Drawing Closer to Christ

Proverbs 13:12 NLT, “Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.”

Some days hope may come easy, while other days it may be a struggle. But without hope, our hearts become sick. Therefore, it is important for us not to become hopeless. So how do we remain hopeful? Well, a few things that have helped me stay hopeful are:

First, remember God never changes. We can place our hope in Jesus our Lord, because He never changes. His love for us never changes.

Second, it helps to look back and remember God’s past faithfulness. Life may not be perfect, but when we look back, we can see how God has provided our needs and we are still here today to tell about it.

Third, be willing to receive the encouragement God sends your way from others, but also be willing to encourage yourself. There are times we must encourage ourselves and cast down wrong thoughts that are contrary to God’s word.

And last but not least, never stop praying. Call out to God day or night and He will hear you and answer.

If you have any other suggestions on how to not lose hope during these tough times, feel free to share them in the comments.

Never lose hope my friends. Rest Secure in Jesus.

Matthew 6:26,“Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are?”

This picture is proof that God takes care of the birds…

They have to rely on His daily provision. I know we are taught to have a store house, which is a large supply or amount of something, and it can be easy for a store house to become our security. But our true security is found in the Lord. He will take care of us day by day, store house or no store house. In my own life, I have experienced various seasons, where there are times of lack and times of plenty but through it all God was still my Source. He is faithful to give us what we need, so keep relying on Him, like the little birds.

1 Timothy 6:17, NLT, “Teach those who are rich in this world not to be proud and not to trust in their money, which is so unreliable. Their trust should be in God, who richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment.”

May God’s Peace guard your heart and mind today in Christ Jesus.

1 John 3:18 NLT, “Dear children, let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions.”

When it comes to investing in the lives of others, showing love tops the charts. It is our acts of love that will help lead others to Jesus Christ. Showing love will not always be a warm and fuzzy experience. There will be times, many times, when showing love may even seem inconvenient. It will require us to put the interest of others before our own. We will have to show mercy and compassion to those we may feel do not deserve it. But it helps to remind ourselves, we did not deserve it either, but Jesus still chose to die for us. He has still chosen to extend us His love, mercy, grace, and compassion daily.

God uses us all in different ways, and some of us may be called to help in certain areas, while some of us may not be. So we should ask God for discernment and wisdom regarding people and situations so we can know where and when our help is needed. Quality is better than quantity.

No matter how God uses us to invest in the lives of others, one thing is certain, love never fails (1 Corinthians 13:8). So, may all we say and do, be said and done in love, through the Spirit of God who lives in us.

Our God is Good! May His goodness surround you today!