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Renee Swope

Encouraging and equipping moms to parent with God's grace and confidence.

Read An Excerpt: Chapter 1 & 2

What if I really believed God?

How would today be different if I really BELIEVED God?

Sometimes my emotional ups and downs make we wonder if I really believe God’s promises.

In my heart, I know I believe in Him, but do I really believe Him?

If I actively BELIEVE God, then I’ll trust He’s working everything out for good today – even though big expenses have drained our savings account and our son needed emergency oral surgery last week.

If I  intentionally BELIEVE God, I won’t be anxious today when little inconveniences get in my way. Instead I’ll turn to Him for peace and I’ll thank Him in advance for helping me accomplish what has to be done.

If I truly BELIEVE God, then I’ll go to bed on time tonight, because He doesn’t want me to stay up late working endlessly trying to get it all done. Jesus says He wants to give me the gift of rest.

How could your day be different, if you really BELIEVED God?

  • How would your outlook be different?
  • How would your relationships be impacted?

I don’t know about you, but I don’t often realize Im not believing God. I need something to help me recognize and redirect my thoughts.

For instance, I’ve said “My life is too hard”  to myself, my husband and my God quite often the past few weeks. We’ve just had one thing after the other going on around our house :). And if I believe that my life IS too hard…

  • I get overwhelmed and want to quit. That’s my point of belief. Will I give in or will I grab a verse from God’s Word to believe and help me remember God promises to be with me; to give me strength and time to accomplish His purposes that day.
  • I get courage to keep going when I focus on His truth over my feelings and choose to really believe Him.  And somehow my active believing opens His acts of providing {or my eyes of seeing} and I end up with all I need to get through my days, my dilemmas and my doubts.

WhenISay_MyLifeisTooHard

As I wrote my A Confident Heart Devotional book, I kept thinking about this and I realized: I need a new thought map.

I included a “When I say…God says…” statement {like the one above} at the end of every devotion to help me {and hopefully you} replace OUR thoughts with GOD’s thoughts!

That way, we find ourselves lost, stuck or struggling we can turn to God’s truth and remember to BELIEVE.

How could YOUR day or week be different it you really believed God today?

Click “share your thoughts” below and do just that. When you do, you’ll be entered to win one of 3 copies of my new A Confident Heart Devotional with 60-days of encouragement and truth to help you really believe God.

Swope_ConfidentHeartDevotional_CVR.inddFREE bonus DOWNLOADS with Purchase: 

If today’s post resonated with your heart, I hope you’ll get a copy of my new A Confident Heart Devotional book. When you purchase it this month, you can also receive a link to download FREE BONUS RESOURCES including 18 beautifully designed “When I say…God says” promise cards like the one above, plus  ”Confident Heart Prayer Journal” pages to download and print.

{Click here to see the FREE RESOURCES you can get with your purchase!}

To receive the FREE DOWNLOADS – {EMAIL your receipt to –> [email protected]}

devo_04 copy

Comments

  1. It’s been a particularly trying week and I’m afraid I didn’t handle things as gracefully as I could have. It’s left me engulfed in doubt and feeling very depressed. Thinking about believing God puts things so much into perspective for me. I really needed this reminder. If I actively had believed God this week, I would have felt peace amidst the chaos and would have been confident that I do have a special place and purpose in his kingdom. Wow…amazing how much more freedom I feel now from those negative thoughts. Thank you! Your timing was impeccable

  2. If I believed God….I would have more peace about the trials and troubles that my family is going through.

  3. If I really BELIEVED God’s Word, I hope that I might have more patience with my hubby and son. Why is it so difficult to get everyone out the door in the morning on time and with everything that everyone needs???

  4. Have been blessed by your writing, and by the writing of the entire Proverbs 31 team. I did the Confident Heart study last Spring, and would dearly love to have the devotional.

  5. I have been realizing the need to replace my thoughts with God’s thoughts. I can say I trust God and believe God, BUT I have realized that my initial reaction when something negative comes up is to panic, and I have thought ‘Am I really believing God?’ That’s why we need to be in the word always, filling ourselves up with His promises and His assurances, until they take the place of our own negative, fearful thoughts and worries. So this is actually what I’ve been working on right at this point in my life! Glad to find some reassurance that I’m on the right path….

  6. After a 2 year battle with cancer we were told that mom is now at the 6 month or less point. In my immediate birth family I am the only one who has an active relationship with God and most do not believe at all, so you can imagine it is hard to offer encouragement. In my prayer time God has told me that not only walking my mother home is a gift but all the other family dynamics are as well. So If I really believed God then I would have to admit that he is at work even in the chaos, and that when I feel like nothing is getting done…..maybe he is doing everything,

    • Im so sorry Christine. My heart aches for you and your family. Praying you will know and experience in a very real way the promise and power of His presence King David describes in Psalm 23. {{{hugs and prayers}}}

  7. This is SO practical! FINALLY…someone that addresses rest! THANK YOU!!! Shew…after years of stressing myself out, working hard trying to earn His love because of my hurt and pain…I now get what it really means to rest in Him! That is REALLY trusting Him! I can’t tell you how deeply that echoes in me! I have never made it through the night…period. When you meet the Abba for Who He really is (not blinded by our hurts and failures) it allows you to truly find rest for your soul (I heard that before, but SO get it now!). THANK YOU!!!!

    I am really thinking about (ok…saving up) for the devotional! Thank you for sharing SO much in your book and through this study! You have given me courage to simply start sharing my story through writing…you just never know who is reading on the other end.

    • Wish I could give you a hug Bethany. I recognize and resonate with the passion in your words. Praying these truths sink deep into our souls and into our thoughts so we can really believe and rest in HIM!!

      • How we get our picture to pop up when we leave a post??? Can you help me figure that out 🙂

  8. Renee, I loved this post today! Recently I have been sharing that exact thought with others by telling of my personal experience of this transformation from believing in God to also believing God! My very first OBS was your “A Confident Heart” study last spring and although I had been growing in my faith and developing a deeper, more intimate relationship with Jesus, this study opened my heart and soul to the promises in His Word and was an important step in my journey! I will remember your book and study forever! Hoping to read the devotional! God bless!

  9. I struggle with believing God. I always feel as if I am not good enough for what he says to be true. If I believed what God says, maybe life would be more peaceful and less painful.

  10. Reading God’s word & using it In my daily life isn’t something I have been very good at. Reading A Confident Heart has really pushed me to make a greater effort to do this. Being part of the OBS has helped me to learn I do have doubt in my life and I need the power of the Holy Spirit and God’s word to allow me to overcome it.

  11. If I believed God, my day would be more peaceful. My family would see my faith and not my doubt. My daughters would see my faith and confidence and not my doubt. If I believed God as I did many years ago, not only would my day be more peaceful, but the lives of our 4 girls would be positively impacted for their future. If I believed God, I would realize that the same God that delivered me from an abusive relationship in one state to a healthy, loving, 18+ yr marriage in another state STILL loves me and has plans for me. If I believed God, I would realize that the same God that blessed me with 2 biological daughters when the doctors said, “No,” STILL loves me and has plans for me. If I believed God, I would realize that the same God that blessed us financially for years STILL loves us and has plans for us. If I believed God, I would realize that the changes in our financial situation are not a punishment or because we are loved any less. Blessed is the woman who trusts in the LORD and whose hope is the LORD – Jeremiah 17:7

  13. Being a part of the OBS #AConfidentHeart I am learning that speaking God’s word…..reading His word….trusting and believing that He is my God and He is working for me…all things for my good is giving me more peace and joy. The tough part for me is how to truly “leave it at His feet” and not take it back. How do you not let it permeate your mind and heart.

  14. I’m currently doing the online Bible study for A Confident Heart and suddenly the twenty years of self-doubt, worry and anxieties are making sense and I’m finally finding a way to control them, that doesn’t require medications or therapy. So many of the stories you’ve shared, I could have written myself. I have learned so much and would love to continue on this path towards a more confident form of myself through a daily devotional. This is without a doubt going on my Christmas wishlist!!

  15. So glad you’re part of the P31 Online Study Barbara – and so blessed to know it’s encouraging you and equipping you to experience JESUS and all He has for you more and more each day!

  16. If I truly Believed & Trusted God, I could rest that he is Working All things out on my behalf – even through all my many struggles!! The encouragement from this bible study is just what I need. I’m Loving every part of this Wonderful bible study!!! Thank you so Much!

  17. Just the past few days my thoughts have been exactly what you have just written about. I am almost 48 with 5 children, the youngest are 10 and 12. I am also entering menopause- I’ve realized that I’m more tired than I was with the first 3 older children who are 31,26 and 22. The world is so much worse and there are so many more worries raising this generation of children. I feel all I do is worry or complain about how hard it is – I have learned no matter how hard things get complaining, venting and talking about it only glorifies Satan and lets him know he is winning. It is all negative and accomplishes absolutely nothing to change my life on a daily bases. It actually makes it worse, makes me feel I have no control and this is just what my life is going to be. I know if I pray over my children, pray constantly for Gods strength and intervention – good Always comes around. where if I complain and talk about it- all I’m doing is perpetuating and again glorifying exactly what the enemy wants to know he has accomplished sadness and pain. Trust in God- I mean truly trusting that he loves us and wants the best for us and praying constantly is so , so beneficial and wonderful changes always come around. !!!!!!

      • You know what helps me? Turning on powerful worship music that is packed with Truth and hope – my favorite right now is Natalie Grant’s Hurricane and Laura Story’s “The God Every Story” – it’s amazing what music can do to get truth in our thoughts that will replace all those concerns. 🙂

    • Praying for you sweet Alice.

      “Don’t be afraid, Alice, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you, Alice, up with my victorious right hand.”
      ~ Love, Jesus
      Is 41:10

  21. If I BELIEVE God today and everyday, I have no worries. I am free to enjoy my husband and children. The little worries that occupy my mind all hours of the day will not consume me. I will be free from anxiety. I will understand, and live that God is in control of all things, and there is no need for me to worry or try to control it. I’m so thankful for reading this today. It’s something I need to remember daily. I find myself going through far too much of my day on my own. God is always with me, and I need to let him be, and I want Him to be. He is so good, and life is full of His blessings!

  23. IF I truly believe God’s Word is alive & active in my life, I would stop doubting His promises & word & let go & trust him in all areas, ESP the areas that I feel so defeated to overcome. I would allow Him to serve me & stop fighting & being stubborn. Oh how I need Him to cover me, give me His eyes of Faith. I love knowing He is Faithful always.

  24. Too many times we don’t truly believe. Our perspective would be so much different if were to do just that. I know I would have a whole other lookout on my life as a whole if I were to believe more often. I absolutely am loving the bible study right now with A Confident Heart and I am looking forward to this devotional. My heart has been spoken to so much throughout this study.

    • Jennifer,

      Praising Him for how He is working in your heart through A Confident Heart. Praying for you as you continue to turn those pages.

      Blessings,
      Donna B
      Renee Swope’s Ministry Team

  25. Last month our daugther was diagnosed with Systemic Juvenile Idiopathic Arthristis (still learning to spell everything), today we started receiving the bills for lab work, and doctor visits. Haven’t received the hospital stay bill yet and tomorrow we return for her 2nd treatment of who knows how many. We are self employed and have no insurance, did get our girls signed up for our states medicaid plan. Don’t qualify for medicaid because we make to much but do qualfy for this other program which requires a spend down before they will cover anything. I know there is a God, I believe God is there for me and us. I just wish it wasn’t so hard and that money wasn’t such a pain. My husband works so hard to provide for our family and still it isn’t enough. I know God has it undercontrol I just wish it wasn’t so draining and I wouldn’t keep taking my trust in God back.

    • Praying for your daughter and your family as you come alongside and encourage and minister to her. Praying that God will reveal Himself in new and exciting ways to you as He walks alongside you in this journey. May He fill you and your husband with His peace.

      Blessings,
      Donna B
      Renee Swope’s Ministry Team

  26. If I really believed God, I would let God’s word and His promises be my comfort instead of the anxiety threatening to take over my heart and mind. Thank you Renee for posting this. I really needed to be reminded of God’s truth and my part to believe him more than the thoughts in my head. But you also remind us to turn to God each time we fail or need him.

    Thank you.

    • Evette,

      Don’t you just love how God works. He does require action on our part …. and our part is to believe that He loves us like no other and that His love is unconditional. Thanking God for this reminder for all of us.

      Blessings,
      Donna B
      Renee Swope’s Ministry Team

  27. If I truly believed God can heal and perform miracles, I would not stay awake worrying that my grandson will be healed. I would rest in God’s many promises in the Bible and KNOW He is going to perform a miracle for the world to see. If I truly believed when those thoughts come to my head, then I would quote scripture. I’m trying to believe, I am going to believe and I am going to quote and insert his name where it says me “Heal me, LORD, and I will be healed; save me and I will be saved, for you are the one I praise.” Jeremiah 17 : 14.

    • Debbie,

      Progress – not perfection. I’ve seen you grow and grow as you come alongside your grandson and his Mom and Dad on this journey. Praising God for how He is working in your life, in Colt’s life and in your family’s life. Colt is going to have some kind of testimony and you, my friend are part of that testimony as you gathering praying faithful friends on his behalf.

      Continuing to lift you, Colt and his Mom and Dad up in prayer.

      Love ya & praying,

      Donna B
      Renee Swope’s Ministry Team

  28. I work feverously during the day to finish tasks and I often lie awake in bed at night. Oh, to BELIEVE and “rest” in God’s promises! Thank you for the reminder and beautiful words of His promises.

    • Check out Chapter 12 of Renee’s A Confident Heart! Love how Renee has listed out just some of God’s promises to us.

      Blessings,
      Donna B
      Renee Swope’s Ministry Team

  29. Wow…. If I really believe God, my anxious heart crying how can my 19 year old daughter have a stroke that may keep her from her dream of college? What will her future look like…would be calmed by Gods promise to never leave or forsake us. To use all things for good. Help me believe in my moments of doubt ..

    • Oh Tammy, Im so sorry. I can feel the weight of your heart and your concerns for your daughter. You know, it’s natural and normal and expected to be concerned – and when you are Jesus says, “Come to Me” “Cast you cares upon Me, because I care for you.” Just keep bringing her and your worries to Him. Im praying Phil 4:4-7 over you and yours today. <>

  31. Hi Renee: Can’t wait until I get the devotional book as well. I loved what you shared about “God says”
    that is what I am learning even more since I’ve been studying with you. When we really focus on what God has to say about matters it can and does change our outlook.
    God bless!

  32. If I REALLY BELIEVE God, then I would be much calmer in the mornings with my kids and more relaxed after work. I would trust that I need to leave the little things to God as he is in control. I would also know what I need to do each day including but not limited to: spending time (EVERY DAY) with our Lord in the morning, let the little things no worry me, not worry about each task and concentrate on what God wants me to do and I would enjoy my kids and the silly little things they do each day instead of the messes they make. If I really believe God, my life and each day would be more peaceful and I would be filled with hope and a desire to live like God wants me to. Thanks for sharing Renee! I had just posted this as a struggle of mine just a few weeks ago on the OBS Blog!!

    • Praying for you Crystal as you seek His face and for His peace to fill you to overflowing.

      Donna B
      Renee Swope’s Ministry Team

    • Thank you for sharing Crystal. I love how you processed your thoughts with God and looked at all aspects of your day. I think we can all relate. It’s so hard to balance what we want to do and what we need to do with what is realistic and what God is actually calling us to do. I have found He’s much more ok with my house being a little messy than I am 🙂

      Enjoy those kiddos. 🙂

      • Thank Donna and Renee! I agree that God is more okay with many things than we are. Have a wonderful week!!

  33. If I really believed God this week I wouldn’t be so worried about how I was going to tackle the huge issue of improving the lives of those affected by autism. I would realize that so many people who can help me and guide me have already been placed in my life! And I would remember that I keep meeting and getting re-acquainted with those who can help with this daunting task. I don’t have to have all if the answers now. I just have to keep moving forward trusting and believing!

  34. If I truly believed God today I wouldn’t have gotten upset when I woke up this morning and discovered we had no water because of a water main break down the street and now it’s 12:30 and it’s still not fixed. I had plans to do laundry today. But it is a beautiful fall day, so I need to be thankful for all of this anyway. Praise the Lord.

    • Praying you got some great time outside enjoying the beautiful fall weather while waiting for the water to be fixed. Our internet went out recently on a day when I had TONS of online work and emails and limited time. Oh my word, it was stressful but like you, I tried hard to find something else to be thankful for. I did so-so that day 🙂

  35. If I really believed God, then I would believe that:

    1. The way those of this world view me is not how God views me.
    2. I was not created to please people but to worship and glory God through all my words and actions.
    3. That I need not accept the accusations of others, but will focus on the truth of God’s word that I am loved and chosen by Him.

  36. If I really Believe God, I would experience happiness, peace and calm week, no anxiety or depression. I can overcome negative thoughts when they attack my mind. I can strenghten my family and be the helper to my husband, as God wanted me to be. I can encourage others without being accused of being a hypocrite. I can combat all doubts and gain strength. I can show more grace than judging in facing my or others’ shortcomings.

  37. Thank you for this perspective. It helps me remember and invite God into my thoughts, to remember that He is working out healing for our daughter, that He is working on the heart of our son, that He loves me and His Presence is with me always. Thank you for your depth and transparency that is helping us to pres into God and apply His Word.
    Okay, I already feel better!!

  39. If I really believe God this week I’ll trust that He has a plan for our lives even though things aren’t going according to our plans. I’ll believe wholeheartedly that He works all things for our good even though I’m struggling with health issues and my husband’s career is in jeopardy. When I really believe Him I will have peace and joy no matter what our circumstances may be.

    • Praying for you. Asking God to fill you with His peace that passes all understanding.

      Blessings,

      Donna B
      Renee Swope’s Ministry Team

  40. If I really believed God this day or this week, I would stay in perfect peace and allow life to unfold it’s answers in God’s time and in God’s way. I wouldn’t try to make things happen by manipulating or maneuvering outcomes. I would wait on God and trust His heart for me. ” My soul wait thou only upon God, for my expectation is from Him.” Psalm 62:5 By God’s grace, I will believe! Thank you Renee for writing such an inspiring book.

    • What a great scripture to declare over you!
      Praying for your mind & heart to be at peace through the knowledge of Him.

      The person who wins out over the worlds ways is simply the one who believes Jesus is the Son of God.
      1 John 5:5

      Be Inspired,
      Veronica
      Renee Swope’s Ministry Team

  41. Amen!!! I loved this post. Why? Because it’s so true! For me, I have to make a conscious decision to choose to trust. My feelings immediately sway toward worry and unbelief. Having experienced how God works when I choose faith has been one of the reasons why I MUST share this with other women. Thanks for being transparent.
    I am choosing to believe God for physical pain that doctors can explain, financial stresses, family challenges and wisdom in ministry decisions. He is Sovereign!!

  42. If I am really believing God then I would not spend time worried or stress over my health, am I going to continue to be able to work or situations out of my control. I would just go to God’s promises and stand on them since they are the TRUTH and know Christ is in control which keeps me in peace and quote his word when a negative thought comes into my mind. God bless you Renee. I hope to win this book!

  43. If I did that, then I would probably feel more confident at the end of the day. Things in our human nature overtake what God intends sadly. Need to remember to keep eyes locked and focused on Him!! Thanks for your post!

  44. If I believed God more then I would use HIS word to over come the negative thoughts that I have on a regular basis and to break down the walls around my heart that I seem to keep rebuilding and not letting HIS love shine through completely. Thank you for this devotional I think it will be great just like your book. Thanks for sharing. God Bless

    • Praying today’s post and the devotional will really help you Bonnie! Im so very excited by what God gave me to put in it 🙂 Praying for you to have overcoming power today as you replace your thoughts with HIS!!

  45. I am reading this as I sit in the doctor’s office waiting for my 87 year old mother have some medical tests. What we thought were going to be simple x-rays has turned into 4 hours worth of tests. Not what we prepared for today. Your post is the Lord’s perfect timing in my life.

  46. My days would be calmer and I would be able to think clearer if I “believed God” more. I find when I step back and relax knowing that stressing about an issue won’t help me, but praying for guidance will, my day runs much smoother. I have been really working on this concept and your emails and posts have been very helpful. Thanks!

    • Im so with you Maryann. I need to keep working on balancing what I do and what I need to trust God to do because when I don’t, the stress levels are so outside of what He wants for me and my family. Praying for you as I pray for me!

  47. I think my day and week would give me hope. I get frustrated with myself because my head doesn’t match my heart. Believing the lies of Satan over the Truth of God is a constant battle. Thank you for this post. My focus this week will be on His truth over my feelings!

    • It is a constant battle isn’t it? In Eph 2:2, the Bible refers to Satan as the “Prince of the unseen” which means this battle is invisible which makes it hard for us to recognize. That’s why writing down my thoughts and really thinking about what Im thinking helps me to see where Im being attacked, believing lies and take up my sword to fight this battle with truth. There is so much power in His word!!

      Praying for you to have victory over at least one thought pattern today! Even if it’s just for 15 minutes – that is progress! 🙂

  48. I think this and every day would be different if I REALLY believed God’s thoughts for me and not let the enemy poison or cloud my thoughts. I think your format of replacing our thoughts with God’s thoughts would really help me in my marriage and with my insecurities. Thank you for continuing to write book so we can believe in ourselves and not the lies we have been told. God bless you!

    • 🙂 Praying for you Jessica. We’re in this together. Let’s keep believing GOD each day – even with just one doubt and promise at a time we’ll see a difference!

  49. I believe that if I went through my week fully trusting in God I will have a peace that would come over me like no other. I would remain calm… level headed… happy.. helpful… considerate… empathetic… and apathetic no matter what the situation. When you read how you’ve worded this particular blog today… you realize how much we do go through the motions daily without really trusting in God. A great eye-opener! Will have to apply this to my journey’s this week!!

  50. I appreciate the way you present the problem, challenge, or difficulty, but then you provide the “God” answer, solution, and/or relief. Thank you for providing the part about what God says to help people in their time of need.

    • I love how you describe what I shared here. I guess you could say, I don’t like struggling with the same things over and over so Im always looking for ways that God offers a way out or over or through the challenges we face – with His word to light our path, with His promise to pave the way to hope and transformation.

      I love that I get to share it all here with each of you! 🙂
      Renee