Browsing Tag

hope

How to Overcome Fear—and Find Greater Peace


The times we live in are uncertain, and can be unsettling. And oftentimes, fear tends to rear its ugly head.

The reality is—there’s a lot to be concerned about in life.

In the world.

In our nation.

And in our own lives…from personal issues and family concerns, to health and finances—there are many things that stress us out and keep us up at night.

The question is this: How will we handle all that comes at us each day?

Will we succumb to FEAR?

OR

choose to walk by FAITH?

The truth is—we’re all afraid at times—we’re human. But God has given us ways to overcome fear.

As those who follow Christ, we have ways to fight against fear—and come back to peace, like:

prayer,
fasting,
praise and worship,
the hope found in God’s Word, the Bible.

That’s why it’s so important to know God’s Word, so we can live out God’s Word and find the “peace that passes understanding” no matter what.

We combat fear with faith. And God’s unchanging truth.

But it’s not always easy. Let’s look at how some of our “Heros of the Faith” handled fearful situations:

Moses, when he was chased by Pharaoh’s army said this, as recorded in Exodus 14:13-14: “Moses answered the people, ‘Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the LORD will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.’”

Joshua, who succeeded Moses, was a new leader when he was about to bring the Israelites into the Promised Land. In Joshua 1:9, we read what the LORD Himself said to Joshua: “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”

Joseph before he married Mary, the mother of Jesus, heard from an angel, as we read in Matthew 1:2 “ But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.”

Most people would be afraid if an angel appeared to them or they heard the audible voice of God—and rightly so. But it’s what these ordinary people did after a fearful encounter that made a difference.

Despite their fear, each of them pressed on believing God and moving forward by faith.

The same is true for you and me; we can decide what we will do with the fear we feel.

So, how do you put aside fear?
• By remembering what God has done in the past—for you and for others. Recall how He has seen you through before, and believe that He will again.

• Fear says, “I cannot handle this situation.” Faith says, “God can.” Even though you can’t see how it’s all going to work out, God does!

• Shore up the truth about who God is as protector, helper, and healer. He is stronger than any force that tries to come against you.

• Listen to the Lord as He asks, “Will you trust Me to take care of all your needs and calm your fears? “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. (1 Peter 5:7)

When the world seems like it’s falling apart,
And when you simply don’t know what to do,
the Lord is your steady anchor—your security, your strength.

Let your FAITH be greater than your FEAR.
God is with you. He is for you.
And He will give you the POWER, COURAGE, and STRENGTH to face what comes your way.

Fear not, the Lord is near. In hard times, and in all times,
Jesus is your peace.

                                                   * * *

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Single on Valentine’s Day? Here’s Hope

For some singles, Valentine’s Day can be challenging–especially if you don’t have a special someone in your life right now.

I know people in the “uncoupled” stage of life who bemoan their single status and gripe to just about anyone who will listen:

I just want a boyfriend.

I just want to be married.

Why does she get a second husband when I haven’t had one at all?

You probably know single people like that. I know I do.

Then there are the cynical ones who mock V-Day with snide remarks like, Who cares? It’s just a Hallmark holiday anyway.

On a positive note, I know interesting and intelligent single women who celebrate with friends; they throw a party and just have fun.

Indeed, singles look at Valentine’s Day with very different attitudes. So if you don’t have a boyfriend or girlfriend you can not only endure but enjoy Valentine’s Day.

Here are five helpful ways singles can find more HOPE and JOY on the love holiday—and throughout the year:

1. Know that you are enough. It’s OK to feel discouraged when you don’t have someone special to love (or like). But don’t set up camp there.

Move forward with hope by telling yourself the truth about your identity and your single status.

The truth is:

• You are dearly loved by God. You are the “apple of His eye.” He is with you; He is for you. He cares about every area of your life, even your love life.

• You are loved by others. Don’t discount the other kinds of love in your life—family love, friend love, and more. You may not have romantic love right now. But choose to be grateful for those in your life whom you love, and love you.

• You are not alone. Nearly 50.2 percent of us (or 124.6 million) American adults are single.

2. Let it go. Sometimes we hold on so tightly to what we think we want and how the whole dating/marriage thing is supposed to play out in our lives. We see what others have and get envious or jealous.

Instead, I’ve learned the way to find peace is to surrender, to let go of your heart’s desires and give them to God, the One who loves you most. Allow God to reign in this area of life.

Knowing that God wants the very best for me allows me to trust Him.

In my book When Love Ends and the Ice Cream Carton Is Empty I talk about the fact that God is all about love and relationships. But sometimes we try to fill that desire for lasting love with other things, or people, and they lend up leaving us feeling empty and alone.

Often we try to load up our heart and fill the holes with what another person thinks, says, or does when it was meant to be filled by God.

He won’t let anyone be our total fulfillment, otherwise we wouldn’t need Him.

As we put God first in our heart affections, He fills up the emptiness and we are able to receive the love of others, retain it, and give it away.

Perhaps you think because God hasn’t given you someone to love, that He doesn’t care or that He’s forgotten about your desires. God is not forgetful or uncaring. He is constantly at work in the lives of His children, and everything God does is for a reason—even His divine delays.”

3. Prepare. Are you ready to be in a relationship? What needs to change in your life? Maybe it’s time to think about being the right person before finding the right person.

For instance, you may need to get rid of emotional “garbage” in your head and your heart—like bad attitudes about the opposite sex or a critical spirit.

Then, think about what you really want in a relationship and how things can be different next time. For example, maybe the last guy you dated was too serious and you want someone more playful? Or, you want to have your boyfriend or girlfriend attend church with you. Think about what’s important in your life.

4. Pray. Ask God to show you what needs to change in your own life to prepare for your next relationship—like your spiritual life, physical, social, financial and the like.

Also, pray for your future husband or wife. Ask God for His best for you. You can come confidently and boldly to Him and ask for your heart’s desire.

5. Choose joy now. Don’t wait to have a man in your life or a woman on your arm to be happy. Sure, it’s Valentine’s Day and love is in the air. But you, single friend, can choose to have peace and joy in your life despite your circumstances.

Make a plan to get together with other single friends. Celebrate love of all kinds and maybe send a card, e-card, or text to family members or friends to show you care.

Instead of drowning your sorrows in massive amounts of chocolate this Valentine’s Day, rejoice in who you are—dearly loved, special and chosen by God.

Don’t let one candy-infused, heart holiday hijack your hope.

Despite your feelings, or marital status, you can choose joy.

I, for one, choose to be confident and hopeful—on Valentine’s Day and every day of the year.

 

Photo: Pexels

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Prayer for the New Year!

A new year. A fresh start. Are you ready?

Here’s a prayer for you as the calendar flips from 2025 to 2026:

Dear Lord,

Thank you for the year behind us. Whether it was amazingly good or confusingly difficult, we choose to TRUST you that all things work together for the good–as you have promised.

We may not always understand or like it, but you are a good God who loves us. Our times are in Your hands.

With gratitude and HOPE, we approach a new year before us.

May it be better than expected.

May each of us know deeper depths of your great LOVE for us. May we find peace, despite circumstances. And JOY every day!

May we live with PURPOSE and passion. Lead and guide us into what you have in our work, family, friends, community, hobbies, travel, creative endeavors–all of it.

May we take the time to see the needs in others. And seek to HELP and offer hope as you empower us to do so.

Strengthen us, Lord, inside and out. That we may do Your will.

In Jesus mighty and powerful name we pray. Amen.

Amen! 

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

ANOTHER YEAR IS DAWNING

Another year is dawning, dear Father, let it be
In working or in waiting, another year with Thee;

Another year of progress, another year of praise,
Another year of proving Thy presence all the days.

Another year of mercies, of faithfulness and grace,
Another year of gladness in the shining of Thy face;

Another year of leaning upon Thy loving breast;
Another year of trusting, of quiet, happy rest.

Another year of service, of witness for Thy love,
Another year of training for holier work above;

Another year is dawning, dear Father, let it be
On earth, or else in Heaven, another year for Thee.

–Frances R. Havergal, 1874


Blessings and joy to you!

Jackie M. Johnson

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7 Helpful Things to Do When You’re Feeling Lonely


Most of us don’t like to admit it, but there are times when we feel…

Lonely.

Couple or uncoupled, we all feel the sting of loneliness, emptiness, or feeling disconnected at times. It’s normal. It feels awful, but it’s normal.

Maybe the holidays set off “the blues” in you. Or, maybe you just moved to a new city, and you don’t really know anyone yet.

Often, just in daily life we spend more time on our devices than with people in person—and we miss that face-to-face interaction. We’re connecting, but we just don’t feel very connected.

Then there’s the “Sunday afternoon” effect, when many singles feel more alone than ever. Sure, you may connect with a few people at church and then, as the afternoon lingers on, you feel disconnected. Most people have families, and you drive back to an empty apartment–alone.

Whatever the situation, loneliness hurts.

WHAT TO DO
So, what are some things you can do when you’re feeling lonely? Here are seven helpful ideas:

1. Know that it’s okay to feel lonely sometimes. Single or married, it is very common. Even if you love living the single life, loneliness can creep in from time to time. Why? Because we were created for connection with other people. Healthy love and friendships are vital to our well-being.

2. Don’t isolate yourself. Sure, it’s easy to bury your head in work, or get lost in movie marathons or video games because you don’t want to venture out or risk getting hurt. But we were built for community, for relationships. When people are too isolated, they can get discouraged or depressed.

3. I try to remember that I have a choice about what I’m telling myself. I don’t know how many times I’ve given in to self-pity and sadness. And I’ve said to myself, “I feel so alone right now, so I’m just going to be sad.”

Instead, I can choose to say to myself, “Yep, I’m feeling lonely right now. What can I do to find joy again?” I don’t have to stay stuck in the sadness. I can take positive action. I can call a friend. Or go for a walk. Or do something I enjoy.

4. Remember you may feel alone, but you’re not alone. God is with you. Always. He loves you and longs to connect with you. Prayer is connecting with God. Talk with Him as you would talk with a friend—honestly and openly. God’s wants His best for you, and He has the power heal your pain and make lasting changes.

5. Loneliness can be a catalyst—a nudge–to help move you forward in a new direction. For example, maybe you need to be more intentional about building community, making new friends, or renewing relationships that have gone by the wayside.

Ask yourself: What is one thing, even a small thing, I can do to connect with a positive, life-giving person this week?

Maybe your “nudge” has to do with gaining perspective.

Loneliness may last for a few hours or for a season. Ask God: What do You have for me in this season of my life?

Perhaps God is leading you to new purposes—like finally writing that book, or starting a new business, or doing that thing you really want to do, but have been putting off.

6. Avoid “desperate dialing,” meaning don’t call or text an old flame because you’re feeling lonely at the moment. You will most likely regret it. Focus forward, not backward.

7. Encourage someone else. It might sound odd, especially when you’re the one who’s hurting, but helping others can help you keep your mind off your own situation. Serving others not only helps them, but also brings joy to you.

Thankfully, loneliness will pass. And brighter days will come. In the meantime, choose to take one small step to get back into hope and joy.

Remember, God is with you. Be at peace.

 

 

RESOURCES by Jackie M. Johnson

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How to Feel More Connected in a Disconnected World

On a cool, crisp day in early fall, golden aspen leaves quake in the autumn breeze.

As they shimmer, in all their golden beauty against the backdrop of a clear blue sky, I remember why I love living in Colorado. 

Unlike any other trees, aspens are connected. While each individual tree stands alone, an aspen grove is literally one organism because their root systems are intertwined.

Likewise, people need community and connection with others in order to thrive.

Yet, often we feel disconnected. Maybe you’ve just moved to a new city and haven’t made friends yet. Or, feel like you connect with a lot of people online, but don’t have many “in person” friends to hang out with. You feel lonely.  

Whatever the case, we need bonds and relationships of all kinds—family, friends, community, or people we know from church, sports, or hobby groups.

When we choose to intertwine our lives with others we find emotional fulfillment and a heart to serve others.

And, we find joy!

Even simple acts connect us, like bringing a meal to a friend with a broken arm, or calling your grandmother just because.

Ask God to help you to find friends and people with whom you have common interests. Ask Him to fill the emptiness inside of you with His love, love that never leaves and is always with you. 

Community and friendship are essential to our well-being. 

You are not alone. We’re all connected.

 

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