Week Recap!
This week was very different for me. Currently, I am trying to get my grades back up after the rough stage I went through this year. I lost my aunt, and an old friend was shot and killed. The crazy thing is that I thought I was perfectly fine; however, I had never fully grieved until the conclusion of spring break. Grieving is a mysterious thing when you have little to no experience with it. Its duration varies; sometimes, it hits you like a tennis ball, and in others like a freight train at full speed. If you are going through anything that involves grieving, hardship, or even depression, know that you are not alone and not required to talk to anyone about it. However, I will recommend that you at least go to God when you are at this point. And for those who are not religious, find someone or something you can confide in. The mind is a dangerous thing when we let it wander, so when it begins to wander, take it off its course and bring it to light.
Alright, I know that was different than my usual intro. So let us get into the scriptures for the week, raise our spirits, and learn how to improve our lives with God!
Bonus Scripture!
1 John 5:13-15 “13I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life. 14This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. 15And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him.“
This scripture was not a part of this week’s daily scriptures, but I began studying it after God put the details of prayer on my mind. I have heard some people use prayer as demands for God. While there is nothing wrong with asking God for miracles to happen, we need to realize that our prayers are requests. When you pray and ask God for something, end it with “but let Your will be done.” Praying this way will show God that you trust Him and relieve future stress.
Monday
Psalms 27:4 “4One thing I ask from the Lord, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple.”
I really like the scripture since it shows how we should direct our lives. While we will have our very goals. The main focus of our life should be to dwell in the presence of the Lord. And as we seek the Lord, every dream, every wish, and every hope will follow sue.
Tuesday
Joshua 1:8 “8Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.”
This scripture emphasizes that reading the Bible is vital for our walk with Christ. Without the Bible, we would have to rely on worldly intuitions and rules to direct our lives. But God gave us a book so that we can know how to live. Joshua teaches us that what we take from the Bible should merge into our everyday speech and constant thinking. I find it beneficial when I can tie certain situations to scriptures in the Bible.
Wednesday
Romans 5:8 “8But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us”
While Romans 5:8 is a short scripture, it still is very powerful. Love is a mysterious thing and it is hard to tell what “real love” is. For some, it is a kiss and for others it is flowers. But for God, it is the bloodshed on the cross for us. God showed his ultimate love through sacrifice. which is something even the smartest, strongest, and richest struggle with.
Thursday
Galatians 5:22 “22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”
This was a scripture that my mom always likes to bring up no matter what the situation. There were times when I would get annoyed because she brought it up so much. But now I see just why she brings it up. This scripture encapsulates everything that we need to have in our lives. Love. We need to show love no matter what the situation or hurt, because at the end of the day when we sin we hurt God and He always forgives us and always loves us. Joy. It is never fun to be sad, and also our joy can bring joy to someone’s hardship. Lastly, we have self-control. Another scripture talks about how a man without self-control it’s like a city with its walls broken into. Without self-control, we will fall victim to temptation which could then lead to some really bad things.
Today
Psalms 4:8 ” 8In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety.”
To end, remember that when times get rough, you can always count on God to be your shelter in a storm. Have a blessed weekend! Be safe!
Hey Jax, very meaningful post this week. I am sorry to hear about your aunt and friend. There is no shame in grieving, as it can help you over come emotional distress. When times get hard or even dark, it is important to keep the Lord and His word close. I know your faith is strong and I am confident you will get through the hard time you have faced.
I can not believe the year you have had. I will be praying for you. I liked the Monday scripture the most. Recently, my small group at church has been talking about how we focus on God’s promises to us and not the commands that go with the promise. We oftentimes think the promised will help us achieve our worldly goals. However, if we truly follow the command, then the promise actually serves God and His plan for us.
Hi Jaxon. This post was so real and wholesome; I’m sorry about your aunt and your friend. Sending prayers and strength your way to overcome the immense grief and sadness you may undergo. Regardless of the dark times, it’s nice to pick up on your optimistic outlook and perspective on life!