Marissa Henley

Encouraging weary women to hope in Christ alone

But God {First 5}

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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!

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Better Than Life Itself {No Matter What Monday}

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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. 

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Are You Blessed? {First 5 Audio Teaching}

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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!

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What Our Weary Souls Need {No Matter What Monday}

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I knew January 1st wouldn’t magically change anything. I’ve left 2020 behind, but I woke up last Friday with the same pandemic, the same struggles, the same fears, and the same temptations. I didn’t become happier, holier, peaceful, or more disciplined overnight. That first workout of the year didn’t immediately reverse the effects of several months of baking. 

So maybe the problem wasn’t the date on the calendar—maybe the problem is me. What brings me joy? What am I clinging to? The year 2020 revealed a lot about the answers to these questions, and it wasn’t always pretty. If you’re in the same boat, I’ve got good news. Psalm 63 teaches us that when we seek the Lord, we will be satisfied in Him. 

“O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water. So I have looked upon you in the sanctuary, beholding your power and glory.” (Psalm 63:1-2)

The God who is our God is the only one who will satisfy the longing of our souls. David earnestly seeks God; he thirsts for God; he longs to be in the sanctuary, worshipping with the people of God. Do I want the same? 

Am I more disappointed by how the pandemic robbed me of vacations or how it disrupted our ability to meet together with other Christians? When I look ahead to 2021, am I hopeful that I will have more fun? Or do I long to be in the sanctuary with my church family, worshipping God, encouraging each other, and serving together? 

There’s no guarantee that 2021 won’t be just as disappointing as our old friend 2020. Many of us are weary. We’re discouraged and longing for normalcy. We won’t find answers by chasing entertainment, distraction, or control. But when we seek the Lord and turn our eyes upon His power and glory, He will be our peace, our joy, and our strength. His steadfast love will never fail. 

No matter what you face this week, the Lord your God will be like water for your dry, weary soul. 

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