Dear Ones,
Hope you have a wonderful day. We are headed to the Lake this morning to see friends who moved away a few years ago. Will also stop to see a friend in Assisted Living on the way. The weather has been so gorgeous and we are glad we can enjoy time by the lake before the cabin is closed up.
Devotions from Judy’s heart
If we are honest most of us have believed lies about God and also about ourselves. Many think that once they accept the Lord into their life that their problems are over, but then they hit dark valleys and feel empty and distant from God. They start believing the lies of the enemy, losing faith and their trust in God. They feel that it is all up to them and God won’t come through.

Michael Cusick, counselor and spiritual director, warns us against unhealthy self-soothing that tries to fill the void in our lives. Many turn to drugs and alcohol to try to find relief and fill the emptiness within. Others may hide their pain and vulnerability behind masks. Maybe we suddenly get a terrible illness or we are betrayed by a friend and we feel like we are spinning in place, for life doesn’t seem to work as before. Something has happened that shakes us, humiliates us, and redefines us. We may try to meet our own needs, but we must open our hearts instead to the Lord.

The evil one quickly tries to step in, suggesting we try alternatives that sound close to the truth rather than letting our deep needs be met by the Lord. In Matthew 4 we read how Jesus was tempted three times by the devil, and Satan used even the word of God to try to get Jesus to meet his own needs like turning stones into bread. Jesus didn’t take the devil’s bait, but instead relied on His Father and spoke the Word back to the devil.

There is only one place we need to go when feel empty and the bottom drops out of our lives, and that is to the Lord. He waits for us to come, and it says in Ps. 32:8, “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go: I will counsel you with my eye upon you.” We are not alone, but the Lord waits for us to come to Him. He will reorder our life and give us love and purpose.

Challenge for today: When you feel down and separated from the Lord, quickly run to Him and know He is full of compassion for you.
Blessings on your day and prayers and love, Judy