Mindful Bible Study.org

Tag: mindful study

  • Moments Of Clarity – Day 107

    Moments Of Clarity – Day 107

    By Pastor Andrew Farland

    Have you ever seen a war movie or a film about someone lost in the woods?
    If so, you’ve seen people get their bearings by climbing up to the high ground. For just a moment, they are able to experience a moment of clarity, a minute to find direction.

    When I was struggling through a difficult season of depression, I would give anything for a moment of clarity. Because, when your thoughts aren’t the same and you don’t’ recognize your own voice when you talk to yourself, you long for high ground where you might see the horizon and know where to step next.

    God gave those moments to me, a little bit at a time. Maybe you know what I’m talking about – those brief periods when everything feels like it used to.

    Psalm 107 tells the story of a group of people who were “troubled” and “near the gates of death.” At their lowest point, “God sent his word and healed them. He saved them from the grave.” For me, those moments of clarity were gifts from God, saving me from the literal grave. They were like a temporary compass in which I caught a glimpse of the direction I should go.

    Why do I think God gives us short snippets of peace in the middle of the forest? To remind us that we are not going to understand why this is happening to us is such an overwhelming way. Clarity will come in small pieces. It’s going to take time.

    Today, and in the days to come, be ready for God to send you to some high ground. Be reminded that he won’t give you all of the answers right away. But, you can trust that He is in the process of healing you and saving you.

    Psalm 107:35
    He changes a desert into a pool of water and makes water flow out of the dry ground.

    Be encouraged today because God is with you.

  • DAY 106 – THE MUSIC OF LIFE

    DAY 106 – THE MUSIC OF LIFE

    By Pastor Andrew Farland

    Whether you’re a musician or not, you intuitively understand how music works. You know how you feel when the tempo slows down or speeds up. You can’t explain it, but you know that certain notes or rhythms make you want to dance or reflect on the mysteries of the world. The amazing thing about music is that it crosses all barriers and speaks a universal language that can affect people deep inside their souls.

    Music is just like our circumstances.

    Life happens to everyone. Every man and woman knows what it’s like.

    What I mean is that life slows down and speeds up. It plays certain notes and it pauses at inopportune times. Life is full of highs, and if you’re struggling through a season of depression right now, you know that it can be full of lows.

    You need to know that you’re normal and that you are joined in the valley with millions of other people who are trying to make sense of the music.

    You also need to be encouraged with this truth: not every day is a stadium event. Sometimes life is boring or the opposite of what you want it to be. You might see other people post pictures on social media that make them look like they have it all together. Trust me. They don’t.

    The depression and anxiety you are experiencing are normal. I know it’s not easy, but you need to know that you are not crazy. It’s just the music of life. And, if you can keep taking small steps forward, you will get through it.

    Ecclesiastes 3:1
    “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens…”

    Be encouraged today because God is with you.

  • DAY 105 – PREPARING ME

    DAY 105 – PREPARING ME

    By Pastor Andrew Farland

    I spent a year in Uganda doing mission work, caring for women with HIV, planting a brand-new church, and ministering to the people in the community. It was amazing to see how much God was doing among the Ugandan people. After that year in Uganda, my fight against depression and anxiety began. And when it started, it hit me hard.

    Maybe you’ve experienced the same thing. You were living your normal life and out of nowhere, you were in the battle of a lifetime. You might be going through it right now.

    I want to tell you how God prepared me for the challenges I would experience in my depression. I tell you this not to brag, but to encourage you. Over and over, God spoke one specific Bible verse to me.

    The first time was when I arrived in Uganda and there was a notecard in my room with Joshua 1:9 written on it: “Be strong and courageous, for you are the one who will lead these people to possess all the land I swore to their ancestors I would give them.” The second way God frequently spoke to me was when I logged onto Facebook and saw only 1 message and only 9 notifications.

    I believe God was saying, “I know what you’re about to go through. And when life rocks you, remember to be strong and courageous. You will lead yourself out of this. I am with you.”

    I learned two big truths from this experience that you need to hear:

    If God repeats something, He knows you’re going to need it. This will require some listening on your part. But, if you can find time to listen to God on a daily basis, you’ll give yourself a chance to hear him. I was able to recognize His voice through social media.

    Before you head into depression, God will prepare you with everything you’ll need. I know this is difficult to understand when you’re already in the middle of your fight. But, trust that you have what it takes to get through it because your Heavenly Father has given you all the tools you need.

    Today, if you’re struggling, stop and think about the work God might be doing in your life. Believe that He has prepared you. Believe that He is whispering truth into your life.

    Deuteronomy 31:8
    The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”

    Be encouraged today because God is with you.

  • DAY 104 – HE WILL MAKE YOU LIE DOWN

    DAY 104 – HE WILL MAKE YOU LIE DOWN

    By Pastor Andrew Farland

    When I was young, my mom and I would pray the words of Psalm 23 together so much that I had it memorized.

    As I got older, I began to realize that what seemed like a happy, fluffy prayer was actually a challenge from God about how big He is and how small we are.

    In verse 2, the author says that God makes him lie down in green pastures, He leads him beside quiet waters, and restores his soul. Take a moment and focus on the words, “He makes me lie down in green pastures.”

    God wants us to take time to recharge, away from distractions, to connect with Him. Some of my best moments over the last few years were when God took charge and made me lie down. I was too sick to leave my house and was forced to open my Bible. Those days were amazing because I spent the entire time with my Heavenly Father, refueling my soul for ministry.

    Christians talk a lot about the free will that God has given them. They praise God for the grace that He gives freely to every man and woman on earth. Those are beautiful parts of the Christian faith, but what Christians usually forget is that God is both loving and sovereign.

    God is in charge. What He says goes.

    Now that I’m older, and I’m aware of the sovereignty of God, I think Psalm 23 is less of a suggestion and more of an order.

    God says, “If you aren’t going to listen to me, I will make you do it!” And I believe He had to make me lie down and spend time with Him.

    Remember this Truth today. If you aren’t willing to pause and recharge your soul, God will make you sit down! And trust me from experience, it’s a lot easier if you intentionally pause and meet with God before He has to force you to take a break.

    Psalm 37:7
    “Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him.”

    Be encouraged today because God is with you.