Help in Troubled Times, Pt. 1

In today's devotion, and for the remainder of the week, we are
going to lean into Jesus' teaching about peace in troubled times.

Help in Troubled Times, Pt. 1

"I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don't be troubled or afraid."

(John 14:27)

In today's devotion, and for the remainder of the week, we are going to lean into Jesus' teaching about peace in troubled times. We are living in trying days, and I feel led to reach out to you in these devotions and offer words of comfort and courage as you face the temptation to be fearful. Jesus offers everyone who believes in Him the twin towers of peace of mind and peace of heart. You may be reading this today and not experiencing this peace of mind and heart; you are struggling to trust God, and you are leaning on your own understanding or trying to figure a way out on your own.

I have great news for you: Jesus loves you and He has the power and authority to give you what no one else ever could. Only Jesus can put your heart and mind at rest during the most violent storms. Many are in the heart of a storm. I think now more than any other time in my ministry, I see people who are fighting major battles. They are weary in the struggle, and my heart goes out to them. I pray for them, text them, and seek to encourage them the best I can. But only Jesus can truly soothe the aching heart and ameliorate painful experiences.

Dr. Lane Ogden is a Christian psychologist who has been helping people with biblical counseling for 35 years. He lives and practices in Dallas, TX. I recently read an excellent article he has written entitled, "How to Manage Fear in a Time of Crisis." I appreciate his sage counsel based on the Word of God. He writes, "What needs to be going on in the head of a Christian believer who is living in truly 'dangerous days'? How can we cope more effectively?"

Dr. Ogden offers three categories for improvement:

1. Reinvigorate your physical health.
2. Maintain your social health.
3. Focus on your spiritual health.

Under the first category (physical health), he writes the following:

One irony about dealing with stress and emotional distress is that we often abandon good habits right when they're needed most. Among these is caring for our bodies. Fear unleashes a cascade of what are often called "stress hormones" that, over time, can damage the body. We need to respond by increasing rather than decreasing attention to our "temples".

Specifically, there are three big areas to address. None of these are surprising, but they are often the first practices we stop when stressed:

1. Get quality rest.
2. Maintain (or establish) good eating habits.
3. Exercise.

(Source.)

I agree wholeheartedly with Dr. Ogden's emphasis on our physical health. I try to work out three times a week unless training for a marathon or triathlon; then I increase my training. Some may argue that, with my busy schedule, I do not have the time, but the way I see it, I must make the time, because it is that important for me. I think better, sleep better, and accomplish my goals in ministry better if I take care of this physical temple that God has given to me.

Let me encourage you to do the same.

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Podcast of the Week

Words of Wisdom from Pastor Jim Henry

Pastor Danny welcomes to the show Pastor Jim Henry, former president of the Southern Baptist Convention and lead pastor of First Baptist Church of Orlando, FL for over 29 years. Pastor Jim shares about his life and how God has worked in it. He also shares some words of encouragement and affirmation for followers of Christ in general and pastors specifically.

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