Marissa, Author at Marissa Henley

From Anxious Overthinking to Peaceful Praise {No Matter What Monday}

January 18, 2021 by Marissa Leave a Comment

The house is still quiet in the mornings as I open my Bible and place my coffee mug on the teal coaster that a friend gave me for Christmas. It says, “It’s as if no one in my family appreciates that I stayed up all night overthinking for them.”

It’s funny because it’s true. As the mom of two teens and a tween, I had a lot of opportunities to overthink even before our world was rocked by a pandemic and political turmoil. Now my nightly overthinking has shifted into overdrive.

As we continue our study of Psalm 63, we see that David had a better approach to his bedtime routine.

“My soul will be satisfied as with fat and rich food, and my mouth will praise you with joyful lips, when I remember you upon my bed, and meditate on you in the watches of the night; for you have been my help, and in the shadow of your wings I will sing for joy.” (Psalm 63:5-7)

Isn’t it fascinating that David specifically mentioned thinking about God in the watches of the night? He didn’t just praise God during the day – he turned his thoughts to the Lord as he laid down to sleep.

I think God understands that when we’re alone in the dark with our thoughts, we will be tempted to stew over the past or worry about the future. Through David’s words, God shows us another way. Instead of focusing on our troubles and fears, we can meditate on what God has done and remember that we can trust Him.

These verses also tell us that David had a satisfied soul and joy-filled lips. These two things are connected—when we find our satisfaction in the Lord, it leads us to praise. We are grateful rather than grumbling. We look at our gracious God and find reasons to be joyful in all circumstances.

David behaved this way because of what he believed about God. He was satisfied, joyful, and peaceful because he knew the Lord was his refuge and his help. Rather than running out on his own to fix All. The. Things, David sang for joy in the shadow of God’s wings. And so can we.

No matter what you face this week, you can shift from anxious overthinking into peaceful praise.

But God {First 5}

January 11, 2021 by Marissa Leave a Comment

Today I have the privilege of sharing a teaching for First 5 on one of my favorite passages of Scripture – Ephesians 2:1-7. Here’s a preview . . .

“Which do you want first, the good news or the bad news?”

I cringe when I hear this question – I don’t want any bad news! But if I have to choose, I’d rather get the bad news over with first. In Ephesians 2:1-7, Paul shares devastating news followed by the best news imaginable. He starts with the bad news that we were all hopelessly and helplessly dead in our sin.

Paul doesn’t hold back in describing our spiritual condition apart from Christ. We might prefer to say we’re broken, weak, straying or struggling, but Paul says we were walking in sin and spiritually dead. (Ephesians 2:1) We were following the devil and consumed by our own desires. Apart from Christ, we were sinners who deserved nothing from God but His wrath. (Ephesians 2:2-3)

Dead people can’t do anything to change their situation. They can’t make themselves better or even ask for help. Spiritually dead people have only one hope: a rescuer with the power to raise the dead and give them new life.

Now it’s time for the good news. In Ephesians 2:4, we find these two little words that change everything: “But God.”

I hope you’ll head over to First 5 to read the rest of the teaching, or download the app and join us as we study Ephesians together!

Better Than Life Itself {No Matter What Monday}

January 11, 2021 by Marissa Leave a Comment

Ten years ago, I was spending most of my time in Houston. Over and over again, I left my husband and three young kids to travel to MD Anderson Cancer Center and receive chemotherapy and injections through a clinical trial. I never expected to “winter in Houston,” as I jokingly called it. But when a cancer diagnosis means you might not live long enough for your toddler to remember you, you do whatever it takes to live.

My story is just one example of how much we love life. We wear seat belts. We take vitamins. We turn our society upside down to attempt to minimize the impact of a deadly virus. When our life is threatened, do anything we can to survive.

And yet, Psalm 63 teaches us that there’s something even better than life: the steadfast love of God.

“Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you. So I will bless you as long as I live; in your name I will lift up my hands.” (Psalm 63:3-4)

As we continue our study of Psalm 63, we find one of the reasons that David’s soul thirsts for the Lord—because His love is even better than life itself. Better than life?! I don’t think David is using hyperbole here, and his choice of words makes me wonder if I fully grasp the magnitude of God’s steadfast love.

The Hebrew word translated here as “steadfast love” carries a connotation of loyalty and faithfulness. God’s steadfast love involves His commitment to keep all His covenant promises to His people. He promised to be with us. He promised to be our Deliverer. He sent His Son to make a new covenant with us and shed His blood for the forgiveness of our sins. God’s love for His children isn’t just an emotion—it’s a commitment to us and to our salvation in Christ.

So whatever you’re struggling with today, even if your very life is threatened, you can praise God for His steadfast love. And if you’re enjoying the good gifts God has given you in this life, keep this perspective in mind—God’s given you something even better. His steadfast love and promises will never fail.

No matter what you face this week, God’s steadfast love is better than anything—even better than life itself.

Are You Blessed? {First 5 Audio Teaching}

January 9, 2021 by Marissa Leave a Comment

This weekend I had the privilege of sharing an audio teaching for First 5 on one of my favorite passages of Scripture – Ephesians 1. You can listen or read a transcript by clicking here or downloading the First 5 app. I’m excited about this study of Ephesians and would love for you to join us in the app!