Category Archives: Struggle for Life

STOP!!! And Make a Decision (Devotional)

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

My Swamp

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S
awgrass Lake Park, St. Petersburg, FL, Copyright © 2014 by SkylerThomas

THIS is my swamp…

My skin is thick and tough…
… so that I no longer have to be vulnerable to the pain that surrounds me.

My fighting skills are honed and advanced…
… so that I can aggressively and fiercely shred any foe that attacks me.

I can submerge and hide for long periods of time…
… to avoid uncomfortable confrontation.

I can adapt to my surroundings here in my swamp…
…so that I can be…
…unaffected
…unmoved
…unshaken
…un-convicted

…of what might otherwise appear to be a…
…murky
…dirty
…polluted environment.

This is MY swamp…

It is my sanctuary. It is my cocoon.

It is…
…my death trap.

I did not always live in my swamp.
In fact, I was not made to be able to survive in my swamp.

I had to become…
…to adapt
…to adjust
…to evolve

…into what I have become in order to survive the toxic conditions that exist in my swamp.

This is my SWAMP…

And only I can make the decision to continue dying here…
…or to choose life outside of my swamp.

What’s it going to be?

Copyright © 2014 by SkylerThomas

The following pictures were taken at Sawgrass Lake Park, St. Petersburg, FL
Copyright © 2014 by SkylerThomas

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In the Shadow of Your Grace (Devotional)


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


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

BOOM WHACK…On and on and on…BOOM WHACK

Scripture:

“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

Copyright © 2014 by SkylerThomas