God’s Got this! – Why should I be depressed or worried?

As we attempt to recover from the great pandemic and lockdowns attempting to return to normal, it appears that inflation has reared its ugly head and created financial issues for all of us. Can we not get a break? It seems we do not have to go looking far to find trouble and depressing news everywhere – it feels like the world is falling apart. No wonder so many young people are depressed and turning to drugs. We need a new perspective!

Instead of keeping our eyes on the world’s problems – let us look to the author and finisher of our faith – Jesus Christ! If we seek God’s Kingdom, all these things will be added to us (Matt 6:33) – so why are we depressed and worried? If we are truly focused on the Kingdom of God – worshipping Him and allowing Him to lead and guide us, then we should be rejoicing and hopeful – after all the Kingdom of God is about “righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit (Rom 4:17).” When we are serving God with our gifts (1 Pet 4:10 and Rom 12:1-6), we find joy, hope, and internal peace. We are then living in God’s economy where He takes care of us in the highs and lows and walks with us through all trouble – we can trust in Him no matter what! “Therefore, let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe (Heb 12:28).”

So, are you distressed with your problems? – Begin helping others – serve somewhere and you may discover others are worse off than you – and yet they may be more hopeful and fuller of joy with God’s spirit leading and guiding them through! We need to remember who we are in Christ and whose Kingdom we belong to! There is more than enough in God’s economy, and He cares for His people – place your problems on the altar and seek God instead. Worship God, give thanks, and rejoice in who He is – imagine that this Holy God wants to fellowship with us unholy people – Jesus made the way!

“May the God of hope fill with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope (Rom 15:13).”