Imagine Your Victory Freedom Pages

“Lord today we thank you for the sunflower that grows toward the sun, may it remind us to turn toward You and grow in Your Word.”

Deuteronomy 31: 8 The Lord , himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”

Moses had a bad day.  He found out that the prize of the promised land was within reach, but he would not receive it.  Though he was heartbroken,  he turned to his successor Joshua, and encouraged him.  He said, “The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you;  He will never leave you nor forsake you.  Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”  

In our sorrow and our moments of heartbreak, what do we do?  Do we get stuck in what we did not receive?  Do we complain about how we were treated?  Do we turn to a neighbor and relive the entire incident over and over and over again?  Do we think about it incessantly?  Do we moan and groan and look for sympathy or pity from others? What do you do? How do you handle bad news?  How do you handle grief or depression? We have to remember that we serve a good God who will reveal to us His goodness, even in seemingly heartbreaking situations.  Have you asked Him to show you His goodness?  Have you looked for it? Rick Warren tweeted, “On bad days look to your good God.” Make it a habit!

Moses turned to Joshua and encouraged him in the presence of the people of Israel.  In your moment of despair can you find the strength to turn to the Lord? Even in your pain and hurt can your build up someone else?    Can you remind yourself of that powerful truth in Romans 8:28, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who[a] have been called according to his purpose?”  In the face of bad news, or face of despair be attentive to God’s presence, and out of the comfort of the Holy Spirit, extend that comfort and confidence to another. 

PRAYER:

Lord today we thank you for the sunflower that grows toward the sun, may it remind us to turn toward You and grow in Your Word.  Lord we thank You for sharing Your heart with us through your Word, that even in despair you are close to us and you lift us up.  Your Word tells us to , “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”  We embrace Your will, even when our hearts our broken.  May we lift up and encourage each other, while casting our cares on You alone.  Thank you for your loving kindness.  Teach us how to look to you in the face of bad news. 

In Jesus Name We pray.  Amen

REFLECTION:

When has God helped you to encourage someone else?  How has someone else encouraged you?

(Please leave a comment to encourage others as we grow together towards the SON.)