TODAY’S INSPIRATION: FIRST WEEK;WEAK?

If you are reading this, you made it through the first week of 2023. That is something to be grateful for. Praise God! If you watched the news this past week, there were deadly shootings, road rage, missing children, suicides, etc. All of this in the first week of 2023! It can be depressing to say the least. However, I want to encourage you to not get weak from this first week. Stay focused! Stay strong! If we keep our gaze on God and His Word, the troubles of this world cannot distract us from God’s purpose for our life. God has brought us through 2022 because He has a purpose for us in 2023. Psalms 33:11 tells us; “But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations.”  

In spite of all that is going on around us, we do not have to be afraid. The Lord is with us at all times. He already knows what is going on in this fallen world, none of it has caught Him by surprise. This includes our personal trials and tribulations, family problems, health issues, and financial problems. God is faithful and He will turn it all around for our good if we seek and trust Him. He is our light in these times of darkness. God’s power is limitless, and He promised that He would work all things together for the good of those who love him and are called according to His purpose. We know all of God’s promises are Yes and Amen!

“The Lord is the one who goes ahead of you; He will be with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.” (Deuteronomy 31:8)  

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)  

“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28)  

“In God have I put my trust: I will not be afraid what man can do unto me.” (Psalm 56:11)  

“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) 

How do we begin to navigate through this dark world and the attacks of the enemy? We certainly cannot do it in our own strength. The goal of the Christian life is to become more like Christ, who always took time to pray. Prayer should be our first reaction to any situation life throws our way. We should strive to make prayer a necessary part of our daily lives, like breathing. Father God wants us to communicate with Him through prayer. Praying daily will bring peace in your life. It will help you to understand more about God’s plan for you and also bring blessings to you, your family, and those you pray for. We must intentionally seek God and spend time in His presence daily.

 “Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” (Hebrews 4:16)

“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5)

I encourage you to pray at all times without ceasing. Prayer is how we communicate with God. And in these trying times, we need to stay in tune with Him daily. Prayer is the best place to reveal our true feelings, even fear. Unlike humans, God is not fooled by our attempts to disguise our true feelings, to put on a false smile, or to cover our suffering and heartache. We can bring Him our hopes, fears, doubts, and even our anger. Jesus already knows us better than we know ourselves. In our Father we will find comfort and a peace beyond understanding. Prayer is our safeguard against acting on our feelings. When we hear about senseless killings, and violence, especially if it hits close to home, our emotions kick in and we may want to react but if we pray and wait until our feelings are in line with God’s will, He will strengthen and comfort us. We can be confident that no matter the hurt that needs healing or the chaos that needs calming, Jesus can and will fix it!  

“Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us,” (Ephesians 3:20)

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)  

“do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” (Philippians 4:6)

“For we walk by faith, not by sight” (2 Corinthians 5:7)

“If our hearts condemn us, we know that God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything.” (1 John 3:20)

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)

This year I pray that we stay focused on God and His promises, I pray that we walk by faith instead of sight, and I pray that we stay connected to God daily who will bring the infinite hope of Jesus! Love and Blessings…🙏🙏🙏