Jesus endured the cross for us.

* We remember where we are seated. This is probably the most important thing because we have been resurrected with Christ, not only that, but Ephesians 2:6 says that we are seated with him in the heavenly places.

For he raised us from the dead along with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ Jesus. - Ephesians 2:6

* Right now, at this moment, you are seated with Christ in the heavenly realms. This is what it means to be hidden in Christ. What is true of him, is now true of us. He is seated at the right hand of the throne of God and we are seated with him. This is resurrection hope!

Dear Christian, as you walk into a new week, remember these three truths: you can endure your cross because he endured it for you. You can despise the shame because he disregarded the shame of suffering for you on the cross. You can remember that you are seated with Christ because he is forever seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Carry this resurrection hope with you into the coming days. Remember and don’t forget.

Christian Life Coaching

If you’re feeling stuck and struggling with self-doubt, I would love to help you rediscover your confidence in Christ! As a Christian life coach, I guide others back to a place of assurance and strength by offering Biblical wisdom, encouragement, and faith-based strategies. Through prayer, Scripture, and accountability, we’ll work together to overcome obstacles, renew your mind with God’s truth, and reclaim the confidence He intends for you. Whether you’re facing challenges in your personal life, wellness journey, or spiritual walk, I’m here to support you in moving forward with bold faith, clarity, and a renewed trust in God’s purpose for your life.

Start with a Free Discovery Session.

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