You Are In me, And I Am In You

YOU ARE IN ME, AND I AM IN YOU.  This is a profound mystery.  I am the infinite Creator and Sustainer of the entire universe.  You are a finite, fallen human being.  Yet you and I live not just with each other but also in each other.  You are filled with My divine Presence.  This is a deeper, fuller union than you can find in any human relationship.  Even people who have been married many decades cannot know all the thoughts and feelings of their spouse.  But I know everything about you from your deepest thoughts and feelings to the events you will encounter tomorrow.  For My children, aloneness is really just an illusion.  The whole world is alive with My vibrant Presence!

In Me you live and move and have your being. Every step you take, every word you speak, every breath you breathe - all is done in My watchful, embracing Presence.  You are totally immersed in My invisible yet ever-so-real Being!  The more aware of Me you are, the more alive and complete you will feel.  Your union with Me makes every moment of your life meaningful.

- Jesus

Scripture Insight:  John 14:20; Colossians 1:27; Ephesians 3;17, 19; Acts 17:28



(Jesus Today / Sarah Young)

Though You Walk In The Midst of ...

THOUGH YOU WALK IN THE MIDST OF trouble, I will revive you.  So don't let problems intimidate you.  Remember that I, the Mighty One, am in your midst, and I am greater than all the trouble in the world.  My right hand will save you!  Hold tightly to My hand and you can walk confidently through your toughest times.

I enable you not only to endure your hardships but also to grow stronger through them.  However, because you are on an arduous journey, there will be times when you feel weary and faint.  Do not interpret this as a sign of My displeasure with you.  It is simply part of living in a fallen, sin-stained world.  Remember that you are not alone.  I am with you, and your brothers throughout the world are experiencing the same kind of suffering as you.  Stay in communication with Me as you persevere along this challenging path.  My living Presence will revive you - strengthening you and blessing you with Peace.

- Jesus

Scripture Insight:  Psalm 138:7; Zephaniah 3:17; 1 Peter 5:9 and Psalm 29:11



(Jesus Today / Sarah Young)

Be Joyful In Hope ....

BE JOYFUL IN HOPE. SOMETIMES THE CIRCUMSTANCES of your life (and the condition of this world) make it difficult for you to be joyful.  When you are searching for Joy, where do you turn? One of the best places to find true Joy is in hope.  I want you to know the hope to which I have called you -- the riches of My glorious inheritance.  Since you are a co-heir with Me, this blessing is definitely for you.  When present circumstances are weighing you down, grasp onto hope for dear life!  It will help you not only to survive but to thrive -- to live joyously.

In some ways, hope is like a hot-air balloon.  It is very buoyant, so it can lift you up above your troubles.  It enables you to soar in the heavens with Me -- helping you see things from a heightened, big-picture perspective.  To embark on this heavenly journey, you must climb into the basket beneath the balloon -- by trusting fully that your hope in Me will not let you down.  There is surely a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off.

- Jesus

Scripture Insight:  Romans 12:12; Ephesians 1:17-18; and Proverbs 23:18



(Jesus Today / Sarah Young)

Trust In Me Forever ...

TRUST IN ME FOREVER, FOR I AM THE ROCK eternal.  It is easy to trust Me for a while - especially when things are going well in your life.  But I am calling you to trust in Me at all times, no matter what is happening.  I understand what a difficult assignment this is, and I know that you will sometimes fail in this venture.  But I continue to love you perfectly even when you don't succeed.  Let this assurance of My unfailing Love draw you back to Me -- back to trusting Me.

Though your trust is imperfect and unsteady, I am the Rock eternal -- absolutely steady and unchanging. You can rely on Me!  When your walk through this world feels wobbly, remember that I am your Rock.  I always provide a stable place for you to stand.  I can easily bear all your weight, including the weight of your problems.  So come to Me when you are feeling heavy laden with worries.  I invite you to lean on Me -- trusting Me with all your heart and mind.

- Jesus

Scripture Insight:  Isaiah 26:4; Matthew 11:28 and Proverbs 3:5



(Jesus Today / Sarah Young)

Gaze At Me; Glance At ...

GAZE AT ME; GLANCE AT PROBLEMS --- THIS IS the secret of living victoriously.  Your tendency is to gaze at problems for prolonged periods of time, glancing at Me for help.  This is natural for someone with a fallen mind living in a fallen world. However, I have called you to live supernaturally, and I have empowered you to do so.  The Holy Spirit, who lives in all My followers, enables you to live beyond yourself -- to transcend your natural tendencies.

Ask My Spirit to help you fix your gaze on Me.  Invite Him to alert you whenever you get overly focused on problems so you can redirect your attention to Me.  This is hard work, because it is not only unnatural but also counter cultural.  Moreover, the evil one and his demons seek to distract you from My Presence.  All these influences working together put massive pressure on you to pay attention to your problems -- or else!  So you need the assistance of My Spirit continually.  Ask Him to help you deal with difficulties as needed, while reserving the bulk of your attention for Me --your constant Companion.

- Jesus

Scripture Insight:  Hebrews 12:2; John 14:16-17 and 2 Corinthians 4:18



(Jesus Today / Sarah Young)

When You Are Going Through A ...

WHEN YOU ARE GOING THROUGH A dark time -- a hard time -- it's easy to project that darkness into the future.  The longer you struggle with adverse circumstances, the darker the way before you appears --- and the harder it is to imagine yourself walking along bright paths again.  The temptation is to just give up and let misery become your companion.  So it is crucial at such times to remember that I am your constant Companion.  Moreover, because I am Sovereign God, I am able to turn your darkness into Light.

When you feel on the verge of sinking in despair, turn to Me for help.  Cling to My hand, and walk by faith through the darkness.  Do not focus on the circumstances that are weighing you down. Instead, through eyes of faith, look ahead to brighter times, and praise Me for them.  While you worship Me in the midst of darkness, I enable you to see the first gleam of dawn on the path before you.  Continue walking worshipfully with Me - a walk of faith.  As you persevere along this path, the dim light will gradually shine brighter and brighter till the full light of day.

- Jesus

Scripture Insight:  Isaiah 61:1; 2 Samuel 22;29; 2 Corinthians 5:7 and Proverbs 4:18



(Jesus Today / Sarah Young) 

Let Me Fill You With My ....

LET ME FILL YOU WITH MY ... Joy and Peace.  They flow into you as you sit quietly in My Presence, trusting Me in the depths of your being.  These blessings are essential for nourishing your soul.  The Joy of the Lord is your strength, so don't neglect this delightful gift.  It is for all times and all circumstances, though sometimes you have to search for it.  You also need My Peace at all times, and I bestow it on you freely as you trust in Me.

Remember that I am the God of hope.  The hope I offer is not wishful thinking.  It is absolutely certain, even though it refers to things not yet fully realized.  It is utterly secure because I Myself obtained it through My finished work on the cross.  This hope is the foundation of the Joy and Peace you find in Me.  No Matter how hard your life may be at this time, you have full assurance that endless delight awaits you in heaven, where I have prepared a place for you.  As you ponder this glorious truth, you can enjoy hope that overflows by the Power of the Holy Spirit.

- Jesus

Scripture Insight:  Romans 15:13; Nehemiah 8:10 and John 14:2-3



(Jesus Today / Sarah Young) 

I Guide You In The Way of ...

I GUIDE YOU IN THE WAY OF wisdom and lead you along straight paths.  I know how confused you sometimes feel -- and how much you long to find the way forward.  You have tried so many different things; you have been so hopeful at times.  Yet your hope-filled paths have led to disappointment.  I want you to know that I fully understand how hard your journey has been.  I also assure you that I can bring good out of every bit of it.

This is the way of wisdom:  trusting Me no matter what happens in your life.  It is through trust that you follow Me along the right path.  There are many things that seem random or wrong as you go along your journey.  Yet I am able to fit them all into a comprehensive plan for good -- My Master Plan.  So don't be fooled by the way the way things appear at a given point in time. You are looking at only a very small piece of a massively big picture.  From your limited perspective, your journey may be confusing, with puzzling twists and turns. However, from My limitless, big picture perspective, I am indeed leading you along straight paths.

- Jesus

Scripture Insight:  Proverbs 4:11; Romans 8:28 and Proverbs 20:24



(Jesus Today / Sarah Young)

Confess Your Sins To Me

CONFESS YOUR SINS TO ME.  DO NOT BE AFRAID to face yourself honestly - in My Presence.  In this brilliant Light you can see many things that miss the mark of My perfect standard.  Though this is uncomfortable, do not try to run away or shift blame.  Instead, agree with Me about these matters, and leave them with Me.  Rejoice because I have already paid the penalty / taken the whole punishment - for all your sins.  Joyfully receive the forgiveness I bought for you with My own blood.

When I forgive you, I also cleanse you from all unrighteousness.  I even clothe you in My own perfect righteousness .  As you walk in the Light with Me, there is a continual cleansing work going on within you.  This purifying work of My blood helps you stay close to Me and to others who walk in My Light.

Blessed are those who walk in the Light of My Presence. They rejoice in My Name all day long, exulting in My righteousness.

- Jesus

Scripture Insight: 1 John 1:9; Isaiah 61:10; 1 John 1:7 and Psalm  89:15-16



(Jesus Today / Sarah Young)

I Am Sovereign And I Am Good

I AM SOVEREIGN AND I AM GOOD.  These are essential truths about who I am. When you are struggling with the brokenness of the world, it can be a challenge to believe both truths simultaneously.  Because I am Sovereign, I am ultimately in control of everything that happens to you and to others .  This knowledge is sometimes hard to swallow, especially in the face of atrocities or catastrophes.  Amid such carnage, many people conclude that only a cruel God could be overseeing a world like this.

Let me assure you that I am absolutely Good.  I am pure Light and there is not an iota of darkness in Me.  My absolute Goodness in the face of so much evil is totally beyond your understanding.  When you are struggling with these mysteries, come to Me.  Express yourself freely to Me, trusting that I care and understand.  Then subordinate your finite mind to My infinite intelligence, My Sovereign ways.  Relinquish your demand to understand, and rest in My compassionate Presence.  Cling to Me in childlike trust, believing that My way -- though mysterious-- is perfect.

- Jesus

Scripture Insight:  Isaiah 25:8; 1 John 1:5 and Psalm 18:30


(Jesus Today / Sarah Young)

Put Your Trust In Me And I Will ...

PUT YOUR TRUST IN ME AND I WILL keep you safe.  There is a deep, deep yearning in your heart for safety and security.  You can mask these longings with activity for a time, but only for a time.  These feelings actually serve a very good purpose.  Properly used, they can point you to Me and My sufficiency.  I am the only One who can really, ultimately keep you safe.

Whenever you start to feel insecure --- about anything --- come to Me.  Talk with Me about your fears and concerns; then affirm your trust in Me. Voicing your trust connects you with Me at a deep level.  It also pushes back the darkness of deception.  The evil one has been deceiving people ever since time began, since the Garden of Eden.  Do not listen to his lies.  Instead, put your trust in Me, for I am absolute Truth.  As you come to know Me -- the Truth -- better and better, I make you increasingly free.

- Jesus

Scripture Insight:  Proverbs 29:25; Genesis 3:13; John 14:6 and John 8:32



(Jesus Today / Sarah Young)

Keep Your Eyes On ...

KEEP YOUR EYES ON ME!  I AM WITH YOU, taking care of you in the best possible way.  When you are suffering, My care may seem imperfect and inadequate.  You seek relief, and I make you wait.  Just remember:  There are many different ways to wait, and some are much better than others.  Beneficial waiting involves looking to Me continually -- trusting and loving Me.

Thank Me for this time of neediness, when you must depend on Me more than usual.  Do not waste this opportunity by wishing it away.  Trust that I know what I am doing -- that I can bring good out of everything you endure.  Don't let your past or present suffering contaminate your view of the future.  I am the Lord of your future, and I have good things in store for you.  I alone know the things I am planning for you -- to give you a future and a hope.

- Jesus

Scripture Insight:  Lamentations 3:25; Isaiah 40:31; Romans 8:28 and Jeremiah 29:11



(Jesus Today / Sarah Young)

My Grace Is Sufficient For You

MY GRACE IS SUFFICIENT FOR YOU.  This grace is enough to get you through your toughest times.  Do you believe this?  It's one thing to believe it when circumstances are going your way.  It's another thing altogether when you are struggling just to take the next step.  Yet this is when My grace is the most precious and glorious -- when you know you cannot go another step without it.  Then it becomes the shining focus of your life.

I invite you to drink deeply from the exceeding riches of My grace -- My favor, mercy, and lovingkindness.  It is a free gift that opens the way for you into eternity.  It also provides what you need to live now, in this fractured world.  So come freely into My Presence and pour out your heart to Me.  I do not always say yes to your petitions, but I do give you what you need.  And I always give you Myself -- My compassionate understanding, My unfailing Love.

Do not be ashamed of your weaknesses; boast about them!  Through them you are learning to depend more on Me, so that My Power may dwell in you.

- Jesus

Scripture Insight:  1 Corinthians 12:9; Ephesians 2:6-7; and Isaiah 54:10



(Jesus Calling / Sarah Young)

In The World Of ...

IN THE WORLD OF increasing electronic surveillance, privacy can be hard to come by.  Safe places are also in short supply.  So when you feel surrounded by trouble, remember this:  I am your Hiding Place. Call out to Me, and I will protect you from trouble.  I will even surround you with songs of deliverance.

One of the best ways to draw upon My strength is to sing praises to Me.  I actually dwell in the praises of My people.  So when problems are weighing heavily upon you, break free by worshiping Me -- in songs, in shouts, even in whispers.  These sacred acclamations decimate the darkness and invite Me into your awareness, brightening the atmosphere around you.  Problems fade into the background while you are engaged in worshiping Me.  Awareness of My Presence strengthens you and fills you with Joy.

When you praise Me in the midst of a hard day, both you and I are blessed.  I come near, and I hide you in the secret place of My Presence.

- Jesus

Scripture Insight:  Psalm 143:9; Psalm 32:7; Psalm 22:3 and Psalm 31:20



(Jesus Today / Sarah Young)

Let My Comforts Delight Your ...

LET MY COMFORTS DELIGHT YOUR SOUL.   The world presents you with a multitude of anxieties -- too numerous for you to count.  Everywhere you turn, you see problems and trouble.  In the midst of this mess, look to Me for help.  Whisper My Name, "Jesus," thus reactivating your awareness of My Presence.  Your perspective changes dramatically as My Presence comes onto the screen of your consciousness, lighting up your worldview.  My comforts can soothe your troubled heart and delight your soul.

If the world were perfect, you would never experience the pleasure of receiving comfort from Me. Instead of letting problems discourage you, use them as reminders to seek Me -- My Presence, My Peace, My Love.  These invisible realities are available to you any time, any place, and they provide Joy that no one can take away from you.  So come to Me when you are weary and burdened; I will provide rest for your soul.

- Jesus

Scripture Insight:  Psalm 94:19; John 16:22 and Matthew 11:28-29



(Jesus Today / Sarah Young)

Trust Me Moment By Moment ...

TRUST ME MOMENT BY MOMENT.  This is all I require of you, and it is sufficient to keep you standing firm in the midst of fierce spiritual battles.  Just getting through each day is a victory as long as you stay in communication with Me.  Search for Me in your moments.  Keeping your focus on My Presence is the best protection against self-pity and depression.

I am calling you to trust Me in deep darkness.  Take one step aScrpit a time, clinging to My hand for help and guidance.  I am always near you, and I know exactly how much you are struggling.

Though the battle is fierce and you are weak, your resources are unlimited.  My Spirit is ever ready to help you; you have only to ask.  Remember that this Holy Helper is infinitely powerful and infinitely loving.  I also am eager to help you.  Call upon My Name with confident trust, for My unfailing Love surrounds you.

- Jesus

Scripture Insight:  Psalm 62:8; John 14:16-17; and Psalm 32:10



(Jesus Today / Sarah Young)

In Everything You Do ...

IN EVERYTHING YOU DO, put Me first, and I will direct you and crown your efforts with success. Putting Me first sounds so simple and straightforward.  But the world, the flesh, and the devil war against your efforts to do this.  You can easily justify letting other things creep into the space and time you had set aside for Me.  If this happens only occasionally, it is just part of being human.  However, if you see it becoming a pattern in your life, watch out!  Your priorities may have been gradually shifting -- until I am no longer your First Love.

Putting Me first is not an arbitrary rule; it is the way to live vibrantly, joyfully -- close to Me.  It is also the way to live purposefully, letting Me direct your steps.  When I am your top priority, other things fall into their proper place.  So delight yourself in Me first and foremost.  As you walk in the Light of My Presence, I open up the path before you -- and give you the desires of your heart.

- Jesus

Scripture Insight:  Proverbs 3:6; Revelation 2:4; Psalm 37:4 and 1 John 1:7



(Jesus Today / Sarah Young) 

I Give You Peace ...

I GIVE YOU PEACE at all times and in every way!  I Am The Lord Of Peace!  There is a deep, gaping hole within you that can be filled only by My peaceful Presence.  People who don't know Me try to fill that emptiness in many different ways, or they simply pretend it isn't there.  Even My children often fail to recognize the full extent of their need:  at all times and in every situation.  But  recognizing your neediness is only half the battle. The other half is to believe I can -- and will -- supply all you need.

Shortly before My death, I promises Peace to My disciples -- and to all who would become My followers. I made it clear that this is a gift:  something I provide freely and lovingly.  So your responsibility is to receive this glorious gift, acknowledging to Me not only your need but also your desire.  Then wait expectantly in My Presence, ready to receive My Peace in full measure.  If you like, you can express your openness by saying, "Jesus, I receive Your Peace."

- Jesus

Scripture Insight:  2 Thessalonians 3:16; Philippians 4:19 and John 14:27



(Jesus Today / Sarah Young)

Use Your Trials And Troubles To ...

USE YOUR TRIALS AND TROUBLES TO draw closer to Me.  Whenever you start to feel distressed, turn that around by talking with Me.  Let pain and problems remind you of your constant need for Me. Create a collection of brief prayers, such as "Help me, Jesus.  Fill me with your Peace.  Show me Your way."  These requests are spiritual nutrients - soul vitamins.  The more you use them, the healthier and happier you will be.

When you view troubles in this way -- as reminders to draw near Me -- you can actually rejoice in your trials.  Of course, this requires training your mind to move quickly from problem mode to prayer mode.  It is crucial to have your arsenal of prayers ready to use.  Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you in your preparations: helping you form prayers that will flow readily out of your heart.  Then practice saying them to Me, until you are intimately familiar with them.  When you encounter trouble of any kind, reach into your arsenal of prayers and speak one or more of them boldly.  The enemy will retreat and I will draw near.

- Jesus

Scripture Insight:  Psalm 27:11; James 1:2; James 4:7-8 and Psalm 143:8



(Jesus Today / Sarah Young)

Trust Me Here And Now ...

TRUST ME HERE AND NOW.  You are in rigorous training - on an adventurous trail designed for you alone.  This path is not of your choosing, but it is My way for you.  I am doing things you can't understand. That is why I say, "Trust Me!"

The jungle is thick, and you cannot clearly see what is before you, behind you, or beside you.  Cling to My hand as you follow this trail in shadowy darkness.  Although you cannot see Me, My Presence with you is rock-solid reality.  Find hope in Me, beloved, for I am taking care of you.

Focus on enjoying Me and all that I am to you - even though your circumstances scream for resolution. Refuse to obsess about your problems and how you are going to fix them.  Instead, affirm your trust in Me; wait hopefully in My Presence, and watch to see what I will do.

- Jesus

Scripture Insight:  Isaiah 50:10; Psalm 42:5; and Micah 7:7



(Jesus Today / Sarah Young)

Look The Right Way ...

LOOK THE RIGHT WAY!  IN THE WORLD AROUND you, there are vistas of bright beauty as well as dark, ugly wastelands.  When you look the right way - toward what is true, noble, lovely -- you are encouraged and strengthened.  I created you with a great capacity to enjoy the beauty and goodness.  Your soul resonates with these blessings, drawing strength from them.

As you go through this day, you will encounter things that make you cringe, things that are wrong or ugly. Deal with these as you must, but do not let them become your focus.  Remember that I am with you, and listen to Me.  Hear Me saying time after time, "Look the right way."

There is beauty not only in the visible world but also in what is unseen.  This world in its fallen condition can never satisfy you fully.  You yearn for perfection, and I am the fulfillment of that deep longing.  I am perfect in every way, yet I am able to stay close to you as you walk through this sin-stained world.  So look the right way - toward blessings, toward Me -- and the Joy of My Presence will shine upon you.

- Jesus

Scripture Insight:  Philippians 4:8; John 10:27; Numbers 6:25 and Psalm 16:11



(Jesus Today / Sarah Young)

I Am The Foundation And Focus of Your ...

I AM THE FOUNDATION AND FOCUS OF YOUR life.  I am a firm Foundation:  one that will not be shaken.  Before you knew Me as Savior, you had nothing to build your life upon.  Every time you tried to create something meaningful, it would eventually collapse - like a house of cards.  Without Me, everything is ultimately "Meaningless! Meaningless!"  Ever since I became your Savior, you have been building on the Rock of My Presence.  Some of the things you have worked on have flourished and others have not, but you always have a firm place to stand -- on the foundation I have provided for you.

The key to steadiness in your life is to set Me always before you.  When you make Me your Focus, you can walk steadily along your life-path. Many distractions will vie for your attention along the way, but I am the Guide who is continually before you.  So keep looking ahead to Me.  See Me beckoning you on - step by step by step -- all the way to heaven.

- Jesus

Scripture Insight:  Ecclesiastes 1:2; 2 Samuel 22:47; Psalm 40:2 and Psalm 16:8



(Jesus Today / Sarah Young)

I Want You to Love Me, Listen To My Voice ...

I WANT YOU TO LOVE ME, LISTEN TO MY VOICE, and hold fast to Me - for I am your Life. This is the way of wisdom.  I am training you to stay close to Me as you walk along perilous paths.  In any close relationship, listening and loving are vitally important - and they are interconnected.  Listen to Me as I rejoice over you with gladness and quiet you with My Love.  Ask the Holy Spirit to help you receive My glorious Love in full measure.  This will dramatically increase your love for Me.

The world is full of dangers, so it is wise to hold tightly to My hand.  Listen - through My Spirit and My Word - while I talk you through tough times.  Pour out your heart to Me, remembering that I am your Refuge.  As you stay in dialogue with Me, I help you handle whatever is before you.  Hold fast to Me, beloved, for I am your Life.  

- Jesus

Scripture Insight:  Deuteronomy 30:20; Zephaniah 3:17 and Psalm 62:8



(Jesus Today / Sarah Young)

Learn To Live From A Place of Resting ...

LEARN TO LIVE FROM A PLACE OF RESTING in Me.  Since I - the Prince of Peace - am both with and within you, you can choose to live from this peaceful place of union with Me.  This enables you to stay calm in the midst of stressful situations, by re-centering yourself in Me. We can deal with your problems together - you and I - so there is no need to panic.  However, the more difficult your circumstances, the more tempting it is for you to shift into high gear and forget My peaceful Presence.

As soon as you realize you have wandered from your place of Peace, return to Me immediately.  Call upon My Name, for this reconnects you with Me and helps you feel safe.  Don't be discouraged by how often you wander from Me.  You are endeavoring to form a new habit, and this takes time plus persistent effort.  The rewards, though, are well worth your efforts.  The more you return to Me - to our resting place - the more peaceful and joyful your life will be.

- Jesus

Scripture Insight:  Isaiah 9:6; Philippians 4:13 and Proverbs 18:10



(Jesus Today / Sarah Young)

I Will Restore You To Health And ...

I WILL RESTORE YOU TO HEALTH AND HEAL your wounds.  I am with you, within you, all around you - continually at work in your life.  When your awareness of Me grows dim, My Presence continues to shine brightly upon you.  This Light has immense healing Power.  So dare to ask great things of Me, remembering who I AM.  I am able to do exceedingly abundantly above all you ask or think.  Pondering My limitless ability to help you will strengthen your faith and encourage you to pray boldly.

Praying in My Name - with perseverance - can accomplish great things.  Learn from the parable of the persistent widow, who refused to give up. She kept bringing her petition to a judge who neither feared God nor cared about men.  Eventually, her persistence wore him down, and he gave her what she sought.  How much more will I respond to My children who cry out to Me day and night!  Though you may have to wait a long time, do not give up.  For everyone who asks and keeps on asking receives; he who seeks and keep on seeking finds. 

- Jesus

Scripture Insight:  Jeremiah 30:17; Ephesians 3:20; Luke 18:1-8 and Luke 11:10



(Jesus Today / Sarah Young)

When You Trust In Me, You Take ...

WHEN YOU TRUST IN ME, YOU TAKE REFUGE in Me.  So trusting Me is much more than a matter of your words; it is mainly a matter of your will.  As you go through this day, you will encounter many things that can make you anxious, including some of your thoughts.  If you don't stay alert, anxious feelings can slip into your day without you noticing them.  When this happens, you may wonder why you suddenly start to feel bad.  Usually, you just ignore those feelings.  Or you may try to numb them with food, drink, television, gossip, or other distractions.  How much better it is to "catch" the worry thoughts before they take hold of you.  That is why I say, "Be on the alert!"

If you are watchful and alert, you can choose to take refuge in Me whenever anxiety comes at you.  A refuge is a place that provides protection or shelter: a safe haven.  It is something you turn to for help, relief or escape.  I am eager to be your Refuge, and I am with you at all times.  Nonetheless, you must exert your will by turning to Me for help.  Thus, you make Me your refuge, demonstrating your trust in Me.  Blessed - happy, to be envied - is the one who takes refuge in Me.

- Jesus

Scripture Insight:  1 Peter 5:8; Psalm 57:1 and Psalm 34:8

(Jesus Today /  Sarah Young)

Sometimes My Sovereign Hand ...

SOMETIMES MY SOVEREIGN HAND - My Control over your life - places you in humbling circumstances.  You feel held down,.held back, and powerless to change things.  You long to break free and feel in control of your life once again.  Although this is an uncomfortable position, it is actually a good place to be.  Your discomfort awakens you from the slumber of routine and  reminds you that I am in charge of your life.  It also presents you with an important choice:  You can lash out at your circumstances - resenting My ways with you - or you can draw closer to Me.

When you are suffering, your need for Me is greater than ever.  The more you choose to come near Me, affirming your trust in Me, the more you can find hope in My unfailing Love.  You can even learn to be joyful in hope while waiting in My Presence - where Joy abounds.  Persevere in trusting Me, and I will eventually lift you up.  Meanwhile, cast all your anxieties on Me, knowing that I care for you affectionately and am watching over you continually.

- Jesus

Scripture Insight:  Psalm 32:10; Romans 12:12; Psalm 16:11 and ! Peter 5:6-7



(Jesus Calling / Sarah Young)

Relax In My Presence, Knowing That ...

RELAX IN MY PRESENCE, KNOWING THAT nothing can separate you from My Love.  The
worst-case scenario in your life - that I might stop loving you - is not even in the realm of possibility.  So rejoice that you don't have to perform well enough to earn My Love, or to keep it.  This Love is a pure gift, flowing out of My own perfect righteousness.  It secures your connection to Me - your Savior - for all eternity.

Since the worst thing imaginable is not possible, you can relax and live more abundantly.  When things are going well in your life, I want you to enjoy those good times fully - without worrying about what is on the road ahead.  When you are facing tough times, I will help you and strengthen you with My Love.  Even though you live in a world where trouble is inescapable, you can be of good cheer because I have overcome the world!

- Jesus

Scripture Insight:  Romans 8:39; John 10:10 and John 16:33



(Jesus Calling / Sarah Young)

Put Your Hope In Me And My Unfailing Love will ...

PUT YOUR HOPE IN ME AND MY UNFAILING LOVE will rest upon you.  Some of My children have forgotten how to hope.  They have been disappointed so many times that they don't want to risk being let down again.  So they forge ahead stoically - living mechanically.  Other people put their hope in problem solving, medical treatments, the stock market, the lottery, and so on.  But I challenge you to place your hope fully in Me.

No matter what is happening in your life now, your story has an amazingly happy ending.  Though the way ahead may look dark to you, there is brilliant, everlasting Light at the end of your earth-journey.  My finished work on the cross secured this heavenly hope for you, and it is absolutely assured.  Moreover, knowing that your story finishes well can fill your present journey with Joy.  The more you put your hope in Me, the more My Love - Light shines upon you -- brightening your day.  Remember that I am with you continually, and I Myself am your Hope!

- Jesus

Scripture Insight:  Psalm 33:20-22; Titus 1:2 and 1 Timothy 1:1



(Jesus Today / Sarah Young)