Marissa Henley

Encouraging weary women to hope in Christ alone

Trust in the Name of the Lord {No Matter What Monday}

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How do you respond when your heart is anxious? I don’t know about you, but I often start searching for a reason to feel better. My eyes scan the landscape of this world for some reassurance. Maybe I’ll check my bank account balance. Maybe I’ll google “covid vaccine” to see if there’s any new developments there. Maybe I’ll read articles that will bring me some comfort regarding our nation’s political situation. 

There’s nothing wrong with pursuing financial stability, praying for life-saving medical developments, and advocating for our preferred political candidate. But none of these worldly reassurances bring lasting security. There is only One who can calm our anxious hearts with His perfect peace. 

“Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.” (Psalm 20:7)

When King David wrote this psalm, his source of worldly reassurance would be his military might. Even though God gave him great success and peace for the nation of Israel during his reign, David knew that his strongest army would mean nothing without the Lord. 

Notice how David doesn’t just say he trusts in the Lord – he says he trusts in the name of the Lord. Throughout the Old Testament, the name of the Lord is associated with the Lord’s covenant promises and presence with His people (see Deuteronomy 12:11, Proverbs 18:10, Joel 2:32). His name is tied to His faithfulness to keep all His promises. His name was how He revealed His character. David trusts in the Lord, the perfect promise-keeper. 

And notice those two important words at the end of the verse: “our God.” The Lord isn’t just the God, He’s our God. David was a descendent of Abraham and part of the nation of Israel who were chosen to be God’s people. And because of Christ’s sacrifice for us, we’ve been adopted into God’s family. We are His, and He is ours. In Christ, we can cry out to the Lord of the universe and call Him our God and Father. 

No matter what you face this week, you can trust in the name of the Lord your God. 

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Never Separated from God’s Love {No Matter What Monday}

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My daughter asked me recently, “What’s been the worst day of your life?” There have been more than one “worst day ever” – those days when we’ve lost a loved one certainly come to mind. Life in this world can be heartbreaking. 

Ten years ago today I was living some of those worst days. I woke up on my 34th birthday filled with sadness, stress, and dread. The day before, I’d been diagnosed with a rare cancer called angiosarcoma. We didn’t know yet what the road ahead would look like, and I’m glad I didn’t know everything that was to come. But I did know this good news: 

“For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:38-39)

These words brought me so much comfort as I walked through the valley of the shadow of death that year. I didn’t know if I’d live to see 35, if my daughter would remember me, if I’d see my sons grow into young men, if my husband would be left to raise our kids alone. But I knew from Romans 8:38-39 that nothing – not even cancer, not even death – could separate us from God’s love. 

In these verses, Paul gives us a comprehensive list of all the circumstances and powers that can’t separate us from God’s love. And in case he missed anything, he adds these powerful words: “nor anything else in all creation.” That pretty much covers it, wouldn’t you say? 

Notice that Paul doesn’t say “Nothing will separate us,” as if he’s making a prediction about something that could happen but won’t. He says none of these things “will be able to separate us.” God loves us with a rock-solid, certain, steadfast love in Christ Jesus. Something separating God’s children from that love is a complete impossibility. It won’t happen because it can’t happen. 

Christ Jesus died and rose again to guarantee this promise: Even on the worst day of your life, nothing in all creation will be able to separate you from God’s love. 

No matter what you face this week, nothing will be able to separate you from God’s love. 

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Our Greatest Need {First 5}

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I’m sharing an audio teaching this weekend at First 5 about how Jesus met our greatest need. I’d love for you to join us as we dig into the events at the end of Jesus’ earthly ministry, from the triumphal entry through the ascension. Head over to First 5 to listen or read an audio transcript, or download the app to join us in our study of 40 days through the Bible!

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The Enormity of the Empty Tomb {First 5}

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I’m sharing over at First 5 today about Christ’s resurrection as we make our way through a study of 40 days through the Bible. Here’s a preview . . .

Today’s Reading: Luke 24

Luke 24:6a (ESV) “He is not here, but has risen.”

I’ll never forget the look of joy on his adorable 3-year-old face when he heard the news. One morning during breakfast, my son Christopher started asking questions about Jesus. He knew that Jesus died on the cross for his sins, but apparently there were gaps in his knowledge. When I mentioned that Jesus rose from the dead, his eyes grew wide and he exclaimed, “Jesus is alive?!?!” He clapped his hands exuberantly and shouted, “Yaaaaaay!”

For most adults, the good news of the resurrection doesn’t surprise us anymore. When we read about the women on their way to Jesus’ tomb with their spices, we know what they’ll find. So I think we miss the enormity of the plot twist in this passage.

What if Luke 24 was a description of the women caring for the dead body of Jesus? What if Cleopas’ narrative of Jesus as a crucified prophet was the end of the story? (Luke 24:19-20)

If Jesus is still in the grave, our faith is worthless. The bodily resurrection of Jesus is the cornerstone of our Christian faith because our salvation depends on the tomb being empty. (1 Corinthians 15:14) These seven words change everything: “He is not here, but has risen” (Luke 24:6a). Jesus is alive!

I hope you’ll head over to First 5 and check out the rest of today’s teaching or download the app and join us as we continue our study!

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