MY VICTORY VOYAGE || Steady in the Storm

In MY VICTORY VOYAGE I’m sharing the trials I’ve faced and how God’s faithfulness carried me through. Join me on the 2nd Friday of each month in 2025 as we reflect on His restoration and grace.

The storm isn’t just outside—it’s within me. When depression and anxiety take hold, a heavy cloud descends on my spirit, soul and body, leaving me feeling stifled and struggling to breathe.

This is when it is critical to turn to God’s Word. I go directly to the topical section in my Life Application Study Bible and find a verse that speaks to the moment—whether it’s fear, worry, sadness, or something else. When I discover a verse that resonates, I meditate on it, seeking specific applications for my situation.

When the storms of life affect our mental and spiritual health, it’s vital to remember that our identity is in Christ, not in the opinions or misconceptions of others. Experiencing anxiety or depression doesn’t diminish our faith. On the contrary, I believe it can help deepen our reliance on God if we allow it to by connecting ourselves to The Anchor—Jesus Christ!

“We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.”    — Hebrews 6:19

An anchor secures a ship in turbulent waters, keeping it from capsizing or drifting away. It doesn’t stop the storm, but it keeps the ship from being destroyed. In the same way, God doesn’t always calm our storms immediately, but He anchors us in His love, promises and peace. When I feel tossed around by my emotions, I remind myself that I am anchored to Jesus!

Our journey through depression and anxiety isn’t always a straight path, nor is it always quick. But I’ve experienced the faithfulness of God in big and small ways—sometimes through the most unlikely people or events.

Holidays are often the most difficult. With loss of family and grandchildren far away that can be a challenging season. During those times, I lean into the Lord, trusting that even small steps forward are progress.

Through my journey, I’ve discovered spiritual practices that help me connect with God and steady my heart when the storm feels overwhelming. These practices have been a source of comfort and growth, and I want to share them with you.

Spiritual Practices

Soaking Worship: Lay down or sit quietly and listen to a worship song like the one attached below. Giving everything to God while praising Him in those few minutes brings peace.

Breath Prayers: Sit quietly and inhale, saying, “Lord, You are my peace.” Then exhale, saying, “I trust in You.”

Journal Your Prayers and Victories: Writing even just a few words each day can help you process your feelings, challenges, and resolutions. Looking back to see answered prayers reveals how and where God has been faithful in your journey.

Scripture Meditation: God’s Word has the power to calm your mind while also reminding you that He is present with you. If you don’t know where to start, write down the verse below on a simple 3×5 card or Sticky note. Repeat it to yourself during anxious moments—it will help.

I was very worried. But you comforted me and made me happy. ~ Psalm 94:19 (New Century Version)

Dear reader, you’re not alone in this journey. If you’re facing a storm, remember that God is your anchor. His promises are firm and secure, no matter the waves. Join me here next month as we continue our Victory Voyage, trusting in His faithfulness together.

Spend a few minutes in soaking worship with this beautiful video by Hillsong Worship. It will redirect your heart out of the storm to God’s peace. Be blessed… Tamara

My Victory Voyage || Restoration

In MY VICTORY VOYAGE I’m sharing the trials I’ve faced and how God’s faithfulness carried me through. Join me on the 2nd Friday of each month in 2025 as we reflect on His restoration and grace.

The past decade has tested my faith and strength, especially through the heartbreak of estranged adult children. Ten Christmases and birthdays have brought deep waves of grief and longing. Yet, through it all, God’s faithfulness has carried me, whispering His promises of restoration and reminding me that no family is beyond His reach.

The Pain of Estrangement

He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. ~ Psalm 147:3

To lose connection with a beloved child is a sorrow like none other. The questions, self-doubt, and helplessness can be overwhelming. I’ve asked God why this happened and what can be done to repair it. Yet, deep down my broken heart understands that God’s love for both me and my children is unshakable. I know He sees our pain and holds us tenderly in His loving arms.

God’s Promise of Restoration

I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten… You shall eat in plenty and be satisfied and praise the name of the Lord your God. ~ Joel 2:25-26

The Bible is filled with stories and promises of restoration. The verse above reassures me that no matter how much time has been lost with my children or how broken things may seem today, God has the power to redeem it all and bring about full and complete restoration of our family.

Hope and Encouragement for Parents

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. ~ Romans 15:13

If you are walking a similar path, I want to encourage you with the words of one of my favorite verses above. Even when the future feels uncertain, God’s hope is our solid anchor. He calls us to trust Him, to believe in His timing, and to pray fervently for reconciliation.

Trusting God in the Process

All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation. ~ 2 Corinthians 5:18-19

Restoration is not always immediate, and it may not come how we expect. Through this season, I’ve learned to prayerfully imagine each of my kids physically on my prayer altar, actually in God’s loving hands. This has helped get me through many tough days, weeks, months and years.

The best encouragement came in the last year when my husband and I were reconciled with our son and his young family. It has given us hope for the complete restoration of our entire family in God’s perfect timing.

Moving Forward with Hope

Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old, he will not depart from it. ~ Proverbs 22:6

In the promise above I’m reminded to trust in the seeds of faith that were planted long ago and to leave the outcome in God’s hands, knowing that He is faithful; He sees my heartache, and He is at work in ways I cannot yet see.

My prayer for you, dear reader, is that you too will find hope and healing as you navigate your own journey. May the God of restoration bring peace to your heart and reconciliation to your relationships in His perfect time.

After all we must remember that Love Takes Time…