You feel like your life is on a treadmill that's going nowhere. it's going nowhere while other things keep piling up and piling up and piling up. You have a dead-end job. You're in financial trouble. Your marriage is falling apart. You and your childhood friend just had a major falling-out. Your car just broke down. Your boss is on your case. Your past is on your case. All these things keep piling up and piling up it's becoming too much to bear. You begin to get stressed and anxious, you're worried about what's going to happen in the next 5 minutes. You've become overwhelmed. When it happens, run.  Run to the rock that is higher than you.

Proverbs 18:10 NIV The name of the Lord is a fortified tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.


Psalm 61:2 NIV From the ends of the earth I call to you, I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I.

From that rock you're able to see things from God's perspective. We must realize how small we are and how big God is; how short our time of existence is compared to eternity?  
 
Psalm 90:2 NLT2  Before the mountains were born, before you gave birth to the earth and the world, from beginning to end, you are God. 
 
2 Peter 3:8 NLT8  But you must not forget this one thing, dear friends: A day is like a thousand years to the Lord, and a thousand years is like a day.
 
Psalm 39:4 NLT4  “LORD, remind me how brief my time on earth will be. Remind me that my days are numbered— how fleeting my life is.
 
We tend to rely on our own sufficiency and our own issues.  From the vantage point of that high rock, we can see how small we are in the universe and how big God is and we can turn all of the cares that overwhelm us to the One who can take us through them. 

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

1 Peter 5:7 NIV Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

*(See Prayer Does It Make A Difference - Session 2 - A View from Above here)

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Run to the Rock that is Higher than You

Psalm 61:2 NIV From the ends of the earth I call to you, I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I.

Things just keep piling up.   Your boss keeps giving you assignments before you finish the one, he/she gave you yesterday.   Your work email inbox keeps growing by leaps. and bounds. It never seems to end.  

Your loved one is in the hospital.  Your spouse needs you, your children need you, you church needs you.  You think "I either need to be cloned, counseled, or "caught up in the air with the Lord. 

You feel stressed. Guilty. Inadequate. Overwhelmed!

We become overwhelmed for all sorts of reasons, but instead of running away and hiding, God wants us to run to Him. He wants us to run to His Word which settles us and shelters us.

Psalms 119:105 NIV Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.

Sometimes we can’t change all the stuff in our lives that feels bigger than we can handle. But whatever feels bigger than you is still puny compared to the Rock that is higher than you!

Psalms 61:2 NIV From the ends of the earth I call to you, I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I.

Here’s just one verse that helps when you are overwhelmed.

Psalms 46:1 NIV God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.

Running to God as your refuge isn’t an escape for what’s happening around you.  God is your refuge when overwhelming circumstances pile up around you.  Remember that your strength to stand in overwhelming situations is not in you, your stamina or drive.  Your strength comes from the Lord.  

When you are sheltered in the truth of His Word. and in His presence, all the stress that overwhelmed you somehow suddenly shrinks down and becomes manageable. God’s Word gives you the perspective you need. God’s presence gives you the peace you need.

Philippians 4:6‭-‬7 NIV Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Here’s a prayer for those times when things keep piling up and there’s no  relief in sight and you find yourself becoming overwhelmed. 

Lord, I’m overwhelmed, because of                                             . I ask that you overwhelm me with Your peace. Lead me to You, my rock. Guide me to Your Word which gives me strength and refuge. Help me not to run a self-help book, or another person. Draw me to run to You first. Help me get into the habit of taking whatever is going on in my life and placing it under your will. Thank You, Lord. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

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These past eight years have been ones for the ages.  We had and are still in a global pandemic that has affected millions of people.  Because of the pandemic millions lost jobs or had their income reduced significantly. Moreover and perhaps because of it there is now inflation and rising prices for essential things like food and gas.  There has been and continues to be a rise in crime, especially violent crime.  We have gone through and continue to go through racial and gender issues.  There is serious political division. There are wars in Europe, Israel, Gaza, and other areas in the world.  

Let’s face it, many of us have experienced our worst-case scenarios firsthand. Illness, loss, and solitude have plagued us.  With the constant bombardment of bad news many of us have fallen into the trap of imaging the worst.  We’re seeing stuff that we never thought possible, which is affecting our ability to hold on to hope.

This is not healthy for anybody, especially us Christians who are always saying God will never leave or forsake us.

Deuteronomy 31:6 NIV Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”

Hebrews 13:5‭-‬6 NIV Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” So we say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?”

We know it’s not healthy to imagine terrible things that might happen. But we also don’t want to ignore what is happening and to pretend “everything is okay,” and that we’re simply fine either.  How do we deal with the harsh realities we’re facing and still live with hope? 
 
What’s the answer when we can’t stop imagining the worst? 

We can remain confident that God is present even in the worst circumstances and He will be with us through them to the end.  Rather than imagining the worst we can use our imaginations to focus on God’s promises.

Romans 8:28‭-‬39 NIV And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified. What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written: “For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.” No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

God readily gives us the help we need when we can’t stop imagining the worst. 
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Ephesians 3:20‭-‬21 NIV Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.
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Here are two ways to stop imagining the worst and start looking at God’s best for us. 
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1. Trust in the promise of God’s presence, even in your worst-case scenario.

We have all heard the phrase that “we are in the middle of a storm, coming out of a storm, or about to enter a storm”.  That is not very comforting when we are trying to demonstrate hope and joy to others. That’s why it’s important to remember God is always with us, even if and when the worst happens. 

Psalms 23:4‭-‬6 NIV Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Psalms 139:7‭-‬12 NIV Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast. If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me,” even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you.
God’s presence provides the strength and peace we need to make it through any storm. God will be with us in the struggle. Calming us, bringing clarity, and offering peace. Whatever happens, we can trust the promise of His gentle presence.

2. Don’t over think it.

We often over analyze things, and that makes us vulnerable to what-if questions. What if something bad happens? What if this doesn’t work? What-if questions are a natural part of our thought process, but rather than fixating on those questions, we need to live in with the expectation that God is working on our behalf. 

Romans 8:28 NIV And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

Our natural tendency is to always want to be in control.  We want to be self-sufficient.  When things happen that we didn’t anticipate we sense our self-sufficiency slipping away.   We lose control, and that scares us. God wants us to release our need for answers to the what-if questions and trust Him completely.  When we stop trying to analyze outcomes and remember that God is working, we will be amazed at the outcome.  There are no what-ifs with God, and no limit to His blessing.  

Isaiah 46:10 NIV I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say, ‘My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.’
 
Ephesians 3:20‭-‬21 NIV Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. (Emphasis mine)

We may be apprehensive about what’s ahead, and that’s okay. We know from our life experiences that difficulties will come our way, but we can decide right now to use our imagination for good.  We can let our imaginations point us toward God’s promises, knowing He is in control, instead of lingering in what-ifs.  We can live today knowing our hope is in Him, and that’s the most wonderful thing we can imagine.
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Jeremiah 29:11 NIV For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
 
 

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It only takes one look at the world around us to see that we are living in an overwhelming time in history. We are overwhelmed with heartache. Overwhelmed with information. Overwhelmed with education. Overwhelmed with conflict. Overwhelmed with relationship struggles. Overwhelmed with life. But God’s Word offers the help and hope we need in these uncertain days of overwhelm. 

Sometimes when we are overwhelmed, we turn to friends for help, or family for support. But the one place we will find true help and support is at the feet of Jesus. So let’s go there. Let’s bow at His feet and pray these psalms in these overwhelming days.

Psalm 56 : I feel overwhelmed and need God’s protection.

Psalm 56:1-13 (NLT2)1 O God, have mercy on me, for people are hounding me. My foes attack me all day long.2  I am constantly hounded by those who slander me, and many are boldly attacking me.3  But when I am afraid, I will put my trust in you.4  I praise God for what he has promised. I trust in God, so why should I be afraid? What can mere mortals do to me?5  They are always twisting what I say; they spend their days plotting to harm me.6  They come together to spy on me— watching my every step, eager to kill me.7  Don’t let them get away with their wickedness; in your anger, O God, bring them down.8  You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book.9  My enemies will retreat when I call to you for help. This I know: God is on my side!10  I praise God for what he has promised; Yes, I praise the LORD for what he has promised.11  I trust in God, so why should I be afraid? What can mere mortals do to me?12  I will fulfill my vows to you, O God, and will offer a sacrifice of thanks for your help.13  For you have rescued me from death; you have kept my feet from slipping. So now I can walk in your presence, O God, in your life-giving light.

Psalm 57: I feel overwhelmed and need God’s mercy.  

Sometimes we have to admit that we need God’s mercy,  This psalm is a  prayer when you are overwhelmed.
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Psalm 57:1-11 (NLT2)1 Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy! I look to you for protection. I will hide beneath the shadow of your wings until the danger passes by.2  I cry out to God Most High, to God who will fulfill his purpose for me.3  He will send help from heaven to rescue me, disgracing those who hound me. Interlude My God will send forth his unfailing love and faithfulness.4  I am surrounded by fierce lions who greedily devour human prey— whose teeth pierce like spears and arrows, and whose tongues cut like swords.5  Be exalted, O God, above the highest heavens! May your glory shine over all the earth. 6  My enemies have set a trap for me. I am weary from distress. They have dug a deep pit in my path, but they themselves have fallen into it. Interlude
7  My heart is confident in you, O God; my heart is confident. No wonder I can sing your praises!8  Wake up, my heart! Wake up, O lyre and harp! I will wake the dawn with my song.9  I will thank you, Lord, among all the people. I will sing your praises among the nations.10  For your unfailing love is as high as the heavens. Your faithfulness reaches to the clouds.11  Be exalted, O God, above the highest heavens. May your glory shine over all the earth.
 
Psalm 58: I feel overwhelmed and need God’s justice.

Your heart might feel overwhelmed and not even know what to pray. In Psalm 58 the psalmist expresses the heart’s cry of one who longs for justice. When you pray this psalm you are reminded about the truth that God’s righteousness always wins.

Psalm 58:1-11 (NLT2)1 Justice—do you rulers know the meaning of the word? Do you judge the people fairly?2  No! You plot injustice in your hearts. You spread violence throughout the land.3  These wicked people are born sinners; even from birth they have lied and gone their own way.4  They spit venom like deadly snakes; they are like cobras that refuse to listen,5  ignoring the tunes of the snake charmers, no matter how skillfully they play.6  Break off their fangs, O God! Smash the jaws of these lions, O LORD!7  May they disappear like water into thirsty ground. Make their weapons useless in their hands.8  May they be like snails that dissolve into slime, like a stillborn child who will never see the sun.9  God will sweep them away, both young and old, faster than a pot heats over burning thorns.10  The godly will rejoice when they see injustice avenged. They will wash their feet in the blood of the wicked.11  Then at last everyone will say, “There truly is a reward for those who live for God; surely there is a God who judges justly here on earth.”

Psalm 59: I feel overwhelmed and need God’s defense. 

When you are offended, Psalm 59 reminds us that God is our defender. We don’t always need to have the last word or share every thought that goes through our heads. Often the best thing we can do is simply tell God all about it.

Psalm 59:1-17 (NLT2)1 Rescue me from my enemies, O God. Protect me from those who have come to destroy me.2  Rescue me from these criminals; save me from these murderers.3  They have set an ambush for me. Fierce enemies are out there waiting, LORD, though I have not sinned or offended them.4  I have done nothing wrong, yet they prepare to attack me. Wake up! See what is happening and help me!5  O LORD God of Heaven’s Armies, the God of Israel, wake up and punish those hostile nations. Show no mercy to wicked traitors. Interlude
6  They come out at night, snarling like vicious dogs as they prowl the streets.7  Listen to the filth that comes from their mouths; their words cut like swords. “After all, who can hear us?” they sneer.8  But LORD, you laugh at them. You scoff at all the hostile nations.9  You are my strength; I wait for you to rescue me, for you, O God, are my fortress.10  In his unfailing love, my God will stand with me. He will let me look down in triumph on all my enemies.11  Don’t kill them, for my people soon forget such lessons; stagger them with your power, and bring them to their knees, O Lord our shield.12  Because of the sinful things they say, because of the evil that is on their lips, let them be captured by their pride, their curses, and their lies.13  Destroy them in your anger! Wipe them out completely! Then the whole world will know that God reigns in Israel. Interlude
14  My enemies come out at night, snarling like vicious dogs as they prowl the streets.15  They scavenge for food but go to sleep unsatisfied.16  But as for me, I will sing about your power. Each morning I will sing with joy about your unfailing love. For you have been my refuge, a place of safety when I am in distress.17  O my Strength, to you I sing praises, for you, O God, are my refuge, the God who shows me unfailing love.

Psalm 60: I feel overwhelmed and need God’s help.

When times really get tough as it has this year you can’t come up with the words to speak.  Psalm 60 fills in the blanks. You don’t need to have the perfect words and say them in the perfect way  in order for God to answer .  When we turn to God with a sincere heart, the words aren’t so much the key as is the heart. 

Psalm 60:1-12 (NLT2)1 You have rejected us, O God, and broken our defenses. You have been angry with us; now restore us to your favor.2  You have shaken our land and split it open. Seal the cracks, for the land trembles.3  You have been very hard on us, making us drink wine that sent us reeling.4  But you have raised a banner for those who fear you— a rallying point in the face of attack. Interlude
5  Now rescue your beloved people. Answer and save us by your power.6  God has promised this by his holiness: “I will divide up Shechem with joy. I will measure out the valley of Succoth.7  Gilead is mine, and Manasseh, too. Ephraim, my helmet, will produce my warriors, and Judah, my scepter, will produce my kings.8  But Moab, my washbasin, will become my servant, and I will wipe my feet on Edom and shout in triumph over Philistia.”9  Who will bring me into the fortified city? Who will bring me victory over Edom?10  Have you rejected us, O God? Will you no longer march with our armies?11  Oh, please help us against our enemies, for all human help is useless.12  With God’s help we will do mighty things, for he will trample down our foes.
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Psalm 61: I feel overwhelmed and need God’s answer.

Have you ever tried to make a deal with God by promising to do this or that if He would just answer your prayer. More important than hearing an answer is abiding with God day by day. God may have a different or a better plan. Pray Psalm 62 while you wait. 

Psalm 61:1-8 (NLT2)1 O God, listen to my cry! Hear my prayer!2  From the ends of the earth, I cry to you for help when my heart is overwhelmed. Lead me to the towering rock of safety,3  for you are my safe refuge, a fortress where my enemies cannot reach me.4  Let me live forever in your sanctuary, safe beneath the shelter of your wings! Interlude
5  For you have heard my vows, O God. You have given me an inheritance reserved for those who fear your name.6  Add many years to the life of the king! May his years span the generations!7  May he reign under God’s protection forever. May your unfailing love and faithfulness watch over him.8  Then I will sing praises to your name forever as I fulfill my vows each day.

Psalm 62: I feel overwhelmed and need God’s strength.  

When you’re overwhelmed you are often weary and tired.  Tired of waiting. Tired of wanting. Tired of praying. Tired of the daily grind of trying to do right. Just tired. 
Psalm 62 reminds you where your strength comes from. 

Psalm 62:1-12 (NLT2)1 I wait quietly before God, for my victory comes from him.2  He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress where I will never be shaken.3  So many enemies against one man— all of them trying to kill me. To them I’m just a broken-down wall or a tottering fence.4  They plan to topple me from my high position. They delight in telling lies about me. They praise me to my face but curse me in their hearts. Interlude
5  Let all that I am wait quietly before God, for my hope is in him.6  He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress where I will not be shaken.7  My victory and honor come from God alone. He is my refuge, a rock where no enemy can reach me.8  O my people, trust in him at all times. Pour out your heart to him, for God is our refuge. Interlude
9  Common people are as worthless as a puff of wind, and the powerful are not what they appear to be. If you weigh them on the scales, together they are lighter than a breath of air.10  Don’t make your living by extortion or put your hope in stealing. And if your wealth increases, don’t make it the center of your life.11  God has spoken plainly, and I have heard it many times: Power, O God, belongs to you;12  unfailing love, O Lord, is yours. Surely you repay all people according to what they have done.

When you pray the psalms you don’t have to wait for church or rely on someone else to communicate with God for you. You have free access through the blood of Jesus to communicate with your heavenly father. 

Let Jesus lighten the load .
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1 Peter 5:7 (NLT2)7  Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you. 

NOTE:  Emphasis mine

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Editor’s Note:  This post was inspired by the post “5 Great Ways to Fail at Life (from Proverbs) By Chris Russell to read the original post click this link.

The Book of Proverbs gives us some amazing wisdom for life. Along with that, Solomon also exposes some common ways that people end up messing up their lives. Here are five.  There are also suggestions as to how to avoid these disastrous mistakes in your own life.

How to ruin your life

1. Live your life as if there is no God.

The greatest mistake you could ever make in your life would be to live as if there is no God. Some people choose to believe that there is no God. Big mistake. Others claim to believe in God, but they still seem to live their lives as if he does not exist. Another big mistake.

Proverbs 9:10 NLTFear of the Lord is the foundation of wisdom. Knowledge of the Holy One results in good judgment.

Proverbs 3:5‭-‬6 NLT 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.

Proverbs 10:9 NLT People with integrity walk safely, but those who follow crooked paths will be exposed.

2. Choose people who are spiritually foolish to be your closest friends.

You are basically a composite of the five friends you choose to spend the most time with. It is important to choose them well. “Show me your friends, and I will show you your future.”

Proverbs 13:20 NLT Walk with the wise and become wise; associate with fools and get in trouble.

3. Never learn to control your emotions.

Many people seem to live with the misguided notion that it is healthy to just let your emotions go with whatever you are feeling. “Just let it out!” However, the Bible tells us that it is a position of great strength and character to learn how to control your emotions. Happy people are able to control their emotions.  

Proverbs 29:11 NLT Fools vent their anger, but the wise quietly hold it back.

Proverbs 16:32 NLT Better to be patient than powerful; better to have self-control than to conquer a city.

Proverbs 25:28 NLT A person without self-control is like a city with broken-down walls.

4. Stay down once you have fallen down.

Everyone fails at various points in their lives. But not everyone gets back up after they have fallen. The ability to get back up once you have fallen is one of the greatest indicators of your overall success in life. Never, ever give up. Whether you stumble spiritually or with some other area of your life, always be sure to get back up when you fail.

Proverbs 24:16 NLT The godly may trip seven times, but they will get up again. But one disaster is enough to overthrow the wicked.

5. Fail to spend your entire life learning.

Wisdom and great success in life tend to follow those who are on a lifelong pursuit of knowledge. “You should get all you can, can all you get, and sit on the can.”

Proverbs 9:9 NLT Instruct the wise, and they will be even wiser. Teach the righteous, and they will learn even more.

BONUS!  Disregard God’s principles for financial stewardship.

God’s Word is so amazingly practical that He has even given us many, many great principles that apply to our finances. Soak them in and thrive. Reject them, and you will struggle perpetually.

In the blink of an eye wealth disappears, for it will sprout wings and fly away like an eagle.
Proverbs 23:5 NLT
https://bible.com/bible/116/pro.23.5.NLT

Just as the rich rule the poor, so the borrower is servant to the lender.
Proverbs 22:7 NLT
https://bible.com/bible/116/pro.22.7.NLT

It’s poor judgment to guarantee another person’s debt or put up security for a friend.
Proverbs 17:18 NLT
https://bible.com/bible/116/pro.17.18.NLT

Tainted wealth has no lasting value, but right living can save your life.
Proverbs 10:2 NLT
https://bible.com/bible/116/pro.10.2.NLT

Take a lesson from the ants, you lazybones. Learn from their ways and become wise! Though they have no prince or governor or ruler to make them work, they labor hard all summer, gathering food for the winter.
Proverbs 6:6‭-‬8 NLT
https://bible.com/bible/116/pro.6.6-8.NLT

Lazy people want much but get little, but those who work hard will prosper.
Proverbs 13:4 NLT
https://bible.com/bible/116/pro.13.4.NLT



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4. Ask God to Change Any Faulty Attitudes 

The actions of the 9/11 attackers showed how wrong thoughts and attitudes can lead to horribly destructive actions. The same can be true for us.  Wrong thoughts and attitudes about the those who don't look like us, or those that for assorted reasons are homeless, Republican versus Democrat, conservative versus liberal, evangelical against other Christians, etc., can and often does result in terribly destructive actions not only physically but psychologically.   

We need to ask God to renew our minds and refine our hearts.   But God always wants to do new things, especially within us. 

Ephesians 4:29 NIV Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.

Galatians 5:22‭-‬23 NIV But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

Philippians 2:3‭-‬4 NIV  Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.

5. Dig Deeper into God's Word and Lean on His Promises

The days surrounding 9/11 were dark, and many people felt overwhelmed. This sense of being overwhelmed and its resulting anxiety instinctively drove many to churches and Scripture.  Church attendance soared after9/11.  This should be the same response today.  The Psalms remind you of God's love for us, and Books like Revelation gave you a fresh sense of God's majesty.   The Bible is filled with God’s promises for mankind. Find those that fit the way you are feeling.   God’s grace and His goodness that shine through each one of His promises.

Colossians 3:16 NIV  Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. (emphasis mine)

Philippians 4:19 NIV And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.

Isaiah 41:10 NIV 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. (emphasis mine)


John 14:27 NIV 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. (emphasis mine)

Even now, it's difficult to think about what happened on September 11th. The images and emotions can feel as fresh today as they did then. As you look back, you can and will praise God for His presence during that fearful time, and what He brought out of it.  

Although the many of the issues of today are different from 9/11 God is still the same and He is still in control.

2 Corinthians 1:3‭-‬5 NIV Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ.

Hebrews 13:8 NIV Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

Isaiah 40:8 NIV The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God endures forever.”

Not only did He light our way through the storm, after 9/11, He gives us the opportunity to help others through the storms of 2023 and beyond.   

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When we’re certain that something specific is going to happen in the future we prepare for it.  We study for the test that we have to take next week. We prepare the sermon that we know that we are going to have to give next Sunday.  When we know that we’re going to have a baby we prepare the nursery, buy the pampers, and the baby clothes. When we set the date for marriage we plan the wedding.  Most of us prepare for death by buying life insurance policies and executing wills. But most of us are not really prepared for death.  

I say that because people don’t want to talk about death because they’re uncertain about what’s beyond death. And that fear comes from being uncertain of their relationship with God.

But death is inevitable. It will certainly come and often it comes suddenly.  Death is the great equalizer. Nobody’s immune from death.

Hebrews 9:27 (NLT2) 27  And just as each person is destined to die once and after that comes judgment, 

We plan for other things that we know will happen. That's why it seems foolish to live your life unprepared for something that you know will happen.  Wouldn’t life be so much more enjoyable when you’re confident of what’s going to happen to you after you die.

God doesn’t want you to fear death. He wants to set you free from that fear. How does he do that? 

2 Timothy 1:7 (NLT2)7  For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline. 

God has left you promises to let you know what happens when these bodies of ours stop working in death.

2 Corinthians 5:6-8 (NLT2)6  So we are always confident, even though we know that as long as we live in these bodies we are not at home with the Lord.7  For we live by believing and not by seeing.8  Yes, we are fully confident, and we would rather be away from these earthly bodies, for then we will be at home with the Lord. 

1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 (NLT2)13  And now, dear brothers and sisters, we want you to know what will happen to the believers who have died so you will not grieve like people who have no hope.14  For since we believe that Jesus died and was raised to life again, we also believe that when Jesus returns, God will bring back with him the believers who have died.15  We tell you this directly from the Lord: We who are still living when the Lord returns will not meet him ahead of those who have died.16  For the Lord himself will come down from heaven with a commanding shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet call of God. First, the Christians who have died will rise from their graves.17  Then, together with them, we who are still alive and remain on the earth will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. Then we will be with the Lord forever.18  So encourage each other with these words.  

Revelation 21:3-4 (NLT2)3  I heard a loud shout from the throne, saying, “Look, God’s home is now among his people! He will live with them, and they will be his people. God himself will be with them.4  He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.” 

When you know what’s going to happen to you when you die, it takes pressure off the living.

God sent Jesus Christ to earth to die for your sins and provide a better way of living. 

John 3:16 (NLT2)16  “For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. 

John 10:8-10 (NLT2)8  All who came before me were thieves and robbers. But the true sheep did not listen to them.9  Yes, I am the gate. Those who come in through me will be saved. They will come and go freely and will find good pastures.10  The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.

That’s real confidence and that’s the Good News.

Get to know Jesus, not because you might die tonight but because you have to live tomorrow.  What Jesus did on the cross gives you real confidence.

1 Peter 2:24 (NLT2)24  He personally carried our sins in his body on the cross so that we can be dead to sin and live for what is right. By his wounds you are healed.
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2 Corinthians 5:15 (NLT2)15  He died for everyone so that those who receive his new life will no longer live for themselves. Instead, they will live for Christ, who died and was raised for them. 
 

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The world is filled with events and situations that can cause great fear and anxiety. It’s easy to become overwhelmed and live imprisoned by fear. But that is not the way of God! We are promised in God’s Word that he is faithful and will protect us.

John 10:10 NIV The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

2 Thessalonians 3:3 NIV But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one.

Pray this prayer for protection to remember who God is and the protection he has promised you. The prayer, "Saint Patrick's Breastplate", is traditionally attributed to Saint Patrick during his Irish ministry in the 5th century. Celtic monks used this prayer to start their day with this prayer.
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I bind unto myself to-day
The strong name of the Trinity,
By invocation of the same.
The Three in One and One in Three.

​I bind this day to me for ever,
⁠By power of faith, Christ's Incarnation;
His baptism in Jordan river;
⁠His death on cross for my salvation;
His bursting from the spiced tomb;
⁠His riding up the heavenly way;
His coming at the day of doom;
⁠I bind unto myself to-day.
I bind unto myself the power
⁠Of the great love of Cherubim;
The sweet 'Well done' in judgment hour;
⁠The service of the Seraphim,
Confessors' faith. Apostles' word,
⁠The Patriarchs' prayers, the Prophets' scrolls,
All good deeds done unto the Lord,
⁠And purity of virgin souls.
I bind unto myself to-day
⁠The virtues of the star-lit heaven.
The glorious sun's life-giving ray,
⁠The whiteness of the moon at even,
The flashing of the lightning free,
⁠The whirling wind's tempestuous shocks,
The stable earth, the deep salt sea
⁠Around the old eternal rocks.
I bind unto myself to-day
⁠The power of God to hold and lead,
His eye to watch. His might to stay,
⁠His ear to hearken to my need.
The wisdom of my God to teach,
⁠His hand to guide. His shield to ward;
The Word of God to give me speech,
⁠His heavenly host to be my guard.

​Against the demon snares of sin,
⁠The vice that gives temptation force,
The natural lusts that war within,
⁠The hostile men that mar my course;
Or few or many, far or nigh.
⁠In every place, and in all hours,
Against their fierce hostility,
⁠I bind to me these holy powers.
Against all Satan's spells and wiles,
⁠Against false words of heresy,
Against the knowledge that defiles,
⁠Against the heart's idolatry,
Against the wizard's evil craft,
⁠Against the death-wound and the burning,
The choking wave, the poisoned shaft,
⁠Protect me, Christ, till Thy returning.
Christ be with me, Christ within me,
⁠Christ behind me, Christ before me,
Christ beside me, Christ to win me,
⁠Christ to comfort and restore me,
Christ beneath me, Christ above me,
⁠Christ in quiet, Christ in danger,
Christ in hearts of all that love me,
⁠Christ in mouth of friend and stranger.
I bind unto myself the Name,
⁠The strong Name of the Trinity;
By invocation of the same,
⁠The Three in One, and One in Three.
Of Whom all nature hath creation;
⁠Eternal Father, Spirit, Word:
Praise to the Lord of my salvation
⁠Salvation is of Christ the Lord.