If you are like me, sometimes you may have doubts and fears in life despite knowing that Christ is always with us and can be trusted in all circumstances. The burdens and challenges of the day may at times seem to overwhelm us and create a sense of anxiety, doubt, and needless concern. In today’s devotional text, the eleven disciples were also likely saddled with fear, grief, doubt, and confusion following the events that led up to and directly followed the crucifixion of Jesus. When the resurrected Jesus approached them on the mountain in Galilee where they had all gathered at His direction, He came near to them and said, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth”.  Through these words, He reminded them of His control and authority over all things, and these words of assurance no doubt calmed them and provided them with courage to go forward and proclaim the gospel message.

The words from Mathew 28:18 remind me to remember that Christ is in full control of all things that occur in my life and in the world in which we live. I know that I can trust God and put my fears and concerns to rest in the assurance that He is with me and is working through all events and situations to benefit me – even though it may not always seem so at the time. We are further assured of this in Romans 8:28, where the apostle Paul confirms to us that “we know that all things work together for the good of those who love God: those that are called according to His purpose.”

My prayer for you as we begin the new year of 2022 is that you find peace in knowing that Jesus is fully in control and has all authority over the world in which we live each day. Put your trust in Him and be reassured that He is with you in every circumstance and situation you encounter, and that He will continue to work for the good of all that love Him and look to Him for direction each day.