Author Darlene J. Conard

As I slowly awakened yesterday morning, the Holy Ghost began leading me into His counseling room. He spoke to me about how old things have passed away and all things are becoming new. “God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?” (Numbers 23:19 KJV) I’ve spoken about this many times, but we need a reminder to stay encouraged. We are living in times of uncertainty. God doesn’t waiver, so we can be assured He is moving on our behalf.

As you prepare to pray, have you ever become aware of the overwhelming surge of intrusive thoughts flooding your mind? These thoughts can feel relentless, almost as if they are fighting for your attention and pulling you away from your intended focus. A powerful, persuasive voice may tempt you to divert your thoughts in a different direction, away from your sacred intention.

Picture a ship bravely sailing across the vast, unpredictable ocean, its hull cutting through the waves with courage. As it ventures further from the safety of the shore, dark clouds begin to gather on the horizon, unleashing a fierce storm that turns the tranquil sea into a chaotic maelstrom. The wind howls, the rain lashes down, and the ship’s compass spins wildly, disorienting its crew and sending them off course. Much like the ship, our minds can become trapped in a storm of turbulent thoughts, disrupting our connection to the peaceful solace of our spiritual practice.

Amid this chaos, I felt a stirring in my spirit that compelled me to limit my exposure to the noise of social media, television, and other distractions that pulled me away from my faith. It was as if God gently urged me to draw closer to Him amidst the world’s clamor. One afternoon, as I tuned in to the discussions swirling around me about the state of the world, I suddenly heard a profound whisper from the depths of my heart: “The true news is what is in My Word.”

In that moment, clarity washed over me, reminding me that when God assures us He hears our prayers, He truly listens and is actively at work in our lives. His promise is clear: “He’s going to make it good!” The specifics of how, when, and where that goodness will manifest remain shrouded in mystery, but the assurance of His presence offers peace amidst the storm.1 Corinthians 13:9-12 says, “For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. “You may be saying, “Darlene, I’m not in the position to do that.” Yes, you are; speak the promises of God over your circumstances. His Word is not empty or ineffective.   “So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.”  (Isaiah 55:11 KJV) In I Corinthians 13:12, Paul says, “For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.” We know that something is hidden behind the darkened glass, but the exact details escape us. It is as if God grants us glimpses and fragments of information as we progress along our journey, gradually unveiling a more complete picture for us to see.

Intrusive thoughts can be overwhelming, as if they are trying to tear down our faith and drain our strength. In those challenging moments, it is vital to hold tightly to the Word of God and the assurances found in His promises.

These divine truths serve as our anchor, providing comfort and resilience against the turmoil within. ^“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” Philippians 4:8 KJV

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