Tuesday, February 24, 2009

Through Life's Journey

#3
LIFE

Life is a journey we all must make. It has its ups and downs, detours and obstacles, valleys and mountains. For me, in relation to school, every week is more than survival. It is triumph! Knowing that God has already won the victory for you makes the journey easier. Sometimes, things get difficult. You climb one peak and yet another one is before you. You look up and you see many mountains ahead. They look steep. Sometimes, you can't even tell what is ahead. Mist and darkness enshrouds. During such times...

"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path." - Psalm 119: 105

Sometimes, life gets tiring and worrisome. But don't worry, Jesus is there for us!

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." - Matthew 11:28-30

Cast all your cares, worries, burdens and problems on Jesus! He will gladly take them!

"Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you." - 1 Peter 5:7

Also, do not forget to pray! Prayer is probably the most powerful weapon/tool you can use for anything and everything, be it big or small, for God hears them all!

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." - Philippians 4:6

I tend to pray for things not in my control but I feel that we should, like what Philippians 4:6 says, pray for every single thing! Including those things that are in your control or which you think are in your control or which are supposed to be in your control. When praying, pray with belief! Because...

"If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer." - Matthew 21:22

Remember that God is always with you!

"The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged." - Deuteronomy 31:8

Remember always that God has only the best in mind for you!

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." - Jeremiah 29:11

Therefore, knowing and believing in this, we should...

"Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight." - Proverbs 3:5-6

Have you ever felt lacking in anything? Fret not! God is our provider! If we choose to follow Him, He will not only guide us but provide for us!

"The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want." - Psalm 23:1

"And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus." - Philippians 4:19

When Satan comes to taunt you and make a mess of your life, cling fast to God! Always remember that...

"You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world." - 1 John 4:4

Ours is the Almighty God! Therefore, we can go through life in confidence!

"Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me." - Psalm 23:4

Through life's journey, depend on God who is full of love and grace, and who is our faithful God!

"But you, O Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness." - Psalm 86:15

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases
His mercies never come to an end
They are new every morning
New every morning
Great is Thy faithfulness, O Lord
Great is Thy faithfulness

Your grace is sufficient for me
Your strength is made perfect when I am weak
All that I cling to I lay at your feet
Your grace is sufficient for me

Great is Thy faithfulness!
Great is Thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning new mercies I see
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided
Great is Thy faithfulness Lord unto me

When you feel that all is lost, and God doesn't seem to be working or answering your prayers even though you've prayed really hard, remember this:

"We live by faith, not by sight." - 2 Corinthians 5:7

God will make a way
Where there seems to be no way
He works in ways we cannot see
He will make a way for me
He will be my guide
Hold me closely to His side
With love and strength for each new day
He will make a way
He will make a way

Remember how God has been faithful in the past...

"I will remember the deeds of the LORD; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago." - Psalm 77:11

Since God doesn't change, surely He will be faithful again! =)

When life gets tough, have the end in sight! It will be an encouragement to keep going!

"Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him." - James 1:12

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us." - Hebrews 12:1

Knowing this, we can...

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." - James 1:2-4

Finally, in everything...

"Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." - 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

We don't have to thank God for everything that happens, especially the bad stuff. But we can thank Him in everything, knowing that He is always there and our victory is in Him!

I shall end my sharing with a verse from the Psalms. There is absolute truth to what David said!

"Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him and he will do this: He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun." - Psalm 37:5-6

DARYL =)

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

wow daryl! very encouraging and edifying