Christian Devotionals and Scripture Applied to Everyday Life

The school year is winding down and I know your schedules are starting to fill up with deadlines and tests. April and May were always anxious months for me when I was in school. I wanted to do well, but wondered if I had what it took to succeed. I was tired and ready to be done, but what lay ahead seemed like a huge uphill battle.

Tuesday afternoon high-speed winds raced through our area uprooting trees, demolishing barns, and flinging roof shingles in the air like clay pigeons for target practice. Numerous friends and family are now grappling with the aftermath while trying to move forward with the daily grind of life.

The past few days have been somewhat miserable. Gray and rainy weather has tempered everything from frizzy hair, to muddy paw prints in the kitchen, to a sagging spirit. Moping around while getting ready for work this morning a melody from my childhood popped into my head, and it brought some joy back into my heart. Eliza Hewitt, a 19th century hymn writer wrote this cheery song after recovering from a severe back injury.

Everywhere we go there are warnings directing us of upcoming danger or consequences. A stop sign warns a driver of oncoming traffic. A bell reminds a student that class is about to start. A growl alerts a prowler that a potential target home has a protective watchdog. And a closed barrier warns of an open or rising drawbridge.

Battle stories fill the Bible. Some are devastating defeats and others are incredible victories. What is the reason for these opposites? Is it the nation involved? Is it the size of the army? Is it the prowess and strength of the warriors? None of these is the answer. The key to the greatest victories is faith in the One Who is all powerful and controls all things.

Anxiety can be a huge source of stress. Worries and fretful thoughts can swirl around in your mind so fast and strong that it feels that your whole head is caught up in a fire of emotions. This is not healthy or necessary. God tells us that we should not be anxious about anything, but instead remove these worries and give them to Him.