Love the Lord your God with all your heart. (Mark 12:30)

What a day! First, a group of Pharisees tried to trap Jesus with a question about paying taxes. Then some Sadducees posed a hypothetical question about a man who dies without leaving an heir. And finally, a scribe asks yet another question about the heart of Judaism. Jesus could have easily cried out, “Give me a break!” But he didn’t.

In the face of what could have been another tense standoff, Jesus kept his composure and even tried to evangelize this fellow, telling him that he was not far from the kingdom of God. It’s no wonder that no one dared to ask him any more questions! If Jesus could withstand such tough challenges from the brightest among them, he could withstand anything. If only they had known that the source of his composure was available to them as well!

Jesus wants all of us to take up this calm and steady approach to our days. Ideally, nothing should be able to shake us from our position of faith in him. We are living in very challenging times. But while the challenges are strong and the difficulties deep, the spiritual opportunities are many and varied as well. You can be a beacon of hope for those around you who are consumed with worry and anxiety. Who knows? You may even be able to lead someone to the Lord!

Try to develop the habit of “checking in” with the Lord every couple of hours so that he can fill you with his love and give you hope and guidance for the day. Repeat the truths of your faith often during the day, so that they become a firm foundation for your life. Get in the habit of bringing your concerns to the Lord so that he can give you his wisdom and his peace. Building up your heart and mind in this way will make you a strong witness to the truth of the gospel. And with such inner strength, you will have more than enough to go around!

“Jesus, let my faith in you keep me calm in the midst of any storms that come my way. May those I speak to find themselves drawn to you, so that they too can draw closer to the kingdom of God.”

Source: Word Among Us, 4 June 2009