Throughout my life there have been many times of severe trial and tribulation.  There were times when I didn’t know which way to turn. The times when I was out of work with no prospects for employment in the immediate future.  The time when my wife who had been diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer was hospitalized and transitioned to be with the Lord in less than a month. It was at those times God taught me a painful, yet incredibly valuable lesson.  The only way to experience peace and be free from anxiety is to cast ALL your cares on Him.  

Philippians 4:4-7 (ESV)4  Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.5  Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand;6  do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.7  And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 

1 PETER 5:6‭-‬7 AMP Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God [set aside self-righteous pride], so that He may exalt you [to a place of honor in His service] at the appropriate time, casting all your cares [all your anxieties, all your worries, and all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares about you [with deepest affection, and watches over you very carefully].

This means to throw your cares with all your might at the feet of Jesus.  Be certain that God not only cares but His is fully capable of handling all your requests even if more cares and concerns keep popping up.

I’m not talking about some cares, not the most pressing cares, but all you cares.   God wants you to bring all your cares, fears, and worries, big and little, and cast them all upon Him.

Matthew 10:29-31 (ESV)29  Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father.30  But even the hairs of your head are all numbered.31  Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.
If God cares so much about  the sparrow, then he cares infinitely more about you, and if God cares so much about me, then there is no care too small or too big for Him. You might think that God is way too important to care about you and your little anxieties, but God is telling you that he cares for you.

One of my favorite preachers, Charles Spurgeon, puts it like this; “It does not matter how heavy troubles are if you can cast them on the Lord. The heavier they are, so much the better, for the more you have gotten rid of, and the more there is laid on the rock.”
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​To Cast Your Cares You Must Humble Yourself
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Do you believe that God cares for you? Do you believe that he loves you? Do you believe that he is concerned with all the details of your life, big and small, mundane and massive?

If you do then humble yourself and cast all your cares on Him. Run to him with all your fears and worries. Let Him do all the heavy lifting.  The truth is, you simply can’t cast all your cares on Him if you’re proud.

When you’re proud, you believe that you have the necessary strength to deal with all the cares and anxieties that come your way. . You don’t cast all your cares on God because you think you can handle them on your own. You think; “I don’t need God’s help. I don’t need His strength. I don’t need his wisdom or guidance.”

It is arrogant to keep your anxieties to yourself and not give all your worries and cares to God. Proud people try to take matters into their own hands. Humble people trust God.

James 4:6-10 (ESV)6  But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”7  Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.8  Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.9  Be wretched and mourn and weep. Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom.10  Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you. You are not Superman. 

Cast All Your Cares Upon Him, For He Cares For You

Philippians 4:4-7 (ESV)4  Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.5  Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand;6  do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.7  And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 
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​9 Ways To Cast Your Care & Rest In God

1.  Give Thanks

Offer up a sacrifice of thanksgiving and praise to the Lord. Use your words and imagination to recount the many blessings that God has given you instead of using them to predict a hopeless future.

Psalm 107:1 (NKJV)1  Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever. 

Hebrews 13:15 (NKJV)15  Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name. 


2.  Less Worry, More Prayer

Pray without ceasing can be as easy as quietly in your own heart asking God to move on your behalf. Try this before going into your next meeting at work or when a worrisome thought tries to creep in.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NKJV)16  Rejoice always,17  pray without ceasing,18  in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 

3.Regular Devotional Time

Have you had your appointment with God today? A daily visit with the Lord no matter how brief can change the direction of your entire day. Daily visiting with Him builds trust at the depth of who we are…allowing His love to anchor our souls.

Psalms 59:16 NKJV But I will sing of Your power; Yes, I will sing aloud of Your mercy in the morning; For You have been my defense And refuge in the day of my trouble.

Psalms 63:1 NKJV O God, You are my God; Early will I seek You; My soul thirsts for You; My flesh longs for You In a dry and thirsty land Where there is no water.

4.  Draw On Joy

The Bible tells us that the joy of the Lord is our strength and that there is joy in His presence. Possess and benefit from the presence of God. Enjoy reveling in His nature and becoming more like Him.

Nehemiah 8:10 NKJV Then he said to them, “Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet, and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”

Psalms 16:11 NKJV You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

I Peter 1:6-‬9 NKJV In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, receiving the end of your faith—the salvation of your souls.

5.  Spend Time With Encouragers

Don’t have an entourage of negative people around you. Do your best to surround yourself with people of like-mind and heart. Regular fellowship with encouragers helps to remove some the stinky  gunk of life that tries to take our eyes off God.

I Thessalonians 5:11 NKJV Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing.

Hebrews 10:25 NKJV not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one  another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.

Proverbs 27:17 NKJV As iron sharpens iron, So a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.

Colossians 3:16 NKJV Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

6. Arrest Your Thoughts

When you take something captive, you take authority over it and detain it. We have to take this position with our thought life otherwise if we just go with the flow, we could fall victim to the enemy’s fiery darts. Don’t take ownership of every thought, question the source.

II Corinthians 10:4-‬6 NKJV For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled.

Philippians 2:5-‬8 NKJV Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and  coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.

7.  Think On These Things

Philippians 4:8 (NKJV) 8  Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy--meditate on these things. 

Enough said.

8.  Sabbath Rest & Blessings

This is more than an Old Testament commandment.  This is essential to regulate the human mind, body and spirit. We’re not robots designed to just go, our Creative design requires a regular rhythm of rest.

Exodus 20:8-‬11 NKJV “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord your God. In  it you shall do no work: you, nor your son, nor your daughter, nor your male servant, nor your female servant, nor your cattle, nor your stronger who is within your gates. For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and hallowed it.

9.  Playful Worship

Dance, sing, and play in the spirit. Sit down in your heart and just be. Learn to have fun in the spirit with a child-like faith that enjoys spending time with the Father.

Romans 14:17 NKJV for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.

Matthew 18:2-‬4 NKJV Then Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them, and said, “Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.  Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

Psalms 149:1-‬5 NKJV Praise the Lord ! Sing to the Lord a new song, And His praise in the assembly of saints. Let Israel rejoice in their Maker; Let the children of Zion be joyful in their King. Let them praise His name with the dance; Let them sing praises to Him with the timbrel and harp. For the Lord takes pleasure in His people; He will beautify the humble with salvation. Let the saints be joyful in glory; Let them sing aloud on their beds.

A Prayer To Cast All Your Cares On God

So Much In My Life Is Broken. I Have So Many Concerns And Cares, And They Weigh Me Down. While I Desire To Cast My Cares Upon You, I Find I Usually Pick Them Back Up Again, And They Only Add More Anxiety And Stress. Please Help Me Learn To Cast My Cares On You As I Learn What It Means To Rest And Trust In You.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

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Psalm 55:1-23 (NLT2)1 Listen to my prayer, O God. Do not ignore my cry for help!
2  Please listen and answer me, for I am overwhelmed by my troubles.3  My enemies shout at me, making loud and wicked threats. They bring trouble on me and angrily hunt me down.4  My heart pounds in my chest. The terror of death assaults me.5  Fear and trembling overwhelm me, and I can’t stop shaking.6  Oh, that I had wings like a dove; then I would fly away and rest!7  I would fly far away to the quiet of the wilderness. Interlude
8  How quickly I would escape— far from this wild storm of hatred.9  Confuse them, Lord, and frustrate their plans, for I see violence and conflict in the city.10  Its walls are patrolled day and night against invaders, but the real danger is wickedness within the city.11  Everything is falling apart; threats and cheating are rampant in the streets.12  It is not an enemy who taunts me— I could bear that. It is not my foes who so arrogantly insult me— I could have hidden from them.13  Instead, it is you—my equal, my companion and close friend.14  What good fellowship we once enjoyed as we walked together to the house of God.15  Let death stalk my enemies; let the grave swallow them alive, for evil makes its home within them.16  But I will call on God, and the LORD will rescue me.17  Morning, noon, and night I cry out in my distress, and the LORD hears my voice.18  He ransoms me and keeps me safe from the battle waged against me, though many still oppose me.19  God, who has ruled forever, will hear me and humble them. Interlude 
For my enemies refuse to change their ways; they do not fear God.20  As for my companion, he betrayed his friends; he broke his promises.21  His words are as smooth as butter, but in his heart is war. His words are as soothing as lotion, but underneath are daggers!22  Give your burdens to the LORD, and he will take care of you. He will not permit the godly to slip and fall.23  But you, O God, will send the wicked down to the pit of destruction. Murderers and liars will die young, but I am trusting you to save me.
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A Protest Against The Wicked

This Psalm like many written by David is set in the context of conflict.   This one, unlike the ones written when he was running for his life while being pursued by Saul.  This time the trouble is coming from a trusted adviser and from within his own family. 
 
Psalm 55:9-14 (NLT2)9  Confuse them, Lord, and frustrate their plans, for I see violence and conflict in the city.10  Its walls are patrolled day and night against invaders, but the real danger is wickedness within the city.11  Everything is falling apart; threats and cheating are rampant in the streets.12  It is not an enemy who taunts me— I could bear that. It is not my foes who so arrogantly insult me— I could have hidden from them.13  Instead, it is you—my equal, my companion and close friend.14  What good fellowship we once enjoyed as we walked together to the house of God. (emphasis mine)

David had seen opposition from many quarters, but betrayal from within added a bitter dimension to his trials. His restlessness, hurt, and fear are on full display.

Psalm 55:1-5 (NLT2)1 Listen to my prayer, O God. Do not ignore my cry for help!2  Please listen and answer me, for I am overwhelmed by my troubles.3  My enemies shout at me, making loud and wicked threats. They bring trouble on me and angrily hunt me down.4  My heart pounds in my chest. The terror of death assaults me.5  Fear and trembling overwhelm me, and I can’t stop shaking.

The urge to escape overwhelms him.

Psalm 55:6-8 (NLT2)6  Oh, that I had wings like a dove; then I would fly away and rest!7  I would fly far away to the quiet of the wilderness.8  How quickly I would escape— far from this wild storm of hatred.

There are times in life when we can identify with David’s desperation and the urge to escape from life’s trials, but the psalm ends on a  with a more sure course of action: 

Psalm 55:22 (NLT2)22  Give your burdens to the LORD, and he will take care of you. He will not permit the godly to slip and fall. 

This verse is the focal point of the psalm. David’s fear and the bitter opposition of his betrayers lead him to this conclusion

Throughout the Psalm, David addresses God.

Psalm 55:1,9,23 (NLT2)1 Listen to my prayer, O God. Do not ignore my cry for help! 9  Confuse them, Lord, and frustrate their plans, for I see violence and conflict in the city. 23  But you, O God, will send the wicked down to the pit of destruction. Murderers and liars will die young, but I am trusting you to save me. 

But it’s as though he is talking to us when he says cast your burdens on the :Lord because He will take care of you.

The Hebrew word yehāb which is translated burdens mean “lot” or whatever is appointed to you.  So it is more comprehensive of how we envision the English wore “burden”, defined as “a load, typically a heavy one.” What David is really saying encourages us to cast our very lives upon the Lord, seeking His refuge and guidance in all things. 
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​Proverbs 18:10 (NLT2)10  The name of the LORD is a strong fortress; the godly run to him and are safe. 

The promise is not that God will eliminate every fear and resolve every problem, but that He will at special times of need, especially during adversity or suffering.

2 Corinthians 12:9 (NKJV) And He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.(emphasis mine).

Hebrews 4:16 (NKJV) Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.  (emphasis mine)

As David found out, escape is not the answer that God provides; what He does provide is the strength and grace to navigate the path ahead.

As important as this lesson is, an even greater reality looms behind it. 

As a type of Christ, David’s experience is unique in that it portrays the suffering of our Lord on our behalf. The betrayal of a friend, was played out in Christ’s life.  David even prophesied this in one of his other Psalms

Psalm 41:9 (NLT2)9  Even my best friend, the one I trusted completely, the one who shared my food, has turned against me. 

John 13:18-19, 26 (NLT2)18  “I am not saying these things to all of you; I know the ones I have chosen. But this fulfills the Scripture that says, ‘The one who eats my food has turned against me.’19  I tell you this beforehand, so that when it happens you will believe that I AM the Messiah.  26  Jesus responded, “It is the one to whom I give the bread I dip in the bowl.” And when he had dipped it, he gave it to Judas, son of Simon Iscariot. 

Even as David sees the whole city in an uproar against him, we remember that the crowd of the same city, Jerusalem  cried out, "Crucify Him!".

.Psalm 55:9-11 (NLT2)9  Confuse them, Lord, and frustrate their plans, for I see violence and conflict in the city.10  Its walls are patrolled day and night against invaders, but the real danger is wickedness within the city.11  Everything is falling apart; threats and cheating are rampant in the streets.

Matthew 27:22 (NLT2)22  Pilate responded, “Then what should I do with Jesus who is called the Messiah?” They shouted back, “Crucify him!” 

Psalm 55 powerfully and prophetically depicts the bitterness that Christ endured for our salvation.

Christ exemplified the lesson of this Psalm in the Garden of Gethsemane. where we see the outline of Psalm 55 unfold. 

First, Christ described His sorrow and fear, as David did.

Matthew 26:36-38 (NLT2)36  Then Jesus went with them to the olive grove called Gethsemane, and he said, “Sit here while I go over there to pray.”37  He took Peter and Zebedee’s two sons, James and John, and he became anguished and distressed.38  He told them, “My soul is crushed with grief to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.”

Then, He cast His burden on the Father in prayer, as David did. 

Matthew 26:39, 42 (NLT2)39  He went on a little farther and bowed with his face to the ground, praying, “My Father! If it is possible, let this cup of suffering be taken away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.” 42  Then Jesus left them a second time and prayed, “My Father! If this cup cannot be taken away unless I drink it, your will be done.” 

The Lord did not give Christ an escape from this dark hour of suffering, but He did give Christ the grace and strength to fulfill His mission and accomplish our salvation. Thus, the Lord Jesus Christ perfectly exemplified the what this Psalm admonishes us to do and that is: "Cast your burden upon the Lord and He shall sustain you”

Who are you letting determine your identity?

Is it your friends and family? Or maybe you are trying to keep up with what social media and culture and the competition all say you should be.  Maybe it’s even you comparing yourself to the classmate who didn’t have the grades that you had but who has accomplished much more than you. 

1 Thessalonians 2:4 NLT For we speak as messengers approved by God to be entrusted with the Good News. Our purpose is to please God, not people. He alone examines the motives of our hearts. (emphasis mine)

What Does the Bible Say About Comparing Yourself to Others? 

Comparison is so rooted into our culture that few of us even notice it anymore. Instead, we fall for it hook, line and sinker. “If only I had XYZ that they have, then I would be happy!” or “If only I could be more like them, then life would be better!”.

Here are some of the things that the Bible has to say about comparing yourself to others?

2 Corinthians 10:12 NLT Oh, don’t worry; we wouldn’t dare say that we are as wonderful as these other men who tell you how important they are! But they are only comparing themselves with each other, using themselves as the standard of measurement. How ignorant! (emphasis mine) 

Proverbs 14:30 NIV A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.

One of Ten Commandments even prohibits comparison.

Exodus 20:17 NLT “You must not covet your neighbor’s house. You must not covet your neighbor’s wife, male or female servant, ox or donkey, or anything else that belongs to your neighbor.”

Most of the time comparison happens before we realize it. Before you know it, we’ve measured someone else by our own standards, or concluded, after observation and the collection of a few facts, that we're either inferior or superior to them. 

Jesus warned us not to get caught up in comparison.   

Luke 18:9‭-‬14 NLT Then Jesus told this story to some who had great confidence in their own righteousness and scorned everyone else: “Two men went to the Temple to pray. One was a Pharisee, and the other was a despised tax collector.  The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed this prayer : ‘I thank you, God, that I am not like other people—cheaters, sinners, adulterers. I’m certainly not like that tax collector! I fast twice a week, and I give you a tenth of my income.’ “But the tax collector stood at a distance and dared not even lift his eyes to heaven as he prayed. Instead, he beat his chest in sorrow, saying, ‘O God, be merciful to me, for I am a sinner.’  I tell you, this sinner, not the Pharisee, returned home justified before God. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”

While we may not set out to exalt ourselves when we compare ourselves to others, we certainly don’t do it to make ourselves feel inadequate or inferior.  We most often compare ourselves to others out of our insecurity. We want to make ourselves feel better. We also compare because of our competitive or perfectionist nature. We want to be right, perfect, or just better than the other person. 

Comparison rarely leads to humility, and humility is what pleases God.

1 Peter 5:5‭-‬7 NLT In the same way, you who are younger must accept the authority of the elders. And all of you, dress yourselves in humility as you relate to one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor. Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you. (emphasis mine)
 
James 4:6-10 NLT And he gives grace generously. As the Scriptures say, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world. Let there be tears for what you have done. Let there be sorrow and deep grief. Let there be sadness instead of laughter, and gloom instead of joy. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up in honor. (emphasis mine)
 
Proverbs 3:34 NLT The Lord mocks the mockers but is gracious to the humble.
 
 God intentionally made everyone different.   Every one of us is a person of unique and awesome design.  We don’t have to measure up to others. Far from being a problem, we can learn to use our personalities constructively.  Each one of us has a contribution to make that no one else can.

You are the result of God's divine design.

Psalms 139:1‭-‬24 NLT O Lord , you have examined my heart and know everything about me. You know when I sit down or stand up. You know my thoughts even when I’m far away. You see me when I travel and when I rest at home. You know everything I do. You know what I am going to say even before I say it, Lord . You go before me and follow me. You place your hand of blessing on my head. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too great for me to understand! I can never escape from your Spirit! I can never get away from your presence! If I go up to heaven, you are there; if I go down to the grave, you are there. If I ride the wings of the morning, if I dwell by the farthest oceans, even there your hand will guide me, and your strength will support me. I could ask the darkness to hide me and the light around me to become night— but even in darkness I cannot hide from you. To you the night shines as bright as day. Darkness and light are the same to you. You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother’s womb. Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it. You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion, as I was woven together in the dark of the womb. You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed. How precious are your thoughts about me, O God. They cannot be numbered! I can’t even count them; they outnumber the grains of sand! And when I wake up, you are still with me! O God, if only you would destroy the wicked! Get out of my life, you murderers! They blaspheme you; your enemies misuse your name. O Lord , shouldn’t I hate those who hate you? Shouldn’t I despise those who oppose you? Yes, I hate them with total hatred, for your enemies are my enemies. Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.

Your unique and specific mannerisms, insights, and style are the very qualities that make you uniquely positioned to fulfill a specific need, the one that God purposed for you.

Ephesians 2:10 NLT For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.
 
Of course, we all have areas in our lives that need to be changed, and God will show those areas one at a time. If we stop comparing ourselves to others, if we stop placing little value on the very qualities that cause us to stand out from those around us, we can start the process of freeing ourselves from a spirit of inferiority so that our unique gifts can start to shine brightly as God intended.

God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another. Do you have the gift of speaking? Then speak as though God himself were speaking through you. Do you have the gift of helping others? Do it with all the strength and energy that God supplies. Then everything you do will bring glory to God through Jesus Christ. All glory and power to him forever and ever! Amen.

1 Peter 4:10‭-‬11 NLT God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another. Do you have the gift of speaking? Then speak as though God himself were speaking through you. Do you have the gift of helping others? Do it with all the strength and energy that God supplies. Then everything you do will bring glory to God through Jesus Christ. All glory and power to him forever and ever! Amen.

Once Peter, in comparing himself to John, asked Jesus the question "What about Him Lord?". Jesus' response was in essence "What's it to you?"​

​What's it to You?
by Kelly Givens

Peter turned and saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following them, the one who had been reclining at the table close to him… When Peter saw him, he said to Jesus, “Lord, what about this man?” Jesus said to him, “If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you? You follow me!” John 21:20-22

Have you ever wondered why God allows some Christians to suffer so much, and others seem to glide through life effortlessly, painlessly? I know many Godly men and women who seem to suffer without end. Their pain is more than I have ever experienced; they’ve faced more trials in a year than I’ve faced in my entire life. Why is that? Am I loved by God more than these people? Are they glorifying God more through their suffering than I can in my blessings?  The comparisons go in all directions.

Comparison was Peter’s go-to when Jesus told him this: “Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young, you used to dress yourself and walk wherever you wanted, but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will dress you and carry you where you do not want to go.” (This he said to show by what kind of death he was to glorify God). Then he said to him, “Follow me!”  (John 21:18-19).

Jesus was foretelling that Peter, just like himself, would be led to his death, arms stretched out in his own crucifixion. Tradition points to Peter being crucified upside down during Nero’s persecution, not wanting to be crucified in the same manner as his Lord.

I’m not sure if Peter knew then by what kind of death he would die, but no doubt he got the gist of what Jesus was saying. So it’s no surprise that he quickly disregarded Christ’s instruction to “follow me!” Instead, he looked around at the other disciples, spotted John, and exclaimed “Lord, what about this man?”  I wonder if Peter was thinking, “If I have to die a horrible death, does that mean John will die a horrible death, too? If not, why should I go through this trial and not him? Do you love him more than me?”

Our sinful nature is hard-wired to compare. When others seem to get ahead or are seemingly blessed more than us, we grow envious. When the tables are turned and we are the ones being blessed, we might fight the urge to brag or think more highly of ourselves that we ought. Both kinds of comparison are fatal to our faith, and Jesus knows it. So when Peter bluntly asked, “what about this man?” Jesus’ response was clear. “What is that to you? You follow me!”

Peter died a horrible, agonizing death. Most historians agree that all of the other apostles met similar, violent ends to their lives. Except John. John died peacefully in his old age. Why? Because that was how each “was to glorify God.” When God bestows on us blessings we should proclaim his glory joyfully and humbly. But when he allows us to suffer, we have the opportunity to proclaim him King through our hopefulness and faith. God’s glory is what's important, not our circumstances.

“You follow me.” Fixing ourselves on Jesus is the key to fruitful ministry, the key to humility, the key to joy regardless of our circumstances. It’s the key to glorifying God - the true purpose of our lives and ministry.
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Four Ways To Stop Comparing Yourself To Others

Editor’s Note:  The following section is based on 4 Ways to Stop Comparing Yourself to Others
written by Cindi McMenamin

Here are four ways to stop comparing yourself to others (and find peace and contentment in being yourself): 
 
1. Remember that you are fearfully and wonderfully made. 

Psalm 18:30 tells us God’s ways are “perfect” 
 
Psalms 18:30 NLT God’s way is perfect. All the Lord ’s promises prove true. He is a shield for all who look to him for protection.

Psalm 139:14 tells us that we are“fearfully and wonderfully made.” 

Psalms 139:14 NLT Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it.

Therefore you are God’s unique creation. As you surrender your heart and will to Him, He can mold you and transform you into exactly what He wants you to be. So when you begin to feel inadequate and feel the temptation to compare, quietly whisper a prayer of thanks to God for making you the way you are. 

2. Realize we all have different strengths and weaknesses. 
 
“There will always be someone thinner, richer, and better looking, so get used to it.”  This is true advice. No matter how hard you try, someone will always be better at something than you are. So when you start feeling the need to compare, practice humility. 

2 Corinthians 12:9‭-‬10 NLT Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

Ask the Holy Spirit to help you rely on Him and His strength rather than the need to find someone who appears weaker than you so that you can feel stronger.

3. Choose compliments over comparison. 

When you see that person who is thinner, richer and better looking find something about them to compliment. Maybe they are wearing a great looking suit, or they have a great smile, find something and then tell them.  But make sure it’s genuine. Genuinely complimenting others outwardly keeps us from complaining inwardly and cultivating a critical spirit. 

4. Rely on God’s opinion rather than the opinion of others. 
Our own insecurity often causes us to compare ourselves with others, looking for a way to feel superior. But what if we relied on God’s opinion of us before we had a chance to listen to our own, or others’ opinions? Quietly thank God that He sees your heart and actions and He knows the real story. If someone is bragging about their own abilities, don’t start comparing their talents with yours. Instead, quietly say “This doesn’t matter, God. Help me to be content with Your evaluation of me over anything else.” Sometimes we have to tell ourselves what to think in order to keep our minds from going in the wrong direction. 

Philippians 4:8 NLT And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.
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Philippians 2:5 NLT You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.
Not only are you and I fearfully and wonderfully made, but when we are in Christ, He sees us as perfect in Christ. That means we have God’s measuring stick, not our own or that of others to ​

8 Things Each Individual Can Pray for to Bring Our Nation Back to God Starting with Ourselves

Lord, help me to strip me of my rebellious spirit.

Rebellion is one of the causes of America's issues. Rebellion makes us question and refuses to submit to the authorities above us (including God). We want God to be at the heart of America, but we don't want to do the hard acts of loving the unlovable, caring for those we don't feel deserve it and tear others down instead of uniting in our common bond of wanting to be more like Jesus. If we can change our heart attitudes from rebellion to submission, God will heal our land.

Pray this:

Lord, strip me of my rebellion. Replace my rebellious heart with one that yields to your way of life in surrender. Amen.

Lord, help me to be humble.


Pray this:

Lord, humble me. Help me to see that I'm not always right and the world doesn't revolve around me. Allow me to do what needs to be done to rid myself of my pride so with a contrite heart I can seek your face. Amen.

Lord, help me to see.

When we go out into our communities do like Jesus did and be aware of the needs of the people in the community.  Whether Jesus was driving out demons, healing the sick or admonishing Pharisees, he cared enough about the people in his community because he knew they were "harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.

 As his followers, we need to do the same thing. Care for people with our community and beyond so we can pave the way for the gospel to be preached.

Pray this:

Lord, help me to see the issues around me in my community. Help me to be the person who goes out of my way to meet them. Amen.

Lord, help me to love.

It's easy to love people we like, but what about the people who irritate us? It's easy to look down on others who don't see the world the way we do. Yet, God chose to sacrifice his son for everybody, not just ones that were easy to love. 

Romans 5:6‭-‬8 NLT When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners. Now, most people would not be willing to die for an upright person, though someone might perhaps be willing to die for a person who is especially good. But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.

Pray this:
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Lord, my heart has hardened. I haven't wanted to love people the way you love them. I've only loved those that think and act the way I do. Help me love people the way you love them. Help me to love enough I'd be willing to lay down my life for them. Amen.

Lord, help me to seek justice.

Micah 6:8 (NLT2) No, O people, the LORD has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.

God requires us to act in justice whenever we can. But when blanket sins pervade our world why do we not do what we can to right society's wrongs? To seek justice means to stand up for the poor, downtrodden and misfits of society. The more Christians do good deeds in the name of justice, the more we make the world a better place.

Pray this:

Lord, help me to open my mouth and proclaim your truth. Allow me to live my life in boldness. May my bold proclamations be a sweet sound to your ears. Amen.

Lord, help me not to be silent.

It's interesting in Genesis Satan used silence to perpetuate sin.   God told Adam not to eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. But when Eve receives the apple after telling Satan the incorrect information, Adam could have said something. One correction of Adam, to tell the truth, could have changed everything. But his silence contributed to the sin just as much as just eating the apple. In today's world, Christians remain silent not only in the world but also in the church.

Pray this:

Lord, replace my silence with grace and truth. Allow me to use my knowledge of the word to speak the truth in love to others. Amen.

Lord, help me to seek your face.

Psalm 27:8 (NLT2) My heart has heard you say, “Come and talk with me.” And my heart responds, “LORD, I am coming.”

The Lord wants our fellowship. He wants us to meet with him and to present our requests to him. This verse tells us not only should we want to see his face, but our hearts have to be turned towards him as well.

Pray this:

Lord, let me kneel before your throne and acknowledge you are Lord of my life. Help us all turn our faces away from our own way and turn it to you. Amen.

Lord, help me to lean not on my own understanding.

Proverbs 3:5-6 (NLT2)  Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.

The nation's situation may look bleak, but the important thing to remember is God is in control! He holds the world in the palm of His hand-that's how big our God is!

Pray this:

Lord, it looks like you've lost your grip on our world. But I know that you still remain in control. Thank you for reminding me to lean on your understanding and not mine. Amen.

Although you may feel that things are hopeless nothing is beyond the hope of what God can do.

Luke 1:37 NKJV For with God nothing will be impossible.”

Luke 18:26‭-‬27 NKJV And those who heard it said, “Who then can be saved?” But He said, “The things which are impossible with men are possible with God.”

​​By each one of us humbling ourselves and stripping ourselves of the pride and rebellion that hardens our hearts, we can take a small step towards the healing our nation needs.


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Rest and you’ll be more productive.

Busyness is today’s badge of success. We even carry this over to ministry, thinking the busier we are for God, the more He must be blessing our church, our business, or our ministry. But God would rather have us be with Him than do a bunch of things for Him.

Yes, we are to work hard when we work

Colossians 3:23-24 (NKJV)23  And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men,24  knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ. 

But we are commanded to rest;

​Deuteronomy 5:12-15 (NKJV)12  'Observe the Sabbath day, to keep it holy, as the LORD your God commanded you.13  Six days you shall labor and do all your work,14  but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the LORD your God. In it you shall do no work: you, nor your son, nor your daughter, nor your male servant, nor your female servant, nor your ox, nor your donkey, nor any of your cattle, nor your stranger who is within your gates, that your male servant and your female servant may rest as well as you.15  And remember that you were a slave in the land of Egypt, and the LORD your God brought you out from there by a mighty hand and by an outstretched arm; therefore the LORD your God commanded you to keep the Sabbath day. 

The Commandment about the Sabbath Day says as much about rest as it does anything else, in fact this Commandment is  the one with the most written about it. 

He gives to His children even in their sleep. 

That means that as you rest and trust in Him, He can provide for you.

2 Corinthians 9:8 (NKJV)8  And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work.  

Renew Your Spirit

Church, people, schedules and taking on Satan head-on is depleting.  If you are exhausted you won't be able to fight and resist the devil. When you are feeling discouraged, stop yourself for a moment and release the burden to God. On your bad days, you should rest and on your good days, you should rest. 

When you don’t feel like you can make it another day, turn to the Scriptures to drown out depression, anxiety, doubt and anger. God promised to renew our strength like the eagle, and we will run and not faint.

Isaiah 40:31 (NKJV)31  But those who wait on the LORD Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint. 

If You Want to Grow, You Have to Learn to Rest

Psalm 127:2 (NLT2)2  It is useless for you to work so hard from early morning until late at night, anxiously working for food to eat; for God gives rest to his loved ones.  

For you to grow, you have to learn to rest in God’s goodness. While God is growing your business, he’s growing you. While God is growing your children, he’s growing you. While God is growing your career, he’s growing you. 
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God’s Peace for When You Are Anxious About Tomorrow
 by Christina Vinson, from God's Peace for When You Can't Sleep

As you sink into bed tonight, exhausted, are you already thinking about tomorrow’s meetings, next week’s obligations, next month’s deadlines?

You’re anxious about tomorrow… and the next day… and the next.

Whether you’re a busy mom who’s worried about your child’s future, an overwhelmed college student in the throes of midterms, or a rising executive with demands pulling from every direction, it’s difficult not knowing what tomorrow will bring. This anxiety is something that keeps many people awake at night — but does it do any good?

One result of anxiety is that it can certainly make you feel productive. At least you’re keeping a running tally in your mind of things to do, scenarios that could go wrong, or new ideas to explore, right? But the problem is this: you can’t keep going all the time. Your mind and body need a break. You need a break. Your boss needs a break. Even the president needs a break sometimes.

The best thing you can do for yourself is take time to rest. True rest doesn’t look like collapsing into bed, nerves fried and adrenaline pumping, either. It looks like letting your mind, body, and soul rest in the palm of the Lord.

True rest always involves surrendering to God.

God doesn’t tell us to rest for His own good — He tells us to rest for our own good. God worked six days and rested the seventh. He was — and is — the mastermind behind the entire world, yet He took time to give Himself a break. To cease from working, to cease from creating, cease from doing.

Emulate the Lord’s pattern of work and rest tonight.

While you are in bed you can’t work efficiently and you certainly can’t get anything done. Nighttime calls for rest. There may be unforeseen challenges ahead tomorrow, and there might be things that have been left undone today. But the Lord tells us not to worry about tomorrow because each day has enough trouble of its own (Matthew 6:34).

Sink into your bed letting a wave of relief wash over you; tomorrow is not yet here. You have nothing on your agenda right now except for sleep.

Ask the Lord to lift the burden of anxiety off your shoulders.

As sure as the stars twinkling in the night sky, He will answer your request. As gently as the crickets sing throughout the evening, the Lord will come to you. Rest tonight, dear one. The Lord is near.
 

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. — Philippians 4:6

Cast your cares on the Lord and He will sustain you; He will never let the righteous be shaken. — Psalm 55:22


When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. — Psalm 34:17 ESV

But in the seventh year there shall be a Sabbath of solemn rest for the land, a Sabbath to the Lord. You shall not sow your field or prune your vineyard. — Leviticus 25:4 ESV

Prayer

I come to You with a troubled, anxious heart, Lord. I ask You now to take away my anxiety and fear so that I can rest deeply tonight. Please answer my prayer quickly!
 

Excerpted from God’s Peace for When You Can't Sleep

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Psalms 103:1‭-‬22 CEV With all my heart I praise the Lord , and with all that I am I praise his holy name!  With all my heart I praise the Lord ! I will never forget how kind he has been. The Lord forgives our sins, heals us when we are sick,  and protects us from death. His kindness and love are a crown on our heads. Each day that we live, he provides for our needs and gives us the strength of a young eagle.  For all who are mistreated, the Lord brings justice. He taught his Law to Moses and showed all Israel what he could do. The Lord is merciful! He is kind and patient, and his love never fails.  The Lord won't always be angry and point out our sins; he doesn't punish us as our sins deserve. How great is God's love for all who worship him? Greater than the distance between heaven and earth!  How far has the Lord taken our sins from us? Farther than the distance from east to west! Just as parents are kind to their children, the Lord is kind to all who worship him, because he knows we are made of dust.  We humans are like grass or wild flowers that quickly bloom. But a scorching wind blows, and they quickly wither to be forever forgotten. The Lord is always kind to those who worship him, and he keeps his promises to their descendants  who faithfully obey him. God has set up his kingdom in heaven, and he rules the whole creation. All of you mighty angels, who obey God's commands, come and praise your Lord ! All of you thousands who serve and obey God, come and praise your Lord !  All of God's creation and all that he rules, come and praise your Lord ! With all my heart I praise the Lord !
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​A Hymn Of Thankful Praise

Psalm 103 is so rich that it is our Psalm of the Week for the fourth time. 

​From Chosen: Remind Yourself Of The Gospel Everyday by Author and Evangelist Matt Brown. 

One of the primary ways we train our souls to love God is by preaching the Gospel to our souls. The more your soul sees the cross of Jesus, the more gratefulness and adoration will well up within you. Humans are conditioned to respond that way to sacrifice. And it would be difficult to imagine a greater sacrifice than what Jesus did. 

If you travel the world, one phrase that almost universally resonates—across every kind of culture—is the familiar line from Psalm 103:1 “Bless the Lord, O my soul.”

Break this phrase down. David is training his soul by preaching to it. David told his soul how to feel and how to respond to the Gospel: Soul, bless God, whether you want to or not. He was not just singing a pretty line; he was talking to himself, challenging his soul to step up. Scripture describes this habit, saying, “David strengthened himself in the Lord” (1 Samuel 30:6, esv). 

It’s truly a lost art of Christianity, a beautiful discipline. Instead of taking cues from your current mood, the fickle culture, the people around you, or, even more tragically, from social media, look your soul in the eyes and tell it to look to the cross, to the resurrection. Command your soul to drink in the kindness of Christ, whose bruised and splintered shoulders carried the weight of your sin. 

Sometimes you must literally force your soul to look. John the Baptist called out to the cosmos, “Behold!” or “You must look!” He said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29). This is a daily command. We must look! Look to the cross where Jesus suffered incredibly for a sin He never committed so that you could rejoice greatly in righteousness you never deserved. 

The Gospel becomes daily food for our souls, strengthening our hearts. It’s much harder to complain, feel sorry for ourselves, or be filled with anxiety when our souls see the blood running down the thorn-pierced face of Christ. Gratefulness naturally builds up in our hearts when we do this throughout the day.
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The word burnout means “the reduction of a fuel or substance to nothing through use or combustion.” It can also mean “physical or mental collapse caused by overwork or stress.”
 
Five Signs You Are Heading Towards A Burnout

1. You are beginning to despise people and your compassion for them is decreasing instead of increasing.
2. You continually tell yourself and loved ones that “this is just a really busy season and that you will slow down soon”. (However, the truth is that you have been singing that song for years.)
3. You begin to make easy decisions instead of the right ones… because the right ones take too much work!
4. You cannot remember the last time you simply had fun with your friends and family… and joy is something you talk about but are not experiencing for yourself!
5. You are experiencing unexplained stress, depression and/or anxiety. You may even be having panic attacks.

 
Types of Burnout
 
Burnout can be experienced in a variety of ways. Because our bodies, souls, minds, and spirits are integrated parts of a greater whole, the following types of burnout often come together and have a compounding effect on each other:

●     Physical burnout can be triggered by a lack of exercise, physical effects of stress and sleeplessness. The overloaded schedule and stressful lives cause you  forget to exercise, you eat unhealthy foods, and sleep less. If left unchecked, physical burnout can cause a weakened immune system, aches and pains, a change in appetite, and feeling tired all the time.

●     Relational burnout is related to emotional burnout and can be caused by strained relationships. Constant interactions with energy draining people make you unusually susceptible for this type of burnout. Physical exhaustion and drama between between others can make you isolate yourself to get a break from relationships that drain your energy.

●     Emotional burnout can be felt when you feel like you don't have anyone you can go to when  you are anxious, or stressed out. This type of burnout can wreak a family because of the feelings of isolation. Emotional burnout can numb your ability have normal emotions and have a sense of failure and self-doubt.

●     Spiritual burnout happens when you neglect your own spiritual life while trying to pour into the lives of others.  Many of us do not have anybody pouring into our lives and we do not seek the life and strength of God for spiritual refreshment. If you don’t spend time with God through prayer or Scripture reading, you may be suffering from spiritual burnout!​​

​A Prayer For When You Feel Stuck
by J. Scott McElroy
 
Matthew 11:28-30 NIV “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” 
 
Does it ever seem hard to make progress in your life; to reach goals (even daily ones) and fulfill your calling? You seem to be going in the right direction, making a little progress… and then you get bogged down. That stuck feeling surfaces again. Maybe it's caused by distraction, fear, or something that's just hard to put a finger on.
 
I often get stuck because I add unnecessary layers; to projects, to my day, to my work, to my routine. I add them because I think I know what needs to be done, or how something needs to look, or because I’m craving comfort or “balance,” or because I’m not ready to go on to the next thing. I add an unnecessary layer when I decide to read one more internet news story and then spend 10 minutes in the click-bait rabbit hole. When I get distracted by a task that seems more fun than the one I need to be focused on.  When my priorities get jumbled, I overdo the preparation phase on a project, or when I spend unnecessary time and energy in order to impress people.
 
Yep, without a doubt unnecessary layers contribute extensively to that feeling of stuckness. And often those layers create a situation I have to deal with; scraping off the gook before things can function properly. 
 
Additionally, I think my problem with stuckness has a lot to do with communication.
 
 When I don’t take the time to communicate and consult with God about my day or my work and instead automatically follow what I think is right, it’s easy to add unnecessary layers. The Bible tells us he’ll reveal things to us when we ask him.
 
Jeremiah 33:3 NIV ‘Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.’
 
Proverbs 16:3 NIV Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.
 
James 1:5 NIV If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.
 
Or even—as in my case—when we just get quiet for a moment and listen. Sometimes spending just a few minutes listening for his voice can save hours of extra work and stuckness.
 
God’s given me a new, very effective tool against stuckness: Keep in regular communication with him and keep asking him and myself, “Will this thing I’m doing or thinking about doing add an unnecessary layer to my life or work?” Give it a try.
 
Let's Pray:
 
Lord,
 
We Humble Ourselves Before You And Confess That We Often Go Our Own Way Instead Of Consulting You On Our Plans. And Sometimes We Feel Stuck, As A Result.
 
Thank You For Your Grace And Mercy Towards Us, To Give Us Wisdom And Understanding In How To Avoid Adding Unnecessary Layers To Our Lives. Please Give Us A Listening Ear To Your Guidance. Please Give Us The Strength To Overcome The Temptation To Add Unnecessary Layers And Encourage Us With A New Sense Of Freedom. Enable Us To Live The Life Of Faith That You Created Us For!
 
In Jesus Name, Amen!
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We all know the story of Paul and Silias who while in prison started singing and praising God, and in the midst of their singing their shackles fell off and the cell doors opened.  Read some of the details of the story below, but to cut to the chase, Paul and Silas were set free the next day.

Acts 16:22‭-‬28‭, ‬35‭-‬36‭, ‬38‭-‬39 NIV The crowd joined in the attack against Paul and Silas, and the magistrates ordered them to be stripped and beaten with rods. After they had been severely flogged, they were thrown into prison, and the jailer was commanded to guard them carefully. When he received these orders, he put them in the inner cell and fastened their feet in the stocks.  About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everyone’s chains came loose. The jailer woke up, and when he saw the prison doors open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself because he thought the prisoners had escaped. But Paul shouted, “Don’t harm yourself! We are all here!”  When it was daylight, the magistrates sent their officers to the jailer with the order: “Release those men.” The jailer told Paul, “The magistrates have ordered that you and Silas be released. Now you can leave. Go in peace.” The officers reported this to the magistrates, and when they heard that Paul and Silas were Roman citizens, they were alarmed. They came to appease them and escorted them from the prison, requesting them to leave the city.

We often share this story, or embrace it ourselves, when we are going through difficult times as an example of being set free from whatever is troubling us through praise.   

But what if the freedom that you are seeking doesn't come?  What if you are not released from prison? What if you are not healed?  What if you still lose your job, or your house, or your relationship? What if your praise causes you more physical or emotional pain because of the response it brings from others?  Can you continue to praise?

I want to share the story of a man that I read about during my daily quiet time with God.  The story was in the YouVersion reading plan, Chosen:. Remind Yourself Of The Gospel Everyday written by Author and Evangelist, Matt Brown Can you like this man remind yourself daily that “I have a bright future in Jesus Christ.”
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Keep Praising Anyway
Excerpted from Chosen:. Remind Yourself Of The Gospel Everyday

My friend Ryan shares a story of a man named Mr. Bi who was a professor at Beijing University, known as “the Harvard of China.” He made a joke in class about the Communist party to a group of students. One of those students reported his joke to the police. The next day officers burst into Mr. Bi’s office and brought him to a remote, cold Communist prison—without warning, without a trial. 

He woke up that morning as a professor chairing one of the most prestigious academic positions in the world. By nightfall, he was behind bars in prison. Chinese prisons at this time were some of the worst places on earth—horrible lairs of disease, torture, and death. Mr. Bi quickly plunged into depression and despair. His depression led to thoughts of suicide over the course of weeks. One afternoon, in a cloud of sadness, he brought himself to the window of his eighth-story prison cell. The Chinese did not put windows in the higher floors of prison cells. If a prisoner decided to throw himself to his death, it was not a problem. 

Mr. Bi’s heart raced as he looked out and thought of jumping. And then it happened. He heard a small voice say, “Don’t go. Don’t go. Don’t go.” He sat down in the middle of his cell, desperate. 

There on the hard concrete floor, memories flooded his mind. A friend of his, a foreign professor who was a Christian, had shared the Gospel with him. Mr. Bi prayed, “Jesus, if You are real, please bring me this forgiveness and peace my friend told me You promised. In turn, I will offer my life and service to You.” 

He looked up and, “The sky was never bluer, the sun was never brighter through the open hole of a window, and I had joy rise up inside of my heart like I have never felt before.” 

This distinguished professor threw all his reservations away and shouted out, “I have bright future in Jesus Christ!” The guards heard him and cruelly told him to be quiet. But his joy could not be contained. He kept shouting it over and over until they came into the cell and beat him. 

A person in a prison freed by believing the Gospel of Jesus is freer than any person outside of prison without the Gospel. 

Mr. Bi was eventually released and started several orphanages in the interior of China, caring for the poor and leading many to Christ. He had a bright future in Jesus Christ. To this day his joy is infectious when you meet him. And he will tell you the joy he had in prison is the same he has to this day. 

Every person feels at times they are in a prison of their own making—trapped by thoughts, habits, actions, and a nagging past that will not let them go. 

The Gospel teaches us that the worst of all prisons is the one we make for ourselves. The cells of this prison are barred with our insecurities, with the deep awareness that something is not right inside us, that something is deeply broken. We carry this with us like chains around our necks. It is the human condition. 

This will only change if something drastic happens. 

The Gospel is the most drastic of measures. It’s a bloody cross. It’s the death of God Himself for our sake. It’s the utter smashing defeat of death itself in a glorious resurrection to show God’s love and power throughout all eternity. 

Scripture reminds us that we must pay close attention to what we have heard, especially when it comes to the Gospel (Hebrews 2:1). The most important sermon you will ever preach is the one you preach to your own heart, daily reminding your heart, “I have a bright future in Jesus Christ.”

Hebrews 2:1 NIV We must pay the most careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away.

1 Thessalonians 5:16‭-‬18 NIV Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

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A few weeks ago I published the post “Confession Isn’t Enough, You Need To Repent Too!”.  In that post I wrote:

“Ezekiel 18:21 (NLT2)21  But if wicked people turn away from all their sins and begin to obey my decrees and do what is just and right, they will surely live and not die. 
 
Confession is necessary, but it is not sufficient. Sufficiency is achieved only when confession relates to repentance. You see, confession is making our sins known—to God, friends, to trusted Christian brothers and sisters. 
 
James 5:16 (NLT2)16  Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results. 

Steps to repentance.

Recognize - First, we should recognize sin as sin.

Confess - Second, we should confess our sin. 

Stop doing it (repent) - Third, we must quit doing it. It is not enough to own up to the sin and ask God to forgive us. We must also claim the grace of God that will enable us to stop.  Repentance involves a turning: turning away from those sins; turning our backs on our old selves. Repentance is saying, we don’t want to be those people anymore. Repentance is turning toward God. It’s a willingness to become new people, loyal followers. 
 
2 Corinthians 5:16-17 (NLT2)16  So we have stopped evaluating others from a human point of view. At one time we thought of Christ merely from a human point of view. How differently we know him now!17  This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun! 
 
Confession is critical, but it’s only the first step. Repentance is the ultimate step.”  Ironically, confession requires great courage, but repentance just requires a soft, willing heart.

Without repentance, we continue in our sin. Without repentance, we continue our own path . . . toward death.
 
Luke 13:1-5 (NLT2)1   About this time Jesus was informed that Pilate had murdered some people from Galilee as they were offering sacrifices at the Temple.2  “Do you think those Galileans were worse sinners than all the other people from Galilee?” Jesus asked. “Is that why they suffered?3 Not at all! And you will perish, too, unless you repent of your sins and turn to God.4  And what about the eighteen people who died when the tower in Siloam fell on them? Were they the worst sinners in Jerusalem?5 No, and I tell you again that unless you repent, you will perish, too.” (emphasis mine).
 
Okay, so what do we do? 
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Dr. Charles Stanley gives us three steps to true repentance in his devotion Genuine Repentance.  
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Genuine Repentance
Dr. Charles Stanley

2 Corinthians 7:8-10 (NLT2) 8  I am not sorry that I sent that severe letter to you, though I was sorry at first, for I know it was painful to you for a little while.9  Now I am glad I sent it, not because it hurt you, but because the pain caused you to repent and change your ways. It was the kind of sorrow God wants his people to have, so you were not harmed by us in any way.10  For the kind of sorrow God wants us to experience leads us away from sin and results in salvation. There’s no regret for that kind of sorrow. But worldly sorrow, which lacks repentance, results in spiritual death. (emphasis mine).

Because we desire to be more like Jesus, we make resolutions, ask Him to help us, and try to behave differently. Yet despite our best efforts to do things God's way, we slide back into old habits. Frustrated, we may ask Him, "Why can't I change?" The reason is, overcoming sinful attitudes and behaviors starts with genuine repentance, which has three aspects.
 
Conviction.

The Holy Spirit will reveal the areas in which we've sinned and convict us of wrongdoing. Through Scripture, the Spirit shows us God's standard and what needs to change. Repentance begins with understanding where we have gone astray.
 
Contrition.

The next step--grieving over our iniquity--is followed by confession to the Lord. Genuine sorrow arises from the knowledge that we've sinned against Him. In contrast, human unhappiness often comes from being caught misbehaving. Other times we are miserable because of where our choices led us, or feel shame that people know about our sin. True contrition is followed by humble confession.
 
Commitment to act. 

Real repentance is complete when we wholeheartedly pledge to turn from our old behavior and move toward righteous ways. God knows we won't live perfectly, but He looks for a surrendered heart that diligently seeks to obey Him.
 
Paul used strong language when telling us to turn from iniquity: "Put to death... whatever belongs to your earthly nature" (Col. 3:5 niv). What sin are you struggling to overcome? Have you genuinely repented, committing to turn from it permanently? Let the Holy Spirit empower you to change.

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