Now when Jesus had entered Capernaum, a centurion came to Him, pleading with Him, ⁶ saying, “Lord, my servant is lying at home paralyzed, dreadfully tormented.”

And Jesus said to him, “I will come and heal him.”

The centurion answered and said, “Lord, I am not worthy that You should come under my roof. But only speak a word, and my servant will be healed. For I also am a man under authority, having soldiers under me. And I say to this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes; and to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.”

When Jesus heard it, He marveled, and said to those who followed, “Assuredly, I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel! And I say to you that many will come from east and west, and sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven. But the sons of the kingdom will be cast out into outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” Then Jesus said to the centurion, “Go your way; and as you have believed, so let it be done for you.” And his servant was healed that same hour.

—Matthew 8:5-13 

In Matthew 8:5-13 and Luke 7:1-10, Matthew and Luke tell the story of a centurion coming to Jesus. These passages can hold powerful significance for LGBTQ+ Christians. In this account, a Roman centurion, a commander, nominally of 100 soldiers and an outsider to the Jewish community, approaches Jesus with great faith, asking for healing for his servant. Jesus commends the centurion’s faith, and the servant is healed. Let’s look at why this story can be meaningful for LGBTQ+ Christians.

First, we can see that Jesus welcomes outsiders with compassion. Jesus did not qualify his help or refuse to see the centurion because he was not Jewish. The centurion was a Roman, a representative of the occupying force, and someone who would have been seen as an outsider by the Jewish community. Despite this, Jesus does not turn him away or judge him, but instead responds with compassion and grace. For LGBTQ+ Christians, this demonstrates that Jesus’ love transcends societal boundaries, prejudices, or religious barriers. No one is too “different” or “outside” to be embraced by Jesus.

Second, Jesus responded to the centurion’s faith, not his status or identity, showing that Jesus was inclusive of all people. The centurion’s position as a Roman and a soldier might have made him an unlikely figure to receive Jesus’ help in the eyes of many. Yet, Jesus does not focus on his social identity or background—he focuses on the centurion’s faith. This is an important reminder for LGBTQ+ Christians that God is concerned with our hearts, our faith, and our sincerity—not with our societal status or labels.

By not judging the centurion for what he was, Jesus is breaking cultural norms to bring healing. The centurion demonstrates a boldness in approaching Jesus, knowing that, by cultural standards, he might be rejected. He crosses lines of race, religion, and status to seek healing for someone he loves. For LGBTQ+ individuals, this can be a source of encouragement. It suggests that approaching Jesus in faith and seeking healing, love, and inclusion should not be hindered by fear of rejection. Jesus breaks through cultural norms to meet people where they are.

Third, we can look at the centurion’s relationship with his servant. While the Gospels do not explicitly detail the nature of the centurion’s relationship with his servant, some have speculated that it may have been a deeply affectionate or even intimate relationship. Regardless of the exact nature, the centurion clearly cared deeply for his servant, enough to seek help from Jesus on his behalf. This has led some LGBTQ+ Christians to see in this story a possible affirmation of loving, committed same-sex relationships, and a demonstration that deep love between individuals, regardless of societal expectations, is worthy of blessing and healing in Jesus’ eyes.

Finally, this story shows that faith that transcends barriers. Jesus marvels at the centurion’s faith, proclaiming in Matthew 8:10, “I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel!” This is a powerful message for LGBTQ+ Christians who may feel marginalized within religious communities. It reminds them that their faith is not lesser or invalid because of our identity. In fact, like the centurion, their faith can be a source of inspiration and affirmation, showing that God welcomes faith from all people, regardless of the barriers society may erect.

The core of the story is about healing—Jesus offers restoration without hesitation. For LGBTQ+ Christians who have been hurt by rejection or exclusion, this story should bring hope. It affirms that Jesus is always ready to bring healing to those who come to him, regardless of what others might think. For LGBTQ+ Christians, the story of the centurion going to Jesus is a profound example of how faith, love, and a deep trust in God transcend societal boundaries and norms. It demonstrates that God’s love and healing are available to all, including those who may be viewed as outsiders. The story invites LGBTQ+ believers to approach Jesus with confidence, knowing that their faith matters, their love is seen, and they are fully embraced by the Savior who heals and restores.

For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, ³⁹ nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

—Romans 8:38-39

As LGBTQ+ Christians, it can be challenging to reconcile our faith with our identity. We live in a world where we may feel misunderstood, judged, or even rejected by others. Yet, in the heart of Scripture, God’s message is clear: His love for us is steadfast and unshakable. Nothing—no person, no ideology, no power—can separate us from that love. Romans 8:38-39 is a powerful reminder that God’s love is all-encompassing. In times of struggle, confusion, or loneliness, remember that you are deeply known and cherished by God just as you are. God’s love is not conditional on fitting into a particular mold or meeting the expectations of others. He created you uniquely and beautifully, with purpose and intent.

When you feel distanced from the church or face discrimination, know that God’s arms are always open to you. You are part of His family, and His grace is not limited by human boundaries. Just as Jesus reached out to those who were marginalized, He reaches out to you, inviting you to experience His boundless love. First John 4:8, which states “God is love,” is especially important to us as LGBTQ+ Christians because it affirms that God’s very nature is rooted in love, and this love is not conditional or limited by human standards. We are reminded in 1 John 4:8 that Christianity centers around God’s love as the ultimate truth, offering comfort, hope, and a foundation for LGBTQ+ Christians to embrace their faith and identity without fear.

In Matthew 22:37-39 Jesus said “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’” The heart of our faith is love—the love God has for us, and the love we are called to share with one another. Jesus taught us that the greatest commandments are to love God with all our hearts and to love our neighbors as ourselves (Matthew 22:37-39). So love God, love others, and love yourself. Know that you are loved beyond measure, exactly as you are. You are fearfully and wonderfully made, and God has a plan for your life. Let us all remember that nothing—nothing in this world—can ever separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus.

Take a moment today to reflect on God’s love for you. Write down (or post in the comments) three ways you have seen His love in your life recently, even in small moments. If you’re able, connect with another LGBTQ+ Christian for support and encouragement, sharing how God’s love is sustaining you. Above all, remember this: You are loved. You are worthy. You are enough. Hold tightly to the truth that God’s love for you is unbreakable, and let that love empower you to live fully in His grace.

“The fear of man brings a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is safe.”

– Proverbs 29:25

Being LGBTQ+ means that we are often are at the mercy of people’s hate, ignorance, and prejudices. We are often excluded from the worship of God in many mainstream and evangelical denominations. However, as LGBTQ+ Christians, we can still find comfort in God because although we may be hated by some people, we will always be loved by God. Matthew 5:11-12 says, “Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” These verses come at the end of the Beatitudes in Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. Jesus prepared us and warned us to expect persecution and hardship as a result of our commitment to Him. Being insulted, falsely accused, or persecuted for living out faith in Christ is a sign of being aligned with God’s will. This suffering is not because of personal faults but specifically “because of me”—because of Jesus and the truth of His teachings.

Instead of being discouraged or disheartened by persecution because of being LGBTQ+, Jesus calls us to “rejoice and be glad.” This is a radical call to joy, even in suffering, because Christ is there to comfort our suffering for our beliefs in Him and how we were created by God to love someone of the same gender or fell as if we were born with the wrong sexual organs. By remembering that in times of trouble we can turn to Christ for guidance. Jesus promises a great reward in heaven for those who endure persecution for His sake. The reward is not necessarily in this life, but in the life to come. This promise encourages believers to keep an eternal perspective, valuing spiritual treasures over earthly comforts. 

Jesus pointed out in Matthew 5:12 that mankind’s pattern of persecution is not new. The prophets of the Old Testament, who were faithful to God’s word, also faced opposition and persecution. By suffering for righteousness, believers are in good company, standing in the legacy of God’s faithful messengers. Proverbs 29:25 tells us, “The fear of man brings a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is safe.” We cannot allow the hatred of others to drive us away from God.  When people are overly concerned about the opinions, approval, or threats of others, it can trap them, much like a snare catches an animal. This fear can lead to compromised decisions, anxiety, or a lack of true freedom because one’s actions are driven by human approval or fear of rejection. However, if we place our confidence in God, trust His guidance and provision, we will find security in His love. God’s protection and peace are reliable, freeing people from the pressure of trying to meet others’ expectations or fearing their judgment.

God desires that all believers grow in a love that is guided by knowledge and insight, leading to wise choices and lives that are pure and blameless, preparing them for Christ’s return. He emphasizes the importance of spiritual maturity and discernment in Christian living. In Philippians 1:9-10 Paul says, “And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment, that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ,” Here, Paul is praying for the believers in Philippi, expressing a desire for their spiritual growth. The same message should be received by LGBTQ+ Christians. Paul prays that the Philippians’ love would “abound more and more.” This love is not just an emotional feeling but is tied to action, decision-making, and behavior. Paul is asking for an increase in their love for God, for one another, and for others in general. However, this love is not blind or superficial.

The kind of love Paul desires is one that is coupled with “knowledge and depth of insight.” This suggests that love should be informed by a deep understanding of God’s truth and a growing wisdom that comes from spiritual discernment. It points to love that is thoughtful, grounded in truth, and applied wisely to life’s situations. If we hide our love of someone of the same sex, we are hiding God’s intentions for our love. Paul prayed that our growing love, informed by knowledge and insight, would help believers “discern what is best.” In other words, we should develop the ability to make wise choices—choosing what is excellent, not just what is good. This is about living with wisdom and prioritizing the things that align with God’s will. The goal of this growing, discerning love is that the as believers we might be “pure and blameless for the day of Christ,” referring to the time when Jesus returns. Paul’s prayer is that their lives would be marked by integrity and righteousness, reflecting Christ’s character, so that when they stand before Him, they would be found pure in heart and without blame. 

If we are spiritually mature, then those who hate and persecute us for being LGBTQ+ do not prevent us from loving God and allow Christ’s values to lead our lives. If we put our trust in God, and not in what people might think or do, because human fears can entangle and trap, God offers true safety and freedom.

Let your eyes look straight ahead, and your eyelids look right before you. Ponder the path of your feet and let all your ways be established.

—Proverbs 4:25-26

Adversity is defined as difficulties or problems that arise during the course of something. In other words, it’s when things don’t go as planned. In life, we will all face adversities big and small. Some adversity seems to come from left field and other challenges we bring on ourselves. No matter how or why it happens, nobody is immune to adversity. James 1:2 says, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds.” The verse encourages believers to see challenges and difficulties as opportunities for growth rather than as mere misfortunes. James suggests that trials test and strengthen faith, leading to perseverance and spiritual maturity. Instead of being discouraged, the verse calls for a positive attitude towards adversity, recognizing that these experiences can develop one’s character and deepen one’s relationship with God. Perseverance is the quality that allows us to continue working toward our goals even when things are tough. It’s what allows us to get back up after we’ve been knocked down. It is what keeps us going when everything else tells us to quit.

Romans 5:3-5 says, “And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” This passage emphasizes the idea that suffering can lead to positive outcomes. Paul in his epistle to the Romans suggests that we can rejoice in our sufferings because they produce perseverance, character, and hope. Suffering is a part of life, but it’s not without purpose. Perseverance allows us to endure difficulties and helps us build resilience. As we persevere, our character develops a deeper sense of integrity and strength. The process ultimately leads to a hope that is grounded in God’s love, which is poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit. Overall, these two passages reassure us that challenges can foster spiritual growth and a deeper relationship with God.

Nelson Mandela once said, “The greatest glory in life does not lie in never falling, but in standing up every time you fall.” We all look for a purpose in life, something we will exceed at, will make us happy, and hopefully make an impact while on this earth. Sometimes we feel like we are failing at everything, but I have always believed that God has a plan for us. Mandela’s quote emphasizes the importance of resilience and perseverance. It suggests that true success and greatness come not from avoiding mistakes or failures but from the ability to recover and learn from them. Life inevitably involves setbacks, but the way we respond to these challenges—by getting back up and continuing to strive towards our goals—defines our strength and character. This mindset encourages embracing difficulties as opportunities for growth rather than as barriers to success.

Helen Keller’s conveyed a similar idea of focusing on the positive aspects of life rather than dwelling on negativity when she said, “Keep your face to the sunshine and you cannot see a shadow.” By directing our attention to the “sunshine”—symbolizing hope, optimism, and positivity—we naturally avoid being consumed by the “shadows” of fear, doubt, or hardship. Keller, who overcame the significant challenges of being both blind and deaf, used this metaphor to inspire others to maintain a hopeful outlook, regardless of life’s difficulties. It’s a reminder that where we place our focus can shape our perception and experience of life.

The Book of James is a constant inspiration for how to live a Christian life. In James 1:12, he says, “Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.” James is saying that those who persevere under trial are blessed, and that they will receive the “crown of life” promised by God to those who love Him. The connection between enduring trials and loving God underscores that true faith involves devotion and trust, even amidst suffering. James 1:12 encourages believers to view trials as opportunities for growth and assurance of God’s promises. Revelation 2:19 states, “I know your works, love, service, faith, and your patience; and as for your works, the last are more than the first.” This underscores the importance of maintaining good works and faith in the face of challenges, while also recognizing and affirming the positive actions of the church. It’s a call to continue in our commitment and service.

In Romans 12:9-12, Paul writes, “Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality.” Romans 12:9-12 reminds us how to live out a Christian life characterized by genuine love and community. John encourages us to love genuinely, without hypocrisy, to reject evil and cling to what is good, to promote mutual love and honor among believers, to serve the Lord with fervor and diligence, and to encourage rejoicing in hope, being patient in affliction, and persistent in prayer. We are told to embody love, integrity, and faithfulness in our relationships and remain steadfast in our commitment to God, regardless of circumstances.

My friend Casey (thank you) brought up another verse that is apropos to this post: “But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive.” —Genesis 50:20

Teach me to do Your will,
For You are my God;
Your Spirit is good.
Lead me in the land of uprightness.

– Psalm 143:10

The 143rd Psalm is a psalm identified as being written by King David. The New King James Version gives this psalm the title, “An Earnest Appeal for Guidance and Deliverance.” In verses 3 and 4, David writes:

For the enemy has persecuted my soul;
He has crushed my life to the ground;
He has made me dwell in darkness,
Like those who have long been dead.
Therefore my spirit is overwhelmed within me;
My heart within me is distressed.

According to Augustine of Hippo this psalm was likely written during the period of the rebellion of David’s son Absalom. No one really knows when this psalm was written and what was going on in David’s life, but I think we can look at this psalm and know that David is in great distress. Whatever was happening in David’s life, it is a time of great stress, anxiety, and depression.

I think there are two ways we can look at the 143^rd Psalm and see it in our own lives. We are probably all familiar with the expression about missing the forest for the trees, and its wisdom about not being distracted by smaller details that undermine our appreciation of the “big picture.” In this case, I think we can look at this in a way to not only see the trees and the forest but also the small groves that appear here and there. The trees are our own lives, while the grove is our friends and family around us, and the forest being the wider world.

Let’s look at our tree first. If you have not experienced a period of depression and anxiety in your life, then you are very fortunate. Both conditions can be crippling in our lives. To me, I can see Psalm 143:3-4 is describing a period of stress, anxiety, and depression. We may feel persecuted, crushed to the ground, beaten down and our spirit broken. It is in these times that we “dwell in darkness.” I remember back in high school in a time that I look back at now and realize I was coming to terms with my sexuality and was going to a bout of depression. My spirit was “overwhelmed within me.” 

I was in a bookstore one evening when I came across the book Darkness Visible: A Memoir of Madness by William Styron. The book describes Styron’s descent into depression and his triumph of recovery from that depression. I probably did not realize that what I was feeling was depression until I read this book. No one had ever talked to me about mental illness, nor did anyone tell me that what I was feeling about my sexuality was normal. I know that I am prone to depression. I have had bouts of it throughout my life. Medicine helps, and I take comfort in my friends around me and God’s love for me. 

I pray that God will “lead me in the land of uprightness.” The first definition of uprightness in the dictionary describes it as, “the state of being in a vertical position.” The second definition defines it as, “the condition or quality of being honorable or honest.” In the instance of coming to terms with my sexuality, God helped me to accept who I am, to stand, and to lift up my spirit. By doing so, the helped me to be more honest with myself.

The second way we can look at Psalms 143 is that of our immediate surroundings. When we see friends and family in distress, we are there with the Lord to help lift them up to improve their situation. We may not be able to do more than be there for them, but that can go a long way when someone is troubled. There may be other ways we can help that are more physical that lead to a solution to the problem. If their trouble is financial, then maybe we can help. If they are sick, we can do what we can to make them feel better or simply by taking them to the doctor. I am far away from my family. This can be both a good and a bad thing, but I know I have friends up here who can help if I let them. I have had to go to the emergency room twice, and I knew I could count on a good friend of mine to take me. There are many things we can do to help those around us. We just have to try to be of help when we can.

Lastly, we can look at Psalm 143 in the context of the wider world. We live in a time of great strife. The wars in Israel and Ukraine are heartbreaking to see. This last week, there was another mass shooting at a school. Gun violence surrounds us in the United States, and I fear every day for the lives of my friends who are teachers, because you have to wonder: is this going to happen at their school? I had the fear of it happening when I was teaching, and even at my university, we have active shooter drills. Luckily, the museum has a basement that has several doors that can be locked and provide safety, but not everyone has that option. We live in a time when we are literally in a battle between good and evil. In elections around the world, we have seen good versus evil on the ballot. We come to the choice of whether or not we want to live in a society that votes for a group defined by their hate or a group that is defined by loving kindness. 

We have the choice: do we want to help people or persecute people? When we go to the ballot box this November, we need to think about what kind of country we want to live in. Do we want a quasi-fascist (or just plain fascist) government who governs based on their hatred and seeks retribution against those who they believe harmed them? Or do we want a government that will help individuals and the country to heal? We are still feeling the effects of the pandemic. Prices are increasing as corporations see this as an opportunity for profit. By harming the economy and putting stress on the consumer, they are creating resentment for the government currently in power. They do this because they know that the party wanting to be in power will do more to help them financially than the average citizen.

In the parable of the sower (Mark 4:3-20), Jesus warned that two out of the four types of soils would fall away because of trials. The seed sown on the rocky soil at first received the word with joy, but when affliction or persecution arose because of the word, they fell away. The seed sown among the thorns took longer to fail. But eventually the thorns, which represent “the cares of this world, the deceitfulness of riches, and the desires for other things entering in choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful.” (4:19). The only type of soil representing true believers is that which endures and brings forth fruit. False believers reveal their true colors by falling away or returning to the world under trials. So we need to know how to take our trials to the Lord in prayer so that we endure and grow, rather than fall away. That’s what Psalm 143 tells us how to face trials of the world.

If we follow God’s teachings, He will help us, put an end to our enemies’ quest for dominance and destroy the hate that they spread. Psalm 143 ends with the plea, “Revive me, O Lord, for Your name’s sake! For Your righteousness’ sake bring my soul out of trouble. In Your mercy cut off my enemies and destroy all those who afflict my soul; for I am Your servant.” (Psalm 143:11-12) While David may have literally been praying that God would destroy his enemies, we can pray that God will defeat those who are motivated by hate. God will lift our spirits in times of distress and cut off the cause of our depression and anxiety. Moreover, God can work through us to help those around us in their times of need. There is one thing that God can always give us: Hope.

There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.

-Galatians 3:28

I’ve always liked this Bible verse. Galatians 3:28 shows that all Christians are children of God, and there are no exceptions, no inequalities. All Christians alike, no matter what their race, status, or sex, stand on the same footing before God. There is a unity or solidarity in the Christian body. What is true of one is true of all. Romans 12:4-5 says, “For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another.”

I did a search for the meaning of Galatians 3:28 and came across a lot of interpretations that were interesting, but not in a good interesting. It is amazing how many Christian organizations try to justify using this verse to discriminate. These commentators interpret the verse as teaching that Paul is calling “only” for spiritual equality in Christ Jesus. They make the claim that natural differences between peoples are to be maintained as God’s policy for us in our lives on earth. This line of thought was established by those who, recognizing the radical implications of equality, immediately moved to temper any application of it beyond their own prejudices. By doing so, they are saying that we are equals in the eyes of God in only the possibility of what we can become by following their own prejudices, and we are, in fact, not truly equals. They claim that this is only referring to how God sees us, not how we should see ourselves and others.

Those using Galatians 3:28 in a way to claim that it means we are not all the same in society, but it means only that all people are equal “in regard to religion.” They believe this is the sole point under discussion; and the interpretation should be limited to this. These same people proclaim that all people are equal in all things and claim that the gospel was not designed to break down all the distinctions of society. Throughout history, people have called for equality when they see injustices imposed on people who are seen as different. Governments, politicians, and even religious leaders have taught people should not be treated as societal equals. They used this to defend slavery, discrimination, and genocide. 

The Bible can be seen as a static and literal in all things, or it can be seen as the living and active Word of God. It is to be restudied and reapplied on a continuing basis within the context of societal changes and enlightened thoughts. If we always remain narrowminded, then we will never grow as humans. Therefore, as man creates more and more distinctions, divisions, and prejudices we have to continually remind ourselves that we are all one in God’s eyes. It is imperative that we open our minds to changes that will improve the equality of all. Whenever someone finds a new way to discriminate, fight to end that discrimination. Christ taught us how to make the world a better place and that we are all God’s children, and time and again in the apostle Paul tells how we can do this in his letters to the Galatians, Colossians, Ephesians, Romans, etc. Paul’s call for equality is arguably the most prominent reiteration in Paul’s letters.

So, just as Paul and Christ challenged you to not see distinctions when we look at others, we should look for the similarities that make us all one in Christ. We constantly find ourselves judging others by their appearance, their manners, or any number of superficial differences. So, the next time you catch yourself seeing these differences remind yourself that God tells us, “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female” We are all one in the eyes of the Lord. 

If I say, “My foot slips,” Your mercy, O Lord, will hold me up. In the multitude of my anxieties within me, Your comforts delight my soul.”

-Psalm 94:18-19

We all try to be good people, at least, I hope we do, but sometimes we slip. We may not do something truly awful, but sometimes we get angry and lash out or do something else that is unkind and makes us feel afterward that we are not a good person. We slip sometimes, but even on those days when we are not as kind or good as we would like to be, the Lord is there to hold us up.

Sometimes, we just make bad decisions. Those decisions lead to anxiety in our lives, but remember God is there to put to rest our anxieties. We all have a lot of things that worry us. Sometimes bad things just happen but know that no matter what happens to us in this life, God will be there for us. His comfort should delight our soul.

In Psalms 94:18-19, as so often happens in the Bible, the writer uses a visual image to help us understand a spiritual truth. Despite the thousands of years that separate us from the writer of this psalm, this image is one which still speaks directly to us. Perhaps there was a time when you were climbing a steep hill and suddenly your foot began to slip. You felt a moment of fear and panic, but your friend was there, to take your hand and help you up. In that moment, you may have seen your “life flash before your eyes,” but your friend was there to help you. That is what these two verses are reminding us of, God will be that hand that helps us up.

When something bad happens, or we slip in our spiritual life, it can cause a lot of anxiety. Faith is that friend that helps us in this life. Hebrews 11:1 says, “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” We may not always see God’s hand reaching out to save us when we slip, but God is there no matter how much anxiety we may experience. God can replace our anxieties with joy, so that the perceptions of our human condition become a cause for celebration.