"In the world you shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer: I have overcome the world." John 16:33
Every day, we are surrounded by bad news coming in from all directions. It is commonplace to become discouraged. When this happens, we lose confidence in ourselves and in others. Even God seems far off. Finally, thinking too much about ourselves and the conditions in the world often lead to depression.
More than ever before, we need to hear Jesus’ message of encouragement, “Be of good cheer.”
In the Bible we find two cures for discouragement.
First, we are to lift our thoughts and prayers toward God. We gain faith in His wisdom, power, and purpose. This is the victory which gives us the power to overcome the world and all its evil forces. When we open our hearts to God’s Son, He brings us cheer amid our doubts and discouragements. We realize that after His apparent defeat on the cross, He won a glorious victory for us in the Resurrection.
The second cure is in finding something worthwhile to do. When Paul was discouraged in his cell in Jerusalem. God said, “Be of good cheer,” and sent him to Rome for a new mission. In the upper room Jesus told His disciples to be of good cheer because He had overcome the world, and then sent them forth to win new victories for Him in the world. Our faith in Christ, who conquered sin, death, and all evil, gives us total victory over our world. Abiding in Christ gives us life, joy, and peace. As a result we become people of good cheer.
Today's Prayer
Father in heaven, may the Spirit of Christ give us courage for today, strength for our burdens, and such faith in You that we may have good cheer in our hearts and victory over all forces of this world. We pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Every day, we are surrounded by bad news coming in from all directions. It is commonplace to become discouraged. When this happens, we lose confidence in ourselves and in others. Even God seems far off. Finally, thinking too much about ourselves and the conditions in the world often lead to depression.
More than ever before, we need to hear Jesus’ message of encouragement, “Be of good cheer.”
In the Bible we find two cures for discouragement.
First, we are to lift our thoughts and prayers toward God. We gain faith in His wisdom, power, and purpose. This is the victory which gives us the power to overcome the world and all its evil forces. When we open our hearts to God’s Son, He brings us cheer amid our doubts and discouragements. We realize that after His apparent defeat on the cross, He won a glorious victory for us in the Resurrection.
The second cure is in finding something worthwhile to do. When Paul was discouraged in his cell in Jerusalem. God said, “Be of good cheer,” and sent him to Rome for a new mission. In the upper room Jesus told His disciples to be of good cheer because He had overcome the world, and then sent them forth to win new victories for Him in the world. Our faith in Christ, who conquered sin, death, and all evil, gives us total victory over our world. Abiding in Christ gives us life, joy, and peace. As a result we become people of good cheer.
Today's Prayer
Father in heaven, may the Spirit of Christ give us courage for today, strength for our burdens, and such faith in You that we may have good cheer in our hearts and victory over all forces of this world. We pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
