Barbra Gentry-Pugh

Healing From Within: Remember What God Said!

March 23, 2025

”Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day.” 2 Corinthians 4:16 (NASB)

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7 (NASB)

“For this reason, I say to you, do not be worried about your life, as to what you will eat or what you will drink; nor for your body, as to what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?” Matthew 6:25 (NASB)

Have you ever had to remind yourself of something that was written or spoken, something you needed to hear to refocus your thinking? A voice of truth, peace, and encouragement at just the right moment?

Lately, I’ve found myself feeling overwhelmed, not just by my own responsibilities and challenges, but by the sheer noisiness of the world. Every time I turn on the news, scroll through my phone, or engage in conversation, it feels like the craziness and weight of the world presses heavier on my mind. One day, I heard something so disturbing that it stuck with me all day. It left me unsettled, distracted, and, honestly, a bit anxious.

The noise of the world is loud! We live in a world where truth is questioned, in fact, truth is even flipped, so that lies are embraced as truth. Morality is blurred, peace is becoming rare, and hope often feels distant.

Then, in the middle of all that noise, a question rose up in my spirit and silenced everything else: “What did God say?” That question shifted my focus and I had an epiphany: Yes, the world is loud, But God is in control, and He is still speaking, and that is good news!

The Creator of the universe, the self-existent, omniscient, all-powerful God is not silent. He is still in control. He has not changed. He cannot lie. His Word is still true, and His promises still stand forever. We are never to lose heart!

Be Encouraged By The Word of God: What’s often seen can distract, discourage, and defeat us, however, what’s unseen – the promises of God, the presence of His Spirit, and the hope of eternity renews us daily! Keep your eyes on the Eternal. When the world shouts, let God’s voice be the one that steadies you.

Paul reminds us in 2 Corinthians 4:17-18. “For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison, while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal.” (NASB)

What the World Says vs. What God Says

The world says: “It’s hopeless.” God says: “For I know the plans that I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11 (NASB)

The world says: “Be afraid. Be very afraid.”
God says: ‘Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely, I will help you, Surely, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’ Isaiah 41:10 (NASB)

The world says: “You’re on your own.”
God says: says, “Make sure that your character is free from the love of money, being content with what you have; for He Himself has said, “I WILL NEVER DESERT YOU, NOR WILL I EVER FORSAKE YOU.” Hebrews 13:5 (NASB)

The world says: “You’re weak. You’re failing.”
God says: And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. 2 Corinthians 12:9 (NASB)

There are over 7,000 promises from God to us in Scripture! Here are just a few broad categories:

God Promises His Presence: When the world feels like it’s closing in, we’re not alone. God is present in every circumstance, steadying us when fear rises and strengthening us when we feel weak. Isaiah 41:10 says, “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God.” (ESV)
God Promises Peace: Peace isn’t found in the absence of trouble, it’s found in the presence of God. When we fix our eyes on Him, His peace quiets the noise. Isaiah 26:3 “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.” (NIV)
God Promises Strength in Weakness: You don’t have to be strong on your own. God’s strength shines through in your most fragile moments. Your weakness is not a failure, it’s a doorway for His power. 2 Corinthians 12:9 “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” (NIV)
God Promises to Guide Us: Even in uncertain times, we are not directionless. God doesn’t just send us into the world, He walks with us, guiding our every step with wisdom and care. Psalm 32:8 says, “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.” (NIV)
God Promises Victory Over Trouble: Jesus never promised a trouble-free life, but He did promise victory. When life feels overwhelming, remember, we fight from victory, not for it. John 16:33 says “In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (NIV)
God Promises to Work Things for Good: Even when things don’t make sense, God is weaving the pieces of our lives into a greater story. What looks like chaos to us is not outside of His control. Romans 8:28 says ^“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (NIV)
God Promises to Renew Us: Life can take a toll, but God is always doing something on the inside. Each day, He revives our hope, restores our faith, and refreshes our strength. 2 Corinthians 4:16 says, “Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.” (NIV)

Though the mountains leave their place and the hills be shaken, my love shall never leave you, nor my covenant of peace be shaken, says the Lord, who has mercy on you.” These words from Isaiah 54:10, offer us great comfort and encouragement. God is speaking to us directly here as if he were looking into our very eyes. ”Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day.” 2 Corinthians 4:16 (NASB)

YOUR HEART CHALLENGE: Stand on the Word of God no matter what is going on in the world. You can believe that God’s Word is unchanging, unfailing, and always true. When the world shifts, His Word remains your anchor, your guide, and your source of hope.

~ Stand on the truth of God’s Word, unshaken, unafraid, and unwavering.

~ Know that God’s Word is your compass, your comfort, and your confidence. You can believe every promise He has spoken.

~ No matter what the world says, choose to believe what God has already said. His Word is life, His promises are sure, and your faith is firm in Him.”

AN ANCHOREDHEART: The Word of God is the final authority. Standing on the Word of God will meet every need. No matter what, you may be feeling – heavy with the weight of it all, remind yourself not to lose heart. When the world speaks chaos, go back and ask: “What did God say?” Let that be your anchor.

PRAYER:  Father God, thank You for Your authoritative, inerrant, and inspired Word that gives us clear instructions on how we have an anchor in You in times of chaos and confusion. Help us to remember what You have said in Your Word and You You cannot lie and Your Word stands forever. Thank You Father, in the Precious, Powerful, and Preeminent name of Jesus Christ our Savior and Lord, Amen