There are times when it seems as though life’s challenges are trying to overrun us from all directions. There comes a resistance to our walk with FATHER whether it be from our various relationships or even the old man in us whom we thought was dealt with once and for all. People will challenge our walk and attempt to persuade us to take another more popular path which they themselves are on as though it will justify their own decision. In our heart we know our path is the one FATHER revealed to us nevertheless we must overcome the frustrations generated by our own emotions as well as others. When we experience these challenges we must encourage ourselves. Psalm 129 helps us ascend out of the frustration by reminding us of what FATHER has done in the past and we must not forget these memorable and relevant acts:
Psalm 129:
1 “Many a time they have afflicted me from my youth,”
Let Israel now say—
2 “Many a time they have afflicted me from my youth;
Yet they have not prevailed against me.
3 The plowers plowed on my back; They made their furrows long.”
4 The LORD is righteous; He has cut in pieces the cords of the wicked.
5 Let all those who hate Zion Be put to shame and turned back.
6 Let them be as the grass on the housetops, Which withers before it grows up,
7 With which the reaper does not fill his hand, Nor he who binds sheaves, his arms.
8 Neither let those who pass by them say,
“The blessing of the LORD be upon you;
We bless you in the name of the LORD!”
Each failure I experience only causes me to increase my resolve to overcome whatever obstacle is placed before me for I know the race which is set before me and I will not allow pressure from any source to dissuade me from the path Love has selected for me. As I continue the process toward full maturity there will be times when I seem to take a step backwards but I will not allow the accuser to convince me to change direction and be led off toward the path of destruction. “Get behind me Satan!” will be the command out of my mouth when tempted toward an alternative. When corrupt thoughts try to enter in, I immediately make a decision and tell myself to quit thinking those thoughts. Yes, you can and should talk to your “self”. Even if I am in the deepest pit, I will proclaim the Name of Jesus and the Glory of Our Heavenly Father! As I encourage myself, my peace and joy return to the point where I am once again happy.
When darkness tries to overshadow us and keep us from that narrow path of Love, run to the light. Proclaim HIS Word and be encouraged. Cry out to FATHER WHO is quick to respond. Be reminded of HIS Promises and past acts of deliverance such as is mentioned in Psalm 34:
1 I will bless the LORD at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth.
2 My soul shall make its boast in the LORD; The humble shall hear of it and be glad.
3 Oh, magnify the LORD with me, And let us exalt His name together.
4 I sought the LORD, and He heard me, And delivered me from all my fears.
5 They looked to Him and were radiant, And their faces were not ashamed.
6 This poor man cried out, and the LORD heard him, And saved him out of all his troubles.
7 The angel of the LORD encamps all around those who fear Him, And delivers them.
8 Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good; Blessed is the man who trusts in Him!
9 Oh, fear the LORD, you His saints! There is no want to those who fear Him.
10 The young lions lack and suffer hunger; But those who seek the LORD shall not lack any good thing.
11 Come, you children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the LORD.
12 Who is the man who desires life, And loves many days, that he may see good?
13 Keep your tongue from evil, And your lips from speaking deceit.
14 Depart from evil and do good; Seek peace and pursue it.
Every now and then when we have been in a battle we need some encouragement to stimulate our confidence. FATHER’S encouraging Words will do just that and revitalize the joy of THE LORD in us. As we are encouraged, the frustration of failure will cease and peace will take its place.