Let's face it. We are all "concerned" about something. What are you concerned about today?
Are you concerned about our nation and the upcoming election?
Are you concerned about the church and its current lack of impact on society?
Are you concerned about the next generation?
Are you concerned about the economy?
Are you concerned about the racial tensions that threaten to divide America?
Are you concerned about the lack of truthful reporting from the media?
Are you concerned about ISIS and the threat of terrorism?
Are you concerned about the lack of morality as portrayed in the world of entertainment?
There is certainly much to be concerned about these days! If one did not exhibit the fruit of self-control, there would be a looming mountain of reasons to stay up all night with fear racing through one's veins!
"Listen, the hour is coming. Yes, it has now come that you will be scattered, each to his own home, and will leave Me alone. Yet I am not alone, for the Father is with Me. I have told you these things so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But be of good cheer. I have overcome the world" (John 16:32-33).
One thing that has not changed in the 2,000 years since Jesus walked as a human being on planet Earth is the fact that there is trouble. There is indeed trouble this side of heaven!
Oh! We've got trouble! Right here ... we've got trouble!
However, as believers in the Lord Jesus Christ, our path is not determined by the compromise, sin and sorrow of this world. Our path is determined by His presence!
As a Christian, your life is being guided by the One who has overcome! As a son or a daughter of the Most High God, you are being accompanied by Him who has won every single battle He has ever faced. He is known as the Conqueror! He is known as the Victor! He is known as Jesus.
Jesus has never lost a battle in all of eternity past, and He will never lose a battle in eternity yet to come! Think about that while you are trying to sleep at night!
And this Savior, in whose presence is fullness of joy, has promised never to leave you or abandon you. He is with you on the night watches upon your bed.
He is with you when you watch the news and when you walk into the voting booth.
He is with you when you interact with your neighbors and when you go to work.
He is with you!
Rather than allowing the trouble of this world to deliver worry and fear to your soul, instead, why not allow His presence to give you the joyful gift of peace?
"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and supplication with gratitude, make your requests known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will protect your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus" (Phil. 4:6-7).
When you watch the news tonight, refuse to worry and decide to pray instead. And may I remind you that prayer is not worrying on your knees! Prayer is coming to the triumphant Savior who has promised never to leave you or forsake you and agreeing with Him concerning all that is happening in the world today!
If you are brave enough to remove "fear" and "concern" from the throne of your heart, you will be the beneficiary of the peace of heaven! You will experience the delightful point of view of seeing things from God's perspective.
This world is not perfect, but it was never meant to be! For now, we are able to live abundantly this side of heaven's grandeur because of Jesus. And may I simply remind you that He is with you! 
Carol McLeod is an author and popular speaker at women's conferences and retreats, where she teaches the Word of God with great joy and enthusiasm. Carol encourages and empowers women with passionate and practical biblical messages mixed with her own special brand of hope and humor. She has written five books, including No More Ordinary, Holy Estrogen!, The Rooms of a Woman's Heart and Defiant Joy! Her most recent book, Refined: Finding Joy in the Midst of the Fire, was released last August. Her teaching DVD The Rooms of a Woman's Heart won the Telly Award, a prestigious industry award for excellence in religious programming. You can also listen to Carol's "A Jolt of Joy" program daily on the Charisma Podcast Network. Connect with Carol or inquire about her speaking to your group at justjoyministries.com.
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