Tuesday, July 23, 2019

Keep Going, Despite Discouragement







2 Corinthians 1:3   "All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. You are our merciful Father and the source of all comfort." 

Psalm 68:19   "Praise the Lord; praise God our savior! For each day you carry us in your arms." 

 Psalm 40:16  "May all who search for you be filled with joy and gladness in you. May those who love your salvation repeatedly shout, “The Lord is great!”"

Ephesians 1:3   "All praise to you, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ." 
 Psalm 9:1–2"I will praise you, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all the marvelous things you have done. I will be filled with joy because of you. I will sing praises to your name, O Most High."   

         Lately, I have felt discouraged with just about everything. I also feel guilty for those feelings, because I know how blessed I am.  Have you ever felt the same way?  Is it just a longing for a better place, way of life, and righteousness with everything?  C.S. Lewis puts my thoughts into words, "There are far, far better things ahead than any we leave behind."  Doesn't that make you eager for heaven?  It does for me, but until then I pray for God's will to be done here on Earth, as it is in heaven.  

         "Knowing that God can change a country, you may be wondering why He has waited so long. Maybe He is asking you a similar question: “Why have you waited so long to pray?” Every authority on earth can be touched by the power of prayer if we are willing to ask and believe God."  [intouch.org]
        

       "God sees our true character and always knows exactly what we need. With perfect vision, which even sees the inner workings of our hearts, He watches over those who love Him and put their hope in Him. He’s our attentive, loving Father."  [odb.org]  I've seen this when God answers both our spoken and unspoken prayers.  He knows what's best for each of us, according to His pre-ordained plan for us.


         "Sometimes people who try to run from God are acting out of pure selfishness—it seems we have an unlimited capacity to believe we know what is best for us, no matter what God thinks or says. At times we balk out of simple fear: we are afraid that we might not succeed; we are concerned that others will be critical of our efforts; or perhaps we fear obedience might be too costly. But no matter what our reason is, we often fail to recognize the high price of turning aside and trying to flee from the Lord.  God has given believers personalities, abilities, and spiritual gifts which will equip them to accomplish His specific plans for their lives. But each one must choose to step out in faith and obedience. At times the Lord challenges us to do something that seems beyond our ability, but if we back off, we’ll miss His awesome blessings."  [intouch.org]

       Certain attitudes prevent our receiving the Father’s intended blessings:   [intouch.org]

Impatience...... We want it now and are unwilling to trust that God is in control.

Insecurity......... We feel that if certain things don’t happen, we simply cannot continue.

Identity in the wrong things....... We feel good about ourselves only if we are a success by societal standards.

Ignorance of the Word....... We decide for ourselves what is right.


Impure motives...... Discontent or jealousy causes us to push ahead of God and use manipulation to get our way.


Impulsiveness......... Without asking God, we assume every seeming opportunity is a door He has opened.


Ingratitude..... Lack of thankfulness for what He’s given skews our perspective.


Notice these obstacles all start with “I”! Humility does not come naturally. [intouch.org]


 Let us not only humble ourselves, but think of others first; in prayer, thoughts and actions.  We will be blessed, when we bless others.