April 5, 2025 ~ FROM A PASTOR'S HEART

April 5 DEVOTIONAL BIBLE READING: LUKE 12:22-34

Stress is a terrible thing. It causes people to have problems, both physical and emotional. Stress for the follower of Christ is a spiritual issue. We stress because we let worry consume us. We stress because we fear that our needs won't be met. We stress because we feel like God has missed us or is too busy to be concerned about our needs. Stress has put people in the hospital and even caused death. Stress has incapacitated people emotionally, where they have completely shut down. Stress robs us of so much, including the joy and peace that the Lord desires to give all His people.

The Scripture tells us that Jesus gives us, "Peace beyond human understanding" and "Joy unspeakable.” Peace is not the absence of conflict, nor is it the denial of real issues...but it is learning to rest in the Lord in all things and not letting the stress consume us. Paul says, "The joy of the Lord is our strength.” We need His joy to have the strength to live and to live victoriously in the situations of life. The peace and joy of the Lord are always tied together. His joy brings us peace in all things...and His peace allows us to rejoice in Him regardless of what we are going through. Stress robs us of both His peace and joy...it replaces the wonderful work of the Lord that brings life and health with that which brings harm and even death. Paul says that we are to, "Be anxious for nothing, but in prayer and supplication make your request known to the Lord.” He then goes on to say, "And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory, through Christ Jesus.” We are given these promises because we are meant to rest in the Lord...we are to receive His peace and joy...we are not to stress about anything.

Please share your thoughts.