Lately, there is a lot of concern about the fast rising cost of living, energy, taxes, property and mortgage interest rates. The list goes on. There is very real stress and anxiety out there for people, trying to keep their families afloat. The daily news headlines and incessant discussion about it does not help, but only feeds the rhetoric and brings to the forefront the very real struggle that only seems to be intensifying over time.
Despite these very real and pervasive concerns, how do we refute the fear and worry that the enemy loves to feed into our hearts and minds. How do we retain the perfect peace that Jesus promised to us, and truly be free from the chains of financial worry?
‘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
‘You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in You.’ – Isaiah 26:3
‘Lord, You establish peace for us; all that we have accomplished You have done for us. Lord our God, other lords besides You have ruled over us, but Your name alone do we honour… You have enlarged the nation, Lord; You have enlarged the nation. You have gained glory for Yourself, You have extended all the borders of the land.’ – Isaiah 26: 12-13, 15
The above verses remind us of Who is truly powerful and Who we can go to for help and sustenance. Our heavenly Father rules above all kings, presidents, governments, and corrupt officials. He is set high above the appointed rulers of the various nations. He alone has the ultimate power and control. He alone raises people up, and humbles them also.
‘[Daniel] said: “Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever; wisdom and power are His. He changes times and seasons; He deposes kings and raises up others. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning. He reveals deep and hidden things; He knows what lies in darkness, and light dwells with Him.”‘ Daniel 2: 20-22
When we know this, truly know and trust that God is in control of our lives regardless of whatever the political or economic climate of the time is, then we can remain in His perfect peace no matter the circumstances. Then we can rest in the knowledge that as we remain faithful and righteous, trusting in, following, and living out the life God has called us to live, He will see us through.
Soak and meditate on the following verse. Truly take in, accept and believe the promise He has set out for us.
‘”But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in Him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.”‘ Jeremiah 17:7-8
Let me repeat some of that: ‘It does not fear when heat comes’, It has no worries in a year of drought’.
Remain faithful in the Lord and do not fear or let worry set in, even when it seems like there is cause for worry or when you cannot see how you will make it through to the next paycheck.
Do this and He promises: ‘Its leaves are always green’, ‘and never fails to bear fruit’.
He promises to provide. Despite the political and economic climate, He will provide what you need. It may not be excess of that, or it may! But day to day, He will provide what you need and He will sustain you. Lord, give us today our daily bread.
‘So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand’ – Isaiah 41:10
My prayer is that you (and I) will cling to all of these encouraging verses. Soak in the Lord’s promises rather than the news headlines and the doom and gloom of the daily rhetoric. Have a heavenly perspective and watch Him bring His promises to fruition in your life. Await the testimony!
Love,
Abbie x
ROOTED IN FAITH 