Powerful Winning Words

A childhood rhyme says, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words can never hurt me.” By experience, both children and adults know that could not be further from the truth.

But words also have power for good . . . building up instead of tearing down . . . overcoming evil with good . . . stopping arguments and formulating peace.

Do you have a Bible? You have access to some of the most powerful words in the world:

 My word that proceeds from My mouth will not return to Me empty,

But it will accomplish what I please,

And it will prosper where I send it

Isaiah 55:11

For the word of God is living and active.

Sharper than any double-edged sword,

It pierces even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow.

It judges the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

Hebrews 4:12

Jesus understood the power of God’s Word and set an example for us in its use. After Jesus’ water baptism by John, the Spirit led Him into the wilderness to be tempted (tested) by the devil.

Read about it in Matthew 4:1-11. You’ll see the devil refers to scripture three times, but misinterprets it. Jesus, on the other hand, knows God’s word and applies it correctly.

Three times, Jesus refutes temptation by saying, “It is written.” He then follows up with an appropriate scripture.  

How can we use God’s powerful words? First, God’s Word will help us live God’s way. Psalm 119:11 says, “I have hidden Your word in my heart that I might not sin against You.” As we read our Bibles daily, God’s word can help us avoid temptation.

But we are also warned that the devil is our adversary, prowling around seeking someone to devour. We are told to resist him, standing firm in our faith (1 Peter 5:8). Jesus did this by knowing and applying scriptures when and where needed.

Powerful winning words are not automatic. Jesus said: Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God (Matthew 4:4). Remember: Daily food keeps us strong, both physically and spiritually. 

Pixabay: wooden blocks, visual concept; printablue.

  

Guidelines for Spiritual Health: Part Two and Three

There are three things common to both physical and spiritual health: (1) Good Nutrition, (2) Sleep, and (3) Exercise. Let’s complete Parts Two and Three.

Sleep is Necessary

We’re not talking about the lazy man’s sleep, but the satisfying sleep of someone who has put effort into something (Proverbs 6:9-11; Ecclesiastes 5:12).

Don’t discount the energy required to focus on God’s Word. The Psalmist said, “The double-minded I despise,” and James said, “The double-minded man is unstable in all his ways” (Psalm 119:113, James 1:8).

You can’t count on unstable people. They promise, but don’t deliver. They’re up one day and down the next, sucking the life out of you as you try to encourage them.

On the other hand, God is so stable that He put His desires in writing (Psalm 119:89). We can count on His word for instruction, correction, and training, equipping us to do things pleasing to Him, and bringing Him glory (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

We can also pray God’s word. He said He would never let it return to Him empty, but it would accomplish His will and prosper wherever it is sent (Isaiah 55:11). Faith in God’s word will bring you peace, joy, and sleep (Isaiah 55:12; Psalm 4:8).

Don’t Avoid Spiritual Exercise

Walking is basic. But remember, blessings come if we do not walk in the counsel of the wicked, but walk in the light of God’s word (Psalm 1:1, Psalm 119:105).

We can also run. We are to: (1) Fix our eyes on Jesus, and (2) Run with endurance our race of life, (3) On our way to eternal life (Hebrews 12:1-3; Isaiah 40:29-31). Paul said he disciplined his body to run with purpose (1 Corinthians 9:26-27).   

We Have a Certified Personal Trainer

When Jesus instructed His disciples to go into the world to preach the gospel and make disciples, He included heavenly help (Matthew 18:19-20).

He promised to send the Holy Spirit to guide us into all truth and understanding of God’s word (John 16:1-15). This happened on the Day of Pentecost, and now, as believers, we are temples of the living God; His Spirit dwells in us (Acts 2, 1 Corinthians 3:16).

Be blessed and be healthy . . . physically and spiritually!

Pixabay: Family walk, Parents with Children; tanrica.  

 

Part Three: What Does It Mean To Be A Christian?

To be a Christian means to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (2 Peter 3:18).

It takes twelve years to earn a high school diploma, and more degrees beyond that. Why don’t we consider that our spiritual learning also requires that type of consistency?

You can believe Hebrews 4:12 when it says God’s word is lively and active. I’ve been reading the Bible since middle school, and though I have re-read scriptures many times, I’m always learning something new. The Bible, for me, is a life-satisfying adventure.

New Testament instructions guide our spiritual growth. Once we were in darkness, but now we are in the light of the Lord (Ephesians 5:8-10). God’s light consists of goodness, righteousness, and truth.

We are to put off our old corrupted self and put on our new self, created to be like God in righteousness and holiness (Ephesians 4:22-32).  As Christians, we should live to please God and bring Him glory, not making provision to satisfy earthly lusts and evil desires (Colossians 3:1-17).

In fact, we are to detest what is evil and cling to what is good (Romans 12:9). Paul said, “Whatever you do, do it all to the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31). As we have opportunities, we are to do good to everyone (Galatians 6:10).

The difference between our old life and new life in Christ is quite clear. Read it for yourself in Colossians 3:1-17, Ephesians 4:17-32, and Galatians 5:16-26.

Don’t be put off by these scripture references. If you’re not familiar with the Bible, check the Table of Contents. Become familiar with it.

Take time to learn about other spiritual blessings: (1) The Fruit of the Spirit – Galatians 5:22-23, (2) Our Spiritual Armor – Ephesians 6:10-18, and (3) The Value of God’s Word - Psalm 119.

Remember, Jesus said we are to love God with: (1) all our heart, (2) all our soul (mind, will, and emotions), (3) all our mind, and (4) all our strength (Mark 12:28-31). It’s not a half-hearted commitment.

He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion (Philippians 1:6). For it is God who works in you to will and to act on behalf of His good purpose (Philippians 2:13).

Our daily desire becomes “Thy Will,” not “my will.”

Pixabay:

Part Two: What Does It Mean To Be A Christian?

Have you heard of The Great Commission? It was Jesus’ last directive to His disciples.

This assignment had three parts: (1) Go into every nation and make disciples, (2) baptize them (in water) in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and (3) teach them to obey all that I have commanded you (Matthew 28:18-20).

Mark said that after Jesus had spoken to them, He ascended into heaven and was seated at the right hand of the Father. He also said that the disciples went out to follow instructions, and that the Lord was with them, just as He had promised (Mark 16:19-20, Matthew 28:20).  

Let’s not forget that God also promised to send the Holy Spirit to empower them to be witnesses. This happened on the Day of Pentecost in a very special way. Immediately, Peter was a great example (Acts 2).

Remember that after soldiers had arrested Jesus in Gethsemane, Peter had denied knowing Jesus three times (Matthew 26:69-75). Yet, after the Holy Spirit was given on the Day of Pentecost, he stood up and preached to a great multitude of people (Acts 2).  

We know from reading the New Testament that disciples follow a master teacher. They adhere to his teachings and share them with others. Jesus said, “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments” (John 14:15).  

We learn to do that by reading our Bibles, the Holy Scriptures given by God (2 Timothy 3:16-17). A good place to start might be in Matthew. The first four books of the New Testament are the Gospels, or the good news about Jesus and His teachings.

Sunday sermons, Bible classes, small group studies, and devotionals are all good, but not enough. We need both physical food and spiritual food every day.  

It’s never too late and never too soon to start a daily reading of our Bible verse by verse, and book by book!

Next week, we’ll close with Part Three of being a Christian.

Pixabay: Did you know, Speech, Balloon; Imageforyou.

Part One: What Does It Mean To Be A Christian?

Christian comes from the Greek word Christianos, meaning follower of Christ. But the need for Christ began in the Garden of Eden.

God said to Adam, “Enjoy everything in this Garden, but do not eat from the tree of knowledge of good and evil. The penalty is death” (Genesis 2:15-16).      

God created Eve because He thought it would be good for man not to be alone (Genesis 2:18-25). Eve knew God’s warning, but was not a careful listener. Satan came to her, casting doubt by saying, “Did God really say?” He misquoted God’s word, and so did Eve in her reply (Genesis 3:1-7).

She was tempted as she looked, desired, and took the forbidden fruit. She offered it to Adam, and he chose to participate, rather than obey God’s warning (Genesis 3:1-7).

That’s why James could say, “Anyone, then, who knows the right thing to do, yet fails to do it, is guilty of sin (James 4:17).

In His time, God took away the Old Testament animal sacrifices for sin. Here’s why:  For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that everyone who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16). How’s that for good news?

The New Testament says, “It is by grace you have been saved, through faith, and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast (Ephesians 2:8-9).

A friend was telling me the other day how great it is that salvation is not by works. She said, “We’d always have to wonder: (1) What kind of works? (2) How many? (3) How often?

Salvation by faith includes belief in the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ (1 Corinthians 15:1-8). With this faith, we are rewarded with new life, born again, spiritually. 

“If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away. Behold the new has come” (2 Corinthians 5:17).   

Final Good News, Part One: When we believe in Jesus as our Savior, God sends the Holy Spirit to live in us (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).

As Christians, we are to follow Jesus’ teachings. The Holy Spirit will teach us and help us to do that (John 14:15-17).

More Good News Next Week: Part Two

Pixabay: Question Mark, Question; Peggy_Marco.

What Faith Does

Faith makes life possible in both natural and spiritual ways. For example, by faith we pursue education or training, believing it will help us get a job.

By faith, I pursued a relationship with the man I would marry, believing him to be trustworthy. He proposed, I accepted, and he proved true in fifty-two years of marriage.

Faith is a basic requirement. By faith, we believe God exists and rewards those who earnestly seek Him (Hebrews 11:6).

People of faith are steady, not flighty. They’re focused on fulfilling a desire or goal. We’ll look at examples in the “Hall of Faith” (Hebrews 11).

Faith can help us do three things: 1) Persevere, 2) Endure, and 3) Never Give Up.

Perhaps because I’ve lived in the Southwest desert, I admire Noah and his three sons for building a huge ark in a barren land. There was no water in sight, and rain was unheard of (Genesis 6:5-9:29). What an example of perseverance (Hebrews 11:7).

Mankind was so wicked, God was sorry He had created them. Yet, Noah was recorded as a blameless and righteous man who walked with God (Genesis 6:5-9). He was a misfit!

When you’re swimming against the current of wickedness, continue to persevere. God sees you, too. The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous . . . (Psalm 34:15).

From childhood to old age, Moses is an example of endurance. His life was full of challenge and change (Hebrews 11:23-29). He wrote the first five books of the Bible, so we learn about his life there.

David was the man who never gave up. As a young shepherd, he was anointed to be King (1 Samuel 16). It was years before this happened, and often he was running for his life. As king, he had an affair with Uriah’s wife, Bathsheba, and even had Uriah murdered (2 Samuel 11-12).

But when God sent the Prophet Nathan to confront David about his sin, he humbled himself and asked God for forgiveness. Read his prayer in Psalm 51.

By faith, choose to persevere, endure, and never give up. That kind of faith will be rewarded on Judgement Day when we will be judged for our deeds (Revelation 20:11-15).

Pixabay:

How To Help Your Faith Grow

Growth is an important part of our lives, both natural and spiritual. Healthy things grow and are a source of joy. Just ask any dedicated gardener.

God has given to each person a measure of faith (Romans 12:3). Jesus said even faith the size of a mustard seed is important (Luke 17:5-6).

Jude 20 tells us to build ourselves up in our most holy faith, the basis of our spiritual life. But how? Let’s look at three possible ways:

ONE:  Know and Believe God’s Word:  God’s word is forever settled in heaven, and His faithfulness endures to all generations (Psalm 119:89-90).

We must hear the Word (Romans 10:17). It’s wonderful to get to attend church or hear God’s word taught over the airwaves, but we must also get into God’s word on our own (Psalm 119:105, 130, 133).

Knowing God’s word helps us to obey His will. That’s how we show our love for and our faith in Him (John 14:15).

TWO:  Be Encouraged by Testimonies of God’s Goodness:  Not only is God an ever-present help in time of trouble (Psalm 46:1), but faith in God brings about marvelous accomplishments. Be encouraged as you read testimonies in God’s “Hall of Faith,” Hebrews Chapter Eleven.

Testimonies are just personal stories of how God has worked in someone’s life. As we share, we build up one another’s faith and provide comfort where needed (1 Thessalonians 5:11, 2 Corinthians 1:3-4).

Even the great Apostle Paul was encouraged by reports of the steadfast faith of believers in the places He had ministered (1 Thessalonians 3:6-8).

THREE:  Review How God Has Worked in Your Life:  First of all, be thankful for your salvation (John 3:16-19). What a marvelous gift. We don’t have to work for it; however, after we are saved, the good works we do are to bring glory to Him, not us (Ephesians 2:8-10).

Personally, I’m thankful for the gift of the Holy Spirit, the One who leads us into all truth (John 14:16-17, 16:13-15).

I also thank God for every good thing He has brought into my life over the years. I don’t believe in luck, fate, good karma, or horoscopes. Scripture says every good and perfect gift comes from God our Father above (James 1:16-17).

Read your Bible and mark verses that speak to you. We’re not cookie-cutter Christians. God works with us individually. How awesome is that!

Pixabay: Soil, Seed, Seedling image: Plnatbest.

Realities of Christmas: Part Two

I hope you took time to read the scriptures I shared last week. This week, I want to share three realities of Christmas. I will not repeat last week's scriptures; however, I will note new ones.

FAITH

Hebrews 11:6 says, “Without faith it is impossible to please God.” Imagine, then, how it pleased God to find a young couple full of faith. Joseph responded obediently to heaven-sent dreams, and Mary responded to an angelic visitor. Though His message seemed impossible, she said, “I’m the Lord’s servant. Let this happen as you have said.”

The shepherds were terrified to see angelic messengers. Yet, once the angels were gone, they encouraged one another to put forth the effort to check the message for themselves.  

By faith, the wisemen made a long journey, bringing gifts to be presented to the newborn king whose star they kept in sight. When they inquired of Herod, he knew to ask the chief priests and scribes where Christ was to be born.  The religious leaders knew the scriptural answer, but put forth no effort to have faith in it.

Simeon and Anna, both devout believers, waited by faith, even into old age, to see the promised Savior and Redeemer.

 GIVING 

True faith results in a positive response. There are many examples beyond the Christmas story. In Hebrews Chapter 11, do you see how faith was expressed as Abel offered God the right sacrifice? How about when Noah built an ark, or when Abraham offered Isaac upon the altar, or Moses refused to be called the son of a king’s daughter?

OBEDIENCE

Joseph and Mary, after eight days, took Jesus to be circumcised and named. They also took Him to Jerusalem to be presented to the Lord, along with the required sacrifice. Scripture says, "When Jesus' parents had done everything required by the Law of the Lord, they returned to Nazareth."

Do you have faith in God’s word? Do you show it by your actions? That requires a giving of self, putting forth some effort to obey. 

As James says, here’s the bottom line: I will show you my faith by my deeds (James 2:18).

Pixabay: Poinsettia, Leaves, Beautiful Flowers; Sandid.

Christmas Hearts and Hands

There are all sizes and shapes of clocks in the world. But they all have one thing in common. It's what's inside that makes the hands go around.

We have a large and lovely decorator clock in our living area. As much as we have enjoyed the outer beauty, its unseen inner workings are the important thing. Thanks to movements in the heart, the clock’s hands go around, treating us to a short melody every hour.

The Apostle James wrote, “I’ll show you my faith by my deeds” (James 2:18). Faith is like the inner workings of our spiritual heart that moves our hands to do things. He wanted faith to produce some good deeds, something that would meet needs and bring people joy.

He gave us some practical illustrations (James 2:14-18). It’s not enough to say, “Go in peace, keep warm and be well fed.” If you are aware of a need, activate your faith. Do something!

In December, people’s hearts seem more motivated to give. Hands generously drop dollars into red kettles, collect items for food banks and toy drives, and buy gifts to meet needs on Angel Trees.

These donations are important and bless many, but charitable institutions and ministries meet needs all year. That’s why, like the inner workings of a clock, our heartfelt giving should not simply be seasonal!

It’s not necessary to produce good deeds as regularly as the hourly tunes on our anniversary clock, but when it comes to helping others, there's no need to have only Christmas hearts and hands.

Don’t wait to make a New Year’s resolution!

Resolve now to be motivated from heart to hands . . . to meet needs and show your faith. . . all year long!

Pixabay: Hand, Time; geralt. 

Ask, Believe, Receive

God hears our prayers, but the answers come in His time. I want to share something good that happened to me this week.

I went to the “residents’ dinner” and sat by a pastor and his wife who rarely come. He shook my hand and asked why I was using a cane. I explained that due to a fall, I’d had hip surgery, but I had an atrophied muscle that could not be reattached.

He asked what that was, and I explained it was a rotator muscle in the hip. He asked, “What does it do?”

I said, “When I try to pull my leg toward the center of my body, I feel a pull all the way up to my hip.” He made the move with his right leg, and I said, “You’ll have to turn your foot toward the center to feel the pull.” He did.

The next thing I knew, he was holding my right hand and, with bowed head, was quietly praying for God to heal the problem with my right leg. 

I said, “Thank you,” and we talked with the others at the table while waiting for dinner to start.

After prayer, I started to get up. I noticed his intense interest in my feet. Suddenly, he said, “You turned your foot!” I stopped to think about it and realized I had not felt a pull. I said, “You’re right. God touched me. I’ll be sure to give Him the glory.”

Later that evening, I noticed I had no pain in my hip, and my leg seemed easier to move toward the center. The next morning, it was the same. I had more freedom to move with no leg or hip pain. A definite difference!

The morning’s devotional was based on James 1:6, a reminder that we are to ask God for things in faith, without doubting. It seemed the pastor had done just that with his intense observation and declaration of faith the night before.

I had asked God to heal my hip several times. It hadn’t happened, but I believed it would, in His time. 

It did happen, and I can’t say, “Thank you, God,” enough! It's nice to no longer have to depend on a cane.

Pixabay: Calendar, Months, Wood Image; Alexas_Fotos.

Do It Yourself

In earlier days, it was popular to be considered a “Renaissance Man.” That meant you were proficient in several areas of life. Leonardo da Vinci was considered the greatest of his time, a mathematician, artist, and inventor.

In our day, we admire self-sufficient, productive people. To admit a need for help seems like a failure. Some would even say that makes us “less than” those who seem to have their lives in order independently.

From the beginning, we were created to be involved with others. God, Himself, came to talk with Adam in the Garden of Eden, and He created Eve so Adam would have companionship.

On the other hand, as we mature, we learn to become more independent, make choices, and take care of ourselves.

David understood self-care. In Psalm 42:5, 11 and Psalm 43:5, he asked himself a couple of probing questions: (1) Why are you downcast, O my soul, and (2) Why the unease within me?

When life seems extremely challenging, how do you respond? Do you try to keep busy and avoid thinking about it? Do you drink alcohol, overindulge in food, go shopping, or self-medicate in some way?

David’s response to himself was this: Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him, my Savior and my God (Psalm 42:11, 43:5).  

Do you try to truly absorb God’s word and put it into practice? How many Christian songs could you sing if separated from your electronic devices?

Paul and Silas understood the importance of *DIY encouragement. They were beaten and jailed after rebuking a spirit of divination in a young girl who kept following them, shouting a good thing, but for the wrong reason (Acts 16:16-24).

In the darkness of midnight, Paul and Silas encouraged themselves in the Lord by praying and singing spiritual songs (Acts 16:25).

The other prisoners weren’t the only ones listening. God was, too, and He responded with a mighty earthquake that set them free and resulted in the salvation of the jailer and his family (Acts 16:26-34).

Faith offers hope. Scripture says God rewards those who earnestly seek Him (Hebrews 11:6). 

Have you learned to “do it yourself?”

 Pixabay: Steam, Vintage, Engine; Artsy Bee.

 *DIY: Do It Yourself 

Get a Grip

Have you ever felt life was so overwhelming that you were losing control? A well-meaning friend may have said, “Get a grip!” 

It’s a way of saying, “Come back to your senses, don’t give up, make a decision, and move on!” Remember, life is a marathon, not a sprint, a race of spiritual endurance over the long haul.                             

This Endurance Race has guidelines. Hebrews 12:1-3 lists three things we need to do:

1.    Throw off anything that would hinder us

2.    Fix our eyes on Jesus

3.    Don’t grow weary and give up 

Jesus, in verse 2, is our example. It says He endured the cross while:

1.    Keeping in mind the joy awaiting Him,

2.    Despising the shame, and

3.    Disregarding hostility from sinful people 

When Jesus said, “Take up your cross and follow me,” it was an invitation to deny ourselves and do His will moment by moment (Mark 8:34-38). It’s another way we can say, “Not my will, but Thine be done.”. 

Let’s consider ice skaters and football players. Do you think they enjoy hours and hours of physical hardship and repeated practice to build up their endurance? Hebrews 12:11 says no discipline is enjoyable while it’s happening. It’s painful! 

But consistent discipline will pay off. They will be tested, and winners will be rewarded with a title, a trophy, a medal, or an honorary ring. 

It’s hard to imagine that winners in Roman games were rewarded with a laurel crown. You’ve probably seen pictures of that. At the time of presentation, it was a nice ring of beautiful green leaves. While it was green, their honor was visible, but it would not stay green forever. 

Our reward, however, is eternal. It’s worth enduring hardships and discipline because it will last forever. Paul believed that. Here’s his testimony in his latter days (2 Timothy 4:7-8).

·         I have fought the good fight

·         I have finished the race

·         I have kept the faith

·         I’ll receive a crown of righteousness

·         From the Lord, the Righteous Judge 

So, get a grip! Do not become weary in well doing; keep pressing on (Galatians 6:9). Look to Jesus for help. He’s the author and finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:2).

Pixabay: Excess, Weary, Enough; geralt.  

Why Knowledge is Not Enough

There was a day in my world when a high school diploma carried a lot of weight. These days, at the minimum, it’s more likely to be a Bachelor’s Degree (BA). Some people have earned several degrees, and that’s worthy of respect.

As the world turns, however, every culture and generation has classes of well-educated people. In Jesus’ time, it might have been the Pharisees and Herodians. I mention it because of Mark 12:13-17.

These two groups were asked to go together to test Jesus. Instead of saying, “We have a question for you,” they went on and on about what they knew about Him.

They said: 1) We know that You are honest, 2) You seek favor from no one, 3) You are impartial, and 4) You teach the way of God truthfully. Then, after their wordy introduction, they asked their pre-planned question: “Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar or not? (Mark 12:14)

As citizens under Roman rule, they knew not paying taxes was never an option! But Jesus saw through their hypocrisy and knew they were testing Him. He asked for a denarius, then, holding the coin, He asked, “Whose image is this?” (Mark 12:15-16) “Caesar’s,” they said.

Jesus said, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s.” That was an unexpected answer, and they marveled at Him (Mark 12:17).

Knowledge about Jesus is not enough. Why not?

    l. It must be mixed with faith in Him (Hebrews 4:2, 12:2) 

    2. Faith in Jesus gives us salvation and eternal life (John 3:16-18; Romans 10:13,)

    3. After that, knowledge becomes important to our spiritual growth (2 Peter 1:3-10) 

Faith, Salvation, and Spiritual Growth . . . where do you stand on this spiritual spectrum?

Just remember, your answer has eternal consequences (Hebrews 9:27-28).  

 Pixabay: Diploma, Academy; MarCuesBo.

 

A Very Personal Choice

Have you ever felt that life makes about as much sense as a Fiddler on the Roof? Having recently watched a DVD of MGM’s 1971 major movie production, it’s still on my mind.

I googled the actor known as “Topol,” who plays Tevye the dairy farmer, father of three girls, and a man sincere about his faith. Topol played Tevye on stage and screen for several decades and figured he played him 3,500 times!

Why is Tevye in my thoughts today? It has to do with the way he pondered how to act in answer to hard questions. He’d stare off into space and say, “On the one hand (this),” but then, “On the other hand (that).”

While reading Lamentations 3, I thought of Tevye as Jeremiah pondered the pros and cons of his hard times vs. hope in God. I was reading the *AMP Bible, but I also read it in the *NLT, and *BSB.

Choose your favorite translation, and read it for yourself. Here’s what I drew from it:

Jeremiah lists the hard things first (v 1-20):

• He has health problems (v. 4)
• God seems far away (v. 2, 8)
• He’s unsure of what to do (v. 9)
• People consider him a joke (v. 14)
• He has no peace or happiness (v 17)

BUT (YET) he begins to hope in God . . . in the character of God! (v. 21-36).

• God is merciful and faithful (v. 22-23)
• He responds to those who seek Him (v. 25)        
• It's good to wait on God (v. 26, 31)
• In our grief, God has compassion (v. 32-33)
• God answers prayer (v. 53-56)

·    Now the choice is ours. In Lamentations 3:40-41, Jeremiah says we need to carefully examine (consider) our ways and turn to God, lifting not only our hands but our hearts to Him.

Yes, it requires time, but what doesn't? Serving the Lord is a very personal choice and deserves our careful consideration.

 *AMP, The Amplified Version of the Bible, NLT, The New Living Translation, BSB, Berean Standard Bible.

 Pixabay: Violinist, Band, Bandsman; OpenClipart-Vectors.