JESUS IS WITH YOU!

“Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage! I am here!” —Mark 6:50

I may lose my job. My health may deteriorate. A loved one might die. It might be I’m afraid of the dark or that I am fearful of a storm.

Storms of life, trials and tribulations come in all manner of forms. This should not be a surprise to us when they come because Jesus told us it would happen (John 16:33). Still, knowing we live in a fallen world, these things do often take us unaware and many times we lose courage. We may start doubting many things and become discouraged. Then, if we stay in that state of discouragement for long it could lead to the darker world of depression and lack of motivation. Life seems bleak which can cause a person to slip into despair and hopelessness. This can leave a person in the real inky darkness of despondency and not wanting to have contact with anyone or talk with anyone. Death may begin to seem like an option to consider and this is where suicidal thoughts come into the mind of a person.

There are so many people who have gone down this slippery slope and there are those who are presently in this pattern of decline. Listen, Jesus said, “Don’t be afraid… Take courage! I am here!” Whether it is a literal storm as the disciples were experiencing on the Sea of Galilee or some stormy trial or tribulation, Jesus said He is with us.

Fellow follower of Jesus Christ, Jesus told us “I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20). His word also tells us that “I will never fail you. I will never abandon you.” We are also told that “The Lord is my helper, so I will have no fear. What can mere people do to me?” Whatever state of emotion we may find ourselves in, let us look to Jesus who is “the champion who initiates and perfects our faith” (Hebrews 12:2). Keep praying, waiting ,trusting, casting our cares on Him, being thankful and the peace of God will guard our hearts and minds in Jesus (Psalm 27:14; Proverbs 3:5-6; I Peter 5:7; Philippians 4:6-7).

Dear Father, when things feel dark and dreary, please help me to look to You, to trust You and to get my strength through the Holy Spirit. Yea, may that be true moment by moment on any given day in the authority of Jesus who loves me and gave Himself for me.