Author Archives: Skyler Thomas

Dig a Little Deeper (Devotional)

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Lamentations 3:22-23 (NIV)

“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”

Devotional: Breaking the Chains of Time

We often hear the phrase “time heals all wounds,” promising that with enough time, pain will fade. However, as we reflect on the writing below, the reality of heartache is much more complex. Time alone can feel endless and lonely, amplifying the echoes of our struggles rather than soothing them.

Psalm 34:18 reminds us of a deeper truth: “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” This scripture acknowledges that while time may play a role in healing, it is the presence of God that truly mends our deepest wounds. The reality is that oftentimes, the very pain we are experiencing can feel like a heavy burden, trapping us in cycles of grief and despair, leaving us to wonder if we can ever break free.

In the vivid imagery of echoes in a great canyon, we see how the pain we carry can resound in our minds, relentless and overpowering. But we are not meant to suffer in the echoes in our minds. God doesn’t simply ask us to endure; He invites us to bring our heartaches to Him. The cries we share in prayer are heard, and each tear is recognized. We learn that healing through God’s grace is not merely about waiting for time to pass but about actively engaging with Him, surrendering our battles, and allowing His love to embrace us.

When the darkness of night surrounds us and those haunting memories emerge, it’s then that we can lean into God’s promises. He is our refuge in times of trouble, and His strength can transform our suffering into testimonies of hope. In our darkest moments, when it feels as if we’re shouting into a void, we can trust that God’s silence is not absence but an invitation to draw near, to encounter His love in fresh and profound ways.

So, what do we do “in the meantime”? We turn towards God, whose light can pierce through the darkness. We lay our burdens down, we seek support in our community, and we remind ourselves that healing is not linear or simply time-based; it is unique to each of us. Every emotion we experience is valid, and God meets us in every moment, both joyful and painful.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I come before You with my wounds laid bare, seeking Your healing touch in the depths of my anguish. Help me to remember that I am never alone in my pain and that You are close to the brokenhearted. Grant me the courage to bring my struggles to You, for only in Your love can true healing occur. Strengthen me to navigate this journey, trusting in Your grace and presence every step of the way.

Closing Thought

As you move through today, remember that God invites you into a relationship of healing—one that transcends the limitations of time. Lean on Him, and let His love provide the solace your heart seeks. Remember, it’s not just about giving it time; it’s about entrusting yourself to the One who holds eternity in His hands.

A Writing

They say that time
Is all it takes

Time will heal
…Every mistake
…Every loss
…Every wound
…Every wrong-doing
…Every abuse
…Every tragedy
…Every pain

Time heals all
That’s what they say

Just give it more time
Eventually I’ll be fine
I’ll see, just trust
The pain will go away
It won’t hurt so much tomorrow
Eventually I’ll forget
I won’t feel so bad
Just give it time
Just give it
Just
More time
Time

Echoing in my brain
The words are bouncing
Off the walls
Off the walls of an echo chamber
The echo chamber between my ears
Time
Time
Time
TIME
TIME
TIME

And finally I scream
I don’t want to hear it any more
Falling to my knees
Wrapped up like a ball of string
Wrapping my arms tightly
Tightly around my stomach
My head between my knees
And I cry deeply
I bawl out in anguish
Until silently I cry
So much I cry
Until the tears
Until the tears are dry
In anguish
I cry
Alone I cry
All alone I cry
And wonder why
I wonder why
Why this works for everyone else
But not for me
Why not for me?

“What’s wrong with me?”
“Oh God, what’s wrong with me?”
“Why am I the only one?”
“Why doesn’t Time heal me?”

I dare not tell anyone
I can’t talk to anyone
They would think I am crazy
Crazy in the head
I’m broken
I can’t be fixed
I deserve what I get

And so…at night
I weep
In my pillow I weep

Night
After
Night
After
Night
The cycle repeats itself endlessly

And one day
One day
I read a book
And I decide
Sure I can beat this thing

All I have to do is one simple thing
Just follow one simple rule
It’s simple
I just have to follow one simple rule
I just have to fake it
That’s it
I just have to fake it
Fake it until I make it
Fake it until I
Fake it until
Fake it
Until I Make It

I just have to give it more time
And…Everything…Will…Be…Ok

But until then
What do I do?
Until then…what?
What do I do…in the mean…time?

In the night
In the middle of the night
In the night the voices call
They call out my name
Bringing me back
Back again
Back to the nightmare
To the nightmare of my pain
To when it happened
To the place it happened
To hear the sounds
To smell the stench
To see the tragedy
To the place where it all began
I try to silence them
Silence them any way I can
But I can’t dodge the truth
Because truth won’t run
The truth won’t run, like I do
Truth stands steady
Like the immovable object
Truth won’t budge

And in the morning I tell myself it’ll be okay
And that I’m gonna get better on another day

Finally
Finally it’s morning
I slam the alarm
I cover my head
Beating my pillow
I wish I were dead

And then I awake
I finally awake
I wake to realize
Nothing has changed
Nothing
Not a thing
No it’s all the same
I’m living another groundhog day

And all of this
All of this journey
Is the endless cycle
So craftily spun
So craftily spun by the Evil One
To keep me from God’s Love and Grace
To keep me from seeing His Holy Face
To keep me locked in my own prison cell
To keep me from drinking water from the well
From the well of Everlasting refreshment
From the well of Everlasting healing

Down deep I know it’s a lie
Because I know
If time were the only thing
Then I’d be getting better
With the passing of every day

But here’s the honest to God truth
Yes, it will take time
But I already knew that
I already knew it would take time
But time isn’t all it takes
There’s one more thing I don’t want to do
And I know that too
Because it’s going to be hard
I know that too
It’s going to be hard

I must dig
I must dig a little deeper
I must dig into the scars
I must dig a little deeper
To cut through the scar tissue
To cut through the scar tissue that has me fooled
To cut through the scar to get to the original pain
To open up that wound
To open the wound I don’t want to open
I gotta dig deeper
I gotta dig a little deeper
To open the wound
So it can drain
So it can drain the toxins that are keeping me down
So it can drain the toxins and heal again

Yes, it’s scary
It’s downright frightening if I think I’m all alone
If I think I have no one there to help me
Yes, it’s scary as hell
But it doesn’t have to be

But it’s necessary to dig a little deeper
And it’s going to hurt like hell

And for this to work I can’t numb this pain
I can’t tip the bottle dry
I can’t swallow that pill
I can’t inhale that drag
And I can’t snort that line

No no…
It’s going to hurt like hell
But that’s what it takes
So I can feel again
So I can laugh again
So I can cry real tears again
So I can feel real pain again
So I can experience real joy again
So I can live again
So I can love again

And so that I can be loved by those around me

But here’s the thing…
I don’t have to do this alone…
If all I will do is tell someone

Copyright © 2020 by SkylerThomas

STOP!!! And Make a Decision (Devotional)

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Ephesians 2:8-10 (NLT)

“God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.”

Devotional: STOP!!! And Make a Decision

Have you ever felt like life is too noisy, like the decisions and voices around you are pulling you in every direction? It’s easy to get tangled in doubts and pressures, thinking, “What’s the right move? Who should I be?” Our hearts feel restless, pulled by the need to make the right choices and prove ourselves. But God’s Word gives us a powerful reminder in Ephesians: our salvation isn’t about what we’ve done; it’s about what He has done for us.

We are saved by grace. This grace isn’t a prize we win for being good enough, smart enough, or strong enough. It’s God’s pure gift, a gift that clears the noise and helps us find true peace. When we feel lost, God reminds us that we are His masterpiece. We are loved, renewed, and given purpose—not because we are perfect, but because He is.

Sometimes, we need to pause, breathe, and simply stop—stop trying to sort everything out on our own. In that quiet place, we can hear God’s voice telling us that our identity isn’t found in the opinions of others or in our past mistakes. We are created anew in Christ, made to do good things that reflect His love and grace. When we rest in that truth, we can make decisions with clarity, guided by His wisdom instead of our own fears.

God calls us to turn to Him, to lay our burdens down and take a step toward His light. If we feel weighed down by guilt, doubt, or shame, He says, “Come to Me, and I will give you rest.” His grace is greater than any sin, any past, and any confusion. Today, let’s lean into that grace, stop striving, and make the decision to trust in His love.

Prayer:

Dear Lord, thank You for Your unending grace. Help us remember that we are Your masterpiece, created in Your image and saved by Your love. When life feels overwhelming, let Your voice be the only one we follow. Guide us to make decisions rooted in Your truth and grace. May we find rest in You and live each day reflecting the love You’ve shown us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Writing:

I can’t fake it
I can’t shake it
I can’t make them… go away
The voices in my head screaming
Skeletons I can’t slay

It’s as it should be
It’s my fate to disown me

Am I up or am I chic
Am I in or am I meek
What’s right, what’s sleek
What’s good, what’s weak
What’s pure, who’s the freak
… it’s me

I can’t seem to sort it out
I just want to shout…

“Please God, help me…I pray
…Release me from the fray
……Of the choices that I weigh
………Of the voices leading me to stray… away”

That’s the chaos of my life
It’s the result of my strife
To not know where to turn
Toward the peace that I yearn
So what should I do
How can I be true… to myself and to you

And then your voice… the only sane voice… says to me…
“STOP!! And make a decision.”

Silence… now I can hear
Your voice alone is clear
Lifted is the fear
I can feel you… for you are near

All I have to do
Is turn toward you
And get untangled from the view
That I’m not loved by you
But that you do love me, it’s true
No matter what.
I know what I need to do…
I just need to… STOP!! And make a decision.

When I see life from your view.
I realize it wasn’t you… who flew… away.

Again I hear Your voice
Just the whisper of Your voice
Pleading with me to turn away from the mess I created
To simply turn around and walk toward Your Truth

I just need to… STOP!! And make a decision.

And so I did turn
I took one step, just one step…and then another…
I heard You say, “Give me your burden
And I will take care of you”

How do I trust after all these years of hardness
For my shame is great, my faith is weak, and I’m tired
But I heard You say, “Come to Me
And I will give you rest”

Eternal rest. THAT is what I want. THAT is what I need.

There is Hell on Earth…and it’s called separation from You.
There is Heaven on Earth…and it’s called Your Grace.

Grace, grace, God’s grace,
Grace that will pardon and cleanse within;
Grace, grace, God’s grace,
Grace that is greater than all my sin!

Copyright © 2019 by Skyler Thomas

In the Shadow of Your Grace (Devotional)

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Copyright © 2014 by SkylerThomas

Psalm 91:1-2 (NIV)

“Whoever dwells in the secret place of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.'”

Devotional: The Whisper of Grace

As we grow older and reflect on our past, introspection often leads us to confront our inner turmoil. We may find ourselves burdened by shame and regret, feeling weighed down by a past that seems inescapable. The words we hear echo a profound truth: there are moments when we feel trapped in our own mess, struggling to find our way through the fog of despair. Yet amidst that chaos, the quiet, reassuring voice of our God whispers to us, urging us to turn from our confusion and walk toward His Truth.

This voice is ever-present—a gentle yet persistent reminder that we are not alone. I hear Your voice, Lord. Just the whisper of Your voice, pleading with me to turn away from that mess. The choice to turn back to You does not demand grand gestures—it begins with the simple act of turning. And so, I did turn. I took one step, just one step…and then another. Each step is a testament to faith, a testament to hope found in Your grace.

You call out to me in my weariness, saying, “Give me your burden, and I will take care of you.” It is a promise laden with comfort, though I wrestle with the weight of it. After so many years of distancing myself from hope, the question arises: How do I trust after all these years of hardness? My shame feels great, my faith is weak, and honestly, I am just tired.

But in my vulnerability, I hear Your gentle invitation again: “Come to Me, and I will give you rest.” This eternal rest is the deep peace my soul craves—a peace that washes over me and quiets the storms within. There is indeed Hell on Earth—and it’s called separation from You. When disconnected from Your love, my spirit wanders in a wilderness of doubt and despair, searching for solace in all the wrong places. Each lie I held onto felt like a step deeper into darkness.

Yet, there exists Heaven on Earth—and it is called Your grace. This grace shines through my shattered pieces, beckoning me back home. It holds the power to restore, heal, and mend what seems irreparable. Just as the hymn beautifully proclaims, “Grace, grace, God’s grace, Grace that will pardon and cleanse within; Grace, grace, God’s grace, Grace that is greater than all my sin!” It is this divine grace that invites me back into a loving embrace, where shame can no longer hold anything over me.

In a world that offers distractions all too frequently, it’s easy to get caught up in the pursuit of temporary relief. We may seek escape and numbing in substances, worldly wisdom, or fleeting pleasures to mask our pain, only to find ourselves sinking deeper into confusion. But as I turn my attention toward You, I realize that true fulfillment comes not from the outside but from the inside—from knowing I am loved by the Creator of the universe.

The journey back to You may not happen instantaneously. It may come with struggles and setbacks. However, with each step, I am reminded that I am journeying toward healing. Allow me to embrace the truth that our mistakes do not dictate our future. Your grace is big enough to cover my shortcomings, and it is through that grace I can finally let go.

We are invited to bring our burdens before You, Lord, seeking solace and strength. In doing so, we allow Your love to fill the spaces where shame once resided. The trust I seek may feel impossible, yet in this sacred relationship, I find that hope grows stronger, one step at a time.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I come before You today weary and overwhelmed, battling the weight of shame and doubt that weighs so heavily on my heart. I long for Your rest, for that eternal peace that only You can provide. Help me hear Your gentle whisper, calling me to turn away from chaos and walk toward Your truth. Teach me to trust in Your unwavering grace, strengthening my faith so that I may embrace the love and forgiveness You so endlessly offer. I surrender my burdens to You today, seeking the confidence that You will take care of me. Thank You for the rest I find in Your presence and the grace that gathers me into Your arms. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Closing Thought

As we reflect on our struggles with shame and the pursuit of truth, remember to listen for the gentle whisper of God’s voice inviting you back to Him. With each step you take toward His grace, you open the door to healing and restoration. Seek the eternal rest that accompanies His presence, and trust that His love is far greater than any burden you carry. You are a beloved child of God, and His grace offers you a way back into meaningful connection. Embrace that truth today.

A Writing

What can wash away my shame
Or will I forever in its grip remain
Squeezing all life out of my soul
Leaving me to rot in the grave, in this hole

Have I walked too far beyond the boundary of grace
Looking inward and seeing nothing of value to embrace
Leaving me to fend for myself in this muck and mire
Slipping faster and faster to my death of desire

I didn’t think this was supposed to happen this way
Have you turned your back on me, anxious to betray
Or maybe you are powerless to do anything
Or you simply won’t touch the sins that I bring

Chronos…time marches on…But then what?

So let’s say the answers aren’t found in the liquor store
Or the drag I inhale is just a drag and nothing more
Or maybe there’s nothing to the line on the table
Or the prick of a needle is nothing but a harmless fable

What if there is nothing to anything
What if it doesn’t matter and there’s nothing after this worthless fling

What if the glass isn’t half full
What if it’s not half empty either
What if it does not even exist

Chronos…time marches on…But then what?

From the pain comes ambiguity
Which brings more confusion
Only to result in obfuscation
Which turns to apathy
And finally oblivion
And then the numbing begins
Until I’ve arrived at my destination…
…Unconscious immorality
…A total lack of caring

I haven’t lost anything
Because I have nothing to lose

Chronos…time marches on…But then what?

So if there are no answers
This should bring me peace and contentment
Right?

Then how come when sobriety returns…
I’m not in my happy place?
Why do I long for something more?
When I don’t even know what that something is?

How come if there are no answers…
I keep seeking for them?
As if through my journey I will find the answers?
As if there really is something greater than me?

Looking around I think I’ve discovered it

I think I’ve found it!!

I get it now!!
This…this place…this time in history is what the world calls enlightenment!!

I read it in the blogs
I see and hear it in the vlogs
It screams at me through Facebook and Twitter

Really?
That’s it?
That’s the face of Truth?
Are you sure?

How am I supposed to act and behave?
Am I supposed to bow down to the beholders of such enlightenment?
The ones who think they know it all and think they are the most tolerant
The ones who walk the red carpet
Or the ones who lead the protests…no, the ones who fund the protests
This is it, the epicenter of knowledge and wisdom
…as a society we have arrived, haven’t we?

Kairos…in His time…But then what?

It is in that place You whisper to me, that I am created in Your image
You called us sons and daughters of the most High God
You clothed us with Your mercy on the cross
And I drop to my knees before You, in the shadow of Your grace

And then You stop this whirlwind of confusion
I don’t move in any direction
I bow down
And the roar of the world is gone for a moment
And I listen

And I hear Your voice
Just the whisper of Your voice
Pleading with me to turn away from that mess
To simply turn around and walk toward Your Truth

And so I did turn
I took one step, just one step…and then another…
I heard You say, “Give me your burden
And I will take care of you”

How do I trust after all these years of hardness
For my shame is great, my faith is weak, and I’m tired
I heard You say, “Come to Me
And I will give you rest”

Eternal rest. THAT is what I want. THAT is what I need.

There is Hell on Earth…and it’s called separation from You.
There is Heaven on Earth…and it’s called Your Grace.

Grace, grace, God’s grace,
Grace that will pardon and cleanse within;
Grace, grace, God’s grace,
Grace that is greater than all my sin!

Copyright © 2018 by Skyler Thomas

Too Much of a Good Thing

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Gulfport, FL Copyright © 2017 by SkylerThomas

The light of the Sun shines down upon me
I see the colors of the rainbow all around
The warmth fills my soul and I am happy
I can’t get enough of this great feeling
So I stare at the Sun with eyes wide open
Until I am blinded and I can see no more

Heaven shine your light down on me
Shine your light that I may see

The coolness of the rain refreshes my soul
I dance like a child enjoying its miracle
I can’t get enough of the claps of lightning and rolls of thunder
I climb to the mountain top to experience its fullness
From its peak I reach high with arms spread wide
I am struck by lightning and burned to the core

Heaven shine your light down on me
Shine your light that I may see

The ocean waves crash with power to the shore
Sand between my toes, I step in the water pushed to and fro
I know if I can get out there beyond the shore, I will experience their greatest might
So I grab my dinghy, raising its sails high
Leaving the safety of the harbor to be surrounded by waves of beauty
The perfect storm engulfs me in its power and I am no more

Heaven shine your light down on me
Shine your light that I may see

From the base of the mountain I see the flames of fire shooting high
As if calling me to come closer to study its spectacle
Camera in hand I capture picture after picture of its evolving creation
Of a mountain being created from the core of the earth
Not heeding the warnings of its pending eruption
I am buried by the ashes, frozen in time by the cooling lava

Heaven shine your light down on me
Shine your light that I may see

For in all the power and beauty contained in this Earth
There is a delicate balance to be understood and respected
For life out of balance is an act of destruction
Learning this balance is what our journey is about
To sprout forth new life from the disaster we have created
And allow His Holy Spirit to restore us to healing

Heaven shine your light down on me
Shine your light so that I will be free

Copyright © 2014 by SkylerThomas
Revision 20150101a

Living Waters Edge

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Oklahoma City, Lake Hefner; “Living Waters Edge” Copyright © 2014 by SkylerThomas

Have you ever wanted a miracle
But felt unworthy to plead

Have you felt like a lost cause
weighed down, never to be freed

All you could do was crawl in a hole
Never to be heard from or seen

Giving up a life of purpose

Giving up hope to be clean

Shouting out to God in your anger
Why not me Lord, why am I not deserving

If you were truly a God of love and compassion
You are the one I would be serving

Walking away into the night
Your heart hardened, you have no regret

Your hopes crushed to have a Savior
Someone who loves you, who will pay your debt

Have you ever seen a miracle
in the life of another soul

Have you ever witnessed the gratitude
that comes by making one whole

It’s a beauty that’s indescribable
A gift from the One above

Filled with so much awe and wonder

It is truly a gift of love

That gift is yours for the taking
All you have to do is ask

But you will never be able to come clean
If you continue to wear your mask

How do you break free from yourself
From the bondage that’s keeping you a slave

You have to lift your hands to the one above

For He is the only one who can save

Come to the living water’s edge
And feel the power of healing

It is a miracle you can receive
The love of the Savior revealing

You will be free from your own bondage
To be made whole again

Give Him your burden, completely your burden

He will cleanse you from all your sin

Have you ever seen a miracle
in the life of your own soul

Have you ever poured out your gratitude
that comes by making you whole

It’s a beauty that’s indescribable
A gift from the One above

Filled with so much awe and wonder
It is truly a gift of love

Copyright © 2014 by SkylerThomas