Focus

Pay attention to the tension in your body. Let go of it and any expectations to do anything other than God’s will today. Prepare yourself to hear God’s word.

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Read

James 1:1-8 (NRSV)

James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ,

To the twelve tribes in the Dispersion:

Greetings.

My brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of any kind, consider it nothing but joy, because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance; and let endurance have its full effect, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking in nothing.

If any of you is lacking in wisdom, ask God, who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly, and it will be given you. But ask in faith, never doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind; for the doubter, being double-minded and unstable in every way, must not expect to receive anything from the Lord.

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Reflect

I am a Christian woman who struggles with anxiety. It has taken a long time for me to have the courage to admit that to myself and others. I felt it reflected a lack or a failure in my faithfulness. Maybe you feel the same way. Maybe there are moments when worry enters your mind, doubt settles in, and you are consumed by the drowning feeling that the trials are more than you can handle. Hear me when I say these trials and the anxiety do not define us. What defines us is HOW we face those moments with faith, wisdom, and endurance.

As Christians we are not exempt from hardships. James encourages us to embrace our trials, move forward with endurance, and pray. Be faithful in your prayers, asking God to bless you with wisdom and fortitude to maneuver through the difficult times. You are never alone; God is always by your side. God can comfort your mind, heal your heart, and make a way that you never expected.

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Pray

Lord, at times, I become overwhelmed by the trials of life. I feel lost and get discouraged. My mind spins and I feel out of control. Help me during those moments to embrace that I’m not in control, but you are! Calm my mind. Give me the wisdom to face what each day holds and to embrace it with the joy and confidence that you are by my side. Amen.

Go with God.