HOW TO MEET DISCOURAGEMENTS

For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.  (2 Corinthians 4:17-18 NKJV)

Notice the marvelous antithesis of this chapter: light and darkness; life and death; pressure, perplexity, pursuit, and persecution; but side by side, victory, elastic hope, and the brightness of Christian faith. The decay of the outward man and the renewal of the inward; the light affliction and the weight of glory; the brief moment of earth's pilgrimage contrasted with the eternity of reality and bliss.

It is very important that we should not miss the mighty blessing which is within the reach of every troubled soul. Of course it is quite possible to sit down before troubles and afflictions, hopeless and despairing, confessing that we are over powered and defeated; it is also possible to be hard and stoical, bearing adversity because we cannot help or avoid it, but the highest Christian way is to be thankful that the earthen vessel is breaking if only the torch will shine out; to be content that the dying of Jesus should be born about in our mortal body, if only His life will thereby become manifest.

When through the deep waters I call you to go,

The rivers of grief shall not you overflow;

For I will be with you in trouble to bless;

And sanctify to you your deepest distress.

PRAYER

Fix my heart, Lord, on Yourself, that amid the changes and chances of this mortal life I may be kept steadfast and unmovable and ever abounding in Your work. In Jesus’ name I ask it, AMEN.

God's Daily Promise

1 Samuel 12:22 (WEB)
For Yahweh will not forsake his people for his great name’s sake,
because it has pleased Yahweh to make you a people to himself.

Promise #157: I will not abandon you, for I am glad to make you my own.