‘…Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid…’ (Mark 6:50)
These words were spoken by Jesus to His Disciples when they became afraid when they saw Him walking on the water towards them. However, how comforting and reassuring is it for us to know they are words which our Lord speaks to us every day.
‘I can do everything with the help of Christ who gives me the strength I need.’ (Phil.4:13)
It’s so easy to become anxious and fearful when life throws something completely unexpected our way, when suddenly we can’t see the way ahead clearly. When those times come we need to hold on to our faith in Christ and put our trust in Him to guide us through whatever has come our way. If we can do this, there is no limit to what God can do through us.
‘…we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him…’ (Romans 8:28)
Life is full of ups and downs – we all have good days and we all have bad days. Here Paul reminds us that no matter what kind of day we’re having, God is always with us. Give thanks today for God’s continued presence in your life and for the love He pours upon us every single day.
‘Let God transform you inwardly…’ (Romans 12:2)
By His Spirit the Lord is with us every day, to help and to guide us through all that we face in life’s journey. However, we need to listen for the Word of God and we need to allow His Spirit to move within us – to transform and mould us that we might become more Christ like in all we do. So take time now to pray for the Holy Spirit to come upon you and allow it to lead you through this day.
‘The Lord is gracious and righteous; our God is full of compassion.’ (Psalm 116:5)
Just pause for a moment to take in these few words from the Psalmist and consider what this means for us. God knows when we make bad choices and when we act in ways we shouldn’t. Yet such is His grace and compassion that still the Lord loves us and instead of casting us to one side and rejecting us, He welcomes us back into His open arms. Praise be to God for His love for us.
‘The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.’ ( James 5:16)
Prayer is one of the most powerful resources we have in our Christian faith. God not only listens to us when we come before Him in prayer, He also answers. He may not always give us precisely what we ask for but such is His love for us that He knows what is best for us and for those situations that we might bring before Him. Ultimately, prayer helps create that loving bond between us and God and helps us to grow and flourish in our faith and in our love for Him. So why not take time to be with Him now and bring to Him all that is on your heart.
‘I know the Lord is always with me…’ (Psalm 16:8)
Just take time now to consider these few words from the Psalmist and ask yourselves, do you believe what the Psalmist says – truly believe with all of your heart? If so give thanks to the Lord for the comfort and joy this brings to you and if not, draw close to Him now that you might indeed know that He is always by your side.
‘…with God everything is possible.’ (Matthew 19:26)
Sometimes we find ourselves in situations where feel as if there is no way out, or we find ourselves faced with some kind of obstacle that we can see no way round. At such times it’s easy to be filled with despair and become despondent. However, this short verse reminds us that with God there is a way round and there is a way out. The situation might not change nor the obstacle disappear, but knowing that the Lord is with us to help us and guide us makes all the difference and in His strength we can find a way.
‘…so is my word that goes out from my mouth. It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire…’ (Isaiah 55:11)
As we read from God’s Word each day, not only will we find comfort, peace, comfort and encouragement, but through the Holy Spirit we are able to learn how God wants us to live our lives each and every day. But for this to happen we need to allow God’s Word to work in our life to help accomplish His purpose for us. But do we? Pray today that the Holy Spirit will move within you, to help you to discern God’s Word and apply it to your life today and every day.
‘Delight yourself in the Lord…’ (Psalm 37:4)
As we live out our busy lives each day it’s so easy to get so engrossed in the daily grind of life that we lose sight of our Lord. We fail to see all the glory and wonder of His creation around us and of His hand at work, not only in our own lives, but in the world around us. So take time now, to press the pause button in your life, to simply delight in the Lord and allow His love to pour over you once again.
