Not to Worry A Word from Dr. Stanley When your alarm clock goes off, what is the first thought that pops into your head? Are you excited and eager to face the day, or do you wake up groaning and anxious to get it over with? As God’s children, we can always choose to rejoice, because He is in control of whatever situation awaits us. The key to confidence is focus. If we fix our attention on circumstances or our own inadequacy, then anxiety and discouragement will most likely follow. However, when we focus on the Lord and His power to deliver us, we can rise to any challenge because our confidence is not in ourselves, but in His promises. The apostle Paul had this kind of positive perspective even though he faced daunting trials and hardships. While sitting in a prison cell, he wrote these encouraging words: “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me” (Phil. 4:13). He was saying that Christ would enable him to accomplish whatever tasks his heavenly Father had planned. The Lord wants each of us to have that same assurance—no matter what comes our way. Genuine, godly confidence is based on our relationship with Christ. Since nothing can separate us from His love, we are never alone in our struggles (Rom. 8:38-39). What’s more, He promises to empower us with divine strength and supply everything we need to achieve whatever He requires (Phil. 4:19). When we truly believe this, there is no reason for worry or fear. God may not change our circumstances or remove hardships, but we have the assurance that Christ will enable us to go through them. The Lord uses these struggles to teach us to depend on Him. And each time we rely on His strength, our faith and confidence in Him grow. If you’re burdened with worry or dread, draw near to God in prayer. Pour out your concerns to Him. Then spend time meditating on the Scriptures, and refocus your mind on the Lord and His promises. Because when you make Him your first thought, you can meet anything with confidence.
Posted on: Sun, 17 Aug 2014 09:37:45 +0000
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