The world doesn’t understand the trust Christians have in Jesus Christ…to them it is utter craziness. They view Christians as weak-willed people using religion as a crutch. So why wouldn’t the world mock us? It’s at that point though we have to make a decision of whether to allow the insults to discourage us or not. Elsewhere in Isaiah it says, “Because the Sovereign Lord helps me, I will not be disgraced. Therefore have I set my face like flint, and I know I will not be put to shame.” (Isaiah 50:7). Any and all fear can be faced with trust in the Lord.
Tag: discouragement
Deuteronomy 31:8 “The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”
Fear is a demoralizing force that will stop you in your tracks. Fear takes your eyes off God and onto to the scary circumstances swirling around you. Genesis 28:15 tells us, “I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go…” Just remember, there is no place you will ever find yourself that is beyond the reach of God.
II Corinthians 4: 1-2 ” Therefore, since through God’s mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart. Rather, we have renounced secret and shameful ways; we do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God.”
In a Believer’s life I think there isn’t anything potentially more volatile than secret sins. Hidden sins will lead us to compromise and dilute the truth in our own mind…rationalizing things until we can live with ourselves. They cause us to hide things out of shameful awareness and dispair…which spirals us down the slippery slope into depression. Secret sins need to be dealt with…not left to simmer and develop into more. Besides, you’re only fooling yourself if you think that hidden sins are really hidden.
Psalm 42:11 ” Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him, my Savior and my God.”
There are times when we have to be our own cheer-leading squad. It may be only us that can give ourselves a pep talk…because we alone know the feelings we’re harboring deep inside…feelings of sadness, discouragement, and unhappiness. It’s at those times when worry and distress are disturbing our inner calm that we need to inspire ourselves…turning discouragement into encouragement and pessimism into praise.
Nehemiah 8:10 “…for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”
For many, this day is not filled with happiness. Discouragement and fatigue may be stealing all your joy…Physical ailments may be robbing you of delighting in the Lord at all. You may be even saying to yourself, “I have nothing to be joyful about today.” But the feelings of joy, happiness, and delight are just that…human feelings. You don’t have to feel joyful in order to be filled with God’s strength. For joy comes from that all-encompassing assurance that God is there… even if your rejoicing is only by determination and through tears.
II Thessalonians 3: 13 ” And as for you, brothers, never tire of doing what is right.”
Perseverance…to continue steadfastly, especially in something that is difficult or tedious. This verse exhorts us to not give in to trouble, or to become exasperated by difficulty. We are to persist…not losing heart and giving in to discouragement. As I’ve heard it said somewhere before…When you’re at the end of your rope…tie a big “God” shaped knot, and hang on!
I Thessalonians 5: 16-18 ” Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
I read the first part of this verse, and I’m ready to throw in the towel…I fail miserably in all areas, everyday. Too often, I allow discouragement and trouble to cause me to become exasperated and defeated Spiritually. My rejoicing turns to whining, my gratefulness turns to grousing. But the key to this verse lies at the end…for this is God’s divine purpose for us, His good pleasure for our lives as we depend on Him, not ourselves to accomplish it. Through Him I can achieve all this and be victorious…and so can you!
Safetypinlove 