refuge Archives - Page 3 of 620 - Daily Thoughts about God

In a world connected by the Internet, we communicate instantly, yet we may stare at the screen in wordlessness when a friend needs encouragement.

“My friend is sad, but I don’t know what to say.” We think, and think, and think….

Perhaps our stammering tongue is a God-given reminder to listen before speaking. How often wounded ones seek a hearer’s encouragement only to be wounded again by rash and impatient words. It is better to be speechless than reckless, especially with someone else’s soul. God, help us to wait upon you for the best words, if any.

“Listen, then seek words…give me the right words, Lord….”

“Or, after I’ve heard them, just a word, Lord; you are the One who can help the most.”

And maybe that is the solution…a one-word solution to our loss for words.

Jesus.

Yes, just one word about the One Who is the Word: “Jesus.” His life, death, and resurrection for our sins: “Jesus” says everything. His name is the best Word of encouragement we can give anyone in any situation. Jesus rose over the worst of this world – sin; if He can handle that, my friend, He can encourage our discouraged friends in whatever struggle they face.

And even if God leads us to say more, every word we say should reflect and point to that one best Word: Jesus.

“By faith in the name of Jesus, this man whom you see and know was made strong. It is Jesus’ name and the faith that comes through him that has completely healed him, as you can all see.” – Acts 3:16 (NIV)

By R. Rising
Used by Permission

“How long, O Lord? Will You forget me forever? How long will You hide Your face from me?How long shall I take counsel in my soul, Having sorrow in my heart all the day? How long will my enemy be exalted over me? Consider and answer me, O Lord my God; Enlighten my eyes, or I will sleep the sleep of death, And my enemy will say, “I have overcome him,” And my adversaries will rejoice when I am shaken. But I have trusted in Your loving kindness; My heart shall rejoice in Your salvation. I will sing to the Lord, Because He has dealt bountifully with me. Psalm 13:1-6

Which is more influential in your life—circumstances or your perspective? Although we may long for a pleasant life filled with abundance, comfort, and good experiences, the reality is that we live in a fallen world. Almost nothing is as it should be, but the way we perceive life’s hardships and burdens depends largely on our perspective.

For example, when we are overburdened, the world might look dark even when the sun is shining. The birds may be singing, but all we hear are the sorrowful cries of our own heart. The burdens seem so overwhelming that we may even distance ourselves from others, yet that only encourages us to dwell even more on our problems and leads us further into despair.

But when we open the book of Psalms, the words penetrate our bleak circumstances, inviting us to draw near and find rest in the Lord. How gracious of Him to give us this amazing book of comfort. But greater still are the lessons we learn from it.

In today’s psalm, David is weighed down with burdens. He asks, “How long?” Have you ever felt like that? He describes his troubles and pleads for an answer, but by the end of the psalm, his perspective shifts when he remembers that God is trustworthy.

If you feel as if you’re bearing the weight of the world on your shoulders, stop and look up to your heavenly Father. Remember a time in the past when God carried you through hard circumstances, and rejoice in His steadfast faithfulness. He didn’t fail you then, and He will not fail you now.

By Dr. Charles Stanley
Used by Permission
From: http://www.intouch.org/

The Best Word of Encouragement

Jesus.

FURTHER READING

When Burdens Seem Unbearable

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Tag: <span>refuge</span>

The Best Word of Encouragement

Jesus.

FURTHER READING

When Burdens Seem Unbearable

FURTHER READING