This is a devotional series on the Book of Psalms written in 2014. Psalms has always been one of my favorite books in the Bible because it offers so much comfort and encouragement. I pray you are blessed!
Psalms’ Blessings
Tag: Discouragement
Hymns
The hymns of yesteryear were actual gospel messages. The writers were God-fearing Christians who knew the cost to living for Christ. This is a 30-day devotional, originally written in 2007, which covers hymns (prior to copyright laws), their authors and how they tie in with the Word of God. This series will be a blessing to my soul and I pray to yours! In a world of contemporary music and PowerPoint presentations used in church services, the old hymns and favorites are slowly fading away. My prayer is that we will be exhorted to go back to the old paths of our fathers and renew these hymns in our own daily lives. These are hymns written prior to this backslidden, emerging church called the Laodicean church. These are words written by those who have met with their Saviour in their prayer closets and have been moved by the Holy Spirit to pen the words which in turn have moved the hearts of men.
Encouragement / Discouragement
Are you hanging on by a thread to that last ray of hope in your life? This 30-day devotional was originally done in 2006 and it is dealing with discouragement. I wanted to help believers learn how to encourage one’s self in the Lord. I hope it is a blessing to those who feel overwhelmed at times in their lives.
Thought for the Day – Sinking
~Matthew 14:25-32 And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea. And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear. But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid. And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water. And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus. But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me. And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt? And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased.
How many times have we been on fire for the Lord and willing to go to any lengths to serve Him? Then, the minute the turbulent storms of life appear, we take our eyes off the Saviour, and we see our circumstances. Fear sets in and we begin to sink.
I’ve often wondered what would have happened to Peter had he not looked around to see the storm around him but had focused on Christ instead. Would Peter and Jesus have walked on the water to the ship to meet up with the others? Instead, he began to sink and cried out for Jesus to save him. The Word says that Jesus immediately stretched out His hand and caught Peter. Jesus asked him why he had doubted?
What a lesson for me to learn! As I go through my storms in life, I will feel as though I am sinking and all alone when I take my eyes off Christ and place them on my circumstances. Thank You, Lord, for giving me the peace that You will immediately stretch forth Your hand and catch me!! What comfort this brings to me!
Chipmunks, Birds and Discouragement
This was shared in a post at The Fundamental Baptist Forum by Pastor Tim DeIello.
It is an excellent illustration helping us with discouragement. We have all been there, haven’t we?
Enjoy 🙂
Discouragement, Chipmunks and Birds
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The Distraction of Discouragement
I don’t know of a person who does NOT battle discouragement in one form or fashion. Some pretend that it does not exist. Some choose to deceive others by stating that everything is just fine.
I have yet to find a passage of scripture which reveals that one human being has not faced discouragement…ever.
Discouragement distracts us from the proper attitude of the heart
Discouragement detours us from Him directing our paths
Discouragement dissatisfies us from the blessings God abundantly gives
Discouragement DISCOURAGES OTHERS…thereby creating a stumbling block to a weaker brother
Discouragement distances us from joy, peace, contentment, knowledge, separation, convictions, godliness, discernment
Scriptures to read about discouragement
I Kings 19
I Sam 30
Jonah 4
There was a bird in the bird feeder yesterday and it just could not get out. I saw it go in. It was getting some bird seed that was between the glass siding. About 30 minutes later, I walked past the bird feeder and saw the little bird trying to get out. It kept beating its wings trying to get out of the feeder. I thought to myself, I can see your way of escape and yet you keep going the opposite way.Instantly my mind flashed back to last Spring, when I saw a chipmunk struggling to keep its head afloat in one of the trash cans filled with water from the melting snow. For nearly two minutes that poor chipmunk struggled to keep his head out of water. Finally, it sank below the water line exausted from its struggle. Then, it resurfaced and again attempted to get out of the peril it was in. Finally, I decided to execute my mercy on the poor rodent. I tipped the trash can over to let the water out and most importantly the chipmunk. In so doing, I had to allow the water to overcome the chipmunk as it looked at me with panic. As the water gushed out I saw that the chipmunk was not alone. another chipmunk had died in that water sometime back and stunk something fierce.
I learned something from that experience. Treading near the trash can day after day will one day cause you to fall to your doom. (spiritualize it for yourself)
I learned that what I do does affect others.
I learned that if I want out… I may just have to be overwhelmed in the problem long enough for God to let me out.I learned that God was Sovereign and nothing happens to me that He did not plan.**Back to the bird feeder….
The bird began to panic as I tipped the bird feeder on its side. It began to flutter back and forth and bang against the sides of the feeder. I thought to myself… “YOU STUPID BIRD…JUST TRUST ME. I AM TRYING TO TEACH YOU HOW TO GET OUT… I AM TRYING TO HELP YOU HERE…. BE STILL.”
Instantly a verse popped into my head:
Be still and know that I am God” ~Psalms 46:10 And then another, And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. ~Romans 8:28
As I lifted the top of the bird feeder, I saw the bird fly out of that bird feeder and into the trees. Then, I heard it chirping away. One final passage popped into my head and made me smile and rejoice. …He brought me out of an horrible pit and set my feet upon a rock and established my goings…Many shall see it and fear…. ~Psalms 40:1-3
Praise the Lord! Whether frustrated at your ministry, whether troubled at your failures and insecurities, whether trapped in a dangerous perilous mistake and can’t get out, or whether you got stuck getting too much of a good thing, God knows where you are and God knows what you need and God knows just how long to leave you.
Will I Come Forth as Gold?
(Job 23:10) But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.
I’ve seen study after study and devotion after devotion on this verse. But until you personally experience a series of trials in your own life, and experience this verse, you really can’t fully appreciate what others are trying to explain. So it was for me! Although I was greatly blessed by reading those studies, I have to admit that it wasn’t until recently that I have fully appreciated Job 23:10! For those of you who do not know, I have two sons. Aaron just joined the U.S. Army and is at Basic Combat Training in Ft. Leonard Wood, MO. Adam is a U.S. Marine and is wrapping up his MOS training in Coronado, CA. My husband and I recently sold our house and downsized to a two-bedroom apartment! We were planning our retirement and were scheduled to leave Virginia after May 1st. That is, until we found out a couple of weeks ago that John has been diagnosed with cancer. Radiation, chemo, surgery and follow-up treatments are what lie in store. I truly praise the Lord that at least I have my sons and my husband! I have not suffered as Job suffered, that is for sure! But I can surely sympathize with him and understand his account so much more as I go through these trials.
It is the first part of the verse that spoke to my heart, actually. The Lord knows the way that I take! This brings me much comfort knowing that my Shepherd knows my way. He has seen the future and knows the results of all that is going on in my life! My Creator, who has numbered the very hairs on my head, knows me intimately and cares for me. No matter how discouraged I may get, I can turn to the Word and the Lord gives me something that encourages my heart! (Psa 61:2) From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I. Our Heavenly Father hears our pleas of despair and comes to our rescue! (Psa 18:6) In my distress I called upon the LORD, and cried unto my God: he heard my voice out of his temple, and my cry came before him, even into his ears. Thank You, Lord! I glorify Your Name on high!
Job’s reputation has followed him through the ages because he was able to claim this verse in the Bible. Even to this day, we hear the phrase “He has the patience of Job.” The trials that this man suffered are unbelievable, aren’t they? Job was attacked on every side by ole slew foot! The devil attacked Job’s character, he attacked Job’s belongings (cattle, etc.), he attacked Job’s servants, he attacked Job’s family, and he attacked Job’s own body! There is no one, that I know of personally, who has been through each of these in his life time – let alone within just a few weeks! I have learned that the Lord never gives us more than we can bear! With each burden, he provides us encouragement along the way. It is up to us to search out that encouragement! The Word should be our main source of encouragement! The title of my blog shows who that Source is: (Psa 121:1) [A Song of degrees.] I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. (Psa 121:2) My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth.
I also noticed that Job did not get to the point where he cursed the day he was born until after his friends came to “comfort” him! The devil kept attacking him and saw that he could not succeed so he sent along people he could “use” to accomplish his goal – discouragement. Where do you sit today, my friend? Are you one in need of encouragement or are you to be used of God to do the encouraging? Are you the type of friend that Job had? As I searched my heart, I realized that although I was experiencing trials of my own, there are many out there who are going through things that make mine look like child’s play! What kind of friend am I to those dear ones who are suffering?
If you are one who is experiencing trials today, do you surround yourself with whiners, complainers and nay sayers? It is these types of friends who will drag you down spiritually. Surround yourself with people who love the Lord, will pray for you and are there to lend an ear just in case you need one. Turn to your spiritual mentors who will not allow you to wallow in self-pity but will help you out of the pit of despair. You cannot expect someone who cannot swim to rescue you from drowning! Therefore, do not turn to those Christians who will nurture your discouragement instead of lifting you up in the Lord.
I don’t know why the Lord laid this on my heart today. Maybe I will need this down the road – or maybe you are going through a similar trial and need to be encouraged! With that said, won’t you say as Job did, (Job 23:10) But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.
Hymns – Day 21 – Saved from the Wreck
I have never heard the hymn that we are covering today. I was searching through Cyberhymnal for something that would deal with the storms of life, and this came up. After reading the words and listening to the melody, I’ve discovered a treasure! This beautiful hymn was written by Eliza Hewitt. This dear lady was born on June 28, 1851 and died on April 24, 1920. It appears that she was born, raised and lived in Philadelphia all of her life. Eliza’s teaching career ended when she became disabled due to a spinal problem. Here is a dear saint who did not allow the physical trials in her life to stop her from serving the Lord through writing hymns. She also served the Lord as a Sunday School superintendent at the Northern Home for Friendless Children and later on at the Calvin Presbyterian Church. It is also noted that she was a contributor to Sunday-school Helps.
Saved from the Wreck
Eliza E. Hewitt
Eliza E. Hewitt
Adrift on the waters, so dark and so cold,
Afar from the beautiful city of gold,
A vessel is sinking, for heavy the gale,
The cable is broken, and tattered each sail.
Refrain
Poor child of the wreck, see the lifeboat is near,
A sweet voice is heard, for the Master is here;
He walks every billow, controls every wave,
’Tis Jesus, King Jesus, “the mighty to save.”
Oh, I was the sinner alone on the sea,
But love’s blessèd signal were floating for me;
Though thunders were rolling, and billows at strife,
Lo, Jesus was calling, “escape for thy life.”
Refrain
I stepped in the life boat, provided for me,
And Jesus my Pilot, my Captain to be;
His bosom my refuge, my “haven of rest.”
I’m rescued from shipwreck, so happy and blest.
Refrain
Life’s turbulent surges are kissed into peace,
The beacons are shining, and songs never cease;
Fair moonbeams, bright sunshine, illumine the tide,
While onward to glory we’ll joyfully glide.
Refrain
Eliza must have gone through many a turbulent trial as an invalid. I know so many dear saints who have debilating diseases and chronic illnesses and yet they serve the Lord in whatever capacity they can.
The Christian is not promised that he will never go through hard times. But we are promised that in the midst of the storm, our Shepherd will lead us to still waters. (Psa 23:2) He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. I think of those dear saints the Lord has allowed me to meet in my life who have been stricken with physical problems. Each of these saints has blessed me more than I could possibly say. Although they struggle to stay afloat in their physical storms, they minister to others showing how Christ has brought them to those still waters spiritually.
Where are you today, dear friend? Are you wallowing in self pity because of your ailments? You can serve the Lord despite all of your circumstances. Everyone wants to feel needed. The Lord wants to use you to help others – yes, even with your physical impairments the way they are. There are others in this world who are suffering just like you – with the same ailments as you. You can be a blessing to someone else and help them through their physical trials by sharing what the Lord has done for you and how He has helped you. You can meet this person’s needs by sending cards, praying for them, or even calling them. I have a dear friend who has fibromyalgia and every year the illness progresses. She sends “care packages” out to those who have the same illness and gives them information they need to help them through this illness. She sends them devotionals, Bibles, and anything else the Lord lays on her heart to be a blessing.
What struggles are you going through? Has the Lord helped you through depression? Then help someone you know who is struggling. We all have our crosses to bear in life – but we never bear them alone.
Psalm 107:28-31, Then they cry unto the LORD in their trouble, and he bringeth them out of their distresses. (28 ) He maketh the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still. (29) Then are they glad because they be quiet; so he bringeth them unto their desired haven. (30) Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men! (31)
You may be the one that God wants to use to help someone out of his/her distress. People today are lonely and searching for peace and tranquility – yes, even Christians. Be sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s leading and He will direct you to someone to help. You will find that in helping others, you will be guided to the still waters and will find comfort from your trials.
Morning Manna – Day 3 – Loneliness
Then shalt thou call, and the LORD shall answer; thou shalt cry, and he shall say, Here I am. (Isa 58:9a)
Despite the hustle and bustle of the world around us, miles of traffic jams, and crowded malls, it is amazing how many people in this world suffer from loneliness. Man was not created to be alone. And the LORD God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him. (Gen 2:18) No matter how much of a loner one is, that person has a need for human contact at some point or another. Most are not loners, however, so human contact is a vital ingredient for healthy emotions. Loneliness left unchecked leads to despair.
As a born-again believer, I am encouraged by God’s Holy Word because He deals with this very subject over and over. God knew from the beginning that man could not be alone and that he would suffer from loneliness. So much so, He included the beautiful Book of Psalms for encouragement and countless other verses throughout His Word. Our Father knows our needs because He created us. He knows everything about us. We cannot hide anything from Him, including our loneliness. [To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David.] O LORD, thou hast searched me, and known me. (Psa 139:1) I stand amazed that our God knows all of us in this intimate way. God has searched each one of us and knows us!
Even when we are at our lowest, the Lord is right there to lift us up through His Word. I think of David when he made this statement in Psa 27:10, When my father and my mother forsake me, then the Lord will take me up. David knew that his God would never forsake him. The Lord reassures His children over and over throughout His Word that He is faithful. … for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. (Heb 13:5b) Again, He assures us in Is. 42:16, …These things will I do unto them, and not forsake them.
When we need comfort and reassurance, He promises to be there for us. I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you. John 14:18 Our Heavenly Father is there every moment of the way in our Christian walk. And, behold, I am with thee, and will keep thee in all places whither thou goest, and will bring thee again into this land; for I will not leave thee, until I have done that which I have spoken to thee of. (Gen 28:15)
We may fall asleep at night and forget the day’s trials and burdens but our God never sleeps and is ever watching out for us. Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep. (Psa 121:4) Does that not bring you comfort? You are not alone, my friend. No matter how empty your house is, you are not alone. No matter if there is no one sitting with you in your car, you are not alone. Your Heavenly Father has placed in you His Precious Holy Spirit. He comforts you, teaches you and points you to Christ through His Holy Word. And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; (Joh 14:16) (Emphasis mine).
How can you overcome your loneliness? Get in the Word, oh Christian. The Holy Spirit is waiting to bring that precious comfort to you. His comfort resides within the pages of your Bible but you must open it to receive it. But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. (Joh 14:26) We get refreshment and encouragement within the pages of our Bible as we are drawn and taught by the Holy Spirit. How full of mercy is our Father! He knows every fiber of our being and provides living water for us to walk away refreshed. Our loneliness dissipates as we soak up His Word and see once again the light of day.
Once we are refreshed, we are commanded to go out and be a friend to someone. A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: (Pro 18:24a) No one can feel alone when they are focused on helping others. There are people out there in need, whether physical, emotional or spiritual. God can use a believer who has overcome loneliness to minister to a lonely world. So many are lonely out there – won’t you let the Friend of all friends be your example? and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother. (Pro 18:24b Do you feel friendless? When you are born again, oh Christian, God calls you His friend.Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. (Joh 15:13) Jesus paid the ultimate price to be your friend. You are never alone.
Treat your loneliness today with a good dose of refreshing time in the Word then put feet to your refreshing time and spend time with someone who is lonely. God will use your trials to minister to another and bring glory to His Name.
Dear God…
At times I am so lonely
Leading me to feel despair
But then my Morning Manna
Shows me just how much You care.
I love You, Lord!!
Discouragement – Day 15 – Nothing Is Too Hard For God
Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for me? (Jer 32:27)
In our last day of this series on discouragement, I want to remind you that when we read God’s Word, we are constantly reminded that He is our Creator, our Comforter, our Teacher , etc. Nothing is too hard for Him. Neither is your discouragement too hard for Him. Therefore, if you remain in your state of discouragement, it is not because the trial is too great for the Lord. My friend, you remain in your state of discouragement because you wish to.
Take your eyes off you and your circumstances and place them on the Lord. He has been where you are. He understands every detail of your situation and wants to help you. Don’t you want to help your children when they are in trouble? Surely you would not sit idly by and watch your child suffer, would you? Of course not! All the more for your Heavenly Father!
For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted. (Heb 2:18 )
Noah Webster defines succour as:
Literally, to run to, or run to support; hence, to help or relieve when in difficulty, want or distress; to assist and deliver from suffering; as, to succor a besieged city; to succor prisoners.
Isn’t that encouraging to you? The Lord desires to run to our side, to support us, and relieve our distress. I don’t know about you, but this characteristic of God reveals a compassionate and loving Father! Allow Him to succour you, my friend! Submit to Him and allow Him to heal you from within!
The next 15 days of our series will be on “Encouragement”! This will be like a wonderful refreshing Spring rain to our souls! I pray that this series has helped you through your trial of discouragement. If you have been blessed, I would love to hear from you.
Under Thy Wings
I find sweet comfort under Thy wings
No matter what difficulty or trial
As long as my eyes are focused on Thee
On the pages of my blessed King James Bible
A fountain of life for the thirsty soul
With refreshment along life’s walk
Providing direction through valleys and hills
Giving warning when the enemy knocks
How I thank Thee, oh Shepherd of my soul
For protecting me from the enemy’s snares
Under Thy wings I do safely abide
As I find peaceful rest in Thy care
Kate Plourde
July 20, 2006
Discouragement – Day 14 – God in Motion
The LORD will perfect that which concerneth me: thy mercy, O LORD, endureth for ever: forsake not the works of thine own hands. (Psa 138:8 ) In the day when I cried thou answeredst me, and strengthenedst me with strength in my soul. (Psa 138:3)
Though I walk in the midst of trouble, thou wilt revive me: thou shalt stretch forth thine hand against the wrath of mine enemies, and thy right hand shall save me. (Psa 138:7)
As we wind down this 15-day series on discouragement, we have seen a pattern for the discouraged person. The discouraged one focuses on today’s problems rather than counting the blessings God has already given. Also, the discouraged one does not spend the time that is so desperately needed in God’s Word. Consider it “supply and demand” but in reverse. The more your trials are demanding of you, the more you must go to your Supplier!
Again, David knew from where his help came. He did not wait until he had reached the pits of discouragement. He knew that God would perfect him – whether the days were good or when the days were filled with turbulence. God is a God of motion, my friend. God does not stand still in His work for us. Notice that Psalm 138:8 says that God will perfect that which concerns you. This is in the future tense. It is an on-going effort by the One who created you. He can and will bring your through your discouragement if you allow Him.
Perfect Love
Adrift upon life’s stormy billows,
True despair sets in as darkness falls.
The tempest raging, days turn to night.
Can peace be found amidst it all?
My heart is discouraged, my eyes dim.
It is exhausting to seek the cure.
But I know that His Word is my salve.
It is healing and peace, He assures.
A glimmer of hope, Oh soul rejoice!
The Shepherd’s hand wipes away my tears.
Each drop replaced with His light and peace,
His perfect Love casteth out all fears!
Kate Plourde
August 15, 2006
Maranatha - Awaiting Christ's Return 