So this is the first ‘blog whatever you like’ blog! The pressure to set the standard high is almost too much for me! There’s a verse that sits on my desk in work. Printed on a small laminated rectangle is the verse “For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength – Philippians 4:13“. Peter had left it on his desk after finishing up work here in September and I decided it would look well sitting underneath my computer screen.

It’s a verse that has been floating around my life a bit for the past few months. I’ve heard and seen it in so many places- at Ignite, in bible study, in songs, on Instagram and obviously seeing it every day in work.

When I’m faced with hard times (Let’s face it, we all are at some point) I find it hard to trust and rely on verses like these. At the time I always find it hard to apply them, but I am always able to look back and see how true that verse is.

I’ve gone through some difficult situations and it’s only when I look back that I can see how Christ gave me the strength to get through it. Sometimes I wonder why I had to go through those things, or what the point of it was, or if there was any point at all…but I guess that’s not the most important thing. The most important thing is that it did happen, and that I wasn’t alone through it all. We can’t change the past, we can only learn from it.

Music has been a big part of my life and I know that music has helped me in times when life hasn’t been great. One song I’ve discovered recently (Bet you can’t guess the artist?!) has been on my mind almost every hour of every day and it’s a great song of Hope. It’s a song that doesn’t pretend that life will be easy- there will be suffering and tears…but because we are saved through the blood of Christ- that ultimately gives us our hope and joy.

There is hope beyond the suffering
Joy beyond the tears
Peace in every tragedy and love that conquers fear
I have found redemption in the blood of Christ
My body might be dying but I’ll always be alive