Remain in the Stillness

Psalm 46:10

Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!

Here we are! 2 weeks into the New Year. Has anything changed? Is your life on a better track than last year? Or is still filled with a lot of anxiety and troubles. Maybe a health issue came up unexpectedly that has set in some worry or major concerns. Perhaps you found joy in paying off an old debt years past.

Let's be clear, 2024 was never guaranteed to wipe out all our problems. It will not self-correct or be automatically resolved by another election cycle. But it can be an opportunity for a fresh start - or a clean slate - if you will. It can also be a time to reflect on where you have been, and look to the future with a set fresh eyes and Godly wisdom on your particular situation.

But if you spend a lot time worrying about this or that, you may end spending wasted time over nothing. It's been said that 90% of what we often worry about never comes to pass. If you're living with only 10% hope, then life will be unbearable.

Stress, anxiety and, worry are not of God. They are tools Satan uses to get your mind off of God and cause you to turn away from Him. Not only that, but stress is a known killer. The side effects and reactions your mind, emotions and body go through under stress are many and too numerous to count here. But they are and can be extremely harmful if not addressed and taken care of without God's help.

The first step is to lean on God. Go to Him in prayer and boldly ask Him to help. He promises to be our helper.

Psalm 46:1 God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble.

Hebrews 4:16 Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

Secondly, is to set aside those worries and anxieties by trusting God to help

Philippians 4:6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;

Matthew 6:34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.

Thirdly, as in the referenced text verse above, be still and know that He is God. He knows what's going on in your life - both good and bad - and has a plan to help you see you through it all. In other words, if Jesus is your Lord, you are not alone!

Remain in the stillness of the Lord with the faith and confidence that God is in control. He will be exalted and glorified in the midst of whatever you are going through. Whatever mountain top or valley floor you are at right now, God is with you all the way.

Blessings in Christ's name be with you all,

Pastor Tom