Discouragement

June 6th – Psalm 32:3

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Psalm 32:3

“When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long.”

Admitting when we’re wrong is never easy. Pride and hurt often get in the way when it comes to confessing the truth to ourselves and God. But when we don’t, sin festers in our hearts leaving us filled with guilt; feeling weak, miserable and isolated from the Lord. That’s why confession and transparency with God are so very important. So talk to Him. Draw near to the Lord. Tell Him what you’ve done, and trust in Him to forgive and restore you. Don’t get discouraged.  When you stumble, know that God is always faithful to forgive. He knows we are weak. As James MacDonald says, “God knew we would choose the wrong, so even before we chose the wrong, He chose the right.  God’s love made a way out for us with His begotten son Jesus Christ.” By acknowledging our wrongdoings and sharing them with God and others we trust, we can experience the freedom and relief that come with unburdening our souls.

June 6th – Psalm 32:3 Read More »

May 4th – Job 42:10

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Job 42:10

The phrase, don’t judge a book by its cover doesn’t just apply to people, but also situations. When Job’s friends saw his misfortune they were sure he deserved it. They assumed, incorrectly, that Job was suffering because he had sinned against God. How many times as Christians do we do the same? How many times have we thought that those struggling must have done something to deserve it? But the truth is there many be a variety of reasons for someone’s troubles. And it isn’t our job to judge. But rather to encourage, help, and love them through the storm. To remind them of God’s great love, goodness and mercy. And that success and growth are not always immediate. We work in God’s timing. Which mean we may encounter setbacks and obstacles along the way. But if we remain steadfast and persevere through these challenges, like He did with Job, God will bless us mightily, repaying us twice what we lost.

May 4th – Job 42:10 Read More »

January 24th – Matthew 5:11

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Matthew 5:11

Have you ever felt disheartened when someone shuts you down while you’re sharing the Gospel? Felt discouraged when the works you do for God don’t produce the fruit you want? Have you ever been rejected by others who don’t share your Christian faith? If so, you’re not alone. The Bible is filled with stories of the disheartening, discouraging, rejection of God’s prophets and messengers. And one of these is the story of Stephen, the church’s first martyr. Accused and facing death, instead of defending himself, Stephen gave a speech that convicted his fellow Jews. A speech so filled with faith, that as he testified all who looked upon Stephen saw the glory of God. And so powerful, it forever changed the life of a young man named Saul. So even in times of feeling disheartened, discouraged, and rejected, keep spreading the Good News. Keep working for God. For who knows, there may be a Saul in the crowd listening nearby.

January 24th – Matthew 5:11 Read More »

September 26th – Matthew 5:11-12

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Matthew 5:11-12

Have you ever felt disheartened when someone shuts you down while you’re sharing the Gospel? Or been discouraged when the works you do for God don’t produce the fruit you want? If so, you’re not alone. The Bible is filled with stories of the disheartening, discouraging, rejection of God’s prophets and messengers. And one of these is Stephen, the church’s first martyr. Falsely accused and brought before the Jewish leaders, Stephen faced a sentence of death. Yet instead of giving a defense for himself, he gave a condemning testimony about the sins of Israel. Far from afraid, Stephen was so full of faith that as he spoke, all who looked upon him saw the glory of God. I want to be like Stephen. To be that full of faith. Boldly obeying God’s call no matter the consequences. Joyfully and courageously sharing with others how the Lord has worked in my life, why I place my faith in Him and how they too can know Jesus as their Savior.

 

September 26th – Matthew 5:11-12 Read More »

September 23rd – Psalm 61:2

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Psalm 61:2

Many times my heart has felt faint, consumed by discouragement and fear. And it’s during those times when praying and drawing nearer to God is a necessity. Because the Lord is our “higher Rock”, our unshakable foundation that will never fail. No matter what is going on in this fallen world, God goes before us and makes our paths straight.  Deut. 33:26 reminds us that, “There is none like God, O Jeshurun, who rides through the heavens to your help, through the skies in his majesty. The eternal God is your dwelling place, and underneath are the everlasting arms.” Satan loves to fill our minds with “what if” scenarios that all result in defeat. But God promises those who trust in Him and not the world, can live in peace and joy. King David who was protected by a mighty army knew better then to place his security in chariots and soldiers.  He understood that it was only God who could lead him to victory!

September 23rd – Psalm 61:2 Read More »

September 20th – Habakkuk 3:17

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Habakkuk 3:17

A pastor once famously said, “Disappointments are inevitable. Discouragement is a choice.” There is never a more true test of our faith than when God lets suffering into our lives. During times of trials do we still trust God and cling to Him even tighter? Or do we curse God and turn away from Him in despair? The prophet Habakkuk faced a similar decision. As a judgement from the Lord, the Babylonians were preparing to invade Judah. Destruction of Israel would follow and its people were headed for captivity. Yet even though his world was crumbling around him, and there would be no intervening from God, Habakkuk could still rejoice. For the silver lining in his dark cloud was God’s justice and mercy. And by focusing on God’s goodness, the prophet could say, “I will exult in the Lord, I will rejoice in the God of my salvation.” (Hab. 3:18) We may not always rejoice in our circumstances. But we can always rejoice in our Lord!

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Psalm 42:11

The sons of Korah were Levities from the family of Kohath. Korah, the grandson of Kohath, led a rebellion against Moses during the Exodus. In response, God judged Korah and the 250 men with him, killing all except the sons of Korah. So you’d think the sons of Korah in their despair would turn away from God in bitterness and anger. But the Bible tells us that instead, seven generations later, they became caretakers at God’s temple, and were known as great leaders in singing and orchestral music in the tabernacle.

Instead of giving into the darkness, they let the light of hope in God fill their hearts. They returned to Him in praise and rejoicing. In our times of despair we too need to return to God. We need the comfort of being wrapped in His love, warmed by His light, and showered in His grace. So in good times, and especially bad, wait on God, hope in God, and in all things, rejoice!

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August 1st – Psalm 42:5

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Psalm 42:5

Between politics, religion, and vaccinations, division is running rampant within our country. No wonder so many are feeling discouraged and hopeless. Friends are turning against friends. Family members aren’t speaking to each other. And violence against those with disagreeing opinions is on the rise. The psalmist in Psalm 42 knew that feeling well. He longed to go worship at God’s temple. But as Jerusalem was divided, those who lived in the northern area were banned from traveling south where the temple was located. Yet he refused to despair. For no matter the schemes of the Enemy to divide, hurt, and bring God’s people to ruin, when we put our hope in God alone, praising Him in all things, we have no room for discouragement. For hope brings with it joy, peace, and love. And as Samuel Smiles says, “Hope is like the sun, which, as we journey towards it, casts the shadow of our burden behind us.”

August 1st – Psalm 42:5 Read More »