How Do You Feel? by Robert Socha

How do you feel today?

Angst? Is your soul troubled by the daily events?

Doubt? Do you wonder about what the future holds? Does it look bleak?

Worry? Are you concerned about your finances, income, investments, children, friends, and family?

Fear? Does the worldwide political and economic situation, the perpetual pandemic rhetoric, or some personal unrest cause you to lose sleep at night and be in a constant state of concern?

I want to take this opportunity to proffer that as we celebrate Christ’s birth, there are things that are true and yet a greater Truth!

The world’s state of perpetual agitation is a constant companion. It can and should be cause for alarm outside of the greater Truth that Scripture records Jesus comforting us when He said the world would bring us trouble and tribulation, but we can take heart because He has overcome the world.[i]

Feelings are valid, but let us arrest them[ii]and submit them to the Truth of God’s sure and precious promises recorded in the volume of Scripture affectionately called the Holy Bible.

We can take captive doubt! If it is true that Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God[iii], then I challenge myself and you, dear reader, to open the pages of that Holy Writ and read aloud the Christmas Story found in Luke Chapter 2.[iv]I believe with all my heart that something supernatural happens in the spirit when we hear ourselves declaring anything, but especially Truth. The tongue is a powerful force that can not only bless God and curse men,[v]but it can also encourage and inspire or discourage and despair. Therefore, we ought to purpose ourselves to do the former, for the power of life and death are in the tongue;[vi]therefore, choose life! If we listen to ourselves stating Truth often enough, it will take root in our souls, providing us refuge and hope! (Unfortunately, the opposite is also true.)

We can take captive the angst! Declare that portion of Scripture that reminds us to be anxious for nothing, but in all things through prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let our requests be made known to God, so the peace of God that passes all understanding will guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.[vii]

We can take captive the doubt! Declare that portion of Scripture stating we have a sure and steadfast anchor for the soul,[viii]a hope to one day see Him in the sky,[ix]following Him in the resurrection of the dead. I encourage us today with that inspiration.

We can take captive worry. Christ, Himself, promised us in the Sermon on the Mount[x]not to worry about tomorrow. Declare it! Hear your voice speak the wisdom and power of God. If God clothes the flowers in a field with such beauty, only to be gone tomorrow, how much more valuable are we to His provision if we will seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness.[xi]

We can take captive fear! If we fear, we have not been made perfect in love. Declare perfect love casts out fear.[xii]Declare that God has not given us a spirit of fear but of power, and of love, and a sound mind.[xiii]Declare, “What time I am afraid I will trust in Thee,” Psalm 56:3.

All these things are possible to him who believes[xiv]because Christ’s advent blessed the world with the opportunity to know Him, the Power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings.[xv]Surely, if we repent,[xvi]turn from our sins toward the righteous acts that come by Faith[xvii]through following Christ alone, the Hope of Glory[xviii]will awaken our souls to rise to Thee![xix]

Celebrate with me the Advent and Resurrection of the Lord, proclaiming His death until He comes again![xx]

[i]John 16:33

[ii]2 Corinthians 10:5

[iii]Romans 10:17

[iv]Luke 2:1-21

[v]James 3:9

[vi]Proverbs 18:21

[vii]Philippians 4:6-7

[viii]Hebrews 6:19

[ix]1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

[x]Matthew 5-7

[xi]Matthew 6:25-34

[xii]1 John 4:18

[xiii]2 Timothy 1:7

[xiv]Mark 9:23

[xv]Philippians 3:10

[xvi]Acts 3:19

[xvii]James 2:14-26

[xviii]Colossians 1:27

[xix]Psalm 63

[xx]1 Corinthians 11:26