The writer of the book of Hebrews includes a little phrase in the twelfth chapter which expresses the entire secret of the Christian life. Hebrews 12:2 says, “Looking Unto Jesus…”
The word “looking” is a translation of an untranslatable Greek word. It means to fix our gaze upon Him, and to turn it away from everything else. We are to look unto Jesus and at nothing else – certainly not at our troubles or circumstances.
David’s circumstances were less than ideal. Just a few days before he was established as king, we are told that “David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him…but David encouraged himself in the LORD his God” (1 Samuel 30:6).
Satan often brings to us the greatest discouragements just before God is about to intervene and bring blessing. That’s why Galatians 6:9 says, “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.”
There are at least two ways that we – like David – can encourage our hearts in the Lord when faced with troubles and discouragement.
First, spend more time reading God’s Word — especially the book of Psalms. Many of David’s Psalms especially are written from the perspective of overwhelming discouragement and help us to see God’s perspective on life.
Shilajit has aphrodisiac, rejuvenating cialis line order and anti-aging properties. Having a good sexual relationship is cost viagra online a key to successful organizational learning. There is very little that can be done to reverse the aging effects. cialis professional no prescription Most discomfort is felt after periods of not taking medications, for instance when one first wakes up viagra sales in india http://valsonindia.com/levitra-2264.html or intentionally tries to stop taking them. During my first year in the ministry, a member of our congregation was terminally ill in hospital. On one particular occasion when I went to visit him, he was troubled and discouraged, and nothing the hospital staff would do could calm him down. Not knowing what else to do, I started reading to him from the Psalms. Even the hospital staff were amazed at how the reading of God’s Word had such a powerful calming affect upon this man’s spirit.
Secondly, meditate on God’s Word – especially at night when it seems that the enemy brings the most discouraging thoughts to our minds. David said in Psalm 63:5-6 “My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness; and my mouth shall praise thee with joyful lips: When I remember thee upon my bed, and meditate on thee in the night watches.”
Paul wrote the book of Philippians from a Roman prison. Added to that was the uncertainty that at any moment a Roman soldier could take his life. From a human perspective, Paul had ample reason to be discouraged. But there is not a trace of discouragement in the whole epistle. Instead it’s filled with “peace” and “joy.” Paul writes: “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things” (Philippians 4:8).
The last thing you think about at night is usually the first thing you think about the next morning – so fix your mind upon the life-giving truths of God’s Word rather than the destructive lies of the enemy.
Morris Hull
Home Life Ministries
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