Reflection
Do not let your hearts be troubled.
You have faith in God; have faith also in me.
John 14:1
For Jesus faith is the opposite of anxiety. According to Jesus, if we are trying to control everything, if we are anxious, if we are worrying about many things, we don’t have faith. We do not trust that God is good and is with us. We are trying to do it all ourselves. People of faith do not have to control everything or change other people. They have the wisdom to know the difference. God cares for us not because of logic, worthiness, or correct behavior. God cares for us simply because we are loved.
Adapted from Richard Rohr, Jesus’ Alternative Plan
Prayer
Do not let your hearts be troubled.
Action
Examine your causes of anxiety or fear. Are you trying to do it all yourself? Can you believe in the God of Jesus?
Suggested Reading
Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,” says the Lord, who has compassion on you.
Isaiah 54:10
There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.
1 John 4:18
God’s love calls us to move beyond fear. We ask God for the courage to put on faith, hope and love as we go out into the world and become the word in body as well as spirit.
Pope Francis
When you know how much God is in love with you, then you can only live your life radiating that love.
Mother Teresa
The greatest honor we can give Almighty God is to live gladly because of the knowledge of his love.Julian of Norwich
Though our feelings come and go, God’s love for us does not.
C.S. Lewis
We should be astonished at the goodness of God, stunned that He should bother to call us by name, our mouths wide open at His love, bewildered that at this very moment we are standing on holy ground.
Brennan Manning
One who has been touched by grace will no longer look on those who stray as “those evil people” or “those poor people who need our help.” Nor must we search for signs of “loveworthiness.” Grace teaches us that God loves because of who God is, not because of who we are.
Phillips Brooks
No matter what storm you face, you need to know that God loves you. He has not abandoned you.
Franklin Graham