Encouragement

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Often times in life we don't get what we want. When that happens, I like many others, get a case of the "Three D's". Discouraged, Disappointed and Depressed. I know that is the wrong response.

I can get like a spoiled child. I take for granted all the blessings God HAS been giving me and just expect that I should keep on getting what I want. When I don't, I throw my inner temper tantrum.

When I do that, I make my situation worse and get even more discouraged. It turns into a vicious cycle. What a spoiled brat I can be! The worst part is, that this behavior of mine can show a lack of trust and faith in Gods' plan for me.

God knows what I need. He also knows what I WANT. That's where the conflict can come. If God gave me the things I WANT all the time, I'd probably be in a world of hurt. But He gives me what He knows I NEED. Yes, there are times when He gives me a desire and want when he knows I'll be a good steward over it and not let it "go to my head".

I certainly have no right to wallow in my self pity when I don't get my way. A friend of mine always says "don't sit on your pity pot; it leaves a ring". The bible says we are to cast our burden upon the Lord, and He will sustain us. One of the biggest problems with casting our burden on Him is that we often go back and pick it back up. We don't just leave it in His competent hands. Like we could do a better job handling it than the Lord. NOT.

When our disappoints get us down, we need to let the Lord lift us up. Sorrow may last a night, but joy comes in the morning! God; being the best possible Father, loves us and cares for us more than we can fathom. He will not leave us hanging. We need to put our trust in Him and know that He wants only the very best for us; His children. I believe that often times he allows situations to arise that do test our faith. We can either grow from those, or we can let them get us so down that we feel hopeless. But if we keep releasing our disappointments to Him, He is faithful to sustain us.

Don't let the downers in your life be what overwhelms you, let the uppers of God's love be what drives you. Let your faith be your anchor and you will never sink.

copyright 2004 Pastor Brenda Libby

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