Okay, I'm starting this post for the second time. I was about halfway through when it crashed, and I lost all content. I'm just laughing because I know it's yet another thing I could be discouraged about, but I choose to rewrite this with joy!
So here goes nothing...
We all know it's a discouraging world out there. We look around and see things like:
-Terrorists murdering innocent people all over the world.
-Women, men, and teenagers showing off their bodies both in public and on the Internet.
-Sex is everywhere. From ads on our television, to the actual shows that glory in it, to books and games that showcase it in a positive light, you can't get away from it.
-Abortion killing so many sweet babies, and many seeming to be numb to it.
-A politically correct society that slaps labels on those who oppose the "mainstream." Christians also throwing harsh words and labels to those that they disagree with as well.
These are just a few of the discouraging things going on in the world, but there's much more. So how can we be encouraged in such a discouraging world?
Let's start by remembering that it's not about us.
“If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. Remember the word that I said to you, ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. If they kept My word, they will keep yours also. But all these things they will do to you for My name’s sake, because they do not know Him who sent Me.” John 15:18-21
This is about Him. People have hated Him all along, and if we are going to continue to follow Him, be prepared people. You're going to have many that come against you. We can't take things personally.
Continue in the Word.
God's Word is encouraging! Time after time, it gives us examples of those who have gone before us and have endured so much for the Lord, but never lost faith or joy in their journey. We can see that Jesus Himself was tempted as we are but His reaction was not to become self-pitying but rather pray and seek His strength from God! We also know how it all ends on this earth...we are on the winning side here!
Control what goes into your mind.
The mind is a HUGE battlefield, but we can help this. We must sanctify ourselves to Him, setting ourselves apart for His use. In order to do this, we need to be separate from the world. This doesn't mean we hide away in our houses and never go anywhere or do anything. This means that we put Him above all areas of our lives and ask, "Does this bring glory to God?" If it doesn't, we should seriously pray about how much time we put into that area.
"Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things." Philippians 4:8
Serve others.
One might say it's difficult to want to serve others when one is feeling beaten down and discouraged, and I would agree. It can be difficult, but when we shift our focus away from ourselves, and choose to give or help someone else who is hurting or in need, we find that our feelings of despair will fade and we then have the opportunity to refocus on the Lord and the joy we can keep during the trials.
"And whoever of you desires to be first shall be slave of all. 45 For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” Mark 10:44-45
Have community with others.
Our church pushes this one big time, and I can see why. When you have others that will come alongside you, and I mean for the long haul, you find yourself being stronger in the battle. You know you have your team around you to help protect and fight right beside you. They are there to pray with you, vent to, give sound advice to you, and even just to let you know they've been there too! Likewise, we need to be those people for them as well! If you don't have this group, pray for this and reach out to someone to try to get plugged in! No one wants to be in battle alone!
Finally, remember the power of God.
Even writing that makes me catch my breath. The power of God is unmeasurable. He created all things. He has the ability to do anything He wishes. And how humbling it is that He is for us! He wants the very best for us, and He fights for us! This is ultimately a spiritual battle, and we so desperately need Him to help us win in these tough times. We can call out to Him, and He hears our pleas. Christians often forget the power that comes through prayer, but it should be the first thing we go to.
"O God, You are more awesome than Your holy places. The God of Israel is He who gives strength and power to His people. Blessed be God!" Psalm 68:35
This is a discouraging world. It's easy to get caught up in the sadness, hatred, and evil that lurks around every corner. It's dark out there, people. But there's hope! We can't allow the darkness to overtake this very bright light we have! Hide His Word in your hearts so that you may remember it in your time of need!
I'd love to hear other ways you stay encouraged, so please comment and share with us!
Much Love,
Abby
So here goes nothing...
We all know it's a discouraging world out there. We look around and see things like:
-Terrorists murdering innocent people all over the world.
-Women, men, and teenagers showing off their bodies both in public and on the Internet.
-Sex is everywhere. From ads on our television, to the actual shows that glory in it, to books and games that showcase it in a positive light, you can't get away from it.
-Abortion killing so many sweet babies, and many seeming to be numb to it.
-A politically correct society that slaps labels on those who oppose the "mainstream." Christians also throwing harsh words and labels to those that they disagree with as well.
These are just a few of the discouraging things going on in the world, but there's much more. So how can we be encouraged in such a discouraging world?
Let's start by remembering that it's not about us.
“If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. Remember the word that I said to you, ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. If they kept My word, they will keep yours also. But all these things they will do to you for My name’s sake, because they do not know Him who sent Me.” John 15:18-21
This is about Him. People have hated Him all along, and if we are going to continue to follow Him, be prepared people. You're going to have many that come against you. We can't take things personally.
Continue in the Word.
God's Word is encouraging! Time after time, it gives us examples of those who have gone before us and have endured so much for the Lord, but never lost faith or joy in their journey. We can see that Jesus Himself was tempted as we are but His reaction was not to become self-pitying but rather pray and seek His strength from God! We also know how it all ends on this earth...we are on the winning side here!
Control what goes into your mind.
The mind is a HUGE battlefield, but we can help this. We must sanctify ourselves to Him, setting ourselves apart for His use. In order to do this, we need to be separate from the world. This doesn't mean we hide away in our houses and never go anywhere or do anything. This means that we put Him above all areas of our lives and ask, "Does this bring glory to God?" If it doesn't, we should seriously pray about how much time we put into that area.
"Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things." Philippians 4:8
Serve others.
One might say it's difficult to want to serve others when one is feeling beaten down and discouraged, and I would agree. It can be difficult, but when we shift our focus away from ourselves, and choose to give or help someone else who is hurting or in need, we find that our feelings of despair will fade and we then have the opportunity to refocus on the Lord and the joy we can keep during the trials.
"And whoever of you desires to be first shall be slave of all. 45 For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” Mark 10:44-45
Have community with others.
Our church pushes this one big time, and I can see why. When you have others that will come alongside you, and I mean for the long haul, you find yourself being stronger in the battle. You know you have your team around you to help protect and fight right beside you. They are there to pray with you, vent to, give sound advice to you, and even just to let you know they've been there too! Likewise, we need to be those people for them as well! If you don't have this group, pray for this and reach out to someone to try to get plugged in! No one wants to be in battle alone!
Finally, remember the power of God.
Even writing that makes me catch my breath. The power of God is unmeasurable. He created all things. He has the ability to do anything He wishes. And how humbling it is that He is for us! He wants the very best for us, and He fights for us! This is ultimately a spiritual battle, and we so desperately need Him to help us win in these tough times. We can call out to Him, and He hears our pleas. Christians often forget the power that comes through prayer, but it should be the first thing we go to.
"O God, You are more awesome than Your holy places. The God of Israel is He who gives strength and power to His people. Blessed be God!" Psalm 68:35
This is a discouraging world. It's easy to get caught up in the sadness, hatred, and evil that lurks around every corner. It's dark out there, people. But there's hope! We can't allow the darkness to overtake this very bright light we have! Hide His Word in your hearts so that you may remember it in your time of need!
I'd love to hear other ways you stay encouraged, so please comment and share with us!
Much Love,
Abby
Of one thing I am perfectly sure: God's story never ends in ashes. -Elisabeth Elliot