John 16:33–Jesus told His disciples: “I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”
As Christians, we should expect continuing tension with an unbelieving world that is “out of sync” with Christ, His Good News, and His people. At the same time, we can expect our relationship with Christ to produce peace and comfort, because we are “in sync” with Him.
The Lord is with you; and His spirit is inside you at all times; so that the trials you face each day will not be too much to handle, as you communicate your trust in His ability to love you and help you.
Philippians 4:13–Paul wrote to the Philippians: “I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.”
As you survey the situation in front of you, don’t fall into the trap the evil one sets for you; by thinking “self-sufficient” thoughts on how you can handle this problem on your own…without God’s help.
This thought process allows your mind to run wild, out of control, and full of anxiety. With your mind in that state (without the Lord’s peace) you won’t get far, and your troubles will multiply thinking like this.
Romans 12:2–Paul wrote to the Romans: “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.”
Instead, focus on the Lord, seeking His face, ask Him to lead you by the hand down the path of your trouble. Think thoughts of trust and thankfulness, pray words of your love for Him as you ask for His help, and He will respond with His peace and give you strength, as He stays close to you.
Isaiah 26:3-4–You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you! Trust in the Lord always, for the Lord God is the eternal Rock.
My Prayer For This Day:
Lord, thank you for staying close to me, and holding my hand tightly, as we walk together through the chaos that is this broken world we live in. Lord, my many weaknesses make it impossible to navigate through the treacherous waters ahead on my own. My only hope is to hold tightly to your hand, have faith in you, and that your righteousness will be victorious against the trials, distractions, and temptations that the evil one places in my path. Lord, I trust you to guide me, strengthen me, and to help me stay focused on Your Presence. Lord, thank you for your refuge and your peace in these times of trouble and trials.
