Dear Lord; Happy Wednesday Father!
You know Lord, it always brings a smile to my face when I have one of those moments when I realize you’re trying to tell me something. 🙂
I spent some time today with a friend who’s been going through a series of rough personal situations over the last year or so. I’m not at liberty to go into much detail here as it was a private conversation, but You know who she is Father. We chatted for a while about the issues she’s been facing, how her life has changed over the past year, and the overall feelings of futility and frustration that have been troubling her as of late. I tried to give her an outside perspective of things, and reinforced the hope that she could look at these life-changes as opportunities, and to grow stronger from her trials. She seemed a little more upbeat by the time I left, but she certainly has a winding road ahead of her.
The one thing that stood out for me from our conversation though Father, was the lack of self-worth she portrayed. She’s a beautiful, sweet, intelligent lady but with all that she’s been through her impression of herself seems to have taken a pretty significant hit.
Back in my office a little later in the day, I sat down to write out some thoughts for today’s discussion with You, and suddenly I had a strong urge to see what I’d posted on this date last year. Although I hadn’t fully started writing full-length blog entries at that point Father, I was posting some “Quick Notes to God” on my Facebook wall every couple of days. The entry for August 31, 2010 read:
Dear Lord; Sometimes, when it feels as if the world is on our shoulders, it’s very difficult to see ourselves in a positive light. May all those in the throes of turmoil see themselves, if just for a moment, through Your loving eyes and know that warmth and peace. Amen. ~Phather Phil
I love it when You do this to me Father. 🙂
We all suffer from a lack of confidence and feelings of self-doubt now and again, but there are three very important truths we can use to combat those emotions:
1. We’re not alone. Friends, family and our Brothers and Sisters in Christ are some of Your most powerful Blessings to us Father. You gave us one another to lean on in times of trial, to mourn with in sadness, and to celebrate with in times of joy.
2. You believe in us. We are completely Your creations Lord; fearfully and wonderfully made, and You know what we’re capable of. Although our flawed natures may allow fear and doubt to creep in, You never lose confidence in us.
3. When we place our burdens at the foot of the Cross, You give us the strength we need. Sometimes it’s difficult to remember when we’re engulfed by stress, but we’re not meant to do this by ourselves. You’re bigger than anything we could possibly face, and when we open our hearts to Your guidance, we find the path forward.
Heavenly Father, please help us pierce the veil of self-doubt that can cloud our perception of ourselves. Wrap us in Your presence, and let us move forward with the knowledge that through all the trials we face in our lives, You’re always by our side.
We are special, we are loved, and we are Yours Father.
Amen.
~Phather Phil
Hi, I’m Phil Malmstrom, a.k.a. Phather Phil. I’m self-employed, father of two wonderful young men, an ordained minister who delights in spreading Jesus’ Message of Hope and Love, a science-fiction junkie, an aspiring photographer and above all that one of God’s Children who rejoices in His Blessings each day. 
Well Said
Thanks. Great blog. Your prayers touched me.
Thank you so much Jedidja! 🙂
Have a Blessed Day!
Amen, beautifully said… truths that I need to consume for myself over and over! Blessings 🙂
They’re difficult truths to remember sometimes, aren’t they Heidi? Thankfully, when we open ourselves to God’s guidance, He’s all too willing to remind us. 🙂
Have a Blessed Day!
I am so very tired today, Phil. It’s been a very busy day for me, and I didn’t get much sleep last night. I desperately need this reminder of God’s love for me and his willingness to infuse me with his strength for each new day, each difficult challenge, each challenging stress. I’ve suffered from low self-esteem at times. I imagine we all do. That’s why it’s so important to stay in community, build trusting relationships with others, and share our burdens therein.
It’s good to be in a community of faith. The Father knew we would need one another. Thank you for all you do to ease the burdens of others. God is using you.
peace~elaine
Amen Elaine… A community of faith makes all the difference as we seek His Kingdom. Thank you as well, for the multitude of people that you inspire through your gifts. You certainly have in my case.
I’ll be praying for you to get the rest you need. 🙂
Have a Blessed Day!
I usually think of believing in God but love how you changed that around: You believe in us.
wow simple words, profound meaning.
Everything God does Jean, draws us closer to Him when we allow it to. If he didn’t have confidence in our room for growth, that wouldn’t be the case. What an amazing feeling… To know the Creator of the universe has faith in me… 🙂
Have a Blessed Day Dear Lady!
Made me cry.
Happy tears I pray Ali… 🙂
Have a Blessed Day my friend!
Self-doubt can be debilitating! We are special in His sight!
It certainly can Allison… I’m so thankful for His care!
Have a Blessed Day!
I love those times as well, when God just dumps the answers right in your lap! Awesome post!
Thank you Lindsay! It’s funny, but when I look back over my life I see so many times when God was desperately trying to get my attention, and I missed it completely… Thankfully, I’m learning! 🙂
Have a Blessed Day!
I love this post! It is so awesome when God speaks to us in this way.
Thank you Jenifer! It certainly is!
Have a Blessed Day!
How awesome that God gave you words about this last year. He is faithful and always knows what we need, when we need it. I love the truths you shared – we are never alone!
It really caught me off-guard when I read those words Lisa… Such a powerful impact. 🙂
Have a Blessed Day!