Good morning! I hope you’re having a great day. This past weekend, I had drill with the Army National Guard and had a good time fulfilling my commitment while spending time with other members of my unit. It was a nice break; the Guard is part-time, but I couldn’t escape the lingering thoughts that often come to mind. Finances, personal problems, and work can at times bring me anxiety and stress. I picked up my son on the way home, and we spent time together with other family members. While driving, I saw a car with a bumper sticker that read, “Just have faith in God.” This message brought me a sigh of relief and served as a reminder that I need to strengthen my faith.
I think one thing that is very evident to me, the older I get, is that life is not easy. Adulthood is not easy, and it’s not easy for people of all ages. Through all my years, there have always been the common companions of stress, worry, and problems. These are things that follow us throughout life. If you’re not having any problems, then please let me know your secret. But in all seriousness, life isn’t easy. The Bible never promised an easy life. On the contrary, it constantly reminds us of the difficult path we’d find ourselves on in a fallen world.
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.” —John 16:33
Jesus explicitly tells us in John 16:33 that we will face tribulation in this world. Dictionary.com defines tribulation as grievous trouble; severe trial or suffering. So, Jesus never promised us a trouble-free life, but He did say to take courage because He has overcome the world. The bumper sticker I read yesterday brought me relief and comfort because it not only reminded me to prioritize my faith but also that it’s simple. “Just have faith in God.”
I’m not sure what you’re dealing with today, but I also want to remind you to have faith in God. As much as anyone else, I need to remind myself that God is bigger than the problems we’re facing. That reminder and hope give us the courage to keep going and moving forward, even when times are tough. We can always find comfort in God’s word. You and I are breathing right now, which is already a sign that we’re on God’s mind. The Bible calls on everything that has breath to praise God. This is what I do, as silly as it sounds: put your hand up to your mouth, take a deep breath, and exhale. Do you feel that warm breath against your hand? God says to praise Him because we’re breathing.
Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord! —Psalm 150:6
Thanks for reading. I hope this post encourages you to keep fighting. God is good, and each new day is an opportunity to seek Him and have faith in Him. Please consider following us on Instagram and Facebook, and feel free to follow me on my personal X account. God bless you!
