Victory over life's short comings!
Eccl 2:17,20 17Therefore I hated life because the work that was done under the sun was distressing to me, for all is vanity and grasping for the wind.... 20Therefore I turned my heart and despaired of all the labor in which I had toiled under the sun.
What is despair?
We temporarily lose our perspective and become disoriented and confused.
What are the causes for despair?
- Our own failures
- sin (David – adultery Ps 51)
- failing to keep promises (Peter – wept bitterly , Judas – hung himself)
- wrong focus (Martha – worried too much about hospitality, Peter – began to drown)
- Hitting a dead-end
- deserted by others (Joseph – sold as slave)
- loneliness (Jonah – inside the fish!)
- Talents undermined by others
- we're unappreciated (David – people talked of stoning him! 1 Sam 30:6)
- our good works being unnoticed (Paul – many times by Jews)
- Others Misunderstandings
- not understanding the intentions of heart (David was perceived enemy by Saul)
- unjust accusations (Hanna as drunk while pouring her heart to God!)
- Burn-out – being exhausted (Elijah, Solomon)
Solution: How can we be victorious ?
- Choose to fight: make a decision to come out of despair!
- Focus on the end-result: see beyond the present problem:
- Having the Right Priority – there is no problem but just our focus is wrong
- Trust in God & wait for Him, He is Able!
- Remember God's promises:
- Take the time to rest in silence:
- realize that God’s love for us has nothing to do with our holiness, our purity, how well we did or how badly we sinned. “God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Rom 5:8)
- Claim these promises when you face difficulties.
- It is our privilege to suffer for Christ.
- Encourage each other against despair/discouragements
- Remind ourself that everything is for God's glory in Jesus's name
Lets satan take advantage of us, we're not unaware of his devices! 2 Cor 2:11
Give it to God: Cast your cares on Him, bec. He cares for you! (1 Pet 5:7)
Jesus: “for the joy set before him endured the cross.” (Heb 12:2)
Joseph : 13 years of abuse/discouragement
Remember a “city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God” (Heb 11:10) is waiting for us
“Martha, Martha . . . you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has
chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her” (Luke 10:41–42).
“we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him,” (Rom 8:28)
He'll wipe all our tears – those who moan will be comforted Mt 5 : 4
“The last will be first, and the first will be last” (Mt 20:16).
“I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Mt 28:20).
waiting upon God and putting our hope in the Lord.
Just be silent and take time to meditate.
Isaiah 40:30–31 says, Even youths grow tired and utterly fall, but those who wait
“He will not leave you; nor forsake you” (Deu 31:6, 8).
“I can do everything through him who gives me strength” (Phil 4:13).
Heb 12:3 consider him who “consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart”
Rom 8:17 and if children, then heirs; heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.
“But, David encouraged himself in the Lord his God” (1 Samuel 30:6)
Don’t be a loner: have fellowships and meet with believers
pray with someone in distress
whatever you do in word or deed, do in Jesus's name …. (Col 3:17)
Keep doing the right thing, not for recognition or praise from others or so you can feel good about yourself.
Do everything for Him. (Col 3:23)
To Conclude:
When trials comes God delivers in His time, if not yet He wants us learn something from it. Have faith like Daniel's & his friends: 16Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego answered and said to the king, "O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. 17"If that is the case, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us from your hand, O king. 18"But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we do not serve your gods, nor will we worship the gold image which you have set up." (Dan 3:16-18)
The desire of the righteous will be granted & even in a whirlwind, when wicked perishes the righteous has an everlasting foundation ! (Pro 10:24-25)
Meditation:
- What is the reason for feeling despair if any in my life?
- Which steps can I take to have victory in those areas?
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