Typically, ideas for my blog posts come as what I like to refer to as “Whispers from God.” Today’s post has a little to do with whispering, but I’m the one “whispering.” God came through loud and clear this time!

You see friends, I currently have laryngitis, the result of a recent illness, I’ve been using my keyboard to complain nice and loud via social media and text messages about all the hardships in my life. I’m embarrassed to admit that I’ve been behaving like a spoiled child. I’m even more ashamed that I have been behaving this way during the season of Lent.

God’s message to me today was that He’s not too happy with all of my whining and complaining. Honestly, I have a feeling many of you are right there with Him. After all, there is enough negativity in the world, and I don’t need to be adding any fuel to those fires. God put it on my heart to get back on social media and issue an apology to Him, and to everyone else who has been subjected to my social media tantrums.

So, I did as God asked and posted a public apology. I am sorry to you all, my readers, as well. Many of my recent blog posts have been, well…complaints. I added in humor and Bible verses, but the bottom line is, I was still complaining.

My “apology” has a 2nd step. I also promised God I would express my appreciation to Him via this blog post. To be honest, God has done so much for me…definitely more than I deserve! Whining, complaining, and childish tantrums are not something Jesus ever did! I realized that my behavior is unacceptable and not very “becoming” of my profession of Christian faith, especially when we are preparing our hearts for Jesus’s death and resurrection at Easter.

I also want all of the teens that God has entrusted me with to understand that, while life can be difficult because we are never guaranteed an easy life, we must keep praying our way through these difficult times; trusting Him by reading His Promises to us throughout scripture. Worldly problems can’t compare to the incredible joy that awaits us in Heaven!

There’s a common saying among Christians, you may have heard it or seen it on a t-shirt or poster somewhere. It goes something like this: “God is Good all the time! And all the time, God is Good!”

I am here to tell you that this is the absolute truth! God’s promises to us abound throughout scripture. I wanted to share some of my favorites with you today. Unless otherwise noted, verses are from the NASB, 1995.

“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him.” John 3:16-17

“These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

“Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:6-7

“If you are slack in the day of distress, Your strength is limited.” Proverbs 24:10

 “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7 (ESV)

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” Romans 12:2 (ESV)

“Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.” Romans 12:12 (ESV)

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9

“Yet those who wait for the Lord Will gain new strength; They will mount up with wings like eagles, They will run and not get tired, They will walk and not become weary.” Isaiah 40:31

“Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” James 1:2-4

“And He has said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.’ Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ’s sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong.” 2 Corinthians 12:9-10

“No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and He will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation He will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.” 1 Corinthians 10:13 (ESV)

“In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ; and though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, obtaining as the outcome of your faith the salvation of your souls.” 1 Peter 1:6-9

“Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day. For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison, while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal.” 2 Corinthians 4:16-18

“For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12 (ESV)

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the Lord and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your body And refreshment to your bones.” Proverbs 3:5-8

“Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:16 (ESV)

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.” Ephesians 6:10-12.

I could literally go on for hours. Some of my other favorites encompass an entire chapter. “Difficult Times Will Come,” (2 Timothy 3) and Psalm 91 are excellent! (I encourage you to read these for yourselves). While God has never promised us an easy life, scripture is filled with examples of His divine protection and provision for those of us who have accepted His one and only Son, Jesus, as our Savior!

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for all the gifts You have provided for all of us! I’m sorry that I sometimes let this broken world get the better of me. When we’re not feeling well, or are overwhelmed by life’s circumstances, it’s easy to lose sight of You and Your Faithfulness. Please keep our minds directed on Jesus so that we can “be sober-minded and watchful of our adversary, the devil, who prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” Please wrap your loving and powerful arms around us to protect us give us courage, strength and Your Peace, which “surpasses all understanding.” It is in Jesus’s most precious name that we pray, Amen.