Beginnings

Goodness and Love Following You

So why would I fear the future? For your goodness and love pursue me all the days of my life

Psalm 23:6 The Passion Translation

As a new year begins I am reminded that how we feel about another year isn’t always happy or hopeful. This time of the year can be difficult for many reasons. Many of them involve emotional strains. Jesus told us that in this life we shouldn’t be surprised by troubles. Some seasons of suffering feel like they have followed us into another year – uninvited.  At our worst we may lose hope to recover our lives. That has been me. Seven years ago I became severely mentally unwell followed by a long period of depression and anxiety. I had experienced mental illness in earlier years yet this new episode brought the biggest challenge of my life. I have experienced a very good recovery. That said I also continue to experience ongoing healing from God. 

One result of my journey is that I’m passionate about encouraging others who need small sized encouragements from Scripture and inspiration to persevere. I know that reading the Bible can be difficult for some people experiencing mental illness. I hope that a small encouragement may give food for thought and soul. I enjoy taking photos so will weave reflections on Scripture, and media along with something of my own experience. I chose this photo above because our native forest is lush. Life flourishes under the canopy of mighty trees and fresh water. Creation truly speaks to us of God’s goodness.

This song by Lauren Daigle is great to soak in God’s love and provision for everything we need – for today and every tomorrow.

Call to Mind

Calling to mind what God has done in our lives is like God’s medical care for our souls. Write down a few ways you can see God’s goodness in your life last year…e.g., family, friends, a home 

Prayer

Father give me the eyes to see your goodness and love already in my life today, and every day I’ve ever lived. Your goodness and love are the same for me yesterday, today and forever. You never change. You are love, you are good. Help me to lean with all I have into you. Amen

God bless you,

Bronnie Tressler