Have you noticed how easy it is to be upset? Maybe something happened to someone you love. Perhaps you’re feeling the stress of school or sports. Before you know it, you’re upset and troubled.

The Bible provides us with a great tip when it comes to stress. It tells us to not let your hearts be troubled. That means you have a choice in every situation whether you’re going to respond in peace or if you’re going to let your heart be troubled.

“Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. – John 14:1 (NLT)

Every day you have the opportunity to choose. You get to choose whether you’re going to really trust God in every area of your life. If you trust God, then you don’t have to let your heart be troubled. You know that no matter how bad things get around you, God will always see you through.

So today, if you’re faced with something big, don’t allow your heart to be troubled. Instead, look to Jesus. Trust Him to be your peace in the middle of the storm. You’ll be glad you did.

Today’s Truth: Don’t Let Your Heart Be Troubled

I remember having to give my first speech in my Oral Communications class. I hated it. Let me say that again, I hated it. I dislike being the center of attention, and the idea of my whole class watching me speak sounded like the worst thing on earth. You might be like me and hate giving speeches. Or perhaps you’re amazing at that, but the idea of something else just makes you so afraid.

Today we’re going to talk about being brave. Because let’s face it, sometimes in life, we have to be brave. We have to face those things that scare us, and decide to push through them.

So how do we be brave when we don’t always want to, or when we don’t feel like it? Well, sometimes it helps to realize that Jesus can help you be brave. Especially when you’re doing something He is telling you to do.

Look to the LORD and his strength; seek his face always – 1 Chronicles 16:11 (NIV)

Back to giving speeches, one time my youth leader asked me to share during youth group time. And I had to share in front of the whole youth group. Of course, I hated the idea of being in front of people and speaking to them. However, I felt like it was something that God wanted me to do, and I believed God had something for me to share with them. So I prepared a little Bible lesson for them, and did it. Yes, I did it, and I did it afraid.

When God has called us to do something, He gives us the ability to do it. He helps us, even if we’re afraid.

Today’s Truth: When God calls you to do something, He gives you the ability to do it.

So how about you? What is God asking you to do that seems too scary? It might not be giving a lesson to your youth group, but it might be talking to a friend about Jesus, or asking someone if you can pray for them. If God asks you to do something, He equips you to do it.

Decide today to press past your fear and step out and do the thing God is calling you to do.

I don’t mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me. – Philippians 3:12 (NLT)

Stop the anger. I keep telling myself. For some reason, I seem to get mad really easy. And as much as I tell myself that tomorrow I won’t get mad, I usually do. So what do I do?

Do you have an area that you struggle in? Maybe it’s not anger for you, perhaps you struggle with overeating, pornography, or some other area in your life. Sometimes, sin is a really hard thing to feel like you can overcome.

However, there is hope.

First of all, realize that becoming more Christlike is a process. You’re not there yet. So don’t have an idea of ideal in your head, and get mad at yourself if you aren’t there yet. Realize that you’re making progress. Maybe you lost your temper four times yesterday, but if a year ago, you would lose your temper ten times a day, you’re making progress. Don’t beat yourself up if you’re not there yet. Celebrate the little wins along the way and know if you’re trying, you’re making progress.

Secondly, don’t base your worth on how good of a Christian or not you are. Yes, you should be trying to be more like Christ, but here’s the thing: you’re not Jesus. You’re not perfect. You will never be perfect. And God’s love for you is not based on your perfection (thank goodness!). God’s love for you is based on Jesus’ perfection. That’s good news.

Today’s Truth: God’s Love for you is based on Jesus’ perfection.

So today, if you’re struggling with sin, know this. God loves you. Even in your imperfection. Also, it’s ok to not be perfect. Making progress each day is a good thing. Don’t forget that you’re making progress and you’re doing better than you probably give yourself credit for.

Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. – James 1:2 (NLT)

One of the hardest things to do is to have joy during times of trouble. Maybe you feel like things are against you, you’ve got finals coming up and the pressures of keeping your grades up just feels like too much. When things are tough and life is pressing against you harder and harder it becomes difficult to keep your joy.

Often we think that if we can just get the pressure to go away, we’ll have joy. Maybe once finals are over and life is easier we will be happy. Or once school is out and there’s nothing to do but hang out with your friends all summer, then you’ll be happy. However, if we keep waiting for events, circumstances or people to change for us to have joy, we might be waiting a long time.

Instead, we are challenged in the Bible to do what this verse says. When trouble comes your way, consider it an opportunity for joy. It’s not that you’re happy that the trouble is in your life, but rather you realize that regardless of what is going on around you, you can choose to be at peace within.

Today’s Truth: No matter what is going on around you, you can choose peace within.

Things might be difficult, the pressures of life might be coming at you hard, but if you find your joy in knowing who Jesus is and that He is the source of your peace and contentment, it will allow you to find joy in the midst of trouble.

Have you ever thought much about obeying God? If you’re honest, it’s probably not something you like to think a lot about. We like the idea of God being our friend, helping us through the tough times of life, but when it comes to obeying Him, we’re not as excited.

That’s totally normal. None of us like being told what to do. But here’s the thing, when you really get to know God, you know that He’s so good. And when He asks you to do something, it’s for your own good. It will make you better, or it will help you in the future.

LORD, I know that people’s lives are not their own; it is not for them to direct their steps. – Jeremiah 10:23 (NIV)

So the next time you sense the leading of God, instead of being afraid, or maybe ignoring what He is trying to tell you, consider doing things differently. Choose to lay aside your opinions of what you think might be best, and be open to being directed by God.

It won’t always be seamless or without trouble, but the plans God has for you are for your good. Following God and being open to Him will help you each day. Don’t be afraid to let God direct your steps. His plans are always good for you in the end!

Today’s Truth: God’s plans always turn out for your good!