“It’s no sweat!” we say when something is easy for us. What if we lived life without sweating? Without straining, hurrying, or worrying?

That’s how Adam and Eve lived in the Garden of Eden—till they separated themselves from God. Ever since people have been working by the sweat of their brow. But we misunderstand this and think that work is the curse. No! We were created by God to rule and reign with him (Genesis 1:28). Work is not the curse—sweat work is the curse.

How do you do your Work?

I talk with a lot of pastors and many other kinds of ministry leaders from presidents to parents and so many of them tend to live by the sweat of their brow. They’re straining to serve God, help people, and accomplish their work for God. Often they’re rushing from thing to thing, running late.

I understand. Most of my life that’s how I lived—till I discovered Jesus’ way.

How about you? Are “sweating it out” as you do your work and face the challenges of your life?

Jesus’ “No Sweat” Way

Jesus redeemed us form the curse, setting us free from sin and sweat too. Often sin and sweat go together. Sweat work—continually straining to do more, faster, and better—is likely to be a manifestation of our pride, relying on ourselves rather than the Spirit of Christ with us. It’s said, “Idle hands are the devil’s workshop.” Well, it’s just as likely to be true that “Busy hands are the devil’s workshop.”

The issue is how we do our work—how we serve customers, teach students, parent our kids, clean our house, run errands, and minister to the people in our church. Jesus invites us to do our work in his “easy yoke” (Matthew 11:30). He did his work with a relaxed attitude and a smile on his face—that’s Jesus’ way.

How about stepping into Jesus’ easy yoke today as you do your work? Remember, ”The joy of the Lord is your strength” (Nehemiah 8:10).

More Soul Shepherding

Recently a Soul Shepherding reader wrote: “I was highly encouraged as I read this blog on hurry. The connection between my own hurried agenda and the sin of pride is an excellent reminder to live in the present moment and celebrate the moments we have been given as a gift from God. This was a great reminder to live in the present grace of God.” If you go to our page on “Overcoming Problems” you’ll find this and other similar articles under the category “Hurry Sickness.”

In my book, “You Can Live in Jesus’ Easy Yoke” you’ll find uncommon insights on dealing with stress, creative and refreshing ways of praying Scripture, and an opening to walk the path of life with the Prince of Peace.

Bill Gaultiere, Ph.D. & Kristi Gaultiere, Psy.D. ~ http://www.soulshepherding.org

There’s one thing you don’t hear on 9-11 and it’s the most important thing. Until you trust these words you’re not in a position of strength to minister God’s comfort to the grieving and his justice to the oppressed and endangered.

“This world is a perfectly safe place to be… as long as you’re in the kingdom of God.”

Huh? If ever there was a day that we’re reminded that we’re not safe it’s 9-11. There are terrorists in our world! There are untold thousands of people in America and around the world who are grieving because a loved one was killed by a terrorist.

The Kingdom of God

Yes, these are frightening and sad realities in our world today. But Dallas Willard’s words remind us of a greater reality, which Jesus was always talking about and demonstrating: the kingdom of God.

God’s kingdom is not just a far off and a way later for when we die—it is present wherever Jesus Christ is Lord (Luke 17:21). He is the King and he’s alive and acting in grace and power with his hosts of angel armies all around you right now.

If we learn to live in terms of the reality of the kingdom of the heavens in our midst rather than the visible world we live in then we will have peace—even in stress, even if we’re endangered, even if we’re harmed or killed.

The Psalmist’s “No Fear” Prayer

3,000 years ago the Psalmist was in a time of darkness, surrounded by enemies, and dealing with bad news. He knew the Lord as his ever-present refuge and fortress. He anticipated the coming of the Christ and his kingdom and he prayed for himself and us, that we would not be shaken, but would be like the gracious and compassionate and righteous man: “He will have no fear of bad news; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the Lord” (Psalm 112:7).

I find it helpful to pray the Psalms to Jesus, the one who fulfilled all the prophecies and all the righteousness of the Psalms. So I pray that verse this way:

• “Jesus, I hold you in my heart… I have no fear.”

As a Breath Prayer, I breathe in with a whisper: “Jesus, I hold you in my heart…” And I breathe out with a whisper, “I have no fear.” Inhaling the peace of Christ… Exhaling fear.

I also use it in intercession for others:

• “Jesus, may ______ hold you in her heart… May she have no fear.”

More Soul Shepherding

Psalm 91 is a psalm I turn to often for myself and others when feelings of fear come. Here’s little prayer that distills this beloved Psalm: In Jesus’ Shadow.

“Smile in your Storm” explains how Jesus remained at peace when he and his disciples were in a boat on the Sea of Galilee and being pounded by a terrible storm that threatened their lives.

Bill Gaultiere, Ph.D. & Kristi Gaultiere, Psy.D. ~ http://www.soulshepherding.org

Soul Shepherding is a 501c3 nonprofit corporation supported by tax deductible donations

What if you never hurried? Could you live that way?

Lots of work to do? No hurry. Late for an appointment? No hurry. Sightseeing on vacation? No hurry. House needs to be clean and company is coming over soon? No hurry. Climbing the corporate ladder? No hurry. Dealing with a difficult person? No hurry. Can’t seem to get into a conversation? No hurry. Seeking help for emotional pain? No hurry. Behind in reading through your One Year Bible? No hurry.

“If you don’t hurry then you’ll miss out.” That’s the fear. It’s half true. You can do more if you hurry. But you won’t enjoy the experience very much and you won’t be keeping in step with Spirit of God.

Jesus was never in a hurry—except to go the cross for us (Mark 10:32, Luke 19:28). The Father never is in a hurry either—except to embrace us (Luke 15:20).

So why do we hurry? Because we’re running our lives, trying to get what we want, be important, or take control. If we truly put God in charge of our life then we won’t hurry.

A Breath Prayer

In an hurried Sabbath day I was inspired by Jesus’ “easy yoke” invitation in Matthew 11 to compose this little prayer: “In Christ be easy… Don’t hurry.”

You might try it as a Breath Prayer:

• Breathe in the peace and grace of Christ: “In Christ be easy…”

• Breathe out your pressure to do more: “Don’t hurry.”

You’ll find this Breath Prayer especially helpful if you pray it as you anticipate a situation that tempts you to hurry. Then pray it in that situation while resisting hurry, submitting yourself to the Lord and resting in his love.

More Soul Shepherding

“Six Unhurried Words” tells the story of how God inspired my little prayer.

“Breath Prayers from the Bible” introduces you to this simple, life transforming way of prayer. Everyday over a dozen people read this article.

Bill Gaultiere, Ph.D. & Kristi Gaultiere, Psy.D. ~ http://www.soulshepherding.org

Soul Shepherding is a 501c3 nonprofit corporation supported by tax deductible donations

I just returned from four days of backpacking in Yosemite with my son David. What beauty to be surrounded by mountains, walking along streams and wildflowers, listening to birds sing, and enjoying graceful deer prancing nearby.

But perhaps the best gift God gave me came with swarms of mosquitoes!

Mosquitoes? How did God use buzzing, biting mosquitoes to bless me?

Swarmed by Mosquitoes

Let me set the scene. As we hiked 36-miles up and down mountains in the thin air at 9,000 to 11,000 feet, each of us carrying 40 pounds on our backs, we walked through some meadows filled with streams, ponds, and lakes. When we camped at night in temperatures below freezing we were alongside a lake. Wherever there is water in the high Sierras during the summertime there are swarms of mosquitoes!

Of course, the temptation is to be driven crazy by these blood-thirsty pests. It’s easy to become quite agitated and to keep swatting furiously at mosquito after mosquito that dives down to attack you! It’s easy to become grouchy and to complain endlessly—especially when you’re already suffering from altitude sickness as I was!

I must confess I exhibited some of these desperate antics and sour attitudes! I was letting the mosquitoes distract me from enjoying hiking with Jesus and my son.

I lost my contentment. I let the mosquitoes and Satan get the best of me.

What is Contentment?

To be content is to be at peace—so deeply serene and happy inside that you accept whatever your circumstances are like, even if they are unpleasant.

Paul is the picture of contentment. He wrote Philippians while in jail. He was falsely imprisoned, persecuted, and mistreated for years and yet he was at peace and joyful. Rather than feeling sorry for himself or complaining he wrote the happiest book in the Bible to bless the people of Philippi!

Was Paul just a naturally cheerful, easy-going personality? Hah! Anyone that has read his letters or his story in Acts knows otherwise! He was intense, driven, and prone to anger and complaining.

So how could he be so joyful in prison? He had a guard. Yes, a jailor (probably a brute thug) guarded him constantly, but he was looking to his spiritual guard: the Spirit of Jesus Christ.  He rejoice in his Lord as his “safeguard” and therefore the peace of Christ “guarded his heart and mind” (Philippians 3:1, 4:4-7).

Swarmed, but Content Anyway

As I hiked into the mosquitoes and got irritated the same Holy Spirit who guarded Paul was praying within me without ceasing and he drew me back into renewing my mind in God’s Word (Romans 8:26). Thankfully, the Scripture meditation I had already been doing long before the mosquitos attacked gave the Holy Spirit something to work with!

I prayed with the Apostle Paul, “Yes, Lord, I have learned the secret of being content—whether swarmed by mosquitoes or standing free in the breeze. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (based on Philippians 4:12-13). Over and over I repeated, “I am content in Christ.”

Spiritual Warfare

I was using “the sword of the spirit” (Ephesians 6:17) to overcome not only the mosquitoes but also Satan, who was using the mosquito swarm to tempt me to into self-pity and complaining.

Our attitude is really important. When Satan succeeds in making us sour and negative then it’s easy for him to create more havoc in us and the people around us. Thankfully, the truth of Scripture pushed back the kingdom of darkness and opened up for me the kingdom of light.

God was helping me to appreciate that I didn’t have to be overwhelmed by or defined by the reality of the mosquitoes. There was another, larger reality in my landscape that I could be immersed in and strengthened by: the kingdom of the heavens.

Take Hold of Jesus’ Hand Now

What trial is swarming around you? What problem keeps biting you? Take out the sword of the Spirit. Use Scripture to pray that God would help you to set your heart on the kingdom of Christ that is right at hand (Matthew 4:17).

You can reach out for it now. You can keep holding Jesus’ hand. Praying Scripture will help.

When you hold the hand of Jesus you are safe from sin and Satan.

More Soul Shepherding

“Bible Prayers to Live Worry Free” provides a number of peace-filled verses from the Bible with guidance on how to use that Scripture for your soul training.

Do you know that pastors experience great stress? Who cares for the pastor who cares for you? Soul Shepherding helps pastors, pastors’ wives, missionaries, and other ministry leaders to grow in the peace of Christ. The counseling and spiritual care we offer to pastors and others is subsidized by tax-deductible donations.

Bill Gaultiere, Ph.D. & Kristi Gaultiere, Psy.D. ~ http://www.soulshepherding.org

We all feel left out at times. We may feel unwanted and alone. Maybe there’s conflict in our family or our friends are busy. What to do?

At times like this it’s easy to feel sorry for yourself. Or to complain. Or to distract yourself by getting busy. I’ve done these things. But it’s so much better for my soul when I pick up my Psalms prayerbook.

One time when I did this my spirits were revived by the Psalmist giving thanks for his spiritual father who helped him to know that he was chosen and treasured by the Lord.

It warms my heart to remember my spiritual father, Ray Ortlund. Over a number of years my thirsty soul lapped up Ray’s enthusiasm for Christ every chance I could get: during conversations over long lunches, in his discipleship group, during spiritual retreats, and on our knees together in prayer.

Ray helped me to “Be all and only for Jesus!” And this helped me to know that it was really true that I belonged in the Trinity’s family! What joy is ours when we know by experience that each member of the Trinity has taken initiative to love us personally!

The Father treasures me as his child.

Christ chooses me as his disciple.

The Holy Spirit lives in me as his temple.

What spiritual father or mother has connected you to Christ? Who has helped you to know that you are precious to God? We all need at least one Christ’s Ambassador (2 Corinthians 5:20) to help us grow in our intimacy with Jesus.

To Ray I devote my little prayer of thanks, inspired by Psalm 135:1-4, 19-21: “The Lord Treasures You.” I invite you to pray – and smile! – with me.

In “Be Devoted to Christ like Ray Ortlund” your soul can be shepherded by Christ through Ray as mine has been.

Do you ever pray to the Father, Son, and Spirit? What a blessing it is to grow in your relationship with the Three-in-One! “O Trinity” is one of my favorite Trinitarian prayers.

In the ministry of Soul Shepherding we invite pastors and other ministry leaders into Trinitarian community. When a pastor has a safe place for soul care and intimacy with Jesus it empowers his or her ministry. You can help us shepherd the souls of pastors with your prayers or donations.

Bill Gaultiere, Ph.D. & Kristi Gaultiere, Psy.D. ~ http://www.soulshepherding.org

Psalm 1 gives us a vibrant picture of what our life with God can be like. Do you know this Psalm that introduces the church’s life of prayer? It begins, “Blessed is the man who…”

The first thing we need to know when we begin the first of the 150 Psalms is that Jesus is the perfect Psalm 1 Man. He fulfilled the righteous life and the prophecies of this Psalm and all of the Psalms. And he offers for us to be his students in his school of prayer. Jesus is our Teacher, the Psalms are our text, and daily life is our classroom.

The Blessing

“Blessed is the man [or woman] who…” rejects worldly counsel and sinful ways to delight in and meditate on the law of God – the Word or message of God’s loving purposes for us – day and night. “He [or she] is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he [or she] does prospers” (Psalm 1:3).

Probably you haven’t thought of Psalm 1 as it relates to your daily stresses and your personal boundaries. I think these are important applications of God’s word.

If you’re a Psalm 1 man or woman like Jesus then when some offends you, pressures you, or is upset at you it doesn’t define you or cause you to react negatively. Even before your trial cam upon you through your meditations and prayers you were already permeating yourself with God’s Word, rooting into his love, and drawing up nourishment from the rivers of the Holy Spirit. Therefore, when you come into the difficult situation in which someone says or does something hurtful you are not so distressed by it – you don’t absorb the wound or conflict.

Blessed in Drought

Even under the pressure of sweltering heat and drought your leaves stay green and you have the capacity to bear fruit because your roots go down deep to the stream of life. Even when people are offensive you don’t internalize it to become wounded or ashamed by it because you are relying upon God and his Word for your sustenance – you remain separate and secure in your personal boundaries, rooted in God’s kingdom, and therefore able to bear the fruit of love even for the people who offend you or are mean to you.

Do you see what is going on here? As a Psalm 1 person you are not defined or controlled by the visible landscape of stress or conflict but by the invisible landscape of the glorious kingdom of the heavens in which you are living with Christ.

Try This!

To become more like Jesus, the Psalm 1 Man, it helps to memorize this Psalm and pray it over and over until it’s God realities permeate your soul and your life. Pray it in view of particular stresses, temptations, or conflicts, imagining yourself as the tree planted by streams of Living Water even though all around you in your circumstances there is difficulty and drought.

Let me explain to you why it’s so helpful to memorize a passage (even a whole chapter) of Scripture? And I’ll help you to see that you can do this! Spiritual Disciplines for the Soul: Scripture Memory.

Bill Gaultiere, Ph.D. & Kristi Gaultiere, Psy.D. ~ http://www.soulshepherding.org

]]> http://www.soulshepherding.org/2010/11/be-like-the-psalm-1-man/feed/ 0 http://www.soulshepherding.org/2010/08/use-your-christ-shield-3/ http://www.soulshepherding.org/2010/08/use-your-christ-shield-3/#comments Sun, 22 Aug 2010 01:07:27 +0000 Bill Gaultiere http://www.soulshepherding.org/?p=2382 By Bill Gaultiere © 2010

When someone criticizes you are you defensive? Or do you get angry? Many people I talk to have a hard time responding to criticism because they take it inside and feel bad or they protect themselves by shutting down emotionally, which leaves them isolated and depressed.

I can relate. For much of my life I felt inadequate whenever someone criticized me. So I put pressure on myself to succeed and to try to get people to think well of me. That created a lot of anxiety!

I have learned another way. It’s expressed in a favorite little prayer of mine from [...]

Continue reading Use Your Christ Shield

By Bill Gaultiere © 2010

When someone criticizes you are you defensive? Or do you get angry? Many people I talk to have a hard time responding to criticism because they take it inside and feel bad or they protect themselves by shutting down emotionally, which leaves them isolated and depressed.

I can relate. For much of my life I felt inadequate whenever someone criticized me. So I put pressure on myself to succeed and to try to get people to think well of me. That created a lot of anxiety!

I have learned another way. It’s expressed in a favorite little prayer of mine from Psalm 3:3: “You are a shield around me, O Lord; you bestow glory on me and lift up my head.”

Let’s use David’s prayer in the way that Jesus taught us in the Lord’s prayer: “Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil” (Matthew 6:13). In other words, we pray, “O Lord, lead us by the hand so we don’t fall down in trials and succumb to evil.” This is a way to “watch and pray” with Jesus (Matthew 26:41).

Anticipate the next time you will be judged, gossiped about, unduly pressured, or mistreated in someway. Picture the person who you’re vulnerable to be hurt by… Talk to God about what tends to happen and how you feel…

Then incorporate Psalm 3:3 into your prayer: “You are a shield around me, O Lord; you bestow glory on me and lift up my head.”

As you pray imagine this being actually true for you in your situation of distress: see the Spirit of Christ all around you like the full body, semi-circle shields that the Roman soldiers of old used to protect them from the flaming arrows of the enemy. In your mind see that the arrows don’t pierce your heart, they hit the shield.

Yes, you may still be criticized or pressured and your circumstances may be difficult. But you are learning not to depend on or react to the visible situation – you are focusing on the spiritual reality that you are in God’s Kingdom and Christ is with you protecting your heart and caring for you – the real you! So you are not receiving the wound or the stress into your being. Instead you are appreciating that God bestows his glory on you! You are relying upon and receiving God’s blessing.

You can lift your head high! And because you’re appreciating the grace and glory that God gives you can share it with others – even those who have offended you.

Rely on God’s Grace as Your Shield tells more of the story of how I’ve learned from David not to internalize criticism and judgment.

Your tax deductible donation to Soul Shepherding supports the resources on this website and enables us to provide spiritual care and guidance to the pastors, pastors’ wives, missionaries, and leaders who care for others. Ministry leaders experience tremendous stress and often cannot afford the help that they need.

Thank you!

Bill & Kristi

William Gaultiere, Ph.D. & Kristi Gaultiere, Psy.D. ~ http://www.soulshepherding.org

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Most every day I talk to someone who is afraid or anxious (which is generalized fear). Maybe you fear what people think of you… Not having enough money… Public speaking, flying, being far from home, or spiders… Failure or rejection… Losing a loved one… Disease or pain… Death…

We all long for more of God’s peace in the midst of the stresses of our lives!

How Many “Fear Nots” are There in the Bible?

It’s been said that there are 365 “Fear nots” in the Bible, one “Fear not” for every day of the year—actually there are more than 365 “Fear nots” in the Bible! Thank God because we need to be reminded to “Fear not” and trust God everyday.

Many people say, “It’s a nice thought to say that there are 365 ‘Fear nots’ in the Bible, but it’s not true.” Indeed, there is not a version of the Bible that 365 times says, quote unquote, ”Fear not.” For instance, the King James Version says “Fear not” or “Be not afraid” 103 times, but not 365 times.

So why do I say that there are more than 365 “Fear nots” in the Bible?

“Fear” is spoken of over 500 times in the KJV. Furthermore, in addition to the “Fear nots” many times it’s saying “Fear God,” which really means reverence God alone and do not fear anyone or anything else. Expanding the search to look at verses encouraging us not to worry or not to be anxious would add many, many more “Fear not” Scriptures. This is why I say that there are more than 365 “Fear nots” in the Bible.

A Fear Not Prayer

The Psalmist often leads us in a “Fear not” prayer. The Psalms are the Bible’s great soul book, meant to train us to respond to all life situations and difficulties through prayer and trust in the Lord.

One example is Psalm 56. David has been seized by the Philistines and he starts to become afraid, but instead he sets his vision on his Lord and Savior in his midst. He praises God and his word to him: “Fear not!” He puts his trust in the Lord…

When I am afraid,

I will trust in you.

In God, whose word I praise,

In God I trust; I will not be afriad.

What can mortal man do to me?

(Psalm 56:3-4, repeated in similar words in verses 10-11.)

What are you Afraid Of?

What fear is trying to take a hold of you right now? What threat or trouble are you facing?

Pray with David, “When I am afraid of _________, I will trust in you, O Lord.”

And if you’re not afraid now pray it anyway! A time of strength is the best time to pray because then you can “watch and pray” with Jesus, preparing your heart now to take refuge in the Lord when temptation comes.

More Soul Shepherding

In “31 Days to Freedom from Fear” I share 31 of my favorite “Fear nots” from the Bible and introduce an approach for living by God’s “Fear not!” 365 days a year!

Everyday over 600 Soul Shepherding articles like this are used for devotions and prayers. Pastors use them in sermons. Bible study teachers and small group leaders share them. Your donation to Soul Shepherding is tax-deductible and enables us to continue to shine the light of Christ on the Internet. Thank you!

Bill Gaultiere, Ph.D. & Kristi Gaultiere, Psy.D. ~ http://www.soulshepherding.org

From time to time we all go through trials in which we lose heart and feel overwhelmed with discouragement, worry, or exhaustion. The painful times are “Dark Nights of the Soul” when our prayers seem to go unanswered and God’s comfort cannot be found.

All Christ-followers go through Dark Nights when God seems distant and prayer and other spiritual activities do not yield the experience of God’s blessings as they have in times past. But few people today have been trained in how to deal with these spiritual trials.

Inspired by Psalm 77, I wrote a prayer for the Dark Night of the Soul that I want to share with you.

Watch and Pray

The best time to offer this prayer and to meditate on God’s wisdom from the Psalmist is before you get to your next Dark Night experience. Prepare your heart now. “Watch and pray” with Jesus (Matthew 26:41). Get a hold of your self and pray to become the kind of person who when God seems distant, unkind, unfair, or just unhelpful you will still demonstrate your love and adoration for him simply because he is good.

Will you worship God when no blessings are coming your way? Will you trust that the Lord is with you and delight in him even when you are in the valley of the shadow of death and you do not feel his presence or help? The Psalmist shows us the way…

In the Night I Remember You

Help me!  O God.  Hear my prayer.

At night I keep stretching out my hands to you –

But my soul finds no comfort.

~

I remember you and I groan with longing for you… Selah.

~

I have lost heart.

I cannot sleep.

I am too upset to speak.

~

I remember my night songs and I sing to you… Selah.

~

Will you never show me your favor again?

Has your promise failed me forever?

Have you forgotten to be merciful?

~

I remember your deeds of love and I meditate on you… Selah.

~

Your ways, O God, are holy.

You are great and glorious.

With your mighty arm you have saved us.

~

I remember your miracles and I give thanks to you… Selah.

~

You path, O Lord, leads through the sea;

We follow your unseen footprints;

We walk by faith, not by sight.

~

I remember you, Lord Jesus Christ… Selah.

I remember your cross of love… Selah.

I remember your resurrection… Selah.

I remember you sent your Holy Spirit… Selah.

More Soul Shepherding

The Other Side of Deep Darkness is another Psalm prayer for a Dark Night of the Soul.

The Lamb Became the Shepherd: On the Cross Jesus got through the darkest night by praying Psalm 23 — he is with you in your Dark Night of the Soul.

In Spiritual Direction ministry Kristi and I talk with ministry leaders and others going through a Dark Night of the Soul. We listen. And we help them to pray “Dark Night” prayers. This is one of the ways in our Soul Shepherding ministry that we help pastors, pastors’ wives, missionaries, and other Christian leaders not to burn out or blow out.

Soul Shepherding is a 501c3 nonprofit ministry funded by tax-deductible donations from individuals, fees for services to individuals, and honorariums from churches and other organizations.

William Gaultiere, Ph.D. & Kristi Gaultiere, Psy.D. ~ http://www.soulshepherding.org

I’ve heard it said: “I pray when I’m in trouble. I pray all the time!”

I relate! I’m in trouble all the time! Realizing this is the secret to a great prayer life.

When our circumstances are pleasant it’s easy to forget that we’re in trouble: the world is vain, demons are near, temptations abound, trials are coming, people are starving, we will die.

We have to remind ourselves: “I am in trouble!” Then we will pray!

“I am in Trouble”, inspired by Psalm 34:15-22, is just the prayer prompt that we need. Pray it for yourself. Pray it for the people the Lord puts on your heart.

Try praying it as a Breath Prayer with three parts:

1. Wait to breathe (as you wait for God) /
2. Breathe in slowly and deeply the sacred name of Jesus… (breathe in your appreciation of the Spirit of Christ) /
3. Exhale and whisper God’s promise (as you smile!)

I am in Trouble

I am in trouble; /

Lord Jesus Christ… /

You see me, you hear my cry. /

~

My heart is broken; /

Lord Jesus Christ… /

You embrace me, you lift me up. /

Many people fear trouble. Have you ever heard that there are 365 “fear nots” in the Bible, one for every day of the year? Actually there are more than that many fear not promises in the Bible! Here are one month’s worth of fear nots in 31 Days to Freedom from Fear.

Pastors, pastors’ wives, and other ministry leaders have troubles like anyone else. That’s why Kristi and I have a nonprofit ministry to shepherd the souls of those who lead and care for others. Read Pastors Under Stress and Pastors’ Wives Under Stress and you’ll understand better why Soul Shepherding is needed. Please pray about the possibility that you might partner with us in this ministry.

Blessings,

Bill & Kristi

William Gaultiere, Ph.D. & Kristi Gaultiere, Psy.D. ~ http://www.soulshepherding.org