Courage in the Middle




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Discouragement…We all feel it from time to time. Life‘s circumstances become difficult. We try to cope with burdens which consume us, and often doubt our ability to handle troubled times in our lives.

Recently, I outlined a daily devotion. As I typed the word
discouragement, I couldn’t help but notice the significance of what I read. In the midst of a term used to describe a troubled frame of mind, I found seven letters of hope which spoke to my heart. There in the midst of discouragement, was courage in the middle.

We need courage to deal with thoughts that invade our way of thinking. Defined as “the quality of mind or spirit that enables a person to face difficulty, danger, pain, etc. without fear”, courage allows us to embrace a healthy heart of hope.

Often, we try to be courageous, but it’s hard to deal with life’s disappointments. We wonder how to find joy, when our saddened hearts of worry don’t allow us feel the way we want to feel.

God knows our frustrations. He knows conflicts which consume us, and rob us of finding joy in him. The Bible teaches how to learn to be courageous and reminds us we are not alone. Deuteronomy 31:6 says, “ Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you: he will never leave you nor forsake you.

How comforting it is to know God is always with us. He gives strength to the weary hearts of those who realize they cannot handle burdens on their own.

I Corinthians 16:13 says…” Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong. The Bible tells us to “stand firm in the faith.”

There it is again…courage in the middle of words that bring peace to our hearts, and remind us we must have faith that God will help us be strong…

As you face moments of discouragement I hope you will remember God loves you. Seek him with all of your heart and trust he will give you courage in the middle of whatever it is you are going through today.
God is near. I am praying for YOU...
Nan

Comments

  1. I hadn't thought about how important courage is to our faith. If everything was good all the time, there would be no need for faith, and we would not know the strength that comes from God. It takes courage to have faith that God will work all things for our good, even when the things themselves are bad.

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  2. Thank you for your writing. I like your new website.
    Courage in the middle.....of whatever we face. It is a courage that comes from knowing that God is with us and He will not abandon us.
    Have a day that makes you smile.
    Tex

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  3. It's good to read your comment and consider your thoughts from the devotions. Yes, it does "take courage to have faith that God will work all things for our good, even when the things themselves are bad." Thank you for sharing.

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  4. Well hello Tex, so good to see you made it to the new site. I hope Mars and some of our other friends from www.myfaithsongs will stop by too. Yes we all need reminders that God is with us. When we allow ourselves to be filled by His mighty strength, He replaces our fear with a heart of hope that prepares us to find the courage to trust in Him. Have a great day. May God bless you and your family.

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  5. Courage is not the absence of fear; rather it is the managing of fear.
    I read this somewhere and am not sure if the quote is exactly how I read it. If someone knows, please share because I like the thought.
    Nan, thank you for your encouraging writings. I look forward to reading them.
    May God's approving smile shine in your heart.
    PA G

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  6. This really touched my heart...As a mother I am constantly questioning my abilities so it's hard not to be discouraged. Especially when criticism or blame for what my son struggles with always falls on me. Sometimes it feels like I am on my own...but your words reminded me why I've made it this far and why I will never, ever stop being my son's loudest cheerleader. Thank you for lifting my spirit.
    Jaime

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  7. Hi PAG, Yes, the managing of fear...the faithful heart which learns how to trust in God's steadfast reassurance that He is in control. Glad to see you here and you're welcome. I'm glad you look forward to reading the devotions. God bless

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  8. Jaime, Our children are gifts from God. Sometimes we become weary as we lovingly care for them. We often feel unappreciated as we try to do our best. God knows our hearts. He delights when we recognize the strength which lies within us. I'm glad the devotion lifted your spirits. God speaks through the words of others. He connects us with those who remind us He is near. God bless you and your son. He is lucky to have you as a mom.

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