Lamenting

16 He has broken my teeth with gravel;
    he has trampled me in the dust.
17 I have been deprived of peace;
    I have forgotten what prosperity is.
18 So I say, “My splendor is gone
    and all that I had hoped from the Lord.”

19 I remember my affliction and my wandering,
    the bitterness and the gall.
20 I well remember them,
    and my soul is downcast within me.
21 Yet this I call to mind
    and therefore I have hope:

22 Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed,
    for his compassions never fail.
23 They are new every morning;
    great is your faithfulness.
24 I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion;
    therefore I will wait for him.”

Lamentations 3:16-24

Being a Christian doesn’t mean life is easy. It doesn’t mean everything will go the way you desire. It doesn’t mean that your heart won’t break. It doesn’t mean you won’t feel pain. It does mean you have someone to hold you as you go through it.

The words of Lamentations have gotten me through some rough times in the past and have been on my mind in the last 24 hours. Since I posted yesterday, I’ve been faced with different trials. I received the devastating news that my sister miscarried. Despite all our prayers, our worst fears were confirmed. I imagine what my niece or nephew would have looked like or how they would have acted; and I feel such grief. I will never see them or hold them, and I can only imagine the pain my sister must be going through.

Along with that, the little birdie that seemed to be becoming more and more alert, who I thought made it through the worst, passed away this morning without warning.

It’s easy to be mad at God at times like this because we put so much trust and faith in him to keep the bad things away. However, He is God, and we will never understand His ways. It takes time to heal, but when I lean on God I have someone who shoulders the burdens. The storm will not overtake us if we put out hope in Him.

Growing in Wisdom and Faith – Daily Devotion 5.6.20

Since I finished the book of Psalms yesterday, today I started reading Proverbs and was thrown back to my very first blog post! Before I even started doing daily devotions, I felt like I had to take steps towards writing, and the topic of spiritual wisdom was at the fore front of my mind (you can read it here: https://hintofsunshine.home.blog/2019/08/21/spiritual-wisdom/). I think I spent a couple hours trying to write that little post, and I felt so proud when I hit publish. It then proceeded to get 2 views, and I realized that I had to lower my expectations majorly. I still am proud of that post because I wrote it at a time where I thought I was a terrible writer, and it took a lot to push through those insecurities and doubts to get all those words on a page. By writing daily (no matter how many views or likes I get), I grow in my ability to write and continue to be faithful in what I felt the Lord told me to do.

I’m realizing more and more that faith and wisdom are a product of continually doing something through trust/hope, even when you don’t see results. God sees our discipline as a way of honoring Him, and He will reward that trust we put in Him.

My mother has struggled with trying to lose weight for years, and it’s difficult for her to stick to diets. This year, she fasted and stuck with it in a way she never has before. Her weight dropped off so fast, and she is at weight she hasn’t been at in years. Now most will say it was the diet, but she was told through an email (without even telling this person about her weight loss) by a good friend and missionary that her dedication and discipline was rewarded in a way that was just regular weight loss from dieting. See, God allows natural consequences, good and bad, but He will use those good consequences and multiply them in a supernatural way.

Proverbs says this:


7 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge,
    but fools despise wisdom and instruction.

Proverbs 1:7

Now fear is not a bad things, we are called to fear God. We fear because we realize the strength and might of our Lord, so we don’t wan to go against Him. When we listen to what He says and tells us to do because we have a fear of the consequences, what we say and do will be seen as wise because it’s according to His perfect way.

Leave your thoughts or questions in the comments below. Also, the picture above is of a little birdie I rescued from an outside cat so send prayer his way. It seems like one of his wings is injured so I’m hoping it will heal, and he can join his friends outside again soon (although I’m already getting attached).

Praise Like David – Daily Devotion 5.5.20

Today, as I finish reading through the Psalms and some of 2nd Samuel, I wonder what it would it be like to live with my heart in such a state of praise and thanksgiving. No matter what was happening in his life, David worshiped God with his whole being, not caring who was (or was wasn’t) watching or if he embarrassed himself. Now, he was by no means perfect, but God showed mercy on him because of David’s deep love for Him.

 2 He said: “The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer;

3     my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge,
    my shield and the horn of my salvation.
He is my stronghold, my refuge and my savior—
    from violent people you save me.

4 “I called to the Lord, who is worthy of praise,
    and have been saved from my enemies.

29 You, Lord, are my lamp;
    the Lord turns my darkness into light.
30 With your help I can advance against a troop;
    with my God I can scale a wall.

31 “As for God, his way is perfect:
    The Lord’s word is flawless;
    he shields all who take refuge in him.
32 For who is God besides the Lord?
    And who is the Rock except our God?
33 It is God who arms me with strength
    and keeps my way secure.

2nd Samuel 22: 2-4, 29-33


6 Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.

Praise the Lord.

Psalm 150:6

Our Charge – 5.4.20

In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge: Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction. For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.

2nd Timothy 4:1-5

Creation Was Made to Worship It’s Creator – Daily Devotional 5.3.20

2 Praise him, all his angels;
    praise him, all his heavenly hosts.
3 Praise him, sun and moon;
    praise him, all you shining stars.
4 Praise him, you highest heavens
    and you waters above the skies.

5 Let them praise the name of the Lord,
    for at his command they were created,
6 and he established them for ever and ever—
    he issued a decree that will never pass away.

7 Praise the Lord from the earth,
    you great sea creatures and all ocean depths,
8 lightning and hail, snow and clouds,
    stormy winds that do his bidding,
9 you mountains and all hills,
    fruit trees and all cedars,
10 wild animals and all cattle,
    small creatures and flying birds,
11 kings of the earth and all nations,
    you princes and all rulers on earth,
12 young men and women,
    old men and children.

13 Let them praise the name of the Lord,
    for his name alone is exalted;
    his splendor is above the earth and the heavens.

Psalm 148:2-13

God’s Relationship with His People – Daily Devo 5.2.20

1 “At that time,” declares the Lord, “I will be the God of all the families of Israel, and they will be my people.” 2 This is what the Lord says: “The people who survive the sword will find favor in the wilderness; I will come to give rest to Israel.” 3 The Lord appeared to us in the past, saying: “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness. 4 I will build you up again, and you, Virgin Israel, will be rebuilt. Again you will take up your timbrels and go out to dance with the joyful. 5 Again you will plant vineyards on the hills of Samaria; the farmers will plant them and enjoy their fruit. 6 There will be a day when watchmen cry out on the hills of Ephraim, ‘Come, let us go up to Zion, to the Lord our God.’”

Jeremiah 31:1-6

We are blessed to be included into His people. God’s promises endure forever, and His love is eternal.

The Priestly Blessing – Daily Devotional 5.1.20

24 “The Lord bless you
    and keep you;
25 the Lord make his face shine on you
    and be gracious to you;
26 the Lord turn his face toward you
    and give you peace.”

Numbers 6:24-26

This is a benediction that I used to hear time and time again. Then, it was something that was a passing thought, but now it brings me back and gives me happy memories. Looking closely at the words, I see the importance of them, and when they were said it was not some passing thought. Pray these words over yourself, your household, and your family and think deeply about the words as you say them.

Getting Out of an Individualistic Mindset – Daily Devotion 4.30.20

Going through college, I struggled with if the path I was pursuing was the one God wanted me to pursue. Allowing my pride to guide my decisions, I graduated with a degree in chemical engineering, but when I graduated, “I said now what?”. In some ways I was excited because the world seemed open and at my fingertips, but in other ways I was scared because I had to decide what direction I was going to head in. Now, here am just about a year since I graduated, still not knowing but taking small steps towards what I believe God is calling me to do. My path was not solely my decision though because rejection after rejection sort of dictated the paths I couldn’t take. Allowing myself to face rejections and be grateful that God had closed a door He didn’t want me to go through was humbling and took time.

As a culture so focused on calling and purpose, I’ve come to the realization that maybe it’s easier to figure out what God isn’t calling us to do instead of trying to come to the conclusion of what He is calling us to do. Most likely there will never be that one thing that stands out as your great purpose in life, but instead He will use you in the little things that may not feel like a calling. Our purpose in life is to glorify Christ and further His kingdom, but that doesn’t have to wait until you get out of debt, finish school, or open that business.

We tend to think so individualistically as a society that we feel there is a great pressure to be unique and original. This mindset has been woven in to the Church and Christians as well. As hard as it is to admit, we want a calling that sets us above others and makes us unique. We don’t just want to be part of the Church, we want to be the Church in other people’s eyes. We want to be like Moses, David, Peter, Paul, Esther, Ruth, Solomon, etc. I could create this whole long list of people who are famously known for being great and filled with faith.

The bible says this:

21 Does not the potter have the right to make out of the same lump of clay some pottery for special purposes and some for common use?

Romans 9:21

I use this verse and others around it a lot because I think there is so much truth to this section that applies to us today. For each one of those unique and special people, there are thousands and millions of people who followed God and furthered His kingdom in an ordinary life.

I’ve said many times pride is a big issue for myself so maybe others will read this and not understand at all, but for myself I need to hear this. It’s not about what I will become or what I will do, but it’s about God and His kingdom. Let go of the pressure that you need to be something great to be of service to God because God has made you who you are and put you where you are for a reason. Honor Him with the little things.

One thing you can do to guide you in where God is calling you is look at where your talents lay. God has equipped you and given you talents that will guide you towards what He desires you to do. He has used past experience to grow you in different areas that you may not have even realized. Our Lord is not one who throws you in the deep end and expects you to succeed, but He is one who is beside you and equipping you to do His will.

The Greatness of God – Daily Devotional 4.29.20

5 I remember the days of long ago; I meditate on all your work and consider what your hands have done. 6 I spread out my hands to you; I thirst for you like a parched land.

8 Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love,  for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life. 9 Rescue me from my enemies, Lord, for I hide myself in you. 10 Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground.

Psalm 143:5-6,8-10

3 Lord, what are human beings that you care for them, mere mortals that you think of them?
4 They are like a breath; their days are like a fleeting shadow.

Psalm 144:3-4

Regaining Sight – Daily Devotion 4.28.20

3 As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. 4 He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” 5 “Who are you, Lord?” Saul asked. “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,” he replied. 6 “Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.” 7 The men traveling with Saul stood there speechless; they heard the sound but did not see anyone. 8 Saul got up from the ground, but when he opened his eyes he could see nothing. So they led him by the hand into Damascus. 

17 Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord—Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here—has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” 18 Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized, 

Acts 9:3-8,17-18

This has to be one of the greatest conversion stories in history. Saul was a man who hunted Christians, who made a living on persecuting those who believed in Jesus Christ. God chose him, blinded him, gave him sight again, and used him to reach the Gentiles. Later known as Paul, he became one of the most widely known disciples, who preached the gospel with a boldness unrivaled.

We may not be legally blind, but there are things we are blind to. Sometimes we go through life with such a narrowed gaze that we don’t see anything else around us and are not open to changing our perspective. What scales does God want to remove in order to reroute your path? Pray to God that the things that might be blinding you from His will be taken away so that you can see clearly God’s path for you.