Text: Philippians 4:6&7
Memory Verse: “and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7).
A shoe company sent two salesmen to a country where the people did not put on shoes. While one wondered why he was sent there, the other enthusiastically wrote, “I see vast opportunities for sales here. Please send me a consignment of our latest designs.” Your outlook will always affect your attitude to things and issues. How do you
face the trials that come your way? What will ultimately be important is not what trials you face, but how you face them. There are always two sides to the coin. Whilst it is true that there are things that discourage, remember that
discouragement only lasts some time. A time of reward is coming (1 Peter 4:12&13).
Like David, encourage yourself in the Lord when difficulties come. You can have joy in difficult times knowing that:
1. You are only passing through. Your problem has a shelf life and will soon pass because your citizenship is in heaven.
2. God is refining you to remove impurities, so you can have genuine faith (1 Peter 1:7). You really do not know how much faith you have until your faith is tested.
3. God will replenish your joy, if you let Him. When you lose your joy, it is because you gave it away allowing someone or something to take it! John 16:33 does not say that you will not be discouraged, but rather that Jesus
has overcome the world. How can you lift someone up today? (Hebrews 10:24).
Prayer Points:
1. Please help me to see things through Your eyes of faith, O Lord.
2. Lord, make me an encourager.