Marissa Henley

Encouraging weary women to hope in Christ alone

God Triumphs Over Bad News {No Matter What Monday}

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Some days it feels like the bad news will never end. We have covid-related news, economic news, political news . . . all added on top of the typical bad news of cancer diagnoses, broken relationships, and loss.

Last week I went back to one of my favorite verses from my cancer battle in 2010. My aunt shared this verse with me after my diagnosis because it had encouraged my grandmother during her battle with leukemia. The first time I read it, the first few words stopped me in my tracks:

“He is not afraid of bad news; his heart is firm, trusting in the LORD. His heart is steady; he will not be afraid, until he looks in triumph on his adversaries.” (Psalm 112:7-8)

“He is not afraid of bad news?” How can this be? There is so much about bad news to be afraid of! I’ll be honest – I’m terrified of bad news. I struggle with wondering what the next piece of bad news will be. If I could only have a bit of warning, I could prepare myself. But as much as I stretch and strain, I can’t see around the corner and glimpse what’s ahead.

Instead of preparing ourselves for bad news, God wants us to place our trust in Him. We see in these verses, and in many promises in God’s Word, that we can face bad news without fear because we belong to the Lord. We can stand firm, knowing that He is bigger, He is more powerful, and He is the victor over every evil that threatens us. He has already triumphed over every pain, every illness, every sin—even over death itself.

In this world, we will have trouble. There will always be more bad news until the day that Jesus returns. But we can take heart knowing that Jesus has overcome the world (John 16:33). We don’t trust in our own might, but in the power of the One who holds our future in His hands.

No matter what you face this week, God triumphs over all our bad news.

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Set Your Minds {No Matter What Monday}

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A few weeks ago, I was texting with a friend about how much we’re missing out on this year. I typed the words, “Nothing good is happening right now.” As soon as I saw that sentence, it was like holding up a mirror to my heart. I knew those words reflected my raw attitude but not the heavenly reality. My eyes were set on things of earth rather than the things of heaven. 

When we look at this world and all its challenges and disappointments, it feels like nothing good is happening right now. But if we turn our eyes heavenward to our Heavenly Father, we will see the goodness of all His gifts to us. 

“If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.” (Colossians 3:1-2)

In these verses, Paul encourages us to focus on Christ and all that we have in Him. He tells us to set our minds on things above rather than the things on earth, because he knows that the earthly treasure is fleeting and capricious. This world may temporarily satisfy us, but it can’t and won’t ultimately fulfill our desires. 

When Paul mentions Christ seated at the right hand of God, he wants us to remember the victorious Lamb of God. Christ has taken the punishment for our sin on the cross. He’s conquered death by rising again. He’s secured our salvation and defeated any enemy that could threaten to take us from Him. 

I’m thankful the whopping disappointment of 2020 isn’t all we have. We have things that are above—namely Christ and all He’s given to us. We have salvation, forgiveness, adoption, and a glorious future with Him. These heavenly treasures are secured by His grace and can never be taken away from those who are in Christ. 

No matter what you face this week, set your minds on things that are above. 

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Goodness and Mercy Are Yours Forever {No Matter What Monday}

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I sometimes wonder if squirrels come to our yard just to torment our dog, Samson. They run up and down the tree next to the windows while Samson goes absolutely bonkers on the other side of the glass. If we open the back door to let him out, he runs at top speed directly for the squirrels, who always scamper up a tree and out of reach. Despite his lack of success, he is always consumed by his pursuit. 

In Psalm 23 we learn that as God’s beloved sheep, we lack nothing we need as we enjoy quiet waters and green pastures of refreshment. We are not alone as we walk through the valley of the shadow of death. Our cup overflows with the provision of our Shepherd. And in this final verse of the psalm, we see how God’s good gifts continue to pursue us now and through all our days. 

“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever.” (Psalm 23:6)

The Hebrew word for “follow” could also be translated as pursue or chase. God’s goodness and mercy don’t amble behind us like a child who’s been sent to his room. They relentlessly pursue us and never let us out of their sight. We did nothing to earn them—they are a gift of God’s grace—and they can’t be taken away. These amazing gifts of goodness and mercy will follow us all the way to our eternal home, where we will dwell with the Lord forever. 

When it feels like God’s goodness can’t keep up with the troubles we face . . .

When we wonder if we’ve out-sinned the riches of His mercy . . . 

When we feel alone and discouraged and we can’t see evidence of His presence with us . . . 

Let’s take comfort in this truth: God’s goodness and mercy are following us all the days of our lives. He is with us now, and He sent His Son so that we can be with Him forever. 

No matter what you face this week, God’s goodness and mercy are yours forever. 

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My Cup Overflows {No Matter What Monday}

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When I was a teenager, an exciting new restaurant opened in my small hometown: we finally had a Chili’s! The best part about Chili’s wasn’t the thin, crunchy tortilla chips or the indulgently breaded chicken strips with salty fries. Chili’s most amazing feature was something I’d never seen before—unlimited soft drinks. 

Before my Dr. Pepper could empty all the way, the server would swap it for a full glass. And this endless supply of Dr. Pepper would continue throughout the meal. I wondered how they could stay in business, handing out glass after glass of Dr. Pepper like that! 

David lived a few thousand years before Chili’s and their unlimited Dr. Pepper, but he had a Shepherd who led him in green pastures, through the valley of the shadow of death, to an even better table overflowing with good gifts. 

“You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.” (Psalm 23:5)

Even though David is still in the presence of his enemies, God provides a refuge filled with refreshment. With the Shepherd’s protection and provision, David sits to eat in a lavish setting. Expensive oil anoints his head; his cup is filled to overflowing. God’s precious sheep lacks nothing. 

I don’t know about you, but I’m struggling right now. I feel empty inside—I’m running out of fun ideas at home, weary of trying to put a happy spin on months of disappointing cancellations, and desperate for the refreshment that comes from face-to-face fellowship with loved ones. My cup doesn’t feel like it’s overflowing today. 

And yet, Psalm 23:5 is still true. Can we see the table spread before us? God’s good gifts may not be exactly what we want, but He will always provide what we need: His grace, mercy, forgiveness, presence with you, care for us, unparalleled comfort, unexplainable peace, and unending faithfulness. 

Our Shepherd invites us to take a seat and feast on His lavish goodness to us. Feel the oil on your head that reminds you that you are precious to Him. See your cup overflow with good, spilling over onto the table as you reach for it, reminding you that God’s provision is more than you need. 

No matter what you face this week, your cup overflows with God’s good gifts.

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