The mindset

 Today, God gives me a serendipitous thought with the mindset by Sugar Bear about "an exposition about trouble and comfort just for you this morning."

NIV Psalms 119:50 says, 'My comfort in my suffering is this: Your promise preserves my life.'"

This verse suggests that, amid challenges and hardships, the source of solace comes from the promises of God. The statement emphasizes the belief that clinging to the assurances and commitments made by God sustains and preserves one's life during difficult moments. Essentially, it reflects a trust in God's promises as a source of hope and strength, even in the midst of suffering.

Across America and in our hometown, a growing number of individuals find themselves struggling to belong. "Deaths of despair" are on the rise, and over half of us admit that no one truly knows us well—a truly alarming statistic with real consequences in our lives and the lives of those we love.

The diminishing human connections in our lives drive many to seek belonging in radicalized identity groups, exacerbating a crisis that fuels extremism and, sadly, violence. This crisis of rootedness resides in the very communities where we live our lives, between families, friends, and neighbors. It's time to face our Goliath with Christ in mind, as our hometowns cannot afford to wait while this crisis accelerates.

In Acts 9, believers are described as "walking in the fear of the Lord" and in the "comfort of the Holy Spirit." The "comfort of the Holy Spirit" represents the unique ministry of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers. Jesus promised to send the Holy Spirit as our "Comforter," "Advocate," or "Helper." This divine presence is meant to be a constant companion, providing reassurance that we are never alone (John 14:16).

Through the Spirit, we receive the ongoing affirmation that we are God's children (Romans 8:16). He draws us closer to Jesus and strengthens our inner being (Ephesians 3:16–17).

Walking in the comfort of the Holy Spirit means recognizing that God has given us a Helper who is always by our side. This assurance helps us navigate moments of weakness when we don't know how to pray. The Holy Spirit intercedes for us, bridging the gap between our hearts and God's understanding (Romans 8:26–27). It is in this divine partnership that we find solace amid life's troubles.

As we grapple with the crisis of belonging in our communities, let us remember that the comfort of the Holy Spirit is not just a theoretical concept but a tangible reality in our lives. Embracing this comfort enables us to extend it to others, fostering connections and combating the isolation that plagues so many. Today, let us walk not only in the fear of the Lord but also in the profound comfort of the Holy Spirit, knowing that in this divine companionship, we discover the strength to face our Goliaths and bring healing to our hurting communities.

God bless You and This Ministry!