Many people in times of distress may be tempted to find relief or comfort by falling back into old mindsets and/or destructive behaviors in order to cope and destress. Turbulent times like these never before seen in the world can cause immense stress and in attempts to “calm nerves”, silence fear, ease anxiety and wipe out worries some may be tempted to go back to destructive vices.
Whether it’s alcohol abuse, drug abuse, overeating, battling fear, fornication, pornography or just a bad attitude, tumultuous and unpredictable times like these shake us to our core and can cause many to regress to what used to give them relief, comfort, and a temporary way of escape.
I want to encourage you today to keep fighting the good fight of faith. Have a holy determination to not go back to what you have been set free from and have gained victory over. Stay free in Jesus.
I’m so thankful that God is BIGGER than all of this craziness. He alone is sovereign and He reigns supreme. I’m also beyond grateful that He knows our frame and remembers that we are dust. (Psalm 103:13) God knows our human frailty which is why He gave us His Spirit, fresh supplies of His grace and all of His heavenly abundance. I am reminded now more than ever just how much I Need Thee. It's been the song in my heart;
I need Thee every hour, Stay Thou near by; Temptations lose their power, When Thou art nigh. I need Thee, O I need Thee; Every hour I need Thee! O bless me now, my Savior, I come to Thee.
Be settled and incline your heart. Listen and be strengthened, “No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it. (1 Corinthians 10:13)
Let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God to receive His mercy, strength and grace in our time of need.
Father, we thank You for being our Strong Deliverer! There is nothing too hard for You!
Father help us to keep our eyes on You and not on the chaos and the things of this world.
Hear our cry, O God; attend to our prayer. From the end of the earth we cry to You. When our hearts are overwhelmed lead us to the Rock that is higher than us. You have been a shelter for us and a strong tower from the enemy. (Psalms 61:1,2) We cast all of our anxieties on You! You care for us! (1 Peter 5:7)
Gracious God lead us not unto temptation but deliver us from evil. (Matthew 6:13) Your grace is sufficient and Your power is perfected in our weakness. (2 Corinthians 12:9) You are all we need!
When tempted to go back to the snares and negative mindsets that so easily entangled us remind us of the pit of despair, the mud and mire that You pulled us out of. Thank You for setting our feet on solid ground and steadying us as we walk along. (Psalms 40:2)
Our flesh sets its desire against the Spirit. Father empower us to walk by the Spirit and not carry out the desires of our flesh. (Galatians 5:16)
May we find blessed rest in Your holiness, attributes, character, faithfulness and majesty.
You are Jehovah Shalom; the Lord our peace.
You are Jehovah Rapha; the Lord who heals us.
You are Jehovah JIREH; the Lord will provide.
You are Jehovah Nissi; the Lord our banner, standard and victory!
You are El Shaddai; God Almighty.
You are Abba, Father!
Your Word settles it! Your Word unleashes power, love and a sound mind! No word from You will ever fail!
We overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimonies! (Revelation 12:11)
We may be under quarantine, lock downed physically but we are in ALL ways free in Jesus!
We may be under shelter in place but You are our refuge, strength and hiding place! We are secure in You!
The economy may be on a downfall but You sit high! You look low! You will provide for Your children! The ravens neither plant, harvest or store food in barns and You feed them! (Luke 12:24)
You ARE our Protector and VERY PRESENT help in our time of need. Therefore, we will not be consumed!
The world as we've once known it has changed but You are the same today, yesterday and forever!
You, the Lord of Hosts are with us! We will not give in to temptation and go back to where we were bound, depressed, hopeless and shackled! You have set us free and we are free indeed!
We will walk in freedom! Not by might nor by power but by Your Spirit! Where Your Spirit is there is liberty! (2 Corinthians 3:17)
Overwhelming victory is ours in Christ Jesus!
We will not be bound again! We submit to You Faithful God! We thank You for the Way of escape. Jesus! The Way, the Truth and the Life! He is all we need! Hallelujah!! We triumph in Your praise!!! Our chains are gone forever! No going back! In the glorious name of Jesus, the name above ALL names we pray. Amen!
Refuse to go back. Keep fighting the good fight! It's so worth it!
I love you. I'm praying for you.
Be mightily encouraged and remember, Jesus is with us all the way!
