by leaps and bounds

In our journey of drawing closer to God, we will face times when we feel down. Feeling down can be caused by setbacks, trials, or hopes not met. It can be very heavy on our hearts and minds. But even when things are at their worst, the Bible gives us direction, comfort, and hope. Let’s dive into our Bible to learn how to get stronger and start over when things are hard.

Scripture Reading: 

Psalm 42:5-6 (NIV) “Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God. My soul is downcast within me; therefore, I will remember you from the land of the Jordan, the heights of Hermon—from Mount Mizar.”

Reflection:  

In this passage, the psalmist candidly expresses the turmoil of his soul. He acknowledges his feelings of discouragement and distress. Yet, amidst his struggles, he turns to God, recognizing Him as the source of hope and salvation. Despite the heaviness of his heart, he chooses to remember God’s faithfulness.

Thoughts: 

Discouragement often blinds us to the truth of God’s promises. It clouds our vision, making it difficult to see beyond our present circumstances. Yet, like the psalmist, we are called to redirect our focus. Instead of dwelling on our troubles, let us fix our eyes on God’s unwavering love and faithfulness.

When discouragement weighs us down, we can find strength by:

Remembering God’s Faithfulness: Reflect on past instances where God has proven Himself faithful in your life. Recall His promises and the ways He has delivered you from adversity.

Seeking God in Prayer: Pour out your heart to God in prayer. Share your burdens, fears, and struggles with Him, knowing that He cares deeply for you.

Finding Encouragement in Scripture: Turn to the Word of God for comfort and guidance. Allow Scripture to speak truth into your situation and remind you of God’s steadfast love.

Leaning on the Support of Others: Surround yourself with fellow believers who can offer support, encouragement, and prayers during difficult times.

Choosing Gratitude: Cultivate a spirit of gratitude, even in the midst of trials. Focus on the blessings in your life, no matter how small, and give thanks to God for His goodness.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, in moments of discouragement, help us to fix our eyes on You. Remind us of Your unfailing love and faithfulness. Strengthen us by Your Spirit and renew our hope in You. May we find comfort in Your presence and joy in Your promises. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Closing:

As we navigate the challenges of life, may we cling to the hope found in God’s Word. Though discouragement may come, it does not have the final say. In Christ, we have the assurance of victory and the promise of abundant life. Let us, therefore, hold fast to our faith, trusting that God is with us every step of the way.

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Jason Fay is a devoted Christian writer, musician, and blogger residing in the Scenic state of West Virginia alongside his cherished wife and three beautiful daughters. With a heart ablaze for the Gospel and a passion for inspiring others in their journey of faith, Jason pours his creativity and conviction into crafting impactful devotionals, insightful blog posts, and soul-stirring Christian music.

Armed with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Jason brings a unique blend of business acumen and spiritual insight to his work, striving to bridge the gap between everyday life and eternal truths. His writings reflect a deep commitment to sharing the transformative power of God’s love and grace, offering encouragement, guidance, and hope to all who seek to deepen their relationship with Christ.

In addition to his writing and music endeavors, Jason is an active member of Arise Ministries, where he finds community, support, and opportunities to serve alongside fellow believers. Through his involvement with Arise Ministries, Jason continues to grow in his faith and extend the love of Christ to those in need. Whether through the gentle melodies of his music, the thought-provoking words of his blog, or the profound reflections found in his devotionals, Jason Fay endeavors to uplift and edify individuals on their spiritual journey, pointing them towards the boundless joy and fulfillment found in a life surrendered to Jesus Christ. Join him on this journey of faith as together, we grow in grace and embrace the abundant life that God has promised.