Peace in troubled times

Intro:

God brings us His peace as we draw near to Him releasing our burdens and finding His rest.

Opening Prayer:

As I open my eyes today Lord Jesus, I think of you. Without you I am lost. I’m like a ship on the sea without a rudder or like driving without GPS or a map. Without you Jesus I don’t know where I’m going. And without you, I become so anxious Jesus. I become confused. I’m like the bull looking at the red rag being waved at me distracting me from my purpose. But with you Jesus, everything changes.

Bible verse –

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
‭‭Philippians‬ ‭4‬:‭6‬-‭7‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Reflection –

When we’re anxious or worried about something, about many things we may tend towards anxiety and depression. Yet, we have a God who loves and cares for us so deeply. He guides us so that in every situation with thanksgiving prayer, we can come to God who meets us in our time of need.

The Holy Spirit brings us peace, calming our anxiety. He also brings us hope defeating our depression and he gives us courage to keep going for another day.

But if it is not ok for you and you are continuing to feel so anxious and depressed or becoming paranoid or being deceived seeing things that aren’t visions from God, but delusions, reach out for medical help and therapeutic care along with seeking prayer from your circle of support.

Don’t stay there. And don’t deny the reality of how you’re going. Don’t be ashamed. Reach out for help if you need it. Be honest to yourself and trusted Christian friends and perhaps medical people too. Gain the assistance you need.

You might even need to rest for a little while. To take some time off and replenish. Or if it’s deeper than that be sure to seek help.

God does promise to guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. So, draw upon him to the full. He will meet you there and guide you with what to do.

Prayer –

Thank you Jesus that you come alongside me reaching your hands out and calming my troubled mind. Peace you breathe upon me, Holy Spirit.

And Holy Spirit thank you for guiding me for the help and support I need too. Through close Christian friends and through medical and mental health care when I need it.

No matter what, I still trust in you and know that I can depend upon you.

Jesus, thank you that you love me even when I’m confused, even if I seem unproductive, even when I make mistakes.

Thank you Jesus that you love me unconditionally.

Amen