Where to Find Comfort and Joy

| Rachel Boulos

The holiday season has a way of exposing what we worry about the most. In preparation for the Christmas season, I decided to read through the Gospel of Luke. Recently I came across this all-familiar passage that struck me differently than before.

“Do not worry about everyday life…these things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers all over the world, but your Father already knows your needs…wherever your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Luke 12:22, 30, 34

Jesus had just finished telling his disciples they needn’t worry about death or the harm that others could do to them. Instead, he encouraged them to entrust themselves to the One who holds all authority and power in both this world and the next. It is after this interaction that Jesus launches into his famous words on anxiety and the cares of this world.

Do not worry, he says, about how you will get your needs met. And while I may not worry about my next meal, there is one need that dominates my thoughts continuously:

My health. Continue reading →

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You Don’t Have to Be Happy

| Rachel Boulos

You don't have to be happyLet’s be honest. There’s pressure to put the happy in our holiday.

And if gift-giving, family gatherings, and expectations weren’t enough, we’re told to do it all with a bit of cheer.

But what if you don’t feel merry or thankful? And your season isn’t bright?

Everywhere we look, we’re told that happiness is the key to success, health, longevity, mental strength and relationships. But I wonder; is our “don’t worry, be happy” mantra really working?

If there’s one message you won’t hear from Hallmark or see in your Facebook feed, it’s this:

You do not have to be happy. Happiness is not a requirement for a good (or godly) life. Continue reading →

Finding Hope When You Feel Hopeless

| Rachel Boulos

This couldn’t be happening. Not again. Not ever.

My heart beat wildly as I pressed a firm hand to my chest. Like lapsing waves, one hardship rose after the other, sweeping me into a sea of despair.

Anxiety. Depression. Disease. Inability to conceive. Now this.

Panic threatened to overwhelm as inflammation increased and my knee swelled for the third time. After four years of ceaseless prayers, all my hope for the future was shattered.

Again.

I thought I was getting better. But I was still broken. Continue reading →

A Living Hope: I am alive

| Rachel Boulos

Contrary to popular belief, we are not just pining away on earth until we finally get to heaven. We can experience the abundant life Jesus promised here, now, in this present life.

Because of the resurrection, eternal life starts now.

The fact that Jesus is alive is what makes the Good News so great. This means we can have fellowship with him today and experience the abundant life he promises for those who believe.

Continue reading →