The Sword of the Spirit (116)

 

A few years ago, before the pandemic and the varied wars in the Middle East, a survey determined that 80% of Canadians were not only stressed, but stressed to the point that they were overwhelmed.  In these present times, I doubt that the rest of the world is any different.

The Apostle Paul tells us that "our struggle isn't against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, the powers, and the rulers of darkness of this world".

In his first epistle, John says that "even now many antichrists have arisen".

And in his gospel, Matthew speaks about "the worries of the world and the deceitfulness of riches".

With that world view in mind, these powerful passages of scripture touched my heart of hearts:

"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.  And the peace of God which surpasses all understanding, will fill your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

"And my God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory through Christ Jesus."

"And this is the confidence which we have before Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.  And if we know that He hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests which we have asked from Him."

"Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength; they will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not be faint."