Tag: Encouragement

I AM your Peace

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This name for God comes out of Gideon’s mouth after his encounter with Sovereign God.  The Midianites had been ravaging the land and the Israelites were living in fear.  They had been worshiping other gods and God was not pleased.  God appeared to Gideon and called him to lead the people.  Gideon asked for a sign that the LORD was really calling him.  So the angel said he would wait while Gideon prepared a meal offering for him.  When Gideon brought the food, the angel instructed him to take the meat and unleavened bread and place it on a rock and pour out the broth.  Gideon did as the LORD asked.  Then the angel touched the food with his staff and fire flared from the rock and consumed the food.  “22 Then Gideon perceived that he was the angel of the Lord. And shalomGideon said, “Alas, O Lord God! For now I have seen the angel of the Lord face to face.” 23 But the Lord said to him, “Peace be to you. Do not fear; you shall not die.” 24 Then Gideon built an altar there to the Lord and called it, The Lord Is  Peace.  Judges 6:22-24

Is the Lord your peace?  Gideon discovered that God could bring him peace in the oppressed and fearful situation in which he found himself.  God could replace his fear with peace.  God encouraged Gideon  to trust him for life and turn away from fear.  God did it for Gideon those centuries ago and He can do it for you and me today.  Claim God peaceas your peace.  Jesus promised in John 14:27 “ Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”  Take Him at His Word and step out in faith today leaving your fears at His feet.

Courage comes from knowing Jesus,

Linda

 

What is your resolve in hard times?

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As I meditate upon Psalm 119:121-128, I am reminded of how often we get ‘stuck’ in a place in life and feel it will never end.  When we pass through that time and look back it does not seem that it was that long.  Yet, while we are in the midst of the struggle it seems forever.  In these verses the psalmist is struggling with oppressors that are closing in upon him and pleads with God “do not leave me to my oppressors.”  He asks for help, “Ensure your servant’s well-being and let not the arrogant oppress me.”  He feels that apart from the salvation of the Lord, “My eyes fail, looking for your salvation , looking for your righteous promise.”  But he rallies and asks God to show him love. “Deal with me according to your love.”  He then asks for understanding and discernment so he can understand God’s plan.  “I am your servant give me discernment that I may understand your statues.”   He concludes with his own resolve about God, “Because I love your commands more than gold, more than pure gold and because I consider all your precepts right, I hate every wrong.”  

ResolveHow do you recover your resolve when you struggle with hard people, difficult circumstances or your own unbelief?  The psalmist resolved to trust God and stand on His Word.  Even when we do not understand we can make up our minds to believe God for who He is and what He says.  This will give us hope and bring us through those hard times.  Resolve today to stand with God and believe His Word.  He always proves Himself faithful.

Endeavoring to walk in Trust,

Linda

Need Encouragement? Look into His Word.

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Psalm 119:25-37 (Section 4)   Daleth   

I have read this section in various translations and the New Living seems to speak to me the most.  It would seem the writer of this psalm has been hit by the trials and tribulations of the world and has been knocked down, verse 25.  He is pleading with the Lord to revive him through His Word.  Have you ever felt that way?  When you seem at your wits end, you open the Word of God and He speaks to your needs right at that moment.  It is so uplifting and reviving to your spirit.

25 I lie in the dust;
    revive me by your word.                             

He told God his plans, verses 26-28, and is now asking for help, encouragement, teaching and time to meditate.
26 I told you my plans, and you answered.
    Now teach me your decrees.
27 Help me understand the meaning of your commandments,
    and I will meditate on your wonderful deeds.
28 I weep with sorrow;
    encourage me by your word.

He asks God to keep him from lying to himself.  This describes our real life struggle with the world and keeping faithful to our walk with God.
29 Keep me from lying to myself;
    give me the privilege of knowing your instructions.

In the last 3 verses, the author resolves to preserve, choose God and pursue God’s commands.  Is that your resolve today?
30 I have chosen to be faithful;
    I have determined to live by your regulations.
31 I cling to your laws.
    Lord, don’t let me be put to shame!
32 I will pursue your commands,
    for you expand my understanding.

 Is the world beating you up and you need some refreshment and rest?  Come to God’s Word and He will restore, encourage, teach and revive your spirit so you can move boldly forward in your walk with Him.

psalm-119-2930Praise God for His faithfulness and the power of His Word,

Linda

 

I am sustained by Christ.

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Because Jesus died on the cross and rose from the dead, I am sustained by Christ. This assurance of faith is one of my favorite promises stated in Philippians 4:19.  “And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”  God knows what I need and Jesus reminded us that He will provide for us in even greater measure than the sparrows. Luke 12:6-7 “Are not five sparrows sold for two phil 4 19pennies? And not one of them is forgotten before God.  Why, even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows.”   We are valued by God and He will take care of our needs.  Jesus said this in Matthew 6:28-30 “And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, 29 yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 30 But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?

So it would seem that God will take care of us because he loves and values us.  Why do we worry over our needs?  Being human it is difficult to set aside worry and replace it with trust in God.  God desires to take care of us and He loves us.  1 Peter 5:7 says loves and cares“casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.”  Jesus said in John 16:27 “for the Father himself loves you, because you have loved me and have believed that I came from God.”   How will you show your trust in Jesus today?  Prayerfully present your needs to God and then leave them with Him.   Let Him do the heavy lifting and care for you.  Be encouraged today- He will provide!

Learning to trust in Jesus more and more each day,

Linda