Genesis:So God created human beings in his own image.
You may struggle, like me, to know God
Sometimes I feel I have been misled by people claiming to know God
And them trying to convince me that I do not know God in the right way
And that I must follow their version of Truth, whatever that may be
While even I applaud their passion, I feel at times it is misguided in selfish ambition
As if they get points if I sign up to be on their team; join “their” church
But, I want to know God on my terms…or rather, on His terms for me
I cannot deny His existence; I will not
Neither do I choose a mediocre ambivalence
Maybe I want something more meaningful than a passive aggression
Let’s just say I DO want to know God; to seek Him; truly seek Him
Where shall I start?
To be made in the image of God?
What does that mean?
Does it mean I am like Him…
…In His wisdom?
…In His knowledge?
…In His power?
…In His supremacy?
Exactly how am I made in the image of God?
I think HE even said I am made in HIS image
HE said that…the one who claims to have made ME
Clearly though…
…I am not almighty
…I am not omniscient
…I am not omnipotent
…I am not invincible
…I am not the creator of all things
I’m not even like Captain Marvel or any of the Super Heroes; Let alone God
I’m just little ole me
But I am ME
And HE said I am made in HIS image
Truth is…
…I act out imperfection
…I act out weakness
…I act out failure
…I even act out not wanting to be loved or accepted
But…
…I am not failure
…I am not imperfection
…I am not weakness
…I am worthy of love
…I am worthy of acceptance
…I am worthy to attain beyond what my flesh can
Because… HE said so…and HE said I am made in HIS image
I can deny it…
I can ignore it…
I can turn and run away from it…
I can close my eyes…
I can cover my ears…
I can pretend not to see or hear it
Or…
I can recognize it…for what it is
I can acknowledge it….for what it is
I can embrace it…for what it is
Embrace what, you ask?
That I am made for emotion…
That I am made for love…
That I am made for acceptance…
That I am made for being valued…
That I am made for compassion…
That I am made for connection…to be more than just me…
That I am made for Worship of the One who made me in HIS image…just as I am
That’s how I’m wired…
That’s how I’m created…
In the image of God
Therefore because I am made in HIS image, I bow down…and worship YOU, oh God
“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.”
— Isaiah 43:18–19
Devotional:
The rising sun paints the morning sky with hope, inviting us into the beauty of a new day. It whispers of fresh starts and the promise of renewal. Yet, for many of us, the wounds of yesterday refuse to let go. The shadows of failure, shame, and trauma cling tightly, replaying scenes of despair in the theater of our minds. It’s as if we’re trapped in a never-ending game of “Whack-a-Mole,” fighting one emotion or thought only to have another rise up in its place.
This is the reality of being stuck. It’s not just about our circumstances; it’s about the battle within—those moments when a song, a picture, or a memory catapults us back into the heart of our pain. It feels like an endless loop, and we wonder, Will I ever be free?
The answer lies not in fighting harder, but in surrendering deeper. God’s invitation to us isn’t to conquer the game but to unplug it. Psalm 46:10 says, “Be still, and know that I am God.” These words remind us that freedom doesn’t come from our striving, but from resting in the One who holds the power to heal, restore, and renew.
When we unplug the game, we stop trying to manage our emotions or control our past. Instead, we place them in God’s hands, trusting His perfect timing—kairos, the appointed moment of grace and breakthrough. In His presence, the relentless ticking of chronos time fades, and we find the peace that surpasses all understanding.
Today, let the Spirit of God meet you in your stuckness. Release the battle to Him, and allow Him to write a new story over your life—one of hope, courage, and renewal. Remember, you are not defined by your failures or bound by your trauma. You are held by a loving God who declares, “See, I am making all things new” (Revelation 21:5).
Prayer:
Thank You for being the God who makes all things new. Today, I surrender the weight of my past to You. Help me to let go of the things that keep me stuck and to trust in Your power to heal my brokenness. When reminders of pain arise, let me rest in Your peace and listen for Your voice. Lead me into the newness You have prepared for me.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Writing:
The dawning sun throws brilliant colors across the canvas of the sky
It’s a new day, a new beginning, a new chance to experience life
Let me forget the failures of the past and engulf myself in the fullness of the NOW
Inhaling the goodness and fullness of His Spirit, taking in the beauty of His creation
With anticipation of all today brings, I will lean into the possibilities that await me
I will open every door and every window of opportunity and grab them with gusto
And then it happens…like it has dozens of times before…
I hear a song
I see a picture
Words are spoken
Thoughts intrude
Emotions unwind
I’m a failure
I’m unworthy
I’m hopeless
I can’t
I won’t
I give up
It’s not worth it
I’m not enough
It’s time to quit
I can’t go on
Chronos – time marches on
I find myself in the bizarre Whack-a-Mole fight for my life
I whack the mole of failure, but unworthiness pops up its ugly head
I whack the mole of unworthiness, but hopelessness pops up its ugly head
With every tick of the clock, it’s another mole
Boom Whack…On and on and on…Boom Whack…
Beating down addictions, defeating thoughts, destructive emotions and isolating behaviors
When will this end, this endless game of self-defeat?
Kairos – His time is now…the right time is now
And His Spirit speaks to my soul…
…and whispers…
…unplug the game…
And the clock stops…
…everything goes dark…
…silence surrounds me…
…the game is over…
…and in that moment I know…
…I’m going to be ok…
The dawning sun throws brilliant colors across the canvas of the sky
It’s a new day, a new beginning, a new chance to experience life
Let me forget the failures of the past and engulf myself in the fullness of the NOW
Inhaling the goodness and fullness of His Spirit, taking in the beauty of His creation
With anticipation of all today brings, I will lean into the possibilities that await me
I will open every door and every window of opportunity and grab them with gusto
And the sun sets
And the moon and stars shine bright
And my head rests on my pillow
And His Spirit comforts me
It’s been a good day
Let me do THAT again tomorrow
“As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.”
Devotional: “Let It Rain: Embracing God’s Grace for Healing”
As we pause in quiet reflection, we encounter a profound invitation: to lay our burdens at the feet of God, who knows each heartache, each moment of fear, and each tear shed. 1 Peter 5:7 “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you” speaks to the core of our human experience, reminding us that it is not just permissible but necessary to cast our anxiety on Him. This is an active surrender, a trust fall into arms that are stronger than our frailty.
Many of us walk through life with ice coursing through our veins during desperate times—fear, longing, and uncertainty can freeze the warmth of hope. In the darkest moments, that icy grip tightens, leaving us feeling isolated, as though we are the only ones carrying such heavy burdens. The vivid imagery of “daggers cutting through the heart” resonates; we can relate to the sharp pain that those we love—loss, disappointment, even the weight of ingratitude—can inflict upon our spirits to the point we may not even know how to pray; where to start, if we were to pray.
As we contemplate these experiences, we reach deep into our hearts to find these questions: Can I ever feel whole again? Will the pieces of my brokenness ever fit together? Often, the flame of indifference threatens to smother our spirit’s light, leaving us questioning whether healing is, in fact, possible. Yet, in those very moments of doubt, we are reminded that God’s grace is a healing rain, falling softly upon us, renewing our spirits and washing away our tears and our fears.
The prayerful plea, “Lord, let it rain,” is an act of faith. It is a yearning for the divine intervention that can only come from above. When we invite God into our pain, we make room for His transformative grace. The rain symbolizes not just healing, but a restoration that refreshes the parched ground of our souls. As it pours over us, allowing it to saturate our spirits means letting go of our fears and embracing His promises.
In moments when we feel overwhelmed, we must remember that God is not distant; He is closer than we may realize. He understands our struggles and invites us to seek Him. It’s in acknowledging our vulnerabilities that we find the strength to rise from our despair. In our moments of shame or grief, God’s mercy floods us with the assurance that we are not defined by our past but by His unchanging love.
When we think of the heavens testifying as grace falls, it serves as a reminder of the larger picture. The world outside may seem heavy with trials, but the rain—a metaphor for divine grace—brings new life and hope, promising us that even through our toughest seasons, God is still at work. There is a promise in the storm; it nurtures the ground, allowing beauty to emerge from dust.
Built on this truth, we can approach each day with renewed anticipation. When wrestling with doubt, let us turn our thoughts to moments of connection with God—a prayer whispered in despair, the warmth of a friend’s embrace, or the gentle reminder of nature’s beauty. Each of these serves as a testament that connection is possible even in our darkest hours.
Finally, as we submit our hearts before Him, let each day serve as an opportunity to “let it rain.” Seek out the grace that renews and replenishes, allowing your heart to become fertile ground for love and peace. When we embrace this grace, we come into a closer relationship with our Creator—ready to live not just for ourselves but to embody His love and mercy to others.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, we come before You, burdened with grief and discomfort. I offer up my heart, casting my anxieties upon You, knowing that You care deeply. Let Your grace rain down over me, refreshing me in my darkest hours, and healing my wounds. Bring relief from the shame and sorrow that sometimes weighs me down. Help me to find solace in your love and the promise of new beginnings. May Your mercy flood my spirit and transform my pain into purpose. Thank You for holding my heart in Your gentle hands. Amen.
Closing Thought
As we conclude this time of devotion, remember this: the grace of God is like refreshing rain—abundant, sustaining, and deeply healing. Each time you feel the weight of distress, call upon Him to let it rain. He promises to transform your sorrows into joy and to bind up every broken heart. The journey of healing begins with surrendering to God’s grace, trusting that He is leading you toward wholeness. Carry this truth with you: “Lord, let it rain in my life, and renew my heart with Your love.”
A Writing
Ice flows through my veins
Fire burns through my soul
As the thought of losing you longs to take control
The pain of a million daggers
Are cutting through my heart
I’ve tried to pray but not sure how to start
Lord Let it rain
Let your grace pour over me
And now my heart can see
You’re healing every pain
Let it rain
You’re bringing me relief
Please free me from this grief and every shame
Lord let it rain
I wonder deep inside if I’ll be whole again
Can you take these broken pieces so I can finally mend
There’s a flame of indifference deep inside of me
Can your flood of mercy somehow set me free
Let it rain
Let your grace pour over me
And now my heart can see
You’re healing every pain
Let it rain
You’re bringing me relief
Please free me from this grief and every shame
Lord let it rain
Fallin’
Fallin’ from the sky
Let the heaven’s testify
I’m bowing down to my king
I beg for this one thing
Let it rain
Let your grace pour over me
Now my heart can see
You’re healing every pain
Let it rain
You’re bringing me relief
Please free from this grief and every shame
Lord let it rain
…Lord let it rain
