A Timely Poem

After the post from earlier this week, this poem came to my inbox from JesusLifeTogether.com

I refuse to be discouraged,

To be sad, or to cry;

I refuse to be downhearted,

And here’s the reason why:

I have a God who’s mighty,

Who’s sovereign and supreme;

I have a God who loves me,

And I am on His team.

He is all-wise and powerful.

Jesus is His name;

Though everything is changeable,

My God remains the same.

My God knows all that’s happening;

Beginning to the end;

His presence is my comfort;

He is my dearest Friend.

When sickness comes to weaken me,

To bring my head down low,

I call upon my mighty God;

Into His arms I go.

When circumstances threaten

To rob me of my peace;

He draws me close unto His breast,

Where all my strivings cease.

When my heart melts within me,

And weakness takes control;

He gathers me into His arms,

He soothes my heart and soul.

The great “I AM” is with me,

My life is in His hand;

The “Son of the Lord” is my hope,

It’s in His strength I stand.
 

I refuse to be defeated,

My eyes are on my God;

He has promised to be with me,

As through this life I trod.

I’m looking past all my circumstances,

To Heaven’s throne above;

My prayers have reached the heart of God,

I’m resting in His love.

I give God thanks in everything.

My eyes are on His face;

The battle’s His, the victory mine;

He’ll help me win the race.

Fighting Discouragement

Have you ever had one of those weeks that just keeps on giving? You know the kind that seems continue to kick you in the backside? I feel like I've had one of those weeks (or two, or three). 

The good thing is that my faith is unshaken, but I have just been feeling beat up. Pummeled by my failures as a husband, father and pastor.

All of my efforts in these areas seem to be producing no immediate fruit. And for a man who likes instant gratification, it's difficult to wait it out. I want to see results!

But another power is at work too... that is the powers in the unseen world. The powers that battle to see discouragement in the lives of those doing, praying and serving in God's Kingdom...

And, yet, God tells Joshua to be strong and courageous... do not fear for I will be with you wherever you go. I will go before you into the promised land...

What's interesting is that military campaign took a lot of time. It didn't happen overnight... it happened over time.

So I had a good gut check this week... although I felt sorry for myself, God reminded me that He is for me. He is going before me. He is fighting the battles. He's the one that is able.

So what am I worried about? What am I discouraged about? Is my strength dependent on the circumstances around me or the God who fights for me?

Thank you, Lord for the reminder that you are big enough to handle my discouragement. Forgive me for putting myself in a place where I think I can do it all. Thank you for helping me see the big picture and that you do care. Thank you that you are fighting for me, my family, my church and my community. Forgive be for being arrogant to think that I could produce results. You are the only one who can produce the results I am looking for. May I submit to your leadership, your wisdom, and your strength. And, thank you for the things you ARE doing in my family, in my church and in my community. And, thank you for breaking this spirit of discouragement. You are conquering the places in my heart that I haven't surrendered. May I have a willing spirit to let you continue.