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If we lose our spiritual moorings life becomes stale, and we lose our joy; our zest for life
gets buried under a heap of insecurities. There is no way of getting away from it, life is tough. We
have to keep our sense of humor, and nurture our spiritual connection to The Creator of The Universe.
When you live with people who are not morning
people, the day can get off to a bumpy start: you may feel like asking the Lord to give you strength, but don't do it; instead,
grab onto the counter and declair to yourself, "The joy of the Lord is my strength."
You may have to say it several times until your inner man/woman responds
to the power of God's word, and you actually feel yourself relaxing.
As I had to endure a testy start to my day, today, I recalled the
early days of my new Christian commitment to the Lord. In frustration I would blurt out, "Give me strength, Lord."
It is amazing how life feels like the test of Job, as the Lord allows us to be tested to strengthen us. Eventually
I learned not to ask that; instead, I learned to speak the promise of God that fit my circumstance.
| Think on something beautiful |
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| Point Michaud Beach, Cape Breton Island. N.S. |
One of the neat things about being
a commited Christian, is the conviction that when my thoughts are on Jesus, he is listening for the words that will come out
of my mouth, to hear my request. He already knows what's in my heart: prayer is unloading my concerns; expressing
my gratitude; and giving him credit for blessing me with answered prayer. Praying is not those formulated words, recited
without much thought; it's more like talking on the telephone with someone you respect, expecting to get some feedback.
What works for me is finding a quiet space, to let my thoughts
spill out on paper; it helps me to stay focused. It helps to address
my contemplation to the Lord, as if writing a letter; the results unfold like one of David's Psalms. I start with my
worry, and when I've gotten it off my chest I remember how He helped me through other worrisome situations, and suddenly
the mountain becomes a mole hill. The problem hasn't gone away; my perspective changes, and I find myself enjoying that
peace that passes understanding. Then I can focus on the tasks of the day without unnecessary
distraction; with a thankful heart, knowing that the Lord is good for His Word. What could have been a sour start to the day, becomes a song in my heart.
Here are some verses you can use, and contemplate
on when your life feels soorly tested:
When discouraged.
Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you will revive me: you
shall stretch forth your hand against the wrath of my enemies, and your right hand shall save me. Psalm 138:7
We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed,
but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed. 11 Cor. 4:27
Be confident of this very thing, that he who has begun a good
work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ. Philippians 1:6
Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your
heart, all you that hope in the Lord. Psalm 31:24
When you are worried.
I will lay down and sleep in peace: for only you, Lord, makes me dwell
in safety. Psalm 4:8
But seek first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness
(his way of doing things), and all these things (whatever you need) shall be added to you. Take therefore no thought
about tomorrow.......Sufficient for today is the evil thereof. Matt. 6:25-34
(additions in brackets are mine).
When feeling lonely.
I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.
John 14:1
My Road to Damascus: CLICK HERE
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