Tag Archives: trust

DEAR GOD: Wrapped In Your Peace~

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“Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you.” John 14:27 (KJV)

There is a kind of peace the world offers — a peace that depends on circumstances, timing, people behaving well, bodies feeling well, and life lining up neatly. It is fragile, temporary, and easily shaken. Jesus names this openly: the world gives a peace that can be taken away as quickly as it arrives. And it isn’t a peace that is settling and easy or comforting. It is not the peace of Christ.

And so -He draws a holy line between that peace and His peace.

His is not borrowed, not conditional, not fragile. It is not the result of everything going right — it is the result of Him being present. It is a peace that enters the deep places: the places where fear hides, where old wounds whisper, where uncertainty tries to take root. His peace does not sit on the surface; it settles into the soul. Into our heart and roots our spiritual self.

When Jesus says, “My peace I give unto you,” He is not offering a feeling — He is offering Himself. His Presence becomes the atmosphere of the heart. His nearness becomes the anchor. His voice becomes the steadying hand that quiets the inner storm.

Isaiah 26:3 tells us the secret: peace is not something we chase; it is something we receive when our mind is stayed — fixed, anchored, held — on Him. Not on outcomes. Not on fears. Not on what‑ifs. On Him.

This is why His peace is different. This is why His peace lasts. This is why His peace returns even after a day of worry, pain, or uncertainty.

The world’s peace is an escape temporary, fleeting – superficial. Christ’s peace is an indwelling, permanent, fulfilling and deeply gratifying.

  • The world’s peace is chaotic.
  • Christ’s peace is PEACEFUL.
  • The world’s peace depends on what is happening around you.
  • Christ’s peace depends on Who is living within you.

And when you receive His peace — truly receive it — it becomes a quiet strength, a holy steadiness, a soft shield around your heart. It becomes the gentle reminder that you are held, guided, and never alone. And that is the meaning of LIFE here and LIFE eternal.

Truly wrapped in His peace!

 “The Lord will give strength unto his people; the Lord will bless his people with peace.” — Psalm 29:11

 “LORD – You who speak peace into storms and calm into trembling hearts, breathe Your holy stillness into me now. Let Your peace — not the world’s peace, not temporary comfort, but Your peace — settle into every anxious place, every weary thought, every tight corner of my soul. Anchor my mind in You. Quiet the noise within me. Let Your Presence become my atmosphere, my rest, my assurance, and my strength. Keep me close, keep me steady, and keep me in the peace that only You can give. In Jesus name, Amen.”

DEAR GOD: You Are My Shelter Always~

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“He shall cover thee with His feathers, and under His wings shalt thou trust.” — Psalm 91:4 (KJV)

Sheltered Beneath His Wings
by C D Swanson

Everyday Christianity is not built on grand gestures; it is shaped in the quiet places where trust is chosen again and again. This verse reminds us that God’s love is not distant or abstract — it is protective, near, and tender, like a sheltering wing over a trembling heart.

True daily faith looks like this:

  • Choosing peace when fear whispers
  • Choosing prayer when worry rises
  • Choosing kindness when the world feels sharp
  • Choosing to believe that God is closer than the trouble around you

The Lord does not promise a life without storms, but He promises covering — a place where your soul can rest even when the winds rise. Under His wings, you are not forgotten, not exposed, not alone. You are held.

“The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms.” — Deuteronomy 33:27 (KJV)

 Where in your life today do you most need to rest under His wings?

 LORD, draw me beneath Your sheltering wings. Teach my heart to trust You in the small moments and the hidden places. Let Your nearness be my peace, and Your love be my covering. in Jesus name, Amen.

DEAR GOD: You Never Forsake Us~

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God Is With Us - Portlaoise Parish

 

“I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” — Hebrews 13:5 (KJV)

 Never Forsaken, Always Held
by C D Swanson~

 

There are seasons when life feels heavier than we expected — when the road is uneven, the answers are slow, and our strength feels thin. Yet even in those moments, God’s promise stands unchanged: He will not leave us. He will not forsake us.

His presence is not dependent on our mood, our energy, or our circumstances. He walks with us through the valleys, steadies us in the storms, and strengthens us when we feel worn down. His peace reaches places inside us that nothing else can touch. His faithfulness does not waver when life becomes difficult.

Even when we cannot see the way forward, He is already preparing the next mercy. Even when we feel alone, He is holding us with a strength that does not fail. Even when the world feels loud, His peace is deeper still.

Where has God strengthened me this week, even in small or quiet ways?

🙏 

Lord, thank You for never forsaking me. Hold me close today, steady my heart, and fill me with Your peace in every circumstance. Let Your strength carry me where my own strength cannot.  In Jesus name, Amen.

DEAR GOD: Drawing Near To You Daily

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How Do I Draw Near To God

“The Lord is near to all who call on Him, to all who call on Him in truth.” — Psalm 145:18

Drawing Near to You
by C D Swanson~

  There are moments when the nearness of God feels like a quiet breath against the heart — gentle, steady, unmistakable. He does not wait for us to be perfect, polished, or strong. He draws near because He loves, and His love is not fragile. When life feels uncertain, His Presence becomes the anchor that steadies the soul. He steps into the room of our thoughts, calms the noise, and reminds us that we are never navigating anything alone. His nearness is not earned; it is given. And when we call on Him sincerely, He answers with peace that settles deeper than words.

 “LORD, thank You for drawing near even when I feel far away. Teach my heart to rest in Your Presence and trust Your steady hand. Let Your nearness be my comfort, my clarity, and my courage today. In Jesus name, Amen.”

DEAR GOD: Holding Pattern in Your Care~

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Be Still and Know I am God….Psalm 46:10

“Holding Pattern in Your Care”
C D Swanson~

When we are in a “holding pattern” it can be difficult to stay still and let “God be God.”  Humans have a tendency to lack patience and the ability to have a “wait and see” attitude.  We tend to rush through decisions and want immediate gratification or answers for whatever it is we are looking for.  However – that is when we should lay it all down, walk away and look up to the One who has all of the answers.  The One who knows what is best for us, and the One who plans and guides each step of our way.

We’ve been waiting for the longest time to see if we should be making a move out of state.  It’s been going on for a while now, oh – close to 2 years or more.  Friends have begun to refer to us as the “couple who talks about it and does nothing about it.”  LOL – Well, that’s okay.  Only if you are engaged in an intimate relationship with the LORD, Jesus Christ would you or could you possibly understand this behavior.

God tells us to rest in Him.  To wait upon Him. To trust Him. And to know His voice.  Sure we have free will. And we could move if we want. But, it doesn’t feel right.  And it doesn’t seem the right time.  So we are still waiting – for God’s timing, and perfect plan and will for our lives.

Evidently at this time. This is where we are supposed to be.  We have been here for 39 years.  And I love it here.  So – it is easy for me to wait, as I really don’t want to go!  But – I feel we will eventually.  And God is “holding us in this pattern” for a reason.  One we cannot see or grasp at this time.  But it will eventually become crystal clear.  And with clarity and with faith I wait.   Until He waves us to “where, when, how and why.”

If you are in a holding pattern right now.  Whatever your circumstances are, trust in Him, the One that holds you in the palm of His hand.  Trust Him to lead you and guide you and show you the way. He always will.

Proverbs 3:5-8 says just that – Trust in God with all of your heart and lean not on your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.  Don’t be wise in your own eyes, love Him and keep from evil, and it shall be health for your navel, and marrow for your bones. 

Wait. Reflect. Trust. And love – that’s what you do when you are in a “holding pattern.”  Eventually – it will all become clear.

“LORD, thank You for guiding us and holding us up through all kinds of adversities, and through all kinds of storms, may we always be aware of You and Your plans and will for our lives, in Jesus name, Amen.”

DEAR GOD: All Things Belong To You~

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Psalms 24 1 the earth and everything on it belong to the lord the world ...

“The earth is the LORD’s, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.” Psalm 24:1 (KJV)

The World That Belongs to Him
by C D Swanson~

This verse opens a window into the deepest truth about our lives: everything we see, touch, breathe, and love belongs to God. The mountains that stand unmoved, the oceans that roar with ancient strength, the quiet fields, the cities filled with people, the creatures that move with instinct and grace — all of it is His.

When Scripture says “the fulness thereof,” it means nothing is outside His care or His ownership. Not the smallest sparrow, not the hidden places of the earth, not the moments of your life that feel unnoticed. God claims it all, holds it all, sustains it all.

And because the world is His, you are never wandering in a place He does not rule. You are never facing a day He has not already seen. You are never carrying a burden He cannot lift.

This verse invites us to rest — not in our own strength, but in the One who holds the entire world in His hands. If the earth and all its fullness belong to Him, then so do the details of your life. You are not forgotten. You are not overlooked. You are part of the fullness that He lovingly watches over.

LORD, thank You for being the Maker and Keeper of all things. Teach my heart to trust the One who owns the world and everything in it. Let me rest in Your strength, walk in Your peace, and remember that I belong to You.  Always and forever in Jesus name, Amen.

DEAR GOD: How Do I Know the Way in Decisions~

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Psalm 32:8 (KJV) “I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.”

The Way That Is Right Before God
by C D Swanson~

  Discerning the Right Path When the Way Is Not Clear

There are seasons when the road ahead feels foggy, when every option seems to pull at you, and when the fear of choosing wrong feels heavier than the choice itself. In those moments, Psalm 32:8 becomes more than a verse — it becomes a lifeline. God does not simply point toward a direction; He walks with you into it. He does not merely offer advice; He offers Himself as the Guide.

1. God’s Guidance Is Personal, Not Mechanical

“I will instruct thee…” This is not a cold, distant instruction. It is intimate. God is not handing you a map and stepping back. He is leaning in, speaking softly, and shaping your understanding from the inside out. His instruction is tailored — not generic, not mass‑produced, not one‑size‑fits‑all.

He knows your temperament, your fears, your history, your wounds, your strengths, and your limits. He guides you in a way that fits you.

2. God Teaches You the Way — He Doesn’t Rush You Into It

“…and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go…” Teaching is a process. It implies patience, repetition, and gentleness. God does not shove you into decisions. He prepares your heart, aligns your desires, and slowly shapes your discernment so that when the moment comes, the right path feels peaceful, not pressured.

Sometimes the delay is not indecision — it is God teaching you how to recognize His voice.

3. God’s Guidance Is Protective and Watchful

“…I will guide thee with mine eye.” This is one of the most tender images in Scripture. It means:

  • He sees what you cannot
  • He watches the road ahead
  • He notices dangers before you do
  • He directs you with the gentleness of a glance

A parent can guide a child across a busy street with just their eyes — not by shouting, not by pulling, but by presence. That is how God guides you.

4. The Right Path Is Marked by Peace, Not Panic

God’s way is not always the easiest, but it is always the most peaceful. Confusion, chaos, and pressure are not His voice. Clarity, steadiness, and quiet assurance are.

When you are discerning the right thing to do, ask yourself:

  • Does this path bring peace to my spirit?
  • Does it align with God’s character?
  • Does it require me to violate my values?
  • Does it draw me closer to God or drain me?
  • Does it feel forced, frantic, or fear‑driven?
  • God’s direction may stretch you, but it will never shatter you.

5. God Often Guides Through Small Steps, Not Grand Announcements

We want the whole blueprint. God gives the next step.

He guides like a lamp, not a floodlight — enough light for the next few feet, not the entire journey. This keeps you close to Him, dependent on Him, listening for Him.

The right path is often revealed as you walk, not before you walk.

6. When You Don’t Know What to Do, Stay Close to the One Who Does

Discerning the right way is less about mastering decision‑making and more about deepening your relationship with the Shepherd. When you stay near Him:

  • His voice becomes clearer
  • His nudges become recognizable
  • His peace becomes your compass

The safest place is not the “right decision.” The safest place is God’s Presence.

🙏 

“Father, I come to You with a heart that longs to walk in the way that is right before You. Quiet every voice that brings confusion, fear, or pressure. Teach me to recognize Your guidance, to sense Your peace, and to trust Your timing. Lead me step by step and let Your eye be upon me. When I am unsure, steady me. When I am afraid, reassure me. When I am overwhelmed, shelter me. Direct my path in a way that honors You and brings rest to my soul. In Jesus name, Amen.”

DEAR GOD: You Are My Everything For Everything~

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Christian Gift Jesus Is My Everything Christian Faith God Jesus Heart ...

“For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen.” — Romans 11:36

This verse captures the heart of “my everything for everything” — He is the Source, the Sustainer, and the Purpose of all things.

  Title: My Everything for Everything
by C D Swanson~

 

There comes a point in every believer’s journey when the soul whispers a truth deeper than words: “Lord, You are my everything — for everything.” Romans 11:36 gives language to that sacred realization. Everything begins with Him, everything is held together by Him, and everything ultimately returns to Him.

When life feels scattered, this verse gathers us. When life feels heavy, this verse steadies us. When life feels uncertain, this verse anchors us. It reminds us that nothing in our story stands alone. Every chapter, every breath, every breakthrough, every tear — all of it is woven through His hands.

To say “my everything for everything” is to surrender the illusion that we must carry life by ourselves. It is to acknowledge that God is not just a helper; He is the Source. He is not just a comfort; He is the Foundation. He is not just present; He is the One who holds all things together.

This truth frees us. It frees us from striving. It frees us from fear. It frees us from believing we must manufacture our own strength.

When God becomes your everything, you stop living from depletion and start living from divine supply. You stop trying to control outcomes and start trusting the One who already sees the end from the beginning. You stop measuring your life by what you lack and start measuring it by who He is.

And who is He? The One who never fails. The One who never leaves. The One who never runs out of mercy, wisdom, or power. The One who is enough — for everything you face, everything you fear, everything you hope for, and everything you cannot yet see.

To live this verse is to breathe differently. To walk differently. To rest differently. Because when God is your everything, nothing can undo you.

🪞 Reflective Questions

  1. Where in your life do you need to remember that God is the Source?
  2. What burdens are you still trying to carry alone?
  3. How would your daily peace change if you truly believed He is your everything?
  4. What would you surrender today if you trusted Him fully with the outcome?

🙏 

Father, I lift up the one reading this right now. Let them feel the strength, safety, and sufficiency of Your Presence. Remind them that You are their everything — for every need, every battle, every hope, and every tomorrow. Fill them with peace that settles the heart and clarity that steadies the mind. Let them rest in the truth that all things begin with You, flow through You, and return to You. In Jesus name, Amen.

DEAR GOD: I See The Window Opening~

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“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” — Jeremiah 29:11

 When Doors Close, God Makes a Way
by C D Swanson~

Life has a way of surprising us with sudden endings—doors that shut without warning, opportunities that slip away, seasons that shift before we feel ready. But the truth woven through Scripture is this: God is never caught off guard, and He never leaves His children stranded in the hallway.

Jeremiah 29:11 is more than a comforting verse; it is a declaration of God’s heart toward us. His thoughts are intentional, peaceful, and good. Even when a door closes, it is not rejection—it is redirection. God sees what we cannot. He knows the dangers behind certain doors, the delays behind others, and the blessings waiting in places we haven’t even imagined.

Sometimes He opens another door quickly. Other times, when every door seems sealed shut, He opens a window—an unexpected path, a fresh breath of hope, a way that only His hands could carve out. Windows represent creativity, surprise, and divine intervention. They remind us that God is not limited to the options we see. He is the God of “another way.”

And in every transition, every disappointment, every closed chapter, He is with us. Not watching from a distance, but walking beside us, guiding us, strengthening us, and preparing us for what’s next. His goodness is not dependent on circumstances; it is rooted in His character. And His character is faithful.

 Where in your life does it feel like a door has closed? What if that very place is where God is preparing a window of blessing, clarity, or new direction?

Lord, thank You for being the God who guides our steps and guards our hearts. When doors close, help us trust that You are still working, still leading, still opening new ways for us. Give us peace in the waiting and faith in the unfolding. Amen.

 

DEAR GOD: Precious Moments All For You~

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Psalm 27:4 (KJV) “One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in his temple.”

 

Precious Moments All for the Lord
by C D Swanson~

 

There is a holy simplicity in David’s words — a narrowing of life down to its truest longing. One thing have I desired. Not many things. Not scattered pursuits. Not the restless reaching that so often fills our days. Just one thing: to dwell with the Lord, to behold His beauty, to live in the nearness of His presence.

This verse invites us into a quieter way of being — a life where the sacred moments are not rare interruptions but the steady rhythm of our days. Moments where we pause, breathe, and remember that God is not far off. He is the One who meets us in the stillness, who fills ordinary spaces with extraordinary peace, who turns simple minutes into holy ground.

To “behold the beauty of the Lord” is not merely to admire Him, but to let His character reshape our own. His gentleness softens our edges. His faithfulness steadies our fears. His mercy teaches us how to forgive. His light shows us how to walk. And His love — deep, unwavering, unchanging — becomes the anchor of our identity.

When we “enquire in His temple,” we are choosing to bring our questions, our uncertainties, our hopes, and our dreams into His presence. We are choosing to trust that He guides, He speaks, He leads, and He holds our future with tenderness. These precious moments with Him are not wasted time; they are the very moments that shape us, strengthen us, and draw us into the life He designed.

Every quiet prayer, every whispered “Lord, help me,” every moment of worship, every pause to remember His goodness — these are the precious moments that belong entirely to Him. And in giving Him these moments, we find that He gives us Himself.

🙏 Prayer for All God’s Children

Lord, draw every one of Your children into the beauty of Your presence. Teach us to seek You, to rest in You, and to find our strength in You alone. Let our days be filled with holy moments that remind us of Your nearness and Your love. Amen.