How can we keep from being afraid? The same reasons we have for rejoicing are the reasons we have to not fear. The Bible tells us that God is love, that He’s a good father, that He’s watching over us, always with us. The Bible also tells us that God has the ability to control all of creation, including Satan. If we can hold onto these truths, then we have a reason to reject fearful thoughts. We can be confident knowing that our good, loving Father is looking out for us, taking care of us and that we are never out of His reach or in any situation where He is unable to save us. We can live without fear because we are loved perfectly.
Rejoice in the Lord ALWAYS
Rejoice in the Lord always. That’s the command. How do we rejoice when we suffer? There’s always a reason to rejoice, despite any circumstance. The Bible tells us that God is love, that He’s a good father, that He’s watching over us, always with us. The Bible also tells that God has the ability to control all of creation, including Satan. If we can hold onto these truths, then we have a reason to rejoice and to be thankful. We can rejoice knowing that God is using all things, even the horrible, awful things, together for our good; He has our best in mind. If you really believe that God is your perfectly loving and caring Father who has everything under control, then you can be thankful and rejoice even in the darkest of circumstances.
Choose to Love
There may be someone in your life right now that you don’t particularly like, but love is a choice. It’s kind. It’s good. It’s generous. It’s patient. Galatians 5:22
Start Anew
Start anew. Don’t be surprised when you have to start anew. His mercies are new every morning. Be thankful He allows us to start fresh, again.
Unity
That we may be one. That was Jesus’ prayer for us. Don’t be quick to judge the spirit of someone who disagrees. Watch your own pride over your ‘right’ choices. Pride is a quicker way to destroy a group than a disagreement.
All for Jesus
Keep your eyes focused on Jesus, ears tuned to Jesus, hearts open to Jesus, feet following Jesus, hands serving Jesus.
Failure
Fear not failure. Fear apathy. Don’t give up. Pray and try again. Where you struggle, the danger is in acceptance and justification, not in failure.
A Heart of Flesh
What’s your heart made out of? A heart of stone is unbendable. Are you more concerned with your denominations beliefs or political causes than with what the Bible says? Is the Lord able to teach you new things or do you ‘know it all’? Or, is your heart made of flesh. A stone is strong, but a heart of flesh can break. It is malleable. Do you let God break your heart for the things He is heartbroken over? Are you teachable? Can the Lord open your eyes to where you’ve been wrong? Do you know the answers to these questions? Well, here’s a test. What gets you upset? Is it the same things that stir God to anger or that break His heart?
Hope for the Future
God’s plan for us should fill us with hope, not dread of the unknown. We know that He is good and that He loves us. He says that He has no plans to harm us. Do we trust Him? Do we believe His word? Then we have hope for our future.
Give Thanks
Give thanks. Give thanks. Give thanks. If God is good and in control, then give thanks.
Life in Christ - Christ in Me 