Do you ever feel that serving the Lord just isn’t worth it? I sometimes feel that way. It’s almost as if the Devil is sitting right beside me, whispering discouraging comments in my ear. “Why do you dress that way? What good does that do? Why don’t you listen to that type of music…c’mon. It’ll make you feel good. Why don’t you ever get to go do that! Oh, I know why! It’s because you don’t make enough money to do that. You’re in the ministry. Don’t ya ever get tired of the ministry? Why don’t you take a break from it!” Before I know it, I’m discontented and unhappy and wishing my life were different.
The Holy Spirit nudges me and reminds me that of course, the Devil is lying. He wants me to give up on the Lord. He doesn’t want any more souls saved, and he doesn’t want me living a separated Christian life. It’s important that I live a separated life, not because I’m so special, but because a Christian should be easily identified. If someone is in trouble, they need to just be able to look around and see a loving face and life lived differently to know who might be able to help them. The help a Christian offers to someone is Jesus. A Christian should be able to point others to Christ. After all, He isn’t a temporary solution, His help lasts for eternity.
Today in my Bible reading, the Lord really encouraged me to keep going, even when defeat is lurking around every corner. I don’t feel like I’m making much of a difference for the Lord here, but then, feelings aren’t very reliable. Only the Lord truly knows the difference that you and I might be making for His cause. I can’t quit, I must keep going. I can’t keep going without the help of the Lord, though. He is my very best friend.
Here is what the Lord said to me today from Proverbs 15:
1. I was reminded that the Lord sees the good and the bad.
The eyes of the LORD are in every place, beholding the evil and the good. (vs. 3)
2. I was reminded that when you live right, you enjoy lasting treasure. The wicked, or those who are “morally wrong”, only reap trouble.
In the house of the righteous is much treasure: but in the revenues of the wicked is trouble. (vs.6)
3. I was reminded that no matter what “show” the wicked put on for the Lord, it means nothing to the Him. A righteous lady need only to pray to please him.
The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD: but the prayer of the upright is his delight. (vs.8)
4. I was reminded that I don’t serve the Lord to please me, but I do out out of a heart full of love to please the One who died for me.
The way of the wicked is an abomination unto the LORD: but he loveth him that followeth after righteousness. (vs.9)
5. I was reminded that happiness is often a choice. I can choose to look at my circumstances and be unhappy, or I can choose to look at my future in Heaven and rejoice!
All the days of the afflicted are evil: but he that is of a merry heart hath a continual feast. (vs.15)
6. I was reminded that it is better to fear the Lord than have many material goods.
Better is little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure and trouble therewith. (vs.16)
7. I was reminded of the love of my husband and children. I’ll take that over a steak dinner any day of the week!
Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, than a stalled ox and hatred therewith.
(vs. 17)
8. I was reminded that greed (this means discontentment or covetousness) will only cause me trouble!
He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house; but he that hateth gifts shall live. (vs. 27)
9. Lastly, (I heard you say “oh good!”! ;] )I was reminded that I have the Lord with me at all times. That’s something the wicked do not have.
The LORD is far from the wicked: but he heareth the prayer of the righteous. (vs.29)
The Lord is not just “in the vicinity” or “somewhere close”, but He’s right here, right now. He was with me while the Devil was working me over. He was with me as I went to bed last night, discouraged and sad. And even better, He was waiting here this morning, in our meeting place, ready to help me today. He had prepared a meal for me, just like He did for Elijah and the disciples. He did that for me! He was waiting for me to get here so He could serve it. I’m so glad I showed up! :]
I hate it when I let Him down, and I do it quite frequently. I’m so thankful that He tenderly guides me and teaches me and all the while, He never stops loving me.
I believe I’ll keep going today.
So many Christians (myself included) try to keep going in our own power, and that is futile. We need the help of the dear Lord Jesus to uphold us and fight our battles for us. I want to let Him do that!
He’s that older brother, ready to protect you.
He’s that friend, ready to listen.
He’s that support, ready to encourage you.
He’s that guide, waiting to lead you.
He’s that teacher, who lovingly shows you the way.
He’s the Savior, who gave His all for you.
He’s everything I need.