The One who created and controls the world, the One who is the ultimate definition of what is loving, true, and good, and the One who alone has the power to finally defeat sin has chosen, because of his grace, to wrap his arms of faithful love and protection around you, and he will not let you go.

When you are suffering, you have to force yourself to pay attention to your private conversation, that is, the words you say to yourself that no one else hears.

God's grace often does its best and brightest work when things are the darkest and most difficult.

Think about this. The One who created and controls the world, the One who is the ultimate definition of what is loving, true, and good, and the One who alone has the power to finally defeat sin has chosen, because of his grace, to wrap his arms of faithful love and protection around you, and he will not let you go. You can take your life off your shoulders because God has placed it on his.

In your weakness, worry, doubt, and fear, he pleads to the Father in your defense.

Many people have talked to me about God in the middle of difficulties, and after listening to them, I have been struck that, if I believed in the "God" they described, I wouldn't run to him for help either, and I'd be in a panic

Think about this. The One who created and controls the world, the One who is the ultimate definition of what is loving, true, and good, and the One who alone has the power to finally defeat sin has chosen, because of his grace, to wrap his arms of faithful love and protection around you, and he will not let you go.

The words of Zephaniah 3:17 ring with as much hope today as they did generations ago when they were penned: "The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save.

even though there is very little that we know for sure about our lives and we experience constant surprises along the way, we need not give way to panic.

It's never hopeless and you're never helpless if Immanuel has invaded your life with his glory and grace.

You and I can face the harsh realities of life in this broken world with courage and hope because we do not face them all by ourselves. Immanuel ("God with us") is indeed with us in power, glory, and grace.

even though there is very little that we know for sure about our lives and we experience constant surprises along the way, we need not give way to panic. Yes, our lives are out of our control, but that doesn't mean they are out of control. No, our lives are under the careful administration of the One who had the wisdom and power to be the great Author of it all.