Message from Scripture: 5/5/2021

 

Our message from Scripture today is Prov. 15:13. “A merry heart makes a cheerful countenance, but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken.”

 

All of us have known the emotions spoken in this passage. Life is filled with experiences that both gladden and sadden, that can cheer as well as depress.  Generally speaking, facing good times is easy. Those times when the heart is sad, when we feel burdened with the trials of everyday living, are what offer us our greatest challenges. When our spirit seems broken, Satan waits to take advantage of our discouragement.

 

Christian living, however, is to fill us with joy and peace, a sense of victory.  Paul encourages us, "But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ" (1 Cor. 15:57).  How can we turn feelings of gloom and depression into an attitude of confidence and victory?  It is an active, growing faith that can turn a spirit of defeat into the promise of victory. “For whatever is born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has overcome the world--our faith” (1 John 5:4). Through an obedient faith (Gal. 3:26-27) we are born of God, and it is by faith that we are kept for salvation (1 Pet. 1:5). Prayer is another avenue of help, as is our fellowship together, both of which help keep our faith focused on the spiritual, and the promises of God, rather than Satan’s deceptions.

 

How do we turn a broken spirit into a joyful, unbeaten spirit?  Perhaps, it's best done by stepping back, looking to God through the eyes of faith, and allowing Him control over our lives.  In Him, we can find purpose and delight for life today, and eternally.  "Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord" (1 Cor. 15:58). Today, lets go out to serve our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. God bless.

 

Robert