As we continue our exploration of what it means to be encouraged while in the midst of experiencing discouraging circumstances, let us recall a biblical fundamental; a foundational fact of truth most essential for us to grasp… that we might be apprehended by this truth:
“So then, since we have a great High Priest who has entered heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we believe. This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God.”[1]
Just a few days after I had finished writing part one of this devotional, my wife and I were attending a Sunday morning worship service. Having moved from out of state and being new to the area, we’d only been to this particular church a couple of times. Although I’m totally deaf, the worship that morning was very powerful. With the lyrics being shown on the large screen above the platform, my heart was drawn to the power of the messages within songs. Although my ears were absent of the melody, I heard the message loud and clear. However, by the third song, I found my heart very heavy, and then, within moments deeply saddened. I was suddenly overcome with grief, longing to hear music, worship, harmonies and the instrumentation that accompany the lyrical expressions of our heart.
As the musical portion of the worship service was drawing to an end, the lyrics were once again displayed for the final song. Within a few seconds of these words being displayed for all to follow, I was overcome with deep emotions, fighting back a wave of tears. The hymn, “It Is Well,” was now the music that filled the auditorium and as the words of the heart were being sung by those in attendance… there was little more than I could focus on, then desiring to hear again… just for the few minutes of this most marvelous hymn. One of my most beloved and heartfelt connections of worship and like no other is this particular song of tremendous testimony and faith. If only I could hear O LORD… if only…
And with that, I sat down while others stood around me with their voices raised. In hope of quieting the restless spirit within me, I opened up the Word of God to search for a passage to minister to my heavy heart. Flipping through from one book to another and from passage to passage, there in the midst of my discouragement I soon found God’s Word as a tremendous source of encouragement:
“These things I remember, as I pour out my soul: how I would go with the throng to the house of God with glad shouts and songs of praise, a multitude keeping festival. 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.”[2]
“Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.[3]
“If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set you minds on the things that are above, not on things that are on earth.” [4]
“And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away. “Behold, I m making all things new.”[5]
Being encouraged, while discouraged… let’s not lean on our own understanding, but solely on the Word of God and discover a newfound confidence in our faith. Putting our implicit trust in the LORD, with all our hope; our confident, eager, expectation into the hands of our Savior, knowing that in all things, God works for our good and His glory… Amen and Amen!!!
[1] Hebrews 4:14-16 NLT
[2] Psalm 42:5,6 NLT
[3] Hebrews 11:1 NLT
[4] Colossians 3:1,2 NLT
[5] Revelation 21:3-5a NLT