Rooted with Rachel

Pay attention, you never know how he might be trying to speak to you. It could be the most mundane thing. It could be an irritation or a simple distraction. It could be big and boisterous, but it’s rarely bossy. It’s actually rather bashful. He’s always speaking, but are you listening? He speaks through his word, but also through creation and maybe even through a bug that smacks into your face at the exact moment you are asking him to show up. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rootedwithrachel.substack.com

Grief has a way of winding itself around our hearts doesn’t it? What if instead of fighting those feelings, we invite Jesus into them? He doesn’t ask you to walk around the grief, instead, he walks through it with you. Even though I walk THROUGH the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for YOU are with me. - Psalm 23:4a#grief #jesus #christianencouragement This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rootedwithrachel.substack.com

Today is Good Friday and perhaps you're wondering, why is it called Good Friday? Because by all worldly standards, it would seem like it's a very bad thing that this perfect man is being murdered. But it's good. Number one, because God is a good God and he sent his perfect Son to die for undeserving sinners. Then, number two, it's a good Friday because the cross was our only way to be made right with a holy God. Psalm 22:27-31, the last part of the Psalm, moves out to the nations. In the previous verses, we see David referring to his people — Israel — the congregation. Now we move out to a bigger picture of the nations and how the nations will come and bow before him. They will serve him, the ruling and reigning King.All the ends of the earth shall remember and turn to the Lord, and all the families of the nations shall worship before you. For kingship belongs to the Lord, and he rules over the nations. All the prosperous of the earth eat and worship; before him shall bow all who go down to the dust, even the one who could not keep himself alive. Posterity shall serve him; it shall be told of the Lord to the coming generation; they shall come and proclaim his righteousness to a people yet unborn, that he has done it.- Psalm 22:27-31All Will BowThe psalmist says, “Before him, all will bow down.” It says, “Those who bow down in the dust”. In other words, those who will die, which is all of us. Even those who could not keep themselves alive. This is us. We could not keep ourselves alive. When we think Good Friday, we realize we cannot rescue ourselves. We cannot keep ourselves alive. We need the cross. We need to sit with Good Friday before we can appreciate Holy Saturday and Resurrection Sunday.The last couple of verses in this psalm to me are just a perfect and beautiful summary of Christ's sufferings and his subsequent glories. Listen to what it says here in the last couple of verses. It says, “Posterity shall serve him. It shall be told of the Lord to the coming generation. They shall come and proclaim his righteousness to a people yet unborn, that he has done it.”FinishedI love that last line: he has done it. What is so amazing about this final phrase, “He has done it.” is it’s the same word in the Hebrew that is used in Genesis 2:1-2. He finished the work he completed at creation. Fast forward to the cross and we see Jesus finishing it. It is finished. He completed what we could not do. We could not keep ourselves alive. God did it for us in his Son, Jesus Christ. That is why it's called Good Fridaу.Think about this, as we come into this weekend, Holy Saturday, and we sit in this pain and this uncertainty that the disciples experienced. On Holy Saturday all is silent, he remains in the grave. A lot is going on, but he remains in the grave and they are confused. They don't know where to turn. They're scared. So we also sit with Holy Saturday in the silence. Soon we will experience resurrection morning and a new creation because it is finished and he has done it.So tomorrow, take time to sit in that silence. Reflect on what the disciples must have felt—the confusion, the sorrow, the waiting. In many ways, we sit there with them in the quiet, in the waiting, in the unknown. We cannot fully appreciate the joy of the resurrection unless we first sit in the stillness of Holy Saturday.Thank you so much for listening and following along on this journey toward the cross through Psalm 22. I hope you've enjoyed this series during Holy Week. I hope it has been something that ministered to your heart and has helped you fix your eyes on Christ as you approach Easter. May Resurrection Sunday be all the more sweeter. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rootedwithrachel.substack.com

Today is Holy Thursday, also called Maundy Thursday, the day when Jesus gave the new commandment: to love one another just as He has loved us (John 13:34).As we continue in Psalm 22, remember that this psalm is beautifully divided into two main sections. Verses 1–21 focus on the sufferings of Christ, while verses 22 through the end shift to the subsequent glories.In the first section, we saw the deep, inward suffering of Christ. When we read the Gospels, we often see the outward events of the crucifixion, as if we are standing there as spectators. But in Psalm 22, we are invited into the inner experience of that suffering — the anguish, the weight, the spiritual agony.Now, as we move into verses 22–26, there is a dramatic turning point.I will tell of your name to my brothers; in the midst of the congregation I will praise you: You who fear the Lord, praise him! All you offspring of Jacob, glorify him, and stand in awe of him, all you offspring of Israel! For he has not despised or abhorred the affliction of the afflicted, and he has not hidden his face from him, but has heard, when he cried to him. From you comes my praise in the great congregation; my vows I will perform before those who fear him. The afflicted shall eat and be satisfied; those who seek him shall praise the Lord! May your hearts live forever!- Psalm 22:22-26Verse 22 begins:“I will tell of your name to my brothers; in the midst of the congregation I will praise you.”It’s as if David suddenly bursts into praise. What’s striking is that his circumstances have not visibly changed—and yet, everything has changed. There is a shift from suffering to confident praise.In verse 23, he calls on Israel, the people of God, to fear the Lord, to stand in awe of him, and to glorify him. And in verse 24, he gives the reason:“For he has not despised or abhorred the affliction of the afflicted,and he has not hidden his face from him,but has heard when he cried to him.”This is crucial. Earlier in the psalm, we heard the cry, “Why have you forsaken me?” (Psalm 22:1). But now we see the fuller reality: God did not ultimately turn away. He heard. He answered.This points us directly to the cross.Yes, we were the afflicted ones—broken by sin and in need of rescue. But even more, Christ became the afflicted One for us. He bore the full weight of sin—past, present, and future. He suffered in obedience to the Father and out of love for His people.And yet, the story does not end in suffering.Psalm 22 moves us toward resurrection hope.God did not abandon his Son to death. As Hebrews 5:7 tells us, Jesus “offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears… and he was heard because of his reverence.” That hearing is ultimately seen in the resurrection. The Father answered the Son, not by sparing him from death, but by raising him through it.So when Psalm 22 says that God “has not hidden his face,” we understand this in light of the full redemptive story: the cross and the empty tomb.Now in verses 22–26, the tone is not just personal—it’s communal. Praise spreads outward. The afflicted are invited in:“The afflicted shall eat and be satisfied; those who seek him shall praise the Lord.May your hearts live forever!”This is the language of restoration, provision, and eternal life. It echoes the voice of a victorious, risen King. Because Christ was afflicted for us, we who were afflicted are now invited to be satisfied in him, to live forever.This is the glory of the cross:* Suffering that leads to salvation* Death that leads to life* Affliction that leads to eternal satisfactionWe glory not only in the cross, but in the resurrection and in the promise of what is still to come.As we move toward Good Friday, we’ll continue to see how this psalm ultimately points us to the finished work of Christ in its fullness.Today is Holy Thursday, also known as Maundy Thursday, and this is when Jesus gives the new commandment to love one another as he had loved them. Remember Psalm 22 is split right down the middle into two sections. The first section is verses 1 through 21, and it focuses on the sufferings of Christ. We saw the inward suffering that he experienced. Remember, when we look at the Gospels and we see Christ in the Gospels, it's as if we're spectators looking on, seeing what's happening outwardly. But when we read Psalm 22, we see what's going on the inside. So the first section is the sufferings of Christ. Now we move into the second section, which is verses 22 through the end of the chapter. This is the subsequent glory.As we read Psalm 22:22-26 you will see this change in verse 22. It's pretty significant. It's as if David just bursts out in praise yet nothing has changed in his circumstances. Remember, this is still going on, but there's a turning here. We see that when he starts to say, “I will tell of your name to my brothers.” He talks about the people of Israel and the nation of Israel. He's exalting in him and standing in awe of him, then encourages others to praise him. In verse 24, he tells them why they should praise him.He says, “for he has not despised or abhorred the affliction of the afflicted. And he has not hidden his face from him, but has heard when he cried to him.” So he continues to talk about praising God because of this, because he has heard and he has not abhorred the affliction of the afflicted.David focuses in this section on the fact that we praise him. Because he did not hide his face from us. He heard. This is the picture of the cross. We were the afflicted ones. We needed rescuing. God came to our rescue and sent his son to die to suffer horribly and to feel the full weight and to experience the full weight and punishment of our sin — past, present, and future. All of it. Because he loved the Father and because he wanted to obey the Father completely and because he loved his children.This is such a beautiful picture of the glory of the cross. Not only were we the afflicted ones, but Christ was afflicted for us. God raised him from the dead. He was risen. He did not hide his face from him. He listened and he heard his cry and he rose from the grave. This is the joy that we have, the glories of Christ in the cross, the resurrection and his second coming.In Hebrews 5:7, it says, He offered up offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to him who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverence. We see this fulfilled in the resurrection. Even in Psalm 22, as we look at us being the afflicted ones, but also Christ being the one that was afflicted and God heard his petition, not only for himself, but his petition for us, how he intercedes for us right now. He interceded on the cross for us and he intercedes for us even now, at the right hand of the father.Then in this section in verse 22 through 26, where he's calling on his brothers to praise the Lord because he has not abhorred the affliction of the afflicted. He ends in verse 26 by saying, “the afflicted shall eat and be satisfied.” Those who seek him shall praise the Lord. May your hearts live forever. Is this not a call of a resurrected King? May your hearts live forever. I love how this Psalm focuses on the sufferings of Christ and then it turns and focuses on the glories of Christ, the subsequent glories.We glory in the cross. We glory in the resurrection. Because he did not abhor the affliction of the afflicted. We the afflicted will eat and be satisfied and live forever. He is eternal life there. Tomorrow is Good Friday and we will look at the final section of this Psalm. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rootedwithrachel.substack.com

Today is Holy Wednesday, also known as Spy Wednesday, and we are reading Psalm 22:12-21. It is called Spy Wednesday because this is the day we remember Christ’s betrayal by Judas Iscariot. According to Matthew 26:14-15, Judas went to the chief priests and made a deal to expose and hand Jesus over to them for thirty pieces of silver. Thirty pieces of silver in that day was the price of the accidental death of a slave (Exodus 21:32). This would have been the lowest legal human value. Judas betrayed Jesus at the lowest price for a human life. Today, we catch a glimpse into the inner workings of betrayal and suffering. Perhaps we might see our own suffering or moments of betrayal in the psalmist’s lament.Many commentators say that when we see Christ in the Gospels, it’s as if we are spectators looking on, seeing what’s happening from the outside. But when we read Psalm 22, it’s like we get a glimpse of the agony that Christ experienced on the inside.Keep this in mind as we read (and write) today’s verses:Many bulls encompass me; strong bulls of Bashan surround me; they open wide their mouths at me, like a ravening and roaring lion. I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint; my heart is like wax; it is melted within my breast; my strength is dried up like a potsherd, and my tongue sticks to my jaws; you lay me in the dust of death. For dogs encompass me; a company of evildoers encircles me; they have pierced my hands and feet I can count all my bones— they stare and gloat over me; they divide my garments among them, and for my clothing they cast lots. But you, O Lord, do not be far off! O you my help, come quickly to my aid! Deliver my soul from the sword, my precious life from the power of the dog! Save me from the mouth of the lion! You have rescued me from the horns of the wild oxen!- Psalm 22:12-21Through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, David wrote these words which many years later would be fulfilled in Christ. We see Christ experience all of this on the cross and today, in Psalm 22, we witness his inner turmoil as God’s redemption plan unfolded.The structure of this psalm is in two parts and verse 21 is the turning point of the entire psalm. The first part, verses 1-21, is known as the Sufferings of Christ and then verses 22 to the end of the psalm is known as the Subsequent Glory. I want you to notice that in verses 12-21 we have a structure — known as a chiastic structure — that points us to a central turning point and then moves out mirroring the previous section. Here is the chiastic structure in Psalm 12-21:A. Surrounded by enemies (vv. 12-13) B. Physical suffering & weakness (vv. 14-15) C. Piercing & exposure (vv.16-17) D. Garments divided (v. 18) - Matthew 27:35 C’. Continued attack & threat (vv. 19-20) B’. Cry for rescue from deadly danger (v. 21a)A’. Delivered/Answered (v. 21b)SurroundedFirst, we see David is surrounded. He is talking about bulls encompassing him. The word “encompass” and “encircle” just mean that he is surrounded. He doesn’t see a way out. This idea appears a couple times here. When we think of Christ’s agony on the cross and we remember how the religious leaders were there mocking him and how the crowd and even the soldiers were mocking him. He is surrounded and in this moment he feels it. The vivid words used paint a picture of the pain he is experiencing inside. Maybe you’ve felt something similar when you were surrounded by evil or your circumstances were unimaginable and you didn’t even know how you were going to get out. You felt like there was no one to help.Yesterday, in verse 11 we see the confession that there is none to help. But here in this passage, he says, but YOU are my help. He turns and realizes there is no one physically that can help, BUT God is his help. I think we sometimes experience this turning to God in those times when we feel surrounded by evil, knowing that our enemy, the devil is like a roaring lion seeking to devour. Thank goodness we have a Hero who not only faced the forces of hell himself, but lives to intercede for us.Internal SufferingDavid goes on in detail to describe how he’s feeling on the inside. We see this mirrored in Christ’s agony on the cross as he describes his pain in images of being poured out like water, bones out of joint, heart melting like wax, strength being dried up like a broken piece of pottery, unquenchable thirst. His life feels fragile in this moment. He senses the approach of death in every fiber of his being. We see all of this fulfilled in the Gospels. Can you imagine as David, inspired by the Holy Spirit to write these words, as his quill hits the papyrus, he marvels at the meaning of these words? He owns this agony, but wonders at the words being given him. And then we, on the other side of the revelation of Christ, witness these words being acted out in Jesus’s suffering.We can experience this agony physically in our lives. We might feel like our circumstances are overwhelming, but we know that Jesus physically experienced all these things. We see a vivid timeline of his physical sufferings acted out on the stage in the Gospels: his hands and feet being pierced and all of his bones can be counted. In John 19, we see his garments divided. All of this is prophetic and no detail is left behind in the Gospels.The Only HelpIn verse 19 of Psalm 22, we see the transition word, “but”. We’ve seen several transition words used in this psalm. But and yet. Here we witness a turning point, “But you, O LORD, do not be far off, oh you, my help come quickly to my aid!” He calls the LORD his help. In verse 11, he states there is NO ONE to help and here he turns to God as the ONLY ONE who can help. He is our only hope. Notice how every sentence in this section ends with an exclamation point. He is shouting. Help me! Deliver my soul from the sword! Deliver my precious life from the power of the dog! Save me from the mouth of the lion! You have rescued me from the horns of the wild oxen!I love how David continuously comes back to who God is. He’s feeling many emotions. He’s surrounded, but yet he keeps coming back to God as his only help. I think that’s something we can learn from David’s transition here, even though nothing has changed about his circumstances, he recognizes God as his only help and he cries out to him. As we look toward Easter and the cross, it’s good for us to remind ourselves that it was our sin that put him on the cross. It was our sin that caused him to be in agony like this. It was our sin that caused him to feel like his strength was dried up, that his bones were out of joint and his heart was melted like wax. He was physically thirsty for us and they cast lots for his garments, sealing the fact that he would die. All of these things were describing his experience in detail; he did this for us. Verse 21 ends the Sufferings of Christ section in this psalm and tomorrow we will move into the Subsequent Glory. I think it’s important to keep in mind that when we see Christ in the Gospels it’s as if we’re bystanders or spectators, but in Psalm 22 we are getting a peek into the agony he experienced on the inside. The pain he experienced should cause us to reflect on the WHY of the cross and the WHY of the Resurrection. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rootedwithrachel.substack.com

Today is Holy Tuesday and we're reading in Psalm 22:6-11. I cannot wait to share with you what I came across a few years back when I studied this psalm, about that word “worm” in the psalm and it's fascinating. I'm going to share it with you in just a minute, but first, let’s look over this entire section.But I am a worm and not a man,scorned by mankind and despised by the people.All who see me mock me;they make mouths at me; they wag their heads;“He trusts in the Lord; let him deliver him;let him rescue him, for he delights in him!”Yet you are he who took me from the womb;you made me trust you at my mother’s breasts.On you was I cast from my birth,and from my mother’s womb you have been my God.Be not far from me, for trouble is near,and there is none to help.- Psalm 22:6-11The passage begins by David saying, “I am a worm and not a man despised by mankind and the people”. In contrast to his focus on God’s holiness in verse three, we see David’s realization of his own condition before a holy God. He talks about how they're saying things like “Well, if he trusts God, let God deliver him, let God rescue him.” We hear this echoed in the gospels in Jesus’s life. He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows (Isaiah 53:3). We saw yesterday in the first five verses he mentions three times the word trust. He goes back and he remembers how God led his people out and rescued his people. He talks about his fathers trusting in him and that he puts his trust in him as well. We see this on the cross when Jesus exclaims, “Into your hands I commit my spirit” (Luke 23:46).YetThis is that tension we sometimes feel. We're battling where we're at currently in our circumstances and how that makes us see things as we struggle with our view of God in the midst of feeling forsaken. We see him again in this section, go back to that word “yet”. “Yet you brought me forth from my mother's womb,” he says, and “you made me trust in you.” We also see that word “trust” come up again and we feel that tension, don't we? We're wrestling with our circumstances and what we know to be true about God and what we're feeling and all these hard things that create so much tension.In the midst of this struggle, he's recognizing that God made him trust in him from birth, from his mother’s womb. He ordained each day. And then he says this, “but trouble is near, trouble is near and there is none to help.” Think back on Jesus's life and remember the garden of Gethsemane, where he wrestled with the circumstances and the burden that was placed on him, but he willingly yielded to the Father’s will and went to the cross. It says he did this, “for the joy that was set before him, he endured the cross, despising the shame and he's seated at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:2)What we see in this psalm is a picture of Jesus’s suffering mirrored in David’s suffering. Now we come back to that word, “worm”. I just love how God uses creation to paint a picture of the gospel for us! When I first came across this, I thought it was strange. And I thought, “Well, he could just be saying I'm nothing.” You know, I'm a worm and not a man. But the word typically used for “worm” in Scripture is “maggot”, like an everyday maggot. But this word, this word in this verse is totally different. It is a specific type of worm.A WormFollow me here, the scientific word for this worm is Coccus ilicis. It is a crimson worm or a scarlet worm. Let that sink in for a minute. Actually, they used these worms, particularly the substance that came out of these worms, for dyeing fabric red. So here you have this worm and when they're ready to have offspring, they will attach themselves to a piece of wood, like a tree or a post. They are so attached, they are so committed, that in order for them to come off of it, you would have to rip the worm apart. So they attach themselves to this tree and then they have offspring and the offspring are hidden underneath their body. When the offspring hatch, they begin to eat the flesh of the worm. When that happens, the worm then releases a substance that stains the offspring red. It stains them crimson red. Then the worm will die and fall off of the tree and it turns white. Is your mind blown yet?There are so many connections as we think about this and what Christ accomplished on the cross. He was committed. He was not going to come down off of that cross. He was committed to following through in order to fulfill everything. But not only that, his blood cleanses us and we are stained by his blood, washed by his blood, because he sacrificed himself and died in our place. Isn’t it amazing how God uses created things to illustrate a picture of what Christ accomplished on the cross?I was so excited to be able to share this with you today. I just love this picture of how Jesus was fully committed to the cross in order to fulfill God’s plan to appease and absorb God's wrath on the cross. Because we could never, we could never do that for ourselves. What a beautiful picture! I just love it when God reveals little nuggets like that. I’m in awe of how God uses things in creation to illustrate what Christ accomplished on the cross.Meditate on this truth today: Christ was committed to the cross and he was committed to the will of the Father FOR US because we couldn't do it for ourselves. We couldn't rescue ourselves and we needed him to give his life for us, to appease the wrath of God for us so that we could be justified, so that we could be clean and washed by his blood that is poured out for us.When trouble is near, the only one who can help is the One who makes us trust in him. We rely on his work on the cross through his Beloved Son. Even in the face of scorn and mocking, he is worthy of our trust and he is the only one who CAN help. Be not far from me, O God, for there is none to help but you. You’re all I’ve got! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rootedwithrachel.substack.com

How often do you come to a holiday like Easter and it seems to be over before you even get a chance to enjoy it? One way to be more present is to spend time during the season before Easter (which is called Lent). Whether you chose to participate in Lent or not, a simple way to bring focus before Easter Sunday is to take this week (which is called Holy Week) and meditate on Jesus’s journey toward the cross.I don't know if you've ever observed Holy Week, but it's simply a time to focus in on Jesus's last few days on this earth before he was crucified. It is one of my favorite times of year in the church calendar. Holy Week begins on Palm Sunday, and goes through to Easter Sunday or Resurrection Sunday. Thinking on these things forces us to meditate on him and on the cross all week, making Easter all the more sweeter.How are you going to focus your heart and your mind this week on Jesus as we move toward Easter? In the past, I've used devotionals or walked through a gospel or focused in on a passage that talked about Jesus's last days on this earth before he was crucified. Psalm 22 is a passage I often turn to during Holy Week. Even though I've studied this psalm before, there is so much more to gain from meditating on this passage. Jesus quoted quite a bit from this psalm while on the cross.Today and the next four days, we will be digging into this psalm. There will be five podcasts walking through Psalm 22. I encourage you to write out this psalm as we go. This practice can be very helpful. Why?This psalm is rich with meaning. It is a Psalm of David. It’s also a Psalm of Lament, which is fitting for these last days as we follow Jesus on his walk towards Calvary. This psalm begins with the words we hear Jesus speak from the cross in a moment of abandonment. He says, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”I don't know about you, but I've been there. I've had things happen in my life and had things happen in our family's life that cause us to ask those big “why” questions like, “God, what in the world are you even doing?” “Why is this happening? I can't even process this.”David continues his questioning in the psalm by stating the extent of his abandonment. “Why are you so far from saving me, from the words of my groaning? Oh my God, I cry by day, but you do not answer. And by night, but I find no rest.” He is constantly calling out to God, but he's finding no rest. Jesus spoke these very words from the cross as he was experiencing the full weight of the wrath of God and the abandonment by his Father for us.David answers himself by saying this, “Yet you are holy.” Isn’t it interesting that right after he finishes crying out in the face of abandonment, seeking answers but not receiving any response, he chooses this attribute of God to arrest his wayward whys? You would think he might focus in on an attribute like the fact that God would never leave or forsake him, or God’s love. But instead he focuses on God's holiness. This is huge, especially as we look at the cross and what it means for us today. I know it’s not the first attribute we might choose, but it begs our meditation. Think on his holiness today. Wrestle with the fact that his holiness is what required Jesus to be forsaken for us.RememberDavid then turns his attention on remembering. He's going way back to remember God's rescue of his people in the Exodus. We do the same thing as we walk through these last few days. We remember. We remember how God rescued us, how we had nothing to bring him but our own sin and he chose abandonment, in order to die in our place so that instead of us experiencing abandonment, we would enjoy acceptance. The focus on God's holiness is intentional.That is one attribute of God we can focus on this week: his holiness. Sit with the forsaken psalmist as he meditates on God’s holiness in the midst of his crying out. Why would he choose to focus on this attribute of God here? God placed the wrath that was reserved for us on Jesus at the cross. He was abandoned so that we could be accepted. Today, I encourage you to give yourself permission to pray raw prayers, to ask the whys, to wrestle with your feelings of forsakenness and to sit with his holiness. This is where it begins. A holy God must punish sin and he did in his Son’s sacrifice on the cross for us. His ways are holy and just and his plan is beyond our understanding.Trust him. Trust his holiness. Trust in his sacrifice. Trust in his rescue. When the whys are looming large, trust him.If you don't already have something you're reading this week or something that you're walking through, I would encourage you to join me as I read through Psalm 22, listen to the podcasts or follow along on YouTube. As you follow along, write the Scripture out. There's something about writing down the Scripture. The words will just jump off the page. There's a different level of comprehension when we write Scripture. Join along this week as we journey toward the cross through Psalm 22. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rootedwithrachel.substack.com

A couple weeks ago, we looked at the first part of Psalm 91:1 and how this speaks to our trials and difficult situations. The shelter of the Most High is not just a place we run to when we’re in trouble, although that is our privilege, but it’s a place we dwell, inhabit, and reside in the shelter of El Elyon, God Most High.Today we are going to talk about the second part of Psalm 91:1.He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. - Psalm 91:1This is where all of this comes together and forms a complete thought in our hearts and reaches to those places where we feel lost, beaten, bruised and broken.If you noticed, there is a cause and effect that seems to be underlying in this verse. IF you dwell in the shelter of the Most High, you WILL abide in the shadow of the Almighty.As we looked at the word “dwell” in the previous episode, we learned that it focuses more on location and permanence. We make our home, settle, remain, sit down — instead of passing through, we set up permanent residence. It’s where we position ourselves.Abide is a little different. The word “abide” focuses more on nearness and presence. Where dwell focuses on our permanent position as we choose to place ourselves in his presence; abide is staying close to God with the emphasis on God choosing to remain with us.As we dwell — as we place ourselves in the shelter of the Most High — living closely with him, not just in times of trouble, but always; the result is that God‘s provision is his shadow that covers us in all seasons.We don’t run to the shadow when we’re in trouble we remain in the shelter and because of that remaining and staying, his shadow falls on us and we are protected. Not protected from any and all evil, but protected in spite of evil.Shadow in that day would have meant protection because the sun was so blazing hot. Trees that cast a shadow would be a nice reprieve from the heat of the sun; it protected a weary traveler or someone working outside. The sun was still there. In the same way, we WILL experience evil in this fallen, sinful world; but we can be hopeful that when we dwell in the shelter of the Most High, we will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.El ShaddaiWhich brings us to another point: Why does the psalmist use Almighty instead of Most High? We saw that God Most High speaks to his sovereign authority over all things. Almighty (El Shaddai) speaks of his power and sufficiency. We live and dwell in the shelter of the Most High, the one who is sovereignly over all and holds complete authority over every circumstance in our lives, whether good or evil. And because we live in the shelter of the Most High, we abide, and are safe, in the shadow of the Almighty; the one who is sufficient to keep us safe even in evil.Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. - Psalm 23:4He is our shade at our right hand. It’s close and personal. This picture paints with brush strokes of a nurturing tone, which is very personal. The psalmist is combining two truths in this verse:* El Elyon (God Most High) - is sovereignly reigning over all things and is a strong shelter for us to stay always.* El Shaddai (God Almighty) - is close and personal, protecting and nurturing us in the storm. The heat of the sun is not removed but when we shelter in the Most High we have a shadow provided from this shelter in the Almighty that touches our lives in a very personal way right where we are at.So if you feel like you are being beaten down by the sun and the pressures of life through your circumstances, and you feel like you’re walking through the shadow of death, know this: God Most High is your shelter forever. He is a reliable place to dwell and live forever and because of that he shadows you by the power of the Almighty, right where you’re at, right in the middle of the hard; right in the middle of the sun beating down on you and zapping you of any energy you have, he brings a nurturing and refreshing shadow. Dwell in his shelter and delight in his shadow. His shelter provides a life-giving shadow. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rootedwithrachel.substack.com

I have a confession…most of my prayers have come from a very desperate place. They are hasty arrows shot into the dark in a moment of crisis. Maybe you experience this same conviction in your prayer life. Your prayers are formed in the moment without much thought put into them.On one hand, this is the privilege we have as believers to come before the throne of grace anytime in anyway, but on the other hand, I am convicted that most of my prayers arrive like a visitor to an AirBNB, in the moment of crisis, instead of choosing him as my constant dwelling place. I run to the shelter (which is my right and privilege) but I recognize this is where I need to make my home. Is he your default posture or your primary residence?The Shelter of the Most HighPsalm 91:1 is the verse for my year which goes along with my word for the year: Abide. I have been meditating on the two sections in this verse. Today, I want to break down the first section:“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High” What does it mean to dwell in the shelter of the Most High? What is significant about this particular name for God and how does it relate to abiding? What is a shelter? These are the questions I will try and answer today.The Hebrew words for “dwell” and “abide” in this verse have different nuances in their meanings. The word “dwell” focuses more on location and permanence. We make our home, settle, remain, sit down — instead of passing through, we set up permanent residence. It’s where we position ourselves.Abide is a little different. Abide focuses more on nearness and presence. We abide by settling down and inhabiting with presence. The root of abide is what makes up the word for “Shekinah” which is God’s dwelling presence. Where dwell focuses on OUR permanent position as we choose to place ourselves in his presence; abide is staying close to God with the emphasis on God choosing to remain with us.Dwelling My next post will dive more into how these two work together in Psalm 91:1, but today the focus is on dwelling in the shelter of the Most High. So, we’ve learned so far that the word dwell is our secure position with God because we live there. Dwelling in God’s shelter is about identity and belonging. The word shelter is a secret place or a hiding place. Colossians 3:3 spells this out perfectly:For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. - Colossians 3:3Our lives are secure and our identity is set when we live in the hidden place of our union with Christ in God. This is where we find our confidence when crisis hits.Most HighNow, the next question we must ask of this text is: What is significant about the use of the name for God here - “Most High”? Most High is not just a random selection of one of God’s names, it is loaded with meaning. Most High is El Elyon in Hebrew. “El” meaning God, the strong one and “Elyon” meaning highest, exalted, supreme, above all. When we put these together it means: God who is above every power, authority and threat. That means he ranks above any circumstance or crisis that unfolds in our lives. God is introduced as the highest authority. This is important and matters so much in our every day lives.What this means in our struggles and sorrows is that the enemy does not have the final say, nothing has authority over you apart from God. God is higher than our circumstances.Before we even begin to look at the promise that Psalm 91:1 holds; we have to begin by recognizing the power God holds over every detail of our lives.God is powerful enough to protect because he rules over all things. It’s not saying nothing bad will happen, but nothing bad happening has authority over you to destroy you apart from God. And we know from Scripture that his thoughts toward us are for our good and for our growth in Christ.Instead of frantically running to the shelter of the Most High in a moment of crisis, we choose to dwell, to remain, to live and move and breathe in this shelter that is hidden and secret, because our life is hidden in Christ and our lives are ordered by El Elyon the only one with ultimate authority. Hidden with ChristIf you are in a place of crisis right now, let this truth encourage you. El Elyon - God Most High - is sovereignly moving and reigning in your tragedies. He is working good, kneading it like yeast in bread, to create a well-risen life full of his grace. Our lives are hidden with Christ in God. This is our home. This is our shelter in the storm. He is the strong one with ultimate authority. Nothing happens outside of his complex and wonderful plan. This shelter can withstand the strongest of winds.We have a picture in one of the rooms in our house of a giant lighthouse. Huge waves are pummeling this lighthouse and if you look really closely in the doorway of this lighthouse, there stands a man with his hands in his pockets. He carries the confidence of this lighthouse’s strength. He is not afraid of the destruction of the waves, because he is safe in the shelter of the lighthouse which is his home.God is our lighthouse. He is powerful enough to turn good out of evil. He has the final say and no chaos operates outside his rule. When we call him God Most High it reorients our fear. Fear causes our hearts to cower at the powerfulness of a desperate situation, but faith towers over the situation with the confidence of the One who trumps all. Next week, we will look at the intentional ordering of Most High and Almighty in this verse and the differences between dwelling in the shelter of the Most High and abiding in the shadow of the Almighty. But for now, settle yourself in the strong One’s presence. Position yourself in his secure shelter always, not just when trials arise. Your position is secure when you place yourself under his authority, even when things don’t make sense in your life, you can be confident that the Most High - El Elyon - holds your life together. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rootedwithrachel.substack.com

If you feel like there is no point to putting in effort towards something maybe because you are unsure of your ability or insecure of your calling then today’s message is for you! Currently at our church, we are going through the Gospel of John. This past Sunday we were in John 2 looking at the first of Jesus’ miracles: Turning Water into Wine. This first miracle was performed at a wedding and if you know the story, you know how it goes. Jesus turned the water into wine. If you’re new to this story, here it is in a nutshell: Jesus was invited to a wedding with his disciples, his mother and his siblings. They run out of wine before the celebration is over, which is a huge embarrassment in that day. So, Mary, Jesus’ mother, comes to Jesus in full confidence and says they are out of wine. Jesus responds basically by saying, “What do you want me to do about it? My time has not yet come.” Then she turns to the servants and she says to them, “Do whatever he tells you to do.” This is the first sentence that jumped out at me and as I’m reading this and hearing this message a thought begins forming and taking shape in my mind and heart. Later, the pastor confirmed the message God was forming in my heart by saying almost the exact same thing I was thinking. Two powerful sentences in this passage shaped my understanding and encouraged my heart. The first one: “Do whatever he tells you to do.”This sentence speaks to simple obedience even when it doesn’t make sense or your unsure of your ability. It’s obedience in the face of uncertainty.Wherever you are right now, if you’re afraid of moving forward because you’re unsure of your abilities or insecure in your calling hear this one simple command: “Do whatever he tells you to do.” Even if it doesn’t make sense. Even if it’s scary. Even if it’s silly. Do whatever he tells you to do.Jesus Wills ItNext Jesus commands the servants to fill six large water jars used for the purification ritual with water. Now, this is a very strange request because they were out of wine and I’m sure the servants are wondering how this is going to help solve that problem. But the servants do what Jesus tells them to do; they go and it says they filled the jars to the brim.Think about this for a minute, Jesus had not touched the water. He had not spoken to the water. He had not touched the containers or lifted a finger to participate in this miracle. The only thing he has done is to command the servants to obey a simple request to fill the containers with water, so they obey. Then Jesus asked them to do another very strange thing he asked them to take some of the water to the master of the banquet.Now we don’t know at what point the water was turned into a wine. We do know the servant’s witnessed this but we don’t know at what point they saw this happen. What if it wasn’t yet? What if they were like, “You want us to do what? You want us to take a cup of water to the master of the banquet and ask him to taste it??” Can you imagine how scary and silly that would have sounded to them? But they obey the command: “Do whatever he tells you to do.” They took the cup to the master of the banquet, and something amazing happens. Jesus turns the water into wine without touching it without speaking to it. He simply wills it to happen. This is huge!Jesus Saves the Best for LastThe master took one taste and was astonished that they would save the best for last. This is the second sentence that impacted me and shaped my understanding. “You have kept the good wine until the end!”Normally they would give the guests the cheap wine after they were a little tipsy, but the master was amazed that they kept the good wine until now. Don’t miss this.Jesus does his best work with your obedience. It’s not about your ability or calling or gifts; it’s about his will and his glory. He saves the best for last. The servants did exactly what Jesus told them to do and they witnessed a miracle. They obeyed and Jesus willed it to happen. It wasn’t because of their amazing abilities or gift-ings; it was because Jesus willed it to happen.Step Out with Full Confidence in JesusIn your moment of uncertainty, this is what Jesus is asking of you. If you are stuck right now and not moving forward in that thing you want to do, whatever it is — do whatever he tells you to do. No matter how silly it sounds. No matter how scary it is. Do whatever he tells you to do with full confidence in him and if it’s his will, he will WILL it to happen for his own glory. The result is up to him and our job is simply to obey. It’s not about your gifts. It’s not about your calling. It’s about his will and his glory because at the end of this passage, it says in this miracle Jesus manifested his glory and the disciples believed. That’s what it’s all about.He wills it to happen. He turns your water — whatever that may be right now — into wine simply because of your act of obedience and if it is in line with his will, he WILLS it to happen and the results are to glorify him. He receives all the glory because it’s not about your ability. It’s not about your gifts. It’s not about your calling, it’s about his will and his glory. Trust him. Have full confidence in him his ability to WILL it to happen without a word just simply through your obedience and trust in him according to his will and for his glory. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rootedwithrachel.substack.com

There is so much buildup to a new year isn’t there? I think we tend to be let down so quickly in January because we build it up so much coming into the new year. We all love the idea of a fresh new page, a fresh new start, but I guarantee you, many of you guys, just like me, started January 1 (maybe even at 1 AM in the morning) with already a blotch on your new year. It could’ve been an argument. It could’ve been an unwanted thought that entered your mind and soiled day one of the new year. It could’ve been a missed opportunity — whatever it was — your new year was already spoiled.Something I am coming to realize more and more is the only way for us to experience a fresh start is for our lives to be hidden in Christ all year long, not just December 31, not just January 1, but always. Whether you are a New Year’s resolution person or not, today I want to encourage you to hide yourself in Christ.Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. - Isaiah 43:19I am praying that God would “do a new thing” in our lives in 2026! As you face a new year, keep yourself hidden in him. He will not disappoint. He will not let you down. His plans for you are for your good even if your year includes hard things. Hold your plans with open hands and trust your year to him.The Word of the YearInstead of New Year’s resolutions, we do a word of the year. It’s just one simple way to bring focus to our year. My word of the year for 2026 is “ABIDE”. I love this word. It is a word that has consumed my meditations recently. I am just starting to scratch the surface on the meaning of this word “abide”. I will be sharing more about this in the coming weeks here on this Substack and in the podcast, but for now, the verse that I’ve chosen for this word is not necessarily the passage you would expect.The word “abide” shows up over forty times in the Gospel of John, but it also shows up in a specific passage that a lot of people associate with the word “abide” in John 15. Jesus teaches that the only way to produce fruit is to abide in him. Apart from him, we can do nothing. This would be the obvious verse to choose, but instead, I’m leaning on the Old Testament equivalent to the John 15 passage. He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. - Psalm 91:1There is so much in this one little verse that I can’t wait to unpack it with you! So much is stuffed into those words: dwell, abide, shadow, shelter, Most High and Almighty. Stay tuned in the coming weeks as we dive into those words. I can’t wait for all God is going to teach us through this one tiny verse!I don’t know if you choose a word of the year or if you pick goals for the year or choose things you want to aspire to and accomplish, but I just want to encourage you with this simple reminder: Hold your plans for the new year in open hands. Allow Jesus to set the pace for your new year. Resist the urge to plan out your year and set yourself up for disappointment; instead, release your year to Christ. Give everything and everyone to him and know that the only way to turn a fresh page is hiding ourselves in Christ every day, every moment, every year.Share Your WordIf you chose a word for 2026, I would love for you to share it here! Comment your word of 2026 below. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rootedwithrachel.substack.com

Today is our last day on this Advent journey through The Sounds of Silence. But it doesn’t end here. You are most likely still in your season of waiting or about to enter into a season of waiting. My prayer is that we would submit to God during every season, that we would treasure up in our hearts all the lessons he wants to teach us about ourselves and himself, and as we trust him, we would increase in wisdom and in favor with God and man.Remember: Luke 2:51-52And he [Jesus] went down with them [Mary and Joseph] and came to Nazareth and was submissive to them. And his mother treasured up all these things in her heart. And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man. - Luke 2:51-52Jesus, the Word made flesh, the Creator of all mankind, the Sovereign King of the world was submissive to his earthly parents. This was true humility. He obeyed their word, he followed their rules, he honored their authority, he willingly humbled himself while wrapped in our human flesh.Mary’s response to his submission goes all the way back to her reaction to the shepherd’s visit and proclamation. While others wondered with amazement at the heralding of the news: “Today, a Savior has been born to you!”, Mary stored up all these things in her heart. Little treasures that she would no doubt draw from later. She had a front row view to the true humility of our loving God.Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. - Philippians 2:5-8Meanwhile, Jesus increased in wisdom, grew physically and found favor with God and man. This wasn’t because he had perfect parents, this was a testimony of God’s grace and faithfulness in the life of the growing Messiah. What an encouragement to us as imperfect parents. We are fully aware of our flaws, but God is writing our children’s story, weaving in all our imperfections alongside his faithfulness and grace. He matures us through parenting and he grows our children in spite of our parenting. As we submit to his guidance and obey him, we treasure these things in our hearts always, trusting that he is using all things, even our mistakes, to develop us into mature followers of Christ.ReflectAs you move on from this journey, may you treasure these things in your heart. May we never lose the gift of the sense of wonder that waiting seasons bring. It’s so easy to forget God’s faithfulness when the waiting is over, or fail to see his faithfulness in the silence. So, whether you are in a season of waiting, experiencing silence, grappling with grief or sitting in a place of peace today, submit to his perfect plan. Treasure these little glimpses of his grace in the darkness. Trust that he is maturing you and growing you through the process. Bask in his favor resting on you because of Christ. Listen to the sounds in the silence.RespondCarry this breath prayer in your heart today:Breathe In:Jesus, you humbled yourself,Breathe Out:I submit to you.The JourneyThank you for following along on this Advent journey! My hope is that it brought you encouragement in whatever waiting room you find yourself in during this Advent season. Keep following my newsletter and podcast for what’s next. You can subscribe to my newsletter here. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rootedwithrachel.substack.com

Seasons of suffering and silence grow us in ways we would have never grown if we had not walked though the fire. There are aspects about God and his character we wouldn’t have known had we not experienced those hard places. We learn about his faithfulness. His kindness in the encouragement from another believer. His provision. We often don’t see this in the middle. How many times have you come to almost appreciate your season of waiting because of how it made you stronger in the Lord and forced you to trust him more?Remember: Luke 2:39-40And when they had performed everything according to the Law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. And the child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom. And the favor of God was upon him. - Luke 2:39-40We don’t often think that Jesus would need to experience growth and strengthening. Remember, he is God in the flesh. The Creator of all mankind. He had to learn to walk and feed himself. He went through puberty. He faced temptations and struggles with the limitations that come with living in a human body. The amazing part of all this is that he did every bit of it without sin. He was tempted like we were. He struggled with the same things that we struggled with. He felt grief and pain and sadness and sickness. He walked through it all in purity, because the favor of God was on him.ReflectOur season of waiting and suffering is meant to strengthen us, to grow our faith, to make us stronger in our trust, to leave us more dependent on him. Whatever you may be facing right now, know that God is strengthening you and growing you in the process. But more than that, rest in the fact that because of Jesus — because he lived a perfect, sinless life — that life is gifted to us. When God looks at you, he sees his perfect Son. His favor is resting on you, even IN you!So, in your current circumstance right now, as you trust in Jesus, as you wait, know that God‘s favor rests on you. He is strengthening you through the trial and growing you. He will give you wisdom as you wait if you simply ask.RespondCarry this breath prayer in your heart today:Breathe In:When I feel weak,Breathe Out:You are my strength.The JourneyThis journey will take us through December 25th. My hope is that it would bring you encouragement in whatever waiting room you find yourself in during this Advent season. Each daily podcast will be short and sweet, leaving you with something to carry in your heart as you wait. You can also subscribe to my newsletter here. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rootedwithrachel.substack.com

You know what it feels like when you are tired, exhausted and ready to go home, but someone asks you at the last minute to do them a favor? Or a child asks you to pick up something from the store on the way home? You really just want to go home, but you stop by the store anyway, or you do that friend a favor because you care about them. Sometimes, God asks us to remain in a place of waiting and suffering because he has work to do there. We really just want to leave, move on from this hard place and on to brighter days, but God is asking us to shelter in place.Remember: Matthew 2:13-15Now when they had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Rise, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you, for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him.” And he rose and took the child and his mother by night and departed to Egypt and remained there until the death of Herod. This was to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet, “Out of Egypt I called my son.” - Matthew 2:13-15I wonder if Mary and Joseph felt the same way. They had already made a very stressful journey including a birth among animals with lots of strangers visiting. I’m sure all they wanted to do was go home as a new little family. But God had other plans that were not only part of their protection, but also part of the fulfillment of his word through the prophet Hosea. God was taking Mary and Joseph back to the place of slavery for their people. The last place someone would search for “The King of the Jews.”Perhaps the hardest part was there was no end in sight. An angel of the Lord told Joseph in a dream to “flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you.” Until I tell you. Not a week or a month or even a year, they had no idea how long they would stay in Egypt. How interesting that they (along with Jesus) would experience the same waiting that Israel felt when they were slaves in Egypt for 430 years?ReflectSometimes we can feel like our season of waiting will last over 400 years! We would love nothing more than to say goodbye to this season, to go home. But sometimes God has us remain in a season of waiting to do something in our hearts and in other people’s hearts. He is moving circumstances and time, sometimes even protecting us during our season of exile. Mary, Joseph and Jesus remained in Egypt for approximately two years. While they sheltered in place, they didn’t stop living, Today, if you are feeling like you are ready to be done with this season; I pray that you would trust that God is working in the waiting. Sometimes he asks us to remain — to shelter in place — so that he can prepare things for our relief. See your situation as a God-ordained place of shelter instead of a place of slavery. Trust his plan. Trust his timing. Don’t let this season keep you from living in the exile, “Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and cultivate faithfulness” (Psalm 37:3)RespondCarry this breath prayer in your heart today:Breathe In:God, you ordained this place of shelterBreathe Out:Help me cultivate faithfulness here.The JourneyThis journey will take us through December 25th. My hope is that it would bring you encouragement in whatever waiting room you find yourself in during this Advent season. Each daily podcast will be short and sweet, leaving you with something to carry in your heart as you wait. You can also subscribe to my newsletter here. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rootedwithrachel.substack.com

Have you ever known someone that just seems to always find the perfect gift? They are the best gift givers. Gift giving seems to come naturally for them. It is their joy to give gifts as an act of love and service to those they adore and appreciate. Some people are just amazing at finding and choosing the perfect gift. Even though the gifts chosen are simple, the joy in which they are given transforms the simplest of gifts into the most meaningful of gifts.Remember: Matthew 2:9-12After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way. - Matthew 2:9-12The wisemen followed the star until it rested over the place where the child was. This long-awaited, highly-anticipated Shepherd King. And they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. How do you even describe their joy? They rejoiced with overflowing happiness. The joy of finding the One they had been searching for turns into unhindered worship. They fell down and worshiped him. All their questions and curiosity and journeying led them to the answer. But they didn’t come empty-handed. They came bearing gifts.These gifts weren’t just random items they had with them, they were planned and specifically chosen for this Shepherd King. These meaningful gifts presented to Jesus represent so much more than wealth and extravagance. Gold was the gift of royalty. A gift for a king and something given to support Mary and Joseph during their travels and escape to Egypt from the murderous plans of Herod. Frankincense was often used in temple worship by the priests. Myrrh was used at Jesus’ burial. Three gifts for this tiny baby who was a Kind King, a Perfect Priest and the Savior of the world. Each gift shows the thoughtfulness of the gift givers. ReflectWhere has your journey through waiting led you? Joy is possible when we journey toward Jesus. He is a Kind King, a Perfect Priest and your Savior. We are constantly asking for his gifts, praying for him to bless us, but how do we worship him in our waiting? What meaningful gift will you bring to him? Sometimes, the gift we bring is simply a sacrifice of praise. Praise when our hearts are still hurting. Praise when the silence hasn’t lifted. Praise when the waiting is long. This is a sacrifice. It costs us something to lay down our expectations and wants and time-tables on the altar.Every gift-giver will say that they derive more joy from giving gifts than from receiving gifts. A sacrifice of praise is our gift to Jesus that causes our hearts to rejoice with overflowing happiness, not because our circumstances have changed but because he remains the same. Our Kind King, our Perfect Priest and our Sinless Savior born for us. Rejoice in this. RespondCarry this breath prayer in your heart today:Breathe In:Jesus, you are worthyBreathe Out:Of my sacrifice of praise.The JourneyThis journey will take us through December 25th. My hope is that it would bring you encouragement in whatever waiting room you find yourself in during this Advent season. Each daily podcast will be short and sweet, leaving you with something to carry in your heart as you wait. You can also subscribe to my newsletter here. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rootedwithrachel.substack.com

How do you typically react when God’s plan doesn’t fit with your expectations? Sometimes our rescue comes from small and insignificant places. Our silence breaks when we least expect it to and in ways we would never have imagined.Remember: Matthew 2:3-8When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet: “‘And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.’” Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star had appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word, that I too may come and worship him.” - Matthew 2:3-8A small, quiet town was the setting for the Savior’s birth. The least of all places to expect a king to be born. A ruler who will have a true shepherd’s heart. One who could not be swayed by public opinion or bought with money. A Shepherd King worthy of worship.Each of Israel’s kings had the reputation of failing miserably. Not one of them was completely good. They all had corrupt places in their hearts, some greater than others. Herod was a puppet king, impotent in power. Rome was calling the shots. So, you can imagine the jealousy that filled his heart at the news that a child had been born with the title “The King of the Jews”. The wisemen’s journey was of great interest to him, not because he was a truth seeker, but because he wanted to protect his position. He secretly wanted to nip this rising king in the bud before he could steal his throne. He didn’t really want to worship him, he wanted to wipe him out.The people were longing for a king who would rule with justice and kindness, a king who was pure in heart. They were waiting on the Shepherd King that Micah had promised would come to Bethlehem. But just like us, their expectations of what this would look like, was nothing like how they thought it would play out.ReflectIn this season of waiting and silence, your Shepherd King steps in quietly. Even though you feel forgotten, he is still working and leading in kindness. Perhaps your season feels small like Bethlehem. God uses those unseen seasons as an opportunity to grow your faith. Silence does not mean absence. Your Shepherd King is working behind the scenes. He leads you gently through your season of waiting. Trust his shepherding heart.RespondCarry this breath prayer in your heart today:Breathe In:Shepherd King, you are workingBreathe Out:I trust your heart.The JourneyThis journey will take us through December 25th. My hope is that it would bring you encouragement in whatever waiting room you find yourself in during this Advent season. Each daily podcast will be short and sweet, leaving you with something to carry in your heart as you wait. You can also subscribe to my newsletter here. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rootedwithrachel.substack.com

How many times have you wished God would put a sign in the sky telling you which way to go, what to do, which path to choose; just something that would give you a clear direction? I think we’ve all been there and we all wish we had a clear sign in the sky, a billboard that tells us what to do. But God works differently. He works in the realm of trust.Remember: Matthew 2:1-2Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” - Matthew 2:1-2The wisemen were given a sign. But they still had to step out in faith. God met them where they were, foreigners unfamiliar with the promises of Israel. They hadn’t personally experienced the privileges of the people of God; they did not practice the religious rituals, but they studied it from a distance. God gave them an unmistakable sign so that they would discover the king who was born for the world. Even though a miraculous sign in the heavens started their journey they still had to take the journey and ask questions and search for the answers. A sign in the sky did not exempt them from trusting. They still had to step into the realm of trust.Their goal was worship. Not comfort or riches or fame. They held wonder in their hearts and they stayed curious. They asked questions, moving them towards the truth. Trusting in the uncertainty brings us to a place of clarity.Reflect Maybe right now you wish you had a clear sign. You’ve waited for so long that you’re not even sure which direction to take. Like the wiseman, we are foreigners who must step into the realm of trust. We read the Christmas story we see the signs of the baby born in a manger and the star in the sky; and like these truth seekers, we must respond in faith. We must take the step to begin the journey. We must ask the questions and search for the answers. We must stay curious. And then we must trust and have faith in the promise fulfilled.The wise men believed because they saw. We are called to believe before we see.“Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” - John 20:29Signs can point the way, but trust forms intimacy. This is where our faith is built. What is God asking you to trust him with today? How will you move forward in your season of waiting? What step of faith is he asking you to take? Will you step into the realm of trust, take the next step and trust him to make your path straight?Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.” - Isaiah 30:21RespondCarry this breath prayer in your heart today:Breathe In:Jesus, I step into the realm of trustBreathe Out:Help me take the next step.The JourneyThis journey will take us through December 25th. My hope is that it would bring you encouragement in whatever waiting room you find yourself in during this Advent season. Each daily podcast will be short and sweet, leaving you with something to carry in your heart as you wait. You can also subscribe to my newsletter here. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rootedwithrachel.substack.com

If you have ever experienced love and then have known the loss of that love, you are familiar with the unimaginable pain this leaves in your heart. Or maybe you long for love and hold the empty space of not having that need met yet on this earth. How do we remain faithful when we go through loss and waiting? How do we speak sincerity into the sorrow?Remember: Luke 2:36-38And there was a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years, having lived with her husband seven years from when she was a virgin, and then as a widow until she was eighty-four. She did not depart from the temple, worshiping with fasting and prayer night and day. And coming up at that very hour she began to give thanks to God and to speak of him to all who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem. - Luke 2:36-38Anna had experienced the pain of loss and the pain of waiting. Her name means “grace”. She knew love and loss. But yet, in her silence, she did not withdraw from God she drew closer. She did not depart, but worshipped with fasting and prayer, day and night. This became her love, this filled the space once occupied by loss. Then, one day, a small humble family walked into the temple to obey the law and she immediately knew. Her heart was so in tune with God and His Spirit, that she recognized his coming even in the unexpected package of a child. Anna’s name means “grace”. As she laid her aging eyes on this tiny infant, she was so confident, that even as she was walking toward him, her heart overflowed with thanksgiving. And she speaks of grace. She gives God thanks and she speaks of him to anyone who would listen, all those waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem.Simeon and Anna are both present as a modern day prophet and prophetess, to announce to the world that the waiting is over. The prophet’s promise has been fulfilled. Grace has come.ReflectIf you are waiting today, follow Anna’s example. Don’t allow this season to draw you away from God, but instead, allow it to draw you closer to his heart. Worshipping in the waiting keeps your heart so in tune, that you recognize his work immediately even though it might be packaged in an unexpected way. We don’t ignore the reality of the hard, but we speak sincere truth into the sorrow. Give thanks to him for every glimpse of grace you see in your life and in others. Speak of him to anyone who would listen. Speak of his goodness, even in your waiting. Speak of his faithfulness in your pain. Speak of his love that never gives up. Speak of his hope that fills the empty places in your heart. Speak of him to all those who are waiting. Don’t allow loss to steal your voice.RespondCarry this breath prayer in your heart today:Breathe In:Jesus, you are the gift of graceBreathe Out:Even in my sorrow.The JourneyThis journey will take us through December 25th. My hope is that it would bring you encouragement in whatever waiting room you find yourself in during this Advent season. Each daily podcast will be short and sweet, leaving you with something to carry in your heart as you wait. You can also subscribe to my newsletter here. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rootedwithrachel.substack.com

My younger brother liked to always give us a little scare, you know, to keep us on our toes. I remember one time, we were out shopping with my grandmother and he suddenly was no where to be found. The panic from experiencing the sudden realization that a child is missing throws you into a frantic search. The fear that fills your mind on what might have happened or could happen is almost too much to bear.Don’t worry, he was found, hiding in a clothing rack totally unaware of the unrest he caused in everyone’s mind. Or did he totally know the chaos he created as he watched through the cracks in the line of clothes hanging on the rack, amused at our crazy search?It’s interesting to wonder what Mary might have experienced in Jesus’ short time on this earth. Thirty years of mothering that was every bit as real as any mother would experience. We only have a few snapshots at our disposal in Scripture and our imagination has to fill in the rest. We see Mary experiencing her own separation from her young son on a trip to the big city of Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover. Every parent knows the feeling of suddenly not being able to find your child in a public place. I wonder if he was always keeping Mary and Joseph on their toes? How do you even begin to parent the Son of God?Remember: Luke 2:33-35And his father and his mother marveled at what was said about him. And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “Behold, this child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is opposed (and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), so that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.” - Luke 2:33-35Yesterday, we saw Simeon proclaim with joy that his waiting had ended upon seeing God’s salvation in his arms, wrapped in flesh, prepared in the sight of all the nations; a light for the Gentiles and the glory of Israel. Yes, they believed the truth that their child was Jesus, the promised Messiah for the Jewish nation, but a light to the Gentiles? This would have caused them to marvel. What does this mean? They were waiting for the promise of rescue for Israel, but for the Gentiles (those who were not Jewish) this light had also come, what does this mean? Though this child brings comfort to many of God’s people, his life would also become a sign of opposition. He would be rejected by many. Many in Israel would rise and fall because of him. Then a word is spoken that cuts deep through a mother’s heart: a sword will pierce through your own soul also.Mary would eventually find herself grappling with the ideas of what she thought the Messiah would look like and the reality of what she sees. An apocalyptic sword would pierce through her heart. She would experience every pain in a short span of thirty-three years.The pain of child birth, a scary moment of a missing child, a push for him to reveal himself, unmet expectations, sibling speculations and witnessing the heartache of his rejection that would lead to the gruesome death of her son. As the soldier’s sword pierced deep into Jesus’ side, Mary felt the pain of the years pierce her own soul. This sword exposed hearts. It exposed her need for a Savior. Her job was to keep her child alive, but his job was to keep her alive forever. ReflectIn your season of waiting, where have you experienced a severing? Where have you felt the searing pain of loss? The loss of a child, the loss of a job, the heartache of broken relationships, the death of a dream. How has God used these things to pierce your heart? How has your need for a Savior been recognized in your season of waiting?He came to fulfill the law in every way that we could not. He came to bring light into our darkness. He was appointed for the rise and fall of many. Some would rise as they believed on him, others would fall in disbelief. He would be rejected and opposed because of who he was. He came to expose hearts with a sword and mend hearts with salvation. He came to keep us alive forever. RespondCarry this breath prayer in your heart today:Breathe In:Jesus, my heart is piercedBreathe Out:You mend my severed places.The JourneyThis journey will take us through December 25th. My hope is that it would bring you encouragement in whatever waiting room you find yourself in during this Advent season. Each daily podcast will be short and sweet, leaving you with something to carry in your heart as you wait. You can also subscribe to my newsletter here. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rootedwithrachel.substack.com

Have you ever waited for something so long, that you almost gave up hope that you would see it in your lifetime? Maybe it is a prodigal child you are waiting to return to the Lord, or a broken relationship you are longing to see mended. When waiting is long it’s easy to give up hope; to quit praying.Today we read about someone who waited their entire life to see the silence lifted; to witness God comforting his people Israel again with the coming of the Messiah promised by the prophets. He had come to the end of his life and was yet to see it fulfilled. Like so many who had gone before him, who died without seeing Isaiah 40:1 being fulfilled, he wondered if his time would pass before the time came. “Comfort, comfort my people, says your God.” The double dose of comfort promised to the people of God through his coming salvation, was it ever going to arrive?Remember: Luke 2:22-32And when the time came for their purification according to the Law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, “Every male who first opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord”) and to offer a sacrifice according to what is said in the Law of the Lord, “a pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.” Now there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon, and this man was righteous and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. And he came in the Spirit into the temple, and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the Law, he took him up in his arms and blessed God and said, “Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel.” - Luke 2:22-32The word consolation means ‘comfort’ and carries legal undertones. It’s closely related to the idea for the Holy Spirit (our “Helper”). Picture an infant crying and the mother steps in and consoles the child by nursing or soothing the baby; that is the image we see in the word consolation. As Jesus undergoes circumcision to fulfill the law; Mary steps in to console the baby after experiencing this painful step of obedience. Consolation, is God stepping in to comfort His people by fulfilling His promise of sending the Messiah.Simeon waited for this comfort. A comfort that would stand up in God’s court. A legal advocate for our miserable state of sin. This is more than a worldly comfort found in earthly soothing tactics. It’s a comfort that our souls long for. A comfort only the Messiah can bring.ReflectDo you look for comfort to come from God? Do you wait for and anticipate it? Or do you seriously doubt he will ever come through for you? Wouldn’t it be nice to receive some kind of divine revelation assuring you that you would surely see this comfort (directly connected to your season of waiting) like Simeon did? Even if we don’t experience healing on this side of eternity, we have the hope that Christ will come a second time to bring eternal comfort, this is the consolation we now wait for. In the waiting, we have this sweet gift of the God of all comfort who comforts us first by his Helper, the Holy Spirit and second by those who have received comfort themselves to then pass that comfort along to each other, filling in the gaps until he returns.Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. - 2 Corinthians 1:3-4The word comfort appears five times in these verses. This comfort gives us sight when silence blinds us. It opens our eyes to the future hope when our waiting feels endless and bleak. This comfort flows from God (God of ALL comfort) to us and spills on to others who so desperately need to be comforted. This is the sight we need in the silence.RespondCarry this breath prayer in your heart today:Breathe In:Jesus, I wait for your comfortBreathe Out:So that I can comfort others.The JourneyThis journey will take us through December 25th. My hope is that it would bring you encouragement in whatever waiting room you find yourself in during this Advent season. Each daily podcast will be short and sweet, leaving you with something to carry in your heart as you wait. You can also subscribe to my newsletter here. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rootedwithrachel.substack.com

Have you ever experienced such a special and sacred moment that you couldn’t even find the words to talk about it? You just wanted to sit and savor it. Maybe you were inwardly processing all that had taken place, holding those memories close to your heart, because they were so special. Or maybe you were sifting through the events that took place, trying to discern what meaning it holds.After the shepherds shared their story of how they found the baby King in a feeding trough, Mary held all these things close to her heart like little treasures discovered along the way. She didn’t understand everything, but she believed it with simple faith.Remember: Luke 2:19-21But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them. And at the end of eight days, when he was circumcised, he was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb. - Luke 2:19-21The shepherds spread the word about Jesus, an infant King for the least of mankind to the greatest. But Mary, she silently kept all these moments guarded in her mind. Treasures that she would no doubt pull out and be reminded of when her heart was weary or her faith felt fragile in the coming months and years. She pondered each interaction, each affirmation of her child who was also her Savior. Sifting. Organizing. Taking each thought, and looking at it from every angle piecing together this unfolding Gospel that would one day form a complete picture in her mind. One day, her heart would be pierced with the beauty of the story of redemption that she was chosen to play a small part in and that she so desperately needed.She slowly savored every God ordained moment like we slowly savor a mouthful of Christmas fudge. As it melts in our mouth, we detect the rich chocolate with hints of peanut butter along with a silky texture that reminds us of a sweeter time. Savoring the Savior at Christmas makes the season all the sweeter.ReflectJust like Mary, we gather scattered revelations from the Old Testament as we see each one fulfilled in Christ and we ponder them, treasuring them in our hearts. And when we face our own season of silence, we pull out these treasures and organize them in our minds, looking at them from every angle, until our hearts are warmed and settled by these precious truths. These truths keep us in seasons of waiting. We rehearse the Gospel, that Jesus came for us. He entered our pain. This baby wrapped in earthly flesh feels our silence, he waits with us. Ponder this. Treasure this. Savor this.RespondCarry this breath prayer in your heart today:Breathe In:Jesus, I savor this truthBreathe Out:You enter into my pain.The JourneyThis journey will take us through December 25th. My hope is that it would bring you encouragement in whatever waiting room you find yourself in during this Advent season. Each daily podcast will be short and sweet, leaving you with something to carry in your heart as you wait. You can also subscribe to my newsletter here.. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rootedwithrachel.substack.com

God’s plan in our lives usually unfolds in the most unexpected ways, doesn’t it? Have you ever thought, “Well, that is not at all how I would have expected things to go!” God’s ways our higher than our ways and his thoughts are higher than our thoughts. That’s why it so important to continue trusting that his perfect plan will unfold in our season of silence and waiting in HIS way and in HIS perfect time. Remember: Luke 2:8-18And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. - Luke 2:11-18A sign is proof of a divine revelation. God gave the shepherds a sign to authenticate the pronouncement that a Savior had been born in the city of David who IS Christ the Lord. He didn’t ask them to believe without evidence. This was proof that without a doubt, this was an unlikely king. What other king would be lying in a feeding trough for animals? What other king would be born in such a humble place? There would be no question that they had found the right baby that night, because no other baby would be lying in such a random place. I often wonder, how did they find him? Did they ask around? Did they take along their flock? Would there have been a clue in the swaddling cloths and manger that they would know exactly where to find him? It’s something to think about. There are many theories about this, none of which we can hold with confidence, because the Scripture simply does not say. But one worth pondering with wonder is the prophecy in Micah 4:8. Micah also prophesied that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem a few verses later in Micah 5:2:And you, O tower of the flock, hill of the daughter of Zion, to you shall it come, the former dominion shall come, kingship for the daughter of Jerusalem. - Micah 4:8Tower of the Flock was a place. A place where a king would come. An actual place called Migdal Eder. It’s a biblical location near Bethlehem where Jacob camped after Rachel’s death (Genesis 35:21). Later, it is known historically as a location used as a watchtower for shepherds to guard the special flock that was set apart for the spotless, unblemished lambs kept for the temple sacrifices. In this tower, was a rough place where the animals were kept and protected for sacrifice. Again, we can not know this for certain, because the Scripture simply does not say. But imagine if it was so. The shepherds would have recognized the clue in the mention of a manger. The first place they might check is Migdal Eder. What If?What if Mary and Joseph landed here when there was no room found for them to stay? What if Mary gave birth to the Savior who is set apart for sacrifice in Midgal Eder, a protective place for sacrificial lambs? What if swaddling him with cloths signified the sacrifice he would endure on the cross, his lifeless body wrapped in cloth and laid in a rough hewn cave for his burial? What if the shepherds knew exactly where to go and that’s why the Scripture says, “And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger.”? What if these were not just ordinary shepherds? What if they were temple shepherds assigned to protect and care for the flock set aside for sacrifices? What if?Did they know exactly where to look? Yes, because the angel told them: Bethlehem, the city of David. We do know God gave them a clear sign so that they would know without a doubt this was the One. We do know they were led to an unexpected place for God’s plan to unfold. A manger in Bethlehem was the last place someone would think to find a king from David’s line. This sign is unmistakeable. This was the child that is Christ the Lord. The Messiah. God himself, entering humbly into the world as a sacrifice prepared for mankind. A lowly King for the lowest. The shepherds found baby Jesus along with Mary and Joseph and they spread the news and the people wondered. What kind of King would this be?ReflectMaybe you struggle in your waiting, wondering how God’s plan will unfold. Maybe you doubt his unfolding plan because it is not how you imagined it would be. In our waiting and as we witness his plan unfolding, our peace comes from trusting that he will guide us every step of the way. We watch for signs of his faithfulness with expectation. We trust the Holy Spirit’s leading. Like the shepherds, we hear the command to trust his plan — his sign — and when it’s time, we obey with haste. RespondCarry this breath prayer in your heart today:Breathe In:God, your plan is perfectBreathe Out:Holy Spirit, you will make it known.The JourneyThis journey will take us through December 25th. My hope is that it would bring you encouragement in whatever waiting room you find yourself in during this Advent season. Each daily podcast will be short and sweet, leaving you with something to carry in your heart as you wait. You can also subscribe to my newsletter here. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rootedwithrachel.substack.com

Getting good news when you’ve been waiting to hear it — is such a relief isn’t it? It’s as if you’ve been holding your breath and you can suddenly breathe again. The greatest message of good news we can receive is that God sent us a Rescuer. For those who were stuck in silence and darkness, a light is dawning. And that light brings salvation and joy to a world that has been waiting in pain and silence.Today we see the Good News pronounced to a group of lowly shepherds just going about the mundane task of guarding their flocks. They were overlooked, on the fringe of society. They cared and protected and provided for vulnerable sheep. Maybe even sheep that would one day be included in the temple sacrifices as the ones chosen to be the blameless sacrifice. It is against this backdrop that the night sky holds a star pointing the way to the greatest news we could ever hope for. News that would not just be reserved for the elite or the religious. It’s news for the whole world! For the nobodies and the somebodies.Remember: Luke 2:8-10And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.” - Luke 2:8-10Shepherds were the first to hear the announcement that a Savior has been born in Bethlehem for THEM, for the whole world! What joy and wonder must have filled their hearts when they were startled by a whole host of heavenly beings lighting up the night sky, as they were just minding their own business taking care of sheep out in the field. God came to them in their lowly state. Just like God came to us in the lowly state of a baby in a manger, this is something to marvel at. I think we often overlook the story because it is so familiar.ReflectIn your season of waiting, have you ever witnessed a friend going through their own season of waiting, but then you witness them experiencing the relief and answer to prayer that they’ve been waiting for? And maybe you feel a little tinge of jealousy in that moment. They got what they have been longing for and you are still stuck in the waiting period. It’s hard to watch a friend get the answers to prayer that you’ve been yearning for isn’t it?The shepherds have probably been overlooked many times. But tonight was different. Tonight, they were the first to hear and the first to find the baby wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger — a King for all humanity. A King for them! A King for us!This is the best news we could ever hope to hear! He came and entered our pain, experiencing it to the fullest, to rescue us from the pain caused by sin. Our lives are messy. He entered our mess. He is the answer. He is the Good News. RespondCarry this breath prayer in your heart today:Breathe In:Jesus, you are the Good NewsBreathe Out:I receive it with great joy.The JourneyThis journey will take us through December 25th. My hope is that it would bring you encouragement in whatever waiting room you find yourself in during this Advent season. Each daily podcast will be short and sweet, leaving you with something to carry in your heart as you wait. You can also subscribe to my newsletter here. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rootedwithrachel.substack.com

Sovereignty is not a word we use often. Gotquestions.com describes the sovereignty of God like this:The fact that God is sovereign essentially means that He has the power, wisdom, and authority to do anything He chooses within His creation.‘Anything he chooses’ is most likely NOT what we would choose if given the chance. His ways are not our ways and his thoughts are not our thoughts. Sometimes in our season of silence, we miss the most glaring truth because our minds are focused on the immediate pain before us. We miss God’s sovereignty in our situation because we are seeking to control the uncontrollable. Seasons of silence can cause us to be blind to the tiny messages of hope wrapped up in our suffering. Today’s passage contains a glimpse of God’s sovereignty in three significant words that we can miss if we don’t pay attention. Remember: Luke 2:1-7In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. And all went to be registered, each to his own town. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. - Luke 2:1-7Do you see the three most significant words in the passage? It’s the first three words: “In those days…”. These three words speak of God’s sovereignty over time and history. They speak of his promise kept. They speak of his perfect timing. You see, it just so happened that God had chosen as part of his miraculous plan to fulfill the prophecy in Micah 5 in this way.“But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days.” - Micah 5:2It just so happened that the census, that would be the catalyst for the fulfillment of this prophecy, was issued around the time of Jesus’ birth. Now, this was not a convenient time for a young girl, who is about to have her first child (also, keep in mind she has never been with a man). On top of all that, consider the fact that they had to travel, by donkey on dusty, rugged paths filled with many perils, PREGNANT! If that wasn’t enough to put someone into labor, I don’t know what would do it! But God was sovereign in his timing. The baby would be born in Bethlehem.I wonder if Mary thought, “This has got to be the worst timing ever!” What is God up to? Why would he have all of this happen right when I’m about to give birth? Hasn’t she struggled enough already with all the gossip swirling around this young girl’s world, let alone the fear she felt at the anticipation of giving birth to a child?She would give birth to her first child with no help from a doctor, no midwife or soft hospital bed or even a bed at all! She gave birth in the most unsanitary of situations. Doesn’t seem ideal. Doesn’t make sense in our minds. But our seasons of waiting and silence are never ideal are they? God’s timing is never on our time-table. He is always on time. He is sovereign in all of our difficult journeys through suffering.It would be tempting to just not make the journey, to determine because it is too difficult, it must not be God’s plan for us to step into that hard path laid out before us. But the problem is, God’s plan was sovereignly going to happen THROUGH that journey. He had to get them to Bethlehem somehow! ReflectWe struggle with these thoughts when faced with a tough journey mapped out before us while we are already in a season of waiting. We wonder, “Really God?! Why would you pile this tough situation on top of an already difficult circumstance?” Is there a short cut? Can we just pass? But, God has sovereignly ordained that path to be our journey THROUGH the pain. A journey that would lead us straight to Jesus. An expectant woman staring down the face of her due date knows this feeling all too well. The only way out, is through. There’s no other option. When the first cry of the God of the universe sent in human form pierced the silence, I can’t imagine what must have been going through her and Joseph’s minds! In our suffering, the way out, is through. God sovereignly ordains the path before us that is often rugged and dusty, but it ends with us getting Jesus. Trust his plan. Pay attention to the little glimpses along the journey. Notice his sovereignty in all things and see his care along your painful path. Everything happens for a reason, we just need to trust the one who paves the path.RespondCarry this breath prayer in your heart today:Breathe In:God, you pave the path before meBreathe Out:Help me trust your sovereignty.The JourneyThis journey will take us through December 25th. My hope is that it would bring you encouragement in whatever waiting room you find yourself in during this Advent season. Each daily podcast will be short and sweet, leaving you with something to carry in your heart as you wait. You can also subscribe to my newsletter here. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rootedwithrachel.substack.com

How are you processing your season of waiting? Do you silently ruminate, which then quickly turns into worry? Do you blast some worship music to lift your spirit? Do you call a friend and verbally process your experience? Do you turn to unhealthy habits to dull the pain? We all process our seasons of waiting differently.As the four hundred years of silence break, Mary’s song becomes the first notes that ring through the cracks in that silence. Her words carry a hopeful message mimicking the word of praise that flowed from Hannah’s heart in 1 Samuel 2:1-10.Hannah’s song in 1 Samuel 2:1-10 anticipates a King. Mary’s song celebrates that the King has come.This young girl, whose world has been turned upside down, processes through praise. Remember: Luke 1:46-55And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant. For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name. And his mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation. He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts; he has brought down the mighty from their thrones and exalted those of humble estate; he has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, as he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his offspring forever.” - Luke 1:46-55Elizabeth affirms the Good News Gabriel brought to Mary and Mary responds by magnifying the Lord in soul and spirit because of his favor on her life. She is blessed, not because of anything she’s done, but because he who is mighty has done great things for HER. She personalizes this song first as she sees herself as a recipient of his grace, then moves out to how his mercy extends from generation to generation for those who fear him. Her joy is wrapped up in our joy at the coming King. In the remainder of her song she lists each way God shows his mercy:* He performs mighty deeds with his strength* He scatters the proud in the thoughts of their hearts* He brings the mighty low* He exalts the humble* He fills the hungry with good things* He sends the rich away, empty* He HAS HELPED his servant Israel* He remembers his mercyWhich one of these pronouncements of the mercy of God that comes to us because of Jesus, resonates with you?ReflectSometimes the word of praise comes after the breakthrough and sometimes it’s part of the breakthrough. The Christian faith cherishes worship through song. It builds our faith and encourages our hearts in seasons of waiting. We rehearse the gospel in song, preaching to ourselves and each other in our churches on Sunday morning and in our cars on Monday morning.We sing with Mary that he who is mighty has done great things for US in sending his Son. For the believer, the ones, who along with Mary believe the message of salvation — your suffering, your season of waiting, the pain you are experiencing — is the closest you will come to hell on this side of eternity. “our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.” - Romans 8:18But for the unbeliever, the ones who discount and disregard the message of salvation as weak and worthless — their suffering, their pain, their season of waiting — is the closest they will come to heaven on this side of eternity. “For Christians this present life is the closest they will come to Hell. For unbelievers, it is the closest they will come to Heaven.” — Randy AlcornWhich one are you? Do you believe the message that Jesus came to earth as a baby, to die the death we deserved because of our sin against God and to raise up from death to give us new life and an eternity in heaven where pain and suffering and waiting will be over forever? Or do you see the Good News as fake news? Just a crutch for the weak? Where you stand will determine how you see and process seasons of silence and suffering.RespondCarry this breath prayer in your heart today:Breathe In:Jesus, you are the King of my heartBreathe Out:You do great things for me.The JourneyThis journey will take us through December 25th. My hope is that it would bring you encouragement in whatever waiting room you find yourself in during this Advent season. Each daily podcast will be short and sweet, leaving you with something to carry in your heart as you wait. You can also subscribe to my newsletter here. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rootedwithrachel.substack.com

You know what it feels like the moment you connect with someone who has been through a similar situation that you have and they’re truly able to say, “I understand exactly how you feel!”? That is such a sweet moment! Today’s reading gives us a glimpse into a precious gift God gives Mary in a time that I’m sure was very confusing and disorienting for her. God gives her this sweet gift of a relationship with another woman. Remember: Luke 1:39-45In those days Mary arose and went with haste into the hill country, to a town in Judah, and she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the baby leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit, and she exclaimed with a loud cry, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! And why is this granted to me that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For behold, when the sound of your greeting came to my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord.” - Luke 1:39-45Notice, that Mary made haste to visit Elizabeth. She didn’t waste any time. I love how the movie “The Nativity Story” portrays this. She knew she needed to get away for a couple reasons, maybe more.1. From the talk that would stir among the people of her small town when word got out that she, a virgin, betrothed to Joseph, was pregnant. 2. Simply to be supported and encouraged by Elizabeth, another woman expecting a miracle baby, her first child, and a littler further ahead in her pregnancy.Although Mary believed God’s message to her through the angel Gabriel, she was still unsure as to how in the world this would happen. And then I’m sure the thoughts swirling in her head of ‘what people will think’ was more than she could bear. So, for her to enter Elizabeth’s home and immediately Elizabeth confirms the message that Gabriel gave her without any communication before hand was a sweet gift from God. Elizabeth confirms the message of salvation Gabriel brought to not only Mary, but to us and the whole world. John, the one who would come in the spirit of Elijah, leaps in her womb at being in the presence of the Messiah. Behold, when the SOUND of your greeting came to my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. And blessed is she who BELIEVED that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord.Mary believed God’s message and Elizabeth supported what Mary alone had carried in her heart. Her confession confirmed the reality Mary was living in. ReflectNotice that Mary moved toward Elizabeth. Our natural tendency when we’re walking through seasons of silence is to pull away from people. In your times of waiting, it’s so important to lean in to the people around you in your church community. Join a women’s group, join a men’s group, seek an older and seasoned person to walk through life with you and to pray for you. It could start simply as asking them out for coffee to hear their story. Who knows what God will do with that relationship!Mary believed that it would happen and Elizabeth was a sweet gift from the Lord and part of his salvation plan through the prophecy of Malachi to encourage Mary’s heart and ours.In the same way, God sends other believers to support and encourage our hearts during very confusing and disorienting times in our lives.RespondSeek out one person whose faith you admire and lean in to them.Carry this breath prayer in your heart today:Breathe In:Jesus, you support my soulBreathe Out:Give me eyes to see the support around me.The JourneyThis journey will take us through December 25th. My hope is that it would bring you encouragement in whatever waiting room you find yourself in during this Advent season. Each daily podcast will be short and sweet, leaving you with something to carry in your heart as you wait. You can also subscribe to my newsletter here. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rootedwithrachel.substack.com

Have you ever been given a responsibility that you dread? Maybe you signed up for something in haste and now you are regretting every minute of it. But what about those things that are forced upon us? The child with special needs we did not ask for. The loss of a job that we did not seek. A relationship that crumbled and we can’t figure out why. These are the burdens that stretch our capacity to continue on. These are the responsibilities we didn’t ask for that challenge our faith. How do we steward these situations well?Remember: Matthew 1:18-25Today’s passage is a short summary of how Christ’s birth came about. Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us). When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him: he took his wife, but knew her not until she had given birth to a son. And he called his name Jesus. - Matthew 1:18-25Not only does this passage give us a brief explanation of how the miraculous birth of Christ happened, but it also gives us a glimpse into Joseph’s character. I love how the movie “The Nativity Story” portrays Joseph. Strong, yet gentle. Bold and protective. Responsible and tender. The word “steward” means “acting as a responsible caretaker for something that is not your own”. Not only was Joseph a steward of the life of the Son of God, but he would also become his earthly, adoptive father who would teach the Son of God a trade, show him how to carve a table, provide for a family, and be a man. Joseph felt the weight of his responsibility for Mary and the Son of God. Joseph was being asked to steward and care for this child, which was not his own. How amazing that Immanuel “God with us” would be cared for by a simple carpenter. Joseph took his responsibility seriously. And he called his name Jesus. Joseph’s obedience and ownership of a situation he did not ask for is a clear example of stewardship. ReflectWhat if we saw our seasons of silence and waiting as precious gifts to steward? Things entrusted to us for a time. Can you imagine what kind of shift would take place in our hearts if we viewed our season of suffering as a gift to steward? Helen Roseveare was a missionary who was captured and experienced unimaginable abuse at the hands of her captors. She explains in one of her books about her life that she sensed God saying to her in her suffering: “Can you thank Me for trusting you with this experience even if I never tell you why?”Your season of suffering is yours to steward. Have you ever thought about that? How are you caring for your suffering in the silence? Like Helen, when we look at our suffering through the lens of stewardship, our thoughts shift from a victim mentality to a victor mentality. God must trust you so much for you to carry this suffering. How will you steward your suffering?RespondCarry this breath prayer in your heart today:Breathe In:Jesus, I receive this sufferingBreathe Out:Help me steward it well.The JourneyThis journey will take us through December 25th. My hope is that it would bring you encouragement in whatever waiting room you find yourself in during this Advent season. Each daily podcast will be short and sweet, leaving you with something to carry in your heart as you wait. You can also subscribe to my newsletter here. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rootedwithrachel.substack.com

It’s really difficult to surrender in the silence. We battle with our intrusive thoughts about ourselves, others and God. We fight for control because everything seems out of control. Maybe right now you are experiencing this. You feel like your situation is impossible and there is no way out. You are afraid to surrender everything and everyone to God, because, honestly, you are afraid what he will do. Sometimes, watching another believer walk through a similar situation, can help bolster our faith and give us permission to relinquish control.Remember: Luke 1:36-38And behold, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son, and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren. For nothing will be impossible with God.” And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her. - Luke 1:36-38Mary surrendered her questions and curiosity to the God of the impossible. Her simple confession: “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word” settled her heart into a place of surrender. Sometimes, verbalizing where are hearts should be paves the path to surrender.Mary’s heart of surrender reveals the faith birthed in her. The God of the impossible works in miraculous ways, we simply need to trust his heart for us. The angel’s news of Elizabeth’s situation is a sweet gift to Mary. Obviously, they didn’t have social media as a form of communication back then, so she had no idea about Elizabeth’s miraculous conception. She didn’t even know the four hundred years of silence had ended! But God gives her a godly example of surrender to follow and bolster her faith.ReflectIn your season of waiting, how do you bolster your faith? Again, this is where your church community can come around you. We need to remember God’s past faithfulness and keep replacing the doubts that arise with truth, but we need others to come alongside us and help us do this. We need a people praying for us and interceding for us when words are hard and prayer feels futile. We need to borrow the faith of a friend when our faith feels small. We need to go to church on a Sunday morning, even when we don’t feel like it and just hear the voices around us singing praise to God when we can’t bring ourselves to sing. We watch and learn from other believers as they walk through their own seasons of silence.I have to wonder if Gabriel was planting this seed of Elizabeth’s situation in young Mary’s tender heart to encourage her to lean into the wisdom of this woman? We need people a little further down the road of suffering to point us in the direction of surrender. We need each other.RespondCarry this breath prayer in your heart today:Breathe In:Jesus, I am your servantBreathe Out:I trust you with the impossible. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rootedwithrachel.substack.com

Have you ever had so much faith that something was going to happen, so much surety, but yet you had no idea HOW God was going to accomplish it, you just had unwavering faith that it would happen? These moments are probably rare in your life just like they are in mine. The opposite is often true in times of silence. Instead of surety, we are left feeling shaken, unsure of anything. We flounder and falter in our faith because our eyes are on the situation we find ourselves in. Today, we witness faith birthed in Mary’s heart as she processes Gabriel’s message.Remember: Luke 1:29-38But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be. And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” And Mary said to the angel, “How will this be, since I am a virgin?” And the angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy—the Son of God. - Luke 1:29-35This is the sound of faith. Now, what makes Mary’s question different from Zechariah’s? It’s the heart from where it comes. Zechariah’s question came from a place of doubt, doubting not only the message but the Messenger. Mary’s question came from a place of curiosity and wonder. Zechariah’s question was: “How do I know this is going to happen? He doubted God and his power. Mary’s question was: How will this happen? She believed the message and the Messenger, but was curious as to how it would take place.Zechariah’s question was answered with silence, but Mary’s question was answered with a sure salvation. ReflectOur faith can waver in times of waiting. Receiving bad news leaves us troubled. Gabriel gives Mary two assurances in the face of unsure circumstances that births faith in her soul resulting in a surrendered heart.* God’s faith birthed - “Do not be afraid.” With these words, Gabriel assures her troubled heart that God is in complete control and that she has no reason to be afraid at the angel’s presence or with God’s plan.* God’s favor bestowed - The reason she does not need to fear is God’s bestowed favor on her life. This is the second time the angel pronounces favor (the smile of God) on Mary. Sometimes, we need that extra assurance of the smile of God on our lives in times of silence and troubling circumstances.We possess these same assurances because of the surety we have in Christ. Did you notice the subtle appearance of the Trinity in verse 35? “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy—the Son of God.” - Luke 1:35Gabriel resided in the presence of God. Day in and day out, for eternity, he has witnessed the workings of the triune God: the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. The miracle that the triune God would reside in the womb of a humble virgin girl is mind-blowing. But the reality is, when God changes our hearts and we place our faith in Christ, the same happens to us. The triune God resides in us. “…that you may be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being…so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith…that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.” - Ephesians 3:16-19Father, Son, and Spirit. We have the power of the triune God moving in our hearts and lives. This is what gives us surety in times of silence. RespondCarry this breath prayer in your heart today:Breathe In:Father, Son and Holy SpiritBreathe Out:You are here now.The JourneyThis journey will take us through December 25th. My hope is that it would bring you encouragement in whatever waiting room you find yourself in during this Advent season. Each daily podcast will be short and sweet, leaving you with something to carry in your heart as you wait. You can also subscribe to my newsletter here. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rootedwithrachel.substack.com

Have you ever experienced the smile of God? If you have, you know that feeling of God’s approval resting on your heart. A peace that settles deep in your soul that he is pleased with you, not because of anything you’ve done, but because of what Christ has done. The smile of God means living in his favor, grace and approving presence. Today, we see a simple young girl who experiences the smile of God in a totally unexpected way.Remember: Luke 1:26-28In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. And the virgin’s name was Mary. And he came to her and said, “Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!” - Luke 1:26-28In the sixth month, meaning Elizabeth’s sixth month of her pregnancy with John the Baptist, in a small country town, a young girl, just living her life, witnessed her own breakthrough of the silence of God being shattered in Gabriel’s visitation. Mary was not doing anything flashy or attention grabbing for her to experience the smile of God. Gabriel approaches her with a greeting and announcement of God’s favor on her life. She was living a humble, hidden life. No grand accomplishments to illicit the smile of God, it is simply pronounced over her TWICE, first in verse 28 and then again in verse 30. I wonder what her tender heart felt at this greeting?ReflectHave you ever felt the “smile of God” on your life? Maybe you feel more the frown of God than you do his favor. We live in a world impressed with accomplishment. A world that praises those who are successful at producing. Christian influencers and celebrities garner the smile of the Christian community, and many times the attention of the world as well.It’s easy to think the smile of God is only reserved for those in the spotlight. But our Scripture today reinforces the truth that it’s not what we accomplish for God, what we produce for him, or how many people we share Christ with that warrants the approval of God, it’s simply his proclamation over our lives. “But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy…” - Titus 3:4-5If you feel the frown of God today, look to Jesus, see his sacrifice bestowed on unworthy sinners. Reflect on the fact that your humble, hidden life is worthy of the smile of God only because of Christ’s blood applied to you. It’s not based off of what we do or don’t do, it’s a direct result of his approval of his sinless Son’s sacrifice.RespondCarry this breath prayer in your heart today:Breathe In:Jesus, because of youBreathe Out:I experience the smile of God.The JourneyThis journey will take us through December 25th. My hope is that it would bring you encouragement in whatever waiting room you find yourself in during this Advent season. Each daily podcast will be short and sweet, leaving you with something to carry in your heart as you wait. You can also subscribe to my newsletter here. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rootedwithrachel.substack.com

We live in a world that is a little bit like a fishbowl, there are eyes on everyone at all times. With social media being center stage, our lives can become so public that we forget what it’s like to live life in the hidden. Elizabeth found solace even in her seclusion. God had answered their prayer for a child in a miraculous way, but Elizabeth chose to stay hidden during the first few months of her pregnancy. Remember: Luke 1:24-25After these days his wife Elizabeth conceived, and for five months she kept herself hidden, saying, “Thus the Lord has done for me in the days when he looked on me, to take away my reproach among people.” - Luke 1:24-25It’s interesting to think about and wonder why she chose seclusion. Perhaps her seclusion mimicked the silence Zechariah experienced in being unable to speak for nine months. Her choice to seclude herself is matched by other biblical hero’s examples of seclusion like Moses, Joseph, Jacob, David, Elijah, Jonah, Paul, John the Baptist and even Jesus himself. Sometimes we need to separate ourselves as we wait for the visible. Sometimes, we need to pull away to process and praise God in hiddenness. She used this time of hiddenness to praise God in private for taking away her public disgrace.ReflectSeclusion can sometimes have a positive effect, but during seasons of waiting seclusion can have a negative effect on our hearts. We can sometimes hide away because we’re tired of being in the same position or we’re afraid our friends and family are exhausted with the same story being replayed over and over again. Because we don’t experience relief, we hide. Elizabeth’s hiding was probably for a very different reason. She says that God had “taken away her reproach among people”. Just like today, barrenness and being unable to have children has such a stigma attached to it. There’s so much shame that comes with this type of waiting. Even though Elizabeth’s reproach had been lifted, she chose to give herself time to process and meditate on her situation. In the same way, our situation before Christ was barren and hopeless. We were sinners, dead in our sins, unable to fix our separation from God. Our reproach was our sin, but thanks be to God, Christ came to take away our reproach!Reflect on your situation right now. Ask Jesus what you need most. Maybe you need a time of separation to process and meditate on his truth, getting your heart posture in the right place. Or, you might need people to surround you right now and help pull you out of a dark place as you wait. Sometimes God does his greatest work while we are hidden.RespondCarry this breath prayer in your heart today:Breathe In:Jesus, I hide myself in youBreathe Out:You work in the hidden.The JourneyThis journey will take us through December 25th. My hope is that it would bring you encouragement in whatever waiting room you find yourself in during this Advent season. Each daily podcast will be short and sweet, leaving you with something to carry in your heart as you wait. You can also subscribe to my newsletter here. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rootedwithrachel.substack.com

Sometimes in the silence, we forget how to hope, we can get a little cynical. Yesterday, we witnessed the four hundred years of silence being shattered with an answer to prayer from Malachi’s prophecy of hope and a personal answer to Zechariah and Elizabeth’s prayer for a child. Today’s sound to listen for carries a warning. The sound of skepticism has the potential to shatter our faith.The four hundred years of silence end, but one man’s silence begins because of his skepticism.Remember: Luke 1:18-23And Zechariah said to the angel, “How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is advanced in years.” And the angel answered him, “I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I was sent to speak to you and to bring you this good news. And behold, you will be silent and unable to speak until the day that these things take place, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their time.” And the people were waiting for Zechariah, and they were wondering at his delay in the temple. And when he came out, he was unable to speak to them, and they realized that he had seen a vision in the temple. And he kept making signs to them and remained mute. And when his time of service was ended, he went to his home. - Luke 1:18-23Zechariah is silenced because of his skepticism. God will do what he said he would do in blessing them with a child (which is a miracle in itself because Elizabeth was barren and beyond the years of childbearing) but Zechariah would be unable to speak for nine months.You may wonder, how was his question skeptical of God? Behind his question is a heart of doubt. He says, “How can I know this for certain? What proof can you give me?” As if an angel sent by God breaking the four hundred years of silence wasn’t enough. In his question, Zechariah was doubting not only the message, but the Messenger. He was doubting God.Gabriel stands in the presence of God. This should be all the proof Zechariah needs, but he doubted and was silenced.Reflect This is something to guard against in our seasons of silence. Waiting can cause our belief in God to waver. We doubt his goodness toward us, we doubt his promise, we can even doubt our salvation. We need help remembering his past faithfulness. This help can come in the form of borrowing the faith of a friend to guard against skepticism in the silence.We need each other in seasons of waiting to guard against the sound of skepticism that can fill our hearts and minds. When our faith feels small, borrowing the faith of a friend gives us courage in the face of doubt.RespondSeek out someone in your church community and ask if you can borrow their faith for this season. Give them permission to speak courage into your heart in the form of Scripture infused with their faith.Carry this breath prayer in your heart today:Breathe In:Jesus, you are trustworthyBreathe Out:I trust you.The JourneyThis journey will take us through December 25th. My hope is that it would bring you encouragement in whatever waiting room you find yourself in during this Advent season. Each daily podcast will be short and sweet, leaving you with something to carry in your heart as you wait. You can also subscribe to my newsletter here. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rootedwithrachel.substack.com

Something amazing happens when we’ve been waiting for so long in silence and that silence is suddenly broken with an answer to prayer or even the tiniest glimpse of hope from God. Yesterday we got a peek into the first words that broke the four hundred years of silence. Just four simple words: “Do not be afraid!”. Can you imagine the shock and fear Zechariah must have felt after hearing no word from the Lord to his people for four hundred years and suddenly he is face-to-face with an angel?Remember: Luke 1:13-17But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah, for your prayer has been heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John. And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth, for he will be great before the Lord. And he must not drink wine or strong drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother’s womb. And he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God, and he will go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, to make ready for the Lord a people prepared.” - Luke 1:13-17Does verse 17 ring a bell? This was the one Malachi was prophesying about!! This was the spirit of Elijah that was promised four hundred years prior!! He is basically quoting Malachi 4:5-6. It’s happening! Hope has come! The silence is shattering!ReflectI can’t help but notice how God’s plan of redemption is wrapped up in Zechariah and Elizabeth’s answer to their personal prayer for a child. God is working bigger things that sometimes include smaller things. His joy is aimed at the nations, but his heart is targeted on individuals. In your pain and waiting today, reflect on the truth that your answer to prayer is wrapped up in bigger answers to prayer that include God’s greatest joy of seeing people enfolded into his family.You would think someone that has waited this long for something would jump for joy and praise God. But sometimes in the silence, we forget how to hope, we can get a little cynical. Tomorrow we will learn to listen for the sound that has the potential to shatter our faith.RespondCarry this breath prayer in your heart today:Breathe In:My prayers are intertwined with your heartBreathe Out:Help me trust your heart for me.The JourneyThis journey will take us through December 25th. My hope is that it would bring you encouragement in whatever waiting room you find yourself in during this Advent season. Each daily podcast will be short and sweet, leaving you with something to carry in your heart as you wait. You can also subscribe to my newsletter here. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rootedwithrachel.substack.com

Suffering is hard enough, but suffering in silence is perhaps the worst place to be. When prayer is hard, when the heavens feel closed off from us, we need people around us interceding for us in prayer. But before we can even enjoy this privilege of intercession by the community of saints, we need to invite people into our pain.Remember: Luke 1:10-13We have two examples of supplication or prayer here in Zechariah’s life. And the whole multitude of the people were praying outside at the hour of incense. And there appeared to him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense. And Zechariah was troubled when he saw him, and fear fell upon him. But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah, for your prayer has been heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John. - Luke 1:10-13We have the whole congregation praying outside while Zechariah performed his priestly duties, and we have a peek into the private prayers Zechariah and Elizabeth had persevered in praying for a child, along with the beautiful promise that God always hears our prayers.ReflectWe need believers rallying and praying for us, especially in times of silence and waiting. It is one thing to persevere in prayer in private, but sharing this with your church community (or even with a few trusted friends) so that they can lift you up in prayer is so crucial to surviving our seasons of waiting.But in order to let them love you in this way, you have to invite them into your pain.Notice in verse 13, it was while he was serving, while he was praying, that the four hundred years of silence were suddenly broken with these four words, “Do not be afraid…”. Tomorrow, we will look more into this shattering of the four hundred years of silence and the message it brings. But today we must remember: God is working while we serve. He is working while we pray. He’s always working in the waiting.Sometimes, in the silence, we forget how to hope, we can get a little cynical. Prayer keeps us hopeful. The people of God keep us praying. God keeps us in the waiting.RespondThink of one person you can invite into your pain today. Simply ask them to intercede for you in prayer.Carry this breath prayer in your heart today:Breathe In:Jesus, thank you for the gift of prayerBreathe Out:I know you hear me.The JourneyThis journey will take us through December 25th. My hope is that it would bring you encouragement in whatever waiting room you find yourself in during this Advent season. Each daily podcast will be short and sweet, leaving you with something to carry in your heart as you wait. You can also subscribe to my newsletter here. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rootedwithrachel.substack.com

I think one of the hardest parts about waiting, is the silence. It can last for so long, tempting us to give up. We quit trying. The people of God had waited four hundred long years. No word from God. No prophet. No hope. Just the sound of silence. It’s in these moments that we feel like maybe God has forgotten. He’s forgotten to be faithful. Maybe he doesn’t work anymore. Our prayers seem to go unanswered and the wait is long and we give up. We don’t have the capacity to pray let alone serve. But it’s in moments of waiting where we have to put one foot in front of the other. We do the next thing even if it’s mundane and insignificant. We continue washing the dishes. We continue making the beds. We continue cleaning our houses. We continue feeding our family, because it’s the next thing.Our reading today begins with Zechariah and Elizabeth, just two people doing the mundane in the waiting. Zechariah was a priest and Elizabeth was his wife. And not only were they waiting for the Messiah, but personally, they were waiting in their own pain of longing for a child. They walked through the season of barrenness and into the season where the hope of bearing a child fades into final hopelessness. You may know this heartbreak well. You’ve no doubt experienced the fears and frustration that come with this particular season of waiting. I pray that your heart is encouraged today to continue serving even in the waiting.Remember: Luke 1:5-7In the days of Herod, king of Judea, there was a priest named Zechariah, of the division of Abijah. And he had a wife from the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. And they were both righteous before God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and statutes of the Lord. But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren, and both were advanced in years.Zechariah was a priest. Notice how Zechariah and Elizabeth were both described. They were both righteous. BEFORE GOD. Their outer working matched their inner working. They both walked blamelessly and followed the commandments of the Lord. Four hundred years is a long time and it would be very difficult to continue on in faithfulness with no word from the Lord. It would be easy to quit serving, quit trying. But they were blameless. They followed God faithfully and yet — please don’t miss this — and yet, they were still without children. The one blessing that they longed for they were kept from. It’s not because they were living in sin, it’s not because they had failed to obey God in some way; it’s simply because God was waiting for his perfect time and his perfect plan to unfold. ReflectIf you have experienced a season of waiting that causes you to live in a place of shame or if someone (or your own mind) has condemned you into thinking you are the cause of this blessing being withheld, hear this truth today: Righteous people experience the silence of God, but God is sovereign in our suffering and waiting.So, the first sound to be aware of in silence is the Sound of Service. Waiting is active, not passive. Continue serving God faithfully while you are trusting his plan will unfold in HIS perfect timing. Keep holding on to hope in Christ. Keep walking with him in the waiting. Trust that his ways are much higher than our ways and he is busy forming us into his own image through the process of waiting.RespondCarry this breath prayer in your heart today:Breathe In:Jesus, you work good in my waiting Breathe Out:Help me serve you while I wait.The JourneyThis journey will take us from December 1st through December 25th. My hope is that it would bring you encouragement in whatever waiting room you find yourself in during this Advent season. Each daily podcast will be short and sweet, leaving you with something to carry in your heart as you wait. You can also subscribe to my newsletter here. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rootedwithrachel.substack.com

Every good story starts with the past. Who is the main character? Where did they grow up? What was their family tree like? Today’s reading walks us through the pages of history, tracing the Messiah’s family tree down to the very beginning of time. Although Jesus’ conception was purely of the Holy Spirit and a miracle, there are two genealogies regarding the Messiah following Mary and Joseph (his adoptive, earthly father), one is legal and one is biological.The first genealogy in Matthew 1 traces Jesus through the eyes of royalty and Abraham’s lineage, proving Jesus came from the line of David and was the rightful, promised King. The focus of this genealogy is Joseph’s line, proof that he was truly the legal, earthly, adoptive father of Jesus. This genealogy gives evidence that Jesus is the King.The second genealogy found in Luke 3 follows Mary’s biological line, proving that Jesus is the Son of Man, the Savior of all humanity. He is the promised seed that would fulfill the prophesy in Genesis 3:15. This verse contains the first mention of the Gospel (what theologians call the “protoevangelium”). It’s the Good News that even in humanity’s broken state, after sin separated God from man, God promised to send a Seed who would come from mankind and crush the serpent’s head forever. This genealogy gives evidence that Jesus is the Son of Man.Remember: Matthew 1:1-17; Luke 3:23-38Read both genealogies and note the differences. Remember that God works in the waiting. Both of these genealogies represent so much life happening, so much heartache, but God was working through the good, the bad and the ugly. Remember this when you face your own seasons of waiting, God is working good in the waiting.ReflectNotice in Matthew’s genealogy the people that show up: Tamar, Ruth, Rahab. These are women that were not Jewish. They were foreigners, often referred to as “pagans” in those days. They did not come from the line of Abraham and yet God‘s heart is for the nations. It always has been and always will be. So, as we sit in the now, as we wait in the “already-not-yet”, reflect on the fact that God‘s heart is for the nations. You are here for a purpose. you were specifically birthed into this generation, into this time in history — for a purpose — God‘s purpose.RespondCarry this breath prayer in your heart today:Breathe In:God, even in my waitingBreathe Out:You are working good.The JourneyThis journey will take us from December 1st through December 25th. My hope is that it would bring you encouragement in whatever waiting room you find yourself in during this Advent season. Each daily podcast will be short and sweet, leaving you with something to carry in your heart as you wait. You can also subscribe to my newsletter here. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rootedwithrachel.substack.com

We all find ourselves in seasons of waiting. Sometimes the waiting is small and insignificant like waiting for a red light to turn green or waiting on a hot cup of coffee at your local coffee shop. Then there are the times when the waiting is serious and it’s heavy. Waiting on a medical diagnosis, waiting for a child, waiting on a job, waiting for a husband, waiting for a prodigal to come home, or waiting for a severed relationship to be mended. These seasons are hard and the silence can be deafening in the waiting. How do we listen for the sounds in the silence?The Journey This journey will take us through December 25th. My hope is that it would bring you encouragement in whatever waiting room you find yourself in during this Advent season. Each daily podcast will be short and sweet, leaving you with something to carry in your heart as you wait. You can also subscribe to my newsletter here. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rootedwithrachel.substack.com

Coming at you raw today on Rooted with Rachel!Here’s the book I mentioned:The Heart of Jesus: How He Really Feels About You by Dane Ortlund Purchase here: https://a.co/d/gDC5c4lFollow along on my Substack or on Instagram @rachelbochat: This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rootedwithrachel.substack.com

Have you ever experienced a period of time where God is teaching you so much about himself and yourself? It’s like you’re drinking from a fire hydrant. You want to share but you’re not sure yet how to articulate it. I have felt that way recently. I am finally at the place where I am ready to share some of what God has been teaching me about battling worry in the hopes that it would help you as well. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rootedwithrachel.substack.com

Welcome to Rooted with Rachel. As a Christian life coach, I am here to help you walk in confidence, clarity, and God’s purpose for your life. Today we’re talking about something so simple, but so powerful—it’s the words we speak and the words we hear. They can either breathe life or drain it. And as followers of Jesus, we have a choice every single day in which ones we allow to shape us. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rootedwithrachel.substack.com

Lately, I have found myself in a cycle of rehearsing negative narratives in my heart and mind. It has taken me to a place where I did not want to go. I knew something had to be done or I would be stuck here forever. Maybe you resonate with this. Perhaps you too have found yourself spiraling into the negative on autopilot and you don’t know how to break the cycle. Or maybe you are clueless as to why you are feeling so “down” lately. It could be that the negative narratives you are unknowingly replaying in your heart and mind are keeping you stuck in a place of discouragement. How do we disarm those negative narratives? What can we do to move out of that dark place of discouragement into brighter days? Today, I want to share with you two ways to disarm shame and push back the darkness. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rootedwithrachel.substack.com

Have you ever looked at a sunrise and you couldn’t help but think about God—the Creator of every sunrise? Or stood before the vast ocean and your mind goes directly to how he holds back those waves and sets their boundaries, saying, “You may come this far, and no further”? Creation is speaking to us constantly. Psalm 19 tells us, “The heavens declare the glory of God.” But so often, we miss the sacred sermon because we are too busy to listen. If we are distracted with other things, we will miss the sermon creation is crafting. Recently, I came across a very interesting fact that once again proves that creation speaks… This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rootedwithrachel.substack.com

How would you describe the state of your soul right now? Is it calm and quiet? Weary and restless? Anxious and worried? When our souls feel disturbed and turbulent, we usually try and ease are anxious souls with food, drink or other empty remedies. None of these can calm and quiet our anxious souls. Very rarely do we ask ourselves WHY are we feeling this way, what is at the root of our fractured soul? What do you need to be weaned off of? What is keeping you from being content? This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rootedwithrachel.substack.com

Are you finding it difficult to think of reasons to praise God right now? Maybe you're going through a trial or grieving a loss, and you just can’t seem to find your footing. How can we praise when our souls feel empty and cold?It’s so easy for our view of God to become skewed in a world that paints an inaccurate picture of him—one that doesn’t align with what Scripture says. That’s why it’s so important to go to the Bible and learn God’s character through his Word, rather than relying on our interpretation of circumstances or the world’s perspective. When we base our view of God on our surroundings, we risk creating a version of him that isn’t true.God has given us a clear picture of Himself in Scripture. When we know him through studying the Bible, we begin to interpret our circumstances through the lens of his truth. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rootedwithrachel.substack.com

I cannot begin to tell you how timely this psalm has been for me!! I pray God has used it in your life as well. Today is our final day in Psalm 121. We will look at the last two verses and then I will share with you how this psalm has helped shape my prayers not only for myself, but for my family and for others as well. As we look at verses 7-8, we are left with four powerful truths that help shape our prayers. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rootedwithrachel.substack.com

May is a month of transitions — graduations, children moving from elementary to middle school or from middle school to high school, people relocating, and many life changes. How do you weather these transitions when everything feels uncertain or constantly changing?Last week, we explored God as our Vigilant Protector and saw how He keeps us in a deeply personal way. Today, we will focus on God as our Faithful Keeper, who covers and watches over us in every season of life.Whether it’s life transitions, growing children, moves, or moments that feel overwhelming, Psalm 121:5–6 offers three promises that apply to every season. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rootedwithrachel.substack.com

When your world feels dark and silent, do you ever wonder if God is still paying attention? Do you ever feel like you are unseen in your pain? Because help is deferred, you conclude that God is disinterested in your life — or worse, he has forgotten you. I think we would all say we have had these thoughts. Our hearts know better, but sometimes when the pressures are so great and the rescue is delayed it can cause us to look elsewhere for help. How can we remind ourselves that we have a wakeful watcher when our world is crumbling around us?Last week, we looked at Psalm 121:1-2. We saw how tempting it is for us to go to people, places, or things for help instead of setting our gaze higher on the Maker of heaven and earth. The rest of this psalm seeks to answer that question in practical ways. How is the Maker of heaven and earth our help? Why should we keep our eyes lifted above the hills to the one who made the hills? Psalm 121:1-2 showed us the Source of our Help. Today’s verses describe our Source of Help as a Vigilant Protector. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rootedwithrachel.substack.com

Do you ever feel like you just need a change of pace? Maybe your time spent with God and his word seem fruitless or hurried and you feel the need to slow down. You long for something that will be more meditative, more contemplative. We live in a world that is in fast motion. We get information at our fingertips constantly through social media and the news; so many things are bearing down on us. Our minds and souls were not meant to carry this much.I feel this too, and I am planning on using this summer to slow the pace and spend time in the psalms. I want to sit with them. I want to go line-by-line. I want to waste my time meditating on these truths. So, I’m starting what I’m calling “Summer in the Psalms.” It will be a series spent in different psalms throughout the summer. I don’t know how many we’re going to do, but we are going to walk through them slowly. If you want to join me on this journey through the psalms this summer, then tune into the Podcast Holistic Highlights, my Substack or YouTube to follow along. Going UpToday, we will look at our first psalm in the Summer in the Psalms series: Psalm 121. This psalm is part of a collection of psalms called the Psalms of Ascent. It begins with Psalm 120 and goes all the way to Psalm 134, fifteen psalms total. They are known as the “Pilgrim Songs”because the Jewish people would use these as they would journey “up” to Jerusalem to celebrate one of the festivals (Passover, Feast of Weeks, or Feast of Tabernacles). Exodus 34:24 states the command to make this journey three times a year.This path was a well-worn path for many of the patriarchs long before these psalms were compiled. Abraham was the first to go up to Jerusalem when he went to offer his son Isaac as a sacrifice according to the command of God. God intervened and provided a substitute, sparing Isaac’s life. Jacob was next as he traveled to seek a wife and God revealed himself to him in a vision of a ladder extended to heaven. He exclaims, “How awesome is this place! This is none other than the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven.” David purchased this plot of land and built an altar to the Lord. Later, Solomon, his son would build the temple on this same piece of land.In the New Testament, Jesus made this journey many times with his family and other pilgrims, most likely singing these songs as they traveled. One of those trips was the one on which he was left behind at the temple (Luke 2:41-46). Jesus would later travel this same path when he made his triumphal entry through the Beautiful Gate on a donkey. He was fully aware that the welcoming crowd would soon turn on him and call for his crucifixion. Our distress is joined with all the other pilgrims who have gone before us. Likewise, our deliverance is found in the one who walked this path before us.The psalms of ascent are separated in three sections:* Psalm 120-124 Distress* Psalm 125-129 Confidence in God* Psalm 130-134 Communion with him in his houseThis pattern reminds me so much of our walk through this world into eternal communion with our Savior who journeys with us.These psalms literally ascend as the pilgrims would physically ascend the hill into Jerusalem. Many Jewish writings even suggest that the priest would walk up each of the fifteen steps into the temple singing these songs on each step. They have a very prominent place in Jewish culture, but also in our lives as pilgrims on a journey. The Psalms of Ascent served as a reminder to the Jewish people of their journey out of exile and so for us it’s a reminder that this journey called life can be hard and at times overwhelming, but we have a well-worn path before us and a well-seasoned Savior by our side. We need seasons where we are able to slow down, savor God and the simple truths found in Scripture. The psalms are a perfect place to waste time in. So let’s begin.Where Does My Help Come From?Psalm 120 begins in a very low place, a cry of holy discontentment and Psalm 121 — which is our first Psalm for this summer — continues that movement as it expresses the search for help along this hard and uphill journey.We are just going to look at the first two verses this week: Psalm 121:1-2:I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.It’s fascinating that the second step we take up the ascent would begin with a question of where our help comes from.Psalm 121 is perhaps a well-known psalm for many. Maybe you’ve even memorized it. I never really noticed it until I begin studying it that the first line of this psalm just seems odd to me. Psalm 121:1 says, “I lift up my eyes to the hills, from where does my help come from?” I guess I never asked the question before of the text. What does that even mean? I lift up my eyes to the hills? Does it just mean he is looking at the physical terrain or is there something more to it? The psalmist asks a question in verse one and then answers his question in verse two. My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.In that time, the hills or mountains were called the high places and it was where idol worship took place. So, with that in mind, the psalmist is saying I have lifted my eyes to the hills and have found no help. He is acknowledging the fact that maybe he’s gone to these things and sought help from people or idols or locations and found them powerless to help. The only help that he will receive is from the One who made the hills and the mountains. The Maker of heaven and earth. The One who rules over all. We are never safe until we look to God alone. He frees us from fears that are irrational and rational.As the pilgrims ascended the hill toward Jerusalem, this question rings out: Where does my help come from? If it’s not in the hills or high places, if it’s not in idols or people or places, then where does it come from? Perhaps they wondered if they would find their help in the city, in Jerusalem or in the high places erected by their forefathers for false worship, or maybe even their own loftiness was where they hoped to find rescue, but none of these can help. We must look higher than these earthly substitutes to find where our help comes from. It comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. Every other pursuit will prove pointless. Do you feel helpless right now? Does your situation cause you to seek help in all the wrong places? As we lift up our eyes to the hills, let us lift our gaze a little higher to the Maker of heaven and earth. The Maker of the hills is where our help is found.Joy in ActionHere are some practical ways to “slow the pace” this summer.* Sit with each word of the verse. Pay attention to which word God’s Spirit is highlighting in your heart. Sit with that word. Form it into a prayer and put it into action.* Did you know that looking up while covering one eye can actually be used as a sensory distraction for someone battling anxiety? It only gives temporary relief, but isn’t it amazing that our Creator has so wired our bodies to regulate by looking up? Next time you feel anxious, cover one eye and look up and remind yourself where your help comes from. * Memorize these two verses and use them as a breath prayer whenever you feel anxious, needing to make a decision, disciplining your children, or caught in a mental battle. Remind yourself of this truth that the God who made the stars sees you and helps you. You do not have to carry it alone.Christian Life CoachingAs a Christian life coach, my heart is to help you grow in the God-given confidence that comes from knowing who you are in Christ. True confidence isn’t about striving or self-promotion—it’s about humbly submitting to God, trusting His plans, and walking boldly in the identity He’s given you. As you draw near to Him and resist the lies of the enemy, you’ll begin to see transformation not just in how you see yourself, but in how you show up in the world. Together, we’ll uncover what’s holding you back, align your steps with God’s truth, and walk forward in faith—anchored, equipped, and empowered by His Spirit. Begin your journey today. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rootedwithrachel.substack.com

Have you ever thought about how many times you may have missed a breakthrough because you gave up too soon? You gave up on yourself. You gave up on God. You gave up on someone else. What does it really look like to brave a breakthrough? That’s the topic of today’s episode.Today we are talking about breakthroughs. Not just the “I had a good day at work” kind of breakthrough. I’m talking about the kind of breakthroughs that change the course of your life forever. The kinds that are God-orchestrated and faith-infused. I want to offer you three ways to brave a breakthrough, but first, let me start with a simple definition:A breakthrough is something that changes the course of your life going forward and ensures that things will never be the same for you again.Let that sink in. It’s not just a moment—it’s a marker.Something shifts inside you. You stop repeating the same cycles. You start walking in freedom, clarity, and purpose.Brave a BreakthroughHere’s the thing about breakthroughs: Breakthroughs demand bravery. Because they require you to stop settling. Stop settling in your health, in your mindset, in your spiritual walk. Maybe you’ve been saying things like,* “This is just how I am.”* “I’ll never be able to change my habits.”* “I’m not good enough to walk in that calling.”Listen, I know it’s hard. I’ve been there and realize I will continue to face many more moments where I will have to make a decision to stop settling, to choose courage instead of comfort. Many of my breakthroughs happened when I realized how I am allowing fear to drive me. You can’t change your life without changing the story you are telling yourself. There comes a point when you have to choose to believe the truth or the lie. You have to choose faith over fear.In 2 Timothy 1:7, Paul says,“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind.”That same power helps you break through the lies you’ve believed, the habits that drain you, and the shame that keeps you stuck.We must choose to believe the truth that we have been given power, love and a whole mind instead of listening to the voice of fear. Whatever area you are seeking a breakthrough in — finally committing to move your body daily, eat with intention, or walk in confidence into a calling — you’re not doing it alone. God is with you in the journey.So, I want you to think about where you need a breakthrough today? Is it in your health journey, your spiritual walk, a relationship or a mindset shift? Joy In ActionHere are three ways to brave a breakthrough:Surrender Fully to GodSometimes the breakthrough comes not from striving, but surrendering. Lay it all at His feet—your plans, your timeline, your fears. Trust that He’s working even when you don’t see it. “Be still and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10)Shift Your MindsetSome breakthroughs require deeper pressing in. Sometimes fasting can help quiet the noise and tune your spirit to hear God clearly. Speak God’s Word over your situation. Scripture is a weapon. When you declare His promises over your life, you're aligning your reality with heaven. Pray boldly, expectantly, knowing He is the God of the impossible and speak truth over your situation.Start with Fierce FocusSometimes it’s hard to know where to start. If you are finding yourself there and you have been waiting for a breakthrough, practicing fierce focus on foundational truths, can often get us through to the other side. Foundational truths like: “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want” can infuse us with courage when our minds aren’t capable of thinking on much else than the simple truths found in Scripture.If you’re ready to take the next step, reach out by following the link in the notes—I’d love to walk this out with you.Remember this: A breakthrough often hides behind persistence.Stay strong. Stay surrendered.Christian Life CoachingAre you ready to take the next step and brave your breakthrough? As a Christian life coach, I can help you move from feeling unsure to confidently stepping into the next season of your life or task. Through personalized coaching, I’ll provide encouragement, practical tools, and biblical wisdom to help you overcome self-doubt and align with God’s purpose. Together, we'll focus on building the confidence you need to embrace new challenges and trust that God is equipping you for every step of the journey. Begin your journey today. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rootedwithrachel.substack.com

The Easter outfits are all put away. The Easter baskets are empty and the candy is almost gone (or maybe it’s already completely gone!) The food has all been consumed. The high point of the Christian calendar has come and gone. How do we live in the reality of the resurrection on Easter Monday?Today, I have been reflecting on the word “remember.” I think back on all the happenings that would’ve taken place during Jesus‘ last days on this earth. We are forgetful people and it’s easy for us on Easter Monday, to forget who we are, to forget what the resurrection means for us as we walk into another week with all of our responsibilities, jobs and people needing our undivided attention. It’s hard to remember what all was accomplished in the resurrection on Monday morning. So, how can we remember the resurrection on Easter Monday? In Luke 24, we see the women who discovered the empty tomb early on that morning long ago being asked to remember when the angels say, “He is not here; He has risen!”On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women came to the tomb, bringing the spices they had prepared. They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. While they were puzzling over this, suddenly two men in radiant apparel stood beside them. As the women bowed their faces to the ground in terror, the two men asked them, “Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; He has risen! Remember how He told you while He was still in Galilee: ‘The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and on the third day rise again.’” Then they remembered His words. - Luke 24:1-8They are prompted to remember what he said to prepare them for what was to come. So they begin to think back on all the ways Jesus told them what was going to happen to him concerning his suffering, his death and his resurrection. Suddenly, their eyes were opened and they remember. It all makes sense to them and they remember what he said. Now they are seeing and will learn to live in the reality of what he meant as they stood in that empty tomb. We are a forgetful people. But let us not forget this: Remember the resurrected Christ.Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, the offspring of David, as preached in my gospel. - 2 Timothy 2:8As we walk into a new week and step into Easter Monday and the days to follow, let us not forget resurrection hope. The Holman Christian Standard version says, “Keep your attention on Jesus Christ as risen from the dead. (2 Timothy 2:8)” When we face all the things that are to come whether it’s hard things or circumstances or people needing us, may we walk into this next week remembering Jesus Christ, risen from the dead. Maybe the Easter baskets are being put away and everything is over, but IT’S not over; it’s just beginning.When things get hard, when things are difficult, when life happens here are three ways from Hebrews 12:2 to walk through life remembering the risen Christ.looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. We learn to “look to Jesus” the Author and Perfecter of our faith who for the joy that was set before him did these three things: endured the cross, despised the shame and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. We remember Christ resurrected by applying these three things into our everyday lives.He is the “Author and Perfecter of our faith,” that just means he is the First and Last, he is the Founder and Finisher of our faith. No matter what you walk through in the coming days, no matter what circumstances happen to you, he will finish his work because he started it. So we can rest and trust in this truth as we apply these three things to our lives. We look to Jesus and the joy set before us as we walk into the coming days with confidence and resurrection hope.* We endure the cross, just as Jesus endured his cross by looking to the joy ahead. Not only do we remember his resurrection, but we look forward to his return as we endure our cross whatever that may be. It might be just circumstances that are really difficult for you right now. It may be something that you’re dealing with or a sin you are battling in your heart. It could be that you are suffering for the name of Christ. Whatever it is, you endure your cross as you look to Jesus remembering his resurrection and his return; holding on to the future joy to come.* We despise the shame, just as Jesus despised the shame that came with all that was involved in his suffering and death on this earth. All the shame he experienced, all the shame that was thrown on him on the cross — our shame —we look down on that shame which was completely taken care of at the cross. It is no longer on us. So if we are experiencing shame because of what someone said or maybe as a result of our own sin, we confess and remember our shame was paid for, it was taken care of on the cross. That means, we despise whatever shame we may feel for standing with Jesus because Jesus endured the cross for us.* We remember where we are seated. This is probably the most important thing because we have been resurrected with Christ, not only that, but Ephesians 2:6 says that we are seated with him in the heavenly places. For he raised us from the dead along with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ Jesus. - Ephesians 2:6* Right now, at this moment, you are seated with Christ in the heavenly realms. This is what it means to be hidden in Christ. What is true of him, is now true of us. He is seated at the right hand of the throne of God and we are seated with him. This is resurrection hope!Dear Christian, as you walk into a new week, remember these three truths: you can endure your cross because he endured it for you. You can despise the shame because he disregarded the shame of suffering for you on the cross. You can remember that you are seated with Christ because he is forever seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Carry this resurrection hope with you into the coming days. Remember and don’t forget.Christian Life CoachingIf you’re feeling stuck and struggling with self-doubt, I would love to help you rediscover your confidence in Christ! As a Christian life coach, I guide others back to a place of assurance and strength by offering Biblical wisdom, encouragement, and faith-based strategies. Through prayer, Scripture, and accountability, we’ll work together to overcome obstacles, renew your mind with God’s truth, and reclaim the confidence He intends for you. Whether you’re facing challenges in your personal life, wellness journey, or spiritual walk, I’m here to support you in moving forward with bold faith, clarity, and a renewed trust in God’s purpose for your life.Start with a Free Discovery Session. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rootedwithrachel.substack.com