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Words of Wisdom 1
The Promise
There's a promise in our sorrow
and a blessing when we sigh.
There's a light beyond the shadows
and a cleansing when we cry.
So when we are discouraged,
and face tremendous grief;
it is during those times of trouble,
that the heavens send relief.
With our heart in tune with Jesus,
our source of joy and peace,
be mindful of His promise,
that all suffering He would cease.
He's cried our tears of sadness;
He's felt our every pain,
He's walked our path before,
all glory to His name.
Just listen for the spirit,
as it whispers to be still,
for there is joy and comfort
beyond sad Calvary's hill.
So if the sky should darken
and if the earth should quake,
remember life has struggles
on the journey that we take.
The aftermath of sorrow
is beauty and pure light,
if we can fight the battle
and pray with soul and might.
He sent us rainbow colors
to follow cleansing rain,
He showed us there are miracles
that come with all the pain.
Seek forbearance in the hardships,
or when we fear or roam.
Cast your burdens on the Savior,
and He'll come and take us home.
For He is our great Redeemer
our only true best friend,
He promised he would never leave,
He'll guide us to the end.
- Author Unknown
What If the Lord Said "What's the Use"?
Ecclesiastes 2:17 Therefore I hated life because the work that was done under the sun was distressing to me, for all is vanity and grasping for the wind. (NKJV)
It seems to be a common struggle in life for people to feel defeated, weary and without purpose; at least occasionally. This is a natural consequence of our fallen, sinful world. When sin entered creation, it corrupted everything. Work became hard, life became difficult... everything that could go wrong, usually does. We can reach a point where we honestly feel like "what's the use?"
Sometimes the "what's the use" feeling creeps in to our Christianity. When we suffer or go through trials, we tend to wonder what God is doing, and why He doesn't make things easier for us. Just when we get victory in one area and things start "going our way", inevitably something ruins the smooth sailing.
We become tempted to endure life, instead of live it.
When I reach these times, I find it helpful to wonder how many times the Lord has looked at me, and had THE RIGHT to say "what's the use?". He would be perfectly justified in the conclusion that there is no use in bothering with me. My next failure or sin is not a question of IF, but WHEN.
Despite that, my Savior does not say "what's the use" about me. Contemplation of that should help us when we're tempted to say "what's the use". God is faithful. He is perfect. He has us exactly where we should be, going through exactly what will make us more like Christ. God is just waiting for us to realize that He has things absolutely under control.
Amid the trails which I meet, amid the thorns which pierce my feet, one thought remains supremely sweet, thou thinkest Lord of me!
The cares of life come thronging fast, upon my soul their shadow cast; their gloom reminds my heart at last, thou thinkest, Lord, of me!
Lest shadows come, let shadows go, let life be bright or dark with woe; I am content, for this I know, thou thinkest Lord of me!
Thou thinkest Lord of me, of me; thou thinkest Lord of me! (E.S. Lorenz)
Rejoice that God has never said "what's the use" about you, though He would be perfectly justified in doing so. Take that blessing and motivation and allow it to help you through defeat and weariness when you're tempted to look up to God and say, "what's the use"
O God, how blessed we are that You never say "what's the use" about us. Help us to have faith and perseverance, relying on Your strength and power to see us through this life until one day we are home with You. Amen.
Contemplation: Have you ever contemplated how the Lord would be justified in saying "what's the use" about us? What response does that invoke in your heart?
Application: When you get weary of the Christian life of sacrifice, think of how many times Jesus could say "what's the use" about you. In appreciation of His love, patience and mercy, renew your strength to serve Him.
The Answer:
Romans 12:9-12 Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; (NKJV)
Christian life is not magically devoid of stress, disappointment, heartache and discouragement. The answer to most of them, is to get our mind off of ourselves, and on to God and others.
Today's self-help trend will no doubt categorize that statement as simplistic, untrained and unrealistic. God has made it very clear that Scripture contains everything we need to live a pleasing, whole life.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. (NKJV)
2 Peter 1:2-4 Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord, as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. (NKJV)
Denying self is the cure for most of our personality flaws and unhappiness. We spend our whole life (before God gets a hold of us) worried about one thing: ME; pursuing one interest: MINE; judging all things by one criteria: what's in it for ME.
How's that working out for you?
The day we step down off the throne and begin a life of service and sacrifice, is the day life becomes fulfilling.
Are you depressed? Find someone to help and care for. Your spirits will be lifted.
Are you discouraged? Help someone whose circumstances are worse than yours. Your joy will return.
Are you bitter? Pray for the person you are bitter against. You can't be bitter about people you pray fervently for.
Are you unhappy? Sacrifice your time and energy to bring happiness to someone else. Your smile will reappear.
Are you discontent? Help others who are suffering hardship and lost. Your discontentment will quickly melt away.
Do you feel like "what's the use?" If personal interests consume your life, you're exactly right, what's the use. Can you imagine EVER thinking "what's the use?" when you are helping, serving or sacrificing for others?
Titus 2:11-14 For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works. (NKJV)
Galatians 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. (NKJV)
If you are down, discouraged, tired, bitter, frustrated, unhappy or discontent.... get your mind off your SELF. Focus on serving God, and helping others. It is the cure for 99% of life's emotional, relational and spiritual problems. That is the blessing of being a child of God. God promises to care for us when we give our life up for Him. No prescription needed.
Lord God, grant us wisdom to understand that serving others and denying ourselves is the solution to many of life's ills. May we know that denying ourself and serving You is the answer to ALL of life's troubles. In Jesus Name, Amen.
Contemplation: Is your life consumed with your wants, your needs, your happiness, and your feelings? Is that working out for you?
Application: To the degree that we are focused on ourselves, it will directly parallel with how discontent and unhappy we are. Read Matt 5:1-11.
Romans 12:9-12 Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; (NKJV)
Christian life is not magically devoid of stress, disappointment, heartache and discouragement. The answer to most of them, is to get our mind off of ourselves, and on to God and others.
Today's self-help trend will no doubt categorize that statement as simplistic, untrained and unrealistic. God has made it very clear that Scripture contains everything we need to live a pleasing, whole life.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. (NKJV)
2 Peter 1:2-4 Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord, as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. (NKJV)
Denying self is the cure for most of our personality flaws and unhappiness. We spend our whole life (before God gets a hold of us) worried about one thing: ME; pursuing one interest: MINE; judging all things by one criteria: what's in it for ME.
How's that working out for you?
The day we step down off the throne and begin a life of service and sacrifice, is the day life becomes fulfilling.
Are you depressed? Find someone to help and care for. Your spirits will be lifted.
Are you discouraged? Help someone whose circumstances are worse than yours. Your joy will return.
Are you bitter? Pray for the person you are bitter against. You can't be bitter about people you pray fervently for.
Are you unhappy? Sacrifice your time and energy to bring happiness to someone else. Your smile will reappear.
Are you discontent? Help others who are suffering hardship and lost. Your discontentment will quickly melt away.
Do you feel like "what's the use?" If personal interests consume your life, you're exactly right, what's the use. Can you imagine EVER thinking "what's the use?" when you are helping, serving or sacrificing for others?
Titus 2:11-14 For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works. (NKJV)
Galatians 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. (NKJV)
If you are down, discouraged, tired, bitter, frustrated, unhappy or discontent.... get your mind off your SELF. Focus on serving God, and helping others. It is the cure for 99% of life's emotional, relational and spiritual problems. That is the blessing of being a child of God. God promises to care for us when we give our life up for Him. No prescription needed.
Lord God, grant us wisdom to understand that serving others and denying ourselves is the solution to many of life's ills. May we know that denying ourself and serving You is the answer to ALL of life's troubles. In Jesus Name, Amen.
Contemplation: Is your life consumed with your wants, your needs, your happiness, and your feelings? Is that working out for you?
Application: To the degree that we are focused on ourselves, it will directly parallel with how discontent and unhappy we are. Read Matt 5:1-11.