Life can be difficult. Unexpected unpleasant circumstances can arise in an instant, or a persistent problem can drain joy and peace from even the most positive person. What can help in these times of uncertainty, disgruntled complaints, and distant memories of happier times? Prayer is always one of the first things I think of when stress and anxiety attempt to build up. Of course praise and worship is on the list too,it definitely breaks up the negative energy in the atmosphere and builds sustaining power through the storms and tests of life. What I find to be very impactful as well is grabbing hold of a scripture (preferably), or a positive quote that gives a positive perspective on what you are going through or helps you to stay focused on your goals. Living in a culture that is inundated with skepticism, it is sometimes hard to resist becoming overwhelmed by the flood of negativity and doubt. In these times it is imperative that you guard your gates (heart, mind, eyes, mouth/speech, touch, etc.) and pay attention to what information that you take in and think about. Here is what the Apostle Paul had to say about it:
4 Rejoice in the Lord always [delight, take pleasure in Him]; again I will say, rejoice! 5 Let your gentle spirit [your graciousness, unselfishness, mercy, tolerance, and patience] be known to all people. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious or worried about anything, but in everything [every circumstance and situation] by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, continue to make your [specific] requests known to God. 7 And the peace of God [that peace which reassures the heart, that peace] which transcends all understanding, [that peace which] stands guard over your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus [is yours]. 8 Finally, [b]believers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable and worthy of respect, whatever is right and confirmed by God’s word, whatever is pure and wholesome, whatever is lovely and brings peace, whatever is admirable and of good repute; if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think continually on these things [center your mind on them, and implant them in your heart]. 9 The things which you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things [in daily life], and the God [who is the source] of peace and well-being will be with you. -Philippians 4:4-9 9 (AMP)
It is easy to develop negative or ungodly attitudes when so many factors seem to support feeling that way. This is why having a strong foundation in the Word is crucial, because they are not just words about people in ancient times- no they are words of life, hope, peace, joy, and encouragement. There are strategies, wisdom and revelations of God’s love and plan for us embedded in each scripture. This is why you can hear/read the same scripture over and over and still find something new or relevant to you on each occasion. Life can be hectic and busy, but please take some time to get some Word working in your situation. If you do not have time to read the Bible, you can listen to it, watch videos of it, or tune in to your favorite minister. There are so many words to get the word of God activated in your life, even social media is a good way to get a “fill up” if your word tank is running low. With so many diverse opinions and fake news swirling around through the media, grab hold of the Truth so that you won’t be moved by what you see going on in the world.
The best part of developing a lifestyle that includes studying the Word is that your relationship with God becomes more intimate. You get to know more about the One who created you and what His heart is for you and ultimately mankind. When you get filled up on the Word you will be able to encourage others and speak life over dead situations. You will be able to resist the lies of the enemy and stand firmly on the promises of God. Most importantly you will become transformed by the renewing of your mind! (Romans 12:2)
Let Us Pray: Father God in the mighty name of Jesus, thank You for keeping us in times of trouble, uncertainty, skepticism, and growing doubt in the world. Lord thank You for sending Your word that we may know You and know the truth. Lord we turn over to You any distractive, disruptive, and unpleasant thought, feeling, or attitude that would keep us from seeing things from Your perspective. We ask for Holy Spirit to gently remind us when we need to fill up on the Word when our tanks start getting low. Help us to exercise the wisdom, discernment, and godly judgement that we learn from Your words of life in a practical way in our everyday life. Lord let us not be hearers of the word only, but let us be doers of the word even when it requires extra effort on our part. Lord please be our mind regulator so that we may have perfect peace in any situation that we face in the name of Jesus. Lord let a praise rise up when we are tempted or provoked to complain. Lord instead of focusing on the unfair, unpleasant, and unholy things please turn our attention for the things that You want to speak to us through. Lord please help us to come up higher in our study habits so that we may rightly divide the word of truth. Lord please guide us to opportunities to share what we are learning from the Word and to share encouraging words to those that You allow to cross our paths. Lord help us to steward Your word with honesty, integrity, and sincerity that You may be glorified. Lord thank You for bringing the word to our remembrance at the appropriate times and for giving us deeper understanding of what we study guided by the Holy Spirit. Lord it is so much more that we could ask for, but we now just want to thank You for all of this we ask and position ourselves to listen for what You want to say to us. We thank You for this new refreshing of our relationship with You in Jesus name AMEN!
Thank you for reading! If this message blessed you please share to bless someone else!
Blessings Always,
Dionne Renae
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Lessons 'n Blessings 