Tag: trust

Barefoot Devotions

Cultivating Confidence

Hannah B.

Psalm 27 teaches us that God is always around us even when we feel as though our enemies, life circumstances, and even our emotions are against us. Whether the war is raging on the outside or inside, we must practice and learn to Be Still in all circumstances to cultivate confidence.

In verse 3, David writes, “Though an army encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war arise against me, yet I will be confident.”

Like David in verse 5, we can be confident that God will hide us in His shelter in the day of trouble; He will conceal us under the cover of His tent, and He will lift us high upon a rock.

If David could trust and have confidence in God during his troubles, we too can trust God even with all of life’s circumstances.

God does protect and work on behalf of those who trust Him and choose to have confidence in Him. We can be confident of God’s light, stronghold, and salvation.

God’s light directs us when we are in doubt, our hearts are shattered, or we just feel hopeless. He gives us comfort and peace in our hearts that causes us to rejoice regardless of our circumstances. God’s is our stronghold and He protects us in all ways perfectly and for a perfect reason even if the pain does not make sense for the moment. We can run to Him for shelter from the storm and He is faithful to provide for us. God is our salvation even when the walls are closing in – He always saves us in His perfect timing. If God is faithful to be our stronghold, He will be faithful to save us from danger and set us above our fear.

We have the confidence to shout and rejoice during life’s circumstances because God does listen to us as we cry out to Him and He already knows your solution. Your confidence may be low but I assure you that with each trial and tribulation that is thrown your way, this confidence that I speak of will grow as you experience life and deliverance from this experience. My advice? Praise your way through it – speak praise to God, sing praise to God, fill your spirit with praise music, sermons, and God’s word. Turn the volume up LOUD and drown out the sorrows you are feeling.

God will honor your faith and trust in Him and even if the timing doesn’t match yours, we can rest assured that He is working all things out for our good and for His perfect will.

On this day three years ago, a heavy burden that I carried was finally gone. This burden was an ongoing court case from a terrible car accident six years ago. Without going into details, I can tell you that the world said I was going to be crucified. However, God had different plans. Each time the court date was postponed, I felt as though my faith was wearing down. However, I didn’t have an option to quit believing for a miracle. Finally one day my case was dismissed. It was one of the most glorious days of my life. The relief that came was one I will never forget. I’ve praised God all day today for what He did for me three years ago. I knew during this time in my life, God was the only one who would be able to work out the situation for my good, I chose to have faith and I chose to keep believing and trusting even when I could not see.

As I look back, I realize that my trust and faith in God grew drastically during this time. God showed me who He really was and even though it took three years, I learned so much. After each court date that was postponed, I didn’t know why it was delayed once again but it didn’t matter. What mattered is that I knew God had something better – a better outcome and to give me an experience that He led methrough to cultivate confidence in Him.

Each day we have a choice – we choose to live for Jesus. It’s not always easy but it is always the best way. No matter what your circumstances, I hope you use these moments on your journey to allow God to cultivate confidence in Him.

Personal Reflection

  1. What circumstances in your life do you feel unsure or hopeless in?
  2. How can you surrender to God to allow Him to accomplish His plan in your life?
  3. How can you cultivate your relationship with Jesus?

With all my love and encouragement,

Hannah B.

Barefoot Devotions

A Christmas Miracle

Hannah B.

As I am sitting here reflecting by the tree, I am reminded of a time of my very own Christmas miracle I experienced as a little girl.

Many years ago I was in a church Christmas play but I just didn’t have my lines completely memorized. I don’t remember much about this Christmas play, the part I played, or even the year. This part I am about to tell you, I remember well.

My mom, sister, and I were on our way to the Christmas play but as we reached the top of our long drive way, my dad was parked at the top with his truck. From the back seat, I heard him tell my mom that I didn’t need to see this. Immediately, I knew something was wrong as my dad neared the window of the car. He told me the absolute worst news I ever thought I’d receive. My dog Daisy had been run over and did not survive.

The pain was heart wrenching and I didn’t understand why this had happened. During the complete hysterical meltdown and out of no where, I knew every word to my part of the play. My crying immediately ceased and my mournful cry turned to joyful cry. For a little girl, it was truly a Christmas miracle despite the devastation that was experienced just minutes before.

As life has passed me by, I’ve often wondered if Christmas miracles really happen anymore. This past holiday season, I have witnessed a beautiful Christmas miracle. It started with a chance encounter with one man that changed my life. With my brief encounters with this man, I have learned the true meaning of Christmas and I have learned that Christmas miracles do happen.

This kind hearted man has been living in a tent under a bridge. He is the most genuine and selfless person you will ever meet and when you are in his presence, you can feel his goodness. He volunteers at the local shelter and gives what he can. Our local hotel has given him a place to stay until his housing is official. Although he has experienced a rough time, he has shown me that love, kindness, and giving are free and it doesn’t take much to make a difference.

For the first time in my life, I truly understand the meaning of Christmas. I thank God for placing a stranger in my life as I have witnessed the pureness, sweetness, peace, and joy of the Christmas spirit and the possibility of Christmas miracles.

When the body of Christ works together in unity, amazing God miracles can happen. This my friends, is why it is important to drench every fiber of your being with God’s word so that you may walk in spirit and truth because you never know what miracle you are missing!

Have a Merry Christmas, my beautiful friends!

With all of my love,

Hannah Boyd

Barefoot Devotions, The How To Series

How To Slay Your Mental Strongholds

Hannah B.

I am going to be writing about my experience with mental strongholds and how I overcame the chains of anxiety and depression that ruled my life.  This is a very sensitive subject but after many weeks of talking myself out of writing this, I am doing it.  This comes from my experience and how I decided to battle these strongholds with the word of God, prayer, and a relationship with Jesus.  After years of depression and anxiety,  I realized that it was my outlook on my circumstances and the perspective that I had.  That perspective was steaming from the enemy and the lies he told me about me.

Lets Start By Defining A Stronghold:

Biblically speaking a stronghold is a belief that is a lie and has taken root and overpowered your ability to think or see clearly according to God’s view and what His word tells us.  This effects you emotionally, spiritually, and even physically.

Lets Look At The Cause Of Strongholds:

It is so easy to get caught up in negativity, a false belief system,  doubts, fear, and our circumstances.  We are trained by the media, by people, and the ways of the world to live and think according to their standards.  We must accept that we fight against unseen spiritual forces of the dark world and that this world is ruled by the dark forces.  Yes, that means demons and malicious spirits that are causing affliction in your mind, on you, and to you.  They have stealthily found a way inside of your mind and they are trying to take over.  Perhaps they already have.

For a cause to take place, there has to be a sin or a circumstance that negatively affected you.  Therefore, that leaves you dealing with the effects.  This could be your sin or even someone else’s sin that has altered your way of thinking and your way of doing things.  If you are unable to let things go, the memory that haunts you can have a negative impact on your life.  If we allow a certain thought to replay in our mind, we start to believe that thought.

Here is an example:  As a child and young adult, I experienced rejection from my dad who was an addict.  Although it was not intentional, his addiction stronghold was the cause of my rejection stronghold.

Ephesians 6:10 | For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

Identifying Your Strongholds:

Identifying the areas in your mind that are strongholds require you to take examine your life – the past and present.  It can be uncomfortable at first but as we know from God’s Word, the truth sets you free! Once you begin to identify and see the parallels, you will rejoice in knowing the cause of your afflictions and reasons of why you think or do something a certain way.

Here is a list of the most common strongholds relating to the mind:

(Be in prayer with the Heavenly Father, ask Him to reveal yours to you, and be open to listening to His answer)

  • Rejection
  • Fear
  • Doubt
  • Shame
  • Hopelessness
  • Worthlessness
  • Negativity
  • Anger

Lets Look At The Solutions:

Now that we have identified what a stronghold is and the cause, let us start taking a look at how we tear down the strongholds and replace them with God’s truth about you.

First, you must repent and turn from any sin that is unconfessed.  Once we have done so we will be able to break free from any sin that is causing negative effects.  You must remember that God has already won the battle and you must have faith to fight through.

Second, you must know and accept that God is sovereign.  He is the supreme authority and all things are under His control.  Without Him, you can not win. You need Him to fight a supernatural battle.

Third, you must believe and accept that you are forgiven, our sins and past are washed away by the blood of Jesus! You have the power to live free in Christ.  This is His desire for you!

2 Corinthians 5:17 | Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!

Fourth, you must act!

Great! So, how do you act?

This will require you to put your faith in action and when you experience the enemy placing thoughts or past memories into your mind, you must exercise your authority in Jesus Christ to reject your past way of thinking and replace your thoughts with all good things that are of Jesus.

Philippians 4:8 |  “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things.”

Accepting The Past Is The Past

Unfortunately, the enemy knows about who you were and all the things you have done and said that you are not proud of. There will come a day when he is smearing it in your face and putting every sordid detail back into your mind.

When you start remembering the past, you must stop replaying past memories. You can not allow yourself to be controlled by your past – no matter how painful and haunting it is! It happened and it can not be changed! Get your head out of the past and strain your neck to look forward into your future! Your past is not there!

Philippians 3:13-14  | Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead,  I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

Renewing Your Mind

Romans 12:2 | 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.

You must ask the LORD to guard your mind and to help you keep your mind focused on what is right in the eyes of Him.

Every day you have to wash and bathe in God’s living word.  It refreshes you and each day you will learn something new about the characteristics of God and how he truly feels about you! To renew your mind is to spend time with the LORD, read the Bible, and pray daily!

Taking Every Thought Captive

2 Corinthians 10: 3-5 | For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh.  For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds.  We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ.

Every thought that comes to mind must be tested. Ask yourself – is it from our loving Heavenly Father or is it from Satan who is set out to steal, kill, and destroy?

With God there is life.

With Satan there is death.

With God there is truth.

With Satan there are lies.

With God there is hope.

With Satan there is hopelessness.

With God there is a future.

With Satan there is a past.

With God there is confidence.

With Satan there is fear and doubt.

With God there is boldness and bravery.

Life TruthHopeFreedomFutureConfidence BravenessBoldness (1)

Ask yourself, does this thought come from God or Satan?

If it comes from Satan, then you need to hold that thought captive, pray and ask God to slay this thought and replace it with His truths.  Seek His word and learn what He says in scripture.  Rejoice and praise God for the truth that He is replacing in your life.  Slowly, you will see just how each thought, especially thoughts that seem to be on repeat can cause depression, anxiety, and fear!

Xoxo,

Hannah B.

P.S. I hope you enjoyed this blog and if you did be sure to leave a comment down below and share across all of your social media feeds!

Disclaimer:  I am not a doctor and encourage you to seek professional help to determine what is best for your situation and I am not encouraging you to stop current treatments.  I do believe that with physicians and the hands of our great physician, you can be healed! Almost always, there is a root cause and I do believe that we need to get down into the roots to properly heal.

Barefoot Devotions

Life Lessons from Children

Hannah B.

Last night at dinner my husband and I were commenting about our three-year-old and his amazing attitude that he has about life.  Some of my greatest lessons have come from my children.  In fact, we can all learn many qualities pertaining to thoughts about life, attitudes, and characteristics that adults should take notes on.  If we lived in the mindset of a child, perhaps we would find our lives more fulfilling and lead the way to discover the purpose of our lives?

Children show us how to:

LOVE

Jack will always say, “Hey Mom, I love you.” or “I love you, Dad.” (He actually says it “Dab”) When he says it, it’s random.  He doesn’t limit himself to a one time a day, “I love you”.  He says it at least 20 times a day because his little heart loves.  It’s not because we made him his favorite peanut butter sandwich or we did something for him.  It’s because he was led by the love inside of his heart to say, “I love you.” As I am writing this and tears are coming to my eyes, Jack just said his usual line, “Hey Mom, I love you.”  He is sitting beside me on the floor playing with his toys and he decided to say, “I love you” because it came to his mind and he wanted to express it! Even at a young age, he understands the benefits of love and and importance of love.

They LOVE without conditions. Without even thinking about it. And they do it freely without any strings attached. It’s open and it’s free.  It’s a gift that could make someone’s day or even their life around.  

We are called to love like a child does. 

1 John 4: 7-8 | Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love.

1 Corinthians 13:13 | So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.

TRUST

This is a hard one, isn’t it? We have all been hurt and have put up walls to protect ourselves.  Once trust is broken, it’s hard to rebuild the bond because it is hard to forget but may I tell you what I have learned from my children?

Naturally, children trust their parents to care for them, make them peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for lunch, ensure they have clean clothes, and that we will protect them from harm when situations arise. Their not having to second guess if their needs will be met or if they will be cared for. They anticipate us to take care of their needs, prepare their meals, and kiss their boo boos.

They trust us. Even when we let them down. After all, we are human.

Obviously, my kids LOVE peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.  However, my three-year-old does NOT like jelly on his sandwich. The other day as I was making their sandwiches and a tiny drop landed on Jack’s piece of bread. I thought that it was a little drop, no big deal, maybe it will get the kid to like grape jelly!

Nahhh.

That was definitely not the case. This poor child was so upset that I put jelly on his peanut butter sandwich. You could tell that he felt betrayed that I gave him jelly. All is well in our house and Jack has since forgotten the day a drop of jelly was on his sandwich. He never even questioned the next peanut butter sandwich I made him. He continued to eat his sandwich as if nothing happened. Trusting that it was peanut butter only.

This is the kind of trust God desires from His children. Anticipating in His ways without distractions of the mind.

God is the only being we can place our full trust in and anticipate His goodness and know our needs will be met.

Just like I know my children need peanut butter, jelly, and bread before they do, we can trust that God is aware of our needs before we know what our needs are. Physical and spiritual. We know that He will meet them.

Matthew 6:26 | Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?

Psalm 37:5 | Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act.

CARE

Children are sensitive and when someone hurts, they hurt. My three year old is not afraid to express his care for others when they are hurt. It is instant and now natural. The first time he was in a new nursery, there was another child that was hurting. He got down on his knees, making eye contact with her and trying his best to communicate with her. As his mom, I knew he was asking, “Are you okay?” It is absolutely heart warming to witness the act of kindness. It is pure and genuine concern for another person’s wellbeing.

Just as God cares for us, we should care for each person that has been placed in our lives and even those we have not met!

Galatians 5:14 | For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”

Philippians 2:4 | Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.

When we examine the actions of a child, we can see the pure and genuine love in their hearts for others. They have concern, compassion, and kindness for others. For they are so little, they are so wise in their ways. They demonstrate Christ’s love and show us how to show the love of Christ and fulfill the most important commandment Jesus gave us. For love is powerful enough to drive out darkness and cover a multitude of sins.

Though they are little and rely on us to provide them with their daily needs, they perfectly demonstrate how we should trust our Heavenly Father to care for us. He wants us to be anticipating and relying on Him to provide for us spiritually and physically. By trusting Him with our needs, current situations, and the things we need a supernatural healing on, our faith begins to grow as we witness God taking care of us.

Colossians 3:12 | Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience.

Mark 10:15 | “Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.”

Xoxo,

Hannah B.

P.S. I hope you enjoyed this lesson from the holler. If you did, leave a comment below and share on your social media networks.

The How To Series

How To Overcome Your Emotions During Trials

Hannah B.

Often times we are stuck in feeling the emotions that come with a situation we have experienced. It is important to recognize these feelings and own them. Don’t let them own you. This doesn’t mean you can’t feel the feelings because you should, in fact, it is important to work through your feelings. You could find yourself living the consequences of acting out based on your feelings at the present moment. You may never get over the hurt you have experienced and continue to live in the past. These moments of overcoming are vital to your growth as a person and will light the way on your continued path to discovering your purpose and experiencing revelations from God.

Steps To  Overcoming Your Emotions:

 

  • Prayer is a powerful tool because you are communicating with God who loves you and has your best interests at heart. Be sure to allow Him time to speak to you. Sometimes prayer is simply being in God’s presence and allowing Him to do the talking.
  • Tell Jesus about it. Your time to talk – whenever you need to! Be open and be honest. He knew you would the way you are feeling at this very moment before you were even born. Talk to Him like you would your best friend. I say this because no matter what your best friend says, it may feel good and be the right thing for a moment. Jesus is the only way to obtain peace and reassurance for your situation.
  • Acknowledge how and why you are feeling the way you are.
  • Ask God to reveal areas in your life that need to change and where you were wrong.
  • Ask for forgiveness.
  • Be willing to accept what He will reveal.
  • Rebuke the feelings and thoughts the enemy places in your mind in Jesus’ name and plead the blood of Jesus! Remember that Jesus brings joy, love, encouragement, forgiveness, and peace. If you are feeling anything else, it is from the enemy. He will tell you that you are unworthy of forgiveness, love, and will discourage you from trying.
  • Claim the verse and ask Him to give you the peace that is mentioned in Philippians 4:7

I will leave you with this verse:

2 Peter 1:5-7 | For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love.

Xoxo,

Hannah B.

P.S. If you enjoyed this lesson, leave some love & share on your social media networks.