Tag: God

Devotions, Relationships

Are You Living In Fear?

imageDo not fear . . . ; you are of more value than many sparrows. —Luke 12:7

Jesus often told His followers: “Do not be afraid.” He said that to Simon when He called him to follow Him (Luke 5:10). When Jairus, a synagogue leader whose daughter was dying, came to Him, Jesus reassured him with those same words of care (8:50).

Luke 12 records Jesus telling His disciples not to be afraid when He taught them how God cared for them much more than for the sparrows (v.7). And after His resurrection, Jesus told the women who came to the tomb, “Rejoice! . . . Do not be afraid” (Matt. 28:9-10).

Fear is a universal feeling. We have concerns about loved ones, our needs, and the unknown future. How can we learn to have faith?

The Lord has given us a foundation on which to build our confidence in Him: “He Himself has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’ So we may boldly say: ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not fear’ ” (Heb. 13:5-6).

The love of God frees us from the prison of fear.

Devotions

Thanksgiving: Focus On The Blessings!

Thanksgiving

Psalm 68:19 (hcsb) May the Lord be praised! Day after day He bears our burdens; God is our salvation.Selah

Psalm 68 is an interesting passage. It was intended to be used in worship by Israel as a song of victory and deliverance. It recounts the many difficulties they endured and speaks of them being afflicted, oppressed, helpless, sinful, and exposed to hurt and pain; yet this Psalm recalls that God provided for His people in the tough wilderness wanderings and in the days of bountiful blessing in the Promised Land of Canaan. In both the good times and the bad, God blessed them and cared for them. In this passage, His people recognize that and thank Him for it.

Often in the bad or difficult times of our life, our eyesight grows dim and we fail to recognize God’s hand of blessing. We choose rather, to focus on the negatives and let them pull us down. At times we may not even see the positives in our situation. But friend, listen! God always gives blessings even though they may not be readily seen. Therefore, instead of focusing on what was lost, choose to focus on what is left!

I encourage you to deliberately find things to be thankful for every day of the year. Intentionally look for God’s hand at work in your life and praise Him! Remember that daily He gives multiple blessings. Matthew Henry the great Bible commentator said, “So many, so weighty are the gifts of God’s bounty, that He may be truly said to load us with them.”  Yes, face life’s difficulties, but focus on the load of blessings that surround you and thank God for them. Remember, a thankful heart is a joyful heart! Happy Thanksgiving!