Dear friends, as we continue to cope with what seems to be a never-ending virus, it is important to guard the heart against fear and depression, especially young people. In May 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, emergency department visits for suspected suicide attempts increased among adolescents aged 12–17 years, especially girls. During February 21–March 20, 2021, suspected suicide attempt ED visits were 50.6% higher among girls aged 12–17 years than during the same period in 2019; among boys aged 12–17 years, suspected suicide attempt ED visits increased 3.7%. (https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/70/wr/mm7024e1.htm)
How do we cope? The Psalmist writes in Psalm 42:11 “Why are you in despair, O my soul? And why have you become disturbed within me? Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him, The help of my countenance and my God.” Notice what helps the countenance. Here the word translated for countenance refers to what the face reflects on the surface, and notice it is directly related to what it is focused upon, the Lord.
Our ability to cope is directly related to where we place our hope and trust. The Bible very clearly states that those who do not know Christ, have no hope and are without God in the world. – Ephesians 2:12. The good news is that God invites us to have a relationship with Him through the Son. Jesus said “Do not let your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me.“ – John 14:1. Jesus is our only hope, and our ability to cope is directly related to our trust in Him and His Word.
How grateful we should be that God is not silent toward us and has made clear the way of salvation. God clearly tells us that He “has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. He who has the Son has the life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have the life.” – 1 John 5:11-12. Coping comes first through turning from our sin to Jesus as Savior and with it the ability to stand and walk in His promises as His children.
I encourage you to listen to God through His written word. To help you, I have listed a reading for each day this week. Look at the following passages, one each day, and ask these two questions of the passage. 1. What eternal / timeless truths are being taught? 2. How should these truths apply to my life? Here are each days readings: Wednesday – Philippians 3:7-21; Thursday – Psalm 119:1-32; Friday – Psalm 119:33-64; Saturday – Psalm 119:65-96; Sunday – Psalm 119:97-128; Monday – Psalm 119:129-160; Tuesday – Psalm 119:161-176.
In addition, use each day’s passage as part of a regular time in prayer. To help, use the acronym ACTS that reflects Christ example of how to pray recorded in the gospel of Matthew 6:9-13: Adoration – what we see we are to give God praise for. Confession – Sins that we are made aware of to confess. Thanksgiving – What things we see we are to be thankful for. Supplication – What we see we are to pray for.
As well, pick a verse or verses from the day’s reading and memorize it if you can, letting it occupy your mind for the remainder of the day. God tells us “Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth.” – Colossians 3:2 My friends, keep seeking the things above so you will be able to remain encouraged and cope with the things below.
Would you like to know more? Call us at 425-432-0634: We would love to talk with you, pray for you and help you discover God’s truth and hope for life. Find out more at www.taylorcreekchurch.org. We invite you to join us on Sundays, 9 a.m. for Sunday school and 10:15 a.m. for main worship. We are located at 21110 244th Ave. S.E. Mable Valley.
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