How to Stay Focused on God in Chaotic times

Written by Laura 

Keeping the Lord our number one priority during these challenging times can sometimes feel impossible. We begin relying on our own survival methods to get us through tough times, and sometimes our weaknesses become even more prevalent and visible as our vulnerabilities show through.

It’s important to place God as our number one priority always, but especially during challenging times. I know that often in chaotic times, God’s presence is hard to come by. Even now for me as I’m writing this, I feel distant from God. I know that it’s me and not Him however.

I was listening to the radio while out and driving today, and heard on KLOVE a message that reminded me that I need to try my hardest to keep God first, and surround myself with things that draw me closer to Him instead of further away.

I notice in these “survival” circumstances where peace is hard to come by, and the world is heavy on your heart, serenity and time with God needs to be cultivated even more so than usual.

Here are some ways that I find rest with the Lord, while also shutting the world’s harsh and critical voices out. 

1. Spend time with God first thing in the morning. Complete a devotional and spend some time praying, expressing your love and gratefulness to Him. Ask for what you need. Matthew 7:7-11- “Continue to ask, and God will give to you. Continue to knock and the door will open for you.”

2. Refine your social media pages to remind you of God’s love. During critical and tough times, it may be best to stay away from social media altogether.

3. Spend time with people who also share in God’s love; allow positivity and light to shine in your interactions. Encourage and pray for one another. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 Encourage and build each other up.

4. This is a big one, TV can infiltrate our minds so easily with things that aren’t of God and often fill us more with fear than edifying thoughts. Stay away from shows and movies that don’t allow us to think on positive and true things. Shows such as positive comedy and faith-based shows.
Phillippians 4:8 Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

5. Set yourself up for success daily- have a routine to put yourself in a good frame of mind for the day. For example, time with God in the morning, time with god in the afternoon, and time with god in the evening. Set this time aside to spend time with Him and ask for peace.

6. Lastly, clear away all things that pull you from God. If it’s a person, pray about possibly spending some time away from them to decide if they are worthy and reflect on if they pull you closer to God or further away. We need to love everyone to the best of our abilities, however if it’s not a Godly relationship, it may not be in the best interest for your relationship with the Lord.

Not Allowing External Circumstances to Change our Hope

The recession of 2008 hit a lot of people really hard. The stock market crashed, the real estate market plummeted, and many people lost their jobs. During a time like that, it can be hard to maintain unwavering hope, especially when feeling unsure and unsteady.

But during a time such as this, hope, faith, and trust that things will be ok are important things to never lose sight of. We need to stand strong in our faith, and trust in ourselves as well. God will give us the strength we need at the times we need it the most.

Resist temptation to give in to impure thoughts during this time, such as negativity, cynicism, and gossip, as this will only hinder perseverance. Save your strength to pray, and make sure to focus on the positives as much as possible.

It is during tough times, that our strength and perseverance are made stronger.

Written by Laura 

Taking our Thoughts Captive

With a new career, a move, a new lifestyle, and financial strain, it has been more difficult than I thought it would be to maintain a pure and positive attitude. I've found that it stems from my thoughts. I've found myself doubting where I've been called, feeling unworthy, and unsure. However, God has shown me how important it is to take those thoughts captive. With reading and some time, God has shown me to not allow negative thoughts to place me in an ill-fitting position; nor should I continue to dwell on them and allow harmful thoughts to impact me in a way that God does not have for me. 

Philippians 4:8 states to focus on what is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and admirable. God knows how our thoughts can distract our path and what we believe. God wants us to focus on good, and not allow our thoughts to break us. Focus on God's truth and what is right and pure. I've found it helpful to acknowledge when those thoughts enter, pray about them, and if they are causing fear, knowing they are not right for me. I know that God will give me peace about a decision, rather than fear. 

. . . whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or worthy of praise – think about these things.  Philippians 4:8

Set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God.  Set your minds on things above, not on worldly things.  Colossians 3:1-2

Written by Laura 

Trusting God

During both happy and tough seasons, it's important to rely on God and trust in Him fully. I thought that each day I was trusting in God completely and wholeheartedly, but when it comes to the things I really hold tightly to, I realized I have not been fully relinquishing control of them to God.

When I get really nervous or tense, or even scared and fearful I crumble when it comes to trusting fully. This became so clear to me yesterday, when I found myself shaking and fearful of failure in a situation that was both uncomfortable but necessary. I desperately wanted to succeed and found myself trying to play out all the facts in my mind of how I could be successful and how I could manipulate the situation to work out how I wanted. Until I realized, that I was shaking and so fearful because I couldn't fully let the situation and outcome go, and trust God. 

I learned so much about myself this week. In situations where I am unsure and lacking confidence in myself, I need to remember how much God cares and is with me, just as He is with you. Allow His will to be done in your life, and trust Him. Allow God to amaze you, as He did with me. He calmed me, brought me back to center, and allowed me to find deep peace outside the situation that was causing me fear. 

I'm learning each day to let go a little more, even when I think I fully have, I have to push myself because when it comes to the little things that are holding us back, they have to be dealt with in order for God to keep moving us forward in the direction He needs us. 

1 John 4:18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.  

Written by Laura 

Walking with God to Overcome Faults that Trip You Up

I've been going through a season where I'm learning a lot, and have had to come face to face with things I need to improve on. It's tough when it feels like you're being picked on, and you feel very convicted about things that have been said or done. But I am so thankful that God is showing me these things because I wouldn't be able to change without it.

I am currently reading a devotional about pain, that mentions if we didn't feel pain sometimes we wouldn't change; and we also wouldn't value the happy times as much. So in these tough moments when I'm feeling convicted and in the hard process of taking baby steps to allow God to help me overcome some character traits, I am allowing God to help me to be more loving to others in every area of my life. 

Have you shared those same frustrations of getting upset with someone, and allowing your words to come out very harshly on them? Do you get irritated, discouraged, or upset easily? Judge others?

God has been showing me these thoughts and actions I've been taking, but with prayer and asking Him to teach me, I am seeing small steps towards overcoming these, and other things, so I can love others the way God wants and needs me to, unconditionally.

Forgiveness has also been a huge part of the process. Being able to fully let go and forgive others  for past hurts and fully forgive myself- this allows for God's healing to take place, and for you to draw nearer to Him. I've learned that when there are things in the middle, they may block the fullness of His presence and your time with Him

Acts 3:19 Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord


Written by Laura 

What is Real Happiness According to Scripture?

God wants us to be happy and to share that light with others. He calls us to be stewards for Him. God wants us to rely fully on Him for joy, so that we can live with internal happiness, but the most important reason that we cannot forget, is that joy is placed in us, not for ourselves but as a gift for others. We, as Christians need to share the gift of joy that is given to us as a response from God as Fruit of the Spirit. Bless others with this gift once it’s gifted upon you. If you don’t feel that you have this gift as of yet, ask for it. Matthew 7:7-11 and grow in the Lord every day to receive it. God says it will be given to you as you grow in HIM. For more information on fruits of the spirit, read Galatians 5:22-23. May we all grow in Joy, so we can spread the Light of the Lord. 


Romans 15:13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.

John 16:24 Until now you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.

Romans 15:13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.

Proverbs 17:22 A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.

Written by Laura 

Being Honest With Love and Kindness

Ephesians 4:1-2 "to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love." 
Ephesians 4:15 "Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ."

God instructs us to love others, to encourage, and uplift them. To bear their burdens with them; to share in emotions with them. Telling the Truth in Love can be difficult, but being honest is important, as we shouldn't sweep away our feelings, especially if it's something that's important in the long term. If done with kindness and honesty, it can be very effective for the relationship. 

We make sure our support doesn't come from a place of judgement but out of love for God and the person we care about.

Here are some ways to be honest with Kindness and Love:

1. Understand the situation from the other person's perspective as well so you can see the whole picture of honesty. 
2. Show humility but also be honest with how you are really feeling; don't tuck it away.
3. Share what you need to in a loving, nonjudgmental, and caring way that is based on scriptural truths
4. Express that you care about this person, and say what you need to in a kind, encouraging way.

Most importantly, remain hopeful in the situation, pray about it, and share your honest feelings (keeping both sides in perspective), while always showing kindness.