DISCOURAGED? Don't Be.

Sometimes our once bubbly effervescent faith becomes a deflated helium balloon. You’ve seen it before, faith that scuttles along, dragging itself from here to there as the wind blows. But, wait a minute! We are anchored in Christ through faith and the Word of God and this week our Devotional Team will remind us of some fundamental truths in God’s Word from this week’s topic, “Discouragement.” This scripture is a keeper, so commit it to memory!!!!

The book of Hebrews concludes with the language of how blessed our declaration of faith in this life is, recognizing 'a cloud of witnesses', that we operate as a part of an 'unshakeable' kingdom, preceded by the reminder of how life can be harsh for its circumstances, even the 'chastisement' of God. The big idea: DO NOT BE DISCOURAGED! Rather "Be of good courage and He shall strengthen your hearts, all ye who hope in Him."

To our nieces and nephews, our sons and daughters, and grandchildren: Yes, crime in our community is severe, and yet to reverse, and it doesn't spare the young and youthful, but...
"Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers! But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night. And he will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither; and in whatever he does, he prospers." Psalm 1:1-3

To our brothers and sisters: Yes, the world seems to be unravelling with Russia against Ukraine, China against Taiwan, Palestine against Israel, Pakistan against India, and every religious order skeptical of the other, but... "Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with Him a thousand years." Revelation 20:6

To our students: Yes, common sense has become a vapor, uncommon sense abides in a crowd, public education is challenged, and college is nearly unaffordable without remarkable debt, but..."Deal bountifully with Thy servant, that I may live and keep Thy word. Open my eyes that I may behold wonderful things from Thy law. I am a stranger in the earth; Do not hide Thy commandments from me." Psalm 119: 17-19

To our neighbors, friends, teammates, and club members: Yes, that strong bridge which we knew for a lifetime that seemed to be a forever thing, can be brought down, but... "For here we have no continuing city, but we seek one to come. By Him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to His name." Hebrews 13:14-15

To our fathers, mothers, uncles and aunts: Yes, life as a seasoned senior can be hard; funerals are frequent, hospitals and nursing homes are often without 'care', and often meaningful sympathies are hard to find, but..."Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have, for He hath said 'I will never leave thee nor forsake thee'". Hebrews 13:5

To our cousins near and far: Yes, Covid-19 left us hurting, and still smolders, yet..."Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians: 4: 6-7

And to our kinfolk in Christ: Yes, confusion does seem to exceed clarity, but..."And He that sat upon the throne said 'Behold I make all things new...Write: for these words are true and faithful.'" Revelation 21:5. "Let your forbearing spirit be known to all men. The Lord is at hand." Philippians 4:5

And to our fellow disciples, and co-laborers in the vineyard: Sure, it seems sometimes Satan has the winning hand, that the world under the sway of the adversary, is happy about it, and our 'flesh' will lean away from the good at times, but..."Consider it all joy...when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance" [i.e. patience] "have its perfect result, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing." James 1:2-4
The hymn puts it aptly, "All to Jesus I surrender. All to Him I freely give. I will ever love and trust Him. In His presence daily live. I surrender all. I surrender all. All to Thee my blessed Saviour, I surrender all." [from the hymn 'I Surrender All']

Paramount to our being is the matter of worship. Worship is our antidote to confusion. Worship is our prescription for recovery from confusion. In worship we find revival. Throughout our worship, we draw nearer to the Glorious. Praise be to God. Discouragement is natural. Walk in the Spirit, friend. Worship Him. Be encouraged for the victory, in Christ.

Prayer: Dear Lord, fix me that my better logic and reason for worship invites all of my feelings, and will, that my living is gratefully and wholly worshipful. Throughout all of my measures, may the encouragement of Your peace reign. Amen.
By Bro. McNeal Brockington