Father, we ask that you help us understand your word through the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and open our hearts and minds so that we may understand and incorporate your word and will into our lives for your glory. Please give us peace and comfort in these difficult times and help us cling to you through your word and the presence of the holy spirit. Please help us to see your blessings in our lives and give us a spirit of gratitude to you and for you. We know you are still in control and will use these challenging times for your good. Forgive us if we interpret your silence as a lack of your love. We know you will answer if we only stay faithful. We ask for your guidance, love, wisdom, and protection…in Jesus’ name, we pray.

– Amen

“Think only about the things in heaven, not the things on earth. You old sinful self has died, and your new life is kept with Christ in God” (Colossians 3:2-3)

“You should know that loving the world is the same as hating God. Anyone who wants to be a friend of the world becomes God’s enemy” (James 4:4)

“Do not love the world or the things in the world. If you love the world, the love of the Father is not in you. These are the ways of the world: wanting to please our sinful selves, wanting the sinful things we see, and being too proud of what we have. None of these come from the Father, but all of them come from the world. The world and everything that people want in it are passing away, but the person who does what God wants lives forever” (1 John 2:15-17)