I begun to draft the first draft of this post on November 1st, and since then I have not been able to get round to completing it, due to a lot of distractions.
I will be honest, I did not feel like putting this post up, however I do believe the Lord wants to release a word of encouragement to some of you and its my prayer that that shall be the case. I do not know about the rest of you, but my 2023 has been “abnormal”. Its has been abnormal in the sense that I have had some major wins which I bless the Lord for. However, it’s also been a year of many lows, and sometimes I have felt like I do not know what to do next as a result of being deeply discouraged and frustrated.
But such is life, I guess. Even the Bible says that,
These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace.In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer,I have overcome the world.” ~ John 16:33
Maybe you have found yourself in a place where you do not know what to do, because things just seem to be falling apart. The Lord says to you, “Do not be afraid, for I am with you.” No matter what is going on in your life, no matter what drama is going on, even in the confusion and chaos, God has not left you. I know it feels like it, but that feeling is just a lie to cause you to stop believing. God has not left you
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” – Joshua 1:9
This is just a season and the beauty of seasons is that every season eventually comes to an end. In the meantime, engage in praise and worship, this is one of the ways that will help you stay focused on the Lord. I do not know about you but for me worship is one of the ways that makes problems shrink because when the Lord is lifted up, everything else must bow. Spend time in worship.
All the nations you have made will come and worship before you, Lord; they will bring glory to your name. For you are great and do marvelous deeds; you alone are God. – Psalm 86 :9-10
Its also important to study the word of God. So stay in the word. This is not the time to be caught up in other things but to hear what God is saying, because it will build up your faith. You will be suprised how much God wants to speak to you, guide and direct you and all you have to do is read His word.
All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. – 2 Timothy 3:16-17
Last but not least, PRAY. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 says “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
I leave you with the words of the Psalmist:
Psalm 121 I will lift up my eyes to the hills—
From whence comes my help?
2 My help comes from the Lord,
Who made heaven and earth.
3 He will not allow your foot to be moved;
He who keeps you will not slumber.
4 Behold, He who keeps Israel
Shall neither slumber nor sleep.
5 The Lord is your keeper;
The Lord is your shade at your right hand.
6 The sun shall not strike you by day,
Nor the moon by night.
7 The Lord shall preserve you from all evil;
He shall preserve your soul.
8 The Lord shall preserveyour going out and your coming in
From this time forth, and even forevermore.
And remember …..THE LORD IS WITH YOU
Featured Image: Photo by Sincerely Media on Unsplash
