You might be a skeptic, amused at others’ embrace of what seems folly. You might be a used-to adult, jaded by an uncompassionate, abusive, or poorly explained faith of the past. You might be a down-deep believer, aware of your lack and clinging to claims of an external help, a choice whose comfort for you has gone from needed to realized. Or, you might just be desperate, willing to try anything to help with a life that’s piling on, covering up, and fraying at the edges.

Regardless, can I encourage you to consider a few things that God claims to say?

Big ideas, two words each.

And if we’ll take the risk to read ’em and contemplate ’em, we might find out they and the one that inspired them are more real than we could ever imagine.

I hope that happens.

“Got it.”
1 John 5:14
This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.

“On it.”
Romans 8:28
And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.

“You’re forgiven.”
1 John 1:9
But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.

“I understand.”
Hebrews 4:15
This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin.

“Go again.”
Acts 3:19-20
“Now it’s time to change your ways! Turn to face God so he can wipe away your sins, pour out showers of blessing to refresh you, and send you the Messiah he prepared for you, namely, Jesus.

“Don’t remember.”
Hebrews 8:12
And I will forgive their wickedness, and I will never again remember their sins.”

“This way.”
Luke 9:23
Then he said to the crowd, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross daily, and follow me.

“There’s more.”
John 10:10
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

“I’m here.”
Psalm 46:1
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.

“Still here.”
Deuteronomy 31:6
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”