December 9, 2025 • 55 mins
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Speaker 1 (00:10):
The following program is.
Speaker 2 (00:11):
Pre recorded the Hope Center in Plano, Texas. This is
Hope in the Night, late night talk radio offering biblical
hope and practical help, and on the air now for
nearly thirty years. I'm Michael Hill here with author and
speaker June Hunt, and we were just talking about Resurrection
(00:33):
weekend and how we spent it. And I want to
thank you for tuning in, and we want you to
know that if you're listening tonight facing struggles in your life,
don't give up. You may be feeling overwhelmed, but there's
no situation or struggle that you're facing that cannot be
answered in God's word. Our resources are always rooted in
(00:55):
biblical truth with practical applications, and I want to I
want to invite you to sign up for email updates
from June and Hope for the Heart today, and when
you do, we'll send you a free resource on anxiety
Calming the Fearful Heart from June Hunt's Keys for a
Living series. These practical biblical guidances are encouraging their they'll
(01:17):
empower you to understand and apply God's word whenever anxiety
hits in your life or the lives of those you
know and love Today, sign up for Hope Fortheheart dot org,
forward slash free, or text the word free to seven
zero nine one nine. I've had some people ask me
how they do this texting thing. I'll explain that in
(01:39):
the next segment when we come back from break. But
when you sign up for these email updates, you'll also
receive weekly encouragements and special offers and updates with June
in the Ministry and June. Our topic tonight is worry
the joy stealer. What is the difference between fear and worry?
Speaker 3 (02:03):
Many people would ask that question. This is one of
the easiest to answer. Fear is an emotional reaction to
a perceived or in present danger, whereas worry is mental
(02:23):
distress over a possible undesired happening in the future. Okay,
so fear focuses on present events. Some people are afraid, Well,
you can be afraid of many, many things many It
could be animals or insects or situations. But fear is
(02:53):
energizing when it propels a person to act in a
way that removes or lessons real danger.
Speaker 4 (03:05):
Now, worry is more distracting.
Speaker 3 (03:10):
It's a and can lead to distress, despair, even uh
depression or anxiety. In addition, worry is unproductive because it
projects uh problems and unknown future events. You know, fear
(03:33):
uh it sees a threat. Worry imagines one. I'm going
to repeat that fear sees It's like I can I
can see that this would be threatening.
Speaker 4 (03:46):
Worry just imagines.
Speaker 2 (03:48):
So fear could be good.
Speaker 3 (03:51):
Oh it, Well, if somebody, Michael, if somebody came behind
you and now you've got a knife at your throat
or a gun at your temple, there's.
Speaker 4 (04:05):
Something wrong if you don't have fear.
Speaker 3 (04:07):
Yes, and there are times when we can fear that
that could happen, and then therefore we take action to
do what could prevent us from actually having that happen.
The Lord offers these comforting words, call on me in
(04:29):
the day of trouble or it could be worry, I
will deliver you and you will honor me. So instead
of being overwhelmed.
Speaker 4 (04:41):
With worry, we are to go to the.
Speaker 3 (04:45):
Lord and literally rely on him and say, this is
my concern. Lord, I just give you my life, and
and I think that there are actually worry is much
easier to deal with than many of the emotional problems
(05:09):
that we could have.
Speaker 2 (05:10):
Then, how do we define worry?
Speaker 3 (05:14):
I think the best way is and we have what
we call keys on this topic. Worry is mental distress,
mental not emotional. It's mental distress primarily over a negative
possibility in the future. It's a state of mind, it's
a way of thinking, it's a mental habit. So worry
(05:38):
is a preoccupation with something bad that may happen, may
not happen, or even cannot happen. In Psalm fifty five,
verse two, my thoughts trouble me and I am distraught.
Speaker 4 (05:59):
So think of it as.
Speaker 3 (06:02):
What we've got to do then, is to focus on
what we will dwell on. Meaning since Jesus said the
truth sets us free, we need to put the truth
into place and in our in the midst of our worry,
(06:24):
counter it. Maybe that's the best way to say it.
You counter worry with truth. And we can talk about
how you do that. Uh and and and we can
actually demonstrate it is much easier to deal with.
Speaker 4 (06:44):
Than any emotion that we can be caught up in.
And that is is very hope fulfilled.
Speaker 1 (07:01):
Do you ever struggle to believe that God loves you,
that he accepts you? Forgives you and sees you as
His precious, beloved child. So many people have a distorted
picture of God that he is distant, disappointed, or doesn't
care about what's going on in our lives. The truth
is God cares about you more than you know. We
(07:23):
want to encourage you to check out June Hunt's popular
devotional Seeing Yourself through God's Eyes. In this thirty one
day devotional, June Hunt provides compassionate biblical insight to help
you understand and embrace the life changing identity you have
in Christ. Each day provides a biblical truth along with
a short reflection and journaling questions to help you see
(07:45):
yourself through God's eyes. We give this devotional to every
caller on Hope in the Night because it has changed
so many lives. Get a copy of June Hunt's devotional
for yourself or a loved one at junehunt dot org.
Speaker 5 (08:00):
No matter what you're facing, there is hope. Sometimes it's
hard to believe that. When we face challenges at home,
at work, in our family, or maybe a private struggle,
it can be hard to see what God is doing.
The good news is you're not alone if you're facing
a difficult life issue we'd love to help. Give us
a call at one eight hundred Night seventeen to talk
(08:22):
with June Hunt on the Hope in the Night broadcast.
You can talk with June about any issue, whether it's family, anxiety, anger, grief,
or just the everyday stress of life. June would love
to hear your story and offer help and hope through
God's word. The Bible says there is surely a future
hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off.
(08:44):
If you'd like to talk with June on Hope in
the Night, give us a call at one eight hundred
Night seventeen. That's one eight hundred six four four four
eight one seven. Sharing your story can be a blessing
to you and others.
Speaker 2 (09:10):
Welcome back. You're listening to Hope in the Night Hoping
the Night's been available on all podcast platforms and would you.
Speaker 1 (09:16):
Do us a favor?
Speaker 2 (09:17):
Would you share the podcast with your friends and family
and do me a favor? If you're on Apple or Spotify,
would you leave a review and a like for the program?
June and I would really appreciate it. And if you
have any questions that comes up on the prom tonight
or anything you might be dealing with a struggle in
your life. Just call our customer support team at eight
(09:38):
hundred four eight eight Hope or you can email them
at Customer Support at Hope Fortheheart dot org. And I
told you in the last segment that I would tell
you about the texting Now for you youngsters out there,
don't laugh at me, but there's some of us that
are advanced in age that don't understand the whole text
a word thing. So I heard my pastor talk about
(10:00):
it this weekend at Easter And to text support at
seven zero nine one nine. No, you don't need the
entire ten digits to text. Just get out your texting
app on your phone and type in the number seven
zero nine to one nine and then right in the
body of the message support and hit send and we'll
(10:23):
get in contact with you. By the way, our keys
for living that we're talking about is worry the joy
stealer at Hope for the Heart. We want to help
you and we want to help you help others. And
our caller for tonight is a return caller, June. We're
so happy to welcome back to the program James.
Speaker 4 (10:47):
Well, hello, James, it's wonderful to have you back. How
can we what would you like for us to talk
about this evening?
Speaker 6 (11:00):
Well, I'm not sure really. The last time that we
talked you said that I should read Proverbs, and I
have been reading one chapter of Proverbs every day this month.
Speaker 4 (11:13):
Good.
Speaker 6 (11:13):
But for some reason, anything I try to do good
is making my mind get even worse.
Speaker 3 (11:24):
Well, you had talked about having intrusive thoughts, constant intrusive thoughts,
and when you are reading when you begin reading the
one chapter a day from the Book of Proverbs, since
(11:50):
Proverbs is thirty one chapters, they're not long. But this
has been very helpful to many, many, many people where
they would start with whatever the day of the of
the month is sometimes and just read that specifically. Now,
(12:15):
what happens when you are Are you having difficulty actually
reading it? Or is it that it just hasn't impacted
thus far? You're in these intrusive thoughts that are problematic to.
Speaker 6 (12:33):
You a little bit of both. It's difficult to read
because my mind tries to think it's something terrible, but
it also it doesn't seem like it has impacted my
thoughts yet.
Speaker 3 (12:54):
Okay, I look at the the scripture where Jesus said
the truth will set you free, and that is why
I thought that that could be a help to you.
I think if you still continue to do that. But
(13:18):
let's let's talk for a moment. When did these intrusive
thoughts begin?
Speaker 4 (13:32):
How long ago?
Speaker 6 (13:33):
That was about five years ago?
Speaker 3 (13:36):
Five years ago? What was going on five years ago?
What do you think caused the onset?
Speaker 6 (13:50):
Well, there was a series of events that happened over
about a year. It seemed like people were insinuating that
they knew what my thoughts were. And it came to
a point that I realized that they must know what
my thoughts are because there's no way for them to
have said exactly what I was thinking. So many times
(14:12):
and ever since then, I tried not to think anything wrong,
and the worst thoughts invade my mind, especially when I'm
around or talking to people.
Speaker 4 (14:25):
Well, there is a belief that it is projected. Now.
Speaker 3 (14:39):
Sometimes I might know something about someone and I am
I'm aware of something in their lives, and I could
say I could assume that they could be thinking something
in the vein where they had a struggle, or or
(15:03):
just something that had been traumatic in their lives, just
or but the fact of being able to read your
thoughts or to know already your thoughts. I do not
(15:24):
believe that that would be legitimate or unless you want
to share with me.
Speaker 4 (15:31):
Any specific about that.
Speaker 6 (15:39):
Well, ever since that happened, I've tried to convince myself
that it's not true, but I just remember there were
too many things for me to deny it being true.
Speaker 4 (15:54):
Can you give me an example.
Speaker 6 (16:03):
I was working at a pizza place at the time,
and the boss that I had there several times would
say something that I was thinking at the time. There
was one time that I was working and I was
(16:24):
just kind of tired, exhausted, and I thought to myself,
bolliam about out of gas, and that manager wasn't there
that night, but he apparently called the manager that was
on duty and said to tell me that, Hey, I
can get you some gas if you need it, which
(16:45):
seems like a coincidence if it was just one thing,
but there were so many things just like that that
happened that it convinced me that is true. And as
soon as I can basically realized that in my mind,
everyone kind of stopped as they are trying so hard
to get me to realize that, Hey, we do hear
what you think, we know what you think.
Speaker 3 (17:12):
I believe that when we look at solutions, I'm very
solution oriented and I look at what God says, I
look at what Jesus has said, I look at what
(17:35):
the Bible says. Do you believe the Bible is true?
Speaker 6 (17:41):
Yes?
Speaker 4 (17:41):
I do, okay, and I know.
Speaker 3 (17:49):
So just to clarify, has there been a time in
your life where you know you humbled your heart, you
received Jesus as your personal Lord and savior, giving him
control of your life.
Speaker 6 (18:04):
Yes? I have.
Speaker 4 (18:06):
And when was that approximately?
Speaker 6 (18:11):
Well, I was raised in a church. I think I
got to save when I was twelve there, But as
far as giving my life to them completely, it would
be pretty recently.
Speaker 4 (18:24):
How how recent is recent?
Speaker 6 (18:30):
Probably within the last year.
Speaker 3 (18:32):
Okay, so within the last year, you know, you gave
him your life. In other words, when and many many
people I was not. I was not raised in a
biblically based church. I was not exposed to the Bible,
(18:55):
and I thought I assumed I was a Christian because
I wasn't Jewish, that's all. Later then I ended up
being in a wonderful biblically based church, but I knew
nothing like what everyone else knew. And I did learn
(19:19):
that when we look at the scripture, believe in the
Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved. The word
believe means to rely upon, to entrust, to trust in Christ,
to entrust your life to him. I'd never heard of
anything like that, so I'm glad to hear you say
(19:41):
that you have. It's not just allowing, it's not just
mentally believing that Jesus existed.
Speaker 4 (19:55):
The demons believe that.
Speaker 3 (19:57):
The Bible says, and when we look at believe in
the Lord Jesus Christ, the word lord means master, ruler, owner,
so it's giving him control of our life, which you
just said that you did. Did that help at all
in your life? Or did that change anything in your life?
Speaker 6 (20:21):
No, it really doesn't seem like it did.
Speaker 3 (20:25):
I know you have these intrusive thoughts that you don't want.
Speaker 4 (20:31):
But did.
Speaker 3 (20:37):
Did when you received him to give him your life?
Did anything change at all?
Speaker 1 (20:50):
No?
Speaker 6 (20:50):
Not really?
Speaker 3 (20:52):
Okay, Well, the Bible says if anyone is in Christ,
that person's a new creation. All things pass away, all
things become new. So what we want to do is
(21:12):
I'm going to ask about I'm just interested because there
should be something.
Speaker 4 (21:24):
New about you. By the way, are you and actively
involved in a church?
Speaker 6 (21:33):
No? Not right now?
Speaker 4 (21:35):
Okay, and so.
Speaker 3 (21:39):
Has there been a time when you were actively involved?
Speaker 6 (21:46):
Not really since I was about twelve years old.
Speaker 3 (21:49):
Okay, Well, looking at first things first, I'm going to
mention several things that can make a difference. The Bible
says do not forsake the assembling of yourselves together. This
(22:14):
is in Hebrews, meaning we are to be actively involved
in a church that is biblically solid, and.
Speaker 4 (22:28):
Part of that has to do with you can be
a blessing to someone, but.
Speaker 3 (22:36):
We are told consider how we may spur one another
to be an encourager to literally help others. I want
to come back and explain more about that, So we'll
be back and after this break.
Speaker 2 (23:00):
We hope you're enjoying today's episode of Hope in the Night.
Before we continue, we want to invite you to sign
up for email updates from Hope for the Heart today.
When you do, you'll begin to receive weekly encouragement, exclusive
free resources, special offers, and the latest updates from June
in the ministry. As a thanks for signing up today,
(23:20):
we'll send you a free resource on identity. This encouraging
resource will help you discover the freedom and confidence that
come from knowing who you are in Christ, so you
can break free from the world's lies and live in
the truth of who God created you to be again.
This free resource is yours today when you sign up
(23:40):
for email updates at Hope Fortheheart dot org, forward slash free,
or you can text the word free to seven zero
nine to one nine. That's Hope Fortheheart dot org forward
slash free, or text the word free to seven zero.
Speaker 4 (23:57):
Nine to one nine.
Speaker 7 (24:00):
Hi, It's Dustin with Hope for the Heart and I
want to invite you to a special training event we
have going on this summer. Over the past few years,
we've witnessed a mental health crisis in our country. So
many people are struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, grief and more.
Now is the time for the church to rise up
and be equipped to care for people who are hurting
(24:21):
and broken. That's why I want to invite you to
our ministry training event on mental health and the Church.
It's on Saturday, June twenty first in Plano, Texas. We'll
be live streaming the event as well. We have an
incredible lineup of speakers including June Hunt, Sheila Walsh, doctor
Eric Scalice, and Moore. We'll be sharing biblical insights and
(24:42):
practical tools on how to address mental health issues in
our homes, churches, and community. You can learn more and
sign up today at Hope Fortheheart dot org slash events.
You can also text the word event to seven zero
nine one to nine to learn more. We hope to
see you there.
Speaker 2 (25:11):
Welcome back to Hope in the Night. I'm Michael Hill
and we can be found on all major podcast platforms.
Now if there's something you'd like to speak with June
about personally and be a guest on the radio program here,
I'd like to invite you to call, I'll call you
back myself if you will call eight hundred nine seventeen.
That's eight hundred night seventeen. Our text the word caller
(25:35):
to seven zero nine one nine. That's text the word
caller to seven zero nine one nine. Here at Hope
in the Night, we want to help you, and we
want to help you help others. And I want to
ask our Hope for the Heart family to pray for
our program here and would you pray for James. Our
keys for living is worry the joy stealer again our resource.
(26:00):
The number is eight hundred four eight eight Hope. That's
eight hundred four eight eight four six seven three. Also,
take a look at our website, Hope Fortheheart dot org
and you'll find all of our keys for living there. Now,
let's return to our conversation with June and James.
Speaker 3 (26:20):
James, when you think about why, what is the advantage, Well,
why be a part of a local church? Some people say, well,
because God said so well, And the Bible in Hebrews
(26:43):
ten twenty five does say let us not give up
meeting together. And it's referring to Christians. It's like iron
sharpening iron. And while there's no fit church, there are
(27:04):
many many advantages of being around and having fellowship with
other people who are wanting to grow in their relationship
with God. You know so so well, you know why
(27:27):
why do this? It's because number one, we all need
help along the way.
Speaker 4 (27:36):
We all need.
Speaker 3 (27:40):
People who are positive influences in our lives. Do you
agree that that can make a difference in.
Speaker 4 (27:51):
A person's life?
Speaker 6 (27:54):
Does I think so?
Speaker 3 (27:56):
And I'm lad there would be a reason why God's
word God himself wants us to have fellowship with others.
Fellowship meaning where our lives interact with others. Because we
(28:23):
can learn much from one another. We can be a
specific blessing to others. In fact, you could be the
answer to prayer for somebody who needs a genuine friend.
I think the issue, though, is being in a biblically
(28:49):
based church that teaches the Bible. Now, see, the reason
I focus on that is because I was.
Speaker 4 (28:59):
I was in a church early on, but there was
no Bible used, and I didn't know anything about the Bible.
Speaker 3 (29:12):
I didn't know who God was. I didn't I mean,
I just knew a few things that I remember hearing
the Lord's prayer, but I had no biblical understanding. And
the issue is not knowing facts. I'm not talking about that.
Speaker 4 (29:36):
But as you are.
Speaker 3 (29:39):
Seeing by reading the Book of Proverbs, there is wisdom
back the whole point of the Book of Proverbs, meaning
the theme of the Book of Proverbs is wisdom. Since
you've been reading a chapter day, can you tell that
(30:04):
that is a theme of the Book of Proverbs.
Speaker 6 (30:10):
Yes, definitely, okay.
Speaker 3 (30:14):
And many times we're not exposed to truth. In fact,
if you look at the Bible and look at major
themes in the Bible. One of the major themes is truth.
(30:35):
Just as I quoted earlier when Jesus said the truth
will set you free.
Speaker 4 (30:43):
Now that's talking about at times when we are.
Speaker 3 (30:51):
All of us have had habits that are not good habits,
and the Bible is very clear that all we like sheep,
have gone astray. We each just have have turned to
our own way. Now for Jesus to focus on his teaching,
(31:22):
he spent like three years investing in twelve men. Now
there were other people, there were women, there were other disciples,
but specifically when we think of the twelve that he
(31:45):
that traveled with him, he kept investing in them and
over a period of time that changed their lives except
for Judas, and unfortunately he betrayed Jesus.
Speaker 4 (32:07):
But the point is he knew that.
Speaker 3 (32:12):
He would be betrayed, but he still invested in those
And we need truth in our lives so that we
are very clear about how God intends us to have victory.
(32:35):
And so I think the issue one of the things
that can make a difference. I'll just ask, do you
know a biblically solid church where people carry their bibles?
See I was in church. I went to church, but
(32:57):
nobody carried a Bible. The Bible was not taught. On
rare occasion, there would have been a reference in a
in a Sunday service, but it was not the norm.
And I didn't know anything at that time about about God.
Speaker 4 (33:18):
I did not know.
Speaker 3 (33:21):
Anything about the Word of God. So are you aware
of a biblically solid church?
Speaker 6 (33:31):
Yes?
Speaker 3 (33:31):
There, okay, because when you look at what helps us
grow spiritually, there is interaction. It would be like if
(33:52):
you obviously wanted to learn a particular type of work,
the more exposure that you have to that and you
learn from others. You learn from others. Many times there's
(34:15):
a training program where one person trains another. Whether it's
in the pizza world as you've mentioned, or whatever field
it is. It's helpful for us to have contact with
others that would benefit us. So is there any reason
(34:40):
why you couldn't go on and start attending an evaluate you.
There may be several churches for you for you to
choose from. So is there any reason that you could
not go on and say, okay, I'm going to literally
(35:04):
give an opportunity for me to learn from others, to
be in and usually it's not just the what we
would call the congregation of.
Speaker 4 (35:21):
Everyone at the church.
Speaker 3 (35:22):
There will be like a Bible study time that people
meet for your age group adults would where there would
be like, I'm in a Bible study group. And then
(35:42):
as you get to know people, there is typically fellowship
with in that group, and then there's when the whole
congregation gets together.
Speaker 4 (35:57):
Now, have you been.
Speaker 3 (35:58):
Involved in a Bible study time? Sometimes it's called Sunday school?
There can be different words used, but have you? I
know you said you hadn't been since you were a boy.
So are are you aware of of like that there
(36:24):
are Sunday school or Bible study times that would be
for people your age?
Speaker 4 (36:32):
By the way, could you give me your age please?
Thirty eight? Okay?
Speaker 3 (36:42):
There are churches like if my church where there are singles.
There are married classes, but there are singles classes where
you could meet people. Am I correct that you are single?
Speaker 6 (37:00):
Yes?
Speaker 4 (37:01):
Okay? And so.
Speaker 3 (37:05):
You could contact church ahead of time and ask is
there a singles group? Some churches have singles groups, some
do not, but and that could be something that you
might want to consider.
Speaker 4 (37:24):
I'm not or do you?
Speaker 3 (37:28):
Since you said there are several churches that you think
would be potentials for you to attend or to visit initially.
Speaker 4 (37:39):
Is that right?
Speaker 6 (37:41):
Yeah? Possibly, I did actually try to go back to
the church that I was raised in about a year ago,
around the time that I gaved my life back to
the Lord for good. Mh. I really just can't see
myself so to a church to get into our mind
(38:01):
clears up more because I can't even focus on what's
being said.
Speaker 4 (38:10):
Well, okay, then.
Speaker 3 (38:15):
Let's consider at least you could be investigating and deciding
this might be church number one. And I understand you're concerned.
So when we come back, let's consider what could be
helpful for these intrusive thoughts. They told me they were
(38:40):
sexual in nature, and you're wanting victory.
Speaker 4 (38:44):
It's not that.
Speaker 3 (38:45):
You're wanting to entertain these thoughts. But we'll come back
and talk about that.
Speaker 6 (38:53):
Okay, Okay.
Speaker 1 (39:00):
If you enjoy listening to June Hunt and Hope in
the Night, you'll want to check out Hope for the
Heart's Complete System of Care. The Complete System of Care
is a comprehensive set of biblical resources from June Hunt
designed to give you every reason for hope for every
challenge in life. From June's Keys for Living books and
free resources to in depth video courses. These tools cover
(39:24):
over one hundred real life issues like anxiety, grief, relationships,
mental health, and more. All of our resources are professionally informed,
rooted in God's word, and full of practical guidance to
help you grow in your walk with the Lord. So
whether you need personal help or want to be trained
to help others, there's something here for you. Explore the
(39:46):
complete system of care today and get the tools you
need to take better care of yourself and others. Go
to Hope Fortheheart dot org today or text care to
seven zero nine one nine to learn more.
Speaker 2 (40:00):
Thanks for listening to Hope in the Night. We want
to remind you that when you give a gift today
to help reach more people through Hope for the Heart,
we'll say thanks by sending you a copy of Anxiety
Calming the Fearful Heart. This encouraging resource will help you
understand and apply God's word whenever anxiety strikes in your
own life or the lives of those you care for.
(40:20):
Request your copy today. Go to Hope for Theeheart dot org,
slash anxiety or text anxiety to seven zero nine one nine.
Speaker 1 (40:30):
If you're facing a challenge and need some encouragement, check
out the Hope Talks Podcast Today from Hope for the Heart.
Each week, Hailey and Dustin have honest conversations about real
life issues, sharing how to apply God's word along with
inspiring stories of hope and transformation. Check out Hope Talks
Today on Apple, Spotify, and wherever you listen to your
(40:53):
favorite podcast. You can also text the Word Talks to
seven nine one nine to learn more.
Speaker 2 (41:11):
Welcome back. I'm Michael Hill and you're listening to Hope
in the Night with June Hunt. The Keys for Living
we're discussing is worry the joy Stealer and we hope
you've been encouraged by today's program, and if you've been blessed,
please consider giving a gift to help reach others through
Hope for the Heart. Your support will make such a
difference in people who's searching for hope, and as a
(41:33):
thanks for your gift, we'll send you a free resource
from our Keys for a Living series called Anxiety Calming
the Fearful Heart to help you discover how God's Word
can help you through stress in today's world. Text the
Word Give to seven zero nine one nine. Simply request
your copy when you give today at Hope Fortheheart dot org,
(41:55):
forward slash anxiety or text the word anxiety to seven
zero nine one nine. Again, our resource number is eight
hundred four eight eight Hope. That's eight hundred four eight
eight four six seven three, and our customer support team
is in Monday through Friday eight to five pm Central time. Now,
(42:16):
let's get back to our conversation with June and James.
Speaker 3 (42:22):
James, I think it's so important that you claim certain scriptures.
For example, I know people who really struggled and they say,
I just I can't, I can't whatever it is, I
can't do this. I'm thinking immediately what's come to mind
(42:47):
is we had a caller who she had something called agoraphobia,
and that meant that she could not leave her home.
In this case, she could not leave her bedroom, and
she had teenagers and a husband and they would bring
the food up to her. And I said, do you
(43:09):
think you could do this one thing? I want you
to take the scripture I can do all things through Christ,
who gives me strength. And I want you to say
it over and over. I can do all things through
Christ who gives me strength. That's Philippians four thirteen. And
(43:32):
could you do one step down the stairs? And she said,
I will try, And this was very hard because she
had for several years not been able to leave upstairs.
(43:52):
And so she did one step and then that led
to two steps. But it was continually praying using the
Bible Philippians four thirteen. And I said, just one step.
(44:14):
I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me.
I can literally take one step down and then and
then stay there and then come back up, come back down,
then up. And then she moved to let's do three steps,
and then going farther and farther, and it took a
(44:38):
while for her to finally get downstairs. It's it would
we could call it a step at a time.
Speaker 4 (44:49):
Does that make sense?
Speaker 6 (44:50):
First of all, yes, it does.
Speaker 3 (44:53):
Okay, So there's another scripture. So do you have a pen?
There are something that you could write with? Yes, okay,
I just want you to write down that one scripture
Philippians for thirteen Philippians, chapter four, verse thirteen. And you
(45:21):
just keep repeating that. And the good news is if
you do it in the strength of Christ, it's not
your strength, it's His strength. Does that make sense. Why
that could work? Okay, Jesus could do all kinds of miracles.
(45:45):
They were supernatural, not natural at all. And when you
receive Christ, he literally in endwells you. In fact, the
Bible says it's Christ in you, the hope of glory.
So with Him on the inside of you, then he
(46:10):
can do what you can't do in your own strength.
He can do Jesus can do what you can't in
your own strength. And there's another scripture for you to
claim it's some forty sorry Psalm fifty four, verse four.
(46:39):
Surely God is my help. The Lord is the one
who sustains me. Psalm fifty four, verse four. Palm fifty four,
verse four. Now when you have these intrusive thoughts, as
(47:02):
soon as you have one, you just say, I refuse
that thought. I claim I can do all things through Christ,
who gives me strength. And you repeat the other scripture,
Surely God is my help, the Lord is the one
who sustains me. And if you want to, you can
(47:27):
repeat the scripture. You know, I believe I'm putting my
faith in Christ. Thank you Jesus, that you will be
my strength. I can do all things through you. Jesus
(47:48):
all things through Christ who strengthens me. Thank you, thank
you for your strength. And surely God is my help.
The Lord is the one who sustains me. I think
as soon as you start having any of these intrusive
(48:08):
sexual thoughts, you immediately say, I am replacing that thought
with the truth, the truth of God's word, and doing
this over and over, then you will it will be
(48:33):
more natural for you. I'm going to be by the
way sending you our keys on worry, because the point
of a dealing with worry, it's it is mental distress.
(48:54):
It's not And so what we have to do is
learn how to counter mentally because this is it's your thoughts.
It's these thoughts. You don't want them. And one of
the things that we know for sure is if truth
(49:16):
sets us through free, if truth sets us free, and
that was what Jesus said, you will know the truth,
and the truth will set you free. Then its error
or it's error that has us in bondage. And you
(49:37):
don't want to give victory to that which is not
of God. And I appreciate that you're saying, I don't
want these thoughts. So you have to replace a bad
habit with a good habit. That's one thing that it
(50:00):
sounds it could sound too simplistic, but.
Speaker 4 (50:04):
It's the truth.
Speaker 3 (50:08):
What we what we have usually in terms of anything
that is distressing to us, that defeating us, well, that's
not of God. And God is for you. He will
(50:32):
be with you. He has truth to set you free.
Does this Does this make sense what I'm saying?
Speaker 6 (50:47):
Yes, it does, Okay, So.
Speaker 3 (50:54):
It's taking It doesn't have to be just the scriptures
that I am mentioning. But it's like if you were
to put those scriptures on a three x five card,
and when I send you our keys on worry, you
(51:17):
can look and see, Oh, I like that scripture. That
seems to be very pertinent. We're told, in fact, this
is important.
Speaker 4 (51:34):
In Romans twelve two Romans.
Speaker 3 (51:40):
Chapter twelve, verse two, it says, do not conform any
longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed
by the renewing of your mind. Transformed by the renewing
of your mind. That's what you're wanting, isn't it.
Speaker 6 (52:02):
Yes, it is, okay.
Speaker 3 (52:06):
And so therefore it's vital what you put into your mind.
And I'm impressed that you have been reading now and
I suggested the Book of Proverbs because of the focus
(52:30):
on wisdom. And the more you do what God tells
you to do, the more victory you.
Speaker 4 (52:40):
Will have.
Speaker 3 (52:44):
When we look at God's priority for us. God's priority
is to change our thinking. And that's what the scripture says.
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but
be transformed by the renewing of your mind. And we
(53:08):
have to understand. Would you like to know what God's
purpose is for you?
Speaker 6 (53:18):
Yes?
Speaker 3 (53:18):
I would, Okay, It's found in Romans eight twenty nine.
Many people do not know this. But God's highest purpose
for you is he predestined you to be conformed to
the character of Christ. Romans eight twenty nine says that
(53:44):
you are predestined to be conformed to the image of
His Son.
Speaker 4 (53:49):
And so it's a new purpose.
Speaker 3 (53:52):
And this is all printed out for you when you
receive our key on worry. And so this is where
you'll say, I'll do whatever it takes to be conformed
to the character of Christ, and you say it several times,
I'll do whatever it takes to be conformed to the
(54:13):
character of Christ. And then that's your new purpose. Then
that a new priority is God's priority for me is
to change my thinking. Well that's what you're wanting. I'll
do whatever it takes to line up my.
Speaker 4 (54:29):
Thinking with God's thinking. And the new plan is God's
plan for me is to rely on Christ's strength, not
my strength, to be all He created me to be.
And then you.
Speaker 3 (54:43):
Claim that scripture that I've mentioned. I can do all
things through Christ, who gives me strength, and I'll do
whatever it takes to fulfill His plan and his strength.
So we have this laid out for you in our
Keys for living on worry.
Speaker 4 (55:01):
You hang on to Hope.
Speaker 2 (55:05):
Thank you for listening. Tonight we'll be sending resources to James.
And to keep those resources being given free of charge
to our callers and to keep this show on the air,
please consider giving at hopeftheheart dot org. Click on the
give button or text the word gives to seven zero
nine one nine, and please remember to pray for our
ministry here, and please remember to pray for James until
(55:28):
next time. For June Hunt, I'm Michael Hill, and I
want to leave you with the Romans fifteen thirteen. May
the God of Hope fill you with all joy and
peace in believing, so that by the power of the
Holy Spirit, you may abound in hope,
The following program is.
Speaker 2 (00:11):
Pre recorded the Hope Center in Plano, Texas. This is
Hope in the Night, late night talk radio offering biblical
hope and practical help, and on the air now for
nearly thirty years. I'm Michael Hill here with author and
speaker June Hunt, and we were just talking about Resurrection
(00:33):
weekend and how we spent it. And I want to
thank you for tuning in, and we want you to
know that if you're listening tonight facing struggles in your life,
don't give up. You may be feeling overwhelmed, but there's
no situation or struggle that you're facing that cannot be
answered in God's word. Our resources are always rooted in
(00:55):
biblical truth with practical applications, and I want to I
want to invite you to sign up for email updates
from June and Hope for the Heart today, and when
you do, we'll send you a free resource on anxiety
Calming the Fearful Heart from June Hunt's Keys for a
Living series. These practical biblical guidances are encouraging their they'll
(01:17):
empower you to understand and apply God's word whenever anxiety
hits in your life or the lives of those you
know and love Today, sign up for Hope Fortheheart dot org,
forward slash free, or text the word free to seven
zero nine one nine. I've had some people ask me
how they do this texting thing. I'll explain that in
(01:39):
the next segment when we come back from break. But
when you sign up for these email updates, you'll also
receive weekly encouragements and special offers and updates with June
in the Ministry and June. Our topic tonight is worry
the joy stealer. What is the difference between fear and worry?
Speaker 3 (02:03):
Many people would ask that question. This is one of
the easiest to answer. Fear is an emotional reaction to
a perceived or in present danger, whereas worry is mental
(02:23):
distress over a possible undesired happening in the future. Okay,
so fear focuses on present events. Some people are afraid, Well,
you can be afraid of many, many things many It
could be animals or insects or situations. But fear is
(02:53):
energizing when it propels a person to act in a
way that removes or lessons real danger.
Speaker 4 (03:05):
Now, worry is more distracting.
Speaker 3 (03:10):
It's a and can lead to distress, despair, even uh
depression or anxiety. In addition, worry is unproductive because it
projects uh problems and unknown future events. You know, fear
(03:33):
uh it sees a threat. Worry imagines one. I'm going
to repeat that fear sees It's like I can I
can see that this would be threatening.
Speaker 4 (03:46):
Worry just imagines.
Speaker 2 (03:48):
So fear could be good.
Speaker 3 (03:51):
Oh it, Well, if somebody, Michael, if somebody came behind
you and now you've got a knife at your throat
or a gun at your temple, there's.
Speaker 4 (04:05):
Something wrong if you don't have fear.
Speaker 3 (04:07):
Yes, and there are times when we can fear that
that could happen, and then therefore we take action to
do what could prevent us from actually having that happen.
The Lord offers these comforting words, call on me in
(04:29):
the day of trouble or it could be worry, I
will deliver you and you will honor me. So instead
of being overwhelmed.
Speaker 4 (04:41):
With worry, we are to go to the.
Speaker 3 (04:45):
Lord and literally rely on him and say, this is
my concern. Lord, I just give you my life, and
and I think that there are actually worry is much
easier to deal with than many of the emotional problems
(05:09):
that we could have.
Speaker 2 (05:10):
Then, how do we define worry?
Speaker 3 (05:14):
I think the best way is and we have what
we call keys on this topic. Worry is mental distress,
mental not emotional. It's mental distress primarily over a negative
possibility in the future. It's a state of mind, it's
a way of thinking, it's a mental habit. So worry
(05:38):
is a preoccupation with something bad that may happen, may
not happen, or even cannot happen. In Psalm fifty five,
verse two, my thoughts trouble me and I am distraught.
Speaker 4 (05:59):
So think of it as.
Speaker 3 (06:02):
What we've got to do then, is to focus on
what we will dwell on. Meaning since Jesus said the
truth sets us free, we need to put the truth
into place and in our in the midst of our worry,
(06:24):
counter it. Maybe that's the best way to say it.
You counter worry with truth. And we can talk about
how you do that. Uh and and and we can
actually demonstrate it is much easier to deal with.
Speaker 4 (06:44):
Than any emotion that we can be caught up in.
And that is is very hope fulfilled.
Speaker 1 (07:01):
Do you ever struggle to believe that God loves you,
that he accepts you? Forgives you and sees you as
His precious, beloved child. So many people have a distorted
picture of God that he is distant, disappointed, or doesn't
care about what's going on in our lives. The truth
is God cares about you more than you know. We
(07:23):
want to encourage you to check out June Hunt's popular
devotional Seeing Yourself through God's Eyes. In this thirty one
day devotional, June Hunt provides compassionate biblical insight to help
you understand and embrace the life changing identity you have
in Christ. Each day provides a biblical truth along with
a short reflection and journaling questions to help you see
(07:45):
yourself through God's eyes. We give this devotional to every
caller on Hope in the Night because it has changed
so many lives. Get a copy of June Hunt's devotional
for yourself or a loved one at junehunt dot org.
Speaker 5 (08:00):
No matter what you're facing, there is hope. Sometimes it's
hard to believe that. When we face challenges at home,
at work, in our family, or maybe a private struggle,
it can be hard to see what God is doing.
The good news is you're not alone if you're facing
a difficult life issue we'd love to help. Give us
a call at one eight hundred Night seventeen to talk
(08:22):
with June Hunt on the Hope in the Night broadcast.
You can talk with June about any issue, whether it's family, anxiety, anger, grief,
or just the everyday stress of life. June would love
to hear your story and offer help and hope through
God's word. The Bible says there is surely a future
hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off.
(08:44):
If you'd like to talk with June on Hope in
the Night, give us a call at one eight hundred
Night seventeen. That's one eight hundred six four four four
eight one seven. Sharing your story can be a blessing
to you and others.
Speaker 2 (09:10):
Welcome back. You're listening to Hope in the Night Hoping
the Night's been available on all podcast platforms and would you.
Speaker 1 (09:16):
Do us a favor?
Speaker 2 (09:17):
Would you share the podcast with your friends and family
and do me a favor? If you're on Apple or Spotify,
would you leave a review and a like for the program?
June and I would really appreciate it. And if you
have any questions that comes up on the prom tonight
or anything you might be dealing with a struggle in
your life. Just call our customer support team at eight
(09:38):
hundred four eight eight Hope or you can email them
at Customer Support at Hope Fortheheart dot org. And I
told you in the last segment that I would tell
you about the texting Now for you youngsters out there,
don't laugh at me, but there's some of us that
are advanced in age that don't understand the whole text
a word thing. So I heard my pastor talk about
(10:00):
it this weekend at Easter And to text support at
seven zero nine one nine. No, you don't need the
entire ten digits to text. Just get out your texting
app on your phone and type in the number seven
zero nine to one nine and then right in the
body of the message support and hit send and we'll
(10:23):
get in contact with you. By the way, our keys
for living that we're talking about is worry the joy
stealer at Hope for the Heart. We want to help
you and we want to help you help others. And
our caller for tonight is a return caller, June. We're
so happy to welcome back to the program James.
Speaker 4 (10:47):
Well, hello, James, it's wonderful to have you back. How
can we what would you like for us to talk
about this evening?
Speaker 6 (11:00):
Well, I'm not sure really. The last time that we
talked you said that I should read Proverbs, and I
have been reading one chapter of Proverbs every day this month.
Speaker 4 (11:13):
Good.
Speaker 6 (11:13):
But for some reason, anything I try to do good
is making my mind get even worse.
Speaker 3 (11:24):
Well, you had talked about having intrusive thoughts, constant intrusive thoughts,
and when you are reading when you begin reading the
one chapter a day from the Book of Proverbs, since
(11:50):
Proverbs is thirty one chapters, they're not long. But this
has been very helpful to many, many, many people where
they would start with whatever the day of the of
the month is sometimes and just read that specifically. Now,
(12:15):
what happens when you are Are you having difficulty actually
reading it? Or is it that it just hasn't impacted
thus far? You're in these intrusive thoughts that are problematic to.
Speaker 6 (12:33):
You a little bit of both. It's difficult to read
because my mind tries to think it's something terrible, but
it also it doesn't seem like it has impacted my
thoughts yet.
Speaker 3 (12:54):
Okay, I look at the the scripture where Jesus said
the truth will set you free, and that is why
I thought that that could be a help to you.
I think if you still continue to do that. But
(13:18):
let's let's talk for a moment. When did these intrusive
thoughts begin?
Speaker 4 (13:32):
How long ago?
Speaker 6 (13:33):
That was about five years ago?
Speaker 3 (13:36):
Five years ago? What was going on five years ago?
What do you think caused the onset?
Speaker 6 (13:50):
Well, there was a series of events that happened over
about a year. It seemed like people were insinuating that
they knew what my thoughts were. And it came to
a point that I realized that they must know what
my thoughts are because there's no way for them to
have said exactly what I was thinking. So many times
(14:12):
and ever since then, I tried not to think anything wrong,
and the worst thoughts invade my mind, especially when I'm
around or talking to people.
Speaker 4 (14:25):
Well, there is a belief that it is projected. Now.
Speaker 3 (14:39):
Sometimes I might know something about someone and I am
I'm aware of something in their lives, and I could
say I could assume that they could be thinking something
in the vein where they had a struggle, or or
(15:03):
just something that had been traumatic in their lives, just
or but the fact of being able to read your
thoughts or to know already your thoughts. I do not
(15:24):
believe that that would be legitimate or unless you want
to share with me.
Speaker 4 (15:31):
Any specific about that.
Speaker 6 (15:39):
Well, ever since that happened, I've tried to convince myself
that it's not true, but I just remember there were
too many things for me to deny it being true.
Speaker 4 (15:54):
Can you give me an example.
Speaker 6 (16:03):
I was working at a pizza place at the time,
and the boss that I had there several times would
say something that I was thinking at the time. There
was one time that I was working and I was
(16:24):
just kind of tired, exhausted, and I thought to myself,
bolliam about out of gas, and that manager wasn't there
that night, but he apparently called the manager that was
on duty and said to tell me that, Hey, I
can get you some gas if you need it, which
(16:45):
seems like a coincidence if it was just one thing,
but there were so many things just like that that
happened that it convinced me that is true. And as
soon as I can basically realized that in my mind,
everyone kind of stopped as they are trying so hard
to get me to realize that, Hey, we do hear
what you think, we know what you think.
Speaker 3 (17:12):
I believe that when we look at solutions, I'm very
solution oriented and I look at what God says, I
look at what Jesus has said, I look at what
(17:35):
the Bible says. Do you believe the Bible is true?
Speaker 6 (17:41):
Yes?
Speaker 4 (17:41):
I do, okay, and I know.
Speaker 3 (17:49):
So just to clarify, has there been a time in
your life where you know you humbled your heart, you
received Jesus as your personal Lord and savior, giving him
control of your life.
Speaker 6 (18:04):
Yes? I have.
Speaker 4 (18:06):
And when was that approximately?
Speaker 6 (18:11):
Well, I was raised in a church. I think I
got to save when I was twelve there, But as
far as giving my life to them completely, it would
be pretty recently.
Speaker 4 (18:24):
How how recent is recent?
Speaker 6 (18:30):
Probably within the last year.
Speaker 3 (18:32):
Okay, so within the last year, you know, you gave
him your life. In other words, when and many many
people I was not. I was not raised in a
biblically based church. I was not exposed to the Bible,
(18:55):
and I thought I assumed I was a Christian because
I wasn't Jewish, that's all. Later then I ended up
being in a wonderful biblically based church, but I knew
nothing like what everyone else knew. And I did learn
(19:19):
that when we look at the scripture, believe in the
Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved. The word
believe means to rely upon, to entrust, to trust in Christ,
to entrust your life to him. I'd never heard of
anything like that, so I'm glad to hear you say
(19:41):
that you have. It's not just allowing, it's not just
mentally believing that Jesus existed.
Speaker 4 (19:55):
The demons believe that.
Speaker 3 (19:57):
The Bible says, and when we look at believe in
the Lord Jesus Christ, the word lord means master, ruler, owner,
so it's giving him control of our life, which you
just said that you did. Did that help at all
in your life? Or did that change anything in your life?
Speaker 6 (20:21):
No, it really doesn't seem like it did.
Speaker 3 (20:25):
I know you have these intrusive thoughts that you don't want.
Speaker 4 (20:31):
But did.
Speaker 3 (20:37):
Did when you received him to give him your life?
Did anything change at all?
Speaker 1 (20:50):
No?
Speaker 6 (20:50):
Not really?
Speaker 3 (20:52):
Okay, Well, the Bible says if anyone is in Christ,
that person's a new creation. All things pass away, all
things become new. So what we want to do is
(21:12):
I'm going to ask about I'm just interested because there
should be something.
Speaker 4 (21:24):
New about you. By the way, are you and actively
involved in a church?
Speaker 6 (21:33):
No? Not right now?
Speaker 4 (21:35):
Okay, and so.
Speaker 3 (21:39):
Has there been a time when you were actively involved?
Speaker 6 (21:46):
Not really since I was about twelve years old.
Speaker 3 (21:49):
Okay, Well, looking at first things first, I'm going to
mention several things that can make a difference. The Bible
says do not forsake the assembling of yourselves together. This
(22:14):
is in Hebrews, meaning we are to be actively involved
in a church that is biblically solid, and.
Speaker 4 (22:28):
Part of that has to do with you can be
a blessing to someone, but.
Speaker 3 (22:36):
We are told consider how we may spur one another
to be an encourager to literally help others. I want
to come back and explain more about that, So we'll
be back and after this break.
Speaker 2 (23:00):
We hope you're enjoying today's episode of Hope in the Night.
Before we continue, we want to invite you to sign
up for email updates from Hope for the Heart today.
When you do, you'll begin to receive weekly encouragement, exclusive
free resources, special offers, and the latest updates from June
in the ministry. As a thanks for signing up today,
(23:20):
we'll send you a free resource on identity. This encouraging
resource will help you discover the freedom and confidence that
come from knowing who you are in Christ, so you
can break free from the world's lies and live in
the truth of who God created you to be again.
This free resource is yours today when you sign up
(23:40):
for email updates at Hope Fortheheart dot org, forward slash free,
or you can text the word free to seven zero
nine to one nine. That's Hope Fortheheart dot org forward
slash free, or text the word free to seven zero.
Speaker 4 (23:57):
Nine to one nine.
Speaker 7 (24:00):
Hi, It's Dustin with Hope for the Heart and I
want to invite you to a special training event we
have going on this summer. Over the past few years,
we've witnessed a mental health crisis in our country. So
many people are struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, grief and more.
Now is the time for the church to rise up
and be equipped to care for people who are hurting
(24:21):
and broken. That's why I want to invite you to
our ministry training event on mental health and the Church.
It's on Saturday, June twenty first in Plano, Texas. We'll
be live streaming the event as well. We have an
incredible lineup of speakers including June Hunt, Sheila Walsh, doctor
Eric Scalice, and Moore. We'll be sharing biblical insights and
(24:42):
practical tools on how to address mental health issues in
our homes, churches, and community. You can learn more and
sign up today at Hope Fortheheart dot org slash events.
You can also text the word event to seven zero
nine one to nine to learn more. We hope to
see you there.
Speaker 2 (25:11):
Welcome back to Hope in the Night. I'm Michael Hill
and we can be found on all major podcast platforms.
Now if there's something you'd like to speak with June
about personally and be a guest on the radio program here,
I'd like to invite you to call, I'll call you
back myself if you will call eight hundred nine seventeen.
That's eight hundred night seventeen. Our text the word caller
(25:35):
to seven zero nine one nine. That's text the word
caller to seven zero nine one nine. Here at Hope
in the Night, we want to help you, and we
want to help you help others. And I want to
ask our Hope for the Heart family to pray for
our program here and would you pray for James. Our
keys for living is worry the joy stealer again our resource.
(26:00):
The number is eight hundred four eight eight Hope. That's
eight hundred four eight eight four six seven three. Also,
take a look at our website, Hope Fortheheart dot org
and you'll find all of our keys for living there. Now,
let's return to our conversation with June and James.
Speaker 3 (26:20):
James, when you think about why, what is the advantage, Well,
why be a part of a local church? Some people say, well,
because God said so well, And the Bible in Hebrews
(26:43):
ten twenty five does say let us not give up
meeting together. And it's referring to Christians. It's like iron
sharpening iron. And while there's no fit church, there are
(27:04):
many many advantages of being around and having fellowship with
other people who are wanting to grow in their relationship
with God. You know so so well, you know why
(27:27):
why do this? It's because number one, we all need
help along the way.
Speaker 4 (27:36):
We all need.
Speaker 3 (27:40):
People who are positive influences in our lives. Do you
agree that that can make a difference in.
Speaker 4 (27:51):
A person's life?
Speaker 6 (27:54):
Does I think so?
Speaker 3 (27:56):
And I'm lad there would be a reason why God's
word God himself wants us to have fellowship with others.
Fellowship meaning where our lives interact with others. Because we
(28:23):
can learn much from one another. We can be a
specific blessing to others. In fact, you could be the
answer to prayer for somebody who needs a genuine friend.
I think the issue, though, is being in a biblically
(28:49):
based church that teaches the Bible. Now, see, the reason
I focus on that is because I was.
Speaker 4 (28:59):
I was in a church early on, but there was
no Bible used, and I didn't know anything about the Bible.
Speaker 3 (29:12):
I didn't know who God was. I didn't I mean,
I just knew a few things that I remember hearing
the Lord's prayer, but I had no biblical understanding. And
the issue is not knowing facts. I'm not talking about that.
Speaker 4 (29:36):
But as you are.
Speaker 3 (29:39):
Seeing by reading the Book of Proverbs, there is wisdom
back the whole point of the Book of Proverbs, meaning
the theme of the Book of Proverbs is wisdom. Since
you've been reading a chapter day, can you tell that
(30:04):
that is a theme of the Book of Proverbs.
Speaker 6 (30:10):
Yes, definitely, okay.
Speaker 3 (30:14):
And many times we're not exposed to truth. In fact,
if you look at the Bible and look at major
themes in the Bible. One of the major themes is truth.
(30:35):
Just as I quoted earlier when Jesus said the truth
will set you free.
Speaker 4 (30:43):
Now that's talking about at times when we are.
Speaker 3 (30:51):
All of us have had habits that are not good habits,
and the Bible is very clear that all we like sheep,
have gone astray. We each just have have turned to
our own way. Now for Jesus to focus on his teaching,
(31:22):
he spent like three years investing in twelve men. Now
there were other people, there were women, there were other disciples,
but specifically when we think of the twelve that he
(31:45):
that traveled with him, he kept investing in them and
over a period of time that changed their lives except
for Judas, and unfortunately he betrayed Jesus.
Speaker 4 (32:07):
But the point is he knew that.
Speaker 3 (32:12):
He would be betrayed, but he still invested in those
And we need truth in our lives so that we
are very clear about how God intends us to have victory.
(32:35):
And so I think the issue one of the things
that can make a difference. I'll just ask, do you
know a biblically solid church where people carry their bibles?
See I was in church. I went to church, but
(32:57):
nobody carried a Bible. The Bible was not taught. On
rare occasion, there would have been a reference in a
in a Sunday service, but it was not the norm.
And I didn't know anything at that time about about God.
Speaker 4 (33:18):
I did not know.
Speaker 3 (33:21):
Anything about the Word of God. So are you aware
of a biblically solid church?
Speaker 6 (33:31):
Yes?
Speaker 3 (33:31):
There, okay, because when you look at what helps us
grow spiritually, there is interaction. It would be like if
(33:52):
you obviously wanted to learn a particular type of work,
the more exposure that you have to that and you
learn from others. You learn from others. Many times there's
(34:15):
a training program where one person trains another. Whether it's
in the pizza world as you've mentioned, or whatever field
it is. It's helpful for us to have contact with
others that would benefit us. So is there any reason
(34:40):
why you couldn't go on and start attending an evaluate you.
There may be several churches for you for you to
choose from. So is there any reason that you could
not go on and say, okay, I'm going to literally
(35:04):
give an opportunity for me to learn from others, to
be in and usually it's not just the what we
would call the congregation of.
Speaker 4 (35:21):
Everyone at the church.
Speaker 3 (35:22):
There will be like a Bible study time that people
meet for your age group adults would where there would
be like, I'm in a Bible study group. And then
(35:42):
as you get to know people, there is typically fellowship
with in that group, and then there's when the whole
congregation gets together.
Speaker 4 (35:57):
Now, have you been.
Speaker 3 (35:58):
Involved in a Bible study time? Sometimes it's called Sunday school?
There can be different words used, but have you? I
know you said you hadn't been since you were a boy.
So are are you aware of of like that there
(36:24):
are Sunday school or Bible study times that would be
for people your age?
Speaker 4 (36:32):
By the way, could you give me your age please?
Thirty eight? Okay?
Speaker 3 (36:42):
There are churches like if my church where there are singles.
There are married classes, but there are singles classes where
you could meet people. Am I correct that you are single?
Speaker 6 (37:00):
Yes?
Speaker 4 (37:01):
Okay? And so.
Speaker 3 (37:05):
You could contact church ahead of time and ask is
there a singles group? Some churches have singles groups, some
do not, but and that could be something that you
might want to consider.
Speaker 4 (37:24):
I'm not or do you?
Speaker 3 (37:28):
Since you said there are several churches that you think
would be potentials for you to attend or to visit initially.
Speaker 4 (37:39):
Is that right?
Speaker 6 (37:41):
Yeah? Possibly, I did actually try to go back to
the church that I was raised in about a year ago,
around the time that I gaved my life back to
the Lord for good. Mh. I really just can't see
myself so to a church to get into our mind
(38:01):
clears up more because I can't even focus on what's
being said.
Speaker 4 (38:10):
Well, okay, then.
Speaker 3 (38:15):
Let's consider at least you could be investigating and deciding
this might be church number one. And I understand you're concerned.
So when we come back, let's consider what could be
helpful for these intrusive thoughts. They told me they were
(38:40):
sexual in nature, and you're wanting victory.
Speaker 4 (38:44):
It's not that.
Speaker 3 (38:45):
You're wanting to entertain these thoughts. But we'll come back
and talk about that.
Speaker 6 (38:53):
Okay, Okay.
Speaker 1 (39:00):
If you enjoy listening to June Hunt and Hope in
the Night, you'll want to check out Hope for the
Heart's Complete System of Care. The Complete System of Care
is a comprehensive set of biblical resources from June Hunt
designed to give you every reason for hope for every
challenge in life. From June's Keys for Living books and
free resources to in depth video courses. These tools cover
(39:24):
over one hundred real life issues like anxiety, grief, relationships,
mental health, and more. All of our resources are professionally informed,
rooted in God's word, and full of practical guidance to
help you grow in your walk with the Lord. So
whether you need personal help or want to be trained
to help others, there's something here for you. Explore the
(39:46):
complete system of care today and get the tools you
need to take better care of yourself and others. Go
to Hope Fortheheart dot org today or text care to
seven zero nine one nine to learn more.
Speaker 2 (40:00):
Thanks for listening to Hope in the Night. We want
to remind you that when you give a gift today
to help reach more people through Hope for the Heart,
we'll say thanks by sending you a copy of Anxiety
Calming the Fearful Heart. This encouraging resource will help you
understand and apply God's word whenever anxiety strikes in your
own life or the lives of those you care for.
(40:20):
Request your copy today. Go to Hope for Theeheart dot org,
slash anxiety or text anxiety to seven zero nine one nine.
Speaker 1 (40:30):
If you're facing a challenge and need some encouragement, check
out the Hope Talks Podcast Today from Hope for the Heart.
Each week, Hailey and Dustin have honest conversations about real
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Today on Apple, Spotify, and wherever you listen to your
(40:53):
favorite podcast. You can also text the Word Talks to
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Speaker 2 (41:11):
Welcome back. I'm Michael Hill and you're listening to Hope
in the Night with June Hunt. The Keys for Living
we're discussing is worry the joy Stealer and we hope
you've been encouraged by today's program, and if you've been blessed,
please consider giving a gift to help reach others through
Hope for the Heart. Your support will make such a
difference in people who's searching for hope, and as a
(41:33):
thanks for your gift, we'll send you a free resource
from our Keys for a Living series called Anxiety Calming
the Fearful Heart to help you discover how God's Word
can help you through stress in today's world. Text the
Word Give to seven zero nine one nine. Simply request
your copy when you give today at Hope Fortheheart dot org,
(41:55):
forward slash anxiety or text the word anxiety to seven
zero nine one nine. Again, our resource number is eight
hundred four eight eight Hope. That's eight hundred four eight
eight four six seven three, and our customer support team
is in Monday through Friday eight to five pm Central time. Now,
(42:16):
let's get back to our conversation with June and James.
Speaker 3 (42:22):
James, I think it's so important that you claim certain scriptures.
For example, I know people who really struggled and they say,
I just I can't, I can't whatever it is, I
can't do this. I'm thinking immediately what's come to mind
(42:47):
is we had a caller who she had something called agoraphobia,
and that meant that she could not leave her home.
In this case, she could not leave her bedroom, and
she had teenagers and a husband and they would bring
the food up to her. And I said, do you
(43:09):
think you could do this one thing? I want you
to take the scripture I can do all things through Christ,
who gives me strength. And I want you to say
it over and over. I can do all things through
Christ who gives me strength. That's Philippians four thirteen. And
(43:32):
could you do one step down the stairs? And she said,
I will try, And this was very hard because she
had for several years not been able to leave upstairs.
(43:52):
And so she did one step and then that led
to two steps. But it was continually praying using the
Bible Philippians four thirteen. And I said, just one step.
(44:14):
I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me.
I can literally take one step down and then and
then stay there and then come back up, come back down,
then up. And then she moved to let's do three steps,
and then going farther and farther, and it took a
(44:38):
while for her to finally get downstairs. It's it would
we could call it a step at a time.
Speaker 4 (44:49):
Does that make sense?
Speaker 6 (44:50):
First of all, yes, it does.
Speaker 3 (44:53):
Okay, So there's another scripture. So do you have a pen?
There are something that you could write with? Yes, okay,
I just want you to write down that one scripture
Philippians for thirteen Philippians, chapter four, verse thirteen. And you
(45:21):
just keep repeating that. And the good news is if
you do it in the strength of Christ, it's not
your strength, it's His strength. Does that make sense. Why
that could work? Okay, Jesus could do all kinds of miracles.
(45:45):
They were supernatural, not natural at all. And when you
receive Christ, he literally in endwells you. In fact, the
Bible says it's Christ in you, the hope of glory.
So with Him on the inside of you, then he
(46:10):
can do what you can't do in your own strength.
He can do Jesus can do what you can't in
your own strength. And there's another scripture for you to
claim it's some forty sorry Psalm fifty four, verse four.
(46:39):
Surely God is my help. The Lord is the one
who sustains me. Psalm fifty four, verse four. Palm fifty four,
verse four. Now when you have these intrusive thoughts, as
(47:02):
soon as you have one, you just say, I refuse
that thought. I claim I can do all things through Christ,
who gives me strength. And you repeat the other scripture,
Surely God is my help, the Lord is the one
who sustains me. And if you want to, you can
(47:27):
repeat the scripture. You know, I believe I'm putting my
faith in Christ. Thank you Jesus, that you will be
my strength. I can do all things through you. Jesus
(47:48):
all things through Christ who strengthens me. Thank you, thank
you for your strength. And surely God is my help.
The Lord is the one who sustains me. I think
as soon as you start having any of these intrusive
(48:08):
sexual thoughts, you immediately say, I am replacing that thought
with the truth, the truth of God's word, and doing
this over and over, then you will it will be
(48:33):
more natural for you. I'm going to be by the
way sending you our keys on worry, because the point
of a dealing with worry, it's it is mental distress.
(48:54):
It's not And so what we have to do is
learn how to counter mentally because this is it's your thoughts.
It's these thoughts. You don't want them. And one of
the things that we know for sure is if truth
(49:16):
sets us through free, if truth sets us free, and
that was what Jesus said, you will know the truth,
and the truth will set you free. Then its error
or it's error that has us in bondage. And you
(49:37):
don't want to give victory to that which is not
of God. And I appreciate that you're saying, I don't
want these thoughts. So you have to replace a bad
habit with a good habit. That's one thing that it
(50:00):
sounds it could sound too simplistic, but.
Speaker 4 (50:04):
It's the truth.
Speaker 3 (50:08):
What we what we have usually in terms of anything
that is distressing to us, that defeating us, well, that's
not of God. And God is for you. He will
(50:32):
be with you. He has truth to set you free.
Does this Does this make sense what I'm saying?
Speaker 6 (50:47):
Yes, it does, Okay, So.
Speaker 3 (50:54):
It's taking It doesn't have to be just the scriptures
that I am mentioning. But it's like if you were
to put those scriptures on a three x five card,
and when I send you our keys on worry, you
(51:17):
can look and see, Oh, I like that scripture. That
seems to be very pertinent. We're told, in fact, this
is important.
Speaker 4 (51:34):
In Romans twelve two Romans.
Speaker 3 (51:40):
Chapter twelve, verse two, it says, do not conform any
longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed
by the renewing of your mind. Transformed by the renewing
of your mind. That's what you're wanting, isn't it.
Speaker 6 (52:02):
Yes, it is, okay.
Speaker 3 (52:06):
And so therefore it's vital what you put into your mind.
And I'm impressed that you have been reading now and
I suggested the Book of Proverbs because of the focus
(52:30):
on wisdom. And the more you do what God tells
you to do, the more victory you.
Speaker 4 (52:40):
Will have.
Speaker 3 (52:44):
When we look at God's priority for us. God's priority
is to change our thinking. And that's what the scripture says.
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but
be transformed by the renewing of your mind. And we
(53:08):
have to understand. Would you like to know what God's
purpose is for you?
Speaker 6 (53:18):
Yes?
Speaker 3 (53:18):
I would, Okay, It's found in Romans eight twenty nine.
Many people do not know this. But God's highest purpose
for you is he predestined you to be conformed to
the character of Christ. Romans eight twenty nine says that
(53:44):
you are predestined to be conformed to the image of
His Son.
Speaker 4 (53:49):
And so it's a new purpose.
Speaker 3 (53:52):
And this is all printed out for you when you
receive our key on worry. And so this is where
you'll say, I'll do whatever it takes to be conformed
to the character of Christ, and you say it several times,
I'll do whatever it takes to be conformed to the
(54:13):
character of Christ. And then that's your new purpose. Then
that a new priority is God's priority for me is
to change my thinking. Well that's what you're wanting. I'll
do whatever it takes to line up my.
Speaker 4 (54:29):
Thinking with God's thinking. And the new plan is God's
plan for me is to rely on Christ's strength, not
my strength, to be all He created me to be.
And then you.
Speaker 3 (54:43):
Claim that scripture that I've mentioned. I can do all
things through Christ, who gives me strength, and I'll do
whatever it takes to fulfill His plan and his strength.
So we have this laid out for you in our
Keys for living on worry.
Speaker 4 (55:01):
You hang on to Hope.
Speaker 2 (55:05):
Thank you for listening. Tonight we'll be sending resources to James.
And to keep those resources being given free of charge
to our callers and to keep this show on the air,
please consider giving at hopeftheheart dot org. Click on the
give button or text the word gives to seven zero
nine one nine, and please remember to pray for our
ministry here, and please remember to pray for James until
(55:28):
next time. For June Hunt, I'm Michael Hill, and I
want to leave you with the Romans fifteen thirteen. May
the God of Hope fill you with all joy and
peace in believing, so that by the power of the
Holy Spirit, you may abound in hope,
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