I read a devotion the other day on trusting God through the fog, the writer recounting a difficult drive down a foggy mountain road and trusting God to take her safely home.

I have not had that experience of driving down a foggy mountain road. And yet, recently…I created my own fog on a bright sunny day.

Nothing had changed. A blinding fog did not roll in and obscure my view. I just took my eyes off what God can do and let circumstances overwhelm me with doubt and fear. I was not a friend to myself. I was a saboteur of my own journey.

For a while I let a thick fog swirl around me and swallow up my hope and faith and pull me into a dark place where discouragement filled my heart.

We all have those days when praying, waiting, and working toward something are met with discouragement. We often find we derail our confidence in the Lord with our own weakness and wrong thinking because for a while we take our eyes off of Him and instead let a fog of doubt and worry surround us. The fog comes rolling in when I take my eyes off of the Lord.

It is a miserable place to be when we feel like we have lost our way and can’t find a clear solution.

There are multiple possibilities for our discouragement. Here are just a few:

• We become impatient because we have already waited a very long time for answers.
• We might convince ourselves we have asked for too much or too big and back down from our asking.
• We don’t see any signs of change in our difficult situation and hopelessness leads to great frustration.
• Our task looks too complicated to complete and we feel like giving up.

We will all go through discouragement when faced with the above type scenarios. But will we let discouragement rule our lives, or will we place our trust in God to work those things that we can’t comprehend? Will we remind ourselves how He has worked for our good in other difficult times?

When I realized that all the negativity I was experiencing was a product of my own doing and that my reasons for discouragement were based on feelings and emotions run amuck, the fog began to lift and clear thinking prevailed. I stood my ground with faith and trust and let the sun break through all the fog.

When my self-imposed fog lifted and I experienced the fresh air of hope and faith once more, I truly felt a wave of energy surge through my body, heart and soul. God’s indwelling spirit renewed me and I welcomed His faithfulness to me as His strength overcame my weakness and I felt strong and whole. The sky was blue again, the sun was shining and all fog had lifted away.

Isaiah 40:31”But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.”

By Kathy Cheek
Used by Permission

www.kathycheek.com

Comments: If you don’t see our response form, please go to https://thoughtsaboutgod.com/blog/kathy-cheek_self-imposed-fog/

Or Share this devotional:

The post A Self-Imposed Fog appeared first on Thoughts About God.

“Those people who keep their faith until the end will be saved.” Matthew 10:22

Are you discouraged as a parent? Hang in there. Are you pessimistic about your job? Roll up your sleeves and go at it again. No communication in your marriage? Give it one more shot . . .

The Land of Promise, says Jesus, awaits those who endure. It is not just for those who make the victory laps or drink champagne. No sir.

The Land of Promise is for those who simply remain to the end.

By Max Lucado
used by permission
From:  Everyday Blessings

To learn more about Max Lucado visit his website at:    
https://maxlucado.com/about/

FURTHER READING

Hang in There by Mary Pinckney

“Hanging In There” Not Allowed! by John Fischer

All Stressed Up and Nowhere to Go  by John Grant

Follow Us On:  Facebook  • Twitter  •  Instagram  • Pinterest

The post Hang In There appeared first on Thoughts About God.

“How long, O LORD, will I call for help, And You will not hear? I cry out to You, “Violence!” Yet You do not save.” Habakkuk 1:2

Do you feel stuck in discouragement? If so, you are not alone.

At some point everyone experiences dashed hopes. Disappointment–an emotional response to a failed expectation–is the normal initial reaction. But allowed to linger, it can turn into discouragement, which hovers like a dense cloud. When that’s the case, there is no sense of joy or contentment, no matter what you do.

The circumstances that trigger these emotions may be unavoidable, but the way we respond is a choice. We can either let sadness overwhelm our souls or face the situation with courage and bring it before the One who can help us.

Living in discouragement will divide the mind, making it hard to focus on anything besides our pain. Then as anger becomes habitual, we’ll look for someone to blame–whether God, people around us, or our self.

Frustration that isn’t handled well may develop into depression, which in turn can estrange us from others–people do not enjoy the company of someone who’s bitter and defeated. This isolation leads to a low self-esteem. Finally, in a fog of discouragement, we can make poor decisions based on crushed emotions instead of truth. Obviously, choosing this self-destructive path is not God’s best for our lives.

Though we’ll all face disappointment from time to time, believers are not to wallow in it. Instead, God wants us to trust Him with everything–even our unmet expectations and deepest sadness.

Remember, there is divine purpose for everything He allows to touch His children’s lives (Romans 8:28).

By Dr. Charles Stanley
used by permission

https://www.intouch.org/

FURTHER READING

Up From Depression – by Barb Epp

Fear of the Unknown – by Daniel Forster

Hope for Those without Hope – by Mike Woodard

The post The Trap of Discouragement appeared first on Thoughts About God.

No matter what our position in life may be, we all at times encounter disappointment—

and that can quickly lead to discouragement.

Disappointment is simply an emotional response to a failed expectation or hope, whether because plans went awry or someone didn’t measure up.  But discouragement is a state of mind in which we become faint-hearted and lose confidence in God, ourselves, or others.

When Nehemiah arrived in Jerusalem, its inhabitants were discouraged—the city wall had been destroyed, leaving them vulnerable to their enemies, and there were significant hindrances to rebuilding. But he encouraged them to start, explaining that the Lord had shown him favor by moving the Persian king’s heart to approve the project. Nehemiah’s confidence in God replaced the people’s despair and lethargy with the hope of success and motivation to work diligently.

We have a choice: Either settle into disappointment and accept our discouragement or—like Nehemiah—focus on the Lord, who is greater than any problem facing us. Although obstacles and disappointments may remain, God’s Word shifts our hope to His promises, good purposes, proven faithfulness, and sufficiency . With His strength, we can persevere. Romans 15:4 “For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope”.

Nehemiah 2:11-20

11 So I came to Jerusalem and was there three days. 12 And I arose in the night, I and a few men with me. I did not tell anyone what my God was putting into my mind to do for Jerusalem and there was no animal with me except the animal on which I was riding.  13 So I went out at night by the Valley Gate in the direction of the Dragon’s Well and on to the Refuse Gate, inspecting the walls of Jerusalem which were broken down and its gates which were consumed by fire. 14 Then I passed on to the Fountain Gate and the King’s Pool, but there was no place for my mount to pass. 15 So I went up at night by the ravine and inspected the wall. Then I entered the Valley Gate again and returned. 16 The officials did not know where I had gone or what I had done; nor had I as yet told the Jews, the priests, the nobles, the officials or the rest who did the work. 17 Then I said to them, You see the bad situation we are in, that Jerusalem is desolate and its gates burned by fire. Come, let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem so that we will no longer be a reproach.” 18 I told them how the hand of my God had been favorable to me and also about the king’s words which he had spoken to me. Then they said, Let us arise and build.” So they put their hands to the good work. 19 But when Sanballat the Horonite and Tobiah the Ammonite official, and Geshem the Arab heard it, they mocked us and despised us and said, What is this thing you are doing? Are you rebelling against the king?” 20 So I answered them and said to them, The God of heaven will give us success; therefore we His servants will arise and build, but you have no portion, right or memorial in Jerusalem.”

By Dr. Charles Stanley
Used by Permission

FURTHER READING

Alone But Not Lonely

Up from Depression  – Barbara Epp shares her journey with depression and the misconception that Christians shouldn’t get depressed

Struggling with Depression – Merri Ellen Giesbrecht tells her depression story and her story of hope

Dealing with Despair

Follow Us On:  Facebook  • Twitter  •  Instagram  •  Pinterest<a/a>

The post Dealing with Discouragement appeared first on Thoughts About God.

May we all become victorious over despair and disappointment by trusting in and depending on Him.

“And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28

Many people view discouragement and disappointment as the same thing, but there’s a slight difference. Disappointment is an emotional response to a failed expectation, whereas discouragement, or despair, usually comes from prolonged disillusionment or continued hardship.

Since we cannot experience perfect success in a fallen world or keep ourselves from suffering, there’s no way to avoid all disappointments in life. However, we don’t have to yield to discouragement. With the right perspective of God and His sovereignty over us, we can avoid feelings of despair. When He, in His providence, allows failure and disappointment, it is part of His perfect plan, and He promises to use it for good “And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.

If our confidence is in ourselves and what we can accomplish, we will always be disappointed. The only true remedy for discouragement is to put our hope in God. He alone can give us the courage to persevere, but we must be willing to look beyond the immediate to the eternal.

The Lord wants us to succeed but not necessarily in our self-reliant endeavours.

Instead, may we all become victorious over despair and disappointment by trusting in and depending on Him.

By Dr. Charles Stanley
Used by Permission

Further Reading

•   Dealing with Inner Turmoil

•  A Study on the Heart of God by Sylvia Gunter (Alphabet)

•  Salvation Explained

Follow Us On:  Facebook  • Twitter  •  Instagram  •  Pinterest

The post Turning From Discouragement appeared first on Thoughts About God.

“Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise Him again — my Savior and my God!” Psalm 42:11 (NLT)

When your heart has been shattered, it’s hard to make sense of all the broken pieces.

You cry out, wondering when the pain will end, when the heartaches will disappear. You have done all you can do, but relief seems so far away.

Today, take your eyes off the pain and look above. Hope lies in the beauty of every new day that is given. Take comfort in knowing that God allows new beginnings. Each day is a day for His grace to overshadow your painful past. It’s a day that leads to a better tomorrow.

You have been given a second chance at life, a second chance at love. It is in these moments when God’s hand is evident. He is able to mend the broken pieces and give you beauty for ashes. He is able to wipe away every tear that you shed and give you new life.

Will you choose to see His love through the pain of your yesterday? Or will you allow Him to open your eyes to the joys that surround you? It may seem as though your world is falling apart, but to God, it may just be falling into place. Nothing we encounter takes Him by surprise. In exchange for the broken pieces, He gives us renewed hope, a greater strength, and an abundance of His peace.

Lord, I pray for my brothers and sisters who have been struggling with broken relationships, broken dreams, or a broken heart. You see them and You are very aware of what they’re going through. I ask that You will minister healing and wholeness to them right now and allow them to see a glimpse of hope. You are the lover of their souls and You have their best interest at heart. I thank You for restoration. I thank You for renewed hope. In Jesus’ name, amen.

By Mary Pinckney
Used by Permission

Further Reading

•  Whatever You Do...
•  Who Will You Fight For?
•  Salvation Explained

The post You Can Hope Again appeared first on Thoughts About God.

“Put your hope in the Lord both now and forever.”  Psalm 131:3

 Discouragement is something we’ve all felt. When life disappoints and everything around us seems to go awry, we often lose the very thing that is meant to keep us protected, make us stronger, and ultimately draw us closer to God.

Hope.

When we lose hope, we are essentially cutting ourselves off from God, telling Him that He’s not big enough for our situation. We head down a road of utter despair.

For 13 years, David ran from death and hid in the desert, waiting, in hope, for God to rescue him and fulfill His promise over his life to be made King of Israel. David came out of this trying time a mighty victor, with an inner strength and completely connected to God.

When we have hope, what we are doing is giving God an opportunity to show Himself to us. We’re also giving ourselves the gift of growing stronger in our relationship with Him.

One thing is for sure: while the winds of adversity and turmoil blow around us, God is constant and steadfast. He is with us. And He always shows Himself to us in one way or another.

Sometimes it’s not the way we believe He should, yet it’s always in a way that is for our good.

Knowing the heart of God — His unfailing love, overwhelming grace, and abundant mercy — helps us to live with hope that is undying. A hope that with faith, gives us triumph in life.

 Heavenly Father, I thank You for the reminder that my hope is in You. Today I lay aside all those things that I have in the past put my hope in, and remember that You alone give me all I need and desire. I yearn to be closer to You and to know You more deeply. Help me see Your hand at work in my life so that I may grow in You. Amen. 

By Brigitte Straub
Used by Permission

FURTHER READING

• Hope for the Hopeless
• Good News for You
• Changing Racist Hearts: Can it be done?

Learn more about knowing Jesus at: https://thoughtsaboutgod.com/four-laws/

Follow Us On:

SUBSCRIBE BY EMAIL: FOLLOW THIS LINK

The post An Opportunity and Gift appeared first on Thoughts About God.

Dwell deep. I heard the Lord say. Just as the rains coming down soak deep into the ground, they are yet feeding the soil that brings new life. Therefore, when the rains of life come, dwell deep. New life will come.

And the rains come “on the just and on the unjust.” (Matthew 5:45b NKJV)
Life’s events and heartaches and trials and disappointments and griefs and sorrows and…and all the other stuff happens to every one of us. All that junk-du-jour piles up around and within us, and, unfortunately, we end up pulling a veil of camouflage over the Lord.

He’s hidden. Covered over with dishes, diapers, duties, distractions, dates, dues, debts, discouragements, disillusionments, distresses, and all the other D words you can think of.
We wonder, Where is God? And Jesus whispers to us, Abide in Me. But we dash in and dash out of His precious presence. Not giving Him time to soothe our soul with His words of comfort.

The Lord says to us…
Do not rush into My presence looking at your watch. The busyness of life derails your attention. Let down the wings of your disquieted and busy spirit. Prepare by being still. I will be found in quietness and stillness.

“If My people would take time to be with Me, they would hear those soothing words of comfort and guidance for which they so desperately yearn. Therefore, be still and know.”
But we’re in a hurry and we don’t sit still. So, again we wonder, “Where is God my Maker, who gives songs in the night?” (Job 35:10 NKJV)

When sleepless nights compel you to toss about and tears dampen your pillow, He draws near and giveth those songs of hope in the night. David sang, “Deep calls unto deep…The Lord will command His loving kindness in the daytime, and in the night His song shall be with me.” (Psalm 42:7-8 NKJV)

To hear those songs, to find that peace, comfort, and joy, dig beneath all the muck. Dig down through it all and dwell deep in your soul. The Lord is there.

Dwell deep under those layers of discouragement, grief, failure, disappointment, hurt, or heartache. Dwell there, and “Do not be in a hurry to leave the king’s presence.”
(Ecclesiastes 8:3 NKJV) No fitful visit, but a real dwelling, a real abiding.

Abide in Me, He whispers. Do you hear Him?

Dwell deep, my precious friend. Oh, dwell deep. The enemy sends his emissaries to harass you, to toss flaming arrows of heartache at you, to steal all that you hold dear. “The thief’s purpose is to steal, kill and destroy.” (John 10:10a TLB)

Just as God told the tribe of Dedan to physically flee their enemy, He tells us spiritually, “Flee, turn back, dwell in the depths.” (Jeremiah 49:8a NKJV) Dwell deep and hide from the enemy.

The Lord is there…dwell deep. Deep down where sweet, intimate fellowship abides, where comfort flows like warm oil of the Spirit.

Dwell deep to gaze upon Him, upon the scarred wounds of His passion, where the reality of the cross pierces the unbelieving heart, “Put your finger here, and look at my hands. Put your hand into the wound in my side. Don’t be faithless any longer. Believe!” (John 20:27 NLT)

Dwell deep to gaze upon His holiness, where the glory-rays of His abundant life spill over into your soul, where He makes the exchange: your fear for His courage, your defeat for His victory, your darkness for His light, your heartbreak for His heart-rest, your storms for His calm, your discouragement for His hope, your helplessness for His rescue, your doubt for His faith, your suffering for His restoration, your loss for His gain, your brokenness for His wholeness.

To dwell deep is to find the Lord and be changed into His likeness. He says, “My purpose is to give life in all its fullness.” (John 10:10b TLB)

“Now go out where it is deeper and let down your nets.” Luke 5:4a TLB

By Lynn Mosher
Used by Permission

Comments: If you don’t see our response form, please go to https://thoughtsaboutgod.com/blog/lynn-mosher_dwell-deep/

Learn more about knowing Jesus at: https://thoughtsaboutgod.com/four-laws/

SUBSCRIBE BY EMAIL: FOLLOW THIS LINK

Follow Us On:

The post Dwell Deep appeared first on Thoughts About God.

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.  — 2 Corinthians 12:9

Thought

When I pray, I often catch myself simply wanting God to do what I want, not necessarily what is best or most expedient for those around me or for the good of the Kingdom. I don’t like to hear that God told Paul that he had asked enough about deliverance from his problem. Instead, Paul needed to learn that God’s gracious strength and mercy were enough to sustain him even in trial. While I know I need to learn this same lesson, it is daunting. I want God to keep things nice and tidy for me. But then I remember I am a follower of Christ. If I am to become like my Savior, then I have to let go of my requirements on God’s answers and open up to God’s work to redeem others through me, no matter the personal cost. Only then can I truly know that his grace is sufficient for me!

Prayer

Patient and loving Shepherd, guard my heart from discouragement in tough times and guard it from arrogance in good times. I know that without you I have nothing that is permanent. Thanks for giving me a permanent, steadfast hope of heaven with you, because of your grace and strength shared with me. In the name of Jesus I pray. Amen.

By Phil Ware

Used by Permission
From: Phil’s daily devotionals on https://www.verseoftheday.com

Comments: If you don’t see our response form, please go to https://thoughtsaboutgod.com/blog/phil-ware_grace-sufficient/

Learn more about knowing Jeasus at: https://thoughtsaboutgod.com/four-laws/

Follow Us On:

The post My Grace is Sufficient appeared first on Thoughts About God.