I’m pretty sure I’m a worrier by nature. I worry about finances, the ministry, my job, and getting stuff done. I always worry about being late, the future, and past mistakes. And wondering about whether what I do is good enough or not, or even if I’m good enough or not brings me to my knees with worry.

Yet we’re told not to worry (Phil 5:6). And to help me, God gave me the Good Shepherd (John 10:11, 14) to watch over me, to care for me, to give me rest from fear, turmoil, tension, and the like. Even rest from myself.

God also gave me His presence – the Holy Spirit. Jesus calls Him the Comforter and the Counselor. It’s in these two roles Jesus says He will leave with me – give me – peace. Not just any peace, but the peace of Christ. The kind of peace I find in the midst of a life of worry. All I have to do is receive this amazing gift.

Thank you God for the Holy Spirit. Thank you Jesus for the Comforter and my very own Counselor who will teach me and guide me. Thank you Holy Spirit for the peace you bring to my life.

Now, I won’t always listen. I won’t always accept your guidance or your comfort. At times I will wallow in self-pity, worry, and anxiety. I will be restless more than you or I wish. But I know you are fatihful. You are always there…waiting, hoping, and ready. Thank you.

Men, what about you. Did you wake up this morning worrying about something. Was it similar to what I worry with? Maybe it was different. Maybe it was a relationship. Maybe it was your marriage. Maybe it was your job performance. Maybe it was a child. It doesn’t matter. Worry is worry.

You can be free from worry. Accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior and receive the peace He offers. Unload a life of worry onto the One who died to free you up from a life a worry, fear, and anxiety. Want to know more about how to accept Jesus’ gift of peace click here for more information.

If you have made Jesus your Lord and Savior, then you need to realize (if you haven’t already) that Jesus is also your Shepherd (Ps 23). And as your Shepherd, He offers you rest from your worry. He provides you with peaceful pastures and quiet streams to enjoy and to relax. And while you’re doing that, He’ll protect you. He will watch over you so you won’t have to. Confess your worry right now and ask the Holy Spirit to guide you and comfort you. Ask God to fill you with the peace that surpasses all understanding (Phil 4:7). And don’t forget to thank Him for this incredible gift of peace.

Shalom,

Mike