Antidote for Discouragement

Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
Hebrews 12: 1b-3, NIV*

This Easter, what I needed to hear most wasn’t “He is risen” but “nothing can keep Him from coming back.”

I’m tired. There’s an overwhelming amount of pain in the world. Barely any of it is touching me today, but it’s touching plenty of others. And to be honest, the future looks dark and getting darker.

The Last Trumpet might sound awfully good right about now. But it’s not yet time or our ears would be ringing.

There’s still work to do, people to love, mercy to show. How do we keep from “growing weary and losing heart”?

We look at how Jesus did it. He listened closely to the Father, and only did what He saw the Father doing. He knew the Cross was coming, but He stayed in the moment with the people around Him. He didn’t try to carry the pain before its time. When it was time, He kept focused on His ultimate goal.

Father, this world will get worse before You make it better. I’m glad we don’t know how much. And I’m glad we know You and Your promises for the end. Forgive us when we look at the circumstances and get weighted down. Train us to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, our example and our Saviour, and to keep our hearts fixed on You.

Here’s the song that undid me on Good Friday: “Rise Again,” sung here by Dallas Holm.

*THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

2 thoughts on “Antidote for Discouragement

  1. BK Jackson

    Thanks for this. I get very tired too. Of all the problems, of the daily grind and spinning of wheels. It’s very difficult but we have to stay focused on the moment, and most importantly, on the Lord.

    Reply
    1. Janet Sketchley

      Brenda, I’m glad to hear I’m not the only one. This is probably part of why the Bible tells us to keep meeting together and to encourage one another. My friend Stephanie wrote about focus this week, and maybe that’s why it grabbed me so much.

      Reply

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