Notes of Faith June 22, 2024
Stressing Out
I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. — John 16:33
Do you ever feel overwhelmed? Stressed out? Like you could use a hug? We all do, sometimes. You might lose a game, your homework, or your phone. You might run out of time with a long list of things you still need to do. People you care about might let you down or leave. Some days you ache inside or feel super jittery.
Jesus completely understands.
He experienced all kinds of trouble while He was here on earth. God made you, loves you, and understands exactly what you’re going through. Jesus offers you peace. He knows hard stuff will come your way, but He promises to help you overcome it. That could be with something as simple as a hug or something more complex like the right prescription or therapist.
You can have peace in Jesus, because all the awful, painful, challenging things of the world — Jesus has overcome them all.
Step into His arms. Lean into Him. Breathe in His peace.
Draw a peace sign. In each of the four openings write something you’re worried about or overwhelmed by. Turn each thing over to Jesus. Ask Him to take control of whatever’s going on. Then draw a cross over each of the things and breathe in the peace and help Jesus is offering.
You can talk to God anytime, anywhere, about everything.
And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests.
— Ephesians 6:18
God calls you His child, His friend, His beloved.
Those are all words we use to describe a relationship we have with someone. And when we’re in a relationship, we talk to the other person. Kids and parents talk to each other. Friends chat with each other. People who love each other communicate. You talk to someone to let them know how you’re feeling, what you expect, what’s going on in your life, to share a story, to ask for help, or to get encouragement.
If you believe that Jesus is your Savior, then you’re in a relationship with God. He wants you to talk to Him. That’s all prayer is.
You can talk to God anytime, anywhere, about everything.
God wants you to talk to Him about the test you’re stressed about and your current mood and the new kid in your group. God wants you to thank Him, ask His opinion, and share with Him how you feel. There isn’t anything you can’t talk to God about. The Bible says you can talk to Him (pray) on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. Why not start now?
Dear Jesus, thank You for wanting to talk to me, for wanting to hear from me about everything, for being a safe place I can go with all my problems and emotions.
Excerpted from 5-Minute Devotions for Teens by Laura L. Smith, copyright Laura L. Smith.
Prayer is communication with the God who created us, loves us, provides for us, and wants the very best for us! Prayer is a foundational truth and practice of the faith that we have been given. If you have not yet done so today, stop, and take a moment to spend with God. If you need more time with Him, all the better. Then, continue this practice tomorrow, and develop it until it becomes “praying without ceasing,” when you are in communication with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, at all times, day or night. This will become part of who you are and who you were meant to be!
Pastor Dalae