Discouragement

Jeremiah 29:11

'For I know the thoughts that I think toward you',
says the Lord,
'thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.'

Do your ever feel tempted to give up?

Perhaps right now you feel overlooked, forgotten, mistreated, and you want to quit.

Satan's goal is to get you to do just that--throw in the towel. And call it quits. Discouragement is his favorite weapon.

But remember this: while disappointments are inevitable, discouragement is a choice.

Once we yield to the devil's debilitating whispers of doubt and fear, we quickly find ourselves trapped in a web of self-pity. Soon afterwards we try to justify our feelings of anger, envy, and jealousy. Encouragement rarely comes to those looking for ways to justify themselves.

During a very troubling time in Israel's history, God directed Jeremiah to speak words of hope and encouragement to the disheartened exiles in Babylon:

'For I know the thoughts that I think toward you',
says the Lord,
'thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.'

If we are ever going to reach our full potential, we must understand a very important truth: God is for us!
He is not against us. In Babylon, Israel sorted out her faith and rediscovered her deep need for the Lord.

God often uses trials to position us for greater blessing. Even in times of great disappointment, He has our best in mind. He knows how He wants to use the disappointment or hardship for our benefit, and He desire that we see Him as our only source of salvation and blessing.

When you feel tempted to yield to discouragement, go to God in prayer. Tell Him all your are feeling-the unkind ways you have been treated that do not seem fair to you. God has an objective view of the situation. He sees the future and knows the direction you life will take. He also wants you to totally depend on Him and not rely on the compliments or resources of others. While disappointments will come--you live in a fallen world, after all--you can live above it by focusing your heart on Jesus Christ.

If you are in an emotionally or physically difficult spot right now, refuse to become discouraged. Ask the lord to reveal His will and plan for your life.

Commit yourself full to Him and pray to obey no matter what it costs.

If you take this approach, then God will provide for you in ways that far exceed human understanding.

(Charles Stanley Study Bible)

Bless Israel in this new year 2009

Isaiah 62:7b

"You who call upon the Lord, give Him no rest, and give yourself no rest until He established Jerusalem and makes it the praise in the earth."