I Wish I Had Said That

Sometimes, after I have had a conversation with someone, I wish that I had said something different than what I did say. Often, I regret saying something or speaking in the wrong tone or with the wrong attitude. Other times, I am disappointed that I didn’t say something to the other person that might have encouraged them. I wonder how people feel after they have spoken with me. I want them to be encouraged and blessed by our interaction.

Hebrews 10:24-25 says, “Think of ways to encourage one another to outbursts of love and good deeds. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage and warn each other, especially now that the day of his coming back again is drawing near.” Our speech and conversations should inspire others to “outbursts” of love and good deeds. Spend your time with other people encouraging them, not tearing them down. Break the cycle of criticism in our culture and let’s see what a world of difference that will make in our society. We have God and His Word as examples of encouragement and its impact upon our lives.

Hardest Stuggles

Oftentimes our hardest struggles are those within us. Most of us are working to improve our character, but constantly fighting internal battles over anger, pride, lust, greed, and self-centeredness. Sometimes we are strong, but mostly we find that we are weak. Who can help us with our desire to grow and improve?

Hebrews 4:15-16 says, “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” Jesus understands and sympathizes with our weaknesses. Therefore, we can go to Him with full confidence when we need mercy for our failures and grace to help us through our struggles.

Guarded Steps

This morning I took a long walk before dawn. I had to be careful because of the darkness and because I was walking in unfamiliar territory. I usually sort of shuffle my feet so that it is easy for me to trip over a small obstacle. Today, I guarded my steps and carefully moved forward, reaching my destination without a trip.

I Samuel 2:9 says, “He will guard the feet of his faithful ones, but the wicked shall be cut off in darkness, for not by might shall a man prevail.” Faithfully follow Jesus and your steps will be secure. Walk otherwise and you will be walking in darkness where you may stumble and fall.

Waiting Room

As I get older, I find myself in the waiting rooms of doctors more and more. For me it is not a pleasant place. Besides dealing with whatever ailment I have come for, I have to be in a room with strangers. For an introvert like me that is difficult. I tend to look around the room and decide in my imagination what each person is afflicted with. Then I begin to hope that I will be called into the exam room before I get infected by them. The waiting room can be a place of much self-centered thought for me.

Psalm 27:14 says, “Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord.” Sometimes God will put us in His waiting room to build our character and trust in Him. His waiting room can be uncomfortable for us as God is working on us while also working to answer our prayers. It is not that God is unable to answer our prayers immediately, but He needs to prepare us for the answer. God’s waiting room is also His exam room, where He is removing the illnesses of doubt, fear, selfishness, and pride so that He can implant His love, grace and mercy.

Uncertainty

We are surrounded by uncertainty and confusion. The political scene constantly provides drama and chaos. Financial uncertainty abounds with inflation and debt rising. Social interactions have become treacherous with insecurities and offenses. Fear wants to grab hold of us around every corner.

God holds us in His hands and His plans for those of us who trust Him and His plans for us. cannot be thwarted, so be strong and of good courage.

Psalm 27:1 says, “The Lord is my light and my salvation, so why should I be afraid? The Lord protects me from danger, so why should I tremble?”

Prayer is the path to courage and the power to keep fear from overwhelming us.