Monday, June 10, 2013

Don’t Be Discouraged

It’s funny how some days we seem to have a great deal on our minds, and other days not so much. As I thought about this being the beginning of the work week for many, I wanted to come up with something to encourage myself and others. The first thing I thought of was, don’t be discouraged. Life is big. Big enough that at times it can be overwhelming. Don’t let it.

God is not a man that He should lie, nor the son of man, that He should repent, according to Numbers 23:19. He will do exactly what He has said. He will make good on what He has spoken. He grants us forgiveness and cleansing from our iniquity that we might be able to draw close to Him. In Psalms 91 He declares He will protect us. In Psalm 113 He declares He raises the poor and the needy out of the dust and the ash heap and sets them with the princes. In Psalms 116 He declares He will grant salvation. In Luke 4:17-20 Jesus said He preached the gospel to the poor; that He came to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, to provide the recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed; and to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord. God does not lie. These belong to you and to me. We must only ask, believe, and trust.

Prayer
Father, I thank You for Your provision for us through the death and resurrection of Your Son, Jesus. We are lifted from the dust, offered salvation and forgiveness, and the opportunity to be with You always. We are so blessed that You are God and not a man. Please grant forgiveness and wholeness to Your people today, Father. In Jesus name. Amen.