Life can be quite stressful sometimes. There is so much in this world that can bring you down. However, as a Christian, I turn to God and the word to provide me solace, peace, understanding, compassion, comfort. I’ve been deepening my relationship with God, connecting with him on a more intimate level, and as a result He has revealed some things to me. Now, I will be the first to admit that I sometimes struggle in my faith. It can be hard to see the forest through the trees sometimes. Sometimes it becomes too much and I feel bound by all the ties in my life. I am fortunate enough to have His word to turn to in these moments. In Jeremiah 29:11 the Lord says, “for I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” He says it in His word so I believe that it shall be so. It is important to “trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight” (Poverbs 3:5-6) I keep reminding myself that when things get rough, and they most certainly will, I don’t need to be anxious about anything but in everything, through prayer with thanksgiving, I need to submit my requests to God. For if one asks, it shall be given. If you seek, you shall find. If you knock, the door shall be open to you (Matthew 7:7-12). Only then will He grant me the type of peace that transcends all understanding (Philippians 4:6-8; Matthew 6:25-34).

I took a self-portrait the other day to mirror how I’ve been feeling and although I’m bound to all my ties, I know that with Him… all things are possible

~Saadia Me*Chel