Posts Tagged ‘sorrow’

5 Reasons to Trust God

Friday, May 24th, 2013

John 14:1 NLT

I realize this post’s title doesn’t do justice to my heavenly Father. In reality, it should probably read, “Infinite Reasons to Trust God.” Heaven knows the list is endless. Our time to read, however, is not. Therein lies the only reason for a mere five.

Jesus’ words—“Don’t let your hearts be troubled,” remind us that we have control over worry and fear’s role in our lives. We can choose to let them run rampant and then bear their negative consequences. Or we can choose to trust in God and walk in confidence instead.

Personally, I choose the latter. I’d much rather trust and experience peace than struggle with fear, sleeplessness, negativity, and a knotted stomach. And so, here are five reasons for why I choose to trust the Lord:

  • God promises His presence. No matter what happens in the course of a day, He is with me. I am never alone. Why, then, should I be afraid or anxious?
  • God promises to give me wisdom, and lots of it. When I face circumstances that baffle me, I can ask Him for insight, and He will answer.
  • God promises victory. I belong to Him, therefore He’s on my side. Who can stand against me?
  • God promises to turn negative situations into something good. He specializes in transforming the bad into beauty, the sad into splendor.
  • God promises joy. Sorrow may last for a night, He says, but joy comes in the morning. There’s light at the end of the tunnel. God knows what He’s doing even when I don’t understand.

How about you? What would you like to add to this list?

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Heaven — More Than Wishful Thinking

Friday, August 28th, 2009

My father-in-law’s death last month naturally caused sorrow because we’ll miss his presence in our lives. Despite the grief, however, I’ve experienced an undeniable peace and even a sense of celebration. This man, age 90, lived a good life and was ready to take up residence in heaven – a promise fulfilled because he’d placed his saving faith in Jesus Christ. Earthly pain and struggles are behind him, and without doubt, he’s now with his Savior.

His passing reminded me of my father’s death a year ago. As his body slowly shut down, he whispered precious words to my mother. They were words that brought comfort in our loss, words that brought hope, peace, and that same sense of celebration. “It’s so beautiful there,” he gasped. “I see Jesus.” (more…)

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Peace Be With You

Tuesday, June 9th, 2009

I posted a day early because I’m heading out of town for speaking engagements and not sure whether or not I’ll have email access while I’m away. Blessings on you, my friend. Here’s the next devotional…

Huddling in a room behind locked doors, Jesus’ disciples reeled from the events they’d just experienced. They’d witnessed their beloved leader being crucified like a common criminal, and now they feared for their own lives. The atmosphere was sullen, the mood grim. But not for long!

Suddenly Jesus – the risen and victorious Son of God – stood among His disciples! His first words to them were, “Peace be with you.” As He spoke, He showed them the nail prints in His hands and the wound in His side. Then He spoke again: “Peace be with you.” (John 20:19,20)

Why did He speak these words to His followers? And why did He show His wounds to them at that moment? Perhaps it’s because He recognized their shock and sorrow at His death. He also knew their fear of the future. He wanted to reassure them, to comfort and soothe them at their deepest point of need rather than leave them in their distress. His words and His wounds – visual evidence of His deep love for them and of His power to overcome all things – served that purpose.   

Let’s remember this encounter between Jesus and His followers when we experience situations that leave us feeling lonely, abandoned, hopeless, or afraid. Jesus is the risen and victorious Son of God! We can know His peace when we remember who He is and that His presence is with us.

Can you recall a time when He met you at your deepest point of need? How did He do that?

“Thank You, Jesus, for being my peace no matter what life brings.”

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