DO YOU HAVE FEARS, WORRIES, OR STRESSES?

SCRIPTURE:
Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with 
God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by 
faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of 
the glory of God. Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because 
we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and 
character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has 
been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given 
to us.
(Romans 5:1-5)

MEDITATION:
The rapid changes in our world 
can give us a sense of uneasiness and uncertainty. 
We can be thrown off balance by the suffering we see around us, 
the evolving technology that outpaces our ability to absorb it, 
the threat of war,and the daily rise and fall of financial markets.

Sometimes what seems worthwhile today has less value tomorrow.
As problems mount, we can become discouraged and lose heart. 
But basing all our hope on man’s ability to solve problems 
or modify a situation is not the answer. 
We can achieve only temporary peace 
when we alter our own circumstances or adjust our outward behavior.
 
The root problem in our culture is spiritual,
namely, man has a sin nature that is at enmity with God. 
Sin prompts us to look out for ourselves and pursue what we want. 
Neither our intellect nor talent could have changed our sinful state 
or brought us peace with God.

However, those who trust Jesus as Savior 
receive a new nature and are reconciled to the Lord. 
As His adopted children, not only are we at peace with Him 
but we’ve also been given the power to live in harmony with one another 
(our friends, our family members, our spouse, others).

No matter how much life changes, we can have hope, 
because we are anchored to a firm foundation that will never be shaken. 
So this is what the Sovereign LORD says: See, I lay a stone in Zion, a 
tested stone, a precious cornerstone for a sure foundation; the one who 
relies on it will never be stricken with panic. (Isaiah 28:16)

The believer’s hope rests in the Triune God (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit). 
Our heavenly Father knows each of us by name. 
But now, this is what the LORD says—he who created you, Jacob,
he who formed you, Israel: “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;
I have summoned you by name; you are mine”. (Isaiah 43:1)

Our Savior keeps every divine promise. 
For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. 
And so through him the “Amen” is spoken by us to the glory of God. 
(2 Corinthians 1:20)

And the Holy Spirit assures us that we are secure in Christ, 
both in this life and in the one to come.

ACTION:
Have you connected with God 
so that you can enjoy the benefits of knowing Him?
If you haven’t already, 
shouldn’t you consider accepting the salvation He has offered?

Pray,
“Heavenly Father, thank You for promising to love and take care of those 
who belong to You. Whenever I feel scared, worried, or stressed, remind me 
that You are with me. Help me to take my eyes off my problems and focus 
on You, my Heavenly Father and Protector.”