Devotionals

Cheer for the Soul

by Jennifer Woodley 
02/12/21
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‘When the cares of my heart are many, your consolations cheer my soul.’ Psalm 94:19 (NRSV)

Sometimes we are our own worst enemy. We heedlessly sabotage the good work and strong faith that is growing in our lives with perilous thoughts and concerns. Perhaps you have been there. Unnecessary, unhealthy and unhelpful thinking creeps in slowly insidiously interfering and undermining the renewing of our mind to become more like Christ. And before we know it, our joy and peace have gone.

It takes courage and strength of spirit to stay focussed on what is good and praiseworthy and true. It takes self-discipline to keep reminding ourselves what Christ has done and will do. And it takes intentional practice to stay in His word and allow the consolations of scripture to cheer our soul and re-establish the reign of joy and peace within us. For some of us, in those certain times when our thoughts are straying far from the promises of God, we need extra vigilance in reading the Word and praying for God’s help and strength. A quick call to God for His help will not do.

Paul spoke with force when he reminded us to train and discipline ourselves towards godliness (1 Timothy 4:7-10) and it is no different in the practice of renewing our mind to think like Christ and believe His promises. No success comes overnight, but through constant diligent practice. Let us gird up our thought life and consider what is helpful, what is hopeful and what is honouring to Christ. And each day allow His promises to flood our mind and turn world-weary souls into places of cheer and refreshing.