andrea-olson-music

Gaining Encouragement in Psalm 66: Embracing God's Timeless Care

andrea@andreaolsonmusic.com (Andrea Olson) — Wed, 19 Jun 2024 02:18:05 GMT

Discover Strength and Gratitude Through the Timeless Words of the Psalms

I wanted to offer you some encouragement from Psalm 66. In the fast-paced whirlwind of life, it's easy to get caught up in our daily busyness and lose sight of the fact that God remains constant and He has proven it throughout history. The same God who parted the seas and guided the Israelites through the desert cares just as deeply for you and me.

Whenever I struggle to find the right words in my prayers and thanksgiving, I turn to the Psalms as my guide. So, no matter what circumstances you find yourself in today—whether filled with joy, sorrow, pain, or freedom—let these words remind your heart that God is more than capable of seeing you through it all.

He has cared for His people throughout time, and He won't stop now. Allow this Psalm to guide your worship today, and after reading it, take a moment to thank Him for something. Gratitude serves as the foundation for not only surviving but thriving.

Psalm 66:1-4:

"Let everyone, everywhere, lift up a joyful shout to God! Sing out your praises to the glorious One! Tell the world how wonderful He is.

For He's the awe-inspiring God, great and glorious in power! We've never seen anything like Him! Mighty in miracles, You cause Your enemies to tremble.

No wonder they all surrender and bow before You! All the earth will bow down to worship; all the earth will sing Your glories forever!"

I recorded my song, "What A God You Are," live at the Overflow Worship Conference in 2022 and it is inspired by Psalm 66. After you read this, I invite you to take a worship break and watch this brand new video!

My hope is that it brings you a sense of rest and refreshment today.

While you're there, I encourage you to subscribe to my YouTube channel, so you never miss a new release! There's more exciting content coming your way!

Top Tip for Unwinding and Recharging

andrea@andreaolsonmusic.com (Andrea Olson) — Wed, 19 Jun 2024 02:08:53 GMT

Finding Rest and Joy in Summer: Tips for Unwinding and Recharging

Here in Minnesota, summer brings vibrant greenery, sunny days, and warmth. Our kids are enjoying themselves with sprinklers, bike rides, and all the fun activities that summer offers. I hope you make time for the summer activities you love with your loved ones. It's crucial to slow down and do the things that bring you joy, surrounded by the people you care about.

One thing that's been on my mind a lot the last few weeks is not only making space in our schedules for the things that bring us joy, but also for rest! And that also means making space for rest in our minds.

For me it looks like choosing to take time to unwind at night and early in the morning to turn off all the outside voices that I don't need constantly vying for my attention (work, outside stressors, news, media, social media, etc). Is anyone else with me?

I honestly have been struggling with that lately. It's almost like I can't slow my mind down because I've got a lot on it. So, I have to make time for it. Each night before bed and again in the morning when I wake up, I make time for journaling. I have a few prompts I've created to make it easy.

Morning:

1. What am I grateful for right now?

2. What am I learning in my Bible reading/devotions right now?

3. What are my top three priorities for today?

Evening:

1. What am I grateful for right now?

2. What conversations need my attention tomorrow?

3. What are my top three priorities for tomorrow?

4. Brain Dump - Just write down anything else I have on my mind so I can go to sleep.

I haven't met my goal of doing it every single day, but when I get in this rhythm, it's a powerful way to wind my mind down at night before bed and then to focus on what's most important first thing in the morning. It has helped me rest.

What practices do you have in place to calm your mind and declutter it from all the voices you have vying for your attention? Follow me @andreaolsonmusic in Instagram and DM me about it!

And if you want to borrow my journal prompts, go for it! I hope this practice is as helpful for you as it is for me!

Finding Peace in God's Blessing: Overcoming Fear and Worry

andrea@andreaolsonmusic.com (Andrea Olson) — Wed, 19 Jun 2024 02:02:33 GMT

How Prayer and Scripture Can Bring Comfort During Difficult Times

In recent weeks, I've been walking through a tough time with one of our daughters. She has been struggling with a lot of worry and fear. It hits home for me because it's been a significant struggle I have had to overcome in my life. I have found myself praying outside her bedroom door a lot longer each night and trying to cultivate time during the day where she can just talk to us and we can encourage and pray for her.

I love praying the lyrics of the song, The Blessing over her and our family. The words and melody are peaceful and yet a powerful reminder that God is truly with us in all things and wants the best for us.

This song was written out of the book of Numbers chapter 6. In Numbers 6:24-27, this beautiful blessing is spoken out over the people of Israel.

The Lord bless you and keep you;

The make His face shine upon you and be gracious you;

The Lord lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace.

So they shall put my name on the children of Israel , and I will bless them.

This same blessing is for you today. Wherever life is throwing at you, God will keep you and give you His peace. The only peace that is beyond understanding or comprehension.

Do you need that reminder today? I released a live version of " The Blessing featuring Mark Harris " today and I encourage you to take 5 minutes and allow the words of this song to wash over you. I pray that the Holy Spirit would fill you with peace as only He can.

Click here to watch it!

Finding Strength in God's Promises: A Journey Through Faith and Worship

andrea@andreaolsonmusic.com (Andrea Olson) — Wed, 19 Jun 2024 01:56:22 GMT

How Scripture and Worship Can Empower Us During Life's Toughest Seasons

Do you find yourself in a dry spot or a difficult season? Maybe you're waiting and believing God for some big things.

I wrote a song a few years ago called, "God Victorious". It was the first song I wrote after a long time of not writing much. I had been in a hard season, believing God for some things that were impossible without Him. And what I learned through that (and continue to learn) is that my job isn't to fix things or do it on my own. My role is to worship and trust Him through it, and He will fight on my behalf. The lyrics to the verses say:

We will stand our ground on the front lines

You’re surrounding us on every side

Our song will be our weapon

Our praise a battle cry

You have never lost a fight

Nothing formed against us with prosper

You will always be our Defender

Your Name is a strong tower

You speak and we are saved

You have the final say

Our daughter recently shared her favorite verse with us: Joshua 1:9. Whenever she is feeling sad, scared or alone, she recites it. “Be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

It was such a sweet moment to hear what the Lord is teaching her and how the word of God is impacting her life.

The beautiful thing about the Word of God is that He speaks to all of us through it. At any age in any season, we are never too young or too old to be impacted by His Word. I also recite scripture over my life daily as a reminder that I don’t need to be afraid, discouraged or worry.

And what a gift that is to my soul.

I’m so grateful for how the Lord speaks through His Word. There are battles that I’m facing on a daily basis that are much too big for me to fight on my own. But the word of God reminds me daily, that I can stand my ground on the front lines of life’s battles confidently because my foundation is the promises in the Word of God.

Are you in a place today where you need a reminder of His promises? I encourage you to grab a journal, find a quiet spot, and let His Word wash over you and speak to you today. Record what He’s speaking so you can look back on it in the future. Because here’s the thing, if we truly believe what His Word says, then we have absolutely nothing to fear. He promises to defend us and to be with us wherever we go. That means in every trial, heartache, joy, celebration, devastation or struggle, He is with you.

Do you need to speak that out today?

“He is with me.”

Do you need to remind yourself again?

“He is with me.”

It’s always been truth, and it always will be. God will never leave you.

As you write in your journal or just talk to God today, you can listen to God Victorious anywhere you stream. Click here to listen on YouTube.

I pray that you are encouraged and reminded today...He is with you.

Choosing Gratitude: Transforming Perspective Through Faith

andrea@andreaolsonmusic.com (Andrea Olson) — Wed, 19 Jun 2024 01:40:07 GMT

How Embracing a Grateful Heart and Seeking to Glorify God Can Shift Our Outlook on Life

I've been thinking a lot about perspective lately and how it can make or break my attitude. I have a choice to make every day. I can choose gratitude or not. I can shake my fist at God and tell Him how unfair things are. Or, I can be still and listen, choosing to fix my eyes on what He has done, living in gratitude for them.

I saw a quote recently that has stuck with me.

It said, "When we ask, "Why is this happening," we may not get an answer. But instead, when we ask, "How will I glorify God in this?" we will always have an answer."

What a beautiful way to go through life. I will always have an answer when I choose that perspective.

When I choose to live life through the lens of gratitude and ask God how I can glorify Him through my circumstances...things change. Will it fix my problems immediately? Probably not. But, it will first address the most significant issue- my perspective. And I have learned throughout my life that this very thing is what He's after. He is after my heart.

And you know what? He's after your heart, too. I challenge all of us to ask ourselves today - how will I glorify God in this?

If you need time to reflect, click here for a live worship break with me.