The Upper Room Daily Devotional 17 June 2023
The Upper Room 17 June 2023 Daily Devotional, Saturday Message by Madison Brown (Texas, USA)
TOPIC: Bigger than Our Fears
TODAY’S READING
Matthew 6:25-34
KEY VERSE: Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” – John 14:27 (NIV)
MESSAGE: Since I was a kid, I have been a worrier. It started with small worries about whom I was going to talk to at lunch or who would allow me to join their game at recess. It grew into intense anxiety about almost any social situation. My anxiety was rooted in deep fears about not belonging and facing rejection. These fears clouded most of middle school and high school as I worried that people I considered “cool” were secretly judging my every action. I did my best to put on a happy face each day, but on the inside I was sinking.
When I opened up to my parents about the roots of my anxiety, they encouraged me to think about where my strength and peace come from. I realized that I was looking for peace in other people’s approval instead of from the one true God. Thus began the slow journey of retraining my brain. Now, when an anxious thought arises, I combat it with scripture and reason instead of letting it take root. Learning to do this takes patience, and the journey never ends. While I am in a much better place than I was two years ago, I still struggle every day. But I know God has provided me with all the tools I need.
TODAY’S PRAYER
Heavenly Father, thank you for giving us minds to think, to be creative, and to worship you. In times of mental distress, remind us that you are looking out for us. Amen.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
God is bigger than my fears.
PRAYER FOCUS
People who struggle with anxiety
The Upper Room 17 June 2023, is a daily devotional magazine published in more than 30 languages and 100 countries around the world. The daily meditations are written by readers of the magazine and others interested in sharing their faith experiences through writing—both laity and clergy, published authors and new writers. Read More.
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