Today's Scripture

"'For I know the plans I have for you,' says the Lord. 'They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.'" - (Jeremiah 29:11 NLT)

Thoughts for Today

Dealing with the consequences of a loved one's problem creates a mounting pressure within us. We want to take charge and fix things - but we can't. This kind of pressure leads to overload. And what does an electrical circuit do when it is overloaded? It burns out, creates a hazard, blows a fuse, or starts a fire.

Like circuits, we also burn out with overload. We can't function. We can even be a danger to ourselves and to others. Our health can suffer.

Consider this …

How about you? Do you see any of these overload signs in yourself? You may be tempted to hold in the pressures, the stress, and the pain - but if you do, the overload can do some serious harm in your life.

 The feelings of pressure are real and can seem overwhelming, but never believe the lie that your situation is hopeless. In the middle of the pain and frustration, you need to believe there is hope.

We are not talking about the kind of hope that halfheartedly says, "I hope things start looking up," or "We can only hope for the best." We are talking about the kind of hope described as confident expectation of something good. Hope based on your knowledge of God and His willingness to meet you right where you are. He loves you. He cares. And He is ready to work in you and in your difficult circumstances.

Meditate on today's scripture. God has a plan for you - a plan for your good. His plan will not harm you. He wants you to have hope and look confidently toward the future.

Are you ready to lean on him? To trust him? With him, you can have real hope.

Prayer

Father, I haven't been able to see anything but this problem. It has consumed me and destroyed my hope and my joy. But now I am reminded you are still with me. You want to help, and you are more than able. Help me shift my focus to you. To your power, your love, and your good plan for me . . . and for my loved one. In Jesus' name . . .

These thoughts were drawn from …Close—But Not Too Close by Dr. Jimmy Ray Lee. A complement to the Concerned Persons small group study, this booklet is written primarily for those who want to help someone close to them who is enslaved by the stronghold of a life-controlling issue. It is also designed to help someone who is suffering the consequences of a loved one's problem.

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