DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT:

Do you know what worry is? Worry is a mild form of atheism. It’s acting like God doesn’t exist. It is like saying, “God, You have forsaken me. You’re not able to see me through this thing.”The great missionary David Livingstone took the Gospel to Africa. He lived a life of loneliness and danger. On January 14, 1856, surrounded by hostile people beating war drums like they were going to attack the next morning, he wrote in his journal: “Felt much turmoil of spirit in prospect of having all of my plans for the welfare of this great region and this teaming population knocked on the head by savages tomorrow.” Sitting at his campfire, he knew what was out there in the dark. Then he wrote, “But I read that Jesus said, ‘All power is given unto Me in heaven and in earth, go ye therefore and teach all nations, and lo I am with you always, even to the end of the world.'”Friend, when I’m discouraged, His presence sees me through. When I’m lonely, His presence cheers me up. When I’m worried, His presence calms me down. And when I’m tempted. His presence helps me out.

ACTION POINT:

Follow Livingstone’s example. Practice the presence of the Lord this coming year. You’re going to be tempted. Know that Jesus Christ never leaves us, never forsakes us. When the devil comes and knocks at your heart’s door, simply say, “Jesus, please go answer the door.”