Recent events have left many people feeling dismayed. The word "dismayed" means "to be not able." Yet, even when we don't feel able, God is able!
We can remain stable during times of shaking and unrest. Here are 3 ways to use our power for comforting during emtional crisis and to reflect God's glory.
You may wonder why I’m even writing about this subject, given that Take Back Your Temple is about overcoming emotional eating and Christian weight loss primarily.
But we are not just bodies – we have a Spirit, a mind, and emotions too.
Our health does not exist in isolation.
When you are troubled emotionally and stressed out, it effects your physical health and habits too.
And for many of us, we tend to run back to destructive habits when under stress!
You need to regain your footing again. The first place to check is your Spiritual foundation.
Ask yourself, “What does the foundation of my life rest upon?”
Does your emotional stability rest upon circumstances, other people's actions, or even your own abilities?
If so, then you can be shaken in times of crisis.
After all, circumstances can change for the worse and threaten your security.
During times when I feel shaken, I use Psalm 61:2 as a prescription:
“From the end of the earth I will cry to You, When my heart is overwhelmed; Lead me to the rock that is higher than I.”
Jesus is our Rock. In times of emotional distress, it's wise to hold on to the Rock for dear life!
Remind yourself that none of what is happening is a surprise to God.
As His people, we must remember who the real enemy is:
"For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places."
Ephesians 6:12
During a crisis, we as God's people have the opportunity to bring God's kingdom wherever we go.
His kingdom is righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit - not matter what happens in the world (see Romans 14:17).
Through our Rock, we have power in Him to remain stable when we use our God-given power.
Here are 3 ways:
1. We have the power to pray.
The Bible says that the prayers of the righteous avail much. We have all of the resources of heaven at our disposal when we pray according to God’s will.
Only God has the power to change human hearts. When people's hearts are changed inwardly, their actions will change outwardly.
2. We have the power to speak God’s word into every situation.
If there was any time in which the world needs to hear life-giving, encouraging words from disciples of Jesus Christ, it is now.
People are hurting, confused, and need answers. So let's pray for wisdom that we will speak the right words at the right time:
Proverbs 22:21: “That I may make you know the certainty of the words of truth, That you may answer words of truth To those who send to you?”
Luke 21:15: “for I will give you a mouth and wisdom which all your adversaries will not be able to contradict or resist.”
3. We have the power to love and serve.
I told our young group member that we need to first keep our own hearts and minds stayed on the Lord so that we remain in peace.
When our hearts are right, we can minister to others who need comfort and encouragement. God's perfect love casts out fear.
It’s not just missionaries who have a mission field. We all have one.
While we may not be able to change the world, we can serve those in our families, our communities, our jobs and businesses – whatever territory God has given us.
Let us use our power!
When times are darkest, this is our time to shine the brightest. We are anointed for such a time as this:
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven"
- Matthew 5:16)
So let us shine on.
Finally, here is my prayer for you according to Ephesians 3:14-21
For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height— to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.”
Please share this message with others who encouragement today.