DON'T LOSE HOPE

Trust in the LORD with all your 

heart; do not depend on your 

own understanding. Seek his 

will in all you do, and he will 

show you which path to take. 

-- Proverbs 3:5-6

"Don't lose hope" were the words that greeted me when I opened my Daily Truth devotional this morning. "When you are down to nothing, God is up to something so great, you can't even imagine the effects it will have on your life." 

My quiet time today was filled with encouraging reminders and Scriptures.  It was as though the Lord was giving me a much needed pep talk to shake me out of my slump. 

Also from my Daily Truth devotional: "Does everything around you look bleak? This is the perfect time for God to step in and take over." Although He did not promise that life would be a bed of roses, He has promised to carry us through the storm if we put our trust in Him.

When you call to me, I will answer you. I will be with you when you are in trouble. I will save you and honor you. -- Psalm 91:15

Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you. -- Hebrews 13:5b

My Utmost for His Highest devotional spoke to me through the example of Peter (in Matthew 14:29-30), who stepped out of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus, but started to sink when he got distracted by the strong wind and waves (Matthew 14:29-30). It reminded me that no matter how overwhelming my circumstances may seem, God is in control and I have nothing to fear as  long as I keep my gaze on Jesus and my full trust in Him, 

Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God, for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God. -- Psalm 42:11   

Today I choose to look at my problems as opportunities to see God at work. No matter what is going on around me, I will praise Him. The joy of the Lord is my strength (Nehemiah 8:10).