Cut out the shape of a thumbs up. On one side write the theme for today “encourages”.
Place at your focal point.
Reflection:
Our world today is increasingly taxing on the emotions and wellbeing of everyone. We are caught in the seemingly never-ending treadmill of life and many demands on our attention. It is hard not to become disheartened when we read about the struggles of so many around the world. We are burdened by the stories of those who fight for their existence and basic God-given rights and freedoms. When we add the struggles faced by so many now in the United Kingdom and beyond, in
the ongoing economic crisis and political instability, we are often disheartened. Yet struggles are nothing new for humanity – darkness, tribulation, and conflict have existed since the early chapters of Genesis, when one brother killed the other.
Anxiety is high, especially in light of those who like to remind us that the end is near.
Yet we know from Scripture that no one, except the Father, knows when the end will come. Focusing on the unknown only increases our worries and concerns, and distracts us from the abundant life promised to us all by our Lord Jesus Christ.
In Isaiah 41:10 we are encouraged not to fear, as God is with us to support and accompany us through life’s hardships. We are encouraged not to fear as God says to us ‘for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.’ When we think about what that means in practical terms, to have God ‘on our side,’ it automatically shifts our focus away from our problems, and towards the joy of partnership and friendship with an almighty, all-knowing, and all-loving God and Father.
When the world leads us to fear, God encourages us to rejoice. When our newsfeeds lead us to lose hope, our Lord encourages us to trust and hope in Him, the One who has overcome the world.
I pray that, as Christians who are called to be the salt and light in the world, we remember that the world needs the love and light of Christ. I pray that we know ourselves to be the sons and daughters of God, sent to be His ambassadors in a world that desperately needs to be reconciled to Him. Let us shift our focus away from the storm and waves that threaten to overwhelm our lives, and look to Him, our hope and our salvation
Pause and Pray:
Pray for your five people that they will know the peace and presence of Christ in their lives.
‘Living the Kingdom’ Action:
As we pray for the likeness of Christ to be formed in us, why not look for opportunities to follow St Barnabas’ example – to be “Sons and daughters of encouragement” – in your engagement with other people?
Find the full version of the TKC Prayer Journal 2023 here.