Anxiety Feels Like a Thorn
Becky Keife
“Each time he said, ‘My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness …’” 2 Corinthians 12:9 (NLT)
“The LORD is good, A stronghold in the day of trouble, And He knows those who take refuge in Him.” Nahum 1:7 (NASB)
“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6 (ESV)
“The woman saw that the tree was good for food and delightful to look at, and that it was desirable for obtaining wisdom. So she took some of its fruit and ate it; she also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it.” Genesis 3:6 (CSB)
Lord God, on this third Sunday of Advent, we rejoice in the nearness of Your coming. Fill our hearts with the joy that flows from knowing You and trusting in Your promises. Help us to carry that joy into the world, especially to those who are weary or burdened. May our lives reflect the light of Christ, shining with hope and compassion. We thank You for the gift of Your Son, our source of everlasting joy. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
“But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.’” Luke 2:10-11 (NIV)
“Catch for us the foxes, the little foxes that ruin the vineyards, our vineyards that are in bloom.” Song of Songs 2:15 (NIV)
“And Mary said, ‘Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.’ And the angel departed from her.” Luke 1:38 (ESV)
“Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others—the armies of heaven—praising God …” Luke 2:13 (NLT)
“… the God in whom he believed, who gives life to the dead and calls into existence the things that do not exist.” Romans 4:17 (ESV)
“So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison …” 2 Corinthians 4:16-17 (ESV)
“Each time he said, ‘My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness …’” 2 Corinthians 12:9 (NLT)
“Until the time came to fulfill his dreams, the LORD tested Joseph’s character.” Psalm 105:19 (NLT)
“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:5 (NIV)
Lord God, it’s easy for me to find things to worry about. But today I cling to the truth in Matthew 10:29-31, which reminds me that I am worth more to You than the sparrows — and You care for the...