Discouragement vs Hope

Spring is in the air. At least the calendar says so.  Here in the Northern States, it still feels like winter. We actually had some snow this last week. That alone can be discouraging.  But this time of the year we usually have a little more bounce in our step.  We are ready to be outside in the warm sunshine, enjoying the beauty God has given us.  It just is a little late this year.
We have had a long hard winter. And add the corona virus to that. All of this can very easily discourage us, bring on depression, sadness, and irritability.  But we have a choice.
We can choose to dwell on God’s Word, concentrate on His promises to us.  The joy of the Lord is my strength.  The Scriptures are full of this reminder to us. I encourage you, grab ahold of that promise, hang on tight to it, and allow the Lord Jesus to help you out of your discouragement, and receive His joy into your life.
I totally understand how discouragement can pull you down.  Winter is hard for me, physically.  Even before the corona virus I had to quarantine myself from the bad flu season we had.  There were days when I didn’t think I’d be victorious with my “attitude”. It was a struggle. But I clung to God’s promises, and His Word. I continued to do my devotions everyday. And mostly, I prayed. And prayed some more.
Psalms 18:1-2
“I love You, Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer, my God, my mountain where I seek refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.”
‭‭Whatever it is you struggle with, no matter how hard it is, God is still greater, and He always will be.
He loves you, and me, more than we can imagine. He will never leave your side. He always has the answer. And that answer is for our own good. That answer brings us freedom, peace, deliverance, health, prosperity, victory, and love.
Jesus paid the ultimate price for us, death. He fought the war of all wars, for us. He came from that war victorious. He defeated the enemy, the devil. Because of that we have victory over our battles.  We can walk with our heads held high, knowing Jesus already fought that war for us.
So we must continue to walk with Him, read His word, dwell in His word (live in His word), pray to Him everyday. Talk with Him. Soak up His love.  Ask Jesus to fill you with His Holy Spirit, so that you can have the discernment, wisdom, and knowledge needed to walk victoriously.

I pray for you faithful readers, that you have that peace Jesus has for you.  I pray you can walk in the victory He has for you.  And know that He loves you most of all.