“'Yahweh bless you, and keep you. Yahweh make his face to shine on you, and be gracious to you. Yahweh lift up his face toward you, and give you peace.' ... I have told you these things, that in me you may have peace. In the world you have oppression; but cheer up! I have overcome the world.”
Three weeks ago we started with a promise that God is near to the brokenhearted. Today we finish with a blessing spoken over you.
Before that, hear Jesus being honest. In the world you have oppression. He does not end by promising an easy road. He says trouble is part of the arrangement, and then says take heart anyway, because he has overcome the world. Peace and trouble in the same sentence, which has been the shape of this whole series.
So be realistic about what these twenty-one days were. Not a cure. Anxiety may still visit you next week. If it does, that is not the undoing of anything you have found here.
What you have, if you want it, is a set of things to return to. Honesty with God, who is not fragile. Casting it rather than carrying it. Today rather than tomorrow. A mind leaned on something solid. Trust practiced as an action on days when feelings do not cooperate. A Shepherd who leads through.
And two things worth saying one last time, gently. Getting help is faithful, not a failure. Talk to your doctor or a counselor if this has been heavy for a while. Get into a life group at a local church and let people know you, because we were not built to carry this alone.
If you are in a dark place, or having thoughts of harming yourself, please tell someone today: a doctor, a counselor, a pastor, or someone you trust. In the US, you can call or text 988 anytime to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline; if you are elsewhere, your country likely has a similar free helpline.
Now receive the blessing. Read it over yourself out loud. His face is turned toward you, and he gives you peace. Go in it.
Talk About It Together
Read the blessing out loud over yourself, or over each other, before you talk.
- What has changed in you over these twenty-one days?
- Which day or verse do you most need to return to?
- What is the one next step you are committing to: a group, a counselor, or an honest conversation?
Tonight’s Challenge
Speak the blessing out loud over someone else today, and take the one next step you named.
Prayer
Lord, thank You for walking with us through these three weeks and for meeting us honestly. Bless us and keep us. Make Your face shine on us. Lift up Your face toward us and give us peace. Where trouble comes, remind us You have overcome the world, and keep us close to people who help us carry it. Amen.