will feel guarded like the treasured daughter I am. I know You are making all things right and good. I know Your love will reign supreme.

Some church-raised young adults experience similar self-doubt when it comes to making spiritual judgments. Instead of equipping them to make thoughtful, prayerful decisions and then to trust God for the outcome, the church has instilled a debilitating fear of sin or "stepping out of God's will." How can we expect the next generation to move forward with confidence into God's future when they are scared of making a misstep?1

We can press through the pains of the famine and find comfort in knowing that God has a good plan even in our discomfort.

Refuse to wallow in the depressing angst condemnation brings.

On the other hand, when I change to a growth mind-set, I don't chain my identity to my insecurity. Instead, I chain my identity to the Word of God that breathes hope and powerful potential back into any situation.

The voices of condemnation, shame, and rejection can come at you, but they don't have to reside in you. That's your miracle in the mess.

The enemy's power is rendered powerless in the presence of God's promises.

In light of God's deep affection, we no longer have to live in fear of rejection. The

How we spend our souls matter...We have to desire to become fearless with these moments [of decision]. Fight through the doubt and discouragement and awkwardness of new. (32)

When the lies of the enemy — fear, doubt, anxiety, unbelief, discouragement — rush in, we must immediately take those thoughts captive. Captive to the Truth of God's Word. The Truth of who we are as children of the One True God.  

No, that relationship didn't work out. But that doesn't mean you'll never find love. It also doesn't mean you aren't capable, likable, and lovely.

Ps 23:1...So, if the Lord is my shepherd, I shall not become empty. I shall not live in a constant state of disappointment where circumstances drain me dry... How do I let the Lord shepherd me so the gap between my expectations and reality closes? (p. 115-6)