"What is your resource when life gets tough and you just want to escape? Who or what do you turn to?" Kathy Spampinato

What do you reach for after a hectic and demanding day? What positions you to relax and brings you comfort and a sigh of relief? It might be your favorite sweat pants and a good book, a long walk with man's best friend, or your favorite comfort food in front of the TV. These things help the stress fall away and you are able to put your thoughts into perspective, and your mind at ease. But what do you do when your comforts do not do the job anymore, and the anxiety is pushing you towards a trap? What is your resource when life gets tough and you just want to escape? Who or what do you turn to? It might sound like a cliche, but God wants to be your source of comfort and strength. Let's explore this idea.

Joshua 1:9 ESV states, "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."

Hebrews 4: 15-16 "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. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and grace to help in time of need."

God has promised to be with you when you feel frightened. Jesus knows, and understands what it feels like to be tempted and pulled towards trouble. This scripture verse tells us that we will receive grace and mercy when we rely on Him. It might feel like a very big step. It might take quite a bit of courage to rely on God instead of escaping into a bottle. It might feel risky to put your trust in God, instead of turning to a friend to fix your problem. God is telling you that He will come to your aid, and that you can trust Him. Are you willing to take that step?

Psalm 34:18-19 "The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all."

God is not far off and disinterested. He is right there with you. He is the friend that sticks closer than a brother.

Psalm 94 : 16-19 "Who rises up for me against the wicked? Who stands up for me against evildoers? If the Lord had not been my help, my soul would soon have lived in the land of silence. When I thought, 'My foot slips,' your steadfast love, O Lord, held me up. When the cares of my heart are many, your consolations cheer my soul."

Here the Psalmist is telling us that you can trust God. He knows He will come through for you, because He did it for him. God promises to lift your burdens and carry your pain. He will give you peace of mind when you rely on Him.

Isaiah 26:3 "You will keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.

God is our great comforter. Let me leave you with the words of Jesus.

John 14: 27 "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid."