Talking About Discouragement....

¹ But now, this is what the LORD says—
       he who created you, O Jacob,
       he who formed you, O Israel:
       "Fear not, for I have redeemed you;
       I have summoned you by name; you are mine.

 ² When you pass through the waters,
       I will be with you;
       and when you pass through the rivers,
       they will not sweep over you.
       When you walk through the fire,
       you will not be burned;
       the flames will not set you ablaze.

 ³ For I am the LORD, your God,
       the Holy One of Israel, your Savior;
       I give Egypt for your ransom,
       Cush and Seba in your stead. 

(Isaiah 43:1-3)

When we're hurting - when we are lonely, afraid, in pain or overwhelmed by circumstances beyond our control - we can quickly turn aside from our true source of peace and victory. Instead, we may look to human ways and resources. How tragic! We all know God is still on His throne waiting for us to call on Him. And we know the answers to all our needs is to be found in God alone and being shut in with Him. We even admit to our spiritual friends, "I Know I need to pray, I know God has the answer. I know I need to cry it all out in His presence. " But we don't!

It is discouragement of the worst kind to give in to fear and despair while ignoring the majesty and faithfulness of our loving Father. God said to Israel, "I have spoken to you from heaven: Wherever I cause my name to be honored, I will come to you and bless you." (Exodus 20:22,24). But Israel answered, "God has forgotten; he covers His face and never sees." (Psalm 10:11. "Zion said, "The LORD has forsaken me, the Lord has forgotten me" (Isaiah 49:14).

Are you a discouraged Christian? You are if you ignore the Lord's majestic promises and doubt that He means what He says. He promised, "Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you! See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are ever before me" (Isaiah 49:15-16)

You will be downcast if you go on carrying unnecessary burdens of guilt, fear, loneliness, anxiety and turmoil. Have you refused to rest on the Lord's great and precious promises? God is not mocking His children when He promises, "We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose" (Romans 8:28). He is not lying when He promises, "The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their cry; The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles" (Psalm 34:15, 17).

Let us not become impatient and act according to our feelings. When we get into trouble and cry out to God for mercy and help, all of heaven goes into motion on our behalf. Should the Lord let us see into the spiritual world to behold the good things He is preparing for those who call on Him and trust Him, it would be and incredible sight for our eyes.

On the other hand if you don't know this precious LORD and Savior, and are so lonely and discouraged, He is looking up for this moment when you can know Him better and receive Jesus Christ in your heart, as you personal savior and Lord. He loves you and He want you to be part of His eternal Family.

Remember, salvation is found in no one else, but Jesus Christ!

God bless you and guide you!

By David Wilkerson