One thing that confuses non-believers is, if there is a God, and God is good, why do so many bad things happen in the world? This question assumes that God’s intent is to make everything nice and pleasant for people on earth, and if that isn’t happening, then God must not be in control.

Psalm 119:91 says, “Your regulations remain true to this day, for everything serves your plans.” the NIV version puts it this way, “Your laws endure to this day. For all things serve you.”

God is in complete control of what is happening in our world, and as has been described in many cases in the Bible, God’s plans often include things that are not very pleasant for some people. Some examples include the Great Flood, the Babylonian captivity, the martyring of believers, etc. In our world today we see wars, famine, and natural disasters, that cause terrible pain and suffering for people. We don’t always know why God is letting these things happen, but we need to keep our faith and trust in God’s plan, and remember there is something much bigger and more significant beyond the horizon of our life on earth.

I like the expression, “We don’t know what the future holds, but we do know who holds the future.”

Dear Lord, Help us remember that you created all things for your purposes and your plans, not ours. We need to remember our part is to accept your gift of Salvation, bring glory to you, and to love our neighbor. If we keep these things in mind, we can have peace knowing that you have everything under control and as Paul wrote in Romans 14:8 “If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.” In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

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If you are like me, you probably pray often for your family, friends, and for your own wants and needs, but maybe not as much for those outside that circle. We need to make an effort to expand those for whom we pray. Lately, I have been trying something new. When I am inclined to be irritated with someone, I try to use this feeling as a reminder to pray for them instead.

I like the way the Living Bible translates, Paul’s direction in his letter to Timothy, 1 Timothy 2:1, “Here are my directions; Pray much for others; plead for God’s mercy upon them; give thanks for all he is going to do for them.” the passage continues, in verse 3, “for this is good and pleases God our Savior, for he longs for all to be saved and to understand this truth.”

Dear Lord, There are so many people who need help, and it seems like the need is so great, and we are just one person, but help us remember to use our prayers to intercede for them, and give thanks that you hear us. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

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“How you think determines how you feel.” I don’t know where I first heard this, but excluding injuries and illnesses, I believe it.

Controlling how you think takes work and practice, but if you control how you think about things, you can control how you feel. For example, what if on one of those days when the bills were stacked up and you had no idea how you would cover them all, the Fedex person delivered you a package notifying you that you just inherited a fortune from an unknown relative. Do you think you would feel better? Nothing physically changed in this instance, you just looked at things differently and changed your thoughts.

In a similar way, Solomon wrote in Proverbs 15:15, “For the despondent, every day brings trouble; for the happy heart, life is a continual feast.” NLT

Dear Lord, Thank you for the incredible opportunities you have given us to appreciate your creation and those around us. Help us put our trust and confidence in you so that we may have a “happy heart” and enjoy all that we have. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

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In modern times, we are much more likely to be subject to emotional burdens than physical burdens. Few people in their work are required to face overwhelming physical burdens. However, many of us can become subject to heavy emotional and psychological burdens. We may face an uncertain medical diagnosis, or a long and uncertain recovery from illness or injury, some have financial burdens with no idea how to overcome them, or emotional challenges dealing with friends or family members with behavior problems.

These types of burdens can weigh so heavily on people that they look for any relief, and without faith, may turn to alcohol, drugs, or running away in attempts to overcome the emotional or psychological pain.

We must remember, for ourselves and for others, Jesus’ words in Matthew 11:28-30, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.”

Jesus is the solution in those times of trial when we think there is no relief.

Dear Lord, Thank you for the assurance of emotional comfort and shelter in our times of trouble. Help us remember to come to you rather than the supposed solutions in drugs, alcohol, and other temptations that only take us further away from you. Help us not only realize this for ourselves, but be there to share this with our loved ones and others who need your rest for their souls. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

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If you have ever played the poker game, Texas Hold ’em, you’ve realized that the game is not so much about what cards you or your opponents have, it is more about being able to read the actions and body language of your opponents.

In a similar way, much of being a Christian is not about what is happening physically, It is about what is going on spiritually.

Ephesians 6:12 Paul writes, “For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.”

I have heard this concept described, “the main battle is supernatural.” So the tools we need to defend ourselves and win this battle are spiritual.

Dear Lord, Sometimes it is so apparent when we are being attacked spiritually, but sometimes it is subtle. Help us have the strength and faith to overcome those spiritual forces which try to destroy our relationship with you. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

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