DISCOURAGED?

TEXT:

"Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance."

 (Psalms chapter 42 stanza 5, King James Version).

There's not a man that has had it all rosy in life. Who is he that has had everything according to his will? None! Is your soul cast down and disquieted because things don't go the way you desire? Understand that there's not a man in the world that has been free from trouble or anguish. According to Job,

"Man that is born of a woman is of few days, and full of trouble." (Job chapter 14 verse 1). None has ever had the happiest lot in life! Like the title of a movie series goes, "the rich also cries".

       Satan is squarely responsible for the downturn of things for humanity. All of God's work at creation was good, until satan brought sin, death and sorrow upon mankind.

   The crucial question is, to whom do you turn during moments of trouble and discouragement? The Bible says "hope thou in God''. At such times let God be your hope. Resolve to seek him for help because like it's written, "... mankind is born for trouble as surely as sparks fly upward. However, if I were you, I would appeal to God and would present my case to Him." (Job chapter 5 verses 7 to 8, Holman Christian Standard Bible)

       The joy about seeking God in times of trouble and discouraging moments is that as Savior, He is sure to intervene for you and for which you will give Him thanks.

"... Wait for God! For I will again give thanks to my God for his saving intervention." (Psalms chapter 42 stanza 5, New English Translation).

    Make up your mind to call on the Lord for help in times of crisis. Don't get discouraged about your present situation in life. Romans 10:13 says, “Whoever will call on the name of the Lord will be saved.” We have this unflinching assurance that as we call on Him, He will hear us and intervene for us. Do not see your problem as insurmountable. Surely, there's nothing too difficult for God to do.

Truth is that we need patience to endure our present situation, steadfastness to carry out current responsibilities, and courage to trust the Lord as we await His solution in the midst of our current discomfort. But the question is how good are you at waiting? Perhaps, what you term a miry clay, or a quagmire may in another sense be God's hedge over you to hold you down until your right moment comes or until an unforeseen evil be over past.

    This moment is not one for you to take rash decisions because of frustration. Rest in the Lord rather and wait for God because the Bible says that "It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the Lord" (Lamentations chapter 3 verse 26).

PRAYER:

Lord, You are my Strength and my Salvation, especially in times of trials. Uphold me Father and draw me out of this pit of discouragement, in Jesus name.