Tag: Christian encouragement

During This Season, You Are Seen

On By Naty MatosIn Inspirational ThoughtsLeave a comment

The holiday season is often wrapped in bright lights, warm gatherings, and words like joy, peace, and merry. But for many, December doesn’t feel merry at all. Instead, it magnifies the ache of what—and who—is missing.

Maybe you’re facing the first Christmas without someone you love.
Maybe a divorce has fractured your sense of home.
Maybe a job loss has left you anxious about the future.
Maybe your health has shifted your daily reality.
Or maybe a broken relationship has left an empty chair at the table—and an even emptier space in your heart.

If you’re dreading the holidays this year, you’re not alone. And more importantly, you’re not forgotten by God.

Below is gentle truth, comfort, and hope for anyone walking into the season with grief, fear, or disappointment.

When You’re Grieving a Loved One

Scripture: “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” — Psalm 34:18

Loss has a way of turning familiar traditions into reminders of what has changed. What once brought joy may now stir pain. Grief doesn’t follow a calendar, and it certainly doesn’t pause for December.

Hopeful Hints

  • Give yourself permission to feel. God isn’t asking you to pretend.
  • Create a moment of remembrance—light a candle, share a story, display a photo.
  • Let this be a season of gentleness, not pressure.

Prayer Thought: “Lord, sit with me in this tender space where joy and sorrow coexist. Be my comfort today.”

When You’re Divorced or Separated

Scripture: “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” — Psalm 147:3

Shifts in family structure can cast a spotlight on what’s been lost. Traditions change, routines break, and loneliness tries to creep in where connection used to dwell.

Hopeful Hints

  • Release the pressure to recreate the past.
  • Start small, new traditions that honor where you are now.
  • Surround yourself with voices that speak life, hope, and peace.

Prayer Thought: “God, restore my sense of belonging and rebuild the places within me that feel broken.”

When You’ve Lost a Job or Financial Stability

Scripture: “And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” — Philippians 4:19

When finances are uncertain, the holiday season can feel overwhelming. Expectations rise, but resources don’t. Yet your value has never been tied to what you can buy, give, or provide.

Hopeful Hints

  • Simplify the season—meaning always matters more than material.
  • Seek support without shame; community is God’s design.
  • Remember that provision rests in God’s hands, not your performance.

Prayer Thought: “Lord, be my Provider. Show me Your abundance even in this season of lack.”

When Relationships Are Broken or Strained

Scripture: “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” — Romans 12:18

Heartbreak isn’t limited to romantic relationships. A shattered friendship, tension with a family member, or distance with a child can make the holidays especially painful.

Hopeful Hints

  • Let go of forced togetherness; sometimes peace means stepping back.
  • Protect your heart with healthy boundaries.
  • Pray for reconciliation, but also pray for your own healing.

Prayer Thought: “God, guide me in my relationships with grace, wisdom, and peace.”

When You’re Battling Health Issues

Scripture: “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.” — 2 Corinthians 12:9

Illness—whether physical or emotional—can make the holidays feel heavy. Low energy, constant pain, or limitations can reshape what celebration looks like.

Hopeful Hints

  • Celebrate what you can, not what you feel you must.
  • Prioritize rest over expectation.
  • Allow others to support you—this is not a burden you have to carry alone.

Prayer Thought: “Lord, strengthen me, comfort me, and give me grace for every moment.”

A Final Word of Hope

Even when the holidays feel overwhelming, Christmas itself was born into darkness. Jesus stepped into a weary, grieving, broken world—and He still steps into ours. His birth remains good news for heavy hearts.

Scripture to Hold Onto:
“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” — John 1:5

Whether this season finds you mourning, adjusting, rebuilding, hoping, or simply surviving, you are seen. You are loved. And God is with you in every breath, every tear, and every quiet moment.

May this be a gentle December, where the presence of God becomes your greatest gift and your steady place of peace.

When the World Feels Unstable, How Do We Thrive?

On By Naty MatosIn ThriveLeave a comment

Life is unpredictable; right now, it feels like we’re all riding a wave of uncertainty. In our latest episode of Thrive by The Rising Muse, we take off the script and get real—no filters, no outlines, just raw conversation about the struggles many face today. We’re calling it Thrive Raw because sometimes, we just need to speak from the heart.

From massive job layoffs to skyrocketing grocery prices to the weight of mental health struggles—these are more than just headlines. They’re real-life battles people are fighting every single day. In this episode, we unpack the emotions, the fears, and the faith it takes to move forward when life throws the unexpected our way.

So, what do you do when your security is shaken? How do you hold on when it feels like you’re losing everything? More importantly, where is God in all of this? We’re diving deep into these questions and offering encouragement, real talk, and most of all, hope.

✨ Why you need to listen:
✔️ Raw, unfiltered conversation about the struggles happening right now.
✔️ Faith-centered encouragement for anyone feeling lost or overwhelmed.
✔️ Practical advice on how to move forward, find purpose, and rebuild.
✔️ A heartfelt message about the value of your life, no matter your circumstances.

If you or someone you love has been affected by job loss, financial uncertainty, or feelings of hopelessness, we want you to know that you are not alone. Join us for this powerful episode, and let’s navigate these storms together.

🎧 Listen now on your favorite podcast platform!
🔗 Click here for new episode

Let’s keep thriving—together.

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Living in the World but Not of It: A Call to Reflect Christ

On By Naty MatosIn Inspirational ThoughtsLeave a comment

In recent times, many Christians have been led to believe that we are called to impose our beliefs on the world by force, forgetting a fundamental truth of our faith: we are in this world, but we are not of it. This misunderstanding has led to behaviors and attitudes that run contrary to the teachings of Jesus. It’s like asking hotel management to remodel the room we’re renting temporarily. We’ve forgotten that this world is not our permanent home. As believers, our mission is not to change the world by worldly means but to point others to Christ so that their hearts can be transformed.

Jesus’ words in John 17:14-16 remind us of our place: “I have given them your word and the world has hated them, for they are not of the world any more than I am of the world. My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of it.” Our calling is to live as ambassadors of Christ, reflecting His love, grace, and truth while remembering that hatred, division, and force are tools of the enemy, who seeks to kill, deceive, and destroy (John 10:10).

The Mission We’ve Forgotten

The Great Commission calls us to make disciples, not to coerce others into belief. Jesus commands in Matthew 28:19-20, “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” This mission requires patience, humility, and love. It’s not about forcing others to conform to our standards but about lovingly pointing them to the truth found in God’s Word.

Some have even gone so far as to attempt to manufacture events to hasten Jesus’ return. This is not only an act of pride but also selfishness. In Matthew 24:36, Jesus said, “But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.” It is not our place to decide when Christ will return. Our focus should remain on the mission He has given us. If we truly love others as ourselves (Matthew 22:39), we will desire their salvation as much as we desired our own. Remember, someone shared the Gospel with us when we were lost. Let us not give up on others who have yet to know the truth.

Jesus Was Not a Political Figure

Many Christians today seem to forget that Jesus did not come to establish a political kingdom. He didn’t seek to change the laws of Rome or Jerusalem. Instead, He came to reveal the kingdom of heaven and to transform hearts. When we focus on imposing our beliefs through political or social power, we lose sight of the example Christ set for us.

In John 18:36, Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jewish leaders. But now my kingdom is from another place.” This statement underscores the spiritual nature of His mission. Our task is not to make this world our home but to invite others to prepare for the kingdom of heaven.

Reflecting Christ’s Love

When we are unkind to those who are different from us, we’re not acting like Jesus. Loving the sinner while rejecting the sin is the delicate balance we’re called to maintain. Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 provide a clear picture of what Christlike love looks like: “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”

Sadly, many unbelievers are turned away from Christ and His church not solely because of deception but because of the behavior of Christians that fails to reflect Christ. As John 13:34-35 says, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” Love, not force, is the mark of true discipleship.

Staying Focused on Our Calling

As followers of Christ, our job is not to participate in the ways of the world but to preach the Word of God so that more people can be saved. Romans 12:2 reminds us, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” We cannot transform hearts—only God can do that. But we can live in a way that reflects His love, inviting others to experience His grace and truth.

The enemy seeks to sow division and hatred, but we are called to be instruments of peace. Let us remember our true mission: to share the Gospel, love others as Christ loves us, and reflect the kingdom of heaven in all we do. In doing so, we honor God and fulfill the purpose He has set before us.

Finding God’s Purpose in Seasons of Waiting

On By Naty MatosIn Inspirational Thoughts2 Comments

Waiting is one of life’s greatest challenges. Whether it’s waiting for a job, healing, a relationship, or clarity about the future, these seasons often feel unproductive, frustrating, and endless. Yet, the Bible reassures us that waiting is not wasted time—it’s an opportunity for growth, preparation, and deepening our faith.

God often uses these moments to shape us, strengthen us, and align us with His perfect plan. Let’s explore how we can embrace seasons of waiting with trust and purpose.

1. Biblical Examples of Waiting

The Bible is filled with stories of people who waited on God’s timing, often for years or even decades:

  • Abraham and Sarah waited 25 years for the promised son, Isaac, after God declared they would be parents.
  • Joseph endured 13 years of slavery and imprisonment before rising to power in Egypt and seeing his dreams fulfilled.
  • Hannah prayed fervently for a child and waited until God blessed her with Samuel, who became a great prophet.

In each of these stories, God was working behind the scenes, preparing these individuals for the fulfillment of His promises. Their waiting wasn’t passive—it was an active season of faith and trust. “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9)

2. Why Waiting Is Important

Seasons of waiting serve a purpose, even if we can’t see it in the moment. Here’s what God might be doing during this time:

  • Refining Your Character: Waiting can cultivate patience, humility, and perseverance.
  • Strengthening Your Faith: Trusting God during uncertainty deepens your relationship with Him.
  • Preparing You for the Next Step: Often, God uses waiting to equip us for what’s ahead, whether it’s a new role, responsibility, or blessing.

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” (James 1:2-3)

3. What to Do While You Wait

Instead of viewing waiting as a time of inaction, see it as an opportunity to grow and glorify God. Here are some practical steps:

  • Pray Continually: Use this time to draw closer to God through prayer. Share your hopes, fears, and frustrations with Him.
  • Serve Others: Shift your focus outward by finding ways to bless those around you. Serving can bring purpose and joy to a waiting season.
  • Seek Wisdom: Read Scripture, meditate on God’s promises, and seek counsel from trusted mentors or friends.
  • Take Small Steps: If there’s something within your control, take action. For example, if you’re waiting for a new job, update your resume or network with others.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)

4. Trusting God’s Timing

One of the hardest parts of waiting is letting go of our own timelines and trusting God’s. His timing is perfect, even when it doesn’t align with ours.

Sometimes, what feels like a delay is actually God protecting us or preparing something far greater than we imagined. Remember, He sees the bigger picture. “He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart, yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.” (Ecclesiastes 3:11)

5. Embracing Hope in the Waiting

Seasons of waiting are not void of hope. God promises that He is with us every step of the way. Even in uncertainty, we can find peace knowing that His plans are for our good.

Encouragement:

  • Write down God’s promises and revisit them daily.
  • Surround yourself with a community of believers who can pray with and encourage you.
  • Reflect on past seasons where God showed His faithfulness.

“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” (Isaiah 40:31)

Final Thoughts: Waiting with Purpose

Waiting is never easy, but it is an essential part of God’s work in our lives. Instead of rushing through these seasons, let’s lean into them with faith, trusting that God’s plan is far greater than anything we could imagine.

If you find yourself in a season of waiting, know this: God is with you, He is for you, and He is working all things together for your good. Trust Him to bring beauty and purpose in His perfect time. “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11)