Instead

“Instead of worry...find faith

Instead of trouble...find peace

Instead of fear…find joy

Instead of despair...find hope

Instead of darkness...find light

Instead of how it’s been...find another way.”

Loren Thornburg

Instead is by definition an alternative or substitute. It means that another possibility is available. In a gluten free house we have had to learn to find other options for wheat. There are many alternative ingredients for our recipes. Instead of wheat flour you can use things like rice flour, almond flour, and tapioca flour. There are different ingredients in our lives as well. However, sometimes in the midst of things we forget that there is another option. In the midst of a difficult situation worry seems the only option , but you can find faith instead. When finances get tight you don’t have to live in fear you can find joy instead. There is another way. When your dreams feel out of reach you don’t have to despair, you can find hope instead. There are more possibilities. Trade your worries and get joy instead.

“So don’ be afraid and don’t worry. Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life.”

1 Peter 3:15 NLT

The apostle Peter is writing here to encourage persecuted believers to respond well in the midst of their suffering. Although our persecution and suffering may look a little different from the believers of the early church the emotions remain the same...worry, fear, anxiety, and despair. In situations like theirs and ours it makes sense that we would respond that way. Even more, most people would expect and understand for you to respond in that way. However, there is another way. Instead of whatever you are feeling you can worship Christ as Lord of your life. For in Him there is hope, in Him there is peace, in Him there is joy, in Him there is freedom, and in Him there is truth. Although you may have all the perfect ingredients for fear, you don’t have to...you can worship instead!