“I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”—John 16:33 (NLT)

Being able to get back to my morning quiet time has definitely helped me get out of the funk I have been in the past few weeks. Through both His Word and some of my other sisters in Christ, God has been speaking into me to give me the needed strength.

In fact, on Thursday, I decided to do the guided prayer on my YouVersion app. The part that spoke to me was a section called, “my concerns.”  John 16:33 followed; These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.

The question after that was; Is there anything happening around you that makes you anxious or afraid? Take a note of those things and then imagine Jesus speaking  John 16:33 over you and your circumstances. I cannot tell you how much that helped with the concerns (or should I say anxiety I had been having) with my mother. Imagining Jesus speaking those words over me gave me the peace I had been seeking.

Not only did God give me that scripture on Thursday, but again on Saturday in a book I am reading for Lent called, “40 Days of Decrease” by Alicia Britt Chole. I had no idea what God wanted me to write about this week but He clearly spoke to me by giving me this scripture two times in a two day span.

Many times, when life throws us a curve ball, we let the enemy get a foothold of our thoughts. Rather than focus on the positives, I tend to think about all the “what if” scenarios. This does nothing other than steal my peace. This week, through scripture, I have found the needed encouragement, hope and strength. As I have clung to God’s Word, it has calmed my mind and spirit. Going back to scripture reminds me of the gift of peace that my Lord and Savior so freely wants to give me.

It is God’s desire to bless us with peace in His presence. Spending time with Jesus this week, was the needed balm for my weary soul. No, my concerns haven’t gone away, but I find myself trusting and not dwelling on the unknowns. Life isn’t always going to be smooth sailing, but thankfully, when we are in some rough waters, we have a Mighty Captain who is steering the ship for us. We just have to trust Him.

Father God,

Forgive me when I let worrisome thoughts steal my joy. Free my mind from worry and fill my anxious soul with the peace and calm I can only receive from You. Thank You for carving out the needed time to spend quiet time in Your Word and speaking words of hope to me through it. I give You praise for intercessory prayers. I lift those up to You who are struggling with fear of the unknowns. May they feel Your loving arms around them. I pray these things in the name of Jesus. Amen.

 March Verse

“This I declare about the LORD: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I trust him.”—Psalm 91:2 (NLT)

If you are knitting or crocheting gifts to give away, please make sure you tweet @KnitPrayShare or share your projects on the Knit, Pray, Share Facebook page or Instagram using the hashtag #KnitPrayShare. Be sure to attach a tag to whatever gift you make.