January 14, 2026

One of my life’s greatest joys has been discovering the things I fear the most almost never happen. Anxiety, panic and worry are tools the enemy uses to steal my joy. Additionally, my relationships thrive when I believe the best in people, when I refuse to suspect their motives. I believe my friends and family love me as I love them. In my life, very few people have disappointed me. The more love I give the more love I get. God made wonderful plans for our lives if we will just live in the flow of His grace.

Suspicion is usually a waste of time. Better to trust your instincts. If you meet someone and everything feels a bit off, if your skin crawls, your body is warning you to be alert. You didn’t walk into the situation with a suspicious attitude. Your mind and body warned you to move with caution. Outside those clear instinctual responses, try to meet new people with an open heart. I often pray God will keep thieves and liars far from me since I want to live with trust. And He has certainly done that most of the time. Living in fear and skepticism is like living with your heart encased in concrete. Ask God to increase your perception, to keep the thieves away from you, and to amp up your gut reactions if someone is up to no good. Trust God and whenever possible, trust people.

Lord, I want to love my neighbor as I love myself. I want to believe in people’s stories and I want to think they are more good than bad. I know, Father, some people are heartless and they take pleasure in hurting others. I pray I will not come in contact with people like that. Please Lord, help me avoid thieves and liars. Let me live a life without worry, panic and fear. Let me trust You and know Your will for my life is that my faith in people is always rewarded.

“Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. John 14:1