Day 62: Proverbs 14:26

"Whoever fears the Lord has a secure fortress, and for their children it will be a refuge." ~Proverbs 14:26 NIV

Children pick up on a lot of adult emotions - especially stress and/or depression. If a parent is stressed, the child can also become stressed. If a parent is depressed, the child can also become depressed. But if the parent is confident in the love and faithfulness of God... the child can also tap into that trust, and won't be stressed or depressed. I suppose that the same is true of family and close friends. Human empathy causes us to pick up on other's emotions, and to mimic those emotions. We can be a positive influence on the people around us by choosing to believe that our God will protect us, and will use everything that happens to further His kingdom through us.

You can pray the words below, if you'd like!

Dear Jesus, I ask today that You would help me to choose to focus on You. Don't let my mind think about the things that paralyze me, but help me to stay aware that You have a perfect plan for me and that everything that happens, happens as a part of Your purpose. Remind me every moment that You can use the good, the bad, and the frightening events in my life to shape me into Your image.

God, if and when I start dwelling on things that scare me, please remind me that I can choose not to think about those things. Remind me that I can choose my thoughts, and that I can choose to believe that You are my secure fortress, that You will protect me and that I can do all things through You.

Thanks, and amen!