When things are not going the way you wish them to go, nor in the way you think best, remember: “It is not in man that walketh to direct his own steps” (Jeremiah 10:23).
When the things you have received are not the things you wanted, remember: “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down fro the Father of lights” (James 1:17).
When you are depressed with the cares of this life, and you do not think yourself capable of going on, remember: “The peace of God, which passeth all understanding” (Philippians 4:7) can be yours.
When you try to live right, but fall victim to sin, remember: the Psalmist declared, “Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee” (Psalm 119:11).
When you feel your temptations are greater than you can bear, and you fear that their weight will soon collapse your supports, remember: “God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able” (I Corinthians 10:13).
When you feel that no man before you has ever carried the kind of load you must carry, remember: Jesus carried His cross to Calvary (John 19:17).
When you think your contributions of time and effort are useless, and that you can offer nothing to God worthwhile, remember: Paul declared that your labor in the Lord is not vain (I Corinthians 15:58).
When you feel that you are incapable of learning God’s Word, and that your are unable to find the truth you are seeking, remember: Jesus promised, “seek, and ye shall find” (Matthew 7:7; John 7:17).
When you feel that you have no influence on the lives of others, remember: “For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself” (Romans 14:7).
When you feel that no one cares for you, remember: Jesus cared enough for you to die for you.
When you feel that no man loves you, remember: Jesus loved you enough to offer salvation to you.
When you feel that no one is your friend, remember: Jesus said, “Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you” (John 15:14).
When you feel you need guidance, protection, comfort, hope, and consolation, remember: “For in him we live, and move, and have our very being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring” (Acts 17:28).
Whatever the need, whatever the problem, remember: Jesus of Nazareth, “who loved me, gave himself for me” (Galatians 2:20).
Tim Smith