John 16:33 These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.

I sat on my front porch seeking peace and quiet with God before six am this morning, only to be angered by the traffic in a hurry to go somewhere. I came in to my secret place and searched “stress” on my Bible app, the list of help seemed endless. Stress has been around since sin entered the world, and the Bible and Jesus knew we would struggle with it too. I believe I am writing to try and help some of my stress; I could go down many roads; mental strains, physical pains, depression and anxiety, fading memory and mental capacity, regrets, and the toll the last couple months have brought with seeing my parents both fade before my very eyes with Alzheimers. I have got to figure our how to process it, how much to share, how to be the strong one, many “hows” for a guy who fixes things, solves problems and plans for a living. Stress is something I know way too much about.

Jesus was spending his last moments with his disciples, the last hours with them before he was to be arrested and crucified. He was conducting his last ministry with those he had invested so much into, before their whole world was turned upside down. He prayed for them, he petitioned God to be with them and protect them from Satan, he even mentioned you as someone who comes to faith as a result of their future ministries. Jesus knew what they were about to face, the stress of their lives until they joined him in Heaven, so he prayed for them. He told them of the gift from God coming, the gift of the Holy Spirit to dwell in every believer, and gift that was better than Jesus himself. You conscious, your gut feelings, that knowledge of right and wrong, the One who leads you each day, is God living inside of you, speaking to you, if you will listen. John 16:7 Nevertheless I tell you the truth. It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you.

I really don’t know what this blog’s form or content will be this season of writing. I am sure it will be my life filtered through my faith as before. I do not know it will take the form of a devotional, but a means to share my walk through this stressful season. From my own personal struggles with aging, and to see two God fearing parents change before your eyes is hard to process in so many ways. What it reminds me of scares me, from the things I saw in India. I am so blessed to know they are headed to Heaven when they leave here, and in that I have the peace that surpasses all understanding.