4 november 2016

“i would have despaired UNLESS i had believed i would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.”  psalm 27:13

there are days it feels like something is after me.  pursuing me.  trying to drag me away.

despair.

look around.  there is much reason to despair.

no, i am not going to list it all, for fear we may despair over being despaired.

instead, i am resolute.

i will not let these eyes be distracted away from the goodness of the Lord.

i will not be lured into the land of the dead.

i am intentional.

i will see, acknowledge, and dwell in the land of the living.

THE LIVING.

because God promises life.  joy.  peace.  faithfulness.  strength.  deliverance.  reward.

what is attacking you in the land of the living today?   what strategy is despair using?

is your body sick?  your mind confused?  is your soul plagued with fear?  are you counting down the minutes for the doctor’s test results?  are you battling addiction?

are you struggling through a lost job, relationship, an estranged child?   trying to stay the course through a difficult marriage?  weary from care-taking?

are you in line at the bank, wondering how to make it all work this month?  are you spending the day in an ICU waiting room?   or scheduling another conference with your child’s teacher?

don’t know how to pray?  battling intense loneliness?  temptation?  self-hatred?

what is despair using to make you its captive?

stop.  right now.

read the scripture again.

“i would have despaired UNLESS I HAD BELIEVED i would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.”

it’s a choice.

believe your God.

and if you’re struggling with unbelief, tell God.

He can take it.  He already knows anyway.

“Lord, I believe.  help my unbelief.”  (mark 9:24)

despair will not give up.  will not give in.  will not let go.

stay in the battle.  engage the armor God has already given you….

truth.  righteousness.  the gospel of peace.  the shield of faith.  the helmet of salvation.  the sword of the Spirit.  prayer.

be intentional about learning, knowing, and believing the words of God.

read them, speak them, sing them, pray them, share them.

see the goodness of the Lord.

plant yourself in the land of the living.

from the inside out.