Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us…
I don’t know about you, but I’m tired of the doom and gloom stories we get from the media. Even those folks who are supposed to cheer us up are in a real funk. The late-night shows that are supposed to entertain us and make us laugh are filled with great discontent, cynicism, and just plain old grumpiness.
Yes, we are trying to cope with the effects of the Coronavirus Epidemic. Yes, the economy is in despair. Yes, we wish the wars were over so our brave troops could come home. Yes, our leaders have let us down. But in all this there is so much to be thankful for. Knowing Christ and living in a free America has so many benefits… Instead of tracking with the pessimists, let’s remind ourselves that our greatest hope and dreams can be realized in Christ Jesus.
If you are living a paltry life, resolve to stop it today. Expect great things to happen. Confidently receive God’s abundant blessings. Do not think lack. Instead, think prosperity, abundance, and the best of everything. God wants to give us, His children, every good thing. Don’t hinder His blessings with negative thinking. Have a sense of curiosity! God wants us to discover His abundant and eternal love and peace.
The prophet Isaiah reminds us to seek after a peaceful mind and spirit. “Keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in You.” (Isaiah 26:3) If our minds are filled with negative thoughts and an outlook of defeat, we are bound to be in a state of mental unrest, even turmoil, and there will be no inner peace.
Let’s fix our minds and gaze upon the One who died on Calvary’s Cross so that we might be able to experience His great peace and grace. Let’s not de-value the suffering He went through by ignoring the comfort, love, and calm He offers.
Christ’s resurrection, among other things, represents the new life we can experience when He is in control of our lives. He will guide and direct us only when we allow His affirming Spirit to daily, minute by minute, enter our lives. Remember, Jesus calmed the stormy seas for His 1st-Century disciples, and He can calm the seas of despair for His modern-day disciples.
Personal Application
How can you use these verses to help change your attitude towards the challenges of today?
“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable, if anything is excellent or praiseworthy, think about such things.” (Philippians 4:8)
“The lions may grow weak and hungry, but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing.” (Psalm 34:10)
“Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is, his good, pleasing and perfect will.” (Romans 12:2)
Suggestion for Prayer
If you have a habit of “seeing the glass half empty”, ask God to renew your mind, giving you His perspective and an eager expectation of all that He has prepared for you.
ALERT: If these devotionals have been an inspiration to you then please share them with family and friends so that they might be encouraged. Suggest to them that they subscribe to these free weekly inspirational examples. Thank you.
Jim Grassi, D. Min.