LifeVictory was birthed in the Spring of 2003 as I (Deborah Tilden) was experiencing a tremendous healing in my life from a very painful, life changing decision in my past, an abortion. Out of the ashes of my past, God showed me a whole new world. Over time as I have diligently sought the Lord, for His vision and purpose in my life, He has given me three words: Renew, Restore and Rediscover. The Creator of the Universe wants a close personal, intimate relationship with us. He desires good things for his kids. We look for other things and people to fill that “God-shaped hole” in our hearts that only He was meant to be.
Committing to a daily, moment by moment relationship with Father God promises that if we just keep our minds on Him and His plans and purposes for our lives we can have perfect peace. We all want peace of mind. Renewing our minds means replacing lies we have bought into over the course of our lives with the truth of the Word of God. Over our lifetimes we receive many messages – we are bombarded daily with the good, bad and the ugly messages. It is so essential for the renewing of our mind in Christ Jesus to spend time in the Word, letting God by His Spirit renew us and restore us.
God wants to restore the broken, shattered pieces of our lives. Many people carry such hurt and trauma, often inflicted upon them by others. This unresolved pain and hurt plants a root of bitterness which can eventually place a strangle-hold on our lives, affecting every relationship in our lives. We stay so busy, entertain ourselves so that we don’t have to think about things. We project that pain, hurt and bitterness onto others around us. I’ve got awesome news – God is our redeemer, our restorer. He wants us to rest in Him. Learning to live in freedom is a daily choice to create margins in our lives – taking care of ourselves. What I’m about to suggest may cause an anxiety attack in some of you, but I’m willing to risk it anyway. In the long run you will be glad for it.
Rest and recharge – Take one day in 7 to rest, take one hour in 7 to rest. To do what you ask? God made you in His image – spirit, mind and body. Each area affects the other. In our fast paced world, to even think about taking an hour out of our day, or heaven forbid have a day of rest….Start small. Take 10-15 minutes every single day just to shut everything out and focus on God and His love for you. Focus on the still small voice of Holy Spirit – it’s truth spoke in love to your heart, mind and soul. God wants to share some really incredible, loving thoughts with you, but you are too busy to take the time to listen. Slow things down a bit…taking this quiet time will allow you to be more focused and effective with the time you are working and going about your daily “busyness”.
For taking a day in 7, start small, set aside a part of one day. Give yourself permission to just “chill”, as my teenage kids used to say. Spend time in the Word – a good place to start is Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5. Renew – Restore…..and Rediscover. Rediscover, or perhaps discover for the first time God’s peace, God’s goodness, God’s spirit. Rediscover the beauty and freedom God has for you – no matter what your past – He, and only He can renew – restore so that you can rediscover life’s victory!