Be Strong and Courageous

Dear Lord; Good morning Father.  Today Lord, I’d like to spend some time talking about discouragement.  As You well know, I’ve been dealing with this particular feeling quite a bit recently and it can be an extremely overwhelming emotion if not kept in check.  I’ve also received messages from many others struggling against similar demons, so I thought it was worth discussing today.

In my case, the bulk of my challenges with discouragement are centered around running a business in a radically depressed economy.  While we’ve persevered through what I hope is the ugliest part, I was forced to make some very unhappy, but necessary decisions for the survivability of the company.  On top of that, the road that always seemed reasonably obvious for me has been clouded by a wide variety of uncertainties, leading to deep feelings of doubt, fear and discouragement.  I know that when the dust settles that we’ll be the better for our trials, but in the meantime not allowing Satan to use these moments of earthy weakness to attack my spirit can be a difficult task.

Of course, there are many other forms of discouragement as well.  Each day I see and speak with people struggling with these feelings over problems with schoolwork, dieting, quitting substance addiction and a plethora of others.  These situations lead to moments of emotional weakness which can truly leave us vulnerable and wanting, and keep us from hearing Your Voice clearly.

So Father, how do we combat these attacks on our spirits in times of turmoil?  Looking to Your Book for guidance, I find quite a bit to focus and encourage me :

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” – John 16:33

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” – Joshua 1:9

“Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.  Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.  Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” – 1 Peter 5:6-8

We were never promised an easy life on earth, but we’re fragile creatures Lord and it’s easy to forget that sometimes.  You did promise us however that if we follow in You and honor You, that You will never leave our sides.  What an amazing Gift!  You’re there celebrating with us in our moments of joy, and You’re there to comfort us in our times of need… We simply need to quiet the “noise” in our minds, and open our hearts to Your Voice.

Heavenly Father, I thank You for Your Guiding Presence in our lives.  Please help us filter out that emotional “noise” and focus our hearts on Your Will.  Bring comfort and direction to all those struggling with feelings of discouragement and depression, and let them know the true worth they have being one of Your Children.  Amen.

~Phather Phil