Staying Positive
Brother Bob: Hello and thank you for joining us on this podcast episode of That’s in the Bible. I’m Brother Bob Pellien. Our next question comes from Shanelle Woods from Inglewood, California. Let’s listen together to the question of Shanelle.
Shanelle: Hi, my name is Shanelle, and I’m from Inglewood, California. My question is what are some ways that you can stay positive when you’re surrounded by stress and chaos in your daily life?
Brother Bob: Well, Shanelle, you’re not alone. That’s one thing very much for sure. So many are feeling just like that – very stressed, very perplexed by all the troublesome circumstances that surround so many in life nowadays.
How do we stay positive? Let’s listen to the teachings of God regarding that. There’s a wonderful pronouncement of hope contained here in Hebrews, chapter 6. The word of our Creator is recorded here, beginning in verse 18:
that by two immutable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we might have strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold of the hope set before us. This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters the Presence behind the veil,
[Hebrews 6:18-19 New King James Version]
Brother Bob: Shanelle, there may be many who, just like you, are encountering all kinds of turmoil in life. What the Bible teaches to us, the answer that our Creator presents, is an answer of hope that our soul would be anchored on the hope of the promises that the Lord gives to His people. Look, consider what’s mentioned here. We’ll even enter the presence under the veil within the very core of our existence. The hope that God will send into our life will be able to reach within and lift us up, giving to us that positive spirit, that positive response coming from Him – the encouragement, and the hope that all people need. If Shanelle and those just like Shanelle will place their full trust and confidence in the Lord, what will they feel? What will they experience? I quote from the book of Psalms the answer once again from the Holy Scriptures. I quote Psalm 91, beginning in verse 1:
Whoever goes to the Lord for safety, whoever remains under the protection of the Almighty can say to him, You are my defender and protector. You are my God; in you I trust. He will keep you safe from all hidden dangers and from all deadly diseases. He will cover you with his wings: you will be safe in his care: his faithfulness will protect and defend you. You need not fear any dangers at night or sudden attacks during the day or the plagues that strike in the dark or the evils that kill in daylight. A thousand may fall dead beside you, ten thousand all around you but you will not be harmed. You have made the Lord your defender, the most High your protector, and so no disaster will strike you, no violence will come near your home. God will put his angels in charge of you to protect you wherever you go. They will hold you up with their hands to keep you from hurting your feet on the stones. You will trample down lions and snakes, fierce lions and poisonous snakes. God says, “I will save those who love me and will protect those who acknowledge me as Lord.
[Psalms 91:1-14 Today’s English Version]
Brother Bob: That is the promise of the Lord to any and all who will place their full and complete trust in Him. Make sure to list and subscribe to this podcast of That’s in the Bible and turn on your notifications for new episodes. Please feel free to email your questions about the Bible, about salvation, at answers@incmedia.org. I’m Brother Bob Pellien and I hope you join us next time for more programming of the Iglesia Ni Cristo, or Church Of Christ. To watch episodes of That’s in the Bible go to incmedia.org. Thanks again for listening, and God bless.
