Tag: peace

Encouragement

How I Overcame Anxiety and Depression Through Praise and Worship

by Leila GrandemangeLeave a Comment on How I Overcame Anxiety and Depression Through Praise and Worship

Years ago, depression and anxiety tried to ruin my life.

But what the enemy meant for evil, God worked for good! I’ve written my story below, and also share it in this video set to the music “Praise You in This Storm”. I choreographed and danced it to tell of God’s goodness and love, and also as a testament to the power of praise and worship. Watch the video then read the story below to learn how God set me free! I pray it will be an encouragement to you, especially during this trying season with the global pandemic.
“You have turned my mourning into joyful dancing. You have taken away my clothes of mourning and clothed me with joy.” Psalm 30:11

My Story: How I Overcame Anxiety and Depression Through Praise and Worship

When life hurts, when we’re anxious and depressed and the storm clouds are gathering, we typically don’t feel like praising God. Yet this is exactly the time we need to praise him most. Before I share my story, I’d like to give a definition of praise, and briefly highlight some of its powerful benefits.

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Encouragement

Our True Help [Thoughts from Psalm 121]

by Leila GrandemangeLeave a Comment on Our True Help [Thoughts from Psalm 121]
Trying times can provoke troublesome emotions—

Anxiety, fear, confusion, doubt, discouragement, try to enter our mind and steal our peace and joy.

So where do we turn for help and relief?

Many of us turn to the news, social media, or google search for help and answers. Sometimes we’re lucky and fall upon some really good advice. But more often than not we become inundated with information and can’t really know what’s accurate. And most of the information we read doesn’t address our deepest need, for inner strength and peace.

Thankfully, there is one true help always available and sure— GOD, OUR HEAVENLY FATHER.

Take a moment and meditate on Psalm 121. May God’s Word strengthen your heart, comfort your soul, and fill you with indescribable peace.

Psalm 121 The Passion Translation

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Encouragement, Leila’s Videos

Getting THROUGH the Valley [Video, approx 10 minutes]

by Leila Grandemange4 Comments on Getting THROUGH the Valley [Video, approx 10 minutes]

Having you ever wondered if you’d make it through a trying season?

We’re living in a trying season right now, with the current coronavirus pandemic. Maybe you’re wondering how long it will last, or if you and your loved ones will make it through unscathed. Maybe you’re wondering if your business will survive or if our economy will pull through.

With all the uncertainty that comes with walking through a valley, we do have one absolutely assurance— God is walking with us. The Psalmist writes,

“Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.” Psalm 23:4 [bold added for emphasis]

Today I woke up with a word on my heart— THROUGH. Getting through tough times isn’t easy, but it’s definitely possible once we become aware of God’s presence with us.

I’d like to invite you to watch this video and share with friends. If you’ve been encouraged, please like/comment/ on YouTube, and subscribe to hear more uplifting stories.

Click here to Subscribe to Leila’s YouTube Channel

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Encouragement

10 Powerful Keys to Receiving God’s Peace

by Leila GrandemangeLeave a Comment on 10 Powerful Keys to Receiving God’s Peace
“You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!” Isaiah 26:3

Peace of mind. Peace of heart . . .

We all need it, especially in uncertain times, such as the global coronavirus pandemic we are currently facing.

So how do we get peace?

Do we go for a nature walk, soak in a bubble bath, practice deep breathing, eat chocolate, and so on?

Certainly, these can offer a measure of calm. But they lack the power to pull our souls up from deep despair. Only God can do that.

He lifted me out of the pit of despair, out of the mud and the mire. He set my feet on solid ground and steadied me as I walked along. Psalm 40:2

God is strong and powerful, ruler over all the earth. So it’s to him we turn for peace in times of trouble. God’s peace is like a strong, powerful, mighty warrior standing guard at the entrance of our heart and mind. It’s what protects our soul when fear tries to steal our joy and wreak havoc in our mind.

So how do we receive God’s peace when storms are raging around and within us?

Well, it’s not by osmosis. It takes intentionality and practice, prayer and praise, and capturing unruly thoughts. Mostly, it takes a willingness to obey God’s Word.

That said, I’ve gathered 10 powerful keys (taken from Philippians 4:8-9) to receiving God’s peace. They’ve been an incredible encouragement to me. I pray they will comfort and guard your heart and mind as you put them into practice:

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