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Trisha Keehn

Writer

Trisha Keehn is a creative writer fueled by a lifetime of faith. She is part of the Life.Church and YouVersion Bible App creative writing team, and uses her broadcast news background to help companies choose their words wisely. Trisha is a wife, mom, coffee connoisseur, lover of libraries, and a savvy traveler.

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What the bible says about anxiety

Humility Preserves Peace

Stepping out from a doctor’s appointment, my heart was racing with thoughts of being so unprepared for this part of my story. Soothing words wrestled with my emotions, but it didn’t take away the feeling of losing control.

Flipping my bible open to verses on anxiety, I read 1 Peter 5:6 and my heart sank with the first two words: “Humble yourselves.” Was my anxiety stemming from pride?

“Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:6-7 ESV)

humilityAnxiety and stress can tempt us to lose sight of the sovereignty of God. Fear might overcompensate with pride and persuade us the outcome can be controlled. The problem with these emotions is that they will wear our human hands and hearts out.

A humble heart acknowledges the mighty hand of our Sovereign God and can accept that we’re not in control. Humility helps us let go of the questions and cast our cares with confidence in a loving, powerful God.

When we’re willing to release our grip on life and pray from a place of surrender and humility, we see the Truth that God cares enough for us to work it all out for our good.

The Almighty God who got us here can also take us there. He cares that much for us.

Are you still holding onto control in an area of your life, as if you can handle all that is coming your way? When those anxious feelings come up, think about where your future rests. Will any of your decisions change what God already has in mind?

If you feel like you’re drowning in anxiety, here’s a good place to refocus those thoughts: Father God, I know You are for me and not against me. You hold my past, present, and future in Your hands and will not let me stumble. Help me step down from the throne of control and humbly accept Your love and peace. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.

© 2020 by Trisha Keehn. All rights reserved.

First Published on Beloved Women

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The unconditional truth about love

No Conditions Attached

An eye for an eye.

It feels like it’s been built into the fabric of our being. When things aren’t equal and balanced, an internal sensor alerts us that we are giving too much and receiving little in return. The trouble with condition-based living is that we serve a no-conditions God.

Our pride or our past might have us stuck believing we have to earn grace and good standing with God. We might feel like we have to justify His mercy with merits and good works.

“This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, declares the Lord: I will put my laws on their hearts, and write them on their minds,” then he adds, “I will remember their sins and their lawless deeds no more.”(Hebrews 10:16-17 ESV)

Here is an unconditional Truth we must reconcile within our hearts:

God sacrificed his son, Jesus, on the cross to pardon our sins. He didn’t wait for us to jump through hoops or hold us accountable to conditions before He wiped our slate of transgressions clean.

No conditions attachedOur gracious God gave His Son, and then He gave some more. When we accept this kind of lavish love from a giving God, we don’t have to strain to be perfect or cringe at perceived conditions. When we accept what Jesus has done for us, we are free to allow others to be who they were created to be. No conditions attached.

Often our relationships on earth are a direct reflection of our relationship with God. Let’s examine our hearts for a conditions-based mindset with others. Are there any activities or groups you’re a part of because you feel it’s earning you more salvation points with God?

Father, I admit sometimes I try to earn my salvation and favorable circumstances with my giving and good works. I confess that I even treat others with this same condition-based logic. Realign my mind and heart with Your truth, God. Help me accept that You gave once and for all without conditions so I can be fully who You’ve called me to be. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.

© 2020 by Trisha Keehn. All rights reserved.

First Published on Beloved Women

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A Calling For All Believers

What have you been called to do with your life?

That can be an intimidating question for any believer. It can also bring us to our knees, often as doors we were so sure of close, and new surprising opportunities swing open.

Overthinking God’s calling in our lives or comparing it to what others are doing, can make this simple question more complicated than it is. Isaiah 61 outlines God’s calling for all of us, no matter what our education level is or what skills we have.

“The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn;’” (Isaiah 61:1-2 ESV)

calling for all believersIt says we are all called to bring good news to the poor, to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, to open prison doors for those who are bound, to proclaim the Lord’s favor, and to comfort all who mourn.

This is our calling today, no matter where God has planted us. Our work, family, community, and church have all been orchestrated by God with the purpose of living out our calling.

How we live this calling out is what makes all of us unique.

Think back on your day. Is there an Isaiah 61 person in need that you missed along your path today? How will you live in your calling tomorrow?

A good place to start in prayer could be: Father God, thank You for giving us Your Word that spells out the mysteries of Your will and Your calling for our lives. Help me to search out those who are brokenhearted, faint in spirit, prisoners to thought patterns, and slaves to their situations. Equip me with Your Word to set them free, Jesus. Open my eyes and give me the strength to slow down to comfort those who are mourning, that You may be glorified. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.

© 2020 by Trisha Keehn. All rights reserved.

First Published on Beloved Women

 

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Love Leads With Forgiveness

From what I could see, the situation didn’t seem fair. The longer I stewed over the details, the more animosity and frustration grew. Deep down, I knew I needed to forgive, but self-preservation and the fear of being taken advantage of were resisting the right thing to do. “Help me, Jesus,” I cried.

Just the name of Jesus reminds us of all the right things to do.

‘And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” And they cast lots to divide his garments.’ (Luke 23:34 ESV)

love forgivesWhen Jesus was hurt or taken advantage of, He led with forgiveness. Even in his death, Jesus put forgiveness first.

The flesh has a tendency to lead relationships with our eyes and emotions, but the love of our Savior leads His relationships with forgiveness. Jesus trusted God for the deeper spiritual work in the offender and the offended. He didn’t need to control or coerce people with explanations. Jesus let his love lead with forgiveness and let God be God.

If we say we believe Jesus’ way of life is the only way to live, but yet we cannot find forgiveness for the relationships that have wronged us, do we really believe His way is the best way?

To love like Jesus, we must begin at the cross of our rights and forgiveness.

Where do you need to stretch to forgive someone who has hurt you? How quickly does it take you to forgive a relationship that has offended you? What would life look like if you led with forgiveness instead of the flesh?

Here’s a place to start in prayer: Father God, when we think about how great Your love is for us, we think about how much You have forgiven us. Jesus, when we think about how deep and wide and vast Your love is for us, we see the cross and Your sacrifice on the cross to cover our sins in forgiveness. Help us, God, to love like You do and lead our relationships with forgiveness because we believe Your way is the only way to love. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.

© 2020 by Trisha Keehn. All rights reserved.

First Published on Beloved Women

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You Have God For That

Sometimes the responsibilities of each day and to-do lists of tomorrow can consume us. School, work, marriage, kids, etc. They all require time and focus. With endless to-do lists tugging on our time, it’s easy to forget that you and I have a God who wants to be God over it all.

“And they shall be my people, and I will be their God.” (Jeremiah 32:38 ESV)

From the beginning of time, scripture records humanity as a forgetful people. Our attention is easily distracted. In God’s infinite grace, He continues to call us His children. He promises to be our God even when we forget.

In the situations that might make us stumble, He wants to be our Sustainer and Defender God. When we feel lonely, worried, anxious, or afraid, He wants to be our Comforter and Companion God. When we feel confused, He wants to be our Shepherd God.

When we stay close to God, all that He is, and all that He has will work for our good.

As we prepare for today, let’s return our minds to this God of grace and love. God will provide us with the perseverance we need for the day. We don’t have to muscle our way through never-ending demands when our Sovereign God has His grip on it all.

What concerns can you release to God knowing He is your God over the situation? Memorize this verse in Jeremiah for the next time fear and stress pull on your thoughts. When worry plagues your mind, remember, you have God for that.

Pray about releasing control: Father God, unite my heart to serve and worship Your name above the noise in my day. Your word, Lord, reminds me that everything You require of me You also work in me. Help me remember that I am not tackling this life alone. I am your beloved child, and you are my Almighty God. In Jesus’ Name, I pray, Amen.

© 2020 by Trisha Keehn. All rights reserved.

First Published on Beloved Women

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God Is Doing A New Thing

A new thing

At this moment when we feel more separated than usual and it begins to feel uncomfortable, I hope we can refocus our attention from the desperate circumstances to a new horizon where God is still on the throne. He’s still fighting for us. He’s still going to do what He promised, which is to work all this together for our good. Nothing on this earth can change who our God is.

‘Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.’ Isaiah 43:19 ESV

A new thing

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Are You Really Surrendering Your Prayers?

trustHim

It’s difficult to maintain inner peace when life is filled with so many unknowns. Will my job still be there tomorrow? Will my kids return home safely today? Will I have the money to pay my bills next week?

“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)

trustHimThese two verses can make life sound like a fairy tale. We pray, and peace comes. But how many times have you prayed and the inner turmoil didn’t let up? Maybe it’s because giving up our requests to God requires surrender of the anxieties and outcomes to God. How often do we actually do that?
When we open our hearts and lips to pray, we also have a responsibility to let go of the results.

Jesus is willing to shoulder our worries when we’re willing to trust Him.

Paul urges us in Philippians to go to God with gratitude and let our worries, concerns, and anticipations be made known to God. When we let go of those requests, the next verse tells us the peace of God will stand guard over our hearts and minds.

When we understand the gravity of God’s unfailing love and faithfulness to his children, we can sit gratefully at His feet with our simple prayers and fully surrender to His will. Then we will experience the kind of peace we’ve been longing for, the peace that surpasses all understanding.

What has you anxious or worried today? Have you tried to speak them out loud and visualize laying them at the foot of the cross as they come to mind?

Here’s a place to begin your prayer: Father God, I surrender. I let go of the things keeping me up at night. I lay at Your feet the worries weighing me down during the day. Jesus, I declare my trust is in Your love and faithfulness as soon as the words leave my mouth. I ask for Your peace that surpasses all.

© 2020 by Trisha Keehn. All rights reserved.

First Published on Beloved Women.

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The Potential For Greater Power In You

Are you sitting behind a desk pushing papers and answering calls all day wondering if this is even making an eternal difference? Perhaps your 9 to 5 is tripping over toddlers as you try to tidy up the house and run errands. Or maybe your days are spent studying and filling out job applications. No matter where you find yourself at work today, Jesus reminds us of the magnitude of power believers hold in their hands, their words, and footsteps.

“Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father. Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.” (John 14:12-13 ESV)

In John 14, Jesus says He is going to be with the Father so that we can not only do the works Jesus did on earth but greater works even.

greater powerToday, you hold incredible power in whatever it is Jesus has called you to.

Whether it’s parenting, sitting behind a computer, or being a neighbor and friend, you have magnificent power behind all that you do! You can walk with your head a little higher, your feet secure, and use your words to encourage others knowing there is great power at play.

Do you find yourself downplaying the kind of power you hold in Jesus because of your profession, your age, or your location?

Pray, Jesus, I see You on the throne advocating for me. I can’t diminish what You’ve called me to do when Your word tells me You are doing an even greater work through me. I trust You to guide my time and talents for the glory of Your name. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

What would your problems look like if you answered them with this promise?

First published on Beloved Women

© 2020 by Trisha Keehn. All rights reserved.

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Keep Your Eye On The End

the end is better

How many times have we set a goal with high expectations of the finish only to find ourselves drifting from the routine a few days later? We might believe we can fight the frustration and stick with it this time, until the beginning of change battles with our comfortable routine.

“Better is the end of a thing than its beginning, and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit.” (Ecclesiastes 7:8 ESV)

the end is betterHere in Ecclesiastes, we have this great reminder that it’s not the beginning that determines how well we did. It’s the purifying process of perseverance during this difficult season in life that is producing the Lord’s perfect way in us.

Life will bring many new beginnings and many more unpredictable obstacles. If we stay stuck on the stumbles, we’ll never discover the better part of our goals, our relationships, or our jobs. When we choose to show up, stand up, and start with the end in sight again, our resilience begins to refine what we can do in other areas of our lives.

Our disappointments can’t keep us down if we’re willing to stretch for the patience and perseverance to finish.

And if our struggles seem like too much, we can look to the cross for encouragement. Our God who planted the beginning of grace preserves it until the end.

Are you struggling with a goal that you’re tempted to give up on? In this season of your life, what fruits of the spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) can you see being produced through the purifying process of perseverance?

If you find yourself discouraged by your present circumstances, here’s a prayer to help transform your thoughts. Jesus, thinking of Your example of perseverance to go to the cross to finish what our Father began helps me stay focused on my finish. Holy Spirit, when I’m tempted to give up remind me how much better the end will be when I choose to stay committed for the glory of Your name, God. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

First published on Beloved Women.

© 2020 by Trisha Keehn. All rights reserved.

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What are you waiting for?

“And Joseph took the body and wrapped it in a clean linen shroud and laid it in his own new tomb, which he had cut in the rock. And he rolled a great stone to the entrance of the tomb and went away.” Matthew 27:59-60 ESV

You might be tangled up in a transition right now frustrated because it looks like nothing is happening. Maybe you’ve been praying but you still don’t have that job or a spouse. The stress is still there, the anguish lingers, the disappointment cuts deeper. You might wonder if God even cares.

The foundation of our faith is developed in the waiting room of life.foundation of faith

After Jesus’ crucifixion, Joseph laid his lifeless body in the tomb and walked away. Jesus was gone and nothing appeared to change on that second day.

Behind the stone that stood between Jesus and his discouraged disciples was a miracle in the works.

Behind the scenes in the not-quite-yet season of your life is where a miracle is taking place too.

It’s in the transition time where God is developing your gifts, growing your perseverance, and purifying your motives. He is transforming the inside to prepare you for what’s about to happen on the outside.

It’s tempting in the transition to think there isn’t much that is taking place. Look for the blessings. What is reaping the benefit of your transition time? In your desperation are you more real with the Lord? Are you more present with your family? In the brokenness, are you more honest with friends?

Father, I trust you with the details in this transition of my life. I trust you at Your Word – You are taking me from glory to glory. Help me to surrender to Your hand and not be tempted to move too swiftly out of the spiritual growing pains. And thank you for your grace that covers me here in the stillness of life.