Take Courage!

We hear so much ‘bad news’ these days through the media and certainly in the UK we are almost driven, and may I add afflicted, by tides of negativity and small-mindedness! This all adds to the uncertainty of our times. With so much to worry about we begin to feel the pangs of stress and anxiety slowly drip feed into our minds and hearts causing us to be distracted and discouraged.

There is no doubt that many things are happening today which give cause for concern and yet these things ought not distract us from keeping our focus on Jesus. How many hearts begin to sink when thinking about the future. How many feel inadequate in their role as parents, children and friends! There are a myriad of things to distract us and yet we are given courage by these words; “…set your hearts on things above…set your minds on things above..” In the Living Bible it reads; “set your sights on the rich treasures and joys of heaven…let heaven fill your thoughts.” It goes on to say; “You should have as little desire for this world as a dead person does.”

Turn your worries into petitions of adoration. Let your heart sing throughout the day love songs to the Lord. When that deadline at work fast approaches thank Him for grace to complete the task. Rejoice and be glad that He is in control. Bring Jesus into every aspect of your life and trust Him for the outcome!

Spurgeon, in one of his classic statements, put it plainly:

“Blessed and fortunate are they who have a simple faith in Jesus Christ, intertwined with deep affection for Him. This is a restful confidence. These lovers of Jesus are charmed with His character and delighted with His mission [instructions]. They are carried along by the loving-kindness that He has manifested. Therefore they cannot help trusting Him because they so much admire, revere, and love Him…”