May 22: THERE'S A LOT TO BE CONCERNED ABOUT.

Affirmation: I am resilient. I let go of numbing and powerlessness.

Resilient people are resourceful problem-solvers
Resilient people seek help when they need it
Resilient people take ownership of their ability to take action to manage their feelings
Resilient people have access to social support
Resilient people are connected with other people
~~~~~~~

Ponder, Personalize, Practice : Read and recite this passage over and over throughout the day. Follow the directives. My focus today is: Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 

Train yourself to remember this when worry, anxiety, uncertainty or discomfort come. Then pray and talk to God about it … pray and petition with Thanksgiving.


Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 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 ­4:4-7 NIV~~~~~~

Walk in Grace. Live in Love. By Bob Goff 

May 22

THERE'S A LOT TO BE CONCERNED ABOUT. THERE'S MORE TO BE HOPEFUL FOR. 

Jesus said, "My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jewish leaders. But now my kingdom is from another place." 
JOHN 18:36 

I don't watch a lot of TV, I think the real world is way more interesting. But because I have several friends who work for the US government, and I serve as the Honorary Consul for the Republic of Uganda to the US, I need to stay up on things. I'll be honest, though, watching the news can be a real grind. It can make a person think everything is doom and gloom and that nothing good happens ever. I guess that's good for ratings.

 

But the sad truth is, throughout the world, every day something devastating is happening. A country overrun by war, a community crushed by a mass shooting, a person targeted for a hate crime. Still, I believe God is at work to put an end to this suffering. 


Sure, there's a lot to be concerned about, but we have even more reasons to be hopeful. Here's why: Jesus said His kingdom wasn't of this world. He said evil would win for a while, but that His kingdom of love would have the last word. And He said those of us who follow Him will be the ones who are laying the groundwork for His return. We'll be the runners who sprint ahead with the good news of what's coming. 


Don't believe the people who tell you there's no hope. It's everywhere. It's like the smell in the air right before the rains come. We have hope because we trust in the God who sits above every conflict. We bring hope when we choose to fix our eyes on Jesus rather than on all the distractions around us. 
Next time you hear bad news, ask yourself how you can be hopeful in the midst of it. 


What are you feeling hopeless about? How will you bring that to God? 

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