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Journal with THE LORD about your worries. When you call on Him and pray, He will listen to you" (Jeremiah 29:12-13). JOURNAL WITH THE LORD "Then you will call on Me and pray to Me, and I will listen to you." (Jeremiah 29:12-13) WORRYING Luke 12:22-34 Do not worry about your life, what you will eat; nor about the body, what you will put on. Life is more than food, and the body is more than clothing. Consider the ravens, for they neither sow nor reap, which have neither storehouse nor barn; and God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds? And which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature? If you then are not able to do the least, why are you anxious for the rest? Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; and yet I say to you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. If then God so clothes the grass, which today is in the field and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will He clothe you, O you of little faith? And do not seek what you should eat or what you should drink, nor have an anxious mind. For all these things the nations of the world seek after, and your Father knows that you need these things. But seek the kingdom of God, and all these things shall be added to you. Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Sell what you have and give alms; provide yourselves money bags which do not grow old, a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches nor moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. ASK YOURSELF... ACTIVITY: Set a time to write down all your worries in a jar & talk to God about them. 01. IS THIS THOUGHT BASED ON GOD'S TRUTH? 02. DOES THIS THOUGHT BRING ME PEACE? 03. IS THIS THOUGHT FROM GOD? (JEREMIAH 29:11) It's Okay, many of us struggle with Faith (1 Peter 5:9). The disciples struggled as well; understanding a lot of Jesus' parables after the resurrection. Faith is a spiritual gift by God (Ephesians 2:8–9). So Ask God! Our God gives generously to those who ask him (Luke 11:11-13, James 1:5). Is what you are thinking about: Just, pure, lovely, of good report, virtuous and praiseworthy? God encourages us to meditate on these (Philippians 4:8-9) 2 Corinthians 10:5 We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. Philippians 4:6-7 'Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.' JOURNAL PROMPTS Our Trauma represents itself as triggers & impulsive emotional reactions under memorable circumstances. Handling Grief PDF >> TIPS TO HELP YOU STOP OVERTHINKING AWARENESS Take ALL your thoughts captive & make them obedient to Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5). Most problems are imagined events in our head. What are you overthinking about? EXTERNALISE THOUGHTS God has everything in control, and tells us not to worry (Philippians 4:6-7, Matthew 6:34). Let it go (try out the worry jar activity). Write it down and give it all to God in prayer. GET TO THE ROOT: FEAR The root of overthinking is fear of losing control/what if's, ideas not from God (2 Timothy 1:7). Learn to accept that you cannot control everything in life, and give it to the one in control, God (Deuteronomy 31:8). He will do everything for your good (Romans 8:28, Jeremiah 29:11). Ask yourself, "What do I really fear behind this situation...?" Do you fear not being loved, heard or seen? accepted? What limiting beliefs, triggers, or inner wounding is coming up that needs to be addressed?

God understands our emotions and that we are human. God experiences emotions like grief, pain, righteous anger, and rejection like us; Yet remains sinless, humble, and chooses to love through it all. We are encouraged to use Jesus as our example on how to handle our emotions (John 13:14-15). W HAT ARE YOUR EMOTIONS TELLING YOU? IT IS OKAY NOT TO FEEL OKAY. You do not need to pretend to be okay with God. You can shout out your pain and let the tears rain down, He will NEVER forsake you (Deuteronomy 31:8, Hebrews 13:5), or change His love for you in Jesus Christ (Romans 8:38-39). GOD CAN TAKE IT ALL. God knows when we are overwhelmed, stressed out, distraught, brokenhearted, furious, depressed, or just done . . . Would you prefer if your emotions just stopped? or that we had the ability to control / shut them down? Does toughen up sound familiar? Do you try to fix yourself or escape your emotions? Keep your trust in this: God gave us the ability to feel emotions for an important reason: It is what makes us human and in the likeliness of God (Genesis 1:27). Our God experiences emotions like grief, pain, righteous anger, and rejection like us. Through the life of Jesus we see God suffer the same things as us, yet remain sinless, humble, and choose to love through all His struggles. We are encouraged to use Jesus as our example (John 13:14-15). Jesus knew the suffering and betrayal (even from His own disciples) He was about to endure ( John 13:1- 2 , John 13:11, J ohn 13:38). Jesus served in Love and showed humility by washing the very disciples feet that were about to betray and forsake him (John 13:5-15). Being an emotional person is not shameful. Feel anger at injustice (Proverbs 17:15, Proverbs 6:17, Ephesians 4:26–27). Feel sadness that leads to repentance (2 Corinthians 7:9-11). experience disappointment that ultimately leads you to connecting with God (Philippians 3:7-11). God promises this is all for good (Jeremiah 29:11) Your Safe Place Jesus leaves the 99 for 1 As Jesus exemplifies in Matthew 26:36-46, express yourself to God and surrender. Pay attention to your emotions and thoughts, let yourself feel them. Show your emotions to God and ask Him to help you understand and discern. Will you let Jesus inside your heart? God sees the pain you feel. His arms are around you and with each tear you shed, He is with you. With each wave of anger, He holds you. You are not broken into pieces that can never be fixed. You are not a hopeless case with no way out because Jesus is the way and our hope (John 14:6, Romans 15:13, 1 Peter 1:21) You don’t have to be strong. God is your strength in your weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9). You don’t need to have the answers. Peace comes with surrender and with faith knowing that you can be angry, feel despair, struggle and question, yet God will stand by you. Only God can help you see His bigger picture and Good plan. Aggression Anger Discomfort Envy Fear Insecurity Invite God's Peace over your Spirit Aggression is a response to stress, fear, or a sense of losing control. It can mean you are feeling frustrated, mistreated, or unheard. Our God, The God who sees your pain: El Roi, records your tears (Psalm 56:8). Leave Justice to Our God of Justice (Romans 12:17-19.) Is your anger righteous (connected to God's Feelings) or unrighteous (based on flesh/trauma)? Anger tells us someone crossed our boundary. E.g. Our space being invaded, our freedom restricted, or our feelings and perspective being invalidated. God says "Be angry but do not sin (Ephesians 4:26)." How can you rely on God to be your rock/refuge in this situation? Discomfort is a feeling of uneasiness and lack of safety, pushing us to become avoidant in situations. God's Word provides comfort in many ways, ask the Holy Spirit to help guide you to God's promises that speak on your situation e.g. Jeremiah 29:11, Joshua 1:9 How can I pause, reflect and ask God for what I truely want? God's Goodness is available for everyone and there is enough for all of us in Jesus Christ (Philippians 4:19). Envy is often rooted in insecurity/fears e.g. fear of abandonment, being replaced, or judged/outcasted. It is okay to ask for what you want, God says to pray about everything (Philippians 4:6-7,Matthew 7:7). Remember like Jesus, submit to God's Will which only wants the best for you (Jeremiah 29:11). How can I give my fear to God? God promises to give us a sound mind, not a spirit of fear (2 Timothy 1:7). Talk to God about your fears like you would to a loving father. God is in Control of everything, and God is always good (Psalms 145:9, Romans 8:28). He has plans to prosper us not harm us (Jeremiah 29:11) What am I insecure about? Remember who God says you are. God who knit you in the womb says you are wonderfully and fearfully made. We were all created through Jesus for Jesus (Colossians 1:16). He chose to give you the breath of life for a reason. Your body is God's Temple, it is sacred (I Corinthians 6:19-20). HOW TO DEAL WITH DIFFICULT EMOTIONS: FAITH OVER FEAR <3 Surrender your emotions to Jesus. Thanks to Jesus, we have a companion to help us, and our prayers are heard (John 14:13-14; 16-18). Lament to God, El Roi sees you . LET IT OUT TO GOD <3 Spend time with God until you are ready to respond to the situation. Allow God to heal your heart, He promises to comfort and strengthen you (Psalm 23:1–6). SHOW YOURSELF GOD'S LOVE Our God is patient, and He is patient with you (2 Peter 3:9). Do not fall into guilt for feeling a certain way. Keep coming to God. Like the prodigal son, God will lovingly open his arms to help you. ALLOW GOD TO HEAL YOU God promises to bind our broken hearts and wounds (Psalm 147:3). He records all our tears (Psalm 56:8). Your pain is safe with God, He promises to turn all things our for Good (Romans 8:28). ANXIETY Anxiety is the feeling that arises when we feel unsafe. Talk to God about your feelings (Philippians 4:6-7), let him help you believe and experience that God ONLY wants the best for you no matter what your situation has looked like in the past (Jeremiah 29:11) GRIEF The feeling that arises of losing something important or a loved one. God does not bring grief willingly (Lamentations 3:33). Our God is a God of hope (Romans 15:13). So keep praying to Jesus about how you feel, keep praying for everything for ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE THROUGH CHRIST WHO STRENGTHENS YOU (Philippians 4:13)! RESENTMENT The outcome of "bottling up" sadness and insecurity that has been held onto for long. God encourages us not to be resentful but Love everyone including our enemies (Matthew 5:43–44). In moments like these, we can open our hearts to Jesus and understand the forgiveness of our sins and others in Jesus Christ. GUILT The feelings that arise when you do something that violates yours or God's values. God keeps no records of wrong-doing . He does not keep us in guilt but asks us to be repentant and accept the forgiveness of our sin in Jesus Christ. God rebukes and chastens with love, guilt is not included but love. Remember, we all fall short of the glory of God, that is why God gave us Jesus to help and heal our hearts. ANXIETY OR THE HOLY SPIRIT? When we experience anxiety, God encourages us to pray and seek his help because he does not want us to live with a fearful mind. Read the following verses: 2 Timothy 1:7 Matthew 6:25-34 Philippians 4:6-7 How do you know when the Holy Spirit is warning you or you are feeling anxiety? THE HOLY SPIRIT Speaks according to Scripture, The Bible Examples: The Holy Spirit says Look to Jesus for comfort in your storm (Matthew 8:23-27) Do not fear men but God (Deuteronomy 1:17, Deuteronomy 3:22, Philippians 1:28) ANXIETY Based on fear/emotions instead of God's Word Ask yourself... What do you feel anxious/fearful about? How can you give it to God? COPING WITH ANGER Definition (noun/verb): Anger is an emotion resulting after experiences of pain. If someone is angry, there will always be underlying, hidden emotions that has not been addressed. Explore the uncomfortable feelings behind the anger that is not being dealt with directly. 1. IDENTIFY THE SIGNS OF WHEN YOU FEEL ANGRY Your heart might beat faster or your breath might feel uncontrollable. If you notice these signs, go to God in a safe/quiet area and talk to Him. God promises to guard your mind and heart in Christ (Philippians 4:7). 2. TAKE TIME TO STEP AWAY WITH GOD Before you react, take time apart and seek guidance from God and His Holy Spirit. We are encouraged to act with love and show the fruits of His Spirit: Kindness, Gentleness and Love (Ephesians 5:1-2, Galatians 5:22-23). 3. TRY BIBLICAL ACTIVITIES TO CALM THE FEELING God speaks through The Bible; It is the best prescription for our heavy emotions. God says "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls" (Matthew 11:28-30). Try watch a sermon, read Psalms or journal to God. 4. TALK ABOUT HOW YOU FEEL TO GOD Like Job, it is ok to let your anger out to God. Be angry but do not sin (Ephesians 4:26). Let it out to God but avoid slandering/gossiping. Pray humbly for forgiveness and love over you and all involved. Look to how Jesus handled being mocked, persecuted and hurt: He was reviled but never reviled in return (I Peter 2:23-25). Jesus never repaid evil with evil and encourages us to follow His example (1 Peter 3:9). God tells us to forgive as we are forgiven for our trespasses even if that means several times (Matthew 6:14-15, Matthew 18:21-22). John 16:33 In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. EMOTIONS BEHIND ANGER Embarrassment Fear Anxiety Helplessness Shame Guilt Frustrated Betrayed Regret Discomfort Insecurity Hurt Unloved Envious Worthless GOD'S GRACE SHINES IN OUR WEAKNESS 'For though He was crucified in weakness, yet He lives by the power of God. For we also are weak in Him, but we shall live with Him by the power of God toward you.' - 2 Corinthians 13:4 He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong. - 2 Corinthians 12:9-10

Jesus is the Good Shepherd who leads His sheep to safe pastures and quiet waters (Psalm 23:1-4). If you feel lost, God is here to guide you. The Good Shepherd John 10:18-121 "Do Not Fear Little Flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom." - Luke 12:32 Psalm 100:3 "Know that the Lord, He is God. It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves. . We are His people and the sheep of His pasture. " THE HOPE WE HOLD ONTO: Revelation 7:17 'for the Lamb who is in the midst of the throne will shepherd them and lead them to living fountains of waters. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.”' Ezekiel 34:11-31 God the True Shepherd: ‘For thus says the Lord God: “Indeed I Myself will search for My sheep and seek them out. As a shepherd seeks out his flock on the day he is among his scattered sheep, so will I seek out My sheep and deliver them from all the places where they were scattered on a cloudy and dark day. And I will bring them out from the peoples and gather them from the countries, and will bring them to their own land; I will feed them on the mountains of Israel, in the valleys and in all the inhabited places of the country. I will feed them in good pasture, and their fold shall be on the high mountains of Israel. There they shall lie down in a good fold and feed in rich pasture on the mountains of Israel. I will feed My flock, and I will make them lie down,” says the Lord God. “I will seek what was lost and bring back what was driven away, bind up the broken and strengthen what was sick; but I will destroy the fat and the strong, and feed them in judgment.” ‘And as for you, O My flock, thus says the Lord God: “Behold, I shall judge between sheep and sheep, between rams and goats. Is it too little for you to have eaten up the good pasture, that you must tread down with your feet the residue of your pasture—and to have drunk of the clear waters, that you must foul the residue with your feet? And as for My flock, they eat what you have trampled with your feet, and they drink what you have fouled with your feet.” ‘Therefore thus says the Lord God to them: “Behold, I Myself will judge between the fat and the lean sheep. Because you have pushed with side and shoulder, butted all the weak ones with your horns, and scattered them abroad, therefore I will save My flock, and they shall no longer be a prey; and I will judge between sheep and sheep. I will establish one shepherd over them, and he shall feed them—My servant David. He shall feed them and be their shepherd. And I, the Lord, will be their God, and My servant David a prince among them; I, the Lord, have spoken. “I will make a covenant of peace with them, and cause wild beasts to cease from the land; and they will dwell safely in the wilderness and sleep in the woods. I will make them and the places all around My hill a blessing; and I will cause showers to come down in their season; there shall be showers of blessing. Then the trees of the field shall yield their fruit, and the earth shall yield her increase. They shall be safe in their land; and they shall know that I am the Lord, when I have broken the bands of their yoke and delivered them from the hand of those who enslaved them. And they shall no longer be a prey for the nations, nor shall beasts of the land devour them; but they shall dwell safely, and no one shall make them afraid. I will raise up for them a garden of renown, and they shall no longer be consumed with hunger in the land, nor bear the shame of the Gentiles anymore. Thus they shall know that I, the Lord their God, am with them, and they, the house of Israel, are My people,” says the Lord God.’ “You are My flock, the flock of My pasture; you are men, and I am your God,” says the Lord God. 'For you were like sheep going astray, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.' - I Peter 2:25 | Psalm 119: 176 When a sheep has gone astray, it leaves the life and protection that it relies on the Shepherd to give: Food, Water + Shelter. Being separated from God is like being a sheep without a shepherd. God promises to take care of us : Psalm 27:10. A Good Shepherd will seek out its lost sheep (Ezekiel 34:12) and r escue it just like the Son of Man came to Seek and save the lost (Luke 19:10) Ezekiel 34:12 As a shepherd seeks out his flock on the day he is among his scattered sheep, so will I seek out My sheep and deliver them from all the places where they were scattered on a cloudy and dark day. When Jesus saw the crowds, He had compassion on them because they were harrassed and helpless like sheep without a shepherd (Matthew 9:36) Matthew 12:11-12: 'Then He said to them, “What man is there among you who has one sheep, and if it falls into a pit on the Sabbath, will not lay hold of it and lift it out? Of how much more value then is a man than a sheep?...' Matthew 10:5-8 These twelve Jesus sent out and commanded them, saying: “Do not go into the way of the Gentiles, and do not enter a city of the Samaritans. But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. And as you go, preach, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out demons. Freely you have received, freely give. The Parable of the Lost Sheep Luke 15:1-7 'Then all the tax collectors and the sinners drew near to Him to hear Him. And the Pharisees and scribes complained, saying, “This Man receives sinners and eats with them.” So He spoke this parable to them, saying: “What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he loses one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness, and go after the one which is lost until he finds it? And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost!’ I say to you that likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance.' John 10:14-16 “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me." Without a shepherd, sheeps are completely helpless against their enemies. In Israel, the #1 enemy of sheeps is wolves. Wolves fear the presence of a shepherd, just like the evil one is terrified of Jesus (James 2:19). Jesus protects us from evil like the shepherd protects its sheep: John 10:7-9 Then Jesus said to them again, “Most assuredly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. All who ever came before Me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not hear them. I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture The Sheep Pen represents Eternal life / Protection in God: A Sheep Pen in Israel is made up of stone walls that come together and form a narrow opening. Before night comes, the shepherd gets his flock into this protection, and then serves as the gate to the sheep pen by sitting or laying in the narrow gate so nothing can get in or out except through The Shepherd. Sheep are most vulnerable in the darkness, so before sunset the shepherd gets his sheep into the sheep pen . The pen protects the sheep from danger during night.

Prayer helps us connect to God. We have a sovereign God who is available 24/7 to hear what is bothering you. Need Prayer? Prayer connects us with God and lets us reach out to Him. There is a common assumption that God is too busy to answer our prayers because He takes care of so many people, but the truth is, we have a sovereign God who is available 24/7 to hear our prayers thanks to Jesus. Jesus prayed often and set an example for how we should pray (Matthew 6:9-13, Matthew 26:36-44). Even though our Heavenly Father knows our needs (Matthew 6:8), He wants us to rely on Him as Jehovah Jireh, our provider. Let us thank Jesus for giving us the privilege of connecting with our Heavenly Father.John 14:6-7), who shows His Salvation, Grace and love for us through Jesus Christ (John 3:16-17, Isaiah 54:10-11) Request a prayer: First name Email* Subject Write a message Submit prayer request In this manner, therefore, pray: Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, As we forgive our debtors. Do not lead us into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. Matthew 6:9-13 John 14:13-15 And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask anything in My name, I will do it. “If you love Me, keep My commandments. Download FREE Prayers Prayer for Depression Prayer for Anxiety Prayer to be a Better Person Prayer for Insomnia Matthew 18:19-20 Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them. Isaiah 54:10-11 For the mountains shall depart And the hills be removed, But My kindness shall not depart from you, Nor shall My covenant of peace be removed,” Says the Lord, who has mercy on you. “O you afflicted one, Tossed with tempest, and not comforted, Behold, I will lay your stones with colorful gems, And lay your foundations with sapphires.'

God doesn't expect your Faith to be perfect. That is why He sent us Jesus Christ. Through testimonies like Abraham and Jonah, we see how people like us struggle but God still works His mercies through them all. MORE The Garden Of Gethsemane Jesus helps us when we are struggling to submit to God's Will. Jonah: God's Will prevails God's Will is always is done despite our disobedience Matthew 26:36-46 Jonah 1-3 When you are struggling to walk in love or surrender to God's will, how can you relate with Jesus ? Have you ever struggled with disobedience/faith? How can Jonah's story encourage you? In the garden of Gethsemane, before Jesus was arrested and crucified, Jesus “fell with his face to the ground and prayed, "My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will” (Matthew 26:39). Although Jesus was sorrowful to the point of death (Matthew 26:38), He chose to obey and surrender to His Father's will (John 5:19). He did not rely on his own understanding but submitted to God's and Christ's death fulfilled God's will to save us (Romans 5:8) We may think our way is better / safer but God's way is always the best for us (Jeremiah 29:11). God's perfect love towards us is patient and long-suffering (1 Corinthians 13:4 ). He does not expect us to be perfect but to rely on the only perfect being - God. Jesus is perfect because He remained sinless and always submitted to God's Will despite His emotions and struggles in flesh. We are sinful flesh so we cannot always be perfect, but we can rely on the one who is and He will guide us, strengthen us and help us in His Spirit of Truth (John 16:13). God is there to give us counsel and wisdom, He is there to dry our tears when we feel like there is nobody to help us. Jesus is our high priest, holy, undefiled, and seperate from sinners; Who offered himself up for us to save us (Hebrews7:26-28) He has compassion on those who are ignorant and going astray, since he himself is also subject to weakness. (Hebrews 5:2) Jesus separated from the world to draw near to God, even with the disciples whom loved him the most and in return God drew near to Him (James 4:8). In our loneliest, darkest, weakest moments God's grace is sufficient (2 Corinthians 12:9). Our God of comfort will comfort you (2 Corinthians 1:3-4) Spending time with the Father, learning His Word, allows us to hear His loving voice and encouragement. God's Word empowers us to trust Him, especially when obedience is difficult. God is not angry with us when we struggle to have faith and surrender to His will, He is here to help you, He understands we are flesh (Psalms 103:14 , psalm 78:39) so He sent us Jesus to die for our sin and the Holy Spirit to guide us in truth and comfort us. God is on your side , “for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfil his good purpose” (Philippians 2:13, NIV). The Lord commanded Jonah to preach against Nineveh for their wickedness (Jonah 1:1-2), but Jonah ran away from Lord by boarding a ship to Tarshish (Jonah 1:3). God's glory was manifested through Jonah's disobedience. God sent a violent storm threatening the ship to break (Jonah 1:3-4). Each man prayed to their gods and threw their cargo off the ship to lighten it but nothing was working (Jonah 1:5). The men asked Jonah who was sleeping, "Tell us, who is responsible for making all this trouble for us? What kind of work do you do? Where do you come from? What is your country? From what people are you?" Jonah answered them, “I am a Hebrew and I worship the Lord, the God of heaven, who made the sea and the dry land.” (Jonah 1:9). The fear of the Lord came upon them and they ended up crying out to the Lord “Please, Lord , do not let us die for taking this man’s life. Do not hold us accountable for killing an innocent man, for you, Lord, have done as you pleased.” They threw Jonah overboard and the men greatly feared the Lord, they offered a sacrifice to the Lord and made vows to Him' (Jonah 1:14-16). The Lord provided a huge fish to swallow Jonah, and Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights.' (Jonah 1:17). A prophetic testimony for Jesus who used Jonah as an example "For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of a huge fish, so the Son of Man will be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth." (Matthew 12:40). Then Jonah prayed to God: 'He said: “In my distress I called to the Lord , and he answered me. From deep in the realm of the dead I called for help, and you listened to my cry. You hurled me into the depths, into the very heart of the seas, and the currents swirled about me; all your waves and breakers swept over me. I said, ‘I have been banished from your sight; yet I will look again toward your holy temple.’ The engulfing waters threatened me, the deep surrounded me; seaweed was wrapped around my head. To the roots of the mountains I sank down; the earth beneath barred me in forever. But you, Lord my God, brought my life up from the pit. “When my life was ebbing away, I remembered you, Lord , and my prayer rose to you, to your holy temple' (Jonah 2:2-7). 'And the Lord commanded the fish, and it vomited Jonah onto dry land.' (Jonah 2:10). Jonah's faith was strengthened, God's glory was manifested to all. God gave Jonah another chance. Genesis 15 - 22 Abraham, Sarah & Isaac Isaac was the promised child (Genesis 17:15-27) borne to Sarah and Abraham at old age (Genesis 21:1-7). By their faith, God performed a miracle: 'And not being weak in faith, he (Abraham) did not consider his own body, already dead (since he was about a hundred years old), and the deadness of Sarah’s womb. He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God" (Romans 4:19-20). God tested Abraham's faith by commanding him to sacrifice Isaac as an offering to God; But God had a bigger purpose (Genesis 22:1-2). The angel of the Lord stopped Abraham from slaying his son at the altar and provided a ram to take Isaac's place (Genesis 22:11-13). God provided the ram, a male sheep, in place of Abraham's son as a prophetic testimony of Jesus , the lamb of God, being sacrificed for us all (John 1:29, Hebrews 9:28, 1 Peter 1:18-19, Isaiah 53:7). Abraham called the place, "The- Lord -Will-Provide" as it is said to this day, “In the Mount of the Lord it shall be provided.” - Genesis 22:14 "By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises offered up his only begotten son, of whom it was said, “In Isaac your seed shall be called,” concluding that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead, from which he also received him in a figurative sense.' (Hebrews 11:17-19). 'By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to the place which he would receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. By faith he dwelt in the land of promise as in a foreign country, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise; for he waited for the city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God. By faith Sarah herself also received strength to conceive seed, and she bore a child when she was past the age, because she judged Him faithful who had promised . Therefore from one man, and him as good as dead, were born as many as the stars of the sky in multitude—innumerable as the sand which is by the seashore.' - Hebrews 11:8-12 How can we relate? Have you experienced a moment where you had to let go of your own understanding and have faith in God's promises? It isn't easy to have faith in God especially when faith is in the unseen not the seen (Hebrews 11:1-6). Like us, Abraham would have been experiencing much turmoil and spiritual warfare walking to the place God commanded, and preparing the altar to sacrifice his promised son, Isaac; Yet Abraham surrendered to God's command and trusted in God's promise to him and Sarah. Abraham had prepared many altars to the Lord in the past, However this one was a real test of faith and dedication to God as it required the life of his son (Genesis 12:7-8, Genesis 13:18, Genesis 22:9). Abraham did not get it all right the first time. In Genesis 15, when God made a covenant with Abraham that he would bore a son from his own flesh (Genesis 15:4-5); Abraham believed so it was accounted to him as righteous (Genesis 15:6); But He relied in his own understanding and listened to Sarah by going into her Egyptian maidservant, Hagar who conceived a child named Ishmael (Genesis 16). Nevertheless God's will was still done. Abraham also laughed when God said Sarah would conceive the promised son at old age (Genesis 17:16-17). Then God said to Abraham, “As for Sarai your wife, you shall not call her name Sarai, but Sarah shall be her name. And I will bless her and also give you a son by her; then I will bless her, and she shall be a mother of nations; kings of peoples shall be from her.” Then Abraham fell on his face and laughed, and said in his heart, “Shall a child be born to a man who is one hundred years old? And shall Sarah, who is ninety years old, bear a child?” And Abraham said to God, “Oh, that Ishmael might live before You!” Then God said: “No, Sarah your wife shall bear you a son, and you shall call his name Isaac; I will establish My covenant with him for an everlasting covenant, and with his descendants after him. And as for Ishmael, I have heard you. Behold, I have blessed him, and will make him fruitful, and will multiply him exceedingly. He shall beget twelve princes, and I will make him a great nation. But My covenant I will establish with Isaac, whom Sarah shall bear to you at this set time next year. - Genesis 17:15-21 Abraham had to let go of all his flesh understanding and trust in God's promise that God promised him this son and God doesn't lie or go back on His promises (Numbers 23:19, Hebrews 6:18). If a son asks for a fish, God will never give a stone (Luke 11:11-12). God does not expect us to be perfect in our faith like how our world defines perfection. God is looking for a loyal heart and a willing mind to believe (I Chronicles 28:9-20, James 3:17). There will be times of struggle and God understands, so God sent us Jesus, the only perfect, sinless being in which We can go to help us (2 Corinthians 5:21, Hebrews 4:15). Genesis 15:4-5 And behold, the word of the LORD came to him, saying, “This one shall not be your heir, but one who will come from your own body shall be your heir.” Then He brought him outside and said, “Look now toward heaven, and count the stars if you are able to number them.” And He said to him, “So shall your descendants be.” Genesis 22:1-2 'Now it came to pass after these things that God tested Abraham, and said to him, “Abraham!” And he said, “Here I am.” Then He said, “Take now your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I shall tell you.” Genesis 22:11-13 'But the Angel of the Lord called to him from heaven and said, “Abraham, Abraham!” So he said, “Here I am.” And He said, “Do not lay your hand on the lad, or do anything to him; for now I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld your son, your only son, from Me. Then Abraham lifted his eyes and looked, and there behind him was a ram caught in a thicket by its horns. So Abraham went and took the ram, and offered it up for a burnt offering instead of his son' I Peter 1:18-19 'Knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.' John 1:29 'The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! ' Numbers 23:19 “God is not a man, that He should lie, Nor a son of man, that He should repent. Has He said, and will He not do? Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good? I Chronicles 28:9-20 As for you, my son Solomon, know the God of your father, and serve Him with a loyal heart and with a willing mind; for the LORD searches all hearts and understands all the intent of the thoughts. If you seek Him, He will be found by you; but if you forsake Him, He will cast you off forever. 2 Corinthians 5:21 For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. THE JUST LIVE BY FAITH Hebrews 10:23: Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. Hebrews 11 For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise (Hebrews 10:36) The Rainbow Covenant God doesn't allow a storm if he doesn't have a purpose for it: Romans 8:28 - "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose." No matter what is happening in your life, God is working things out for your good. Even in your most challenging situations, God is using them to accomplish His good purposes. For example, Paul and some crewmen took sail to Phoenix but experienced a violent storm and the ship was tempest-tossed (Acts 27:18). The crew and passengers lost hope of survival due to the relentless storm (Acts 27:20). But Paul had faith that God would fulfil His promise when an angel of the Lord told him they would survive and be brought before Caesar in Rome, though the ship would be destroyed (Acts 27:23-25). The ship ended up shipwrecked in Malta (approx. 800km away from Phoenix), and all the passengers were unharmed as they continued their journey to Rome (Acts 27:44, Acts 28). God ultimately demonstrated His power and glory to Paul and the crewmen showing that God can use storms in our life for His greater purpose. When we trust God and follow Him, we can have confidence that He is in control, even when we can't see the big picture. God knows what He's doing, and He will use everything in our lives to shape us and grow us closer to Him. This doesn't mean that everything in our lives will be easy or comfortable; It means God is working through the trials to bring something good. So when you're facing a difficult situation, remember Romans 8:28. Trust that God is working for good, even when you can't see it. Your salvation is made perfect through your suffering and sanctification (Hebrews 2:10-11). Your storms are not for no reason. We see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, for the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, that He, by the grace of God, might taste death for everyone.' (Hebrews 2:9) I Peter 1:6-9 'In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, receiving the end of your faith—the salvation of your souls.' Psalm 40: Faith preserving trial "I waited patiently for the Lord; And He inclined to me, And heard my cry. He also brought me up out of a horrible pit, Out of the miry clay, And set my feet upon a rock, And established my steps." (Psalm 40:1-2) God promises to protect and guide His followers in His truth and safety, preventing us from falling or being led astray (Psalm 91:1-2, Psalm 121:3, John 16:13). God is always working in our lives, He never slumbers (Psalm 121:3). You matter to God, which is why He tests your faith in fire - He is shaping you, transforming you and healing you for the Kingdom of Heaven with God (1 Peter 1:7). It will not necessarily look like our expectations of success, nor will it be comfortable or happy but for your good. Joseph’s brothers planned to kill him and betrayed him by selling him into slavery in a foreign land, Egypt (Genesis 37). However, God used it for good and eventually blessed Joseph with authority over Egypt so he was able to save his family from famine (Genesis 41:37-57). Genesis 50:20 states, “As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today.” Genesis 41:51-52 Joseph called the name of the firstborn Manasseh: “For God has made me forget all my toil and all my father’s house.” And the name of the second he called Ephraim: “For God has caused me to be fruitful in the land of my affliction.”' Hebrews 11:7 - By faith Noah, being divinely warned of things not yet seen, moved with godly fear, prepared an ark for the saving of his household, by which he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness which is according to faith. Hebrews 11:5 - By faith Enoch was taken away so that he did not see death, “and was not found, because God had taken him”; for before he was taken he had this testimony, that he pleased God. 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it. Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ - I Peter 1:13 Psalms 145:18-21 The LORD is near to all who call upon Him, To all who call upon Him in truth. He will fulfil the desire of those who fear Him; He also will hear their cry and save them. The LORD preserves all who love Him, But all the wicked He will destroy. My mouth shall speak the praise of the LORD, And all flesh shall bless His holy name Forever and ever.

Feeling downcast? HealingForYou shares God’s mercy, healing, love and grace for you in Jesus Christ, Our Lord & Saviour. THE ART OF KINTSUGI Do you feel broken or beyond repair? Kintsugi is the art of repairing broken pottery. God, our creator, is the potterer and we are the work of His hands: the clay (Isaiah 64:8-9, Job 33:6). Life's circumstances may leave you feeling broken or beyond repair; But that is where Jesus, our redeemer, uses the shattered pieces to write a story of redemption where your tears turn into joy and hope (Isaiah 46:4, Isaiah 47:4, Isaiah 48:17, Job 19:25-26, Colossians 1:13). To redeem something means to take what we thought was lost, worthless, or beyond repair and give it a new purpose, value, and hope. In Kintsugi, when a bowl is broken, rather than discarding its pieces, the potterer puts it back together and fills the cracks with gold. Just like this beautiful form of art, God will pick up your broken pieces and adorn the fractures with His Glory and everlasting mercies. God will comfort you in times of trouble for your salvation, the building of patience and understanding, connection to Christ and helping others in need (2 Corinthians 1:3-6). God does not despise your broken heart, He wants you to surrender it to Him (Psalm 51:17). God will work ALL things out for good including your broken heart (Romans 8:28 & Jeremiah 29:11). The repaired bowl in kintsugi represents a new, raw form of beauty out of the pain. There are no attempts to hide the scars but form it into a sacred testimony. In Christ, we become new creations and better people who can show the fruits of God's spirit (2 Corinthians 5:17, Romans 5:3-5, James 1:2-6). God's presence and power will shine over your 'worst' moments. What man defines as "a lost cause", God sees as a vessel for His grace (2 Corinthians 12:9-10). God will be your strength, an ever-present help in trouble (Psalm 46:1-3). God doesn't expect you to be strong or fix everything on your own, trust the hands that formed you and our Father to do the mending. Just like when Joseph was betrayed by his own brothers (Genesis 50:20), God will turn everything intended to hurt you into a blessing: * Deuteronomy 23:5 Nevertheless the LORD your God would not listen to Balaam, but the LORD your God turned the curse into a blessing for you, because the LORD your God loves you. * Nehemiah 13:2 Because they met not the children of Israel with bread and with water, but hired Balaam against them, that he should curse them: howbeit our God turned the curse into a blessing. 'Indeed we count them blessed who endure. You have heard of the perseverance of Job and seen the end intended by the Lord—that the Lord is very compassionate and merciful.' - James 5:11 The Story of Job Have you ever felt like Job? Job 3:11 Job 3:21-22 Job 3:24-26 Job 7:13-16 Job 7:8-10 Job 10:18-19 Job 3:11 NKJV “Why did I not die at birth? Why did I not perish when I came from the womb?" Job 3:24-26 NKJV For my sighing comes before I eat, And my groanings pour out like water. For the thing I greatly feared has come upon me, And what I dreaded has happened to me. I am not at ease, nor am I quiet; I have no rest, for trouble comes.” Job 3:21-22 NKJV "Who long for death, but it does not come, And search for it more than hidden treasures; Who rejoice exceedingly, And are glad when they can find the grave?" Job 7:13-16 NKJV "When I say, ‘My bed will comfort me, My couch will ease my complaint,’ Then You scare me with dreams And terrify me with visions, So that my soul chooses strangling And death rather than my body. I loathe my life; I would not live forever. Let me alone, For my days are but a breath." Job 7:8-10 NKJV "The eye of him who sees me will see me no more; While your eyes are upon me, I shall no longer be. As the cloud disappears and vanishes away, So he who goes down to the grave does not come up. He shall never return to his house, Nor shall his place know him anymore." Job 10:18-19 NKJV "Why then have You brought me out of the womb? Oh, that I had perished and no eye had seen me! I would have been as though I had not been. I would have been carried from the womb to the grave." Job 5:8,11 & 15-23 '“But if I were you, I would appeal to God; I would lay my cause before him. The lowly he sets on high, and those who mourn are lifted to safety. ' 'He saves the needy from the sword in their mouth; He saves them from the clutches of the powerful. So the poor have hope, and injustice shuts its mouth. “Blessed is the one whom God corrects; so do not despise the discipline of the Almighty. For he wounds, but he also binds up; he injures, but his hands also heal. From six calamities He will rescue you; in seven no harm will touch you. In famine he will deliver you from death, and in battle from the stroke of the sword. You will be protected from the lash of the tongue, and need not fear when destruction comes. You will laugh at destruction and famine, and need not fear the wild animals. For you will have a covenant with the stones of the field, and the wild animals will be at peace with you.' God answered Job's appeal out of a whirlwind. God reassured Job of His authority over everything in the earth and heavens, including giant beasts such as behemoth and leviathan (Job 38:1-7). There is a lot we do not see or know as humans but God, who sees all, controls all of creation, the ocean deeps, stars, rain, and so much more! God knows what He is doing, sometimes we won't understand but that is where God can get the most glory (Isaiah 55:8-9). We are welcomed to ask God for understanding in our situations (James 1:5). By surrendering to God's perspective, we are able to see His goodness and glory in what we label as "hopeless". Asking for God's understanding on a situation will bring you into the good knowledge of His sovereignty over the world and all its inhabitants no matter what it looks like to us. God will enlighten our eyes and hearts to understand that He is the author of everything; and everything He writes is in Love because He is love (1 John 4:7-8). Then we can surrender and trust God's hope in Jesus instead of our own understanding of how God's love "should" work. God doesn't want you to keep silent about your pain (Philippians 4:6-7). Keep lamenting your sorrow to God as Job did and remember, God is with you (Job 7:11, Job 10:1, Matthew 1:23, Romans 8:31). God will restore you (Job 42:10-17, Psalm 23:3, 1 Peter 5:10). 01. Appeal to God and lay your cause before Him (Hebrews 4:16) Job teaches us how to get help from God: 1/4 NO EVIL AGAINST YOU WILL PROSPER Isaiah 54:17 - No weapon formed against you shall prosper, And every tongue which rises against you in judgment You shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, And their righteousness is from Me,” Says the LORD. The Good Shepherd Do you feel looked over? The evil one is described like a roaring lion in 1 Peter 5:8. The lions may roar and growl, yet the teeth of the great lions are broken (Job 4:10). Healing Trauma "Self Care" IT IS OKAY IF YOU DO NOT HAVE A SOLUTION (JOB 38) We have a sovereign God, Creator of the heavens and earth, and all that is in them (Acts 4:24). God is in control of ALL things despite our free will to treason. After-all, God created the foundations of earth (Job 38:4-7, Revelation 4:11, Isaiah 45:12, Isaiah 48:13). God has the solutions to all the problems you face. God goes before you in every battle, and fights against injustice and evil for us (Exodus 14:14, Deuteronomy 31:6, Psalms 37:27-29). Before you were born, God ordained the days for you so He knows how to help you (Psalm 139:16). ARE YOU STRUGGLING WITH SUICIDAL THOUGHTS? Dear Heavenly Father, Hallowed be thy name, We come to your throne of Grace with a broken spirit in need of Your help. Father, You understand the pain and despair we fight with in this world. Help us remember and experience Your Word which promises us that You are on our side and that nothing can be against us, Remind us of Your protection from anything that wishes to do harm. We surrender this battle to You as You are the Only One who can save us. May Your lovingkindness and mercies comfort us. Thank you Father for shining Your light in the darkness. Fill our empty hearts with your hope and love in Jesus Christ, our saviour and redeemer. in Jesus' name, amen. "Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress. He brought them out of darkness, the utter darkness, and broke away their chains. Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind... (Psalm 107: 13-16). You may feel like nobody understands you but you are not alone. Life gets overwhelming even for a king, King David expresses "Save me, O God, for the floodwaters are up to my neck. Deeper and deeper I sink into the mire; I can't find a foothold. I am in deep water and the floods overwhelm me (Psalm69: 1-2). Do you feel like you are drowning in despair? Jonah prayed "Now, O Lord, take away my life, for it is better for me to die than to live (Jonah 4:3). Their testimonies are an example of God's Word being living, breathing and active in our struggles today (Hebrews 4:12) Testimonies in God's Word show how people before our time felt exactly like you do: "Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world" (1 Peter 5:9). John 3:16-17 John 16:33 John 17:15 Psalms 78:38-39 Psalm 23:4 Philippians 1:23-25 II Corinthians 1:3-4 John 3:16-17 NIV For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. John 16:33 NIV I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” Psalms 78:38-39 NKJV But He, being full of compassion, forgave their iniquity, And did not destroy them. Yes, many a time He turned His anger away, And did not stir up all His wrath; For He remembered that they were but flesh, A breath that passes away and does not come again. John 17:15 NKJV I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one. Psalm 23:4 NKJV Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. Philippians 1:23-25 NKJV For I am hard-pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better. Nevertheless to remain in the flesh is more needful for you. And being confident of this, I know that I shall remain and continue with you all for your progress and joy of faith,” II Corinthians 1:3-4 NKJV Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. God Is On Your Side Feeling Lost Struggling To Feel Hope You Are Safe With God How To Be A Better Person Call to God For Help HealingForYou LTD. 2025 Subscribe to our newsletter: First name* Email* Join NEWSLETTER Reviews for HealingForYou ltd

Do the "I have to's" keep you awake? Jesus Gives True Rest. He says "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls' (Matthew 11:28-29). There remains a rest for the People of God (Hebrews 4:9) REST IN GOD. 1 Kings 8:56-58 “Blessed be the LORD, who has given rest to His people Israel, according to all that He promised. There has not failed one word of all His good promise, which He promised through His servant Moses. May the LORD our God be with us, as He was with our fathers. May He not leave us nor forsake us, that He may incline our hearts to Himself, to walk in all His ways, and to keep His commandments and His statutes and His judgments, which He commanded our fathers." Psalm 121:4-8 "Behold, He who keeps Israel Shall neither slumber nor sleep. The LORD is your keeper; The LORD is your shade at your right hand. The sun shall not strike you by day, Nor the moon by night. The LORD shall preserve you from all evil; He shall preserve your soul. The LORD shall preserve your going out and your coming in From this time forth, and even forevermore." REST IS A GIFT FROM GOD Do the "I have to's" keep you awake We have a lot of responsibilities in our lives and relationships. Expectations from ourselves, our families, mentors and workplaces can get overwhelming. How do we deal with it? Start with Jesus, sit & listen to His Voice: In Luke 10:39-42, Mary sat at Jesus' feet and heard God's word while her sister, Martha was distracted making preparations for what she thought she "had to do." Where did Martha's "have to" come from? Jesus did not arrive with a set of demands. Martha made her list up using her best intentions but Jesus said Mary chose well because she kept her attention toward God's Word. God did not put you on this earth for performance or grades defined by man, but to experience God and His Love for you. You do not have to serve "more" to be accepted or loved by God more, nothing will seperate us from God's love towards us (Romans 8:38-39). Seek first His kingdom and the rest will be added to you (Matthew 6:33). You are saved by grace in Jesus Christ not by your works but because of God's endless mercies and forgiveness for us (Ephesians 2:8). Jesus is the finished work , rest in Him knowing He is your SAVIOUR. LUKE 10:38-42 'Now it happened as they went that He entered a certain village; and a certain woman named Martha welcomed Him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who also sat at Jesus’ feet and heard His word. But Martha was distracted with much serving, and she approached Him and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore tell her to help me.” And Jesus answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.”' Insomnia Cast all your care upon Him, for he cares for you - 1 peter 5:7 A persistent difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or experiencing poor sleep quality How do you cast your cares to the LORD? God encourages us to pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17). Praying before bedtime helps our mind be at ease; Helping us focus on God's power and goodness over our lives. Release your fears and concerns by talking to Him about your sorrows and struggles; God wants to be a Father to you and take care of you in every way (2 Corinthians 6:18, Isaiah 46:4). You do not need to be concerned with business (Ecclesiastes 8:16); God blesses all the works of our hands, offspring and even more through our obedience to Him (Deuteronomy 28). If you are concerned about tomorrow, remember, tomorrow will worry about itself for each day has enough worries of its own (Matthew 6:34). God knows the ultimate reason of why you cannot sleep - It is important to ask Him because God gives wisdom generously to those who ask (James 1:5). We could be concerned with too many fleshly worries or businesses that we aren't giving God, we could be living in flesh/sin instead of spirit so the Holy Spirit in us may be grieved, God may want to talk to you, It is ultimately best to talk to God about it. Science will tell you the works of the flesh such as coffee, drugs, vaping, alcohol etc. disrupts sleep. If we rely on it to get us to sleep, it does. It is important to be sober-minded and able to hear the Holy Spirit's true voice (1 Peter 5:8). Nightmares "For God may speak in one way, or in another, Yet man does not perceive it. In a dream, in a vision of the night, When deep sleep falls upon men, While slumbering on their beds, Then He opens the ears of men, And seals their instruction. In order to turn man from his deed, And conceal pride from man" (Job 33:14-17). God speaks in all our dreams including the ones we categorise as nightmares. God is the one who sends revelations in the night (Psalm 19:2); and reveals understanding through The Holy Spirit (I Corinthians 2:10-16). For example, God blessed Daniel with understanding in all visions and dreams (Daniel 1:17). When King Nebuchadnezzar was anxious about his dreams, his spirit was troubled and he struggled to fall asleep (Daniel 2:1, 3). The king called sorcerers, astrologers, magicians and Chaldeans to interpret his dreams but they were unable (Daniel 2:2, Daniel 2:10-12). Daniel asked the Lord to reveal the mystery and God showed Daniel the meaning (Daniel 2:19, Daniel 2:27-29). Daniel answered: “Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, For wisdom and might are His. And He changes the times and the seasons; He removes kings and raises up kings; He gives wisdom to the wise And knowledge to those who have understanding. He reveals deep and secret things; He knows what is in the darkness, And light dwells with Him. “I thank You and praise You, O God of my fathers; You have given me wisdom and might, And have now made known to me what we asked of You, For You have made known to us the king’s demand.”' - Daniel 2:20-23 Daniel was also grieved in the spirit and troubled by his own dreams (Daniel 7:15) when God revealed revelations of the end times to him throughout Chapter 7 of the book of Daniel. Nowhere in the Holy Bible is it written that the evil one has authority to send nightmares. It is God who reveals the truth and prophetic testimonies: The LORD is in control of everything in the heavens and in the earth (Psalm 103:19, Deuteronomy 10:14), including the things that torment us in our sleep; For God himself creates calamities and prosperities, light and darkness (Isaiah 45:7, I Kings 22:19-23, Job 1:6-12). God doesn't use the evil one to make us suffer, God has plans of peace towards us not evil (Jeremiah 29:11) and He does not bring grief or trouble willingly to men (Lamentations 3:33) But God uses everything for the greater good for those who love him (Romans 8:28): such as discipline, moral enrichment, divine judgement/warnings etc.. So how do we deal with it? Do not be afraid (Isaiah 41:10, Joshua 1:9, and John 14:27), Fear only God and ask the Holy Spirit for understanding. Proverbs 3:24 When you lie down, you will not be afraid; Yes, you will lie down and your sleep will be sweet. Psalm 4:8 In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety. Matthew 11:28-30 Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Dear Heavenly Father, We pray for the reader struggling with insomnia to experience Your Love and Rest in their heart, mind and spirit. Thank you for easing their concerns, releasing their tensions, and comforting them. May you help them give their fears to you in Jesus' name, amen. 01 What is bothering you ? God wants to hear about it Hebrews 4:14-16 We have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. 02 Do something you enjoy (With Jesus!) Do you enjoy writing? reading? art? Watching movies or documentaries? Keep Jesus at the centre of ALL, He is our hope (Romans 15:13, Isaiah 40:31). Our God is our father who wants to be included in our activities. When we pray, we have a conversation with God and allow our Flesh to understand that God has always been there for us. (Romans 8:31). 03 Finish your day with God Our God of comfort will comfort you more than anything (2 Corinthians 1:3-4 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.) We are in the times of grace where our God is not here to shame or condemn us but rescue us and help us in Jesus Christ (John 3:16-17). 04 Let God take care of you Our thoughts can be overwhelming especially at night when we are alone. God encourages us to come to Him and make our thoughts obedient to Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5). What does this mean? It means to fill your mind with the Helmet of Salvation and God's Word (Ephesians 6:17). Remind yourself of what Jesus did for you and His victory over all fear, anxiety and death (Acts 2:24, Corinthians 15:57). 05 Relax, God's got you! By learning who God is ( Love - 1 John 4:8), and reading the examples of His Love in His Word, we draw nearer to His Love and begin to understand His faithfulness, goodness and mercy towards us for generations and during our whole lifetime (James 4:8, 2 Timothy 2:13), amen.

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You are not alone in your suffering. You may feel like God has forsaken or forgotten you but God promises He will NEVER forget you (Isaiah 49:14-15, Deuteronomy 31:6) Isaiah 41:10 You may not fit in, your companions and even family members may come against you, loneliness can test your faith - "Aren't people supposed to show us God's grace and love? especially those of the Church...?" Isaiah 41:10 reminds us of an unshakable truth: You are never alone in this world despite how people treat you. Jesus walks beside us, guiding us through every shadow and uncertainty of this life into His glorious light (John 15:18-21). Though the enemy may instill doubt, and though life’s burdens may feel too heavy, you have nothing to fear because God is on your side, man cannot go against you (Romans 8:31, Psalm 118:6). Jesus is with you, shielding you from every attack. His presence dispels the darkness and will fill you with the strength and courage to keep moving forward (Isaiah 62:8, Isaiah 49:5). Even though evil may surround you, Jesus will hold you with His righteous hand, and His light will guide you through the darkest of alleys (psalm 23:4). You may stumble, but you will not fall because our Savior is by your side. His promise is sure: He will uphold you, strengthen you, and deliver you from every danger (Isaiah 40:30-31, Isaiah 40:29, Isaiah 25:4). When you feel like life is closing in, remember: Jesus has already won the battle (1 Corinthians 15:57). You may face unimaginable difficulties, but through Jesus, you will overcome (1 John 4:4). Let His light fill your heart with hope and know that He is leading you into peace, security, and everlasting joy (Isaiah 61:3). "So do not fear, for I am with you." Everyday of your life is filled with the presence of God (Psalms 139:7-12). God promises to be with you here, now and always. Wherever you are right now as you’re reading these words, God is with you. When you took your first breath, God was there (Jeremiah 1:5). When you are in your darkest moments, God is with you. Wherever you have been, wherever you are, wherever you will be—God is there too. So do not be afraid, you are not alone. How do you see glimpses of God's presence in your everyday life? 1 "Do not be dismayed, for I am your God." We will all have moments of feeling discouraged. God understands what it means to have hard days and tears. God does not expect you to be perfect, He offers you His strength (Ephesians 6:10, Philippians 4:13). It is not about looking like you have it all together; it is about knowing God alone holds us together. Sometimes , we can’t feel it, see it, or imagine it but our victory is still sure in Jesus Christ (Deuteronomy 20:4, Corinthians 15:57). Not because of us or anything we do, but because of the undefeatable God who lives within us. 2 "I will strengthen you and help you." Jesus wept too, He understands your pain. As God strengthened Jesus in His most sorrowful and vulnerable moments, God will strengthen and help you. John 11:32-36: When Mary reached the place where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at his feet and said, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come along with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in spirit and troubled. “Where have you laid him?” he asked. “Come and see, Lord,” they replied. Jesus wept. Then the Jews said, “See how He loved him!”' Mark 14:32-42: Then they came to a place which was named Gethsemane; and He said to His disciples, “Sit here while I pray.” And He took Peter, James, and John with Him, and He began to be troubled and deeply distressed. Then He said to them, “My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death. Stay here and watch.” He went a little farther, and fell on the ground, and prayed that if it were possible, the hour might pass from Him. And He said , “Abba, Father, all things are possible for You. Take this cup away from Me; nevertheless, not what I will, but what You will.” You will never have to rely only on your own strength or resources to do God's Will, let His grace work through you. You will never be too weak because you have Christ, our saviour, living within you (Galatians 2:20) Nothing is too hard for YOUR God, which means nothing he has called you to do today will be too hard for you. What do you need God's help with today? 3 "I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." 4 " You pushed me violently, that I might fall, But the LORD helped me." (Psalms 118:13-18) Though you may fall, you will not be utterly cast down; For the Lord will uphold you with His hand (Psalms 37:24). God's hand is always there to lift you back up and save you (Psalm 108:6). When you fall down and feel like you can't get up, when you feel like you can't do another day, God will uphold you with his Righteous right hand (Psalm 37:23-24). You are not walking this life in your own strength. God, Creator of this world is holding your hand. God's righteous hand executes justice and judgement (Isaiah 50:11). He promises to protect you in your hardest and darkest moments (Psalm 23:4). God's presence is always with us through the Holy Spirit guiding us in truth (John 16:13). We make mistakes because we all fall short of the glory of God but it's okay, rely on the never-changing one Jesus to help you (Romans 3:23). "For I, the LORD your God, will hold your right hand, Saying to you, ‘Fear not, I will help you." (Isaiah 41:13). 'The voice of rejoicing and salvation Is in the tents of the righteous; The right hand of the Lord does valiantly. The right hand of the Lord is exalted; The right hand of the Lord does valiantly.' - Psalms 118:15-16 (Isaiah 41:11-13) Behold, all those who were incensed against you shall be ashamed and disgraced; They shall be as nothing, And those who strive with you shall perish. You shall seek them and not find them— Those who contended with you. Those who war against you Shall be as nothing, As a nonexistent thing. 'For I, the Lord your God, will hold your right hand, Saying to you, ‘Fear not, I will help you.’' Matthew 28:20: “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Through Faith in Jesus Christ, we receive God's Spirit, Our Helper (John 14:25-26): Luke 24:49 “And now I will send the Holy Spirit, just as my Father promised. But stay here in the city until the Holy Spirit comes and fills you with power from heaven.” ' John 14:16-20 'And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever— the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you. “A little while longer and the world will see Me no more, but you will see Me. Because I live, you will live also. At that day you will know that I am in My Father, and you in Me, and I in you. ' Jesus removed the veil: separation between God and Humans because of sin (II Corinthians 3:14) so we can pray to God anytime and anywhere. David writes in Psalms 139:7-12 "Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast." Prophet Jonah attempted to run away from God's plan but could not escape (Jonah 1:3). Remind yourself of God's promises and eternal presence. Allow God to speak to you through His Holy Spirit granted by Jesus & His Word. Moments of Isolation can be an invitation to talk with God just like Jesus did (Luke 5:16). Emmanuel; God be with you in Jesus' name, amen. The Holy Spirit: Your Companion Isaiah 41:9 'You whom I have taken from the ends of the earth, And called from its farthest regions, And said to you, ‘You are My servant, I have chosen you and have not cast you away:' NOT ALONE IN YOUR SUFFERING Looked Over/Left Out/Less Than Isaiah 49:14-15: 'But Zion said, “The Lord has forsaken me, And my Lord has forgotten me.” “Can a woman forget her nursing child, And not have compassion on the son of her womb? Surely they may forget, Yet I will not forget you.' In God's Word, we see examples of several people who suffered and were also not perfect in their walk of faith (Romans 15:4-5 , 1 Peter 5:9). You may be able to identify with Joseph’s abandonment, Moses’ insecurity, David’s anxiety, Elijah’s depression, or Jonah’s anger. Everyone recorded in the Bible experienced a form of vulnerability to sin we can relate to. Each person struggled yet God helped them, they sinned yet God still used them. All grew stronger in faith as a result of suffering. As we read the testimonies of God’s people recorded in the Bible, we are able understand that we are not alone and can learn from God's power in their testimonies. God relates to you in your suffering. Christ was “made in every respect like us” (Hebrews 2:17) and faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin (Hebrews 4:15). Because of this, Jesus is uniquely qualified to be our “merciful and faithful High Priest” (Hebrews 2:17), able to empathise fully with every aspect of the human condition. Whether we feel physical pain, endure rejections and abandonment, or feel weary or sad; Christ has felt it too. No matter what our circumstance, the Lord is able to connect with our experience. Because Christ has stood in our shoes, we can keep our eyes fixed on him, as “the champion who initiates and perfects our faith” (Hebrews 12:2). We grow closer to Christ by “Sharing in his death” through our suffering, and enjoying His unconditional mercies and grace every day along the way, (Philippians 3:10-11). W e are never alone. Jesus is our faithful and merciful companion on the journey. As God promised, He will always be with you (Matthew 28:20). WE ARE NEVER ALONE ! PRAISE BE TO JESUS CHRIST

If your foot slips, God's mercy will hold you up. In the multitude of anxieties God's comfort will delight your soul. The waters cannot surpass God's command. God is the One who made the depths of the sea a road for the redeemed to cross over. ​ ANXIETY Intense / excessive feelings of worry and fear Psalms 94:16-19 Who will rise up for me against the evildoers? Who will stand up for me against the workers of iniquity? Unless the Lord had been my help, My soul would soon have settled in silence. If I say, “My foot slips,” Your mercy, O Lord , will hold me up.' In the multitude of my anxieties within me, Your comforts delight my soul.' WHAT TROUBLES YOU? e.g. "I am feeling nervous for a class project" REMIND YOURSELF OF GOD'S TRUTH e.g. "I can do all things through Christ." LEAN ON GOD'S POWER e.g. "I'll do great cause God is on my side" The waters cannot surpass God's command, 'Are You not the One who dried up the sea, The waters of the great deep; That made the depths of the sea a road For the redeemed to cross over?' Isaiah 51:10 | Isaiah 55:11 | Proverbs 8:29 | Psalms 33:9 Intimidation can be a reason we lose hope. Our situation may feel TOO BIG OR TOO CHALLENGING, especially when it happens for a long period of time, but keep your faith in God who is capable of acting in big, miraculous ways for you just like He did with Jesus. What are some intimidating things that you are struggling with? How can you place them in God's hands today? Invite the Holy Spirit to help you have faith in Christ during your battles in day to day life. Thank you Lord for being with us in our storms and battles, our fears and worries. We invite the Holy Spirit to help us have faith in Jesus during these times. May God break down our walls of own understanding based on rejection, abandonment and trauma and replace it with God's good knowledge of the world. This world can look scary but we declare our Faith in God's goodness and grace. Thank you Jesus for shining your countenance upon those struggling with anxiety and depression. May we not focus on the fearful things we see and hear in this world but God's grace and glory through everything. Thank you God for protecting us from evil in Jesus' name, amen. God protects His people: Rahab and the spies (Joshua 2) Two spies are sent to check the city of Jericho. When they are close to being captured, Rahab (A resident of Jericho) helps them and hides them. She had hope that God would protect her and her family as she protected God's people: The spies. God saves her family for her Faith (Hebrews 11:31, Joshua 6:23). The Israelites had to cross through Jericho to get to the promised land. It was a massive city with a large fortified wall and strong fighting army. Yet, God instructed the Israelites to sing praises unto Him to break down the walls of Jericho. From a flesh and blood perspective, this seemed like an impossible way to fight a battle. Despite their circumstances, the Israelites obeyed God's command, dying to their own understanding of fighting their battles. They exalted the Lord over their earthly understanding, fears and worries. And God provided, He broke down the walls, and prevented Jericho from harming His people. God will protect you from the flaming arrows too. Put on His armour before you fight your battle (Ephesians 6:10-18) and surrender to what God wants you to do (Joshua 1:16-17). If God is for us, who can be against us? (Romans 8:31). God will keep you safe ( Psalm 121:7-8, Psalm 4:8). Is your battle an upcoming test or interview? Surrender your battle to God as the Israelites did and let Him guide you. God fights for us (Exodus 14:14). God dwells in the praises of His people (Psalm 22:3). When you are feeling anxious, fearful, worried, overwhelmed, turn to God's music and sing praises unto Him. By doing this, you can focus on Jesus in your storm and invite God's presence of light where darkness cannot dwell (John 1:5). God's promises to be with you and protect you Joshua 1:3-9 Joshua 1:5 No one will be able to stand up against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you. Joshua 1:9 Be strong and courageous, Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go Psalm 121:7-8 The LORD will keep you from all harm— he will watch over your life; the LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore. The Walls of Jericho Joshua 6:1-27 Worship & Worry come from the same energy Through Jesus Christ, we have victory over sin, pain & death *Luke 10:19-20, Deuteronomy 20:4, 1 Corinthians 15:57 1. Claim your victory over every situation you are facing in Jesus Christ. 2. Claim Righteousness. You are the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus (justified, free from guilt of sin). 3. Have faith in the unfailing, never-ending Love of God in Jesus: He loved you so much that He gave His only begotten Son for you (John 3:16)! GOD WILL HELP YOU OVERCOME ALL IN CHRIST ( John 16:33, Matthew 19:26) ANXIETY TRIGGERS An Anxiety Trigger is something that makes you feel nervous. Go through the list below and on a scale of 1 - 10, identify how anxious these triggers make you feel. 1 2 3 4 5 NOT ANXIOUS 01. Conflict in a relationship 02. Being in a large crowd of people 03. Meeting new people 04. Going to a new place for the first time 05. Confronting someone 06. Interacting on social media 07. Having too much to do 08. Presenting in front of the class 09. Working as part of a group 010. Pressure to act a certain way 6 7 8 9 10 ANXIOUS 011. Not feeling prepared 012. Rumors being spread about me 013. Being in tight spaces e.g. elevator 014. Not knowing career/future 015. Feeling left out 016. Family stress (divorce, finances etc.) 017. Interacting with significant other 018. Being around certain people 019. Your job, boss or co-workers 020. Making decisions Anxiety is an alarm telling us we need to come to God: 'Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.' - Philippians 4:6-7 JOURNAL MAKE ART MEDITATE ON GOD'S WORD SERMONS WORSHIP MUSIC NATURE READ BIBLE ANIMALS

Do you feel unsettled, overwhelmed, uncomfortable or angry? Bring these emotions to God's throne of grace, who sympathises with you in your weaknesses (Hebrews 4:15-16). Psalm 147:3 Have you experienced a moment when a place, experience or interaction made an unwanted memory surface and suddenly you feel unsettled, overwhelmed, uncomfortable or angry? This is called a Trigger. When we experience a trigger, our body goes into survival mode; Your body may tense or your heart may race. Triggers come from something that touches a vulnerable part of ourselves such as old wounds, unresolved pain, or unmet needs. We can bring these moments to God's throne of grace, who sympa thises with us in our weaknesses ( Hebrews 4:15-16) and works strongest in them (2 Corinthians 12:9). As we come to God we learn about who He is: The God who sees (El Roi) and The God who heals us (Jehovah rapha). Hebrews 4:15-16 'For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.' Our Triggers reflect our Pain. Triggers The fear of someone leaving Most feedback feels like criticism Raised voice/tones/look on faces Authority/being told what to do Not feeling worthy or good enough Worrying someone is upset at you Spending money on yourself Feeling dismissed or invalidated Feeling like you are a burden Loud noises/sensory overwhelm Feeling unimportant to loved ones Trauma Responses Abandonment/rejection Critical/disapproving authority figure Unpredictable scary authority figure Controlled/could not have a voice Had to 'perform' to earn love Harsh/punitive caregiver Poverty/raised in scarce mindset Not allowed to show emotions Your needs were ignored or shamed Chaotic environments Unavailable/self-focused authority figure HELPFUL VERSES Psalm 46:1 Psalms 28:7-8 Psalm 34:18: Proverbs 3:23 Joshua 1:9 Isaiah 41:10 Isaiah 43:1-3 Isaiah 54:17 Matthew 5:1-12 2 Thessalonians 3:2-4 Revelation 21:4 Romans 8:26-28 Invite God into your heart and give him your hurt and trauma. Talk to Him about everything you are going through. El Roi sees your pain (Genesis 16:13). God is eager to show mercy , patient and willing to help you overcome your hurt in Christ Jesus. God will heal your heart and create a new spirit within you (Psalm 51:10-12) HOW DO YOU GIVE YOUR HURT TO GOD? 01. DON'T FIGHT YOUR HURT Allow yourself to feel and seek God's Truth and Hope about your situation in His Word. Don't be afraid to ask for guidance from His Holy Spirit. God's promises INCLUDE you. Jesus will carry your burdens (Psalm 55:22), so keep your eyes on Him, not the storm. God is always listening (psalm 65:2). He records our every tear (Psalms 56:8). He is Your Rock, stronger than any circumstances or emotions (Psalms 18:1-3, Psalm 61:2). In moments of overwhelm, it is okay to rest in God (Matthew 11:28-30). Let go of the need to fix everything and trust that God’s peace will meet you right where you are. 02. PAUSE WITH GOD BEFORE YOU REACT Take a moment to breathe and allow your emotions to settle with God before you make a decision or react. It is important to act on Faith in God's Word , The Truth and not our feelings because our feelings are always changing and can be based on our own understanding (Proverbs 3:5-6). Be still and know that He is God (Psalm 46:10). God offers wisdom, clarity, and the peace freely, and will guide us to quiet waters and safe pastures when we trust in Him (Psalm 23:2–6). 03. PUT YOUR HOPE IN GOD'S LOVE FOR YOU IN JESUS God is Love (1 John 4:16). Defined in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7: Long-suffering Kind Does not envy Does not parade itself Is Not puffed up Does not behave rudely God shows all these qualities towards you. Why? Not because of your works but because of who God is. God is merciful and patient towards ALL of us (Ephesians 2:8-9, Lamentations 3:22, 2 Peter 3:9). For God so LOVED THE WORLD, He gave His Son NOT to condemn the world but SAVE it (John 3:16-17) You cannot earn or lose God's Love, He already loves you in Jesus (Romans 8:38-39). Jesus Christ is the same yesterday , today and forever so you can trust in His love for you (Hebrews 13:8) Does not seek its own, Is not provoked, Thinks no evil Does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth Bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, & endures all things. Psalm 91:4 His Truth will be your shield and buckler 1. God is always in control. ' Jesus has victory! Far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come. And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.'- Ephesians 1:21-23 I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen. And I have the keys of Hades and of Death. - Revelation 1:18 Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name - Philippians 2:5-9 God's Word will always be accomplished and His Word over your life is to turn everything intended for evil over you for your good (Genesis 50:19-22, Isaiah 55:11). The days were fashioned for you (Psalms 139:16) Genesis 50:19-22 Joseph said to them, “Do not be afraid, for am I in the place of God? But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive. Now therefore, do not be afraid; I will provide for you and your little ones.” And he comforted them and spoke kindly to them. So Joseph dwelt in Egypt, he and his father’s household. And Joseph lived one hundred and ten years. Proverbs 8:29 When He assigned to the sea its limit, So that the waters would not transgress His command, When He marked out the foundations of the earth In 2 Corinthians 12, Paul talks about suffering : 2 Corinthians 12:7: 'And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.' Here, Paul understood that a messenger of Satan was "given to" him by God to ensure he did not exalt himself through the abundance of God's revelations. 'Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. '- II Corinthians 12:8-9 What does this mean? - God hears our pleas and cries, He will always respond and be there to comfort you. God reassures Paul that God's Grace and strength shines through perfectly in our weakest moments. God's Word is full of God's endless mercies and grace towards us when we fall short, God knows we cannot perfectly do the law so He sent us Jesus. We are weak in the Law but strong in the one who fulfilled the law for us (Matthew 5:17). The disciples felt weak often (Mark 4:35-41), Moses had moments of "weakness" (Exodus 3:11-12), Elijah (1 Kings 19:4–5) and Job (Job 3:1-26), yet they all serve bigger purposes in helping us understand how God's grace is ALWAYS for us (Romans 8:31-39) 2 C orinthians 13:4 "For though He was crucified in weakness, yet He lives by the power of God. For we also are weak in Him, but we shall live with Him by the power of God toward you." 2. Satan is not in charge. Satan has no authority over anything and is unable to do anything without God’s sovereign disposition. God does not listen to "Satan" or "Curses" (Deuteronomy 23:5), He promises to never bring trouble or grief willinglingly to the children of men (Lamentations 3:33). Paul affirms that, as hurtful and discouraging his problem was, the “messenger of Satan” was given for a greater purpose— one that would result in the maturing of his own humility and faith, resulting in God’s greater glory and honor: 'And I was unknown by face to the churches of Judea which were in Christ. But they were hearing only, “He who formerly persecuted us now preaches the faith which he once tried to destroy.” And they glorified God in me.' - Galatians 1:22-24 Romans 5:3-5 And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us. Read Mark 5:1-20 'Then He asked him, “What is your name?” And he answered, saying, “My name is Legion; for we are many.” Also he begged Him earnestly that He would not send them out of the country. Now a large herd of swine was feeding there near the mountains. So all the demons begged Him, saying, “Send us to the swine, that we may enter them.” And at once Jesus gave them permission . Then the unclean spirits went out and entered the swine (there were about two thousand); and the herd ran violently down the steep place into the sea, and drowned in the sea.'- Mark 5:9-13 We learn here that Demons need permission from God before they can do anything. 3. God uses our "problems" to achieve His higher good purpose for us. God has thoughts of peace and not evil towards all He creates. When "Bad" things happen, we can trust God works all things our for your Good (Romans 8:28). It is okay to ask God, "Why?" (James 1:5). We have lack of understanding compared to Him, after-all, HE is GOD. God's thoughts are higher than ours, His ways higher than ours, so only God knows the end (Isaiah 55:8-9). Only our sovereign God knows everything: The birth of every deer, the seasons etc. (Job 38) Thanks be to our God who shares his wisdom with those who ask in Jesus' name. May our hearts and eyes be open to receiving the hope and good news of Jesus Christ, Our Lord and Saviour in all our storms and troubles in Jesus' name, amen. Remember, suffering is never punishment - Christ took ALL the punishment for our sin on the cross so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him (2 Cor. 5:21). We suffer in Christ to be glorified with Him: Life was not fair to Jesus, Son of God, the sinless man, who died for the world's sin. We will have tribulation but be of good cheer cause Christ as overcome (John 16:33)! Christ died for you and now lives in you (Galatians 2:20). The Thief came to steal , kill and destroy; But Jesus has come to give us all life abundantly" (John 10:10). Suffering helps chastise us like an olive tree that is beaten. The tree is beaten severely for its fruit to come out. Rain comes before the flowers bloom. Our troubles can "beat us" but through the suffering, there is opportunity for us to show the fruit's of God's spirit just as Jesus did when he was crucified. God chastises and rebukes with love (Revelation 3:19). Although it may feel like we are being beaten, God's Grace will not allow us to be harmed by the wolf like the Good shepherd who tends for his sheep (Revelation 3:19, John 10:11-16). God is love, therefore all that He does IS LOVE no matter how we see it through our lens. It is okay to be hurt over things that happen to us; They enable us to connect to God's feelings and share in Christ’s holiness by being sanctified (2 Corinthians 3:18 ) and ultimately be able to yeild the fruits of The Holy Spirit (John 15:1-5, Hebrews. 12:3–11). In our suffering, we can learn to rely on our rock, Christ Jesus, who was rejected by the world yet became the Chief cornerstone (Psalm 118:22, Ephesians 2:20-22, Acts 4:11). Through Jesus and the Holy Spirit he gives us, we can learn about who God really is and see His true grace and mercy for all of us throughout generations. Knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing (James 1:3–4) Romans 12:12 NKJV Rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer Heavenly Father, thank you for helping me understand that my thoughts are not your thoughts and neither are your ways my ways. Please take my understanding on this situation that hurt me and help me see your bigger, better plan for me and everyone involved. It is hard to be in this pain but I declare that as Your Truth says, You are in control and your plan is better than anything I can come up with. Thank you for everything you have done for me. Thank you for comforting me and delivering me in your Perfect timing. In Jesus’ name, Amen.