We all have ups and downs in life. If you feel discouraged at times, I promise you’re not alone. Just the other day I was feeling discouraged too.
Today’s blog post has 3 practical tips to help you move through the feeling of discouragement. There are also some personal stories from me in the video. I decided to share, not only because this story is a huge part of my life, but also because I know there are others who may be struggling too. I hope this message helps someone who needs to hear it. I especially hope that someone is you.
‘“And I shall lead the blind by a way they have not known – in paths they have not known I lead them. I make darkness light before them, and crooked places straight. These matters I shall do for them, and I shall not forsake them.’
Isaiah 42:16
If you’re used to feeling discouraged a lot, trying these ideas might feel new. I’m really looking forward to the day when Yah makes ALL things new. Until that day, by The Ruach Ha Chodesh, The Spirit of Elohim, let’s do what we can to apply the principles in Yah’s Word into our lives.
“Do you not know
that you are a Dwelling Place of Elohim
and that the Spirit of Elohim
dwells in you?”
1 Corinthians 3:16 TS2009
Let’s kick discouragement to the curb, and keep on moving through it.
Here are the 3 practical steps to take if you’re feeling discouraged.
Don’t struggle Alone.
Silence and isolation is a tool that can be used by The Enemy, Ha Shatan, to keep us down, and make us feel even more discouraged than we normally would. So don’t struggle alone. If you feel discouraged, reach out to someone you can trust. A friend, family member, or even an online community like this one. Sometimes allowing yourself to become a little more vulnerable is worth it. Opening up and sharing is the very first step.
Get to the root of the problem.
It’s easy to stay and wallow in discouragement. And for some of us, sharing how we feel is not the most difficult part either. But actually pausing to consider why you are feeling discouraged, and what is causing the problemyou have, is a whole different story. If you’re feeling discouraged I encourage you to really ask yourself why that is. How can you move through a problem if you don’t even know what caused it?
Ask yourself the following:
Have I always felt discouraged about this?
When is the last time I remember feeling good about this situation?
What has changed since then?
Do I know of anyone else who has successfully overcome this?
What can I learn from the success of others?
Once you have uncovered the root of the problem, start moving towards a solution.
Take action.
None of us are perfect, but we know that we can do all things through Messiah who gives us strength (Philippians 4:13.) So whatever it is you’re feeling discouraged about right now, take it to Yah in prayer, look for scriptures to lift you up and give you direction, then choose something tangible and practical to do based on the principles in Yah’s Word.
I would love to hear some of your story. Would you share in the comments below? If you’re feeling discouraged, let me know what you plan to do to move through it. If you’ve already overcome, share your success! We can all learn from one another’s experiences.
I’ll see you down below in the comments.
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This will help if you’re struggling with perfectionism.
I don’t know if you struggle with perfectionism like I do. But if there’s one thing I do know, it’s that Yah’s Word is always true. Any time I’m struggling with a topic in my life, that’s where I go for answers. So today I want to meditate on the topic of perfectionism, and share The Scriptures I went over with you – just in case perfectionism is something that you struggle with too. If it is, let me know in the comments below.
Perfectionism has so many layers. The idea that we can be perfect in our own strength, by doing all the right things, or saying all the things that other people want to hear – I believe all of that is rooted in pride. Pride is another topic that I’m trying to be more conscious of as well.
“For all have sinned and fall short of the esteem of Elohim.”
Romans 3:23
Day by day, perfectionism is something I’m learning to let go of, so that I can learn to fully rely on our Messiah, Yahusha. I have to keep the idea of reliance on YAH instead of relying on SELF front and center – especially while working on music.
In the latest video on my music channel, I open up my music-making world for you to see. That’s a new thing for me. I know everything wasn’t perfect in that video. But through Yahusha we can do all things, including allowing ourselves to be more vulnerable when appropriate. The journey of me sharing my life more openly in order to inspire others will definitely continue. I pray it will continue to make an impact, and encourage others to be creative as well.
Let’s all continue learning to be more open. Especially with the people we encounter day to day. None of us are perfect, so let’s be more honest and authentic. Let’s not take ourselves too seriously, or think, even for one minute, that we can live a life that is pleasing to Yahuah without HIS power. For ALL have sinned and fallen short of the esteem of Yahuah.
Hopefully this week’s scripture meditation (below) will help you if you’re struggling with perfectionism. By the end, I hope the big picture of what scripture says on this topic will be made clear, and remind you to keep looking up to The Most High.
Let’s Meditate on The Scriptures
You can watch the video, or follow along with the scriptures quoted below.
They’re quoted from TS2009 unless otherwise noted.
“Many are the plans in a man’s heart, But it is the counsel of יהוה that stands.”
Proverbs 19:21
“For there is not a righteous man on earth who does good and does not sin.”
Ecclesiastes 7:20
“If we say that we have no sin, we are misleading ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is trustworthy and righteous to forgive us the sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His Word is not in us.”
1 John 1:8-10
“And all of us have become as one unclean, and all our righteousnesses are as soiled rags. And all of us fade like a leaf, and our crookednesses, like the wind, have taken us away.”
Isaiah 64:6
“For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of Elohim.”
2 Corinthians 5:21
“But without belief it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to Elohim has to believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who earnestly seek Him.”
Hebrews 11:6
“Not that I have already received, or already been perfected, but I press on, to lay hold of that for which Messiah יהושע has also laid hold of me. Brothers, I do not count myself to have laid hold of it yet, but only this: forgetting what is behind and reaching out for what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the high calling of Elohim in Messiah יהושע.”
Philippians 3:12-14
“Therefore, be perfect, as your Father in the heavens is perfect.”
Matthew 5:48
“And He said to me, “My favour is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, then, I shall rather boast in my weaknesses, so that the power of Messiah rests on me.”
2 Corinthians 12:9
“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you prove what is that good and well-pleasing and perfect desire of Elohim.”
Romans 12:2
“for all have sinned and fall short of the esteem of Elohim,”
Romans 3:23
“For by favour you have been saved, through belief, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of Elohim, it is not by works, so that no one should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Messiah יהושע unto good works, which Elohim prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.”
Ephesians 2:8-10
“If Your Torah had not been my delight, I would have perished in my affliction. Let me never forget Your orders, For by them You have given me life.”
Psalms 119:92-93
“For though we walk in the flesh, we do not fight according to the flesh. For the weapons we fight with are not fleshly but mighty in Elohim for overthrowing strongholds, overthrowing reasonings and every high matter that exalts itself against the knowledge of Elohim, taking captive every thought to make it obedient to the Messiah, and being ready to punish all disobedience, when your obedience is complete.”
2 Corinthians 10:3-6
“I greatly rejoice in יהוה, my being exults in my Elohim. For He has put garments of deliverance on me, He has covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.”
Isaiah 61:10
“And having been perfected, He became the Causer of everlasting deliverance to all those obeying Him,”
Hebrews 5:9
“I have strength to do all, through Messiah who empowers me.”
Philippians 4:13
Keep Yah’s Word in Your Heart
If it hasn’t already been made clear how much we need YAH in order to do His will, meditate on the scriptures above again and again and again. Let the message go deep into your heart and take up residence there.
In what ways do YOU need to let go of perfectionism?
Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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‘And יהוה Elohim said, “It is not good for the man to be alone…
Berĕshith (Genesis) 2:18a
It’s sad but true. Most of us on this journey are isolated from community, so we have to deal with loneliness. We spend too much time alone. Most of us have made the decision to leave friends, family, and churches behind for our new found beliefs. A lot of us spend most of our days just working and coming home.
We try to keep our lives in balance, finding ways to keep smiling as we “wash, rinse, repeat.” We function as expected, but deep inside we have a very real sense of loneliness, and it doesn’t feel good. Why? Because we were created to be in community. I pray the video below helps with ideas on how to deal with loneliness. If you’d rather read than watch, scroll down and enjoy the rest of the post.
‘And it is יהוה who is going before you,
He Himself is with you.
He does not fail you nor forsake you.
Do not fear nor be discouraged.’
Deḇarim (Deuteronomy) 31:8
When I first wrote the song, I Need You Now, I was still living in Canada. It was 2019, and even tho I was already married, I was still waiting on my immigration so I could permanently live with my husband in California.
I felt really stuck. I could see the vision. We were married, we had plans to start a garden, and grow our own food. We just wanted to be together and live a quiet, peaceful life, but we couldn’t. The stark contrast between the time I spent visiting my husband in Cali, and the time I spent alone in Canada was huge. I’ll never forget what it was like. Even though I had friends and family within driving distance, I just felt so alone.
The whole purpose of writing I Need You Now, was so I could pause and just cry out to Yahuah. He understood me and all my pain. He could hear me when I cried out, “Abba, I need you now!” Trust and believe, Yahuah can hear you too. Whatever it is you’re going through right now, you don’t have to feel alone. Yah is with you right now. Just call on Him and He’ll be there.
Shift Your Focus to Yahuah
‘But seek first the reign of Elohim, and His righteousness, and all these shall be added to you.’
Mattithyahu (Matthew) 6:33, TS2009
The one idea that helped me the most when I was dealing with loneliness is all summed up in this simple concept: Shift your focus. That’s right. Pause, and shift your focus outside of yourself.
First shift your focus to Yahuah because He’s always with you.
-Call out to Him
-Read scripture
-Listen to music
-Pray
We already know these things will help us connect to The Most High when we’re feeling alone. We know this because scripture says if we seek first the kingdom, everything else will fall into place.
Shift Your Focus to Creation
‘And יהוה Elohim planted a garden in Ěḏen, to the east, and there He put the man whom He had formed.’
Berĕshith (Genesis) 2:8, TS2009
Second shift your focus to Yah’s creation, the world around you. Go outside. Even in the winter. Get some sunshine. Let some of that crispy winter air rush up your sleeves. Nobody wants to be cold, but breathing in fresh air will remind you that you’re still alive. Yes! Even if it’s just for a short window of time on your lunch break. Every little bit helps. After all, when Yah created us, He placed us in a garden.
Observing and experiencing creation tends to remind us that Yahuah is in control. Plus, you might meet some new people outside. Remember to smile when you do. Maybe even say hello. Just see what happens 🙂 You never know where a simple introduction could lead.
Shift Your Focus to Your Fellow Man
‘“Therefore, whatever you wish men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Torah and the Prophets.’
Mattithyahu (Matthew) 7:12
Third, pause and shift your focus to your fellow man. Ask yourself, what can I do to help someone else today? Is there someone who needs something that I have to offer? A brother or sister who needs me to call and cheer them up? Does a stranger need help holding the door open, or crossing the street?
Maybe you can even do something as noble as fostering children, or go out and feed the hungry. Just shift your focus outside of yourself and you won’t feel so lonely anymore. When you move past the loneliness, you’ll be able to do more good work for The Kingdom of Yah.
Trust in Yah’s Plan
‘And let us be concerned for one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging, and so much more as you see the day coming near.’
Iḇ`rim (Hebrews) 10:24-25, TS2009
Finally, trust that Yah has a plan for your life. Even if you can’t see the vision yet, believe that He wants you to be in community (Hebrews 10:25) and that one day you will be. Keep your eyes and ears open. Yah has a plan.
Leave a comment below if you want to connect with others in this walk. Say what your general location is, if you feel comfortable. You never know, someone else may share the same.
That’s how my husband and I found fellowship in person here in Madera, CA. Turns out, there were three other Hebrew families who believe in Yahuah and Yahusha right in our area just within a few hours drive. It’s a huge blessing and you just never know who is in your area till you ask. So don’t be shy 🙂 I’ll also pin a comment to the top of the YouTube video for this post so whoever wants to share can share.
I really hope this helped a little, Mishpacha.
Just remember, if you’re feeling lonely, pause and shift your focus. Truly, you’re never alone.
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Shalom Mishpacha, It’s Hadarah. I pray you had a good week and that you are well. If not, prayerfully the scripture meditation on Psalms 121 below will help draw you closer to Yahuah, so you can feel the presence of The Most High and worship Him.
Psalms 121 is one of my favorite passages. Don’t you love it too? Let’s meditate on Yah’s word together. I’m reading from The Scriptures (TS2009) in the video below.
‘I lift up my eyes to the hills;
Where does my help come from?
My help comes from יהוה
Maker of the heavens and earth.
He does not allow your foot to be moved;
He who watches over you does not slumber.
See, He who is guarding Yisra’ĕl
Neither slumbers nor sleeps.
יהוה is your guard; יהוה is your shade at your right hand.
The sun does not strike you by day,
Nor the moon by night.
יהוה guards you from all evil;
He guards your being.
יהוה guards your going out
And your coming in
Now and forever.’
Tehillim (Psalms) 121:1-8
Praise Yahuah. Let’s keep His word in our hearts, not only today, but all throughout the week.
I also want to say thank you so much to all those of you who have been supportive of the music ministry here at Set Apart Heart. I’m truly grateful to be able to read all your comments and feedback about the new single, “I Need You Now.” Just knowing that the music is making an impact makes all the difference.
If you haven’t seen the video for “I Need You Now” it’s a new acapella version of a song I wrote back in 2019 based on Psalm 121 with some beautiful footage of Yah’s creation. The music is on YouTube for you to enjoy, and all your other fave music platforms as well. All praise to Yahuah Most High.
May Yahuah continue to be with you throughout the rest of the Shabbat Mishpacha. Leave a comment if this scripture meditation was meaningful for you, and share it with a friend who may need to hear it.
Yah bless you and keep you and give you peace.
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“Give thanks to יהוה, call upon His Name, Make known His deeds among the peoples! Sing to Him, sing praise to Him, Speak of all His wonders! Boast in His set-apart Name, Let the hearts of those seeking יהוה rejoice!”
1 Chronicles 16:8-10
Shalom Mishpacha, it’s Hadarah. For the past few weeks I’ve been working on music in a much more focused way. It’s been such a blessing to praise and worship Yahuah more and more throughout the week! In the mornings, before I start recording, I’ve been meditating on some praise and worship scriptures to help me stay focused. I know we all love to praise and worship Yahuah – after all, that’s why we are here! I pray this little scripture meditation will help inspire you to worship and praise His set apart name.
Let’s meditate on The Scriptures.
You can listen to the video, or follow along with the verses typed out for you below.
They’re all quoted from The Scriptures (TS2009).
“Come, let us sing to יהוה! Let us raise a shout to the Rock of our deliverance. Let us come before His face with thanksgiving; Let us raise a shout to Him in song. For יהוה is a great Ěl, And a great Sovereign above all mighty ones. In whose hand are the depths of the earth; The mountain peaks are His also. His is the sea, for He made it; And His hands formed the dry land. Come, let us bow down and bend low, Let us kneel before יהוה our Maker.”
Psalms 95:1-6
“Raise a shout for יהוה,
All the earth!
Serve יהוה with gladness;
Come before His presence with singing.
Know that יהוה, He is Elohim;
He has made us, and we are His –
His people and the sheep of His pasture.
Enter into His gates with thanksgiving,
And into His courts with praise.
Give thanks to Him; bless His Name.
For יהוה is good; His loving-commitment is everlasting,
And His truth, to all generations.”
Psalms 100:1-5
“Bless יהוה, O my being, And all that is within me, Bless His set-apart Name!”
Psalms 103:1
“Upon You I have leaned from my birth; You took me out of my mother’s womb. My praise is continually of You.”
Psalms 71:6
“My mouth is filled with Your praise, Your splendour, all the day.”
Psalms 71:8
“I come in the might of the Master יהוה; I make mention of Your righteousness, Yours alone. Elohim, You have taught me from my youth; And to this day I declare Your wonders.”
Psalms 71:16-17
“Give thanks to יהוה, call upon His Name, Make known His deeds among the peoples! Sing to Him, sing praise to Him, Speak of all His wonders! Boast in His set-apart Name, Let the hearts of those seeking יהוה rejoice!”
1 Chronicles 16:8-10
“Seek יהוה and His strength, Seek His face continually! Remember His wonders which He has done, His signs and the right-rulings of His mouth, O seed of Yisra’ĕl, His servant; O children of Ya‛aqoḇ, His chosen ones! He is יהוה our Elohim, His right-rulings are in all the earth.”
1 Chronicles 16:11-14
“Sing to יהוה, all the earth; Proclaim His deliverance from day to day. Declare His esteem among the nations, His wonders among all peoples. For great is יהוה and greatly to be praised; And He is to be feared above all mighty ones.”
1 Chronicles 16:23-25
“For all the mighty ones of the peoples are matters of naught, But יהוה made the heavens. Excellency and splendour are before Him, Strength and gladness are in His place.”
1 Chronicles 16:26-27
“Ascribe to יהוה, O clans of the peoples, Ascribe to יהוה esteem and strength. Ascribe to יהוה the esteem of His Name; Bring an offering, and come before Him; Bow yourself to יהוה In the splendour of set-apartness! Tremble before Him, all the earth. The world also is firmly established, immovable. Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad; And let them say among the nations, “יהוה shall reign.” Let the sea roar, and all that fills it; Let the field rejoice, and all that is in it. Let the trees of the forest then sing before יהוה, For He shall come to judge the earth. Give thanks to יהוה, for He is good, For His loving-commitment is everlasting!”
1 Chronicles 16:28-34
“And Dawiḏ blessed יהוה before all the assembly. And Dawiḏ said, “Blessed are You, יהוה Elohim of Yisra’ĕl, our Father, forever and ever. “Yours, O יהוה, is the greatness, the power and the comeliness, the pre-eminence and the excellency, because of all that is in the heavens and in the earth. Yours is the reign, O יהוה, and You are exalted as head above all. “And the riches and the esteem come from Your presence, and You rule over all. And in Your hand is power and might, and in Your hand to make great and to give strength to all. “And now, our Elohim, we thank You and praise Your comely Name.”
1 Chronicles 29:10-13
“The esteem of יהוה is forever, יהוה rejoices in His works, Who looks on the earth, and it trembles; He touches the mountains, and they smoke. I sing to יהוה as long as I live, I sing praise to my Elohim while I exist. My meditation on Him is sweet; I rejoice in יהוה. Let sinners be consumed from the earth, And let the wrong be no more. Bless יהוה, O my being! Praise Yah!”
Psalms 104:31-35
‘See, He who is guarding Yisra’ĕl Neither slumbers nor sleeps.’
Psalms 121:4
‘My help comes from יהוה, Maker of the heavens and earth.’
Psalms 121:2
Keep Yah’s Word in your heart.
Let’s continue to sing praise and worship Yahuah – not only on Shabbat, but every chance we get throughout the week. In fact, I have some good news. Praise Yah!
You can join me here on Thursday Jan 9, 2025 for the release of my latest single, “I Need You Now.” The song is based on Psalm 121 and I pray it will help you on your journey as you continue to trust in Yahuah, our Creator, who never slumbers nor sleeps. Yah willing everything will go as planned, and you’ll be able to find the music right here.
Prayerfully this new focused streak of productivity will continue, and I’ll be able to share new music releases at least once every quarter in 2025. Whether those releases will be singles, EP’s or Albums, all esteem to Yahuah Most High for restoring the joy of making music in my soul!!!
Have a wonderful rest of the day Mishpacha! Leave a comment below if you enjoyed this post. May Yah bless you and give you His peace.
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Hi there, I’m Hadarah Batyah. I sincerely believe that in order to have a spiritual walk that is authentic and true, the Word of Yahuah must be written on the inside of our hearts. That's why I write scripture songs and set apart music. Although I don’t have everything in my spiritual life all figured out, I know that Yahuah gave me the gift of music to serve Him and encourage your heart. I pray you'll be inspired by what you see on this blog. If you're curious and wanna know more- I tell it all on the About Page.
Hi there, I’m Hadarah Batyah. I sincerely believe that in order to have a spiritual walk that is authentic and true, the Word of Yahuah must be written on the inside of our hearts. That's why I write scripture songs and set apart music. Although I don’t have everything in my spiritual life all figured out, I know that Yahuah gave me the gift of music to serve Him and encourage your heart. I pray you'll be inspired by what you see on this blog. If you're curious and wanna know more- I tell it all on the