REMEMBERING WHO STANDS BESIDE ME By Tammy Nicole Glover

I woke up this morning with so much anger and frustration. I wanted to cry, scream at the top of my lungs and demand a reason for why I have to be tested this way. I suppressed my urge to have a full blown, adult temper tantrum and remembered that God is good. He has never left my side and there’s certainly no reason for me to believe He will leave me now. I serve a faithful, loving God. I may not understand His ways but I can always count on His love. He has everything under control. I just need to trust Him.

Thank You, Lord, for Your grace and mercy. Thank You for loving me even in the middle of a temper tantrum. Thank You for molding me into a better person and strengthening my faith. Thank You for Your peace and guidance during any kind of storm. I know the One who stands beside me and He is God Almighty.

“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. His love endures forever.” Psalm 136:1 NIV

Fear of Loss

This week is about fear of loss. A few years ago, my father, my rock and my best friend became ill. It was the most terrifying thing I had ever experienced. I didn’t admit to anyone how scared I was because I felt I had to be strong and positive for everyone. The thought of possibly losing him was unbearable. I took my fears to God and decided to keep a praise journal. It helped me focus on what I was thankful for instead of what I was afraid of. On the day my father passed away, I wrote an entry that I’d like to share. I hope it encourages others who are dealing with loss.

“Well, the thing that I’ve been dreading for so long has finally happened. My father has finally given up his fight. Although, I miss him so much, I know he is in a better place. He is home with You, Lord. In spite of my grief, Lord, I thank You. Thank you for taking him home with You where there is no more suffering. Thank You for surrounding me with loving friends and family and I thank You for Your Holy Spirit that comforts me. Lord, I also want to thank You in advance for Your strength. I know that You are still with me. Praise be to God!”

We will all experience loss at some point in our lives. Yes, it hurts and it’s traumatic but it shouldn’t be something we fear, not when we know that we have a God who has promised to be with us even in our sorrows. God never runs out of strength and He is willing to provide as much of it as we need.

“I will turn their mourning into gladness; I will give them comfort and joy instead of sorrow.” Jeremiah 31:13 NIV

It Was Love by Tammy Nicole Glover

Love came down from glory and into this world. It carried the burdens of our sins to the cross. It allowed us to receive forgiveness and salvation. That same love heals my broken heart. It calms me down when I’m angry and prevents me from seeking vengeance. It allows me to see the other side of the story and leads me to pray, instead of responding with harsh words. Not only does this love give me the strength to forgive but it gives me the courage to open my heart again and let go of the past.

Only God’s love could do all of this. His love changes us into a new creation. Thank you, Lord, for loving me so completely. Your love allows me to love others as You love me.

“Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.” 1 John 4:11-12 NIV

Turn the Other Cheek, Say What?!? By Tammy Nicole Glover

“But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also.” Matthew 5:39 NIV

Let me get this straight, even though I’ve been abused, lied on, called out of my name and cursed, I’m supposed to let it go and forgive? Not only am I supposed to forgive but I’m expected to pray for them? Do you have any idea how hard it is to find time to pray for myself? What if I pray for them and they never get what they deserve?

Are we sure this isn’t just for pastors to follow? Did Jesus really expect us all to live by this command? Can I just tell them off one good time first? This is too much!

Lord, I’m going to need some serious help. This is going against everything in my flesh but I want to do what you have commanded. I want to forgive and love others as Christ forgives and loves me. But Lord, I’m going to need your strength.

“Bless those who persecute you, bless and not curse.” Romans 12:14 NIV

The Prison Break By Tammy Nicole Glover

I’ve been in this prison for twenty-five years. I hate it here. I don’t even recognize myself anymore. I used to be happy and friendly. I was never afraid to love. Now, I’m always depressed and suspicious. I can’t show an ounce of weakness. Forget about hope for the future, I’m just trying to survive. It’s all because I decided to hold on to my anger.

Well, today, I’m breaking out. I’m letting the anger go. Instead of cringing every time I see them, I’m going to see them as God sees them. Instead of cursing them, I’m going to bless them. Instead of talking badly about them, I’m going to pray for them.

Enough is enough. There’s no reason for me to remain in this prison of my own making. I’m ready to see the sun again. I want to be free.

“But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5: 44-45 NIV

I Own It By Tammy Nicole Glover

I own my anger, it’s all mine. I wear my anger as a badge of honor, boldly displaying it wherever I go. Don’t be fooled. I’ll speak of good things for a while, but if you mention that thing that happened to me ten years ago, I will explode. I’ll let everyone who is willing to listen to me about how I was mistreated. I’ll be so wrapped up in reliving those memories that I won’t notice how people’s eyes glaze over when I ask, “do you know what they did to me.” I won’t even notice when people start to avoid me like the plague. Everyone needs to know what happened. I didn’t do anything wrong. They made me like this.

Wait a minute, let me back up for a minute. I just said that, “they made me like this.” Could it really be that I’ve given the people who hurt me control over my life? Have I allowed them to keep me miserable and miss out on divine relationships and opportunities? You know, I can’t remember the last time I clearly heard from God since I relinquished control. What in the world is wrong with me?

Lord, please, forgive me for the time I’ve wasted holding on to my anger. Help me to let it go. Please, heal my broken heart and help me to forgive those that have hurt me.

“In your anger do not sin: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.” Ephesians 4:26-27 NIV

KICKING THE HABIT by Tammy Nicole Glover

“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7 NIV

I am a worrier and I am exceptional at it. I can worry with the best of them. I didn’t think anything was wrong with worrying, until it started to take over my life. I couldn’t go a day without worrying. I even based my decisions on my worries.

What I didn’t realize was that by worrying I was telling God that I didn’t trust Him and I believed that I could handle things on my own. How could I not trust the One who has provided for me better than I could ever imagine? What on earth made me think that I could handle things better than the Creator of the universe? Worrying was a burden that I was never meant to bear.

It’s time to step out of the role of worrier and into the role God actually meant for me to be in, the role of a conqueror. When worries come it’s not my job to hold them inside. It’s my job to turn them over to God, the Lord Almighty. I can’t do this alone. I need the One, who through Him, all things are possible. It’s time to kick the habit of worrying.

“With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” Matthew 19:26 NIV

*you can get a daily dose of encouragement everyday on Facebook @ Balm4theSoul

Ever Present

“I will never leave you nor forsake you.” Joshua 1:5 NIV

Your Heavenly Father is with you.  He sees your struggles. He knows your pain. Even when you hurt so bad that you try to hide from Him and the world, He is still there. Even when you’re angry with Him because you think that He is the source of your pain, He still loves you. He will never leave your side. He never goes back on His promises. There is no where that His arms can’t reach you. He is only a call away, even if it hurts too much to speak, He can hear your thoughts.

Stop leaning on your own understanding and trust Him. Have you forgotten about the last time He delivered you? Remember how He turned what was meant to harm you into something that prospered you. He is the same yesterday, today and forever. He has an endless supply of comfort and strength. There is no good thing that He will ever withhold from His children.

“I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go.” Genesis 28:15 NIV