@Trieors 18 October 2022

It's such a blessing to be able to have some downtime after such a hectic period over the past many months. One of my favorite and go-to things to do during my downtime is to listen to worship songs and let the song just minister to my spirit, soul, and body. While doing that, I let my thoughts go to God and just meditate on Him. Today, Take Courage written by Joel Taylor / Jeremy Riddle / Kristene Elizabeth Dimarco from Bethel Music popped up on my Spotify random playlist and I have not heard this song in a while. I have it on repeat for the whole day allowing the lyrics and words just sink in. Ahhhhhhh..... "Take Courage"! Simple but tough yet not impossible. I am reminded time and time again that it is okay not to be okay. Every day, every moment, I tell myself "take courage, stay steadfast, keep holding on to His hope", take one step at a time, and focus on Him and His faithfulness. God is a good Father, one that wants to lavish His love on us and never fails to come in ways that are beyond our expectations. Just like the lyrics say, "The thoughts in His mind, Always higher than mine" and with that in His nature, I can learn to lean in more into Him and take courage, not mine but His. Every day is an opportunity for me to take in His strength, His goodness, His promises, and His assurance that everything is okay. Ahhh.... such relief! Lord, I will not forget Your faithfulness! Lord, I will not forget Your promises! Lord, I will hold on to You! I will take courage! You are my shepherd, that is enough. You make me lie down on green pastures, You lead me beside still waters, You restore my soul, You give me strength, You call me by name, You know my every desire. I will take courage!