So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most. – Hebrews 4:16 (NLT)

This week we’re going to focus on prayer. Prayer can often seem really overwhelming. You might wonder what to say. How should you pray? Why do you even need to pray?

The truth is, prayer is a really important part of our spiritual life as Christians.

So how do we get started praying?

Consider this: God Wants To Hear From You.

As God’s child, you have a right to go to God. The Bible tells us that we can come before God boldly. That’s good news. Jesus made it possible for us to come to God, without fear, without sin, without any shame stopping us from accessing God. And the best part of all of that is that God really does want to hear from you!

So as we pray, we know that God hears us, wants to hear us and that we have a right to come before Him boldly.

That’s good news. So today, take a moment to pray. If you struggle with knowing what to say, we’ve got a prayer below you can pray to get you started.

God, I come to you boldly. I know that you love me. Thank you for your son’s sacrifice that makes it possible to come to you. I love you and look forward to spending more time this week praying and drawing closer to you. Amen.

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Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy–think about such things. – Phil 4:8 (NIV)

This week we’re looking at how to be content, even when things are far from normal.

The first things to think about is where is your focus? Is it on everything that is not going right? Maybe you’re stuck at home and your brother and parents are literally driving you nuts. And all you can think about is how happy you’ll be when you get away from them.

Granted, your brother is annoying and your parents might not always say or do what you want them to, but if you only focus on the things that are wrong right now, you’ll never be content.

It’s not to say that everything will suddenly start going good and things will be back to normal when you change your focus. However, focusing on things that are positive will help you be more content in your current situation.

So, what can you be thankful for? What can you focus on that is going good for you?

Can you focus on the fact that you get to sleep in more? Do you get more time to practice guitar than you did before? What is good about your situation?

Focus on that. Change your focus from everything that is not right, to what is positive about what you’re facing. When you do that, it will help you be more content in the crazy season we’re in.

And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus. – Phil 4:19 (NIV)

How do we stay content? We know it’s something that we should be focused on, being content. But how do we do that when it’s so hard right now?

Contentment takes work. That’s hard to hear, but it’s true. It’s going to take some effort to stay content, especially when things seem less than ideal.

To be content, you’ve got to choose it. You’ve got to determine that regardless of your circumstances, you’re going to be content.

You can only do that when you take time to realize what Jesus has done for you. Jesus loves you and will always provide for you and see you through. Jesus knows the beginning from the end and there will always be provision for your needs.

So focus on that. Focus on God’s great love for you. As you do, it’s easier to be content. You know that regardless of how bad things might seem around you, that God cares about you.

He’s made a way to provide all your needs. You’ve just got to rest, knowing that God has supplied you with everything you need.

Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world. – James 4:8 (NLT)

One of the hardest things to do is to be happy when it feels like everything is not right. You probably feel like your school year got robbed from you. Perhaps you’re upset because you have a parent that lost a job.

And in the middle of all these real and difficult problems, it can be hard to choose to find contentment.

Happiness that is based in circumstances or people will often not last long term. However, if we choose to focus on Jesus, His love and goodness to us, that will help us become content even in the middle of what’s going on right now in the world.

So today’s challenge is to feed good things.

Feed the good things in your life. Feed your relationship with God. Use this time as a launchpad to grow in your relationship with Him. Ask God to reveal scriptures to you that will help you understand and deal with the things you’re currently struggling with.

You’ll be amazed at what He will show you, if you’ll be open to letting Him speak to you.

More than anything God wants a living dynamic relationship with you. So let this time help you feed good things like your relationship with God. Grow close to Him. Get into the word. The things God speaks to you now may impact you for the rest of your life.

Draw close to God and see what He will speak to you!

But godliness with contentment is great gain. – 1 Timothy 6:6 (NIV)

Take a moment to look honestly at your life. Are you happy? Most of us if we’re honest are not. We’re not happy with our leaders, our teachers and our parents. More than likely you may not be happy with the decisions your leaders are making during these times.

You might not agree with school being closed. Or perhaps your really miss your friends and your normal life. All of those things is leading you to feel unhappy.

So how do we get past this? The truth is, most of us don’t know how long our world is going to be plagued by Coronavirus. We don’t know when our leaders are going to let us get back to normal.

How do we stay happy when things around us seem so out of sorts?

This week we’re going to look at contentment. How can we be content in the circumstances we’re facing?

Each day this week, we’re going to look at what the Bible says about contentment and learn together how we can be content in the middle of a pandemic.

Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. – Ephesians 3:20 (NLT)

You might feel a little stuck right now. Perhaps your school is canceled and you’re really disappointed. Maybe your family is struggling financially during this pandemic, and you’re not sure how you can help.

These emotions can make you feel really stuck. And when you’re stuck, you often feel unsure of what to do, and where to go for help.

Today’s Truth: I’m Not Stuck

So today, even if you’ve felt stuck, know this truth. God is not finished with you. Right now, He’s working. This pandemic might be the best time you’ll have in your lifetime to grow closer to God. So instead of despair, let this time be an opportunity for you.

The truth is, you’re not stuck. Choose to draw close to God. Bring your concerns to Him and let Him direct your paths.

And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. – Romans 8:38 (NLT)

One of the biggest things the enemy tries to do to us in difficulty is to cause us to question God’s love. If we wonder, does God really love me? Does He really care about what I’m going through?

If we spend too much time thinking about questions like these it causes our faith and trust in God to be shaken.

Today’s Truth: I Am Confident

Spend time today focusing on God’s love. God has said He will never leave us. That means that no matter how crazy life gets, God will always be on our side.

Today, challenge yourself to think about God’s love. It’s big enough to see you through this difficult time. Don’t give up on God’s love. He cares, He loves you, and He is seeing you through. Be confident in God’s love for you!

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. – Isaiah 41:10 (NIV)

Do you ever have those nights where you get really afraid? Maybe you fear that you’re going to get sick. Perhaps your family is struggling with money during this season and you’re concerned about that.

There can be lots of reasons to fear, however, regardless of how real the fear feels, the truth is, you don’t have to be afraid.

Instead, you’ve got to determine to put your trust in Jesus. He’s the one that will help you get through these times.

Today’s Truth: I’m not Afraid

Don’t live your life crippled by fear. Instead, choose to trust in Jesus. He will bring you peace in the middle of the storm. He loves you and cares for you.

Give your burdens to the LORD, and he will take care of you. He will not permit the godly to slip and fall. – Psalm 55:22 (NLT)

Have you ever been really lost? I remember a time on a missions trip where I was in a country and I didn’t speak the language. My goal was to get to a bus, but I didn’t exactly know where the bus stop was.

That was such a scary feeling. I didn’t know where to go and how to get there.

That might be a little how you feel right now. Lost. Not sure what the future holds. Upset about the things you see right now in the news.

Today’s Truth: I’m Not Lost

The truth is God cares about you. He’s not forgotten you, and you’re not lost. He never leaves us without help.

So if you’ve felt lost, take comfort. God really does care for you. He will see you through this and you’ll come out better and stronger in the end. So don’t let the things going on around you rob your relationship with God. Use this time to draw close to Him and see that you’re not lost, God cares for you!