August 14, 2018 - ARE YOU DISCOURAGED?

Day 226 - (Today’s Bible readings: Deuteronomy 1:26-46; Psalm 43; John 16:5-24)

Why are you cast down, O my soul,
    and why are you in turmoil within me?
Hope in God; for I shall again praise him,
    my salvation and my God. (Psalm 43:5 ESV)

Have you ever been discouraged? 
Have you ever felt like you were cast down? 
Have you ever had to deal with inner turmoil?

In the reading for today, David is pointing us in the upward direction. More in a moment.

God does have your back. He has provided some very crucial tools for those stuck in the turmoil of depression. Get professional help. Ask your doctor. Ask your pastor. Ask a friend. Then follow the professional advice and prescription for success.

Now back to David. The are many who need professional help. And there are many who do not. But all need to follow David.

HOPE IN GOD! He has done it all for you. He paid the debt you owe by dying in your place on the cross. He rose from the grave so that you can look forward to heaven. Until then, He promises to lead and guide and bless you! Listen to Jesus:

“I will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5 ESV)

“Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved.” (Psalm 55:22 ESV)

“Cast all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7 ESV)

Art thou weary, art thou troubled, 
Art thou sore distressed?
“Come to Me,” saith One, 
“and , coming, Be at rest.”
(“Art Thou Weary, Art Thou Trouble,” The Lutheran Hymnal  #513 -1)

Almighty God, thank You for being my hope in times of turmoil. Thank You above all for saving my soul and promising me heaven. For this and all of Your other blessings I praise you. In Jesus’ saving name. Amen. 

Pastor David Paape

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105 ), is the theme for this three-year journey through the entire Old Testament once (the Psalms - twice yearly), and the New Testament twice. There will be daily readings from the O.T., Psalms and the N.T. Special days on the church calendar will be highlighted with appropriate readings. This calendar has been compiled by representatives of the Lutheran Church of Canada, the North American Lutheran Church and the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod. Please click this link for the daily reading calendar:
https://blogs.lcms.org/2017/lcms-lcc-and-nalc-compile-three-year-schedule-of-daily-bible-readings  
Then scroll down to 2018 Bible Reading Calendar and download it if you so wish. The “assigned” daily readings will appear on a daily basis in this blog. May the Lord bless your meditation upon His precious life-giving Word!