We also have joy with our troubles,
because we know that these troubles produce patience.
And patience produces character,
and character produces hope.
Romans 5:3-4
All of us face those days when the traffic jams, harsh words from a loved one, or even the smallest thing that goes wrong just sends us off the deep end. But when we find ourselves overtaken by the frustrations of life, we must catch ourselves, take a deep breath, and lift our thoughts upward.
Although we are here on earth struggling to rise above the distractions of the day, we need never struggle alone. God is here - eternally and faithfully, with infinite patience and love - and, if we reach out to Him, He will restore our perspective and peace.
Sometimes even the most devout Christians can become discouraged and we are no exception. After all, we live in a world where expectations can be high and demands can be even higher. The enemy knows how to use those situations and how to make us feel low and not good enough.
If you find yourself enduring difficult circumstances, remember that God remains in heaven. If you ever become discouraged with the direction of your day or your life, lift your thoughts and prayers to Him.
He is the God of possibility - NOT - the god of negativity. He will guide you through your difficulties and beyond them. Then, you can thank the Giver of all things good for blessings that are simply too numerous to count.
If you are in a low place today, as simple as it may sound, take a look at your perspective. Lift your prayers to God. And start counting the blessings that you can name. Name them out loud. Verbal praises to God are like a beacon of light that forces the shadow forces away because dark can not live where light dwells.
As you are able to articulate even the smallest of blessings even if you start with waking up this morning, they will lead to others. As you label more and more of these, hope will build.
No matter what is going on remember the following verses
Who can separate us from the love of Christ?
Can affliction or anguish or persecution
or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?
As it is written:
Because of You
we are being put to death all day long;
we are counted as sheep to be slaughtered.
No, in all these things we are more than victorious
through Him who loved us.
Romans 8:35-37
No matter what the circumstances. You are victorious through Jesus who died for you.
I pray for blessings for you today. May you know that no matter the difficulties, troubles, or tribulations - you are loved and you ARE victorious.
God loves you and so do I.
Pastor Jim
