Summer for me has long been a season of recharging. This year has been especially encouraging as I have been reunited with cases of books that were stored while we lived overseas. For many reasons I continue to be drawn to the quiet voices that helped me form a solid and sustaining vision for my life so long ago.
It is not uncommon, when we make an honest assessment of ourselves and our personal strength and abilities, to feel unequal to the tasks before us. If we lose sight of Who called us to that big work and Who it is Who is going to see us through it can be daunting to say the least and paralyzing at its worst. These words spoke to me when I was rereading an old favorite in a waiting room this week:
"Doubt management is rooted in the Word – in truth. When you have doubts, what are you doing with those doubts? Where are you turning your thoughts? It should be to the Word…. "Casting down all imaginations and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ." 2 Corinthians 10:5
When the doubts came she had to put them aside – out of her mind. It was all a matter of what she would do with her thoughts. Would she allow them to dwell on the doubts – would she feed her mind on those doubts and let them root and grow? Or would she take her thoughts captive and use God's Word to replace her doubts with His truth?
When God calls us to a task, He also enables."
What I know to be true today is that what we feed tends to grow. Some confidence and optimism verses to nourish our thoughts:
"I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." Phil 4:13
"My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness." 2 Cor 12:9
"For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus." Phil 1:6
"Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or tremble at them, for the LORD your God is the one who goes with you He will not fail you or forsake you." Deut 31:6
'Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God, I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.' Isaiah 41:10
"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9
Starry Sky Journal 
Thank you. Needed. Much.
“My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.” 2 Cor 12:9
My current mantra.
Great image and, as always, insightful musings.
You’re “Big Thoughts” (both here and through email) have helped my personal “doubt management” many, many times!
Oh my- I meant “Your” Big Thoughts, not “You’re”.
(I should know better than to shoot off a comment in a hurry!)