Fragrance of Faith

Those who write often strive to put their thoughts and ideas down on paper daily—taking time out of the day to brain dump. In fact, studies show that writing is therapeutic. It helps regulate emotions, process trauma, and put scrambled thoughts into perspective. So, why not write letters to God?

Sometimes, in prayer, I struggle to grasp what I need to say. So instead I write. Psalms 55:22 says, “Cast your burden upon the Lord, and He will sustain you; He will never allow the righteous to be shaken.” Who better person would be able to listen to your innermost thoughts than the Lord? For some, that can be difficult. I have been there.

A burden is something that is carried. And, when something is held, it becomes heavy when held on for too long. The Lord doesn’t intend for us to have a burden because it becomes heavy, and heavy things weigh us down. Jesus also tells us not to worry about tomorrow because the present moment holds its own weight. The problem is, it’s easier said than done.

We have all been there, myself included. As a mom, the burden I carry to be a mother to my children is different. That is one the Lord has placed in my hands. Our job is to instill truth and raise them in the Word so that one day, they can experience God for themselves. But the spiritual side of it belongs to Him. As a mother, I’m called to show them how to love Christ. The Holy Spirit is the one who brings them in. And it is their choice to accept it or not.

As moms, we take care of the physical, and God takes care of the spiritual. After all, we are His children. But when life gets a bit overwhelming, sometimes we forget to run to the Father. I know this from experience. When my mind is crowded, I seek a temporary release by watching TV, reading a book, or going out. All is a distraction. That is what the enemy does.

Distraction is intended to direct attention from something or someone else.

Saten is a liar and a deceiver. His game plan is nothing new: doing the same thing—steal, kill, and destroy. And, distraction is how he does it.

The Lord calls us to be still, but the enemy tries to make as much noise as possible to drown out that small voice.

2 Timothy tells us that the Lord didn’t give us a spirit of fear but of power, love, and a sound mind. The enemy does the opposite. Instead of power, he brings false security; hate instead of love; he instills fear instead of a sound mind.

So, let’s not get distracted, right? That’s way easier said than done. I’m sure you can agree. Life is chaotic on its own: trying to get the kids to sports practices, making sure the home is clean, and getting the laundry done. But as Christians, we have a responsibility to take care of our own spiritual well-being, too.

The enemy loves taking our everyday lives, trying to keep us so busy that spending time with the Lord becomes a second thought. My prayer for you today is that the Holy Spirit intervenes and shakes you from your drowsy state so you can get back on your feet. Get back to the secret place and refill the cup that was slowly being emptied out without replenishing.

So, I want to encourage you to take time for your spiritual wellbeing, pray, or write your prayer. Let your thoughts fly, have a private conversation with the Lord. If you’re sad, write about it; if you’re angry, write about it; if you’re unsure, write about it. For me, writing has become my outlet; it’s a book of prayers I can open, go back to, and see how God has moved in my life and how prayers have been answered. I share my hopes and dreams, my frustrations and questions.

Prayer is powerful; it’s a gift freely given to us to openly express ourselves to God and give Him glory. We can come to Him at any time of day, at any moment of our lives. Girl, pick up that pen, write, and keep writing, keep writing your prayers, and watch them be answered.