Aunt Felicity swept into the bedroom and flung open the heavy curtain that darkened the room. “Rise and shine!” she cheerfully said, “It’s time to get up!” Bright light streamed through the window making a direct hit on the bed. Turning her face from the light, Misty grabbed the covers and tugged them over her head. “Uggghhh! It’s too early!” whined Misty. “Make it dark again, plleeease!”
DOES THIS SOUND FAMILIAR?
Haven’t we all had days when we simply do not want to get out of bed? Sometimes we feel like Misty, a grumpy teenager, who would just like to catch a few more winks of sleep. Other times, there is more to it than meets the eye.
Like the heavy curtain darkened the room, hopeless, depressing and anxious thoughts darken our minds. They make us want to stay alone in the dark hiding under the covers. We can’t seem to escape the daily reminders of violent events and loss. What we see and hear continues to replay over and over in our minds like a bad video.
The more our thoughts and speech focus on the violence,
the more the heavy curtain closes.
WE ARE NOT ALONE
When feeling hopeless, depressed or anxious from the aftereffects of violent events, we don’t have to stay alone in the darkness. Because Jesus loves us, He stays with us no matter what is going on around us.
And the Lord, He is the One who goes before you.
He will be with you; He will not leave you nor forsake you;
do not fear nor be dismayed,
Deuteronomy 31:8
HOW DO WE GET LIGHT?
OPEN THE CURTAIN!
By inviting Jesus into our lives, the curtain is opened flooding us with His light.
Then Jesus spoke to them, saying,
I am the light of the world:
he that follows Me shall not walk in darkness,
but have the light of life,
John 8:12
Praying, reading and meditating on God’s Word, pushes back the curtain of darkness. It enlightens us to His loving ways guiding us out of hopelessness, depression and anxiety.
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path,
Psalm 119:105
Furthermore, God’s Word shows us how to stay in the light.
DO NOT BE ANXIOUS
about anything,
but in every situation,
BY PRAYER AND PETITION, WITH THANKSGIVING,
PRESENT YOUR REQUESTS TO GOD.
Philippians 4:6 NIV
DON’T FORGET THE THANKS!
It’s tough not to be anxious about all the violence and loss. We may turn to Jesus with prayer and petition, but what have we got to be thankful for? Jesus will not change past events, but we can be thankful knowing that He will use them for good, (Romans 8:28). Making our requests with thanksgiving, is an act of faith that God rewards, (Hebrews 11:6).
And Our Reward?
Peace!
And the peace of God,
which transcends all understanding,
will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus,
Philippians 4:7 NIV
STILL TEMPTED TO HIDE UNDER THE COVERS?
What do we do if we’re tempted to hide and that curtain tries to close us in darkness again?
WALK AWAY
from the news!
UNPLUG THE VIDEO
in your mind!
PUSH OPEN THE CURTAIN
by taking thoughts captive.
REFOCUS
on Jesus and God’s Word.
For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh
but have divine power to destroy strongholds.
We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion
raised against the knowledge of God,
and take every thought captive to obey Christ,
2 Corinthians 10:4-5 ESV
STILL STRUGGLING?
Gathering with supportive, caring people to study God’s Word will also encourage us. As together we seek Jesus’ light, it will grow our faith that God loves us, is still in control and will work all things to good.
RISE AND SHINE!
OPEN THE CURTAIN
&
LET LIGHT OF JESUS SHINE IN!
REFLECTION
Are current events darkening your heart and mind?
PRAYER
Heavenly Father, as I write Philippians 4:6-7 and say it aloud, direct my way out of the darkness. Fill me with Your light and give me Your peace. In Jesus name. Amen.
IN FAITH, LET IN JESUS’ LIGHT!
If you feel stressed, find some physical helps @ FAITH FOR STRESS BUSTERS – DianeLese
Comment!
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*For information on making Jesus Christ your Savior, email me or visit, http://www.peacewithgod.net/
Photo curtain, Simon Harmer
Photo cat @ window, g3gg0
Photo cat, Ana Maria Barrera
Photo puppies, Ben Michel
