Be of Good Courage
The Bible says, “The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want” (Psalm 23:1). We worry because we are not perfect and the day-by-day challenges in life tends to produce anxieties. However, as born-again believers we have God’s reassurance and protection and should not fret about the details of everyday life. The Lord Jesus Christ understands our daily concerns.
In Matthew chapter 6, the Lord Jesus Christ said that God the Father has a protective caring heart. “Therefore, I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature? Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble” (Matthew 6:25-27, 34).
If you are unsure about the future, your income, your marriage or your health then make Matthew chapter 6 a daily part of your daily Bible reading. These Scriptural verses will remind you that God is in control and we are His beloved sons and daughters. Remember, God is trustworthy … and we are protected.
Promises from God’s Word
“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” (Ephesians 6:10-11)
“The LORD your God in your midst, the Mighty One, will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing.” (Zephaniah 3:17)
“For this reason, I also suffer these things; nevertheless, I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day.” (2 Timothy 1:12)
“Behold, I am with you and will keep you wherever you go, and will bring you back to this land; for I will not leave you until I have done what I have spoken to you.” (Genesis 28:16)
“The LORD also will roar from Zion, and utter His voice from Jerusalem; the heavens and earth will shake; but the LORD will be a shelter for His people, and the strength of the children of Israel.” (Joel 3:16)
“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things (bread, water, clothing and shelter) shall be added to you.” (Matthew 6:33)
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, You have promised to protect me, and I will trust You. Every day, I will place my hopes, my faith and my life You have given me in Your hands. Please let my life be a testimony to the transforming power of Your love, Your grace, and Your Son. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
All Scripture verses are taken from the New King James Version of the Bible.
By Constance A. Burns, NAAV Contributor for Moments of Meditation and Scriptural Readings; email: cburns@naavets.org