Daily Bible Reading: 1 Kings 2, Jeremiah 29, Mark 3
When my husband played football in college the team’s motto was "Forget about it." They had it written on the back of their shirts in bright red letters to remind them to forget about any past failures or shortcomings. The coach recognized that if the team entered into the playing field with discouraging thoughts, it would affect their ability to have victory. Smart coach. He recognized that such a little thing holds great consequences.
Discouragement is a very common emotion and its power has been very underestimated. The enemy knows that discouragement brings us one step closer to failure. The Bible says it is the little foxes that destroy the vineyards (Song of Soloman 2:15), and I believe discouragement is one of those sneaky little foxes that can destroy the vineyard of our soul. It comes subtly and discreetly but paralyzes us from both realizing and acting upon the greatness that is inside of us.
Whenever I start to feel discouraged and heavy-hearted, I claim the promise of Jeremiah 29:11, "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope."
The word ‘thoughts’ in Hebrew is Machashaban (try saying that five times fast!) It means thought, device, plan, purpose or invention. This journey of life can become overwhelming and sometimes discouraging, but I take hope knowing that God is actually planning, inventing and setting out a great purpose for me. He is thinking about me in heaven and how he can bring me peace! The word peace in Hebrew is Shalowm (Ever heard of Shalowm in the home?), and it has many different meanings that we can claim for our lives:
1. Completeness
2. Safety
3. Soundness (clarity)
4. Welfare, Health
5. Prosperity
6. Tranquility
7. Contentment
8. Peace in friendships
9. Peace in human relationships
10. Peace with God
11. Peace from attacks or war
Isn’t it amazing that He is actually thinking, planning and plotting a way to bring you the things that are on this list! You might need multiple things from this list today (I know I do), but thankfully God does not run out of stock.
It doesn’t matter how many times you feel like you have failed or how many times your circumstances disappointed you, God has a plan for you! He is purposed in bringing you your purpose! He has not forgotten about you, his desire is to bring you a future and a hope. Tell this to yourself today, forget about past letdowns and drive out that sneaky little fox of discouragement.
Thanks for reading and responding,
Melissa Miller
Post a Comment! Questions for reflection and response:
1. What are some things that you are discouraged about?
2. What are some good scriptures that bring encouragement and hope?
Tomorrow's reading: 1 Kings 3, Jeremiah 30, Mark 4
1 comment:
That is very good Mel, and so exciting to know He's got a purpose for me that surpasses all understanding.
Completeness alone overwhelmed me, and that was the first on the list!
Philippians is the book that encourages me the most, in particular.
Philippians 4:6-7
Philippians 1:6
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