BE ENCOURAGED: AN INTRODUCTION
‘Nobody loves me.' ‘Who cares for me?' Too many lament desperately. Yes, we all face such depressing, anxious moments.
Yes, it is a true fact: we can survive with out food and water for few days, we may live on without air for few minutes but with out love and acceptance we can not live even for a moment. There is no other desperate state in one's life than the feeling that ‘I have no one to love, care and accept.'
Be confident, there is hope. There is someone to care for us, loves us so much, what ever may be our state. God almighty who created us loves us so much in spite of our weaknesses and sins.
The Bible says, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son. That whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” John 3:16
Though God is a Holy and Just God who is angry at evil, He does have love and sympathy for the fallen man. He is merciful and compassionate. He has no pleasure in the death of the wicked. He wants us to enjoy life and live.
He understands our state very well that we are just dust. The Lord graciously looks upon man kind to help, save and strengthen him. Yes, He has stretched out His hands to call upon you and me to return to Him.
Listen to what prophet Isaiah says, “The Lord will wait, that He may be gracious to you; and therefore He will be exalted, that He may have mercy on you. For the LORD is a God of justice. Blessed are all those who wait for Him.” Isaiah 30:18.
Though the Jewish people rebelled against God and reaping the consequences, He is calling upon them to repent and return to Him. V. 15, 16. Then Isaiah reminds them that God is waiting.
What a mercy, He is waiting patiently waiting for us to come back to Him so that He may show grace and mercy on us.
The Bible has plenty of such comforting words from the Lord. Especially the book of Psalms is filled with such thoughts that can reinforce our confidence and faith in the Lord.
We need to consider such comforting scripture portions and topics and see how it affects us in our practical life. We will find out that the word of God has answers on love, peace, confidence and acceptance.
Then, it is a big loss to neglect such wonderful messages found in the scripture and live in depression. Let us go to the word of God, read it, meditate it. That can revive our heart and strengthen our mind.
“Why are you cast down, O my soul? Any why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him for the help of His countenance.” Psa.42:5
“When I remember You on my bed, I meditate on You in the night watches.
Because You have been my help, therefore in the shadow of Your wings I will rejoice.
My soul follows close behind You; Your right hand upholds me.” Psa.63:5--7
By Nelson Thomas
