Praying God’s promises — it’s changed me.
That’s why I included a prayer, at the end of each chapter, weaving together Scriptures from that chapter and others I sensed God wanted us to engrave on our hearts.
“Praying God’s Word has been one of the most life-changing ways I’ve learned to live in the security of His promises…and isn’t what we all want?
“One way God tells us that confidence will come is when we ask Him for what is already part of His will. ‘This is the confidence which we have before Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us’ (1 John 5:14 NASB). So there you go: we can be confident we are praying God’s will when we pray God’s Word!” p.25
But that’s not all.
Romans 10:17 tells us that “faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ” so let’s pray these promises out loud again and again.
Out loud. Yes, even if it seems weird. Find somewhere you can be alone and speak these truths to God and let them echo in your heart
Trust me, it makes a difference.
“When we pray God’s words out loud, and hear them, the Holy Spirit engraves them on our hearts and writes them in our thoughts. We internalize God’s truth and our faith grows as we are transformed from the inside out!” p.25
Let’s pray this week’s prayer {together}:
Lord, I pray that You would give me a confident heart in Christ. Take me beyond believing in You to truly believing You. Help me rely on the power of Your promises and live like they are true. You say blessed is the one who trusts in You and whose hope and confidence are found in You. Those who hope in You will not be disappointed, because You work all things together for good for those who love You and are called according to Your purpose.
When self-doubt tells me I can’t overcome my insecurities, I will believe Your promise that all things are possible to whoever believes. I will not throw away my confidence, because You say it will be richly rewarded. I will persevere so that when I have done the will of God, I will receive what You have promised. My confidence is in Christ and I am no longer one who shrinks back and is destroyed, but one who believes and is saved! In Jesus’ name, Amen. {See Jeremiah 17:7; Isaiah 49:23; Romans 8:28; Mark 9:23; Hebrews 10:35–36, 39}
_____________________
A Song of Prayer
My friend, award-winning composer and pianist , Chad Lawson, has graciously shared his beautiful, Spirit-filled Song of Prayer below. Watch and listen below for FREE and soak in this God-gift that was filmed while Chad listened to the Holy Spirit for 32 minutes and simply played what He laid on his heart. You’ll see the joy of Christ in Chad’s smile but more than anything, you’ll experience the peace of God’s presence through his music.
Download Song of Prayer: You can find it on Itunes ($1.99) or Amazon ($.89)
Today’s Give-Away: 3 Special Order Song of Prayer CDs
To enter to win one: Click “share your thoughts” below this post and describe how you felt or what you sensed God whisper as you listened to Chad’s Song of Prayer. Also share one or two of your answers to questions at the end of Chapter 1.
If you’re reading this via email: Scroll to the top of your email and click the title “Praying God’s Promises” to go back to my website. All entries must be put in the “share your thoughts” section.
Wow, as I noticed the time of the song my first thought was I can’t listen to a song that long but as I sit here typing with the song still playing I am at peace. Even though I have once again jam packed my day with things to do I am so thankful that I listened to the Lord & picked up my book & read. Clicking on this song has set my heart & mind in such a peaceful setting. A setting in which I can listen & be hearing the Lord. A setting that tells me He is my confidence! He is my hope! He is my strength! I will stop doubting myself.
I cannot think of a time when I was confident. When I read Isaiah 49:23 it makes me smile. Isaiah 43:19 gives me hope knowing the new thing He is about to start in me through this Bible Study.
As I listen to this music & watch the snow gently fall outside covering the dirt making it look clean & new I am reminded of the hymn that says, “Wash me and I will be whiter than snow”. Thank you Lord for your incredible timing in my life!
I thoroughly enjoyed listening to this music. I began listening to the song last night and I felt so at peace, I fell asleep. I’m listening to it again this morning, and I’m really thinking about ordering it, so that I may have it with me in those moments in life in which I may need to slip away and rest in GOD’s peace. I could be very wrong, but around about 12:00 into the song, it sounds as if he begins to play, Tis So Sweet To Trust in Jesus. I know for a fact, that GOD has been speaking to me about learning to completely trust HIM with my life, my future, and even my family and their lives. I’m sure He wants me to stop worrying and trust HIM to be GOD. Sometimes that’s difficult for me and I worry about things that I have no control over. I’ve been hurt in the past on several occasions, and oftentimes I find myself trying to avoid situations and people that may try to hurt me. I could talk about this all day, but I will complete this paragraph by saying that I’m learning to trust him, and it is a process.
#6. I would describe a confident woman as someone who leans totally on Jesus. She lives the life of peace. Despite her fears and insecurities, she knows without a shadow of doubt that GOD will see her through. She knows this because she stands on the words that she sang as a little girl, “they are weak, but HE is strong.” She is also someone who has an intimate relationship with Jesus and who inspires others to be just like her. She is someone I aspire to be.
Thank you Renee for this book, the song, and this blog!
To me, Chad’s song was a beautiful conversation with God. The louder quicker segments was my praise, confession, requests, and pouring out, the blank space between as I’m still, wait and listen for the quiet slower segments a sGod’s still small voice speaks to my heart, guiding, leading, comforting, showing me his path for his purpose. It made my cry!
While listening to A Song of Prayer I felt a sense of peace, joy & serenity wash over me! i felt myself relax, and focus my thoughts on those things of God….
Proverbs 3:5-6 With this I am to trust Him in my storm of life and know that as I do He will guide me. With Him all things are possible and in my trial I can believe Him because His word does not come back void.
My first thought was…..how slowly the song started and you might have thought he was ‘stuck’, but what occurred to me was…how often do I start out thinking that I’ll listen for god’s voice and if I don’t hear from Him right away……I miss that moment where He is beginning the conversation because I was in too big of a hurry. Beautiful song!
I felt the gentleness of the Almighty Creator. The desire and longing He has to be with us and to love us with an absolutely unconditional love. At times it felt as though it was God running after me, saying I’m not letting go, you can try this on your own but I’m just not going to let go. At other times I felt as if He was carrying me and I was looking and seeing the footprints in the sand as I wept in His arms and felt safe and secure. I heard What can wash away my sin, nothing but the blood of Jesus…then I heard the gentleness of the blood sprinkling down over me like a soft gentle rain. It was as if He was sending a beautiful reminder of His incredible love. I felt as if there were times that the music was so gentle and soft…a picture came of walking with Jesus down that beach just talking. Then there were times the music sped up as if God were saying I’m here child, don’t be afraid, I’m right here behind you waiting for you to turn back around. Over and over I heard the recurring theme of the blood washing away my sin and the reminder of what an incredible friend I have in Jesus. It was almost as if it were a picture of my life, our lives that God will never leave us, He will never forsake us. We are never left alone. I heard God reminding me, its ok child, I am here. Be still and know that I am God! Be still!!
Question 4. Describe what happens in your heart when you read God’s words:
“Those who hope in me will not be disappointed” Isa. 49:23
“See, I am doing a new thing!” Isa. 43:19
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” Romans 8:28
“All things are possible to [her] who believes” Mark 9:23
My original answer to this question was…honestly, the first thing I feel is…I so wish I could remember these things and feel confident. I trust God and take Him at His word but…there is that word…but I just don’t ever allow myself to REALLY let go and trust Him and believe Him.
As I listened to this beautiful song, I felt this overwhelming feeling of His presence. An overwhelming feeling of that fear of disappointment being lifted. A feeling of all of these verses being poured out over me gently as if they were the blood washing me clean again.
God is so incredible! He uses so many different things to get our attention and to bring us back into a place where we can focus on Him. These promises are incredible really. When you look at them all together, He said we won’t be disappointed with the new thing He is doing because it WILL work for His purpose and all be have to do is believe.
Jeanette
While I was listening to this music I closed my eyes and could envision the streets of heaven with children laughing and playing and people walking together hand-in-hand, dogs playing in the leaves in the grass. Sometimes the music was reflective almost as if they were stopping to look at the flowers or a butterfly or to watch birds take flight. Such a beautiful gift. So peaceful and calming and happy. You feel as if you can let go of the fears and self-doubt and all of the other trappings of this world that keep us from doing what we should be doing, what God would have us do. One of the questions at the end of the first chapter is “Has insecurity ever kept you from doing something?” I’ve been insecure and had problems with self-esteem for so long there is a life-time of things I have given up on or passed by because of it. I’m 56 years old now and feel like I have lived a life-time already but only partially. I would love to fill my heart and soul up with God’s love and let go of the insecurities I’ve lived with my whole life and actually live the rest of my life out loud instead of hiding in the shadows, hoping no one notices I’m here. Thank you for your study and the chance to find that confidence in my own heart.
As I was laying in bed, ready to sleep for the night, I first listened to this music…I could feel the relaxation coming over me…so peaceful and quiet…mind quieting music Oh how beautiful that music would be to listen to and allow God to quiet my ever wandering and ever alert mind…I think it could quiet my doubting heart and the’ replaying and rethinking’ I so aften do regarding the day…I never download music but might have to this time! Beautiful!
As for the questions…my earliest memory of doubting myself or feeling insecure was as a child when I ‘discovered’ I was a head taller than everyone in my school. The boys called me Jolly Green Giant. I just wanted to fit in. Middle school and dances made it worse yet…It wasn’t until later in high school or college that I was less insecure about my height.
Isaiah 43:19 has been a verse for our family the past 8 years. We went through some big struggles and God has been with us every painful step and also every joyful step. Yes, it was hard but the blessing and knowledge of knowing God’s plans are superior to anything I could concoct…He has shown me that time and time again. SO I have to remind myself when I am down or can’t comprehend the why’s in life…that God is doing a new thing in my life…
I have dial up, so I couldn’t listen to the music.
My answers for three & four:
3. I feel small and wretched. I feel incapable of doing anything worth while, and like staying in bed all day. i feel afraid.
4. I feel peace and joy and hope; those things I feel when I feel Christ’s presence. I feel strengthened and like I can do more, because of Him. Like a kid who is afraid of the bigger kids, until their parent comes and they can stand up because they know that parent won’t let the others hurt them. I feel reassured, blessed, and thankful.
When i listened to the music i sence the peace of GOD, to be still and fell his presence is wonderful. I enjoyed it so much i downloaded it onto my ipod. Thank you so much for sharing. Renee there is something you said in chapter one that has given be great revelation, doubt and hope cannot live our hearts at the same time. We must always know that there is hope in every situation because if we don’t doubt will always creep in and we if allow it we will not get the victory or the manifestation of what we are hoping and believing for.
The Prayer song is beautiful. I don’t know how, bit it helped me relax & focus,. It set my frame of mind to stop & listen for God to speak. I would love to have one of his CD’s. Thanks for sharing that,
The music was comforting. What talent he has and so grateful he shared with us. I feel secure and thankful to God because I have a warm house tonight (only 5 degrees outside right now).
Question #3 When doubt whispers in my ear I wish I had the power to overcome it and be strong.
Question #6 A woman with a confident heart has total faith in God and herself. She is not afraid to tackle obstacles.
My earliest insecurity came when I was learning to read and I had a ruler under the line I was on and my dad called me names and said you can do it without that. My dad had a hard time with me being a slow learner thank goodness my dad in heaven doesn’t.
Amen on our dad in Heaven not having a hard time with me being a slow learner about HIS ways. HIs mercies are new every morning!
Dear Lesley, I remember that time in life too. It was so hard when you don’t feel you measure up to what is expected. Being the youngest of three girls and I have dyslexia, I never could measure up. Now I know that God has the measuring stick and no one measures up, but through the blood of Jesus we can measure up. He took our shame, our fear, our disappointments and rejection on the cross. That is such a freeing feeling. Because of my hard time reading I have had patience with children teaching them to read, and other things. We go through things so we can take the hand of another and walk them through those same kind of things.
You are Blessed Lesley.
What beautiful, tranquil music…obviously God inspired! Was fighting a terrible headache when I started listening…and now it is gone. Was praying and asking God to stop those constantly turning wheels in my head that say I must be doing something productive every moment…to help me “be still and listen to Him talk to me.” This music calmed my heart. Tomorrow is the 1st anniversary of my dear Mother’s death. I have been fighting depression over this for two months. I’m searching for that “confident heart” again. My first feelings of insecurity go back to a little tiny girl–2-3 yrs old…& have carried on thruout my life. Fleeting moments of security and confidence.
Your “Acknowledgements” made me cry; and touched my heart deeply. Some of the words that captivated my heart are: words of affirmation, God’s calling on my life, courage, perseverance, sacrificing, passion, thoughtfulness, wisdom, laughter, contagious joy, hugs, unending gifts of encouragement, thank you for believing in me & loving me thru it all, for listening, unconditional love, grace, treasured friends & forever family, your prayers, thank you for believing in my dreams…YOU are my confidence.”
Such powerful words….and desires of my heart. It is my prayer (for all of us committed to this study) that by the time we reach the last chapter, we, too, can relate and feel these gifts in our hearts.
Carolynn
The music relaxed me. I sensed one of the names of God – -El Roi – the God who sees…
1. My earliest memory of insecurity was way back in the first grade – almost 40 years ago when my mom didnt come and pick me up from school and my teacher ended up taking me home. When I pointed out my house, she said – that’s where you live?? I grew up poor and I have never forgotten that day & the way it made me feel.
4. Three of those scriptures continue to come up for me, even before this study. I am waiting on God to write my love story. I want a man who is sold out to Jesus. I was in a 23 year marriage, unequally yoked that ended two years ago.. For me, 3 of those scriptures have been ones God has given to me on several occassions over the past 6 months. Isaiah 49:23 – those who hope in Me will not be disappointed, Mark 9:23 – all things are possible to her who believes & “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Rom. 8:28). He just affirmed them in this study which was awesome!
I am in prayer for you Sherry that you will be able to release those memories to Jesus to wash in His blood and return them to you in a loving way. And I believe that He will.
“No other fount I know…nothing but the blood of Jesus” was in part of the pray song. That song send refreshing of the forgiveness of Jesus. One of the earliest hymns in my mind. I knew all the words from an early age to all the old hymns…I am so thankful now as they speak to my soul.
3) Describe how it makes you feel when doubt whispers:
“I can’t do this.” I want to know who is telling me that.
“Things will never change.” So, what, I know I can be cheerful anyway.
“My life isn’t going to get better.” I have hope in Christ, so there is an ending in glory.
“It’s too hard.” So, why not try and surprise myself.
“I might as well quit.” Am I quitting for the correct reason. Sometimes it is better to cut the loses and quit.
Too many times I tried to make a “dead horse” walk again. I am hard to give up on things…but sometimes you have to say enough it enough.
Listening to the piano music, I thought of Christ’s words: “I will never leave you nor forsake you”
4. I feel hopeful and excited about the possibilities of what God can and will do in and for me. I also feel more relaxed because God says I will not be disappointed when I hope in Him.
Karen C
All I can describe with the piano music is peace and joy. It makes me feel happy and alive. I absolutely love music like that, it speaks to your soul.
#3- “Its too hard” and “My life isn’t going to get any better” -these make me feel very defeated and hopeless. In my profession, these are actually common thoughts for me. Sometimes I just feel stuck or like I deserve the negativity I am in.
#4- “Those who hope in Me will not be disappointed” and “all things are possible to (her) who believes”- this makes me believe in the power that is mine through the Lord. That He allows me to accomplish things and that His word is truth. My favorite is that Isaiah 49:23 because it offers so much hope, not despair! It speaks of trust and that is something I want to grow in this year.
My answer to the first question was a memory of elementary school where I was selected to sing and dance in a speech class. I only sang and could barely move my feet.
Praying the prayers outloud do make a difference.
This piano piece sounded like music I expect to hear in Heaven….soothing, peaceful, encouraging, and full of love. What perfect melody for a perfect place to spend eternal life!
Question #2: Insecurity has kept me from relationships with people I view as “better” than me which I base their superiority on earthly values, ie: looks, clothes, status, money, authority, etc. All the wrong things to compare myself to, I know.
Question #6: A woman with a confident heart yearns for God to take control of her life, to direct her in everything, to know Him, to really love Him, joyful, walking daily with Jesus, and increased faith from the Holy Spirit.
“How lovely”, music that is not loud and garish but soft and gentle – as God speaks to us when we listen with all our heart. The repetition to the music seems like God’s Love – how he repeats His love for us by His Grace day in and day out. That love repeating never becomes monotonous but plays out in many ways making a beautiful sound. There were pauses in the music where I could feel the peace flowing over me like a warm summer rain.
I could only think how blessed I am to be able to hear this beautiful music and to lift those up to our Savior those that do not know Him. A fullness fills me that can only say, Thank you Jesus. I am blessed. Song of Prayer is a reminder that there are many ways to pray when we listen to the Holy Spirit and are guided by Him. I was joined by my husband and we listened to the song and gazed around the room at the pictures of loved ones and was further blessed. Today our 39th wedding anniversary……….
Chad, thank you for sharing your prayer with us.
I am feeling so alone since my husband’s death. I have suddenly got that God is always with me and I do not have to fear lonliness.
Hi Debra, yes. God is with you. Allow the Holy Sirit to comfort you and spend time with Him. Hevwill take away your lowliness …I remember when my mom lost my dad. Shevwas very lonely and didn’t know she could lean on God. But you do…Praise the Lord!
Hi Debra,
Yes! God is always with you and you have nothing to fear. Isn’t that a wonderful promise? I lost my husband when I was 32 and had 2 children to take care of. I am so thankful for Gods healing hand as I learned I had nothing to fear. That was 13 years ago and though I will never forget that time I know that God is always there for me. Praises that we know such a wonderful God!
Blessings all… my thoughts but not an entry…
BELOVED, Come away with me. Drink from my Word. Let the words trickle down through the very core of you allowing you to know how very much I love you and want to restore your heart and spirit to be confident and trust in me. Blessed are you, my daughter… as you trust in me, as Lord for your confidence comes from me and is found in me, in my Word, in my sweet Promises to you. Come dance with me! Let your burdens and heartaches go as we dance and I’ll sing over you as you praise and enjoy your time in my arms. Hope in me, you will not be disappointed. Listen to me in the still, quiet place in your heart. Allow your fears to fall and any obstacles that keep you from drawing closer to me. Speak to me and I will listen. Listen closely for my whisper and you will hear me deep within, you will know it is I, who longs to go deeper with you, an intimacy that only comes when we spend time, healing, restoring, rebuilding, holding on to my words as your promises… speak them back to me and I will hear you… in the ‘hear and now’ moments, I am here, I have always been near. Be confident and let your heart be strengthened in me and find peace. Be refreshed and find your worth once more as my Holy Spirit fills you …
I could probably go on for the entire time that Chad plays such a beautifully, peaceful piece!!! He’s inspiring…
Sharing #1. I acted as if I was very CONFIDENT throughout my early years and teen yrs., memories as far back as age 4yr. old. where I was quite bold. However, after graduating from college, is when I had an experience that will always stand out as the one that shook any confidence I had… my confidence was stripped away in a locked ward for 1 week of the psychiatric unit in the hospital where I was born.
Not sure if I doubted myself or felt insecure and my bold confidence was a cover up for the insecurities I had or felt or the rejection or attention I craved desperately. I was raped at age 13, and perhaps one would think that this would have robbed my confidence… I’m sure that it was the start but there were many other consequences and repercussions from that. Then I was raped again 20 yrs. later. Both occurred in
my own home where I lived at the time of each one. Nothing violates you and tears away your confidence more than that. #2. Sadly to say, “yes”… it has often paralyzed me. It keeps me questioning my future security and where I truly place that security and trust. But I am more than a conqueror in Christ Jesus, my Lord. Forgiveness frees your soul to breathe once again. And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose. I have been called and I am serving Him and stepping out in faith since He called me at 13… to living out my purpose and calling now in Mexico with the women and children…
Chad’s music — what a gift!
High school was the toughest
This song washed peace over me and whispered to be still…listen for his voice and be bathed in his truth. Being still and listening is where I struggle the most. Want to start praying more scripture and speaking those truths outloud.
I think one of the most powerful parts of Chapter 1 for me is “when I choose to dwell in the assurance of Whose I am and who I am in Him, I have a confident heart.”
One of my biggest struggles is the doubt that creeps in when the naysayers around me… family and former coworkers… become overly critical. It’s hard to focus on Whose I am or have a confident heart when the insults are flying at you. My parents have ALWAYS been more critical of me than of my siblings despite the fact that I ALWAYS tried so hard to please them. My sister could selfishly screw up and it would be quickly forgotten. I could accomplish something major… and it would be quickly forgotten. My house is never clean enough, my projects never ‘done’ enough, my bills aren’t managed well (HELLO, how do you know?). The doubt started to kick in around 3rd grade, or maybe I just started to notice it then when my classmates got all cliquey. It’s reiterated during every visit home and they wonder why a year passed and we didn’t visit… not intentionally, just always had something more enjoyable to do.
I was in a job position where I was constantly set up for failure. With manager who instead of noticing/listening to individual strengths and capitalizing on them would look for weaknesses to exploit, withhold information, and work around you if they thought it was to their benefit. I’ve changed jobs… but before I did God had someone ‘accidently’ send a revealing message to the wrong person, the contents of the message were personal and revealing… I pray for the man and woman involved in that email, such drama… and it successfully settled my doubts about my performance, the only problem I had was being a manager between them with morals. My new position is part of a WONDERFUL God fearing team… in the real sense of team. Such a blessing!
My confidence is growing in this new environment and I’m able to focus more on Whose I am and who I am in him. I am accepting that I’ll never be number 1 daughter in my parent’s eyes, and while that hurts deeply, it’s their loss… I can only work to not create that same atmosphere for my kids, to make a special effort to recognize each of their talents, reinforce the positive, and develop their confident little hearts.
Very peaceful music. Just what I needed right now…
The music is so beautiful. It brought tears to my eyes. Totally peaceful as if Jesus says “just rest, rest in me.” We just need to stop and wait patiently for Jesus to work all those things out in our life for our good. It also made me think of the question that you asked about how would that confident woman look. The music made me think of her and how she would look. I see her as a beautiful gentle spirit, filled with peace and yet a strong quiet leader filled with joy. Unlike I see myself when I am not confident. When I am not trusting in the Lord I become nervous and anxious, frustrated and cranky with no peace or joy. Such a difference from when we trust the Lord to trying to work things out ourselves. I must strive towards the mark and rest in Him and to be completely trusting in Him and His timing to work things out for good.
Rest..I finally felt rest and peace when I heard this song. The stresses of the day fell off of my shoulders and I shed tears at the peace that overwhelmed my heart. The Lord told me to dwell in Him, in His peace and cast my burdens to Him. He longs to give me this peace always. Thank You Lord for being so faithful.
#5- I focus so often on people pleasing and find my value and worth based on what I think others feel about me. Are my kids happy? Is my husband happy? Did I say the right thing to my friend today? Did I set a bad example? Should I have stopped a little longer to listen to my child? Should I have given more words of encouragement to my husband? Am I worth anything to anybody? But when I read Isaiah 49:23 I know I am not a disappointment because God does not disappoint , and it is no longer I who live but Christ who lives in me! Amen.
The music is beautiful and tranquil, I will be purchasing it. (No, I don’t have enough confidence to think I would win it). I am a massage therapist and can envision how wonderful it will be for me and my clients.
As for the questions, let me give you the one I want to hide from.
#5 What hinder me most from living with God-confidence? My biggest prayer has been (not always now as there are new things in my heart, or perhaps I am just coming to acceptance), to have someone to share my life with…a husband…one who loves me andwill work on the relaionhp. So far the answer is no. I desire Gods will yet the desires of my heart are unfulfilled. My 4 children (lost through miscarriages, 3 in second trimester) I never got to see alve. I know Christ is my husband until God see to give me one but sometimes one with skin on is so desired. If He isn’t going to give me one than please take away the desire totally and help me be comfortable where I am.
#7 What does our verse of the week promise and encourage me to do?
To grow my trst in God. To place my confidence in Him and believe I am His- called by Him, created in my mothers womb by God Himself. To trust in His love even when I don’t feel it.
I feel encouraged and hopeful when god speaks his promises to me including some of my favorites I can do all things who Christ who strengthens me, I have plans to prosper you, not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future, and come to me all who are weary and I will give you rest. resting in god’s promises is something that god is working on my heart to do on a more consistent basis.
Jeremiah 17:7 promises that if you trust and put your hope and confidence in him that he wiil bless you. To live in the power of this promise I need to come to and surrender all my worries and fears to him instead of trying to handle things on my own. I also need to pray god’s word and seek his will.
There is a song called my hope is in you that has been speaking to me and I wanted to share some of the lyrics as they do go along with our study.
My hope is in you, lord
All the day long
I won’t be shaken by drought or storm
A peace that passes understanding is my song
And I sing my hope is in you, lord
I will wait on you
You are my refuge
The music is absolutely beautiful. It is calming, quieting, and focusing. You can listen and feel so at peace, so relaxed, and focus on God’s truth. You can almost feel God’s love through the music, Thank you so much for sharing such an astounding, special video.
My earliest memory of insecurity came when dealing with my Dad and his new family. My mother and father were teenage parents but they never got married. He later a married woman with 5 kids. He rarely talked to me or came to see me. I always felt like i wasnt enough for him to love consistantly. I watched Him my whole life take care of kids that werent his and leave me behind. So i did whatever i could to fit in with friends and church people when my mother got saved. Even if they were bad for me i just didnt want to be left behind. “You’re not enough” plagued my thoughts daily. When i got saved, i thought i would be whole but i just transferred what i felt about my dad to God. I never felt like i was enough for God to use for anything…..let alone to minister to others. My heart and mind is still healing, but i thank God for loving me through my heart ache. He will never leave me, my heart is safe in His hands.
Amen Nikki! He anticipated your life and planned it!
I absolutely love the piano prayer song! I felt peaceful and started praising Jesus, then I recognized him playing “what can wash away my sins?, nothing but the blood of Jesus.” I loved how he would start to put his hand in one place and then moved it to another. He seemed really in tune with the Holy Spirit!
Ok, the answer to a couple of questions. Well my earliest memory of feeling insecure was when I was 4. My parents left me to spend the night with my grandma. Daddy took Mama to the hospital to get my new baby sister. When they came back to get me and mama was holding my sister, I wasn’t sure if I was wanted anymore. I thought I had to keep staying with my grandma.
How I would describe a woman with a confident heart is one who trusts in God and can perform the duties He asks her to do. I have missed opportunities due to doubt and fears, but I want to overcome that and be able to do and trust no matter what happens or what he asks me to do.
Blessings,
Michele S.
#4. All Things are possible to him/her that who believes. I am blessed to have a God where nothing is impossible. Not only do I believe in God I believe God. If I pray asking God to work in my situation-(i.e insecurity, fear, lack of confidence) and I trust God with my life He will be at work.
#1-Feeling insecure has been a part of me for a very long time because i never felt as if I could live up to the expectations of others for me.
#4-I can feel encouraged that God does want me to live a confident life and that He will equip me to live that way. “All things ARE possible to (her) who believes”
I can already feel something stirring inside of me, and I know that it is God who wants to transform me…making me a woman with a confident hear.
whoops i meant heart…..lol
I,too, am full of low self esteem. I feel like I am never good or smart enough even though I have returned to school to pursue my passion of working with domestic violence victims. My first marriage was full of control and emotional abuse at the hands of my husband. I stayed for eight years because I believe in the institution of marriage and for the sake of my child. However, I finally left because I knew if I didn’t I was going to lose my mind. Even now, even though I am now married to a wonderful man, I still feel unlovable. I want to become that confident woman of God. God created me for who I am, and I know He loves me totally. I love God, but I believe I disappoint Him. I want to be the awesome Child of God He created me to be. It is my daily prayer that everyone in this study become the same.
Mary, wow! This reminded me of the Beth Moore study, Loving Well….one of the questions in the study that just hit home so much with me was – God asking – “Do you think you need to prove yourself lovable to Me? Deep down inside, are you trying to earn my love and attention?? To whom have you compared Me and to whom have you confused Me?……”I’m not like them”. Abba Father!! Amen and Amen! This was a turning point for me in internalizing God’s love for me. I had NEVER realized that I was trying to prove myself lovable, trying to earn His love, attention and that I was comparing Him to my father and my ex husband. You sweet Sister, are an awesome child of God!
5- disappoint, fear & sorrow keep me from being patient for tommorw. Lack orf patience is my selfish sin that kept me from truly living from within. My son abducted 15 years ago – I had almost given up waiting when God gave me a sign to keep me holding for a while. Just enough hope to give me strength , just enough grace like the manna given when lead out of Egypt. My son brought back 3 years ago – i praised the Lord & started to move on. I knew we had a long road ahead with all the baggage he had. Abandoned by the one who took him, he searched for significance in gang life & found God in prison – my only wish to have true healing & God reigning in his life – it seemed such a blessing. We spent our first Christmas a year ago & i had such hopes as my Mothers day gift. Then a month later he pushed us aside without an explantion – I proclaimed Gods promises & truths to get me through but recently the sorrow had taken my patience away. I gave it up so easily – not sure how or why but this study was God’s blessing to my life. My hope restored to affirm God’s truths. I give praise now as he’s always here at my side – his love sufficient for my life. . I know I felt abandoned by my son but God has reminded me I am not alone, God is here & hes provided me the tools & the biblical fellowship all around to carry me back to the place I was of obedience, patience & trust. I proclaim his healing power over my life & praise him for what he is & will do in my life as well as you all.
What a wonderful way to relax after a busy work week. I need the quiet to remind me that I am loved by God and He is the one who should be most important in my life. Isaiah 43:19 promises He will be with me in my desert. I so need that in my life. I feel so unworthy at a wife, mother and friend. I pray this study will change my heart and give me the confidence to know that I am loved by God no matter what. My desire is to change and to really Believe Him.
#3 – Defeated, useless. I’m realizing that I try to convince God that I’m not worthy or capable. He accepted me, but He shouldn’t have. He want’s to use me, but He shouldn’t bother with me. If I just fail to follow through one more time He will realize His mistake. The funny thing is, He already knows I’m not not worthy or capable on my own, I don’t have to convince Him. He accepts me and values me because He is Elohim, because He is Jehovah Jireh, and Abba. He created me, to be used by Him, He loves me, and He will provide for me. When I read the verses from question 4 my heart flutters with hope and possibility. My greatest hinderence is getting the truth from my head to my heart and back again!
1. describe how you felt or what you sensed God whisper as you listened to Chad’s Song of Prayer.
He is obviously inspired and talented … I love piano music and find it so relaxing and loved listening to it while I worked on my answers. I would love to buy his CD so I could listen to it in the car as I drive 2 hours each day – I’ve been using that time to pray out loud!
2. share one or two of your answers to questions at the end of Chapter 1.
#3 Doubts make me feel incompetent, insignifcant, unimportant and not worth whatever it is that I would like/like to do.
$4 Reading scriptures — I am inspired and excited about God’s words to us – renews my hope. There are still ‘human’ doubts which creep in my thoughts at times. I wish I understood the context and true meaning/intent of the words chosen to write the Bible – my pastor is so good at that!
Thank you so much for this!! I so needed this song of peace today, even though it’s my day off from work and most of the time, those are peaceful days for me. But this morning my office called to tell me about a mistake I had made. I feel terrible, I want to run and hide, and dread going back to work, but I know that God is with me. My trust is in His promise that all things work to the good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. I also read the names of God and I saw that He is the God that is there. Yes, He is there in that office! Praise His Holy Name!!!!
A confident woman would know what God’s purpose is for her. She would hear God’s direction and know that the tasks she carried out were the one’s to help fulfill that purpose.
I never know if I am doing the right things (even now that I have tried to understand that the “right” things could be many, but what is most important is doing what God wants me to do). Sometimes I get paralyzed and just don’t make any decisions or take any action because I don’t feel God’s guidance.
I am not good at listening to God when I pray. I have a hard time knowing when my voice stops and his begins because I have a hard time stopping my mind and controlling my thoughts.
I want to be confident of my decisions and know that God’s hand is guiding me. I am going to try to spend more time in God’s word and see if I can know his will better and finally be confident in my actions and decisions.
Keep trusting in god and he will guide and direct your paths in life.
I know exactly how you feel Andrea, but like Carrie said we have to keep on trusting in God and He will make our path straight. Don’t give up!
Andrea, it helps me hear Him when I write out prayers to Him in my journal and pause from time to time. This may help you as well!
I really loved today’s devotional because I have been going through some things,and the holy spirit spoke to me when I finished praying and he stated grab ahold of my promises and see how it will change your life. I have 3 right now that I recite faithfully when I pray and since my bible lists all of God’s promises I will definitely be studying more!
I feel like this message was sent directly to me from you. I needed to hear just what was said here. I am going through a very rough time in my life right now. I need to reinforce that if I trust in God 100% he will be here for me. I need to hear what God’s plan is for my life and block out all negativity from humans. Thank you for sharing this. It is just what I needed to hear at this moment! God Bless!
Wow, what a beautiful song! It is such peaceful calming music. I could feel my frustration diminish as I listened, and by the end of the song I felt so relaxed and centered.
I’m listening to this wonderful music as I read down through everyone’s thoughts; I see so many people who struggle with the same things I do….somehow, I have hope for all of us!
Renee, I feel closer to God and my relationship to Him is growing daily. This beautiful piano piece has allowed me to meditate on scripture and claim His promises. I am encouraged by the others who have opened up their hearts on your blog. I am richly blessed to be part of this community. We all go through times of hurt and brokenness. I am praying for all the “faceless names” and comments I have read this evening. We don’t have to be lonely! Jesus knows our needs and He is always here for us. I am grateful and have been ministered to in a powerful way this evening.
I love the prayer,writing it out so i can have it to say aloud. my weakness is always not having the confidence to pray aloud
Listening to the music i heard God saying” Be Still”