Discouraged?

Being discouraged isn't fun, but it is a reality of life. As a Christ-follower we are constantly trying to measure up to a standard that is humanly beyond our reach. Sometimes we are overwhelmed with our own sense of our sinfulness and shortcomings. Sometimes we are overwhelmed with what others point out as our sinfulness or shortcomings. Sometimes we are just overwhelmed. As that one commercial so pointedly asks, "Just want to get away?" And some of us would shout out, "Yes!"

What happens when we get discouraged or feel despondent is that we have a sense of being very alone, even if we are surrounded by one or more people that love us. We feel like we are isolated in our own little fortress, and that we are the lone defender. No wonder that sometimes we just want to run the white flag of surrender up the pole. Even the helpless Alamo had 150 defenders.

But I guess that's the point. Who is your refuge in times of trouble?

The LORD also will be a refuge for the oppressed, A refuge in times of trouble. And those who know Your name will put their trust in You; For You, LORD, have not forsaken those who seek You. (Psa 9:9-10)

The Word says that those who know the Lord will put their trust in Him, for the LORD does not forsake those who seek Him. We know we can count on God. And if we don't know that, then we don't really know God.

God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, Even though the earth be removed, And though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;
(Psa 46:1-2)

God is so dependable, that though the whole world comes crashing down around us, we will not fear, for HE is our refuge and strength.

Yours in Him,

Pastor B.