Sweet Friendship!

A sweet friendship refreshes the soul.  Proverbs 27:9  I had not read this verse until my friend Ashley shared it along with pictures from a weekend that was dear to my heart.  It is such an awesome verse and oh the truth it holds!  I am so blessed when it comes to precious friends; I have many and they all hold such a sweet spot in my heart.

Over the weekend I had the opportunity to spend time with a few of them and I wanted to share a little about what I took away from it.

Someone in the bunch (who I happen to hold especially close to my heart) opened up her heart and shared her feelings and it really shook me up.  This precious one told me she feels unloved and unwanted in several friend groups and even sometimes with family.  Well, I could hardly believe my ears, because she is truly one of the most loved people I know.  I couldn’t name one person that knows her that doesn’t adore her!  So where do those feelings come from? Straight from the pit, that’s where!  After she shared that with me I made her confess it to our group (and I do hope she forgives me for that), but as she shared with the girls I realized the sad thing about it is this, so many of us feel this way on a daily basis!  For some it may not be feelings of being unloved, but maybe you’re more like me and have feelings of being the dumbest one in the bunch or like me you are an over thinker.  Sometimes I will spend hours replaying conversations I’ve had over and over in my head;  afraid I have hurt someone with my words or been careless with their feelings.  How about you?!  Does this happen to you?  What are your struggles?

Let me tell you just a few verses that I cling to when these feelings come and I can’t shake them.  Let me also remind you feelings cannot be trusted!  We must stand up everyday and hold on tightly to the truth, over our feelings!

1 Peter 5:8 Be sober-minded (keep your mind on Jesus); be watchful.  Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.  Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your sisters and brothers throughout the world.

James 4:7-8 Submit yourselves therefore to God.  Resist the devil, (and all of his nasty lies) and he will flee from you.  Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.

Psalms 62:1-2  I wait quietly before God, for my victory comes from Him.  He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress where I will never be shaken.

Romans 8:1-2  There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.  For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death.  Hallelujah!!

Romans 8:37  In all things we are more than conquerors through Christ who loves us!

And this is one of my very favorites …

Romans 8:38-39  And I am convinced that NOTHING can ever separate us from God’s love.  Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today or our worries about tomorrow-not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love.  No power in the sky above or in the earth below-indeed NOTHING in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.

I hope these verses help you as much as they help me.  And that reminds me of another …

Psalms 121:2  My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.  He will not let my foot be moved;  he who keeps me will not slumber. 

And just one more … 

Jeremiah 15:16 You Words were found, and I ate them, and Your Words became to me a joy and the delight of my heart, for I am called by Your name, O Lord, God of hosts.

Please feel free to share any thoughts, struggles and verses that help you.  I would love the opportunity to pray for you so please share any prayer requests as well.

Thanks for taking the time to listen to my heart and remember sweet ones, YOU ARE LOVED!!!