Wednesday...March 18, 2020 | Encouragement for these Troubled Times

​Hello everyone…as I sit here in the office tonight, I’m thinking on how this world is gradually finding its end. Things are changing all around us, as these moments continue to draw us closer and closer to the Lord’s return. Facing unsettled moments like these can make us feel as if we are walking down a darkened path that sheds no light. The more we focus on what is surrounding us…our thoughts seem to wander into unknown territory, of where these moments could possibly lead us…and before we know it, we find ourselves so deeply focused on all that is happening; that we allow fear to take us by the hand and lead us further away from God, while leading us deeper and deeper into despair.
One thing that I have found, to bring comfort to my heart, during these troubled times; is to focus more deeply on God…for He is the One who has control of all we are facing. I remember a time, when my husband and I used to have cable TV. When we turned on the news channel, they seemed to play the same news every half hour. Now if a person was to stay with that channel and listen for hours to the same news…over and over again; I would say that by time they turned the TV off; then they would probably feel a little depressed, by all that is going on in the world. In a similar way…when we push the instant replay button within our minds…to think continually on all that is happening around us; then I would say that this could be the reason we experience fear, depression and despair, during times such as these.
A couple Bible verses that have truly inspired me, during these difficult times, are found in Philippians 4:8-9…and we read… “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things. 9) Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me-put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.”  
There is one thing that my husband and I have been doing lately…and that is to just listen to the news once a day, unless there is an update on the virus. I have found that when I spend more time with God, rather than the news; then I truly do have peace…no matter what is going on around me. 
You know…if we truly long to feel connected to God, during the troubled moments of life; then we also need to think on the good things…the things that will allow us to connect heart to heart with Him. Many times, we tend to get so caught up in what is going wrong; that it’s as if these moments have allowed us to lose the grip we once had with God…to take hold of a hand; that is only going to lead us further into despair and the negative feelings that only make life worse.
Today, if you are struggling to keep your head above these troubled waters, may I encourage you to get alone with God and begin anew, by thinking on the good things that can lift you above despair and connect you deeply with Him, rather than with the thoughts, of what is going on around you. In Psalm 34:14 we read… “Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.”
Remember one thing, as you walk through your day…your thoughts and the things you pursue or seek after, will either draw you closer to God or closer to evil. God has given us all a choice in life; now it’s up to us, to pursue the path that will lead us to His perfect peace…and the best He longs to offer us, during these difficult times.
I pray that your day will be filled with God’s presence…and the good things that can keep you close to Him! Take care and I will hope to see you soon!
Many…many blessings on your day!
It’s Always & Only Because of Him…
Diane