Word for the day "Coping with discouragement"
II Chronicles 15:7 (KJV) But as for you, be strong; don’t be discouraged, for your work has a reward.
Learning how to handle discouragement in your life’s journey is critical.
We as children of God have many reasons to be thankful to the Lord. Yet at the same time, even the most spiritual men and women really experience being discouraged in their lives.After all, we live in a world where unrealized hopes can be a catalyst and demands can be even higher.When we fail to meet the expectations of others, or for that matter the expectations that we have set for ourselves. All of this and more can be fuel for discouragement.But God has other plans for you and me. The Lord knows exactly what He has purposed for our destiny (Jeremiah 29:11).Sometimes taking a break to nourish yourself is a worthwhile activity, because doing so allows you to reset and do other worthwhile things that enable you to be refueled in a healthy way.Beware, just sitting around in self-pity isn’t helpful. To be discouraged is to have lost a sense of your own courage and strength.We must learn ourselves and understand our emotional sensibilities.We are discouraged when we lose connection with our own passions. It happens over time when we lack the proper perspective on our setbacks and failures.These setbacks are not permanent denials, they are temporary and a part of our process.We must be willing to give our perspectives and heart to the Lord for empowered perspectives on ourselves and His divine plans (Romans 8:28).
Our sense of encouragement is realized in our actions of taking courage to endure (James 1:12).
To be encouraged, we must act “in” courage. Emotions aside, we must take action despite and sometimes in the very face of our fears and reservations.Regardless of the source of our discouragement, we must choose to act with courage, to act with the belief that we will succeed and none of our efforts are a waste of our efforts.The truth is this is not for the faint of heart but must be embraced by the beloved of God.When we seek to form a more intimate and dynamic relationship with our Creator, The Lord renews our spirits and restores our souls (Psalm 23:3).The Lord offers us the strength to meet our challenges, and He offers us hope for the future.So, if you have become discouraged with the direction of your day or your life, turn your thoughts and prayers to God.It’s amazing the great things we can experience in our lives when we surrender our trust and perspectives to God.Our personal surrender must be to the process, not to the results. As we trust the process the Lord handles the results (Ephesians 3:20).
Point to ponder
If you’re experiencing discouragement, take a moment to reset your mindset and focus, instead, upon the amazing opportunities that surround you.If you are in a place of discouragement, I pray today’s message gives you some encouragement.We love you here at Grace and Truth Leadership, we have a place and a heart for you!
Special thank you!
Pastor James Baker, Jr. and our leadership team are especially thankful for those of you who provided financial donations and support in the month of September 2020, by partnering with us in efforts to advance the kingdom of God in this 21st century season: Special thanks to Ms. Cynthia Waiters-Artis, Ms. Annette Straker, Ms. Rita McGuffin, Mr. Kenneth Washington, Ms. Darlene Simmons, Ms. Mable Bazemore, Ms. Evelyn Rosado, Ms. Itholear Abbott, Mrs. Barbara Mason, Ms. Theresa Lewis, Ms. Jeanette Grant, Ms. Judith Battle, Ms. Angela Battle, Ms. Evonne Bazemore, Ms. Rita McGuffin, Mr. William Jones, Mr. Stan Harewood, Ms. Angie Scraders-Murphy, Mr. Calvin Jackson, Mrs. Angela Harrison, and Ms. Gertrude Scott.Thank you for using the word cup devotionals brought to you through Grace and Truth Leadership. Why don’t you take the opportunity to write to us on our blog and let us know how we are doing in serving you.We are a faith-based, donor-supported ministry. If you have been touched by these daily devotionals and would like to make a monthly pledge or a special gift of any amount, please use the donate link above to give as the Lord leads.Follow me on Twitter @James Baker_jr as I endeavor to encourage and empower leaders of today and tomorrow!Kingdom Blessings,