It’s a sad day when one of my creations decides that life is not worth the living, that things are just too difficult. My heart weeps for any of my sons or daughters who make such a decision. The sorrow is that it is indeed the wrong decision. You murmur and complain and fall into depression because you have believed the lie that things are not going to get better. They are going to continue as they are now- forever, so what’s the use of living? But the truth is, things do change. Situations do change. Even your attitude towards the situation you find yourself in changes.
How then can you tell when that little voice of conscience is of God or of the enemy? Here’s the answer: when the voice is positive, encouraging, faith building; then it is of me. When the voice is critical, negative, or causes you to be discontent, bitter, or discouraged; that voice is not of me and you must reject it and resist it with all your heart, mind and spirit. Life is what you make of it. Even an aged Pope suffering with Alzheimer can be a good example of suffering graciously.
Life is sacred. People do not want to hear that in today’s secular, materialistic world. They want the freedom to act as they wish, pushing my old traditional guidelines to the wind. They just want to Do It! But life is not something you should take for granted and each life affects many more. You are just passing through this life. It is indeed very short and will soon be gone. Enjoy it! Instead of thinking and worrying about your own personal situation get busy helping others. It’s therapeutic. Forget your own dam self, of course, you have problems and are a hell of a mess. Everyone is.
Put your eyes on me, Jesus, the author and finisher of your faith.[1] I have promised to be with you through all your tribulations. Even the one you are going through now. You can make it, if you call upon me. Like I said to my disciples, “Come unto me all ye that are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest,” or as in the Spanish translation, “make you rest.” “Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly of heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”[2]
I have promised that all things that happen unto you I will convert to good, if you will only love me with all your heart.[3] Nothing can separate you from me.[4] Therefore, when the enemy of your soul tempts you to get down and discouraged and you hear that little voice telling you to end it all, call upon me with all your heart. I promise I will come running and I will be with you.[5] Your future is as bright as the promises of God. Comfort yourself by reading my word. Strengthen yourself by listening to encouraging music that is positive, uplifting and reminds you of my promises. There are many good Christian hymns or positive secular songs that can bring you the encouragement that you need.
Be positive. Speak positive. Sing, praise and shout the victory and it will be yours as you draw nigh to me. Do not just sit there and be inactive. Do something. You will not be sorry if you keep on keeping on. Anything wonderful can happen in that little moment of time when you do not give up, when you do not quit. Keep on believing. You will be glad you trusted me tomorrow and so will your loved ones. Keep your eyes on me, not the pit of discouragement. I promise you, I will not fail you nor forsake you.[6] Nothing can or will be able to separate you from my love.[7] I love you. Just meditate on that truth and that alone should help you to fight to live another day. You are needed, right where you are. Do not quit. You will indeed be glad you trusted me, tomorrow! You can remember the words I inspired and were made famous by Charlie Chaplin in the song “Smile.”
Smile though your heart is aching
Smile even though it's breaking.
When there are clouds in the sky
you'll get by.
If you smile through your fear and sorrow
Smile and maybe tomorrow
You'll see the sun come shining through
For you.
Light up your face with gladness,
Hide every trace of sadness.
Although a tear may be ever so near
That's the time you must keep on trying
Smile, what's the use of crying.
You'll find that life is still worthwhile-
If you just smile.
That's the time you must keep on trying
Smile, what's the use of crying.
You'll find that life is still worthwhile-
If you just smile.[8]
Some other songs you could listen to are listed below:
Josh Groban, “You Raise Me Up!” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oni0tO_HN30
Celine Dion & Josh Groban, “The Prayer” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=idtNxZYnxIw
The Gaither Vocal Band, "Because He Lives" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iVdEdIDyeaA
Celtic Woman, “You'll Never Walk Alone” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7du-RHGrJrA
Don Quixote, “The Impossible Dream” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RfHnzYEHAow
The Gaither Vocal band, “The Love of God” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dzDLLSTR9yY
Simon & Garfunkle, “Bridge Over Troubled Waters” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jjNgn4r6SOA
“One Day at a Time” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uzAUuX5g6KY
Andrae Crouch, “Through it All” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tFzdFzzBqTc
Carrie Underwood, “How Great Thou Art” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pLLMzr3PFgk
Footnotes:
[1] Hebrews 12:1-2
[2] Matthew 11:28-30
[3] Romans 8:28
[4] Romans 8:38-39
[5] Jeremiah 33:3
[6] Hebrews 13:5
[7] Romans 8:38-39
[8] http://www.metrolyrics.com/smile-lyrics-charlie-chaplin.html
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