Post by foxjj on Jul 11, 2020 8:08:19 GMT
Encouragement To Persevere
Life can sometimes be overwhelming. There are so many daily ups and downs in our lives that one can easily slip into despair. However, Scripture is a great place in which to turn when we need encouragement and inspiration. Many turn to the Psalms where writers such as David wrote so openly while pouring out his heart to God, as in Psalm 51:10-12: “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.”
The writer to The Hebrews encouraged his readers: “Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds,” (Hebrews 10:23-24) Even whilst going through trials, we who have put our faith in The Lord, have the assurance that He will bring peace and comfort. For who else is there to turn to when our world is shaken? Is He not The Good Shepherd who knows you and I personally? Knows our strengths and weaknesses, our joys and sorrows? Therefore, with confidence we can say: “Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” (Psalm 23:4)
As Christians, we have an eternal hope because of our faith. This is not a pie in the sky kind of hope; something that is a far off promise to be revealed when we have died. No! Our hope is a real hope, one that is in the here and now, a daily reality that we can experience even when things look bleak. For the One in which we have our hope is a living Lord who has experienced our humanity because, Jesus is the One who has promised: “- surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20)
Today, let us praise The Father for Jesus our living hope.
John Joseph Fox.
Life can sometimes be overwhelming. There are so many daily ups and downs in our lives that one can easily slip into despair. However, Scripture is a great place in which to turn when we need encouragement and inspiration. Many turn to the Psalms where writers such as David wrote so openly while pouring out his heart to God, as in Psalm 51:10-12: “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.”
The writer to The Hebrews encouraged his readers: “Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds,” (Hebrews 10:23-24) Even whilst going through trials, we who have put our faith in The Lord, have the assurance that He will bring peace and comfort. For who else is there to turn to when our world is shaken? Is He not The Good Shepherd who knows you and I personally? Knows our strengths and weaknesses, our joys and sorrows? Therefore, with confidence we can say: “Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” (Psalm 23:4)
As Christians, we have an eternal hope because of our faith. This is not a pie in the sky kind of hope; something that is a far off promise to be revealed when we have died. No! Our hope is a real hope, one that is in the here and now, a daily reality that we can experience even when things look bleak. For the One in which we have our hope is a living Lord who has experienced our humanity because, Jesus is the One who has promised: “- surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20)
Today, let us praise The Father for Jesus our living hope.
John Joseph Fox.