Discouraged - But Taking Heart

In many areas of life as we experience the ups and down of daily living in an uncertain and unpredictable world, it’s easy to feel discouraged. 

God is with us to encourage us.  Let’s make a choice to hang onto His goodness as we go through whatever makes these days discouraging times.  Let’s begin with some lovely words that are familiar to many of us:

But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

Isaiah 40:31

Loving God, We need our strength renewed these days and so we invite You to fill us with the power of Your Spirit to live well, to do what’s right today and trust You for whatever tomorrow and next week bring.  Help us to find joy in this day, in whatever circumstances we find ourselves because joy in You is our strength. 

Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord.

Psalm 31:24

We clearly don’t have all the answers about many of the big issues of our time but we believe you have gifted all of us with certain gifts that we can use to contribute to the good plans you have for today. 

We don’t always see how it all works together but if we trust that if we will just do our part, stay strong, and hope in You, we will see the way forward to all that You have in mind … and that will be good.

And so we want to offer up the discouragement and weariness of things not being as we would wish they are today to you.

We lean into You so you can sustain us.  We rest in You so we can stand straight and strong while the storms pass by around us. 

We are comforted today that You care and that:

The Lord hears his people when they call to him for help. He rescues them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed.  The righteous person faces many troubles, but the Lord comes to the rescue each time

Psalm 34:17-19

We take courage today because we know we are not praying into dead air.  We are not praying to a God who doesn’t care.  We are praying to a God who is close at hand and who comes to our rescue each and every time.  Thank You.  Amen 

Let’s remember God’s kindness and closeness and be encouraged today.