Devotionals

We Can Trust In God’s Goodness

“We’re living in unprecedented times”.

It seems like I hear that phrase often whenever I’m talking with family or friends. Every time we turn on the news we hear of a “once in a lifetime” disaster. While disasters are nothing new to this world, we can’t deny that they are seeming to happen more and more frequently. The magnitude of which, too, seems to be increasing. Devastating earthquakes, wildfires, tornadoes, hurricanes, floods, wars, pandemics, acts of violence…the list goes on and on.

We see these things, too, on a regular basis in our news feeds and on social media. In fact, it’s pretty hard not to see these things no matter how hard you try (trust me, I certainly have!). Our phones and TVs are constantly alerting us of all the bad news happening around us. As you can imagine, and may have experienced, this can have a negative effect on our mental (and spiritual!) health.

The enemy wants to keep us frozen in fear.

Being constantly inundated with scary and heartbreaking scenes and imagery can lead us into a state of fear. When fear takes over, it keeps us frozen and complacent. It can keep us from taking action or doing what we know is right. Left unchecked, fear will take over and consume your thoughts. Chronic fear can even lead to other mental health issues, too, like anxiety and depression. I honestly think this is why we’re in a global mental health crisis. There is an unprecedented number of people being diagnosed with and prescribed medications for these illnesses that are rooted in fear.

Fear is a powerful weapon. Many of the world’s most notorious dictators have resorted to schemes of instilling fear into the hearts of their country’s citizens in order to keep them subordinate. It is the same weapon that the enemy loves to wield against us. The devil wants us to be fearful because when we’re living in fear, that means we’re not trusting in God. Fear keeps us distracted and draws us away from experiencing God’s love, joy, and peace.

We can trust in God’s goodness when we’re tempted with fear.

There will always be something for us to worry over in this life: finances, health, safety, etc. However, the Bible tells us “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7 NIV). We were not created to live in fear, “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.” (2 Timothy 1:7 NIV).

The next time you’re tempted to feel fearful in a situation, take your fears straight to your Heavenly Father. Tell Him all that is on your heart and in what ways you need His help. Spend some time reflecting on all the ways He has protected and provided for you in the past. Then, thank God for His faithfulness and goodness! As the children’s song goes, “He’s got the whole world in His hands”.

Today, take comfort in the fact that God always takes care of those who belong to Him. We can trust in God’s goodness whenever we’re tempted with fear!

Journal Prompt

List some times of uncertainly in your life when God has provided for you. Then, take some time to thank and praise God for these provisions!

Prayer

God, I know that You did not create me to live in fear. However, sometimes it can still be hard not to entertain those feelings. The next time I’m feeling fearful, I ask that You would please remind me to bring those feelings and worries to You immediately instead of dwelling on them. Please send me Your peace, the peace that surpasses human understanding, to guard my heart and my mind. Give me a spirit of power, love, and self-control. I praise You for Your goodness and faithfulness to those who love You! I can sleep soundly knowing that You are in control!

Bible Verses

“ Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27 NIV

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 NIV

“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Matthew 6:33-34 NIV

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