By Not Known
What do you find yourself often praying for each day? What do you often need yet find lacking in your life? Do you ever ask God for strength? Do you need courage in your present situation? In difficult times in our life, do we find ourselves often crippled or plagued by fear and discouragement? Do we succumb to temptation in our moments of weaknesses?
God’s word reminds us, “Even youth grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; 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.” (Isa. 40:30, 31) How do we hope in the Lord? By focusing on the promises in His Word, as well as remembering what He has done for us and for the world.
What are the energy-sappers in your day-to-day routines? Sometimes it could be difficult people, or trials and troubles, or perhaps a seemingly impossible situation. The Lord Himself has promised never to leave nor forsake us (Deut. 31:6, 8). Take heart, knowing that God is with you in your situation, and that He goes before you, journeying with and strengthening you every step of the way.
I have always found it interesting that courage and encouragement go hand in hand. In today’s passage (Josh. 1:1-9), God reminds Joshua not to be afraid nor be discouraged, but to be strong and courageous. May God and His Word continue to grant you courage to face the day, uncertain as it may be, because God’s Spirit is within us, filling us and empowering us for whatever lies ahead.
The psalmist writes, “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear … Be still, and know that I am God … The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.” (Ps. 46:1-2, 10-11) May we find our true rest and help in God our rock, and echo the word of the hymn, “Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow … Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!”
Timothy Pang