Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.  Psalm 42:5
 
 
Sometimes life happens. In spades. We’re reeling with events beyond our control and feeling powerless to control the chaos swirling around us. Perhaps you or a loved one has received an upsetting medical diagnosis. Perhaps you’ve been “downsized” at work once again or hit yet another rocky phase in an exhausting marriage or parenthood.
 
How do you allow those events to shape you? Yes, that’s right. “Allow”. Even when we feel helpless, we still have choices. We may not be able to control a raging disease, a devastating financial situation, or a gut-wrenching relationship, but there is one thing we can control. We are not as powerless as it seems.
 
Years ago, I remember reading a book by author and pastor Chuck Swindoll. This phrase has stuck with me over the years. He says that our lives are impacted by 10% of what actually happens to us and by 90% of how we react to it. We have more power than we realize. Our attitude impacts us more than we think. I would even rephrase Swindoll’s thought to say our attitudes impact us even more than our life-events.
 
There are many facets to our attitude and the choices we can make. We can choose to find joy even in the midst of sorrow. We can decide to muster our courage and face the issue head on or wallow in our misery. We can even allow whatever has happened to define us, to shape our identity, so that this life-event permeates the rest of our life, sucking the energy out of us while this circumstance controls us. Or, we can choose differently. One of the biggest choices we have is to decide whether we are going to be a victim of what has happened or whether we are going to be the victor.
 
The dictionary defines being a victim as one who suffers from a destructive or injurious action or agent. While we may be physically or emotionally suffering, we can choose to not let it define us. If we give in to that destruction or injury, we are giving up our power. This life-event can then control us, including our thoughts, our actions, and what we talk about. We can play the victim, but if we do, we will rob ourselves of life, of the very joy of living. We will quench the Holy Spirit working in us and will not experience the fruits of the Spirit listed in Galatians 5:22-23: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. We will lose hope.
 
Victor, on the other hand, is defined by overcoming or defeating an adversary. Yes, we can choose to be the victor. We don’t have to allow our circumstances to rule our minds and our hearts. We can choose to operate with a hopeful attitude, knowing that our hope is from God. Romans 5:5 says, in reference to suffering, “And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.” While it may sound “Pollyanna-ish”, we can decide how something will impact us internally.  We can choose to be victorious and overcome. We can choose to be resilient and not wallow in defeat. We can choose to be hopeful because our hope is in God, in His mighty power and strength, and His great love for us.
 
Jesus said in John 16:33 that in this life we WILL have trouble. We’re not protected from suffering or trials. But what we do with them is what really matters. We each have a choice – to be a victim or to be a victor. Which will you choose today?
 
 
Heavenly Father, even when life’s circumstances are painful, help me choose to overcome with an attitude based on Your power, strength, and love. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
 
 
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Text and photograph copyright © 2017 by Dawn Dailey. All rights reserved. Photo of snow-capped Andes towering over high desert topography, Uco Valley, near Mendoza, Argentina.
 
 
All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com The “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.™

​The wise in heart are called discerning, and gracious words promote instruction.  Proverbs 16:21
 
 
King Solomon was given the chance to ask for anything he wanted. He could have asked for riches, power, or fame. Instead, he asked for wisdom. God not only made Solomon a very wise king, sought after by other heads of state for his vast wealth of wisdom, He also gave Solomon wealth, honor, and a long life. (See 1 Kings 3:4-15) I have to believe that Solomon was just a wee bit wise in the first place to request wisdom above all else!
 
Using his God-given wisdom, Solomon ruled the nation of Israel, often acting as judge to solve disputes among his people. The story of two women who fought over a child they each claimed as their own comes to mind. Solomon commanded the child be cut in half and each half given to each woman. The real mother cried out to spare the child’s life and give the child to the other woman whom she knew was not the child’s mother. How wise of Solomon to judge rightly in that situation! As a result, the child was restored to its real mother. (See 1 Kings 3:16-28)
 
Discernment and judgment are often confused. Proverbs 16:21 says that those who are wise are also discerning. The dictionary defines “discerning” as “showing good or outstanding judgment and understanding”. While judgment is defined as the ability to make a wise decision, it also means the forming of an opinion or coming to a conclusion.
 
So while discernment and judgment are related, being discerning and judging can be two different actions with opposing consequences. The Bible says “Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” (Matthew 7:1-2) It’s easy to fall into the trap of critical and judgmental thinking. When we set ourselves up as judge, humility goes out the window and we focus on what others are doing wrong, often feeling compelled to share our “judgy” thoughts in a hurtful way. Sometimes these thoughts surface from a bitter and unhappy soul in a pathetic attempt to gain happiness. Interestingly, often we judge others in areas where we feel inadequate and insecure. When we find ourselves spouting judgy and critical words, do we stop long enough to ask ourselves where these words are rooted in our hearts? Do we ask God, the Master Gardener, to rip out these poisonous roots and sow seeds of love and grace instead?
 
Sometimes it is good to judge – but not in a critical way. Again in Matthew 7, this time in verse 15, Jesus says “Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves.” Sometimes people aren’t always as they seem. While we are not called to judge them in a harsh and critical way, we are called to use discernment so we will not be taken in by folks who might not have our best interests at heart.
 
What’s the difference between judging and discerning? It’s not a coincidence that the second half of Proverbs 16:21 says “gracious words promote instruction.” If we are discerning correctly, without a judgmental and critical attitude, our words will be our proof. Speaking with grace with the hope of instruction (or not speaking at all!) shows we are discerning. If our words are critical and hurtful, then we’ve crossed the fine line into judgment. If we’re unsure how to stay on the side of discernment, like Solomon, we need to ask God for wisdom and He will give it to us (James 1:5).
 
There are consequences to both judging and discerning. We know from Matthew 7:1-2 that if we judge others, we ourselves will be judged. But if we are wise in our relationships, seeking out those who would encourage us rather than spending time with those who would hurt us, then that’s exercising discernment. Discernment is wisdom in practice. And King Solomon himself would find that desirable most of all.
 
 
Lord, give me a discerning heart and take away my propensity to criticize and judge. Like Solomon, I desire wisdom most of all. Grant me Your wisdom in all my relationships. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
 
 
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Text and photograph copyright © 2017 by Dawn Dailey. All rights reserved. Photo of tulips from the garden of Abbotsford, home of Sir Walter Scott, Melrose, Scotland.
 
All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com The “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.™

For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.  2 Corinthians 10:3-5
 
 
Of the top best-selling books of all times and in any language, the seven Harry Potter books by J.K. Rowling all rank in the top twenty (excluding the Bible and other religious texts). Becoming fans sometime after the third book was published, my children and I couldn’t wait to read the next installment of the magical adventures of a curious and brave wizard named Harry.
 
Hogwarts, Harry’s school, contained many interesting and magical devices, particularly in the Headmaster’s Office of Professor Dumbledore. Ever curious, Harry traveled back into memories through an instrument called a Pensieve. Gleaming with an iridescent glow, this watery basin got the best of Harry’s curiosity on numerous occasions. With the help of his magic wand, Dumbledore extracted wispy strands of his memory, holding them up to the light before placing them swirling into the luminescent waters of the Pensieve. When Harry drew his face down into the water, he entered the magical world of those memories, watching as an outsider the events unfold from long ago. As he silently observed these memories, sometimes Harry discovered that some memories had been altered to conceal the truth of what really had happened. Those tampered memories were no longer truth, but were in fact lies.
 
As I recently studied spiritual warfare, I came to realize that the spiritual battleground we fight begins in our minds. The enemy will do anything to distract us, instill fear into us, and keep us from the truth of God’s love for us and the abundant life He desires for us. It all starts with our thoughts.
 
2 Corinthians 10:4 talks about using spiritual weapons to “demolish strongholds”. In military terms, a stronghold is a fortress built to keep out invaders. In this verse, strongholds refer to the partitions that the enemy builds in our minds to separate our thoughts from God’s truth. When our thoughts run without God’s truth, we start believing lies about God and ourselves. Lies like “I am not worthy”, or “God doesn’t love me”, or “I am not lovable” take hold of our minds and take our thoughts down destructive paths.
 
By putting on the Helmet of Salvation and using the Sword of Truth (Ephesians 6:17), we can break down these strongholds. Strapping on the Helmet of Salvation protects our minds from the lies the enemy would tell us as we affirm our belief in the power of the resurrected Christ and our identity as belonging to Him. Taking the Sword of Truth, meaning the Word of God, by reading and meditating on Scripture further combats the enemy’s lies.
 
2 Corinthians 10:5 says we are to take captive every thought. As I pondered what “taking captive every thought” meant, I wondered if that really meant every thought. (That would be “yes”!) What exactly does taking a thought captive really mean? It means grabbing that thought and holding it up to the light of God’s Word and seeing if that thought aligns with God’s truth.
 
Like Dumbledore, we have to grasp our thoughts, particularly the negative ones, and examine them against the light. Like Harry, we have to bravely face the swirl of our minds to see if these thoughts are true or whether they’ve been tampered with by our own biases or lies from the enemy. Only when we intentionally take every thought captive and examine them in the “Pensieve” of God’s Word, can we break down the strongholds of untruths and become the children of God we were intended to be, saved by the Savior and loved by the King. Free of thoughts that would entangle us and ultimately destroy our identity in Christ, we can live the abundant life of love, peace, and joy.
 
 
Heavenly Father, when my negative thoughts start swirling around in my mind, help me take them captive by holding them up to the truth of Your Word. Thank You for the love, peace, and joy that comes from living in Your truth. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
 
 
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Text and photograph copyright © 2017 by Dawn Dailey. All rights reserved. Photo of artful figures at Salentein Winery, Uco Valley, Argentina.
 
 
All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com The “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.™

What Jesus did here in Cana of Galilee was the first of the signs through which he revealed his glory; and his disciples believed in him.  John 2:11
 
 
Dotted with prickly shrubs and parched clumps of grass, the high desert topography whizzing past my window reminded me I was far from home. Punctuated by the occasional verdant vineyard, the otherwise flat expanse knelt at the foot of the towering and majestic snow-capped Andes. Disembarking from the vehicle, the brightness from the blazing sun nearly blinded me through my sunglasses. The clouds, almost as colossal as the peaks they caressed, paradoxically seemed low enough to reach up and touch. Like Dorothy, I had a feeling we were not in Kansas anymore! Unlike Oz, the oasis where we had landed was an impressive winery in the Uco Valley, one of the top wine regions in all of Argentina.
 
After our informative tour with its delicious wine and lunch, our host led us out into the blinding sunlight again to a building opposite the first. Growing up in the “Bible Belt”, I was unprepared for the sight before me. Although it had some of the appropriate earmarks, such as a bell tower, the chapel seemed out of place at a winery. The host explained the chapel was used for weddings and that the artwork on the exterior was a frieze of Jesus at the wedding in Cana where He turned water into wine.
 
The backdrop behind our key verse today in the second chapter of the Gospel of John paints a picture of Jesus and His mother, along with the first five of His disciples, attending a wedding in a village called Cana. Picking up in verse 3, the Bible says “When the wine was gone, Jesus’ mother said to him, ‘They have no more wine.’…Jesus said to the servants, ‘Fill the jars with water’; so they filled them to the brim. Then he told them, ‘Now draw some out and take it to the master of the banquet.’ They did so and the master of the banquet tasted the water that had been turned into wine.” (John 2:3, 7-9a) This is the first miracle that Jesus performed which marked the beginning of His ministry and interestingly, it was not for the masses. Only His mother, His five disciples, and the servants witnessed this wonder. Verse 11 says because of this miracle, His disciples believed in Him.
 
As Jesus’ public ministry grew, the people looked for signs and miracles before they believed. Sadly, even when they did witness the miracles, many still did not believe. Although these disciples at the wedding in Cana already believed in Jesus, turning the water into wine before their very eyes confirmed their belief in Him.
 
Not only did Jesus turn water to wine, He created the best wine. In Verse 10, the master of the banquet says that instead of serving the best wine first, the best was saved for last. This free-flowing excellent wine is a metaphor for the free-flowing Gospel message. Salvation flows freely to all who believe. Saving the best for last means the best is yet to come. Heaven, eternal life through Jesus, will be the best life ever. The celebration when we get to heaven is often called the wedding feast of the Lamb. What great “bookends” these two feasts are of Jesus’ ministry:  a humble wedding feast in Cana and the grandest feast of all in heaven!
 
Sometimes we are like those disciples. We might have some knowledge or vague belief in Jesus as the Risen Christ, but our faith isn’t real to us. Perhaps we’ve been going to church all of our lives but our faith has lost its meaning. Or maybe we’re waiting for a miracle before we put our trust in the Savior. Sometimes, like these disciples, we have to believe first, stepping out in faith, and then our belief will be confirmed by experiencing God’s faithfulness to us through life’s trials and tribulations.
 
We all have a choice. Is Jesus just a prophet who lived long ago? Or is Jesus the long-awaited Messiah, the Son of God, the One who was crucified on Good Friday and resurrected on Easter Sunday? Believe the miracles. But more so, believe in the One who created the miracles. The choice is yours.
 
 
Dear Jesus, help me believe more deeply in You, not as a prophet from long ago but as the Risen Christ, the Messiah, the Son of God. Open my eyes to the signs, wonders, and miracles You continue to provide today. Amen.
                                           
 
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Text and photograph copyright © 2017 by Dawn Dailey. All rights reserved. Photo of the chapel at Salentein Winery, Uco Valley, Argentina.
 
 
All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com The “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.™

My hand will sustain him; surely my arm will strengthen him. The enemy will not get the better of him…My faithful love will be with him.  Psalm 89:21-22, 24
 
 
While traveling in South America recently, I was struck by a simple truth, spoken in an unlikely place. The wine countries of Chile and Argentina had been on my “bucket list” for quite a while when I was presented with an opportunity to tour these up and coming wine regions. Having traveled to Colombia many years ago where police carried machine guns, I was a bit hesitant to sign up for the group tour. After vetting my fears with the owner of the tour and friends who had been there before, I took the plunge and committed to going.
 
I have no regrets. The tour was absolutely amazing, the food and wine were unbelievable, and sights and activities were beautiful and thrilling. As we arrived at one winery for lunch at their attractive estate set at the base of the snow-capped Andes, I was immediately curious about the rather unusual name of the establishment. “El Enemigo” in Spanish means “The Enemy”. Our host explained that the owner of the winery was reluctant to launch his own business. As fears of starting something new assailed him, he realized that sometimes we are our own worst enemy.
 
How many times have I backed away in fear of trying something new or taking a risk? While it’s easier to remain in my comfort zone, when fear keeps me there, my comfort zone becomes a prison where I am no longer free to be who God intends me to be. When He calls me to step out of my safe haven to experience something new, I’ve learned that I have to step out in faith, knowing that God goes before me and walks beside me. He equips me to do what He’s called me to do, whether that’s to start a second career as a writer or to travel halfway around the world to a new and different place.
 
What fears keep you from starting something new or stepping out to follow where God leads? As our key verse says, when you allow God to guide you, He will give you the strength. The enemy, your fearful self, will not get the better of you. God’s faithful love will be with you.
 
I’m so thankful I didn’t listen to the “enemy” in my head and cave to my fears. Like the owner of “El Enemigo”, I, too, can experience new adventures as I step out of my fears and into God’s will for me, knowing that He goes before me and walks beside me, every step of the way.
 
 
Lord, forgive me when I’m controlled by my fears instead of by Your Spirit. Give me the courage to step out in faith and follow wherever You lead. Thank You for going with me wherever I go. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
 
 
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Text and photograph copyright © 2017 by Dawn Dailey. All rights reserved. Photo of colorful tiled steps at Casa El Enemigo, Mendoza, Argentina.
 
 
All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com The “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.™

“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”  Matthew 6:34
 
 
As I swung my leg over the bike and sat on the seat, I wondered if I should pump up the tires a bit before I began my ride. I decided not to. As I was riding my bike on the trail, I kept thinking about those tires and second-guessing myself as to whether I should have put more air in them. As I continued to ride, I became a bit anxious about the tires. It didn’t help that I was lacking in energy that day. Maybe I would have a flat? Would I really want to walk my bike back home after a flat? My mind began to create all sorts of unrealistic catastrophes that only served to increase my anxiety level. What was supposed to be an enjoyable and energetic bike ride almost turned into a full-blown anxiety attack.
 
While I may be exaggerating my anxiety level, we do sometimes focus on the negatives, the what-if’s, the worse-case scenarios. Trust me, if there’s a worse-case scenario, I’ll find it. If it’s not there, I’ll dream it up!
 
How often do we lose our joy in the moment because we are distracted by what-if’s? Living in the moment requires us to focus on what’s good, what’s real, and what’s positive. Otherwise, anxiety will steal our joy, which in turn will make us more anxious. It’s a spiral-down that begins with our thoughts.
 
A friend and mentor used to say frequently, “You never know what a day will hold”. How right he was! Although the context was the office where we worked, his saying holds true regardless of the circumstances. We don’t know what a day will hold. We can’t see into the future. A Swedish proverb sums this up well: “The afternoon knows what the morning never suspected.” While we may not know what the future holds, thankfully, God does. He already knows our future, not in a predestination kind of way but because He is not bound by time. He knows the future because He is already there. We can totally trust Him with tomorrow because He is totally trustworthy today.
 
Our key verse says not to worry about the future. The preceding verse says to “seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” “These things” refers to our day-to-day cares. When we trust God for our needs today, He will meet us in those needs and also give us Himself. Knowing He is with us today helps calm our fears about tomorrow, for we know He will be with us then, too.
 
Instead of jumping ahead to the what-if’s, surrender your thoughts to Jesus. Stay mindful in the present moment, enjoying the current ride without worrying about what’s down the road. We’ll get there soon enough and will most likely find that “on down the road” is not as scary as we thought. Thankfully, Jesus is with us there, too, just as He is with us in the present. Thanks be to God!
 
  
Heavenly Father, forgive me when I run ahead of You in worry and anxiety. Calm my anxious heart. Help me to trust You more. Fill me with Your joy. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
 
 
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Copyright © 2017 by Dawn Dailey. All rights reserved.  Photo of road through Redwood National Park, California.
 
All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com The “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.™

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.  Hebrews 12:1-3
 
 
Known as the “Proud One”, Genoa is one of the largest cities on the Mediterranean Sea and the largest seaport in Italy. Bearing the Italian name of Genova, this city is rich with history. Walking through its streets on a warm fall day, I was impressed with the city’s numerous palaces and cathedrals, its beautiful skyline of both old and older architecture styles, and the glorious sunset we encountered at the end of our day there.
 
On our walking tour of the city, we learned much of Genova and its long-standing heritage. Its checkered past is reflected in the black and white marble buildings, some of which have been rebuilt after wars and various occupations. One of Genova’s famous sons is none other than Christopher Columbus, who was born here in 1451.
 
Following our guide, we walked the wider promenades and the narrower cobbled streets.  At one point, I realized that our surroundings had changed significantly and just as I was wondering if we had veered off-course into a less than desirable neighborhood, we passed three women who were scrutinizing us closely as we passed by. My suspicions were confirmed. Our guide had taken us through the streets of “ill repute”!
 
How often do we think we are on the safe and sunny boulevards of life only to realize that we’ve taken a wrong turn and are passing through crooked and narrow pathways that are increasing becoming darker? Sometimes it doesn’t take much to get us off-track. Proudly putting our map aside as if we don’t need it, we turn one street too early or late. Entangled in temptation, it’s difficult to find our way back.
 
As a Jesus-follower, I’m thankful we have a Guide who is totally trustworthy and will not lead us into places that will tempt us. And as a lamp to our feet and a light to our path (Psalm 119:105), the Bible is better than any map or GPS.
 
Hebrews 12 opens with an analogy of a race where we are the runners. Surrounded by faithful ones who have gone on before us and are now cheering us on to the finish line, we keep our eyes focused on Jesus. When running the course, we can’t be tripped up by things that hinder us or entangle us. Is there a particular sin or temptation in your life that keeps you from running the race of faith full speed ahead? Are there worldly distractions that keep tripping you up? We are called to throw off such hindrances and the sin that so easily entangles us so we can freely run to the finish line. As verse 1 says, we do need perseverance. Focus and courage are needed to finish well this life marked out for us. The Christian life is the marathon we run. How we run this journey of faith is marked out in God’s Word for us.
 
Next time you find yourself wandering the dark streets of temptation and sin, look up to the One who endured the cross. Jesus’ victory over death gives us the strength we need. We can run untangled to the finish line and not grow weary or lose heart.
 

Lord, give me the perseverance I need to run this race of faith. Keep me focused on You and free from distractions that entangle me. Guide me with Your Word and Your Spirit to run the course and finish well. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
 
 
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Copyright © 2017 by Dawn Dailey. All rights reserved. Photo of harbor at sunset in Genoa, Italy.
 
All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com The “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.™

“You shall have no other gods before me.”  Exodus 20:3
 
 
Scotland is a country beautiful to behold and rich in history. In the Lowlands along the River Pow, the small town of New Abbey plays host to a once-magnificent monastery called Sweetheart Abbey. Built out of local red sandstone, Sweetheart Abbey is a monument wrapped in a love story.
 
Born in 1210, Lady Dervorguilla married John Balliel when she was 13. After Sir John passed away in 1269, Lady Dervorguilla commissioned the building of an abbey in his honor and to the glory of God. Completed in 1275, Sweetheart Abbey was home to Cistercian monks until 1610.
 
Visiting Sweetheart Abbey recently, I was overwhelmed by Lady Dervorguilla’s great love for her husband. The abbey is indeed a beautiful testament to love with its Gothic arches and traceried windows. Over time and through wars and neglect, glass no longer graces the ornate windows nor does a wooden roof provide shelter from the frequent rains. Despite its decay, Sweetheart Abbey remains a testimonial to Lady Dervorguilla’s devotion to her Sir John and to her faith in God.
 
What is most interesting to me about Lady Dervorguilla is that when her husband died, she had his heart embalmed and encased in an ivory and silver casket. Everywhere she went in life, she carried this small chest with her. In death, she was buried in Sweetheart Abbey, clutching the box containing her husband’s heart.
 
Pondering this oddity and not wanting to judge Lady Dervorguilla in her grief, I presume she found comfort in having the tiny casket near her as she kept alive the memory of her husband. I wonder though, if always having the tiny box in her line of sight was distracting. Did she so focus on this ornate box containing death that she lost sight of life? Did her undying love for her husband get in the way of her love for God? The first commandment of ten in Exodus 20:3 tells us we are to have no other gods or idols or anything we worship except for God Himself. We were created to worship the one true God. I like how the Westminster Shorter Catechism, which has its roots in Scottish history, answers the question of what is the chief end of man. “Man's chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy him forever.” Building a church in honor of her husband was glorifying to God, but I wonder if her husband, or even the box containing his embalmed heart, served as an idol to her. Did she worship God or did she worship the box?
 
What box do we hold onto tightly? Is it something material like our possessions? Is it relational like a spouse or child? Is it achievement or success? Power or money? Comfort or convenience? While on the outside we might be constructing buildings of our own sort to the glory of God but in private, what do we death grip so tightly that we can’t fully worship God? What distracts us from the abundant life Jesus promised to those who believe?
 
I admire Lady Dervorguilla’s love for her husband, her desire to see him honored, and her tenacity in holding onto his memory. In learning her story, I can’t help but wonder at the lesson in letting go of what distracts so we can indeed glorify God and enjoy Him forever.
 

Lord, may we put aside idols, even those based on the love of others, so that we can focus on You. Instead of tightly holding onto the “box” that distracts us, may we firmly clasp our hands in Yours. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
 
 
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Text and photograph copyright © 2017 by Dawn Dailey. All rights reserved. Photo of Sweetheart Abbey in New Abbey, Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland.
 
All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com The “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.™

Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the LORD forgave you.  Colossians 3:13
 
 
There are times when I just don’t want to forgive. I mean, I know I should forgive. The Bible says I need to forgive those who have wronged me. But the business of forgiveness is incredibly messy. Holding onto unforgiveness makes me feel in control somehow, as if I have power over the person who hurt me.
 
Relinquishing that perceived power by forgiving someone is risky. To forgive means I have to risk being vulnerable. Forgiveness involves opening my heart to the One who is the ultimate Forgiver, but forgiveness feels like I’m opening my heart to the one I’m forgiving, allowing the wound to be stomped on all over again as I relive the hurt and sting of the past.
 
The interesting thing about the power and control we feel when we don’t forgive is that we, as the forgiver, don’t really have power over the yet-to-be-forgiven. We only think we do. Withholding forgiveness usually doesn’t impact the offender as much as it hurts us. They may not even know we haven’t forgiven them or that they are even in need of forgiveness. Unforgivenss really puts us on the “hook” with them, trapping us in anger and resentment, while we continue to hold “court” in our heads with the person who has hurt us. In these imaginary court proceedings, we are both the judge and the prosecutor. These cerebral arraignments only lead our hearts further astray. We ruminate in a vacuum. The only person getting worked up is ourselves.
 
In the long run, these unforgiving and often vengeful thoughts enable us to justify our anger and draw us further away from forgiveness. Unforgiveness wreaks havoc in our relationship with God and in our relationships with others.
 
When our anger or resentment is triggered, we need to reach up and take the offender off that hook. In the courtroom of forgiveness, God is the ultimate judge and we can trust Him to deal with the offender justly. Opening ourselves up to God to heal our hurts and help us forgive creates a vulnerability in us that is real, that makes us a bit more authentic. When we give up our perceived control to the One True Judge, we can truly forgive.
 
Some say forgiveness is a process. I disagree. Believing that forgiveness is a process means that we can say we’re working on forgiveness but often the “process” allows us to procrastinate on the actual act of forgiving. In reality, forgiveness is a decision of the will. Forgiveness is deciding once and for all to forgive, taking the offender off the hook, canceling their debt forever, and then choosing not to renege on our decision. It may take a while to get to the point where we can decide to forgive. Even then, our hearts may not yet be fully engaged. When we stand firm on our decision to forgive, our hearts will follow. The process is the healing of the hurts we’ve endured from the offender which takes time. Choosing to forgive is the decision that starts this process towards wholeness.
 
Forgiving others as Jesus has forgiven us gives us the strength to move forward, no longer stuck hanging on the hook of unforgiveness. Freed from these shackles and their close inmates of anger, resentment, and bitterness, we can live lighter, no longer weighed down by this huge burden we’ve been dragging around with us. Strength through vulnerability to the One True Judge and the firm decision to forgive leads to the pathway of freedom, wholeness, and peace.
 
 
Lord, I thank You that You have forgiven me for my sins. Help me decide once and for all to forgive those who have hurt me. May I continue to honor that decision and not go back on it as I move forward in healing, freed from the burden of unforgiveness and empowered with the strength of the Holy Spirit. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
 
 
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Copyright © 2017 by Dawn Dailey. All rights reserved. Photo of path in Monet’s garden at Giverny, in Normandy, France.
 
All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com The “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.™

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.  1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
 
 
After spending time in the village of Gatehouse of Fleet one afternoon, we began our walk through the woods to our hotel. Although we were told there was a turn or two, we were not prepared for the many crossroads of paths in this verdant forest in the Lowlands of Scotland. Every time we came to yet another intersection of trails, collectively as a group, we would decide which way to go, ever hoping and praying we were making the right choice as we ambled along.
 
Ever find yourself at a crossroads? Those times in my life where I need to make a major decision that could potentially drive my journey off in another direction have been agonizing. I want so badly to make the perfect choice, and one that is in God’s will. Many times, that “perfect” choice isn’t obvious. Fear of making the wrong decisions can be paralyzing. What I’m learning is, when it comes to knowing and doing God’s will, God is not so much interested in us making that perfect choice as He is interested in our hearts.
 
When we wrestle with what God’s will is for our lives, we lose sight of some basic principles. Yes, we do need to know and follow God’s will for our lives, but sometimes we create roadblocks when perhaps the signpost to follow is more visible than we think.
 
Our key verse today contains three steps we can take to reveal God’s will for our lives. Rejoicing always, praying continually, and giving thanks in all circumstances are unexpected practices we can insert into each day. As we lean into God’s heart, His desires become our desires, causing our wills to be shaped into His will.
 
In knowing God’s will, “rejoicing always” is finding joy even when circumstances tell us otherwise. Rejoicing involves seeing God above our circumstances. It’s a vertical focus, looking upward to God, even as we look horizontally at the events swirling around us. Discovering joy is more about focusing on God’s character and the relationship we have in His Son, Jesus, than focusing on our circumstances. God is good, God is faithful, and God loves us. Parking our minds on these truths helps us to experience joy, even in the midst of hardship.
 
In addition to “rejoicing always”, we need to pray continually. This doesn’t mean we’re always on our knees in prayer. Rather praying continually means having a conversation with God throughout our day and being mindful of His presence. Being so in tune with the Holy Spirit in prayer creates in us a joy from being in the presence of the Lord that we come full circle from prayer back to joy. Prayer and joy go hand-in-hand.
 
Lastly, giving thanks in all circumstances is easier after practicing joy and constant prayer. Even in difficult circumstances, it is possible to give thanks, not for the circumstances themselves, but that Jesus is with us and walks with us in those trying times. Again, it’s more about the vertical focus, rather than the horizontal. Choosing an attitude of gratitude aligns our hearts and minds with that of God. Even Job still praised God when everything was taken from him because he trusted in God and in His character (see Job 1:21).
 
When we rejoice in God and pray continually, especially praising Him, we find it easier to be thankful. It’s interesting that joy, prayer, and thanksgiving are all linked in Philippians 4:4-7. And the end result is peace.
 
These three practices of rejoicing always, praying continually, and giving thanks in all circumstances can thaw the paralysis of decision-making while aligning our will with God’s will. We can live in joy and in peace, not in fear. When our hearts are beating in time with God’s, we needn’t fear making the wrong choice. God takes our every decision and weaves them together to create the beautiful tapestry of our lives. He can use whatever path we take as long we’re walking closely with Him.
 
As for the long walk in the Scottish woods that day, we did find our way to the hotel. And I’m happy to report, we arrived without getting lost, not even once!
 
 
Dear Lord, thank You that You are more concerned about my relationship with You than You are about me making the “perfect” decision. I praise You that You are in control of my future and are more than able to use whatever well-intended choices I make to bring about Your plan for me. Keep me close to Your heart so I may desire Your desires for me and live out Your will for me. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.
 
 
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Text and photograph copyright © 2017 by Dawn Dailey. All rights reserved. Photo of woods near Gatehouse of Fleet, Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland.
 
 
All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com The “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.™