“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 (NIV)
We are still thinking about this new year that is beginning and we want to remember that we have a God who will be with us through it. These are the words which God spoke to Joshua to encourage him as he took on the leadership of the people of Israel. Although the prospects ahead of us may not be as challenging as those facing Joshua in leading God’s people into the Promised Land, we can apply this promise to ourselves because He is the same God today. He wants to guide us as he guided Joshua. We can be sure that our Lord will be with us wherever we go if we let Him lead us through this new year. So let us take God’s promise to heart for ourselves and trust Him to be faithful.
Showing posts with label discouraged. Show all posts
Showing posts with label discouraged. Show all posts
Monday, January 2, 2017
Sunday, October 30, 2016
October 30
“In my alarm I said, “I am cut off from your sight!” Yet you heard my cry for mercy when I called to you for help.” Psalm 31:22 (NIV)
Can a person who is discouraged really expect help from God? Perhaps the testimony of David will give us an answer. He had been in a difficult and dangerous situation. He was tempted to think that God was not watching and even said so. He said it to God. But did God hold that against him? Did God say, “If you do not believe I am watching I will just let you suffer.”? Of course not. God heard David call and He helped him. God knows our weaknesses and is aware when we are discouraged. But He still loves us and He will listen when we ask Him for help.
Can a person who is discouraged really expect help from God? Perhaps the testimony of David will give us an answer. He had been in a difficult and dangerous situation. He was tempted to think that God was not watching and even said so. He said it to God. But did God hold that against him? Did God say, “If you do not believe I am watching I will just let you suffer.”? Of course not. God heard David call and He helped him. God knows our weaknesses and is aware when we are discouraged. But He still loves us and He will listen when we ask Him for help.
Friday, September 2, 2016
September 2
“So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded.” Hebrews 10:35 (NIV)
Our God knows that we are often tempted to be discouraged. He has, therefore given us words to encourage us. Confidence, of course is a synonym of faith, and it is basic to our Christian life. When we become discouraged it is because our faith is becoming shaky and our confidence and reliance upon God is disturbed. What these words tell us is that God knows when our confidence in Him is being affected. He is encouraging us to keep our confidence unshakeable. And it means so much to Him that we maintain our confidence firm and strong. The power of this kind of faith will bring us through to God’s glory.
Our God knows that we are often tempted to be discouraged. He has, therefore given us words to encourage us. Confidence, of course is a synonym of faith, and it is basic to our Christian life. When we become discouraged it is because our faith is becoming shaky and our confidence and reliance upon God is disturbed. What these words tell us is that God knows when our confidence in Him is being affected. He is encouraging us to keep our confidence unshakeable. And it means so much to Him that we maintain our confidence firm and strong. The power of this kind of faith will bring us through to God’s glory.
Wednesday, August 24, 2016
August 24
“When my spirit grows faint within me, it is you who watch over my way.” Psalm 142:3a (NIV)
David prayed this prayer while hiding in a cave. He was hiding because King Saul had ordered that he be killed. But in that lonely situation we knew that he could talk to God. He did not give up because he knew that God was with him and the He had a purpose for him. We have the same God. He is with us too no matter what the situation. He knows our problems. He also knows what He has planned for each of us. So let us not be discouraged, let us not give up. Let us recognize that He knows the path we are walking and where He is leading us.
David prayed this prayer while hiding in a cave. He was hiding because King Saul had ordered that he be killed. But in that lonely situation we knew that he could talk to God. He did not give up because he knew that God was with him and the He had a purpose for him. We have the same God. He is with us too no matter what the situation. He knows our problems. He also knows what He has planned for each of us. So let us not be discouraged, let us not give up. Let us recognize that He knows the path we are walking and where He is leading us.
Wednesday, March 30, 2016
March 30
“How long, Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me?” Psalm 13:1 (NIV)
We haven’t chosen this verse to prove that God sometimes forgets His children or that He hides His face from us. These are not God’s words, they are human thoughts. We may have thoughts like this. Let’s read on: “But I trust in your unfailing love. My heart rejoices in your salvation. I will sing to the Lord for He has been good to me.” Psalm 13:5-6. (NIV) Isn’t that a good ending? It can be that way when we’re tempted to be discouraged and think God has forgotten us. Remember His unfailing love – and rejoice!
We haven’t chosen this verse to prove that God sometimes forgets His children or that He hides His face from us. These are not God’s words, they are human thoughts. We may have thoughts like this. Let’s read on: “But I trust in your unfailing love. My heart rejoices in your salvation. I will sing to the Lord for He has been good to me.” Psalm 13:5-6. (NIV) Isn’t that a good ending? It can be that way when we’re tempted to be discouraged and think God has forgotten us. Remember His unfailing love – and rejoice!
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