In my post last month, “Thoughts on Lent,” I shared how I learned the origins of Lent and how to view it through the lens of Scripture. In the process of my research on Lent, I discovered what is true biblical fasting for the first time.

Fasting is arguably the most ignored of the spiritual disciplines we see in God’s Word. As believers, we more readily apply ourselves to prayer, the study of the Bible, and even meditation on it. However, fasting is often viewed with hesitation or apprehension. It can seem daunting, unattainable, and even impractical to some.

While we find no direct commandment to fast in Scripture, we do see plenty of evidence that fasting is a discipline that is meant for all believers for our good and the glory of God.

​The Bible contains numerous references to praising God, with many psalms and other passages devoted specifically to this theme.

These are just a few notable examples:
"Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His name." Psalm 100:4

"Praise the Lord, my soul; all my inmost being, praise His holy name. Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all His benefits." Psalm 103:1-2

"Praise the Lord. How good it is to sing praises to our God, how pleasant and fitting to praise Him!" Psalm 147:1

"Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord!" Psalm 150:6

Have you watched the news lately? It is really depressing to see all the turmoil in our world today. If it’s not a natural disaster affecting people adversely, it seems there is some other man-made disaster that infuses turmoil into every fiber of our society around the world.
 
When I read God’s Word, I find that this is what He predicted would happen as time speeds along to the any-moment-return of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. But until that Glorious Appearing, how do we find stability and help in these tumultuous times? May I share some truths from Psalm 46 that I believe can help us navigate these days of turmoil?
 
Psalm 46:10 is probably one of the more famous verses in the Psalms. Maybe you have it on a sign in your home. I have a magnet on my fridge in England with these words – “Be still, and know that I am God.” But what is its context?

The 5 characteristics of God's love that I find myself appreciating the most these days are:

1. God's love is unconditional.
2. God's love is sacrificial.
3. God's love is everlasting.
4. God's love is compassionate.
5. ​God's love is transformative.​

​
His love towards us is unconditional, sacrificial, everlasting, compassionate, and transformative. Those truths can be impactful in the life of a believer.​
​
Today, let's look at these 5 characteristics of God's love and the Scripture that defines them.

I wish I could say that church me, work me, mom me, and neighbor me are all the same. We all like to think of ourselves as genuine, but sometimes I feel like two different versions of me are necessary.

Society likes to make God inappropriate outside of the church, and sometimes, I inadvertently let that lie seep into my life.
 
I don’t intentionally switch mindsets from Sunday to Monday.

• When I learn about gratitude in my Sunday school class, I don’t leave thinking “I’ll only be thankful until midnight, and then I’ll complain again tomorrow.”
• When God uses the preacher to convict my heart, I don’t tell God “I’m sorry for this sin today, so I won’t do it again until tomorrow.”​

Leaning on the promises of God means relying on the assurances that He has given us through His Word, the Bible.

God's promises are trustworthy and provide comfort, guidance, and hope to believers.

When we lean on these promises and trust in God's faithfulness, we find peace. Peace that passes all human understanding. Peace that sustains us in the midst of difficult circumstances. Peace that assures us that God is in control.

It's important that we read and meditate on God's Word regularly. When we do, we will be reminded of His promises and to deepen our trust in Him.

​Today, let's look at 12 of His promises and meditate on the Scripture where they are found.

The Bible tells us that we are created in God's image. "So God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them" (Genesis 1:27). This means as humans we reflect the character and nature of God. This gives us inherent value and worth.

The Bible also tells us that we are all sinners in need of salvation. "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23). This means we have all fallen short of God's standard of perfection. We need a Savior!

However, there is Good News! We have an opportunity to become children of God. John 1:12 states, "But to all who did receive Him, who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God." Through faith in Jesus Christ, we become part of God's family with a new identity as His children.