A Little Blue Highlighter

  Good Morning!  I want to talk to you about an old habit of mine which I've been using in a new way.  I think I've shared with you before that whenever I read something I highlight parts of it which I want to remember, and each day when I pick up that book to read a new chapter I read through the previous highlights to keep them fresh in my mind and help the lessons to stick. What I've started doing with this habit though is applying it to my daily Scripture reading, particularly with the book of Psalms.
  If you know me personally, it is no secret that my family and I have been going through some particularly painful times surrounding the loss of one of our dogs.  These have been some of the most difficult days I have ever had to face, and believe me, I've been through loss, divorce, and heartache before, but nothing could have prepared me for this.  Throughout these last few days I have been finding much comfort in reading the Word of God.  But prior to all this happening I had begun my habit of highlighting with the book of Psalms.  I was highlighting any verse that I wanted to come back to because it was uplifting or encouraging.  And each day I would go back and read a few from the previous few days.  Some might call this meditating or studying the Word.  But when the circumstances of life really hit me, that's when it was most necessary, and when I was most thankful that God had prompted me to highlight those verses weeks earlier.  You see, you never know when life may hit you, or what curve ball you may face, but if you have the right resources already in hand, you can face the challenges that much more smoothly.
  If you are facing a hard time right now, or maybe just need a little bit of refreshment, let me share with you a few of the verses I've been clinging to over these last few days.

  Psalm 68:19- Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior who daily bears our burdens.
 
  Psalm 71:14- But as for me, I will always have hope; I will praise you more and more.

  Psalm 71:20-21- Though you have made me see troubles, many and bitter, you will restore my life again; from the depth of the earth you will again bring me up.  You will increase my honor and comfort me once again.

  Isn't it so good to know that we are not alone in our trouble?  Thousands of years ago, King David wrestled with feelings of pain, loss, discouragement, anger, and brokenness.  He chose to run to God with his hurts, and we can do the same.  If you are struggling, I encourage you to cry out, let God know your hurt and pain, but also seek comfort and strength in Him, and know that even though you are in the valley now, you will again be on the mountain top.
  Out of all the verses I've been claiming this week, there is one that sticks out in particular which I've been clinging to the most is this.
 
  Psalm 65:11- You crown the year with your bounty, and your carts overflow with abundance.

  No matter how hard this year has been so far, we can celebrate the fact that good things are ahead.  If you are facing pain, loss, hurt, heartache, doubt, fear, depression, anxiety, sickness, or any other negative life circumstance right now, cling to the promises of God in His word.  Start seeking out Scriptures which remind you of where you are going, not where you are.  Then highlight those words and refer back to them as often as you need to.  This practice will give you strength through good days and not so good days.  I'm here for you friend, and I can't wait to see you succeed.

~K.W.