July 18, 2021
Good afternoon! I pray that you all have had a fantastic week and have been waiting for this weeks update. As we get closer and closer to going back to school, I know anxiety can become very common amongst teens and even adults. Anxiety is something everyone has dealt with even if they don't exactly know so. Now something I really struggle with as a Christian is understanding and not putting down my anxiety. It's a question I believe many followers of Christ ask themselves, Am I a bad christian because I struggle with anxiety?
The answer to this question is No. Anxiety can come during many different circumstances. It can be feelings of helplessness, being doubtful, not having hope, and so much more. It can be so debilitating as people when we are wrestling with these feelings of worry and get pointed to verses that talk about trusting and not being anxious. Many followers are scared or feel resistance when it comes time to talk to God about their struggles. You might feel ashamed because many of us find shame in mental health and we seem to tell ourselves that we should have these intense feelings.
All of the thoughts of doubt you feel are from the devil. Satan wants us to believe that Christ isn't there for you and me when in reality He has His hands wide open ready to carry us through the storms. One of the reasons God wants us to have full and compete trust in Him is so that we don't have to battle with the negative thoughts of worry. John 14:27 states that, "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." God has got you.
Now believe me, I am certainly not saying we should be able to go day to day without a worry in the world. However when these feelings do develop, I challenge you to remind yourself who is in control. Don't let those thoughts control your life, God has greater plans for you and everyone who surrounds you. Hand over the reigns and allow God to walk you through His planned life hand in hand.
I love each of you so much and am so grateful God laid it on my heart to share this with you today. I pray that you all have a safe and peaceful week and I encourage you to come back next Sunday for more.
July 11, 2021
Good Sunday morning! Can you believe summer is almost over? I know, I know some of us cannot stand to even think about going back (even though its necessary) but let's be honest, there are so many positives that come from being in a school environment. Just showing your face at school every day can be an encouragement for others who may be struggling. Not to mention those of us who are supportive and accepting friends to those students who may feel left out or "different".
A new school year can bring many different emotions for many different people. Maybe you're excited, nervous, anxious, or it might even be an unknown mix of feelings. For me, I am excited and worried at the same time. I find anticipation to meet new friends and see teachers and other students I haven't seen all summer. I'm eager to start fresh and be able to keep working towards graduation. But at the exact same time, I am nervous about grades, teachers, and just the unknowns of going into a new year. Despite all these emotions, I find peace in knowing God will be with me through all of it, just like He will for you too.
Below is a list of verses I want you to read and really think about. These verses would be great to write on your mirrors, binders, or notecards as a daily reminder to not be anxious about anything.
Psalm 9:10 - And those who know your name put their trust in You, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek you.
Jeremiah 17:7 - Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord.
Psalm 37:4 - Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart.
Isaiah 26:3 - You keep Him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.
Psalm 33:20 - Our soul waits for the Lord; he is our help and our shield.
Psalm 56:3 - When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.
Proverbs 3 :5 - Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.
Anxiety only comes when our trust in the Lord is unstable. If we really put all that we have (our faith and trust) in Him then there is nothing to worry about. He knows what's best and isn't going to do anything to you to bring you down. Even though it might seem this way, just remember we cannot see the big picture, only portions. So next time you find yourself drowning in fear or worry, remember whose you are. I love you all so much and really pray this lesson applies to everyone. If you feel lead, please share it and also I have plenty of B3 boxes so let me know if you or someone you know is in need of some support/encouragement. Have an amazing week!
Good afternoon y'all! I pray that you all had a great past week and are looking forward celebrating the 4th of July tomorrow. I am super excited but at the same time, it's crazy to me that we are already to this day in the year. Today I was searching for some sort of lesson topic or idea that related to the Independence Day theme and as I was thinking, freedom came to mind. We are so blessed as Americans to have the everyday freedoms that we take advantage of. Above all else, God has provided us with so much more than we thank Him for. There are so many things we take for granted without even realizing it. I feel like freedom is a big one of those things.
Just like how we have freedom as Americans, we also have a freedom in Christ. This can sound confusing because as someone who was raised in church when I think about Christianity I think about all the rules and responsibilities of being One with Christ. It can be so overwhelming when we place all our focus on the consequences of breaking those rules. But on the flip side, Jesus gave is freedom of forgiveness. We don't have to sit and wade in the darkness and regret of our mistakes because Christ was willing to sacrifice all He had for you and me. Because of this freedom of forgiveness we are given it means we have the chance to become someone new, and in having this new identity as a Christian, God is now the focus of our lives.
Galations 5:1 states that "For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery." God calls us to not fall into the doings of our sinful world but instead to stand up aghast those temptations and rely on His plan to get you through life.
Psalms 118:5 is one of my personal favorite verses because whenever I feel down this verse brings a smile to my face every time. "In my anguish I cried to the Lord, and He answered by setting me free." Let's be real for one second, how often do you find yourself balling up in fear, scared of what's to come or what has already happened. For me this happens a lot and when I am in these times of distress it is so impossible to find peace and reassurance unless we trust and have faith in the Lord.
I encourage you in these next couple of weeks to remind yourself and thank those who put their lives on the line for yours and my freedom. But ultimately thank God for the freedom we have in Him. Christ's freedom is something nobody can every take away and no matter the mistakes we make, nothing can change His love and care for you. I love you all so much and pray that today would just sink into your heart and be a encouragement to your days to come. Please let me know if there is ever anything I can do for you and this is a fantastic opportunity to enter B3 box forms for those you want to be a source of encouragement too.