Anxiety ... There are answers in the Bible

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Anxiety ... There are answers in the Bible

You can trust the Bible when dealing with anxiety.

Psalm 94:19, 1 Peter 5:7, Philippians 4:6–7

There are answers in the Bible.

Anxiety is a common struggle that many students and teenagers face in today’s world.

But the good news is that the Bible provides us with hope and encouragement when we feel anxious.

One of the most well-known verses on anxiety is found in Philippians 4:6-7. It says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

This verse reminds us that we don’t have to carry our anxieties alone. Instead, we can bring our worries to God through prayer and ask for His help. When we do this, God promises to give us a peace that surpasses all understanding, a peace that can guard our hearts and minds.

Another encouraging verse is found in 1 Peter 5:7. It says, “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” This verse reminds us that God cares for us deeply and wants to help us with our worries. We can trust Him to carry our burdens and provide us with the strength and comfort we need.

So if you’re feeling anxious, remember that you’re not alone.

Turn to God in prayer and ask Him for help.

Trust that He cares for you and wants to give you His peace. As it says in Psalm 94:19, “When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy.” May God’s consolation and peace bring you joy, even in the midst of anxiety.

Finally ... know that the team at ymnow is praying for you, your students and your children as they navigate these days.

You are a Disciple

"Chosen: Jesus Picked You” Let me tell you something amazing about being chosen by Jesus. In John 15:16, Jesus says, “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last.” Think about that: Jesus picked you. He saw you, loved you, and said, “I want you to be a part of something eternal.” And when you pray in His name, the Father listens and gives you what you need for the mission. That’s not just an honor—it’s a call to action. Then there’s Ephesians 2:10, which reminds us that “we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” You’re not here by accident. God carefully crafted you with a purpose in mind—good works that only you can accomplish because He designed them specifically for you. And let’s not forget the words of Jesus in Matthew 28:19-20, where He gave us the Great Commission: “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” This isn’t just a suggestion—it’s a responsibility. Jesus chose you to share His love and truth with the world, and He promised to be with you every step of the way. In 1 Peter 2:9, we’re reminded of who we are: “a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession.” You are chosen not just to be loved by God but to declare His praises, to shine His light in a world that desperately needs it. You’ve been called out of darkness into His wonderful light so you can show others the way. Now, you might feel unqualified for such a big task, but here’s the thing: 2 Corinthians 12:9 says, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Jesus doesn’t need you to be perfect; He works through your imperfections. When you feel weak, that’s when His strength shows up in powerful ways. He’s not looking for perfect people—He’s looking for willing ones. And look at what Jesus says in Luke 5:10-11: “Don’t be afraid; from now on you will fish for people.” He said this to Simon Peter, a fisherman, just an ordinary guy. But when Jesus called him, Peter left everything to follow Him. That’s what happens when Jesus sees potential in you—He calls you to extraordinary purposes, even if you feel like you’re just an ordinary person. Finally, in Jeremiah 1:5, God says, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart.” That’s how intentional He is about choosing you. Long before you were even born, He had a plan for your life. You’re not just chosen; you’re set apart for something incredible. So when you think about being chosen by Jesus, let these verses sink in. You are loved, you are called, and you are sent out with a purpose. Now, what will you do with that? Conclusions Have you ever been chosen for something awesome, like being on a team or leading a project? It feels amazing to be picked. Here’s the deal: Jesus chose you. Not because you’re perfect, popular, or have it all figured out, but because He loves you and has a plan for your life. The Great Commission wasn’t just for the disciples back in the day—it’s for you too. When Jesus says, “Go,” it’s because He sees something in you worth using for His kingdom. Being chosen by Jesus doesn’t mean you have to be a super-Christian or know the Bible by heart. It means you’re willing to say “yes” and trust Him with the rest. Remember when Jesus called the disciples? They weren’t religious experts—they were fishermen, tax collectors, and everyday people. Jesus saw potential in them, and He sees it in you too. You’re chosen, and that’s the first step to making a difference. Here’s the truth: God doesn’t call the qualified; He qualifies the called. If you’ve ever felt like you’re not good enough to make disciples, know this—Jesus specializes in working through imperfect people. He chose you for a reason, and He’s ready to walk with you every step of the way. So, what will you do with that? Being chosen isn’t just a privilege; it’s a responsibility.

Seen

Seen: Embracing the Presence of Jesus in Every Circumstance When we look up at the night sky, filled with countless stars and galaxies, it’s easy to feel small in the vastness of the universe. Yet, in the midst of this immense creation, you are seen by the One who made it all. The Son of God Himself sees you, understands your situation, and walks with you through every trial. He Sees You Amid life's ups and downs, it’s comforting to know that Jesus sees us. Psalm 33:13-15 tells us, "The Lord looks down from heaven; He sees all the children of man; from where He sits enthroned He looks out on all the inhabitants of the earth, He who fashions the hearts of them all and observes all their deeds." God’s gaze is not distant or indifferent. He sees each of us, knowing our hearts and our struggles. Consider Hagar in the desert, feeling abandoned and alone. Yet, she encountered God and declared, “You are the God who sees me” (Genesis 16:13). Just as God saw Hagar, He sees you in your trials and triumphs. He knows your pain and your joy. He Knows Your Circumstances Jesus doesn’t just see us; He understands our circumstances deeply. Hebrews 4:15 reassures us, "For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin." Jesus walked among us, experiencing human suffering and temptation. He empathizes with our struggles because He has faced them Himself. In John 11, Jesus shared in the grief of Mary and Martha over the death of their brother Lazarus. Even though He knew He would soon raise Lazarus from the dead, He wept with them, showing His deep compassion and understanding. Jesus stands with us in our sorrow and challenges. He Is In You For believers, the Holy Spirit lives within us, offering guidance, comfort, and strength. Jesus promised in John 14:16-17, "And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you." The presence of the Holy Spirit means we are never truly alone. No matter the difficulty, the Spirit’s power and wisdom are available to help us through. He Has You Our security in Christ is unwavering. In John 10:28-29, Jesus declares, "I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand." This promise assures us that we are securely held in God’s grasp. Our circumstances may shift, but His hold on us remains steadfast and unchanging. Never Give Up In light of these truths, we are encouraged to persevere and remain committed to our faith. Galatians 6:9 reminds us, "And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up." Even when following Jesus feels challenging, remember that He sees you, understands your struggles, lives within you, and holds you firmly. The Apostle Paul, despite facing numerous trials, wrote in Philippians 4:13, "I can do all things through him who strengthens me." This is not just an inspirational quote; it’s a reality for us through Christ. So, keep your faith strong. Don’t let difficulties or discouragements make you quit. The Son of God sees you, knows you, and is with you. Trust Him, lean on His strength, and continue to follow Him with determination and hope. Through Him, you have the power to overcome and thrive. Never give up, for He is with you always.

Rooted In Hope

In the hustle and bustle of life, it's easy to feel overwhelmed and burdened by the weight of our ambitions and responsibilities. If you're longing for a sense of peace and purpose amidst the chaos, let's turn to the timeless wisdom of the Bible for guidance and encouragement: Read and Study Isaiah 40:31 (NIV) "But 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." This verse reminds us that our strength is renewed when we place our hope in the Lord. Like eagles soaring high above, we can find renewed energy and endurance in Him. Take a moment to reflect on where your hope lies and invite God to renew your strength. Psalm 55:22 (NIV) "Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken." God invites us to cast our cares upon Him, trusting that He will sustain us through every challenge. Surrendering our worries and anxieties to Him allows us to experience His sustaining power and unwavering faithfulness. 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 (NIV) "But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. Even in our moments of weakness and vulnerability, God's grace is more than enough to sustain us. Embrace your weaknesses, knowing that they are opportunities for God's power to shine through. As you surrender to Him, His strength becomes your own. Prayer: Heavenly Father, I come before You with my burdens and concerns, trusting in Your promise to renew my strength and sustain me. Help me to cast my cares upon You and to find strength in surrendering to Your will. May Your grace be sufficient for me, and may Your power be made perfect in my weaknesses. I surrender all to You and ask for Your guidance and strength as I seek to make a difference in the world. In Jesus' name, Amen. May you find renewed strength, peace, and purpose as you surrender to God's will and trust in His sustaining grace.