The Beulah Girl Blog

Maybe you are a person that struggles with the idea that God loves you or maybe you're walking through a situation that is making it hard to believe God cares for you. The simple way to always rest in the truth of God's love.

When times are good, it's easy to trust God and believe He is a faithful and good God. But when times are bad, it's much harder to trust. Two takeaways from John 10:10 that teach us what it means to have an abundant life on life's mountaintops or in life's lowest valleys.

When trials and hardships pile up, we can grow weary and discouraged. We might be tempted to give up on the assignment or vision God has given us. How to find strength and hope to continue on once more when your resolve fails and darkness surrounds.

In seasons of loss or sadness, we can't always see what God is doing or how He will help us out of our pit of suffering. This personal story of miscarriage encourages us when we're in the middle of a hard trial to hold onto God a little longer to see how He will work good out of our greatest pain.

If the Bible is such a powerful book, why do some people get so much out of it and not others? We might find it surprising that our approach affects how much the Bible impacts us. Doing these two simple things will help us see change in our lives.

When God doesn't answer our prayers and feels far off, we can feel disappointed and disillusioned. It can feel confusing when we don't get the intervention we want. Is God aware of what we're going through? Does He even care? A look at the reason we can be thankful even when it appears that God isn't answering our prayers. Episode 2 in "Spotlight on Gratitude" series.

With all that is going on in our world right now -- racial tension, civil unrest, and a pandemic -- our margin for dealing with day-to-day struggles against the backdrop of such uncertainty is small. How can we experience internal peace and the ability to deal with what life throws us when it feels like everything around us is crumbling? The episode discusses 2 strategies for cultivating peace.

At times, we will experience mistreatment in by an institution, a job, relationship, or by some other means. In those cases, we may not be free to speak up or may feel silenced or shamed when we do. In those cases, what can we do? A look at Psalm 120 and the reassurance believers have in the psalm that God comforts and protects those experiencing injustice. Part 5 of "Joy is the Midst of Suffering" series.

We often focus on the promises and benefits that come with following God, but being a Christian also means experiencing persecution. How can we go from a place of feeling blind-sided and broken to a place of feeling confident and keep going in the midst of persecution? We look at 1 Peter 4:12 and talk about how to view persecution and understand how its a blessing -- rather than a setback -- in our Christian walk. Episode 4 in "Joy in the Midst of Suffering" series.

Ever felt pressure beyond what you can bear, like the walls are closing in on you? In our toughest circumstances, God gives us what we need to get through. This episode focuses on Psalm 4 and shows us lessons from the psalm that show us the help God gives to bring us relief we need when we feel confined by trouble and hardship. Episode 3 in "Joy in the Midst of Suffering" series.

When we go through seasons of suffering, we want to know why. Why is God allowing this? Why has this happened to me? However, God doesn't always answer our questions. We can learn 3 lessons from Job, who suffered greatly, about what affliction teaches us and how we can respond when God doesn't answer our questions. Part 2 of "Experiencing Joy in the Midst of Suffering" series.

When trials come and sorrows overwhelm, it doesn't seem like anything will help other than getting out of our situation or removal of the trial. However, there is a way to feel encouraged and uplifted in our trial even in the midst of great suffering that doesn't immediately get resolved. Lessons from 1 Peter 1:6, 7 that detail why we can be encouraged and even rejoice in trials. Part 1 of "Experiencing Joy in the Midst of Suffering" series.

Shortcuts in our daily life can help us get places faster and complete tasks with greater ease. But shortcuts in our spiritual life can be detrimental and make our journey to the fulfillment of God's promises longer. This episode explores Naomi's actions throughout Ruth and how her transformation from bitterness to better came from taking the long route and resisting the temptation to take shortcuts. Episode 6 in "Hope When You're at the end of Your Rope: Lessons from Ruth on Trust, Surrender, and Healing" series.

Most if not all of us would say we want to walk into the promises God has for us, but we may not expect the obstacles and sacrifices that come with this course. We can learn 3 lessons from Ruth 4 about what it means to walk into the plans God has for us. Part 5 of "Hope When You're at the end of Your Rope: Lessons From Ruth on Trust, Surrender, and Healing" series.

Ever been in a place where you want to know what you need to do next, but you're not sure what that might be? This Christmas-themed episode looks at Matthew 2 and takes lessons from the wise men on knowing God's will in a particular circumstance and making the next right choice. (We will return to Ruth series "Hope When You're at the end of Your Rope: Lessons From Ruth on Trust, Surrender, and Healing" following this episode.)

When we're walking down a particular path at God's leading and the way is confusing and doesn't make sense, we might be tempted to forge our own path or question God's trustworthiness. However, instead, we can take action steps in the midst of our confusion. The episode discusses Ruth 3 and two actions to take in the midst of hardship. Part 4 in "Hope When You're at the end of Your Rope: Lessons from Ruth on Trust, Surrender, and Healing" series.

Walking with Jesus in the Christian life is costly and full of trials. Sometimes in the midst of hardship we forget the blessings that come with following Him. Reminding ourselves of the rewards that come from walking with Him help us in hard times when our hope is small and our outlook bleak. Part 3 of "Hope When You're at the end of Your Rope: Lessons from Ruth on Trust, Surrender, and Healing" series on the book of Ruth.

When depression strikes, we may despair of ever enjoying life again. but there are several things we can do to help relieve our depression. Strategies discussed include knowing it's a season, keeping up with activities (even when you don't feel like it), and helping others in need to lessen your own pain. Part 2 of Strategies for Dealing With Depression series.

When we have negative thoughts and feelings of despair, we might have difficulty concentrating and doing what we normally do throughout the day. We might get irritable with friends and families and feel guilt and shame for the way we are acting. God can step in our situation and tell us what we need to hear to find relief. Discussion of 2 of 5 strategies for dealing with depression. Part 1 or 2 part series on depression. (We will return to Ruth series after next week.)

Ever found yourself in a stressful situation that threatened to break you and wondered what God was up to? In our walks with God, we will encounter circumstances that test how committed we are to God. In Ruth 1, Ruth reaches a crossroads and shows us how to push past the breaking point to arrive at God's blessings. Part 2 of "Hope When You're at the end of Your Rope: Lessons from Ruth on trust, surrender, and healing.

Ever wanted to go down a path that looked appealing but felt that God was pointing you down another path? In this episode, we explore chapter 1 of the book of Ruth and note how she chose an unconventional, harder path that led straight to blessing. Similarly, in our own lives, we can follow the harder path of following God knowing that His paths will always be the best for us -- even if they don't initially look to be the most advantageous. Episode 1 of "Hope When You're at the end of Your Rope: Lessons from Ruth on Trust, Surrender, and Healing" series.

Sometimes God gives us a solution to our problem that we don't understand or don't expect. In those places, we may discount what He says or be tempted to follow what feels right in our circumstance. This episode explores why His counsel is always accurate and trustworthy by looking at the description of Jesus in His message to Laodicea in Revelation 3. Part 6 in "Holding Fast to Our Faith in Troubled Times" series.

In the Christian life, rather than stay in the same place we are in at salvation, we are ever changing and growing when we walk with Christ. In this episode, we explore what it looks like to live a life of constant renewal and growth by looking at Jesus' message to the church of Laodicea in Revelation 3. In addition, we discuss what it means to "buy" of Jesus and exchange our sinful habits for His holy ones. Part 5 of "Holding Fast to Our Faith in Troubled Times" series.

While we live in this world, we will have trouble. Sometimes the challenges of life pull us under and threaten our faith. This episode details the hope we can have when we find our strength in Christ and draws lessons on remaining steadfast from the church of Philadelphia in Revelation 3. Part 4 in "Holding Fast to Our Faith in Troubled Times."

Christianity isn't merely a list of do's and don'ts, but rather listening to the Spirit of God and doing what He says. In this episode, co-hosts Suzy Lolley and Carol Whitaker look at the church of Philadelphia in Revelation 3 and identify the ways the church was commended by Jesus for their work. They discuss what faithful service looks like in the Christian life. Part 3 in "Holding Fast to Our Faith in Troubled Times" series.

Ever feel like God might be trying to warn you, but you don't like what He is telling you and still want to continue on the same path? In this second episode of our "Holding Fast to Our Faith in Troubled Times" series, co-hosts Suzy Lolley and Carol Whitaker talk about why God warns us when we grow indifferent in our faith and how we can turn around if we are going down the wrong path -- and the blessings that await us if we do.

Feeling a little lethargic in your faith and in need of revitalization? In this episode, co-host Suzy Lolley returns to talk with Carol Whitaker about the reasons that we can slowly drift from the faith and how to remedy the problem. Part 1 in series "Holding Fast to Our Faith in Troubled Times."

We can resolve to do the will of God, but then before we know it, fear gets in the way and serves as an obstacle in faith. Knowing that fear is a hindrance and prevents us from doing the will of God and growing spiritually, how can we get past our fear? This episode discusses fear and what to do when we are gripped with fear but know God is asking us to step out in faith.

It's good to seek advice from others, read books, and use our intellect to solve problems. But there is a best thing we can do in the midst of hard circumstances: we can ask God what to do in our circumstance. However, we often are afraid to ask God because we fear He won't answer or our failings will prevent us from hearing from God. However, James 1:5 urges us to seek Him when we are in a trial because He promises to give wisdom to all who ask. Part 3 of "Rejoicing in Trials" series.

Ever told God, "Not today, Lord. I am too stressed or tired or sad to share you with others"? While there are certainly times we should grieve and process emotions, God will surprise us by nudging us to serve others when we ourselves are going through difficulty or pain. However, this service has benefits for not only others but ourselves. When we choose to not only endure -- but remain faithful in our service to God -- in the midst of hardship, we become what God always intended for us to be. Part 2 of "Rejoicing in Trials" series.

As Christians, we can often guilt ourselves into thinking that we should be happy in our trials, because verses such as James 1:2-4 tell us to "consider it joy" when we encounter trials. However, what if the verse isn't telling us to fake happiness in our trials, but instead telling us to view our trials in a different way because of what they produce in us and the benefit they give us? This episode explores the practical wisdom and encouragement in James 1:2-4 that helps us get through and view differently our most difficult life circumstances. Part 1 in "Rejoicing in Our Trials" series.

Ever felt worn out and disillusioned as a mom? Acting as a referee for sibling fights, diffusing toddler tantrums, or managing teenage disrespect have you feeling like you're not sure why you signed up to be a mom? In Part 4 of "Motherhood: The Joys, Challenges, and Trials," the episode explores the truth in Scripture that can give us the motivation and empowerment necessary to face down our toughest mom moments and find joy in the journey once again.

In our society, many advocate that we just let children govern themselves and choose their own path in terms of gender, sexuality, religion, and values. Yet, Proverbs 22:6 tells us that as parents we have a responsibility to raise our children in the way they should go. This episode explores what it means to train a child and the benefits of training for not only the child, but for parents, when we follow the Word of God. Part 3 of "Motherhood: The Joys, Challenges, and Trials."

In Part 2 of the series "Motherhood: The Joys, Challenges, and Trials," the episode explores the job of a wife and mother as defined in Titus 2 and how the job requires that we be a "keeper" of our homes and children. The episode discusses misconceptions about what that means, as well as what a "keeper" looks like - drawing some connections to the job of lighthouse keeper.

As stay-at-home moms, we can feel like we serve people all day long without recognition or thanks. Being a stay-at-home mom also requires sacrifices such as stepping away from a fulfilling career, making budgetary adjustments, and letting go of personal dreams to focus on caring for little ones and our homes. In Part 1 of the series "Motherhood: The Joys, Challenges, and Trials," we take an honest look at motherhood and what the Bible says about the value of moms.

In Part 4 of our series "Staying True to Your Calling," we conclude with this episode on how to move forward in your calling. After answering God's call, we often make a good start but can get stuck in the middle in trials and painful circumstances. We discuss how to keep moving rather than bail on God's plan - and how our difficulties are those that can strengthen us, rather than cause us to abandon the way God is leading.

in Part 3 of the series "Staying True to Your Calling," we explore 3 fears that can come against us in the process of stepping out to start or complete the assignment that God has given to us. We can look at the story of Anna the prophetess in Luke 2 and gain some lessons about how to combat our fears and rest in the assurance that when we participate with God in His plans for our lives, He does through us what we could never do on our own.

The word "calling" is thrown around in both the Christian and secular community, but what is calling in biblical terms? In Part 2 of "Staying True to Your Calling" series, we focus on 3 lessons Paul gives us in Galatians about what it means to walk in your God-given calling.

Ever backed down from telling others parts of your story or boldly living out your faith because you weren't sure how others would receive you? In Part 1 of a series on being true to your God-given calling, we talk about how to walk in your calling without hiding or diluting the person God has made you to be.

When we walk through circumstances that are heartbreaking or just plain hard, we are tempted to doubt the goodness of God and pull away from Him. But Satan wants us to do just that and uses our hard times to get us to believe God doesn't really love us. In Part 4 of our series "Finding Hope in the Midst of Disappointing Circumstances," we explore in this episode how much God loves us and why it's important to cling to this truth in the middle of our worst life circumstances.

Ever been frustrated by all the problems in your life? Part 3 of our series on "Finding Hope in the Midst of Disappointing Circumstances" focuses on how the very trials that we want removed can be those that God uses as roads into what He has for us. Rather than always remove our trials, God sometimes chooses to instead take us through our mountains -- whether He put them there or we erected them.

Just like our bodies need food and water, our souls need nourishment as well. Though we can seek comfort in many things, only God can provide the sustenance, comfort, and help we need. This episode explores how we can find this sustenance if we are spiritually dry -- through time spent with Him in His Word and in doing His work. Part 2 of "Hope in the Midst of Disappointing Circumstances" series.

Sometimes doing the will of God can lead to a place that looks like failure from the world's standards. When we're disappointed because the work God has given us doesn't measure up to what we've envisioned in our head, we may grow disillusioned, bitter, or depressed. How can we have hope in those places where we don't feel successful? Carol Whitaker shares a biblical perspective of success and the hope we can find by looking at Jesus' ministry and Isaiah 49. Part 1 of "Hope in Disappointing Circumstances" series.

You may have heard it said, "Trust in God," when you are worried, stressed, or anxious. But such a flippant comment may have made you feel worse. Could there be anything to this advice when it comes to combatting anxiety? This episode details how trusting is the antidote to fear and can indeed, in some situations, help to alleviate anxiety. Carol Whitaker shares her personal story of learning to trust when fear has threatened to derail her.

It makes sense to do obey God when our obedience leads to blessings and happy endings. But what about those times when obeying Him leads to persecution, misunderstandings, arguments, or confusing circumstances? What then? In those times, rather than get angry at God or walk away from Him, we can be encouraged by 1 Peter 4:19, which tells us what to do when we're in a place where we're discouraged by where God's will has led us.

In Part 5 of "What Happens When We Believe God's Words Are True," this episode focuses on Balaam in Numbers 22 and how his divided heart affected his actions. We draw from Balaam lessons about double-mindedness -- what it is -- and how it can make us inconsistent in our decision-making, and how to get our focus back in the right place.

We celebrate for lots of reasons, but in the Christian faith one reason we celebrate is when God does something on our behalf. In Part 4 of "What Happens When We Believe God's Words Are True," co-hosts Suzy Lolley and Carol Whitaker look at the shepherds' celebration in Luke 2 and draw some lessons about what it means to celebrate and how we not only honor God with our praise, we draw others to come and see for themselves why we are praising when we celebrate.

Though we don't generally think of someone having the wrong reaction to a miracle, we see that in Scripture that we can have the wrong ideas or responses to the miracles of God. In Part 3 of this series on "What Happens When We Believe God's Words Are True," co-hosts Suzy Lolley and Carol Whitaker look at Zechariah and his response to the miracle of a son announced to him by an angel. He is rebuked for his unbelief, but ultimately comes to believe. From his very human response, we can learn much about miracles and how to respond to God's messages and miracles from his reaction.

Have you ever wished you could wave a magic wand and change a situation in your life? Maybe a health problem, relationship, your finances, or some other area? In Part 2 of our series "What Happens When We Believe God's Words Are True," co-hosts Suzy Lolley and Carol Whitaker examine the priest Zechariah in Luke 1 and his reaction to news that his fortunes are about to drastically change for the better. Rather than believe what God tells him, he falls into unbelief. We discuss the lessons that can be learned from his unbelief and how our belief can affect what God wants to do in our lives.

Ever wondered if your acts of faith really made much of a difference? Although God can perform miracles for a variety of reasons, He, at times, performs miracles in response to our faith. Find out in this episode how King Hezekiah was healed by God's miraculous intervention on his behalf and how his faith teaches us to believe God's words in our circumstance and step out in faith -- believing God will act when we do.

Have you ever wanted to obey in your Christian walk or change an area of your life but couldn't do it in your own strength? Did you ever feel discouraged by the words of Scripture because you felt you couldn't measure up? Jesus is the perfect model of faith in Hebrews 12, but He is more than a model: He ushered in the new covenant which enables us to have the power of the Spirit to do what He asks. This episode concludes a 3-part series on Hebrews 12 and acting in obedience to attain God's promises.